Israel launches Palestinians-only buses

Two Palestinians-only bus lines were launched by Israel at the beginning of the week (photo AFP)

Two Palestinians-only bus lines have been launched by Israel in the occupied West Bank, a move described as racist by an Israeli rights group.

The Transport Ministry said it was an improvement in service.

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Fatah and Hamas reach agreement on unity government

On Monday Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority (PA), and Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal have agreed on the formation of a unity government between the Fatah and the Hamas, which will prepare for upcoming elections in the West Bank and Gaza (photo, from bbcimg.co.uk).

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EU report wants legislation against Israeli settlements

In a confidential report sent to Brussels this week, some EU diplomats urge the European Commission to consider drafting a legislation in order to ensure that financial transactions by EU members do not support Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem.(map from bbcimg.co.uk)

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Israel : Western powers criticize new settlement plans

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (photo, from aljazeera.net) announced on Tuesday that a plan to build 2,000 new housing units for Israelis in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem would be accelerated.

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US cuts Unesco funding after Palestine gets full membership

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) voted to admit Palestine as a full member on Monday during a meeting in Paris (photo, from 20minutes.fr). After the vote the US government announced it cancelled its part in annual funding.

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Hamas and Israel reach prisoner-swap deal

More than 1,000 Palestinians will be released in exchange for Israeli Sgt Gilad Shalit who has been held by Palestinian militants since June 2006, when he was captured in a cross-border raid.

The announcement on Tuesday brought celebration both in the Gaza Strip and in Jerusalem (photo, from europe1.fr).

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Western countries angry at Israel over settlement plans

Israeli interior ministry announced on Tuesday that it had approved plans to build 1,100 new homes in Gilo (photo, from bbcimg.co.uk), a settler enclave in southeast Jerusalem, a move condemned by the European Union and the United States.

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Abbas makes UN recognition bid

On Friday Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has submitted a written request to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (photo, frombbcimg.co.uk) for recognition of the Palestinian territories as a full member.

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Air strikes in Gaza follow deadly attacks in southern Israel

After a series of attacks (photo, from bbcimg.co.uk) killed seven people in southern Israel, the Israeli army has confirmed carrying out air strikes over the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources said six people died in the air strikes.

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Israel passes law banning boycott of settlements

After failed attempts to delay debate, a controversial law was passed by the Israeli parliament on Monday night. It allows Jewish settlers in the West Bank to seek damages from Israelis individual or organisation who promote boycotts of settlements. (photo from bbcimg.co.uk)

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