Middle Orient

GAZA, Nov. 4 – Israeli companies stopped providing cement to the Gaza Strip upon orders by the Israeli military, a Palestinian importer said on Tuesday.

GAZA, Nov. 4 – Mohammed al-Dief, the chief of Hamas’ armed wing Ezz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, vowed Tuesday to carry out attacks against Israel.In a prerecorded audio message, Al-Dief said in northern Gaza Strip that “we will continue striking the occupation (Israel) and its positions with qualitative operations.”

GAZA, Nov. 4 – Hamas on Tuesday said it will reject the Egyptian plan aimed at reconciling the Islamic movement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah movement if Hamas’ reservations were not considered.

GAZA, Nov. 4 – Egypt opened its border with the Gaza Strip on Tuesday to allow stranded patients to leave for medical treatment in its hospitals, said a Hamas spokesman.

RAMALLAH, Nov. 4 – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah movement on Tuesday denied reports that the Egyptian-hosted Palestinian national dialogue has been delayed.

GAZA, Nov. 4 – Islamic Hamas movement on Tuesday said its delegation in Cairo would overcome new obstacles that emerged in the way of national Palestinian dialogue.

BAGHDAD – An agreement allowing U.S. forces to stay in Iraq for three years should be put to the public in a referendum, Iraq’s Sunni Arab vice president said on Tuesday.

Police in Iraq say that at least 11 people have been killed in two separate explosions in the capital Baghdad.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday evening that the Lebanese resistance to Israeli regime is good example for all regional nations.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki described the recent US raid on Syria as an obvious manifestation of Washington’s desperation rather than a show of might.