Hizbullah broadens its  airwaves battlefront
Al-Manar’s satellite television channel moves into Palestinian homes for an extra 14 hours a day…(1)

As Arab media mobilizes to support the Palestinian intifada, Hizbullah’s al-Manar has joined the struggle through an intensive campaign to make inroads in the Palestinian territories and the Arab world.
The risky decision to increase al-Manar’s satellite broadcasting time from four to 18 hours a day, supported by the same number of staff, has been a tremendous and burdening task, but one that has paid off.
Al-Manar first began its four-hour satellite broadcast on the eve of the May 24 liberation of the South, “because we wanted to transmit the message of this liberation to the Arab world,” said Nayef Krayyem, the station’s General Manager.
“Our message was clear: to encourage the Arabs and show them a model of resisting the enemy. Our main target was specifically the Palestinians living in occupied Palestinian territories,” Krayyem said.
After the intifada broke out again Sept. 28, Krayyem decided to increase satellite broadcasting hours to encourage and show support and solidarity with the Palestinians.
The feedback from Arabs, particularly Palestinians, was “beyond expectation.”
“We moved to become one of the first satellite stations watched by Arabs during this time and the main reason behind this success is Hizbullah’s credibility,” he said.
The 18-hour satellite broadcast is solely dedicated to airing anything related to the intifada. Besides broadcasting Arab nationalist songs, breaking news updates and on-the-hour news bulletins, throughout the day television hosts take telephone calls from Arab supporters expressing their views.
The station has also been airing provocative clips in both Arabic and Hebrew. One that has been on for two weeks now shows photos of the three “Israeli” soldiers and the colonel Hizbullah captured last month. The numbers 1, 2 and 3 are written on top of the pictures of the three soldiers and the sign +1 is written on top of the picture of the “Israeli” colonel.
An empty frame appears with a question mark, hinting that more such captures might be on the way. Below the frames, in both Arabic and Hebrew, Hizbullah says “Barak, count your soldiers every Sabbath.”
Krayyem said that the station will soon begin broadcasting bulletins in Hebrew. The idea is not new, but Krayyem was confident it would to happen within a month. A more long-term plan also includes airing a news bulletin in English.
“Al-Manar did not only give the Arabs the chance to make contact with Hizbullah but also gave them an opportunity to express their views on regional developments,” he said.
The station has also become an effective tool for showing Palestinians how much Arab support they enjoy. “We’ve got thousands of phone calls and e-mails from Palestinians telling us how much al-Manar is giving them determination to continue to fight,” he said.
Viewers’ enthusiasm was not only limited to expressing support over the phone. Hizbullah’s policy against “Israel” and the Palestinian Authority prevents it basing a correspondent in Palestine. But this has not hurt the coverage.
“Every single one of our viewers has become a correspondent. We’d receive calls from someone to tell us that a Palestinian was just killed, or an “Israeli” attack was being staged, and we’d immediately broadcast the news, becoming the quickest news provider to the Arabs about the attacks on Palestinians,” said Krayyem.
The secret of al-Manar’s sudden popularity is not only news. “We’re addressing the heart of the Arab nation, reflecting the Arabs’ determination to not accept the current situation anymore.”
Krayyem explained that Arab viewers could see that al-Manar was transmitting a completely different message from that of other stations. “We’re carrying the message of facing the “Israeli” enemy. We consider the plight of the Palestinian people as our own and we consider ourselves a basic part of this struggle.”
Another small but meaningful decision on al-Manar’s part is its listing the times of its shows according to Al-Quds and Greenwich Mean Time.
Although Hizbullah is proud of the station’s accomplishments, which Krayyem maintained were beyond expectations, the party official solemnly acknowledged the huge responsibility shouldered by the television station.
“Our main goal is to give all Arabs the opportunity to speak against the “Israeli” occupation from a credible platform. It’s not our goal to criticize anyone else because we have a deeper objective to achieve,” he said.
As a result, al-Manar’s policy is to prevent viewers shouting obscenities about Arab leaders. “We’re not a station for expletives. We take objective criticism anytime. This is not a problem, but not more,” he said.
He explained that al-Manar’s policy is not to promote a battle between Arab people and their rulers, regardless of Hizbullah’s view of Arab leaders.
“We don’t want to lose sight of our main target, which is fighting the enemy. If we’re able to show Arab leaders that their people think strongly against “Israel”, we may eventually achieve something. However, attacking the leaders will do more harm than good.”
Al-Manar’s satellite logo, which mirrors the station’s logo with the words “The Arab and Muslim Channel” below it, is no coincidence.
“We make it a point to have Arab guests from all political affiliations, so you’ll see an Arab nationalist expert, then an Arab communist one. We believe it’s our strength to link all these Arab potentials and direct them to one target: the “Israeli” enemy,” he said.
Krayyem proudly recounted how, last week, when “Israel’s” Channel One television was interviewing a Palestinian official at his home, the television behind him showed he was watching Al-Manar.
The satellite channel is received in all Arab and European countries and Krayyem is certain “Israel” has people monitoring the station 24 hours a day.
“It seems obvious that, whatever information Hizbullah intends to broadcast about the captured “Israeli” soldiers, it will first be aired on al-Manar. So we’ve forced the “Israelis” to rely on us to know what’s happening,” he said, confirming that the party has the capture of the three “Israeli” soldiers on video.

