--- U.S. President George Bush, November 26 2001
"If anybody harbors a terrorist, they're a terrorist. If they fund a terrorist, they're a terrorist. If they house terrorists, they're terrorists. I mean, I can't make it any more clear to other nations around the world."
On this page:
By Itamar Marcus,
Palestinian Media Watch
May 6, 2003
Introduction:
PMW reports documenting the comprehensive Palestinian Authority [PA] encouragement of their children to aspire to heroic Death for Allah, Shahada, have brought repeated denials by PA leaders in English. However, in their own Arabic language media they continue to see encouraging children to Shahada as a national achievement.
In a candid interview this week on PA TV the Director of the Palestinian "Children's Aid Association", an agency whose function is to help children, stated that as education policy with other values, Palestinians teach their children to aspire to Death for Allah - Shahada.
Watch the interview video: From "Palestinian Media Watch" website. Local link (recommended).
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The following is the text of the interview:
Journalist Samir Shahin: "The children only wanted to leave [school] and throw stones at the Israeli soldier, and to reach Shahada [Death for Allah]. They aspired to Shahada as a first priority.
Moderator: Mrs. Firial, in your opinion, does the Palestinian child understand the concept of Shahada?
Firial Hillis, C.E.O. of the Palestinian "Children's Aid Association": "The concept of Shahada for him [the child] means belonging to the homeland, from a religious point of view. Sacrifice for his homeland. Achieving SHAHADA in order to reach Paradise and to meet his God. This is the best. We also teach our children to protect the homeland, belonging and to reach Shahada".
[PATV, May 4, 2003]
Palestinians Name Square for Killer of 4 US Soldiers (3.4.03)
By Itamar Marcus,
Palestinian Media Watch
Introduction:
Celebrating of the killing of 4 American soldiers by an Iraqi suicide bomber, Palestinian Authority officials have named the center of the Jenin Refugee Camp after that suicide bomber - Ali Alna'amani. [In addition to the moral issue, it should be remembered that Palestinian refugee camps are UN property and funded by the UN, so that all expenses involved in the name change may be from the UN budget. Likewise it should be checked to what extent UN salaried officials are involved in agreeing to the name change and implementation.]
The following is the announcement in the PA newspaper:
[Al Quds, April 2, 2003]
PA soccer tourney named after Passover Massacre suicide bomber (21.1.03)
By Itamar Marcus
Palestinian Media Watch
Introduction:
A Palestinian soccer tournament held at a school has been named after the suicide bomber who attacked a Netanya hotel last Passover Eve, the official Palestinian Authority daily Al Hayat Al Jadida reports. All seven school teams participating in the tournament are named after other "Shahids" [those who died for Allah].
The article did not specify whether children or adults are participating in the championship event held at the school.
The following is the report in the PA paper:
"The teams are:
"In Tulkarm's Abd Al Majid Tia School soccer field, under the auspices of Jamal Tarif, director of education; Sport Supervisor Jamal Odeh; and in the presence of school principal Jamal Ayat; the head of the Sports committee, and committee members; the Tulkarm Shahids Memorial soccer championship tournament of the Shahid Abd Al-Baset Odeh (the suicide bomber who attacked a Netanya hotel last Passover Eve), began with the participation of seven top teams, named after Shahids who gave their lives to redeem the Homeland. Isam, the brother of the Shahid [of the Passover eve Massacre], will distribute the trophies.
(Sports pages of the official PA daily newspaper Al Hayat Al Jadida Jan 21, 2003).
Carried out the Passover Eve Massacre at the "Park" Hotel in Netanya, killing 29 Israelis.
Slain Tulkarm Fatah Al Aksa Martyrs Brigade commander.
Palestinian youth who requested cake be distributed after his martyrdom.
Carried out the suicide attack on the Samaria community of Hermesh, killing 3 Israelis.
"Al Aksa Martyrs Brigade" operative killed in a clash with IDF troops.
Netanya suicide bomber.
Death notice of a 17 year old "martyr" (11.12.02)
The Media Line
Below is an example of a death notice, frequently found in the Palestinian press. This particular one is from the Palestinian daily, Al-Hayyat Al-Jadida, a newspaper officially sanctioned by the Palestinian Authority.
It praises the attempt of a 17-year old youth from Gaza to kill as many Israeli soldiers as possible. He succeeded in killing an officer and three soldiers.
What is clear is that the Palestinian press is sanctioning these attacks by allowing notices, such as this one, to be published.
