The harsh daily life in Gaza just got harder after Hamas imposed additional taxes. Business dealers and civilians in Gaza told the Arab website “24” that the Hamas Ministry of Finance decided to impose taxes on all basic commodities, both on sellers and buyers in the stores and supermarkets. Hamas...

The parliament of the European Union voted today to reject the tactic of unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, instead declaring that recognition should come as a result of negotiations. Reuters reports: Following a deal among the main parties, the motion carried by 498 votes to 88 stated: “(The European Parliament) supports...

At a rally held in advance of Hamas’ 27th anniversary, Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar proclaimed that his organization would take over the West Bank “just as we liberated Gaza,” according to a translation of the speech published yesterday by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). Speaking at a December 12...

The European Union still considers Hamas to be a terrorist organization, a spokeswoman for the EU said today. The clarification follows yesterday’s ruling by the EU’s second-highest court that Hamas’ designation as a terror group in 2001 did not follow the proper procedures. The statement was reported by Agence France-Presse. “The...

A huge majority (70%) of Palestinians say they are afraid to criticize their president, Mahmoud Abbas, according to a poll (Arabic link) published last week by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. Only 30 percent said that they are not afraid to criticize the Palestinian Authority in the...

In a profile published today of former Associated Press (AP) reporter Mark Lavie, the veteran journalist admitted that the “‘The Media’s’ response to Israel does not tolerate the truth if it is good.” Now retired after a 40-year career at NPR, NBC, the CBC and the AP, Lavie has become a critic of reporting generally and...