UNESCO grants Palestine full membership while Israel continues to strike Gaza [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Female #1
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, voted to grant Palestine full membership. It's a new step toward winning international recognition for the state of Palestine. In response, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, said that acceptance of Palestine at UNESCO is a "victory for right, justice, and freedom." However, Israel said the decision harms the chances of resuming peace talks. The US said that the move doesn't serve the peace process, and deeply damages to UNESCO.

Guest, Female #2
Ladies and gentlemen, the general conference voted unanimously to accept Palestine as a member of UNESCO.

Presenter, Female #1
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman called for the launch of a wide-scale military operation to end Hamas authority in Gaza. Two Palestinian activists were killed in an Israeli raid in the southern Gaza Strip, in the latest breach of the Egyptian-sponsored truce signed between the Palestinian factions and Israel. Our BBC correspondent Shuhdi al-Kashef reports from Gaza.

Reporter, Male #1
This is one of the Israeli surveillance war planes patrolling the Gaza skies day and night.
Despite the new Egyptian-sponsored truce signed between the Palestinian factions and Israel, the latter's war planes have not left the skies of the Gaza Strip, and often fly at low altitudes. These planes, referred to in Gaza as "Zananah" due to their loud sounds particularly at night, are being used by Israel to target armed Palestinians in Gaza. This morning, one of these planes targeted two activists in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, killing both of them.

Guest, Male #2 (Abu al-Abad, Islamic Jihad's Jerusalem Brigade)
I believe that the situation is headed toward further escalation. However, the ball is in Israel's court; if they want escalation, we are ready to respond, but if they want calm, we are ready for calm.

Reporter, Male #1
The Egyptian efforts exerted over two full days succeeded in convincing Gaza and Israel to restore calm. However, the agreement didn't hold more than a few hours, with both sides blaming one another for violating the ceasefire.

Guest, Male #3 (Fawzi Barhum, Hamas Spokesman)
Hamas and the remaining Palestinian factions cooperated with the Egyptian efforts to end the aggression on the Gaza Strip. We always display the Zionist's violations before the world so it can take action against this continuous aggression and escalation.

Reporter, Male #1
The streets of Gaza appear to be normal despite the ongoing escalation, as most residents are gearing up for the Eid al-Adha holiday amid fear of intensified confrontations between the two sides.

Guest, Male #4
We don't want an escalation because it harms the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza.

Guest, Male #5
God wiling the situation will not escalate to war. People in the Gaza Strip don't wish to see a repeat of the incidents witnessed during the latest war on Gaza.

Reporter, Male #1
Many questions remain unanswered about which party is responsible for breaching the agreement for a cooling-off period signed by both sides. Why is that?

Guest, Male #6 (Mukhaymar Abu Sa'da, Professor of Political Science at Azhar University)
It's clear that Israel wants to escalate the security situation in the Gaza Strip, especially in light of the public pressure mounting on the Israeli government after the prisoner swap deal.

Reporter, Male #1
Despite the heated statements and exchanges of blame launched simultaneously by Israelis and Palestinians, many expect the Egyptian efforts to restore calm between the two sides, but not for long. Shuhdi al-Kashef, BBC, the Gaza Strip.

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Fayyad: PA will soon be dissolved to make way for Palestinian state [IBA, Israel]

Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad says the PA will soon be dissolved to make way for a Palestinian state. Fayyad spent the day with farmers a village near Ramallah as they celebrated the start of the olive harvest. He refused to comment on the weakening of President Mahmoud Abbas in the aftermath of the prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas.

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Settlement construction continues to hinder Palestinian- Israeli peace talks [Saudi TV, Saudi Arabia]

Presenter, Male # 1
Palestinian President Mahmmud Abbas said the Palestinian Authority will continue its efforts to liberate all prisoners and detainees from the occupation's prisons. He confirmed that the case of the prisoners is proceeding alongside all final-status issues, such as Jerusalem, the refugees, and the water issue due to its importance. For his part, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat asked Israel to fulfill its responsibilities and agreements, especially halting settlement construction and accepting the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.

Reporter, Male # 2
The Fatah Revolutionary Council met to look into the future of the Palestinian Authority amid the stalled negotiations and American pressure to block the Palestinian membership bid at the United Nations. The meeting was headed by Palestinian President Mahmmud Abbas, who spoke of the necessity to end Israeli excuses and remove the siege on the Gaza Strip, especially after resolving the case of the Israeli soldier. In addition, President Abbas said pressure needs to be placed on Israel, which is now openly discussing its settlement policy and the settlers' attacks, the latest of which was torching olive groves near Jerusalem, according to the Israeli police, who said an investigation will be launched into the incident.