With great glory and pride the father of the Martyr Muhamad Mahmud Muhamad Shaldan and his family and the whole Shaldan clan inside and outside the Homeland announces his death to our Palestinian people and the Arab and Islamic peoples, a son of Islam and of Palestine, may God honor him.
who anticipates a reward for his pious deed and thrives in the path of God by sacrificing himself before the age of 18 following an armed confrontation and his incursion into a military outpost on the eastern road of Gaza which led to the death of a senior Israeli officer and three soldiers at dawn of the 28th night of Ramadan, Leilat Al-Qadr [the night that the Quran was revealed], 1423 [the Muslim calendar counts years from when Muhamad left Mecca, which corresponds to December 2, 2002.]
His pure corpse was escorted from his home in the Hai Al-Zaitun accompanied by significant crowds which reflected the debt of honor to him of the Palestinian people.
God has sheathed the Martyr with His Plentiful Grace and has settled him in heaven with prophets and saints and the pure martyrs and the first comrades [Muhamad's first followers].
"In the name of God, the righteous and compassionate - the death of those who were killed in the path of God is not counted as death, rather they are blessed with revitalization at the side of God.
Comment: His father is receiving mourners, if God wills it, in a martyrdom ceremony for those who did not attend in the first place, in his house in Hai Al-Zeitun after the evening prayer near the Shama'a Mosque.
The leader and martyr Mahmud Muhamad Mahmud Shaldan Abu Muhamad, 'Knight of the Night the Quran was Revealed'
PA legislator threatens US with suicide bombings (25.11.02)
By Itamar Marcus
Palestinian Media Watch
A PA legislator, Nahed Munir Alrayis, in his regular column in the official PA daily, threatens that US policy toward the Arab world will leave the Arab and Islamic world so hopeless that they will have no choice but to resort to "suicide attacks against the United States, its armed forces and its navy."
He accuses US President Bush, in his policy, of "attempting to isolate them [the Arab and Moslem World] so that they will have no hope of an ally in integrity and justice, to incite others against them so much that they will lose their trust in what is called `world public opinion' and `human rights' and to close off all the political and diplomatic avenues which nurture hope, then they will have nothing left, in this position, except suicide missions [lit: Death for Allah missions, Arabic -"Istishhad"] against the United States, its armed forces and its navy."
[PA official daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, November 25, 2002]
The Palestinian Minister of Internal Affairs, Hani Al Hassan, states that he does not oppose Martyrdom attacks when it comes to settlers (6.11.02)
In a seminar about the Fatah organization that took place on 2 November 2002, the Palestinian minister of internal affairs said (according to Reuters) "We are against killing civilians, but we are not against military operations and our position has been very clear since 1965".
in addition he added, "settlers are not civilians. What is he doing in my land we are not against martyrdom attacks".
Arafat's Book-Keeping Department Yields Bill Linking Him to Terrorists
This piece of correspondence was discovered by Israeli troops who went through the files in Yasser Arafat's personal accounting department in Ramallah. It is an itemized bill signed by the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades - Palestine, and dated September 16, 2001, exactly five days after the September 11 suicide attacks in the United States.
The document is a routine request for Arafat to approve the daily outlay for the arming of suicides with explosives and ammo, their memorial ceremonies and funeral posters.
It is part of the body of evidence Israeli troops gleaned at Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah and demonstrates that Arafat supervised every last detail of the Palestinian suicide offensive.
Translation into English:
In conclusion, glory and pride to those who support our brave resistance against the occupation. Revolution until victory.
Top Palestinian Official: Negotiations Are Ineffective, Give War a Chance (20.2.02)
MEMRI (The Middle East Media Research Institute)
In an article in the Palestinian Authority daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, titled "A Chance for the Fighting Negotiator," Palestinian Information Ministry Director-General Hassan Al-Kashef urged Palestinians not to return to diplomatic negotiations, and to allow the process of war to run its course:
Negotiations Proved Ineffective
"Today's most effective negotiator is the fighter active in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem. It is he who consciously and courageously targets soldiers and settlers."
"Since the traditional Palestinian negotiator [the veteran PLO and PA leadership] has become ineffective and incapable of breakthroughs, and since he has been given all the time and opportunity he needed [and failed], I propose that he cease his activity, and his public, covert, individual, and collective contacts [with Israelis]."
"He must also stop issuing declarations. He has nothing new, and no capability, to [pull out of] his hat. This negotiator has held rounds of talks the length and breadth of the planet since Oslo, and tomorrow will hold contacts the length and breadth of the land of historic Palestine, without our arriving at a permanent solution and without our restoring our rights in the interim stage - and all this with Israeli leaders less extreme than Sharon."
Fighting Strengthens Us
"Currently, the fighting negotiator is holding a serious, in-depth dialogue with all circles of decision [makers] in Israel, with all political and media circles, and with all the research centers. Furthermore, he is maintaining a dialogue with all strata and sectors of Israelis. The fighting negotiator, who opens fire [with] his national consciousness, with great accuracy and to great effect in the area to be liberated, demands our complete support."
