Hamas welcomes Christians’ refusal to serve in Israel army

A member of Hamas political bureau Izzat Al-Risheq has welcomed the position of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in occupied Jerusalem who has refused the recruitment of Palestinian Christians into the Israeli occupation army.

In a press release Al-Risheq said that all Palestinians, with all political views and religious backgrounds, are against the idea that their sons serve in the army occupying their country, confiscating their land and judaising their holy places.

“Muslim and Christian Palestinians have the same position towards the defence of their country and their holy place,” the press release said, “as they endure the same suffering.”

Al-Risheq warned of any measures leading to normalising ties with the Israeli occupation. He pointed out that “the upcoming visit of the Maronite Patriarch Bashara al-Ra’ee to the Zionist state will have negative consequences since it is bearing political dimensions serving the occupation.”

The Hamas official called for maintaining a united Christian position that refuses the Israeli occupation and its “aggressive” policies. He said that there is a consensus among all Palestinians over refusing the normalisation of ties with the occupation.

He reiterated that any visit protected by the Israeli occupation to Jerusalem or Palestine under Israeli control does not serve the Palestinians and their cause. “The Israeli occupation is the prime beneficiary,” he said.

UK entry finishes 17th as Austria wins 2014 Eurovision Song Contest

'Bearded lady' Conchita Wurst finishing the clear winner with competition watched by 180 million viewers across 45 countries

The UK’s drought of Eurovision Song Contest victories continues after the nation’s entry again fell well short of the top spot.

Despite optimism of a strong showing in this year’s competition, former shop assistant Molly Smitten-Downes could only place 17th with Austria’s “bearded lady” Conchita Wurst finishing the clear winner.

Smitten-Downes had been among those tipped to place highly with self-penned song Children Of The Universe and wowed a lively audience in this year’s host city of Copenhagen.

If she had managed to win, it would have been the first British entry to do so since Katrina and the Waves came top of the leaderboard in 1997 with Love Shine a Light.

But it was not to be for the 27-year-old singer-songwriter on the night.

It is estimated the competition was watched by 180 million viewers across 45 countries.

After securing her victory, Conchita said: “This award is dedicated to everybody who believes in a world of peace and freedom.

“You know who you are - we are unity and we are unstoppable.”

Tony Blair should be prosecuted for war crimes

Boris Johnson’s sympathy isn’t worth much; his sentiments during his LBC interview this week were touching, but he does not have the conviction to back the campaign to see Tony Blair face justice for his crimes. Johnson does, however, offer an insight into Blair’s character which I have experienced first-hand – that Blair is slippery. The London mayor described him as “eel-like” and a “very adept and agile lawyer”. A prosecution for war crimes in Johnson’s words was “not going to happen”.

Currently a prosecution depends on one of two factors: its status before the International Criminal Court (ICC) or its status in domestic law. The ICC calls itself “an independent, permanent court that tries persons accused of the most serious crimes of international concern, namely genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes”. In all honesty I have no faith in the ICC bringing a conviction against Blair. The ICC has been accused of bias, and as being a tool of western imperialism, only punishing leaders from small states while ignoring crimes committed by richer and more powerful states. This sentiment has been expressed particularly by African leaders due to the disproportionate focus on their nations.

I believe our only hope of getting criminal charges brought against Blair lies at home. Yet we cannot rely on our current crop of politicians to do the right thing. They have no interest in seeing Blair face justice as it would bring more controversy to the current government on the world stage. Speaking of the Chilcot inquiry this week, David Cameron said: “It would be unreasonable to postpone it beyond the next election,” with his eyes clearly on the prize rather than a genuine interest in justice.

Personally, I would like to see Blair brought to account for his actions while he is alive. That will send a clear message to any future politicians, both in the UK and abroad, helping to avoid another illegal misguided foray and the loss of innocent lives. Between 500,000 and 1 million people have lost their lives in Iraq (depending on which reports you believe), and with sectarian violence showing no signs of slowing down, the death toll is still on the rise.

The sword of Damocles is hanging over Tony Blair’s head in the form of Sir John Chilcot’s Iraq inquiry report, which unsurprisingly has faced long delays. It is going to tell the story of, what is in my mind, the most catastrophic foreign policy decision since 1956, when former British prime minister Anthony Eden misled parliament and the British public and lied to the world during the Suez crisis. Eden and Blair share several similarities: both willing to sacrifice our troops and the innocent lives of civilians in the Middle East for oil, regime change and imperialist gain.