“Israeli” air force flights over Lebanon violate UN resolution: France…(2)

“ France's ambassador to Lebanon said Wednesday that “Israeli” warplanes' flights over south Lebanon violated UN Resolution 425, under which “Israel” in May ended its 22-year occupation of south Lebanon.

"I believe (the flights are) a violation of Resolution 425 of the Security Council," Ambassador Philippe Lecourtier told reporters after an introductory meeting with Lebanon's new foreign minister, Mahmoud Hammoud.

“Israeli” warplanes flew over south Lebanon for the second straight day Wednesday and broke the sound barrier over the eastern Beqaa Valley, controlled by Syria.

“Israeli” MK pilotless reconnaissance planes also patrolled at low altitude over the southern Lebanese towns of Marjayoun and Hasbaya.

Beirut filed a complaint Tuesday to the United Nations after “Israeli” planes broke the sound barrier near Beirut and flew over the southern port city of Tyre.

“Israel” Army to build security fence within Lebanon…(3)

A security fence will be erected within two weeks to the north of the village of Rajar, in Lebanese territory, the “Israeli” Army and the village's leadership have agreed.
Following “Israel’s” withdrawal from Lebanon, the new border between the two countries runs right through the Alawite village. Due to the residents' objections to a physical division of their village, a quiet agreement was reached about six weeks after the withdrawal among “Israel”, Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whereby “Israel” pledged to honor Lebanese sovereignty in the town's northern section but no physical barriers would be erected.

The decision has elicited vehement opposition from UNIFIL, however.
"This would be a very dangerous step, which would serve as an excuse for activity against “Israel”," UNIFIL spokesman Timor Goksel said. "It will cause trouble."
"All sides know that the 'blue line,' representing the international border, passes through the center of the village, and everyone knows that despite this, “Israeli” soldiers can be found to the north of it," added a senior UNIFIL official. "Erecting a fence on the northern border of the village will arouse the Lebanese, who haven't said anything about the existing situation. It will create a lot of problems for all of us and “Israel” will have to give answers."
UNIFIL has not yet been officially notified by “Israel” of the plans to build the fence.

Iran will not stand by if “Israel” attacks Syria or Lebanon: Palestinian…(4)

“Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and Prime Minister Rafik Hariri are at this hour holding talks in the Baabda presidential palace. They are expected to discuss regional developments following Hariri's meetings in Damascus with President Bashar al-Assad and other senior officials. Hariri and Assad had discussed “Israeli” threats against both countries and “Israeli”-Palestinian fighting in the occupied territories. “Israeli” Deputy (War) Minister Ephraim Sneh had held Damascus directly responsible for Hizbollah military activities and warned “Israel” will respond fiercely to any cross-border attacks from south Lebanon. Tensions have been high in the south since Hizbollah resistance fighters captured three “Israeli” soldiers from the occupied Shebaa Farms and an “Israeli” army colonel on a spying mission in Beirut last month. “Israeli” threats against Beirut and Damascus also topped talks in Damascus between Assad and Iranian Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Sadr. The envoy who arrives in Beirut tomorrow, reportedly carries a message of support from Tehran and pledges to counter any “Israeli” attacks on Syria and Lebanon. Palestinian opposition leaders who met Sadr in Syria said the Iranian official informed Damascus Tehran will react if “Israel” attacks Syria or Lebanon. 

Hundreds of Palestinian children demonstrate against “Israel”…(5)

“ Some 300 Palestinians, none more than 10 years old, demonstrated here Wednesday in front of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) offices to denounce “Israel’s” "crimes" against children.

The young protesters, organized by the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, held a three-hour sit-in in front of the office and handed the ICRC a statement denouncing "“Israeli” crimes against childhood .. and the complicity of the United States."

The statement called on the Red Cross "to protect Palestinian childhood" and to make “Israel” comply with the Geneva convention agreement on the rules of war.