"He is not asking too much: He wants us to demonstrate greater patience, [greater] trust in ourselves, more profound capabilities, a firm stance, and more solid unity. This fighting negotiator sacrifices his blood for us and asks for nothing in return, except loyalty. Through him, we are all stronger. The leadership is stronger, the national establishment is stronger, the factions are stronger, and the people is stronger."
"All the fighting negotiator asks for is that we give him time and opportunity. It won't take long. He will not exhaust us with declarations, negotiations, and years-long campaigns - unlike our traditional negotiator, whose time has come to be replaced, taken out of the game. [The traditional negotiator] is worn out; he has begun to bore us, and has brought us to despair of the chance of reaching any goal at all."
No Agreement Now
"We will lose much, and the loss will be shameful and historic, if we agree [now] to restore calm with security measures requiring us to protect the occupation's soldiers, bases, and settlers."
"We will lose even more by agreeing to an interim solution that solves nothing and does not put an end to the occupation. We will lose interaction with Israeli society - an interaction that brings 1,000 Israeli [army] officers to take a stand and 14,000 Israelis to demonstrate in Tel Aviv."
"We will lose if we extricate Sharon from the crisis he is in - a crisis that will cause him to end his life in political and military defeat. Economically and militarily, Sharon will bring Israel nothing but the worst [predicament] in its history."
"The opportunity is given now to the fighting negotiator. It is our opportunity."[1]
[1] Al-Hayat Al-Jadida (Palestinian Authority), 2/20/02.
MEMRI (The Middle East Media Research Institute)
Arafat's Open Glorification of Suicide Bombers (7.2.02)
By Itamar Marcus and Ruthie Blum, Palestinian Media Watch
Introduction:
The discrepancy between Yasser Arafat's conciliatory message to the world in English and his support of terrorism among Palestinians was again visible this week.
In a widely publicized New York Times op-ed ["The Palestinian Vision of Peace, Feb. 3, 2002], Arafat condemned "the attacks carried out by terrorist groups against Israeli civilians." Yet, a mere three days before, Arafat's Fatah organization led a demonstration for young Palestinian girls to glorify the woman suicide bomber who blew herself up in Jerusalem last week.
The following photo, documenting this glorification, shows elementary school girls carrying posters of the suicide bomber:
The text on the posters reads: "The Fatah Movement ... proudly eulogize their heroine Martyr, from the Alamari refugee camp, the martyr Wafa Idris."
Arafat's Media Sanctify Terrorist for Killing Woman, Child and Soldier Guarding Them (7.2.02)
Michael Vidlensky, The Media Line
An Islamic terrorist masquerading as an Israeli soldier was granted the equivalent of Palestinian "sainthood" Thursday morning (February 7) after murdering three Israelis in a settlement in the Jordan Valley.
Indeed, it was clear from Palestinian broadcasts Wednesday night and Thursday morning that the Palestinian leadership were not only doing not discouraging terror acts but actually calling for broad military and political activity against Israel precisely during the visit to Washington of several key Israeli officials, particularly Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
"We call on all Palestinians to raise our flag at this time," declared Yasser Arafat's Voice of Palestine.
It opened its news broadcasts Thursday morning by labeling as "istish-haad"-- as an act of "heroic martyrdom"-the terror attack on the Israeli settlement of Hamra in the Jordan Valley in which three were killed, and Arafat himself, in an American TV interview, justified another terror attack last week in Jerusalem.
"The man carrying out the operation became a heroic martyr after killing two settlers and a soldier and wounding at least four," said Voice of Palestine' s senior anchorman Nizar Al-Ghul, referring to last night's attack.
The VOP account did not mention that the two "settlers" were house Miri Ohana and her 11-year-old daughter who opened their door to the terrorist who was wearing an Israeli army uniform and carrying an M-16 assault rile like the kind used by Israeli soldiers.
The identity of the Israeli soldier killed guarding the settlement was not immediately available.
Pretending to be one's enemy or "trying to pass" as someone else is part of the Islamic tradition of "takeeya" or "concealment" employed by certain Islamic sects over the centuries during periods of emergency.
A similar act of concealment was carried out early last week by Wafa Idris, a 27-year-old woman who entered Jerusalem in a Palestinian ambulance belonging to the Palestinian Red Crescent and later set off a huge bomb on Jerusalem's busiest street, killing one man and wounding 150.
In an interview with MSNBC television, Arafat refused to condemn the woman's act.
The newspapers and broadcast outlets of the Palestinian Authority have beatified the woman, running her picture on the front page continuously and proclaiming her a martyr.
