Israeli navy takes over Gaza-bound ship

sraeli naval commandos on Tuesday took over a French ship attempting to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip, reporting no resistance during the takeover in international waters. (more…)

Hamas official: Egypt closes Rafah crossing with Gaza

Egypt kept the gates of Rafah crossing point closed Saturday, blocking travel by Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, Hamas officials said. (more…)

Egypt will open its border crossing with Gaza permanently

Egypt will open its border crossing with the Gaza Strip permanently this weekend, the government announced Wednesday, suggesting the country’s military rulers are being swayed by growing anti-Israeli sentiment here.

Opening the Rafah crossing, the only official entry point outside Israel into the Palestinian territory, would ease the blockade imposed (more…)

US accuses Syria of inciting violence on Nakba Day

The White House is blaming Syria for inciting deadly protests across its border and into the Israeli-held Golan Heights.

White House press secretary Jay Carney said Monday such behavior on the part of Syria is unacceptable. (more…)

US urges restraint after Israel/Lebanon/Syria border clashes

The White House on Monday expressed regret for the loss of life in deadly clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian protesters over the weekend but said the Jewish state had the right to protect its borders. (more…)

Arab protesters descend on Israeli borders

Mobilized by calls on Facebook, thousands of Arab protesters marched on Israel’s borders with Syria, Lebanon and Gaza on Sunday in an unprecedented wave of demonstrations, sparking clashes that left at least 15 people dead in an annual Palestinian mourning ritual marking the anniversary of Israel’s birth. (more…)

Palestinian protests: Arab spring or foreign manipulation?

On one level, the “Nakba” day incidents on Israel’s borders may have represented an attempt by the Palestinians to join the Arab revolutionary spring. (more…)

Israel accuses Iran of being behind the border protests

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is accusing Iran of orchestrating waves of fighting along its northern borders with Lebanon and Syria , as Palestinian protesters tried to infiltrate from Syria and Lebanon during al Nakba day protests, reports the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, (more…)

UNIFIL chief urges restraint along Israeli-Lebanese border

UNIFIL commander General Alberto Asarta on Sunday issued a statement calling on the relevant parties to exercise restraint following the violence along the Israeli-Lebanese border near the village of Maroun al-Ras.

“There is a need for practical security steps to be taken on the ground,” the statement quoted him as saying. (more…)

UN concerned over violence on Lebanon, Syria borders

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams issued a statement Sunday voicing his concern over the violent incidents along Lebanon’s borders with Syria and Israel.

“I deplore and deeply regret the loss of life today. Events in South Lebanon have developed into one of the most serious incidents on the Blue Line since 2006. (more…)