Friday Afternoon Summary and Analysis, February 23

In its Friday 4 p.m. afternoon broadcast, V.O.P. relayed the instructions of the Fatah movement not to open fire on Israeli targets from inside residential areas. As in several similar calls over recent months, the Fatah call is not a call for non-violence but rather a directive for controlled violence against Israeli targets.

Indeed, the Fatah committee’s statement was nothing less than a full-fledged declaration of continued armed Palestinian attacks until Intifada goals are realized.

Friday Afternoon Four p.m., February 23 Round-up Headlines

  • “The martyring of Ra’id Hussein Musa, hit by fire in his chest;
  • Occupation crimes continue against our people across the homeland;
  • Occupation forces bombard with heavy guns and artillery the houses of citizens in Muassy in southern Gaza this morning;
  • In Hebron, occupation forces invaded the town of Tsurif and arrested three citizens;
  • The Supreme Movement Committee of the Fatah Movement in the (West) Bank calls for not firing on israeli targets from within residential neighborhoods so as not to give cause to the occupation authorities cause to continue their crimes against the rights of our people. The Supreme Committee said our people will not give up their means and capabilities through a continuing Intifada until the realization of national goals. Fatah called for the need to fulfill this commitment not only as a movement goal but also as a national imperative;
  • His Excellency President Arafat arrived in Athens today.His Excellency will be visiting Austria tomorrow.to call for a greater European role in the peace process.;
  • The National Authority warned against an attempt by Israel to try to wrest any part of sovereign Palestinian territory. The Cabinet secretary Ahmad Abd-al-Rahman said any such attempt would cost Israel dearly.The cabinet secretary criticized the statement of President George Bush regarding Iraq.and he said American prejudice towards Israel was encouraging its aggression against our people;
  • Public opinion poll across various parts of the homeland shows strong support for continuing the Intifada. Seventy-two percent favor continuing the Intifada, while only one point four percent oppose the Intifada. [Note: poll does not mention undecided or number of those polled or who conducted poll];
  • Iraqi Foreign Ministry director Nizar Hamdoun said Iraq expects another American-British attack on its territory soon.;
  • Egyptian newspapers published today criticized America’s Middle East policies on the eve of the visit of Secretary of State Colin Powell;
  • Yemeni police report that five people were killed in clashes related to local elections.;
  • British Prime Minister Tony Blair held his first summit with President George Bush in Washington today.”

Saturday Morning Summary, February 24

V.O.P. set the stage for the Powell visit with continued coverage of Palestinian-Israeli clashes and a call for greater American role, especially to press Israel for concessions. There was again coverage of alleged Israeli use of various gases in fighting in Khan Yunis.

V.O.P. quoted Palestinian officials condemning massive Israeli violence that has led to more than 400 dead civilians and more than 20,000 wounded according to the PA’s figures.

V.O.P. re-broadcast portions of Friday morning’s interview with Ahmad Abd-al-Rahman warning that any Israeli invasion of PA territory “would not be an outing.”

Saturday Morning Headlines, February 24

  • Masses of our people in Bethlehem will escort the exalted martyr Ra’id Hussein Mahmoud Musa from al-Khader struck by fire in the chest;
  • The vicious Israeli attack against our people continues, as does the military and economic siege.”

7 a.m. / 8 a.m. / 9 a.m. News Bulletin Headlines

  • ” Masses of our people in Bethlehem today will escort the exalted martyr, the youth, Ra’id Hussein Mahmoud Musa, 17 years old, who was struck in the heart by occupation fire in al-Khader;
  • 17 wounded in occupation attacks in al-Khader, el-Breh, Jenin and Hebron;
  • His Excellency President Yasser Arafat arrives today in Amman, heading from Athens after a European round in Austria and Greece.;
  • PLO Executive Secretary Mahmound Abbas-Abu Mazen-accuses Israel has poisoned the atmosphere and escalated the Intifada.;
  • Israel prevents a parliamentary delegation headed by Salim Za’anoun from visiting Abu Dhabi.;
  • Israeli press sources say Israeli Housing Ministry is slated to build 700 new settlement units in colony Psagot near the city of Ramallah;
  • American State Department to publish on Monday its human rights world report. And press sources say.it will criticize Israeli violations of human rights in Palestinian territories;
  • American Secretary of State Colin Powell visits Cairo today in a Middle Eastern tour including five capitals.;
  • Israeli Broadcasting says the Labor Party has agreed to conditions of rightist parties to enter Sharon Government, giving up demand for ministry of finance;
  • Russian foreign Ministry considers American attack on Iraq a violation of UN decisions;
  • 13 killed in Algerian massacre.”

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