None of the Palestinian media outlets told their customers that the 27-year-old woman bomber was apparently in a state of extreme depression after being divorced by her husband when she miscarried her baby in the seventh month of her pregnancy. The husband refused to take his wife back, Israeli sources said, after it became clear that she would have difficulty conceiving children.
"Israeli F-16 terror warplanes manufactured by America attacked our citizens at dawn in Nablus," declared the Voice of Palestine Thursday morning, not mentioning that the city was where a shipment of eight Qassam rockets, intercepted by Israel yesterday, had originated.
The rockets, bound from Nablus to Jenin, have a range of about ten kilometers, capable of reaching several Israeli cities. The 120-mm rockets were hidden in crates of flour aboard a red Mercedes truck.
During its morning news program Thursday, the Voice of Palestine played an operatic-like song that repeatedly calls for "martyrs" and for acts of "heroic martyrdom" inside Jerusalem.
The name of the song was "Al Quds Madinat Al-Salaam"-"Jerusalem, City of Peace."
For the last week there has been no mention whatsoever in the Palestinian media in Arabic of Yasser Arafat's op-ed piece in The New York Times where he said he opposed terrorism, even against Israelis.
Palestinians Glorify Murderer of 10-Year-Old Girl and Her Mother (11.2.02)
Obituaries honoring terrorists who murder innocent civilians regularly appear in Arafat's newspapers. The following death notice glorifying the perpetrator of an attack last week in which a mother, her 10-year-old disabled daughter, and a reserve soldier (a new immigrant from Ethiopia) were killed featured prominently yesterday, on the front page of a Palestinian daily.
The text [Al Ayyam, February 10, 2002] reads:
"In the name of Allah the merciful and compassionate,
With great pride and esteem, and with faith in the destiny determined by Allah, the Hamas movement Alkassam in the district of Jenin is happy to notify the Arab, Islamic nation and our jihad-fighting Palestinian people that the heroic Martyr from Alkassam, Muhammed Ziad Alkhalili, carried out the brazen suicide attack in Hamra in the [Jordan] Valley, to avenge the execution of the commanders of the Martyr brigade Az A-Din Alkassam by the occupation forces in Nablus. We pray that Allah will grant a haven for the heroic Martyr with His plentiful mercy, and will house him in His vast gardens together with the Martyrs, the prophets, and the true believers."
White House: "PA Invites Terrorism"
Yesterday while speaking to reporters, White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer grouped the Palestinian Authority together with other "regimes of terrorism." He included the PA as part of the "axis of evil" that invites and practices terrorism.
"The President has always been very clear in all the statements he's made - whether it was about North Korea, Iran, Iraq, or anywhere - the Palestinian Authority - that it's the people that the United States is concerned with, that they are victims of regimes that invite terrorism and that practice terrorism," said Fleischer. US President Bush, during his State of the Union Address two weeks ago, labeled Iran, Iraq, and North Korea as part of the "axis of evil" for their role in terrorist activity.
Fleischer made his remarks in response to a question about what steps the US was taking to address "cultural tensions that help breed terrorism." Fleischer responded that President Bush believes in the importance of education that gives hope to young people and helps them not choose paths of terror. He went on to say that the United States is concerned with the lack of hope among those living under terrorist leadership, including those in Arafat's PA. A spokesman in the American Embassy in Tel Aviv declined to comment on the matter.
Why Would Israel Stop a Palestinian Ambulance? (29.1.02)
IDF Spokesperson:
During a routine inspection that occurred today around lunchtime at a "Magav" barrier near Bracah settlement at Samaria, a Palestinian wanted for questioning by the Security Office was caught disguised as a doctor inside a Palestinian ambulance.
Many times claims are raised against the holds-up ambulances at borders and barriers for a security check. Cases such a this clarify time and time again the evident need for these check-ups.
In addition to this, IDF soldiers are direct to make sure that when it comes to humanitarian cases and medical emergencies, they must be allowed to pass as fast as possible and with the minimum delay necessary.
The IDF Spokesperson wishes to point out that the IDF sees very severely any cynical or false application of humanitarian cases and medical emergencies.
Wanted Terrorist Disguised As Doctor Captured In Red Crescent Ambulance
Israel Radio military correspondent Carmela Menashe reported on the midnight news that the IDF reports it captured a terrorist on the wanted list at a roadblock at Har Bracha. He was disguised as a doctor and attempted to pass through in a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance.
Official Palestinian News Agency criticizes Israel, USA, warns that will use "legitimate resistance" if they don't get what they want. (15.1.02)
Danger Bell rings at Israel's doorstep
http://www.wafa.pna.net/EngText/15-01-2002/page001.htm
Gaza January 15th 2002 Wafa (Official Palestine News Agency) Political Editor,
The Israeli war crime of demolishing citizens' houses aftermath, waged a wide variety of reactions, especially in the Israeli academic society amongst the Israeli scholars, who burst with anger and rage on the Israeli Governments actions.