Even if Blair uses his “eel-like” powers to avoid prosecution, like so many rich and powerful people have done before him, he will not escape the history books. The voices that protect him will slowly fade and make way for a chorus of condemnation.

It is said that great men and women live forever. They live through the lives they’ve touched, and the things they’ve accomplished. I would say this is also true for people on the other side of this fence: the villains. History will show the extent of Blair’s failings, his perversions of the truth, his misleading of the world and the blood on his hands.

SRK/AB

Redcar Bears aim to get back on track after KO Cup blow

Jitendra Duffill hoping his Redcar Bears side can kick start their season and live up to their potential following Premier League KO Cup exit

Team boss Jitendra Duffill is hoping his side can kick start their season and live up to their potential after an early Premier League KO Cup exit.

The Ecco Finishing Bears beat Plymouth Devils 47-43 at South Tees Motorsports Park on Thursday but that wasn’t enough to overturn a first leg deficit and they bowed out 92-88 on aggregate, although Duffill was less than impressed at some of the decisions by referee Dave Dowling.

No 1 Richard Lawson was an unexpected inclusion in the Bears team after Lakeside’s Elite League match at Swindon was rained off so he was no longer required by his parent club that evening.

But uncharacteristically he didn’t take the chequered flag all evening and skipper Aaron Summers topped the hosts’ scorechart with a total off 10 (paid 12).

The Bears had led by six points after eight heats but the Devils refused to lie down.

There was hope they might turn it around when Lawson battled past Ben Barker to partner Summers to a 5-1 in heat 13 but Rafal Konopka fell with Jan Graversen out in front and a 4-2 on the cads next time out.

That left the Bears needing a 5-1 from the final race to force a replay but Great Britain international Barker scuppered their hopes by leading from start to finish as the rain lashed down.

“It was disappointing really,” said Duffill as he reflected on the KO Cup exit.

“We made a decent start and we were six points up after eight heats so really we should have capitalised on that and made sure we had at least a 10-point win.

“There were certainly some very odd refereeing decisions for me.

“In heat five Todd Kurtz hit the tapes at the start and was put on a 15-metre hadicap for the rerun.

“Carl Wilkinson should then have gone off gate one, Kurtz off four and Ben Barker off two.

“That’s certainly what the rulebook states and, for me, what common sense says as well.

“But for some reason the referee put them off one and four which I thought was a really bizarre decision, and certainly went against the rulebook.

“Rafal Konopka was taken off by Ben Barker earlier - he’s got a load of spokes missing from his front wheel to prove it - but the referee didn’t believe there was any contact.

“And in heat 10 Rasmus Jensen clearly moved before the tapes went up and Plymouth went on to get a 5-1.

“There was no consistency there because the referee ordered a restart in heat 13 (when Lawson was guilty of the same offence).

“I honestly believe the refereeing decisions went against us and that cost us the meeting.

“But at the end of the day it wasn’t good enough.

“We were a little long in the tail again. Okay, Rafal was unlucky but when he fell in heat 14 it cost us another two points.

“So I’m disappointed but what’s done is done now and we’ve just got to move on andconcentrate on our league campaign.”

As well as being out of the KO Cup, the Bears’ bid to progress from their League Cup group is out of their hands.

But the league campaign has only just started and Duffill believes his side can do themselves justice as the season unfolds.

“Our League Cup progress is hanging by a thread,” he said, “and we just weren’t meant to go through in the KO Cup.

“But we’ve got to look ahead now and show what we can do in the league.”

The Bears’ next match is at home to Berwick in the second leg of the Tweed Tees Trophy next Thursday.

Coarse news: Angling fraternity in mourning for two-time Tees top rod Ian Worton

Ian Worton had a vast knowledge of local rivers and lakes and was regarded as a legend locally

Tees anglers have been saddened by the death of top matchman Ian Worton.

A hugely popular and highly skilled match angler, he had a vast knowledge of local rivers and lakes and was regarded as a legend locally, while also being well known and respected on the national angling scene.

He won many competitions on a variety of venues spanning half a century, and was a master of all methods.

Fittingly, he was the angler to become the first River Tees champion in 1979, repeating the feat in 1981.

He was also an important member of the strong Yarm AC squad that won the North East Winter League 13 times in 14 years, and became a hero in 1980 for his individual win with 27 lb of bream in the semi-final on the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepoint, that steered Yarm to the final on the river Skjern in Denmark.