The children, who came from Palestinian refugee camps in south Lebanon, wore black headbands reading "End “Israel’s” Crimes," "Don't Kill Children," "Where is Humanity's Conscience?" and "We are All Mohammed al-Durras"

Durra, 12, was shot dead in his father's arms in a September 30 “Israeli” attack in Gaza City. The shooting was filmed and broadcast repeatedly throughout the world.

Hamas warns against resuming negotiations…(6)

Islamic Resistance Movement" Hamas" reiterated its opposition to any step the president of the Palestinian authority Yasser Arafat might take to resume negotiations with the Zionist entity.

Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghousha made clear that Hamas rejects resuming negotiations and neglecting the 150 martyrs and 6000 wounded in the intifadah. Hamas spokesman said that there are some indications that Arafat is preparing for a meeting with Former “Israeli” Premier Shimon Perez to reactivate Sharm al-Sheikh Summit. Ghousha considered such a meeting inconcurrent with the essence of the intifadah that united all the Palestinian factions.

Fatah for armed Resistance option…(7)

The Central Committee of Fatah Movement, a faction of the PLO headed by Yasser Arafat, called on  Palestinians to consecrate themselves to the armed Resistance against the Zionist occupation.  Fatah maintained that this is the only way to restore Palestinian rights, to achieve goals, and to protect sanctities.In a statement issued in Damascus, a copy of which reached al-Manar channel, Fatah's Central Committee emphasized on the necessity of developing the intifadah by carrying out continuous military operations, including martyrdom operations.

Five Palestinians shot dead by “Israeli” forces…(8)

Mohammed Hujaij (17 years old), Ahmad Salman Tayeh (15 years),and Ibrahim Rizk(15 years) are three new martyrs of the Palestinian uprising (intifadah).They were shot dead on Wednesday by “Israeli” bullets during clashes which erupted at the Mintar crossing point, separating Gaza strip from the Palestinian territories occupied since 1948.

“Israeli” soldiers also opened fire on a Palestinian policeman and a civilian called Wael Ghanem(26 years) killing them during confrontations in the al-Khader  village of Beit Laham. Five Palestinians were also injured in the clashes.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of mourners attended funerals for four Palestinian martyrs killed during stone-throwing clashes on Tuesday. The crowd shouted "Revenge, Revenge".

Palestinian fighters target the occupation army…(9)

Palestinian resistance fighters carried out more operations against the “Israeli” occupation forces. In Gaza strip, an “Israeli” military convoy was bombed, then Palestinian fighter opened fire on the convoy.

A series of operations was also executed against “Israeli” settlements.  The fighters used rocket bombs, explosives, and molotov cocktails in their attacks.

The “Israeli” army admitted that a number of military outposts and settlements in the West Bank were subjected to gunfire Tuesday night and that an “Israeli” settler was injured.

The occupation army ordered on Wednesday the closure of four Palestinian schools in al-Khader village for four months, after students attacked jewish settlers, who were to approaching the village.

Gulf newspapers condemn biased American policy…(10)

Gulf newspapers condemned the role the United States plays in the region. The United Arab Emirates "Gulf" newspaper warned that the repetitive “Israeli” invasions in Palestine supported by American money and weapons is a prototype for a greater conquer of Arab regions. The newspaper called the Arabs end of the American hegemony.

The Saudi Newspaper "al-Madina" mentioned  that Washington practices pressure on the weaker side- the Palestinians- to draw  more concessions. The paper demanded a clear and firm American role to halt the “Israeli” aggressions on the defenseless Palestinian people.

American companies in Saudi Arabia expressed their concerns after senior Saudi official warned against the explicit U.S. bias in favor of "“Israel”". American Economic officials said that they are deeply worried because Saudi Arabia charged Washington partially for the failure of the "peace" process. They considered the Saudi declarations a clear sign of the extent of the Saudi resentment from Washington, for the first time.

For many liberals, the Palestinians are getting what they deserve…(11)

Half-way to Al-Quds, Simon began telling me about his “Israeli” war service. At 73, his army life was over but he had fought in 1967 and 1973 and ended up in Beirut in 1982, landing on the beaches north of Sidon, leaving before the Sabra and Chatila massacres. Mercifully, there was no talk of "terrorists", only of peace, and when his wife asked why the Palestinians should not have Arab east Al-Quds as the capital of their new state – and this, remember, just four weeks after the death of the Oslo agreement – I wondered if there was not an undiscovered “Israel”.

Our minibus was climbing the hill into Al-Quds from Tel Aviv when Simon's wife she suddenly asked me about Mohammed al-Durah, the 12-year-old shot by “Israeli” soldiers as he cowered in his father's arms in Gaza: "What was he doing at the time?" she asked sharply. Why was he on the street?"