It is necessary to analyze the event that was described by the respectful Israeli newspaper "Ha'aretz" as a barbaric, shameful and a war crime, which targets the depth of the human soul and conscious, in an era where the symptoms of the state terror and occupations have faded out to an extinguishing point except for Israel.
First: Sharon might care not about the history and how he will be pictured in the future, for he is condemned by his military criminal past as he was the General of massacres and an outstanding war criminal, but this history mean something to the Israeli Elite of scholars and a certain layer of the Israeli politicians, that are not obsessed yet with the Israeli fundamentalism and the extreme right political opinions.
The deeds of the Israeli occupying forces who take orders from Sharon and Bin Eliezer, embarrass the Israeli Elite that is caught by the memories of the first holocaust, the signs of the current holocaust conducted by the Israeli government and the future history of the Jews that will register these barbaric, shameful and war crimes.
The Israeli Elite is ringing the danger bell that might not affect the Israeli street's opinion, this street that is dragged by the Sharon lies of security, false weapon ship, and alleged self defense, yet this danger bell was not for the sake of the Palestinians but for the sake of the Israeli children's future.
Second: This barbaric, shameful and war crime act conducted by the Israeli occupying forces, in Rafah, diverts the dialogue to the USA Administration's field, this Administration that we think is terribly embarrassed for granting Israel the green light of approval to this war crime after it took place justifying it as "defensive and precautionary measure!".
We think that the USA State department has placed itself in a very embarrassing position, because how can a person be more Catholic that the Pope himself? Facing these Israeli reactions that consider what has happened as a barbaric, shameful and a war crime.
The Palestinian pens and pencils might be tired for repeatedly asking the USA to be honest, Just and fair mediator, and not to support Sharon in his war against us, therefore this time we will retire our pens from working, putting the USA face to face with the raging Israeli scholars moved by the terrifying war crime in Rafah conducted by the Israeli occupying forces following orders from Sharon And bin Eliezer.
Is this enough reason for the USA Administration to recalculate its position in the light of the exposed Israeli lies, deception and na¸ve dramas presented by Sharon's Government to the White House and the State department, who blindly approves them?
Third: Away from the Israeli latest war crime, it is up to us, Palestinians, to stop all useless actions, thus providing the progress in the peace path, a chance, and blocking all excuses for Sharon and his Government. The PNA has fulfilled its duties and is requested to proceed with its outstanding achievements, but all Palestinian factions, individuals, groups and organizations should be aware of their duties also and commit themselves to the high interests of the Palestinian people, and omit the outsiders abetting, that its translation on the grounds, more massacres and more refugees in their own homeland.
Our approach did not emerge out of fear or retreat in front of the Israeli gigantic war machine, but because the world listens to us, and because we are getting closer to our independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its Capital. We have to be a little more patient and give peace a chance, even though we are not certain that Sharon is the one who will sign a peace treaty with us.
As for the legitimate resistance, the Intifada and confronting the occupation, those are our sacred resources that we will use when and if hope has vanished and replaced by despair and frustration.
IMRA - (Independent Media Review and Analysis)
http://www.imra.org.il
Arafat's Double-Speak about his Terror Groups
Palestinian Media Watch 23.12.2001
Written by Itamar Marcus and Ruthie Blum
Arafat misleads the world about his relationship to terror organizations.
Arafat's message in English to Bush: Terror organizations outlawed.
Arafat's message to Palestinians: The PA and the terror organizations are united.
Background:
The Palestinian Authority continues to mock the United States and Israel, sending well publicized promises to President Bush and Prime Minister Sharon that it is outlawing terrorist organizations, while sending strong messages of solidarity with the terrorists to the Palestinians. In public displays of adherence to American pressure, the Palestinian Authority declared Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine illegal organizations. Television crews were even invited to film the closing of the organizations' offices.
However, yesterday the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine held a ceremony in honor of its 34th anniversary. Not only did the PA permit the celebration of the "outlawed" organization, but Yasser Arafat sent his Cabinet Secretary to deliver a speech in his name, praising the terrorist organization and lauding the unity of "all [Palestinian] factions". A representative of Hamas also attended.
Furthermore, to guarantee that the message of unity reach a wider audience, today's official Palestinian Authority daily published a lengthy front-page article covering the ceremony in great detail. The article included a photo of PA Cabinet Secretary Ahmed Abed Al-Rahman speaking at the event, during which Arafat's delegate expressed disdain for the US and Israel, and claimed that the "[international arena... is being handled] with wisdom and caution, in order to foil the conspiracy of Sharon and his American allies."