Ian, who was 67, had drifted away from the match scene because of bad arthritis in his hands.

His friend and fellow matchman Mick Broadley said: “We used to sit together fishing off the Skinyard wall at Yarm as kids, then around 1965 we started going together to the Trent and the Tyne to fish the big open competitions with lots of success.

“Ian became match secretary of Stockton Angling Club, and despite gradually fading from the match scene for health reasons, he will always be remembered as “the best.”

THORNABY’S Anth Smith has had a tremendous Bank Holiday weekend.

In Sunday’s Thornaby Club match on Gilling pond, regarded as a very difficult venue because of the clarity of the water, he netted two tench and a few quality roach for 3lb 13oz from peg one.

He lost two larger fish in the weeds so had to be content to tie for second place with Yarm’s Mick Broadley, who netted a similar catch from peg 36. Both fished maggot on pole at 10 metres.

However, Middlesbrough’s Dave Alderson’s winning catch of 6lb 9oz, taken on maggot and pole at five metres was outstanding on a day when over half of the competitors failed to catch any fish at all in the windy conditions.

Darlington’s Nigel Spratt took fourth spot with an all small roach catch of 2lb

6oz taken on feeder-fished maggot.

Anth Smith went one better on Monday when he won the first of Middlesbrough’s Monday afternoon series of matches fished on the large pond at Hutton Rudby.

In windy conditions, against strong competition, he caught an impressive 22lb 5oz, consisting of six ide, a tench and a few roach taken on pole fished worm and meat at 10 metres.

It may have been a different story if Yarm’s Paul Stephenson had landed all five carp that he connected with.

He weighed in two of the hard fighting fish for 19lb 14oz to take second spot.

Middlesbrough’s Derek Reaney was third with 18lb 13oz, while Yarm’s Derek Normington completed the frame with 15lb 15oz.

Sea scene: Saltburn club's summer league set to start

A match at Upgang Promenade will kick off Saltburn club’s summer league

The Saltburn club’s summer league begins a week tomorrow with a match at Upgang Promenade.

A conservation approach will be taken with the matches being catch, measure and release events, with results determined by the longest measurement of fish.

The first match, for the Newton Cup, is fished from 4-8pm (high water is at 6.30). Register at the car park near the White House Inn from 3pm.

Anglers hope the summer species of flounder, bass, rockling and coley will all make an appearance.

Trout topics: Walker tempts Lockwood double with brand new lure

BIG rainbows have featured at LOCKWOOD BECK, Dave Walker leading the way with a 10lb 2oz fish.

He tempted the double from the jetty on a Cut Throat Cat’s Whisker, which he bought that day from the lodge.

The same pattern worked for Steve Mills, as did Yellow Dancers. He caught 11 rainbows to 9lb 8oz by fishing down the wood side.

Steve Trafford caught six to 9lb 4oz from the culvert on Cat’s Whisker, while Olive Murray returned a 9lb 2oz rainbow caught from a boat along the woodside.

Trout have been caught in good numbers, Andrew Bogan tempting 13 on small Black Beetles from the top of the moor side.

A further batch of around 280 trout have been stocked, with the minimum size being 2lb, and some of the fish are stunning rainbows and blues of around 6lb.

Clarke Mondal from Normanby enjoyed an outstanding session at SCALING DAM, catching 35 rainbows, of which he returned 31. He worked the whole of the reservoir using his favoured Kate McLaren.

Gerry Dewey from Redcar started his day using worm, and caught four rainbows at the west end of the Dam Wall. He swapped to fly to catch and return 19 fish on Dawson’s Olive and Kate McLaren.

Mark Hammond from Redcar stayed around the south shore and east end bay area and was rewarded with 15 fish, returning seven, all to a Kate McLaren.

Loyalty day angler Bruce Hodgson from Brotton, in the east end bay, caught the best fish of the week, a 4lb brown on maggot and White Gulp Eggs, part of a 10 fish limit.

John Bland took home seven rainbows, including a tagged fish worth £150, from the disabled jetty on Orange PowerBait.

Also on the jetty, George Houston from Guisborough, caught 10 fish.

Over the week 106 anglers caught 431 trout, with the best baits being White PowerBait eggs, worm, Magic Dust, and the top patterns: Kate McLaren, Dawson’s Olive, White Fritz. A further 700 fish have been stocked.

WEST HOUSE season ticket holder Lee Cartmell of Middlesborough caught more than 20 fish on dries and Buzzers.