Guest, Female # 1
There is a dangerous Israeli policy and now they are clearly talking about it in front of specialized committees in the Knesset, in the Israeli parliament, to escalate settlement construction and encourage the settlers' terror in the West Bank. And also by giving the settlers the authority to fire and the authority to turn the Palestinians' lives into hell in the West Bank.

Reporter, Male # 2
On the other hand, the Palestinian Authority stressed the need to push the Israeli government to respect international regulations in order to prevent the collapse of the peace process and its negotiations.

Guest, Male # 3
The negotiations, with American mediation, are useless. Twenty years have proved their failure and that the negotiations come at the expense of the Palestinian people. These negotiations, if they are to be held, must take place in the context of the UN and within an international conference.

Reporter, Male # 2
This comes as the United States asked Israel to stop the settlement campaign in Jerusalem, which was rejected by the Israeli interior minister, who confirmed in a clear challenge to the international consensus that settlement construction will continue in Jerusalem and Palestinian areas. Israel reduced the ability to maneuver for Palestinians', who will now face a destructive policy that renders any possible negotiations fruitless. From the occupied Palestinian territories, Wajih Ewaynadel, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia TV.

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Moroccans rally for the immediate release of political prisoners [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
Six rights organizations held a demonstration today in the Moroccan capital Rabat in protest of human rights violators evading legal accountability. The protestors confirmed that the implementation of the new constitution has not changed human rights conditions in the country. They demanded the prosecution of those described as "punishers" so the authorities will not be used as a source of wealth and the commission of crimes.

Reporter, Male #2
Six human rights organizations held a demonstration in Rabat to condemn the harassment of rights activists and members of the February 20 Movement. They also condemned the continuous attacks against unemployment associations, saying that human rights conditions have not changed even after the new constitution was implemented.

Guest, Male #3 (Khaled al-Sufiani, Attorney at the Lawyer's Guild in Rabat)
There's nothing new. If anything, there are more violations at all levels. There appear to be more political arrests and trials against journalists and anyone expressing opinions.

Reporter, Male #2
According to the rights movement, the issue of evading punishment is one of the main reasons for the deteriorating human rights conditions in the country. The fact that human rights violators are not being held accountable, even under the new constitution, raises many questions about the state's promises for reforms.

Guest, Female #1 (Khadeeja al-Riyadi, Chair of the Moroccan Human Rights Association)
As long as there are people who are able to escape accountability, the situation will not change. In these demonstrations, the rights movement calls for holding all violators responsible. It's the only way to guarantee that similar incidents will not repeat themselves. We call for an end to human rights violations.

Reporter, Male #2
The rights movement called for the release of the remaining political prisoners and criticized the judiciary for playing a negative role in the so called "polishing of human rights violations."

Guest, Male #4 (Mohamed al-Zihari, Chair of Moroccan Association for Defending Human Rights)
The judiciary continues to commit rights violations in order to settle political scores. Several of its rulings are influenced by other agencies and they often take place behind closed doors. The judiciary must be fair and ensure justice to all the citizens.

Reporter, Male #2
In addition to demanding that those described by the movement as "punishers" be tried, the protestors called for enforcing the law in corruption cases, returning stolen money, and reassessing the role of certain security institutions to ensure that the authorities not be used as a source of wealth and a cover-up for human rights violations.

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Omani ruler promises reforms in the Sultanate [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Female # 1
Oman's ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, promised to develop regulatory and judicial institutions in the country to build a state of institutions.

Presenter, Male # 1
During the opening of the first elected Shura Council in Oman, the Sultan confirmed that his country believes in the plurality of views and ideas, and not their expropriation. However, he said freedom of expression doesn't imply it can be monopolized by one side.

Presenter, Female #1
Our correspondent from Muscat, Ahmed al-Huti, analyzes Sultan Qaboos's speech.

Reporter, Male # 2
During his annual speech before Oman's council, Sultan Qaboos bin Said cited a number of challenges facing all Arab countries without exception. He stressed the importance of achieving change and development, looking after the nation's youth, resorting to dialogue and cooperation, renouncing violence and hatred, upholding brotherhood and stability, establishing a state of institutions, as well as encouraging educational and social programs, which will lead to the prosperity and development of the people.

Guest, Male # 3 (Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Omani Ruler)
The Sultanate has always been known for adopting a clear policy based on cooperation among all and based on unequivocal principles represented by mutual respect, encouragement of dialogue, renouncement of violence in dealing with problems, and establishing societies dominated by brotherhood and stability. This will guarantee that nations will continue their mission of development and achieve their objectives toward progress and prosperity in a secure climate free of unrest.