The text of the article:
Headline: "The PFLP anniversary rally was a display of national unity.
[Cabinet Secretary] Abed Al-Rahman delivered the President's address, and emphasized the fortitude and indivisibility of our nation, and its strength in facing the occupation."
"A ceremony marking the 34th anniversary of the establishment of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine turned into a celebration of national unity. During the ceremony, in which the Palestinian Authority and political groups (national and Islamic), as well as public works organizations, stressed their adherence to national unity and to the supreme interest of our people.[in attendance were] Ahmed Abed Al-Rahman - who attended as President Yasser Arafat's representative - political and public figures, in addition to the leadership, top echelons and members of the Popular Front.
"Arafat's representative, Cabinet Secretary Ahmed Abed Al-Rahman reiterated the statements made in Arafat's speech regarding the Palestinian Authority's concern for the security, welfare and continuity of all the factions, and said that he views all the aggression against them as aggression against the Palestinian Authority.
"The Cabinet Secretary discussed the circumstances and changes in the international arena, and their influence on the Palestinian question and on the national struggle. He said that in spite of the hard line that has been adopted, [the international arena is being handled] with wisdom and caution, in order to foil the conspiracy of Sharon and his American allies."
[PA official daily, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Dec. 23, 2001]
Palestinian Authority's Official Newspaper Approve Terrorism (PMW)
The Palestinian Authority's Tacit Approval of Terrorism
October 28, 2001: Four Israeli women were murdered and tens of other civilians seriously wounded by two terrorists. During the attack, the terrorists were shot and killed by police.
October 29, 2001: Yasser Arafat denounced the attack.
October 30, 2001: Palestinian Authority official daily published the following death notice for the two terrorists on its front page:
[Al Hayat Al Jadida, Oct. 30, 2001]
IDF: Palestinians offer $2,000 for 'martyrs'
HEBRON (October 6) - The IDF Hebron area commander Col. Noam Tivon suggested yesterday that the Palestinian Authority is encouraging children to participate in clashes with the IDF by offering their families $300 per injury and $2,000 for anyone killed.
The main goal of the Tanzim, or Fatah militia activists, is to continue perpetrating attacks, to kill soldiers and settlers, he said. He noted the cynical use by Palestinians of their children, who are pushed to the forefront of the clashes.
Senior IDF commanders met with Palestinians security officials on Wednesday night and yesterday morning in an attempt to quell the violence.
The Agreement Under the terms of the Oslo accords, the Palestinian Authority (PA) is obligated to take "all measures necessary" to combat terrorism. Article XV (1) of the September 28, 1995 Interim Agreement ("Oslo 2") states, "Both sides shall take all measures necessary in order to prevent acts of terrorism, crime and hostilities directed against each other, against individuals falling under the other's authority and against their property, and shall take legal measures against offenders." Article II (1b) of Annex I to the Oslo 2 accord states, "The Palestinian Police will act systematically against all expressions of violence and terror." Paragraph 3c of the same article obligates the Palestinians to "apprehend, investigate and prosecute perpetrators and all other persons directly or indirectly involved in acts of terrorism, violence and incitement." In the Note for the Record of the January 15, 1997 Hebron Protocol, the Palestinians reaffirmed their commitment concerning "Fighting terror and preventing violence". The Violations Chairman Yasser Arafat's invitation to Hamas to join the Palestinian Authority (PA) Cabinet is a serious violation of the Oslo Accords and the Hebron Protocol. On June 13, 1998, PA Secretary Tayeb Abdel Rahim said "We are inviting all factions - those who participate in the government and those who do not, including Hamas - to participate in consultations on the new government." (Associated Press, June 13, 1998) Hamas is a terrorist organization which has taken "credit" for the murder of hundreds of Israelis. It opposes any recognition of Israel's legitimacy and right to exist. Arafat's invitation to a terrorist group to participate in Palestinian governmental activity without demanding that it renounce terrorism and disarm its military wing makes a mockery of the PA's promises to wage a systematic campaign to uproot the terrorist infrastructure.
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Arafat Lauds Hamas Terrorist
Israel Radio reports (30 July, 07:00 GMT, Reshet Bet) that the Hamas Islamic terrorist group has rebuilt its infrastructure, and Israeli security sources believe it is preparing for further attacks on civilians. The movement suffered some damage following the Hamas-sponsored suicide bombings in February and March of this year in which some 60 Israelis were killed.
The warning comes in the wake of Friday morning's terrorist drive-by shooting in which three members of the Munk family from Mevo Betar were killed. Reuter's reported (25 July) that, according to witnesses, the family's car was riddled with bullets, all of its windows were shot out and the interior was stained with blood. The shooting took place some 15 miles (24 kms) southwest of Jerusalem in the same location as a similar June attack which killed two Israelis from Efrat. The perpetrators are believed to have fled into the West Bank.