Harry Hutchinson from Norton caught a 14lb rainbow, a personal best, on a Mini Cat’s Whisker.

Hawthorns have been hatching and other flies to try include: Black Buzzer, GRHE Nymph, Hare’s Ear Emerger, Lake Olive, Black Beetle.

In a tagged fish weekend next Saturday and Sunday (May 17 and 18), there will be over 20 fish with tags, and prizes for anglers who catch one include: rods, fly lines, fly boxes, day tickets. There’s free drinks, a free barbeque, and no extra charge for tagged fish.

OVER the week at WITTON CASTLE LAKES 84 anglers caught 235 trout to 6lb.

Andrew Grabham caught 11 fish in a lively session, while the top patterns have been Shipman’s Buzzer, CDC, Olive Hopper, Diawl Bach, and Cormorants.

James Stevenson of Great Ayton had the biggest bag of the week at SHARPLEY SPRINGS, with 18 fish to 10lb 4oz.

The rod average is 4.4 and top patterns include: Black Gnat, Knotted Midge, Damsel, Hare’s Ear and Hawthorn.

OTHER RETURNS:

DERWENT: 325 anglers caught 1347 trout to 8lb. Bait: Orange PowerBait Eggs. Patterns: Orange Fritz, Cat’s Whisker, Dawson’s Olive, Humungous, Black Pennell. 1000 stocked.

GRASSHOLME: 191 anglers caught 788 trout to 5lb 8oz. Bait: Blue Power Bait, Orange Power Eggs, Magic Dust, Silver Mepps. Patterns: Black Fritz, Cat’s Whisker, Montana. 850 stocked.

HURY: 69 anglers caught 180 trout to 5lb. Patterns: Cat’s Whisker, Black Hopper, Black Gnat, Dawson’s Olive. 150 stocked.

KIELDER 129 anglers caught 628 trout to 2lb 8oz. Bait: Worm, Orange PowerBait. Red Mepps. Patterns: Cat’s Whisker, Orange Blob. 450 stocked.

FONTBURN: 161 caught 831 trout to 6lb. Bait: Chartreuse and Orange PowerBait, Magic Dust. Patterns: Cat’s Whisker, Dawson’s, Humungous. 700 stocked.

Stalker who bullied and harassed ex-girlfriend to the point she fled to a refuge is jailed

Peter Brown, 43, formerly of Carmel Gardens, Stockton, was jailed after a judge said he made his former girlfriend's life a misery

A stalker who bullied and harassed his ex-girlfriend to the point where she fled to a refuge is behind bars today.

Controlling boyfriend Peter William Brown, 43, couldn’t accept the split from his partner of five years, a court heard.

He was obsessed with the mistaken idea that she was seeing someone else, said a judge.

He phoned her, making bizarre claims, peeped into her bedroom window and stood listening outside the patio doors of her home nightly, said prosecutor Sue Jacobs.

He carried on pestering her in January and February, undeterred by a police warning and bail condition to keep away from her and a court appearance for damaging her home.

He phoned and texted her, saying he was lonely, hungry and penniless, trying to make her feel sorry for him, and texted her mother.

The messages became nastier and more offensive and abusive when she didn’t reply, Teesside Crown Court was told.

When she let him into her Stockton home to pacify him, he said: “Just tell me the truth about what’s going on.”

When she said she didn’t love him but there was no one else, he banged his fist, followed her to her car and banged on it.

He stole her purse and phone and used her cards to withdraw £500 to fund his drug habit.

He called her yet again and said: “I don’t think I can handle prison. It’ll be worse for you. You’ll be dead.”

Continuous calls and texts followed, saying “OK your funeral” and “are you pursuing the court case? I can’t go to jail”.

He wrote: “You’re pushing me over the edge. Please calm me down.

“I don’t want to hurt you. Please I beg you.”

He added: “Then you deserve what’s coming. So sorry.”

The victim of the campaign of harassment was given support by My Sister’s Place.

She said fear totally changed her behaviour during the relationship with Brown.

She had sleepless nights, affecting her work, was scared to stay at her home and had to go to a refuge.

She said she felt safe while he was in prison but feared what he’d do when released.

If he continued to stalk her, she said she would have to move out of the area.

Brown, formerly of Carmel Gardens, Stockton, admitted stalking causing fear of violence, intimidation, assault, three counts of theft and two of fraud. He told police he needed counselling.