Reporter, Male # 2
The speech, though it was directed at Omanis, didn't ignore what the Arab world is witnessing today, in light of the Arab Spring that some areas of Oman have experienced. The Sultan spoke about the importance of adopting a democratic path, involving citizens in decision-making, and granting parliament and elected councils legislative and regulatory authorities. He also called for freedom of expression and respecting the people's opinions, and spoke against intolerance and monopolizing ideas and views.

Reporter, Male # 2
Sultan Qaboos bin Said reiterated that corruption must be tackled and that legal and regulatory institutions must be assigned to punish those who seize public funds. These are steps toward reforming government institutions and giving priority to public interest over personal interest. Ahmed al-Huti, al-Jazeera, Muscat.

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Assad warns of 'earthquake' if West intervenes in Syria [Future TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Male # 1
It still hasn't been officially announced whether or not the Syrian regime has responded to the Arab League. And perhaps the lack of response is the regime's answer. The Syrian foreign minister was sent to Qatar to meet its emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. And while Qatar's news agency only reported that the latest developments in Syria were reviewed during the meeting, the Syrian news agency SANA said Sheikh Hamad confirmed his commitment to maintaining security and stability in Syria.

Presenter, Female # 1
It was announced in Doha that the Syrian delegation participating in the Arab ministers' meeting left the Qatari capital without responding to the Arab proposal that was presented yesterday. The proposal is expected to take center stage at the exceptional meeting of the Arab League held on Wednesday in Cairo.

Reporter, Male # 2
Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi revealed that the Arab plan for Syria includes the immediate withdrawal of military vehicles and the start of a dialogue in Cairo. Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad repeated his threats for the second time in less than 24 hours. He said that the quote "aggression against Syria" will be much more costly than the world can endure.

Reporter, Male # 2
The situation on the ground in Syria is still the same. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a 19-year-old man was killed this morning by a sniper in the Baba Amro neighborhood in Homs during a protest against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In the southern city of Dara'a, Assad's brigades opened live fire at a demonstration at the city's university, calling for freedom as security forces encircled students and arrested several of them. This comes as the Syrian opposition said on social networking sites that a new arrest campaign was launched by Assad's brigades across different areas of the city of Harasta, affecting over ten youths. They also attacked passers-by and brutally beat them for no reason. At the same time, Syrian activists announced that the death toll on the "Sunday of freezing the membership" reached 11. Most were hit by the gunfire of the regime's forces across different areas, including Homs, Daraa, the countryside of Hama, and Ma'arat el-Numan. The Syrian Revolution General Commission reported several people were killed by bullets while others died as a result of torture or sustained injuries. In another development, the Commission said military warplanes flew over the city of al-Hara in Daraa after a number of soldiers defected. And as part of an almost daily scene, many night protests were held in Homs Province in the cities of Homs, Bab Amro, Bab Vout, as well as in Deir az-Zour. Protestors demanded the departure of Assad and his regime.

Presented, Female #1
Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad continued his threat of an "earthquake in the Middle East" if Western countries interfere in Syrian affairs. He said that despite the size and scale of world powers, Damascus will not allow any Western interference. During al-Assad's meeting with Russian television, he repeated that "Syria is not Libya, and not any other country," adding that the scenario will be very costly to other countries. He accused foreign parties of financing and arming dissenters. On the other hand, he also expressed his readiness to talk with the opposition.

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Protestors blame Saudi Arabia, US for trying to stop Yemeni revolution [Press TV, Iran]

In Yemen, tens of thousands of anti-regime protestors have taken to the streets in several cities calling for the trial of embattled leader Ali Abdullah Saleh. The protestors also called on the international community to help them get rid of Saleh. The embattled leader has been ignoring calls from millions of Yemenis to step down. Forces loyal to him attack protestors on an almost daily basis using heavy weaponry.

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Saudi-backed Bahraini forces attack anti-regime rally [Press TV, Iran]

Meanwhile in Bahrain, Saudi-backed forces have attacked anti-regime protestors triggering clashes south of the capital Manama. Activists say one person has been injured in the southwestern village of Nuwaidrat. This after Saudi-backed forces attacked protestors for shouting slogans against the regime. Several other protests have erupted in several towns and villages around the capital.

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Saudi Arabia deports dozens of Iranian pilgrims [Press TV, Iran]

Saudi authorities are to deport tens of Iranian pilgrims who were in Medina to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi police prevented 150 Iranian pilgrims from leaving the airport after accusing them of obtaining "fake visas." Iranian pilgrims say the visas were issued by the Saudi consulate in Iran's northeastern city of Mashhad. They also say they paid an equivalent of 6,000 dollars for each visa. Iran says it is in talks with Saudi officials to resolve the issue.