Today’s Top Stories
1. The Foreign Press Association (FPA) in Israel issued a statement that it is “concerned about restrictions being imposed by Hamas officials on the work of foreign journalists in the Gaza Strip.” Issues raised by the FPA include intrusive questioning of reporters, refusal of entry and residence permits, and permits conditioned upon not working with certain locals.
2. Egyptian official criticized for saying that Israeli actions are not terrorism, and then quickly stepped back from this apparently inflammatory statement. This shortly after an Egyptian Olympian refused to shake the hand of his Israeli opponent. All of this is a sign that, despite the peace treaty and security cooperation between Israel and Egypt, Egyptian society still has a long way to go before accepting Israel on a cultural level.
3. The United Nations warns that Syria has become the “greatest crisis of our time,” adding that the situation in Aleppo is the “apex of horror,” as the city faces a desperate need for aid. Late last year, Israel engineered the escape of the last Jews from Aleppo, as Islamic State closed in on the now besieged city. Aleppo had been home to one of the world’s oldest Jewish communities, dating back thousands of years.
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Israel and the Palestinians
• Turkey slammed Israel’s strikes in Gaza, saying that despite the reconciliation with Israel, Turkey will continue to “defend the Palestinian cause.” Turkey’s statement conspicuously left out the rocket-fire from Gaza against Sderot, which had sparked the Israeli response in the first place. Israel replied in support of its self defense, including a statement that Turkey should, “think twice before criticizing the military actions of others,” an apparent dig at some of Turkey’s recent military activities.
• Arab media has a story that isn’t getting much play in mainstream press: murder suspect in West Bank reportedly beaten to death by Palestinian forces. With Palestinian elections coming up, events like this may impact the standing of current president Mahmoud Abbas.
• Associated Press: Poll shows that most Israelis, Palestinians still seek peace.
Mideast Matters
• Just a week after giving Russia access to Iran as a base for its Syria missions, Iran revokes that permission. A simple misunderstanding over publicity or signs of a deeper rift?
• Did you know that Israel, Iran and much of the Arab world are cooperating on a major technology project? The “Sesame” synchrotron light-source located in Jordan is a scientific research tool in a similar category to a supercollider. Even if you don’t understand the science, it is nonetheless clear that this is an example of large-scale cooperation among Israel and its neighbors.
• Errant fire from Syria struck Israeli territory. No injuries reported. Israel responded with an air strike against a Syrian army launcher.
Around the World
• Canada’s Green party seemed on the verge of falling apart with the anticipated loss of well respected leader Elizabeth May, who opposed the party’s support of BDS. In the end, May has decided to remain as party leader, but urges the Greens to reconsider their support for BDS. In an opinion piece, Linda McQuaig expresses the kind of support for BDS that characterizes much of the Greens today.
• Jewish world Mega-donor Sheldon Adelson funded posters on US college campuses that individually name specific students and professors, saying they “have allied themselves with Palestinian terrorists to perpetuate BDS and Jew Hatred on this campus.” Some of the people named have objected, calling the campaign “devastating and traumatizing.” The poster campaign is part of a project called the “Maccabee Task Force.”
Commentary/Analysis
• Was the size and scope of Israel’s response to rockets out of Gaza the sign of a new “Lieberman doctrine?” Do Israelis long for a leader like Putin, who can use military force with apparent immunity from international criticism? None of this is clear, but Newsweek’s Marc Schulman explores the questions.
• In an opinion piece in HaAretz, Moshe Arens notes that US foreign aid to Israel, though greatly appreciated, makes up only 1.5% of Israel’s GDP and is no longer essential for survival.
• Here’s what else I’m reading today . . .
– i24 News: Morrocan King calls to defend tolerant Islam, oppose terrorism
– Yossi Melman: Rockets from Gaza endanger fragile peace
– Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs: The PA, Based in Ramallah, Faces Opposition in Other Towns
Featured image: CC BY Hendrik Wieduwilt via flickr with additions by HonestReporting
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