Uzma Khan, defending, said Brown wanted to move on and get help.

A judge, Recorder Mark McKone, said Brown made his ex’s life a misery and left her in desperation after a “controlling, bullying and violent relationship”.

He said Brown was capable of leading a normal life and being a good dad to his children but the crimes were too persistent and serious to avoid prison.

He jailed Brown for two years and three months and gave him an indefinite restraining order.

English Heritage voices 'extreme disappointment' over designs for controversial Acklam Hall scheme

Proposals for housing to be built in the grounds of Acklam Hall unanimously approved by Middlesbrough Council’s planning committee

Heritage chiefs have expressed “extreme disappointment” with housing designs for the controversial Acklam Hall scheme.

English Heritage’s comments emerged as an online petition was launched against plans to build homes in the grounds of Middlesbrough’s only Grade 1 listed building.

Proposals for housing to be built in the grounds of Acklam Hall were unanimously approved by Middlesbrough Council’s planning committee earlier this month.

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Gallery: Development proposals for Acklam Hall site

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English Heritage had called on developers to further amend the housing designs to reflect the character of the town’s only Grade 1 listed building.

In a letter to Middlesbrough Council dated April 28, the heritage body described the amended scheme as “extremely disappointing”.

It said changes to the building designs were “minimal” and “make no attempt to reflect the distinctiveness of the site”.

Under the proposals, Acklam Hall would be turned into a wedding venue with spa, gym, conference facility and restaurant.

Taylor Wimpey also plans to build 56 ‘executive’ homes in the hall’s grounds. Land is also been earmarked for a GP surgery and nursing home.

A protest is being organised at Acklam Hall, off Hall Drive, on Saturday, May 17, at noon.

The online petition has been launched by Acklam resident Tim McGuinness.

It calls for the hall to be “restored to its former glory” and for the green space to be “saved for local residents”.

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Inside Acklam Hall

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Voicing his concerns in a letter to Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald, Mr McGuinness said: “This land should be designated as parkland, with the hall to be restored and then utilised in an appropriate and tasteful manor, not a historic backdrop for wealthy home makers.”

An English Heritage spokeswoman said: “We do appreciate the need for development in order to provide a sustainable future for the site and do not object to development at the site but amended proposals for the scheme are extremely disappointing.

“Acklam Hall is of exceptional national interest. One of the North East’s architectural jewels, it is among the top 2% of all listed buildings in England.”

Kevin Parkes, Middlesbrough Council’s executive director of neighbourhoods and communities, said the proposals would “generate the money needed to restore one of the region’s most important buildings”.

“The plans have widespread support from the local community.”

He said they had worked closely with the developer and English Heritage for a number of years to secure the future of “one of the jewels in Middlesbrough’s crown and the town’s only Grade 1 listed building”.

“A suitable housing developer is now central to the scheme, and amended plans were unanimously approved by the Council’s planning committee earlier this month, with English Heritage’s comments being taken into account.”

Gary Barlow and two Take That stars set to pay back more than £20m after court rules they avoided tax

Musicians avoided tax on around £63million from world tours and CD sales thanks to 'music-industry investment schemes'

Gary Barlow and two other Take That stars are set to pay back tens of millions of pounds in tax after a court ruled they were part of a tax avoidance scheme.

The singer-songwriter, Howard Donald, Mark Owen and manager Jonathan Wild poured £66million into two partnerships styled as music-industry investment schemes.

But the ventures were artificial tax shelters for the super-rich which allowed the musicians to avoid tax on about £63million from world tours and CD sales.

The Take That members are likely to be ordered to repay more than £20million to HM Revenue & Customs.

Tax judge Colin Bishopp rejected arguments that more than 50 partnerships, set up by a company called Icebreaker Management, had been set up for commercial purposes.

He said: “Icebreaker is, and was known and understood by all concerned to be, a tax avoidance scheme.

“The aim was to secure [tax] relief for members, and to inflate the scale of the relief by unnecessary borrowing."

Icebreaker partnerships did not make any profit despite investing in artists from unknowns to world famous stars like Sinead O’Connor, the judge found.

They made more than £300million for almost 1,000 investors.

Barlow, Donald and Owen had previously channelled £6.5million into a “highly aggressive” tax scheme called Liberty.

There is no suggestion that the other Take That members, Jason Orange and Robbie Williams, were investors.

Barlow, who was appointed OBE in 2012 for services to music and charity, was the biggest investor of the group members in both schemes.