Finally, Israel Radio reports (28 July) that in a speech to a Palestinian crowd on Saturday, Arafat praised the Hamas bombmaker who masterminded attacks which have killed dozens of Israelis. Referring to Yihye Ayyash, nicknamed "the Engineer" for his knowledge of chemical explosives, Arafat lauded him as a "martyr." Ayyash was killed in Gaza in January by a booby-trapped mobile phone in an operation generally attributed to Israeli security services.
Israel Radio also reports (29 July, 09:00-09:30 GMT, Reshet Bet) that some 2,000 residents of the Arab town of Tulkarm in western Samaria attacked the local Palestinian Police station in protest against actions of the local police commander. Two policemen were injured and police property was damaged. The event is the latest in a series of riots and other protests against Palestinian Police facilities by local Arabs in towns across the West Bank. The incidents are seen as strong indications that West Bank residents are rebelling against the authority of PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat, who is widely viewed as autocratic and corrupt.
U.S.: Arafat Praises Terrorists, Backs Jihad 4.12.1995 Associated Press reports (1 December) that Palestinian Authority Head Yasser Arafat has recently "called for continuing jihad [Islamic holy war] against Israel and praised those in the past who murdered innocent [Jewish] civilians," according to a report by the U.S. State Department. The report to Congress, which covers the period from June to November, also expresses the Department's dismay that the PLO has not carried out its commitment to amend its charter, which calls for the destruction of Israel through violence. The State Department told Congress it keeps asking PLO Chairman Arafat to change the group's charter and to stop calling for jihad against Israel, but it gave no indication that the U.S. would take any action if the PLO refuses to comply. The U.S. is providing the Palestinian Authority with $500 million in aid over five years. |
PA Commanders Confirm Suicide Bombings 3.4.1997 The Washington Post reports (2 April) that Palestinian Authority security officers originally agreed that both of Tuesday morning's explosions in Gaza were the work of suicide bombers, contrary to later assertions by PA Chairman Yasser Arafat's that the second incident, in which several Arabs were injured in a passing taxi, was in fact carried out by Israelis. Maj. Gen. Abdul Razeq Majaideh told the Washington Post that two Palestinian Arabs "wearing military uniforms, and carrying on their bodies about five kilograms [11 pounds] of explosives each, blew themselves up" in the separate explosions. The PA's commander for northern Gaza, Brig. Gen. Saed Ajez, gave a similar account. Arafat, however, speaking at a Gaza conference of international donors to the PA, gave a different account. "This morning an Israeli jeep opened fire on a taxi in which one was killed and five were injured," he alleged. Arafat warned that this "attack" would cause a reaction. After Arafat's version was released by the PA's press agency and broadcast on Voice of Palestine radio, both security commanders stopped making public statements. The Arabs injured in the second explosion blamed Israel for their injuries but did not agree on exactly what happened. "It seemed to me that something had been thrown at my car from the Israeli jeep" in front of the taxi, said the driver. However, all denied actually seeing an Israeli soldier fire a weapon or throw a grenade, as some Palestinian accounts have claimed. Arafat's explanation brings to mind his assertions two years ago after the January 1995 suicide bombing at Beit Lid junction, in which 21 Israelis were killed. Arafat then claimed the attack was in fact the work of a conspiracy involving renegade Israeli military officers.
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Marwan Barghouti: Fatah Honors Bombers 6.11.1997 IMRA interviewed Marwan Barghouti, the head of Fatah West Bank, in English, on November 6th. The entire interview follows. Barghouti is a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council. IMRA: What is the attitude of Fatah towards the suicide bombers and Yihya Ayyash ["the Engineer"]? Barghouti: Politically we are against these military and terrorist attacks. But of course we consider these people as martyrs. IMRA: Are they considered enemies of peace? Barghouti: Politically we consider them enemies of peace. But we consider them as martyrs. IMRA: What's the ramification of that from a practical standpoint? Barghouti: You know that everybody who is sacrificed or killed during the resistance to the Israeli occupation the Palestinians, in general in their tradition, consider as martyrs. But politically of course our position is against such attacks. IMRA: Fatah leaders like [PLO Executive Committee] Zakaria Al-Agha and [Secretary of the Fatah's Higher Committee] Ahmad Hills and others participate in memorial services for these people and call them martyrs and praise them. Why does Fatah participate in these services? Barghouti: Of course. It is a tradition. You can ask the Palestinian people. If you remember how the Palestinian people dealt with the assassination of Yihya Ayyash - tens of thousands of people participated in the funeral in spite of the fact that we are against these kind of attacks politically and consider them as terrorist attacks. But at the same time we appreciate these people as persons and individuals and consider them as martyrs. IMRA: Is there any concern from an educational standpoint that the youth sees that while politically such actions may be opposed, people who do this are appreciated - even by Fatah? Barghouti: Yes. Even by Fatah. IMRA: Doesn't this create an educational problem? Barghouti: Because we are still under occupation. If the Israeli side implemented the agreements and everything is OK, I think the position will be different. But we are still being killed by the Israelis, the settlements, confiscation of land, we are under closure and Israeli soldiers shoot the people etc. So the response of the people is still like that. IMRA: So Fatah, as an organization, shouldn't be concerned that by praising them, they encourage others to follow their example? Barghouti: No. No. Its not like that. We believe that this kind of attack is against the Palestinian national interests. IMRA: Yet you still will participate in something honoring them. Barghouti: Yes. Of course.
Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director |
Arafat's Condolences to Dolphinarium Bomber's Family: "The Heroic Martyrdom Operation - A Model of Manhood and Sacrifice for Allah and the Homeland"
On June 24, 2001, the German TV network, Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) aired in its weekly program, "Weltspiegl" a news special titled "The Father of the Terrorist." The program briefly focused on the life of the Tel-Aviv disco suicide bomber and his family and friends reaction to his martyrdom in which 21 mostly teenagers were killed and over 100 injured. In one segment of the report the sister of the bomber is seen flipping through a scrapbook which includes pictures, news clippings, and letters regarding her dead brother?s suicide attack. Among the letters included is one from Yasser Arafat sent by the Palestinian Embassy in Jordan, praising his heroism[1]. The German TV narrator said about Arafat's letter the following:
In English
Embassy of the State of Palestine
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Amman
The emblem of the embassy with the Al-Aqsa Mosque and a map of Palestine [including what is now Israel]
In Arabic
With hearts that believe in Allah's will and predetermination, we have received the news about the martyrdom of the martyr?. Al-Hotary, the son of Palestine, whose noble soul ascended to? in order to rest in Allah's Kingdom, together with the Prophets, the men of virtue, and the martyrs. The heroic martyrdom operation ? who turned his body into bombs ? the model of manhood and sacrifice for the sake of Allah and the homeland?
[Unclear lines] that the martyr be? in Allah's mercy and will? Allah's grace and satisfaction? will inspire all members of his family? The best of condolences. To Allah we belong and to him we return back [Koran]
Yasser Arafat, the President of the State of Palestine
Chairman of the Executive Committee of the PLO
Chairman of the Palestinian National Authority
[Stamp Emblem]
The Palestinian media recently reported other such instances as well. For example:
On June 8, 2001, a funeral was held in the town of Tulkarm for an activist of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ashraf Al-Bardawil, who died while preparing an explosive devise for another terrorist act. In his eulogy, the PA Governor of Tulkarm, 'Izz Al-Din Al-Sharif, delivered the condolences of Yasser Arafat to the family.
The Islamic Jihad Weekly, Al-Istiqlal, praised many terrorist attacks Al-Bardawil participated in, including placing a car bomb in Netanya [Israel].
Source: Al-Quds, June 9, 2001.
In late April, Hassan Muhhamad Al-Qadhi, the murderer of the 16-year-old Israeli who was tempted through the internet to come to the PA territory - was himself killed while preparing explosives for another terrorist operation.
On May 5, 2001, his family put an ad in the PA paper Al-Ayyam thanking Yasser Arafat, "The father of all martyrs" for extending condolences to the family of the martyr and the whole clan of Al-Qadhi "for the martyr of the revolution and the homeland."
Source: Al-Ayyam, PA, May 5, 2001.
[1] The PA daily Al-Ayyam, reported on June 24, 01 that on June 23, 2001 Yasser Arafat's bureau in Ramallah, denied the claims of the German TV station according to which they have a letter by Arafat praising the Martyrdom operation that caused the death of 21 Israeli youth. Arafat's bureau said that the letter is a forgery. No action has been taken by the PLO to prove that it is a forgery and no disciplinary action has been taken by Arafat's bureau against the PLO embassy in Jordan who sent the letter to the family on Arafat's behalf.
Arafat Promotes Hamas Leader: Israel Radio reports (11.3.1996) that Palestinian Authority head Yasser Arafat has appointed Sheikh Abu Zaida as the new mufti, or Islamic religious authority, of the northern Samaria district in the West Bank. Abu Zaida is a senior figure in the Hamas movement. From a statement issued by the PA's legislative council on 27.3.1999, six days after the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv: "All the holy martyrs resulting from the noble wave of opposition to the Israeli Government's settlement activity." |