In fact, he had accompanied his father to buy a car – because the father had to walk to the Gaza border at two each morning for permission to work in “Israel” – and had been returning home when they were trapped by gunfire. But I understood the implication of these questions at once: if Mohammed did not have good reason to be on the streets of Gaza at the time, if he had been participating in a demonstration, then maybe the little boy had got what he deserved.

This odd disconnection comes in many forms. When I arrived at Ben Gurion airport last week, the young immigration officer cheerfully asked me to remember that “Israel” was a small country threatened by people outside who wanted to take it". I suggested that the Palestinians had been living in "Palestine" – or modern-day “Israel” – for generations, that they were not "outside" save those who had been expelled from their lands by “Israel”, and that United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 might, in the end, bring a real peace. "What is 242?" she wanted to know.

How strange that 242 – which is shorthand for any Palestinian who wants to refer to the UN resolution demanding an “Israeli” withdrawal from occupied lands – would mean nothing to a young, educated “Israeli” immigration officer. Oslo, of course, had a meaning for her, the very word used with such contempt by the Palestinians of the occupied territories. Deir Yassin, the scene of the worst massacre of Arabs in the 1948 war, would not. The same disconnection creeps into the “Israeli” press and, of course, into the foreign media.

“Israelis” are invariably "murdered" or "lynched" by Palestinians – usually a perfectly accurate description – but Palestinians are inevitably "killed in clashes": the implication being that they may have been killed by their own people.

Reuters news agency has followed the “Israeli” line. Its Monday report on killings by “Israelis” in the occupied territories refers to Palestinians "wounded in stone-throwing clashes" and "killed in earlier clashes", adding that the "clashes" began on 28 September, that the "clashes have halted peace talks" and that “Israeli” Arabs have complained about "the killing of their brethren in clashes". But when on the same day an “Israeli” security guard was shot dead, his killer was accurately described as a "suspected Palestinian gunman".

On the same day, the Associated Press reported: "Palestinian shooting attacks on Jewish settlements" but spoke of a Palestinian who was, of course, merely shot "in clashes".

This double standard of “Israeli” and foreign reporting finds its way into the most unexpected places. Staying at the King David Hotel in Jewish West Al-Quds, I found myself watching the hotel's home-video history. As British military headquarters at the end of the Mandate, the hotel was blown up by Menachem Begin's bombers. So what did the hotel video tell me about an act which, if perpetrated by Palestinians , would be described by “Israelis” as an act of bestial terrorism? The video proudly boasts that the King David is "the only hotel in the world that was bombed by a future prime minister" and refers to the perpetrators – whose victims included 41 Arabs, 28 British and 17 Jews – as "activists" who were dedicated to their cause.

Only now, five weeks into the "Al-aqsa" intifada, has the Al-Quds Post given an Arab – George Abu al-Zulof – the opportunity of countering the vicious claims that Palestinians deliberately use their children as human-shield "martyrs" during stone-throwing demonstrations.

But at least the “Israeli” press is more self-critical than Palestinian newspapers. It was an “Israeli” paper which first pointed out that the country was in no position to claim that Yasser Arafat was no longer a fit "peace partner" when “Israel” itself has a lame duck Prime Minister who is asking Ariel Sharon, leader of the right-wing Likud party, to join his government. And the brave reports of Amira Hass in Haaretz provide “Israelis” with a vivid and accurate description of the suffering of Palestinians under occupation.

Similarly, the occupied territories. Since Mr Arafat's major towns are now in his own hands, “Israelis” repeatedly tell me, I have no right to call the West Bank "occupied" in my reports to The Independent. So what, I ask myself, is that checkpoint on the edge of Nablus that prevents its peoples incinerating their garbage outside the town? And who are the soldiers who repeatedly tell me in the West Bank that I cannot go down any of half a dozen roads to Jenin or Ramallah? Are these Swiss soldiers? Is it the Burmese army that is shooting stone-throwers in Nablus and Gaza?

When my minibus reached Al-Quds, Simon and his wife said goodbye and they and their friends prepared to set off for home. They were all liberals, all seeking peace, all prepared to allow the Palestinians a real state.

Footnotes:

1-     The Daily Star, 2-11-2000.

2-     AFP, 1-11-2000.

3-     Haaretz, 2-11-2000.

4-     Future TV, 1-11-2000.

5-     AFP, 1-11-2000.

6-     Manar TV, 1-11-2000.

7-     Same source.

8-     Same source.

9-     Same source.

10-  Same source.

11-  Independent, 2-11-2000.