The former X Factor judge, 43, is worth £60million according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2013.

In the past he has been praised for raising millions for charity in the UK.

Barlow’s fundraising efforts for BBC Children in Need included concerts with star names playing for free.

In 2013 they raised over £1.7 million and were described by the BBC as “amazing”.

In 2012 he arranged the Queen’s Jubilee concert and released charity single Sing which sold around 350,000 copies.

Barlow’s charity efforts in 2009, including his organising of the BT Comic Relief Kilimanjaro Climb and his organising of ‘Children in Need Rocks’, raised in excess £6 million.

He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II on 16 June 2012, which he was awarded on 21 November for “services to Music and to Charity”.

A spokesman for Take That declined to comment.

Molly Smitten-Downes 'loses voice' ahead of Eurovision 2014

27-year-old singer sipping on hot water and lemon in bid to get her vocal chords back in shape

UK Eurovision contender Molly Smitten-Downes could be forced to withdraw from the contest after losing her voice.

The singer was reportedly talking in a whisper while rehearsing for the show in Copenhagen and is sipping on hot water and honey.

It is thought mounting pressure ahead of the competition is taking its toll on the 27-year-old's vocal chords.

The Daily Star reported sources close to the star as confirming Molly was struggling with her voice and may have to withdraw.

Molly, who was born in Leicestershire, has been in the Danish capital rehearsing and doing media interviews all week.

At her Eurovision Song Contest 2014 grand final press conference on Friday, Molly said she wouldn't be having contact with anyone before her performance so she could 'get into the right space'.

She said: "I'm here to do a job. And I want to look back and be able to say I did OK. I'm not going to have done OK if I'm too busy dancing to everyone else's stuff.

"I'll probably try and have as little contact with people as I can."

Molly is currently fifth favourite to win, facing stiff competition from Sweden's Sanna Nielsen and Austria's Conchita Wurst.

*The grand final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest will air tonight, Saturday May 10, on BBC One at 8pm

Man dies following house fire in central Middlesbrough

A man in his sixties was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire at a house in Acton Street :: Fire is not believed to be suspicious

A man has died following a fire at a property in central Middlesbrough.

Emergency services were called to a report of a fire at an address on Acton Street shortly before 1am on Saturday 10th May.

Sadly a man in his sixties was pronounced dead at the scene.

At this stage the fire is not believed to be suspicious, however police would appeal for anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Jon Hagan on the non-emergency number 101.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Israelis intensify attacks on Christian sites

Just weeks before a visit by Pope Francis to the occupied East al-Quds (Jerusalem), the city is witnessing a rise in a string of racist attacks on Christian sites.

In the latest such incidents, extremist settlers have sprayed anti-Christian graffiti on the outside wall of a church in the occupied territories.

The Vatican urged Israel on Thursday to safeguard Christian sites in East al-Quds.

Israel is facing mounting pressure to rein in a spiraling wave of hate crimes by Israelis targeting Christian and Muslim religious sites, with new racist vandalism attacks being reported on an almost daily basis.

Despite hundreds of arrests as a result of hate crimes in Israel, no one has been prosecuted so far.

Also on Monday, the Vatican said graffiti reading “Death to Arabs and Christians and those who hate Israel” was daubed over offices belonging to the Assembly of Bishops at the Notre Dame center which is a Vatican-owned complex in the city.

Hate attacks also dubbed price tag attacks against Muslim and Christian properties are on the rise in Israel.

Price tag attacks are acts of vandalism and violence against Palestinians and their properties as well as Islamic holy sites.

The United Nations has recorded “399 attacks” of this kind by Israeli settlers, which have “resulted in Palestinian injuries or property damage.”

The al-Aqsa Mosque has been the scene of clashes in recent months following frequent visits by illegal Israeli settlers and officials to the Muslim holy site. Israeli forces also prevent Muslim worshipers from freely entering the mosque.

The al-Aqsa compound, which lies in the Israeli-occupied Old City of al-Quds, is a flashpoint.

In February, Israeli forces stormed the holy site during Friday prayers. Israeli soldiers fired rubber bullets and stun grenades at the people who were praying at the mosque. At least 20 people, including children, were wounded in the violence.

JR/AB

Parliament Road death: Suspected murder victim found at Gresham house is named

Natsnet Tekle Nasihi, aged in her twenties, was found at a 'multi-occupancy house' on Parliament Road in Middlesbrough

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Serious incident on Parliament Road in Middlesbrough

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A suspected murder victim found at a Middlesbrough house has been named.

A woman’s body was found in a terraced property on Parliament Road, Gresham, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The woman, in her twenties and a foreign national, has been named as Natsnet Tekle Nasihi.

A teenager has appeared in court charged with her murder.

At a hearing at Teesside Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Dawit Khasay, 19, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address through an interpreter.

Mr Khasay, of Maple Street, Middlesbrough, appeared from custody.

He is from Eritrea, and speaks the East African language Tigrinya.

He appeared for a short hearing in front of Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday, which was adjourned until today for an interpreter to attend court.

He has not yet entered any pleas and is remanded in custody.

Officers were called to a “multi-occupancy house” on Parliament Road at about 3.35am on Saturday by a concerned member of the public.

Over the weekend, a large area of Parliament Road was cordoned off with police tape as forensics officers worked inside the property while other officers carried out door-to-door inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Hunt appealed for anyone with information about the killing to call Cleveland Police on 101.

Ben Gibson targeting senior award after Boro Young Player of the Year double

It's been a breakthrough season for 21-year-old Ben Gibson, who made 33 first team appearances for the club he supported as a youngster

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Doug Moody Photography

After achieving a Young Player of the Year double, Ben Gibson is now targeting the senior award.

The talented defender was recognised by MFC Official Supporters’ Club and at Boro’s own awards ceremony, with fans voting via the Ramsdens website.

It’s been a breakthrough season for the 21-year-old, who made 33 first team appearances for the club he supported as a youngster.

He admits he targeted the Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 2012/13 season.

“That’s what I aimed to do,” he said. “I was at the Riverside with my dad last season and I said to him ‘if I could win Young Player of the Year next season it would have a been a good season for me’ so it’s been fantastic to have done that.

“For the fans to recognise my hard work is great and it is something I can build on for next season.

“I’ve progressed year on year and hopefully it’s something we can do next year not just as an individual but as a team.”

What about winning the Player of the year award next season? “I hope so, that would be nice,” he answered.

Gibson made two successful Wembley appearances during his loan spell with York City two years ago and, in 2012/13, he caught the eye during a stint in League One with Tranmere Rovers.”

Now he can call himself an established member of the Boro first team squad and as someone who watched his heroes from the Riverside stands, that means an awful lot.

“I grew up in this area and it was always my dream to play for this club so to do that is fantastic and something I want more of,” said the Teessider.

“I didn’t expect to make as many appearances as I have, it’s been a bonus and I’ve learned a hell of a lot.

“I’ve made some mistakes but I’ve learned a lot and developed a lot as a player and hopefully that will continue next season.

“As a unit we’ve tightened up a lot since the manager and the coaching staff have come in and to play with the likes of Rhys Williams, Jonathan Woodgate and Dani Ayala - all the defenders - it’s been a great experience and I can learn a lot from them.

“I have already and hopefully I can continue to learn from them.”

As a Boro fan, Gibson naturally wants to see the club back in the Premier League and remembers fondly the Carling Cup final victory over Bolton and the unforgettable UEFA Cup victories over Basel, Lazio and Steaua Bucharest.

“Hopefully we can bring those times back, not just for the club but also for the town,” he said.

“I went to those games and it was a fantastic time for Middlesbrough Football Club and for the town and they gave me some of my best memories and hopefully we can replicate those memories and give the kids in the town the same times I had growing up.”

Former Boro skipper Matthew Bates on the lookout for a new club

Matthew Bates played 23 games for Bradford City last season, but has not been offered a new contract by the club

Former Boro skipper Matthew Bates is on the lookout for a new club.

The 27-year-old defender has not been offered a new contract by Bradford City, despite playing 23 games for the League One club last season.

Bates left Boro in November 2012 after rejecting the club’s contract offer. He had been training at Rockliffe Park after making a successful recovery from a fourth cruciate knee ligament operation but was unable to agree personal terms and decided to try his luck elsewhere.

The former Egglescliffe School pupil joined Bristol City, making 13 Championship appearances for the struggling club, who were relegated at the end of that season.

Bates was a product of Boro’s Academy and was a key member of the side that won the FA Youth Cup final in 2004.

After leaving Bristol City he trained with League Two Hartlepool and manager Colin Cooper, a former team-mate of Bates’, was keen to sign him.

However, he opted to link up with Phil Parkinson at Bradford.

Other former players on the lookout for new clubs include defender Jonathan Grounds, who is understood to be weighing up several offers after opting to leave Oldham Athletic.

Latics boss Lee Johnson said: “It’s with great sadness that people have to leave the football club but I wish the players every success in the future and thank them for their efforts with Oldham Athletic.”

Windsurfer taken to hospital after getting into difficulty near Redcar offshore windfarm

Redcar Lifeboat Station launched both lifeboats to search for the man, believed to be in his early 70s, after he was reported missing

A windsurfer was left in a critical condition in intensive care after getting into difficulty while out at sea.

The man, believed to be in his early 70s, was windsurfing near Redcar offshore windfarm when he was reported missing yesterday afternoon.

A frantic search then got under way, with Redcar lifeboats, as well as boats from the Teesside offshore wind farm, being launched in attempt to find him.

The man was eventually discovered, reportedly face down in the water, by a kitesurfer.

He was rushed to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where he remained in intensive care last night.

Humber coastguards were alerted to at 2.13pm when the windsurfer’s friend reported him missing.

“We were alerted by a friend of his who had said he had disappeared and hadn’t come back in,” said a spokesman.

“He had been missing for about 20 minutes.”

Redcar Lifeboat Station launched both of its lifeboats to search for the windsurfer.

“We also had some of the standby vehicles from the windfarm which started to look for him,” he added.

“He was eventually found by a kitesurfer who had spotted him in the water.

“He started to recover the windsurfer before the RNLI took over and brought him in.

“They provided medical assistance on the beach until the ambulance arrived.”

“The initial report was that he was about half to three-quaters of a mile offshore drifting towards to windfarm,” said the spokesman.

“He was found in that area - which is a big area.

“All we now know is that he is intensive care,” he added.

Mark Watson, was out windsurfing yesterday, but was not at the scene of the time of the incident.

The 44-year-old from Chester le Street said: “I am not local but have seen the man down here before.

“Some of the local lads who know him were really shook up and didn’t want to go back in the water afterwards.

“When the conditions get difficult it can be easy to get caught out or can be easy to get stranded if the wind isn’t strong enough to bring you back to shore.”

Five start-up businesses in Middlesbrough picked for national TestTown scheme

TestTown initiative offers budding entrepreneurs aged 16-30 business mentoring and opportunity to road test ideas in town centre premises

Five start-up businesses in Middlesbrough have been picked to take part in a project aiming to breathe new life into the nation’s high streets.

Those taking part in TestTown Middlesbrough 2014 are an interior design service, a Taiwanese tea room and art gallery, a fashion label, a 3D printer and personalised product maker, and a company offering advert opportunities for businesses.

Earlier this year the charity Carnegie UK Trust announced that Middlesbrough was one of seven towns and cities nationally to take part in the TestTown initiative.

The scheme, supported by Middlesbrough Council and Middlesbrough College, offered budding entrepreneurs aged 16-30 business mentoring and an opportunity to road test their ideas in town centre premises.

Those selected to take part from Middlesbrough are:

Moments in 3D - a portable 3D printing business producing portraits and bespoke models in Hillstreet;

Major London 5 - a bespoke fashion business, making and selling printed urbanwear in Hillstreet;

Fusion Designs - a new popup home interior design and accessories studio and shop, targeted at younger consumers on Dundas Street;

Bubble CreativiTea - a beverage business selling traditional Bubble Tea from Taiwan, with everything in the café including furniture being up for sale in Dundas Arcade.

Yummy Ads - an advertising company selling space on branded coffee cups and tray covers, and paying schools and colleges for using them in-house, based in Dundas Arcade.

On May 23 and 24, after four days of mentoring and training, these five businesses will be given their own retail unit to showcase their idea and compete for the chance to take part in the national final of TestTown.

The regional winner will also claim £500 start-up funding. The overall national winner will secure a £10,000 investment in their business and ongoing support from Carnegie UK Trust and its partners.

The seven participating towns are Middlesbrough, Coleraine, Rhyl, Kirkintilloch, Bury St Edmunds, Manchester and Perth.

TestTown Middlesbrough has been supported by Hillstreet shopping centre (owned by NewRiver Retail) and the Dundas Arcade, which have provided units for the finalists.

The TestTown Project aims to utilise some of the 50,000 vacant shop units in town centres across the country, as well as offering a new opportunity to people aged 16-30.

During the 2013 pilot TestTown project, sales of over £10,000 were taken during the trading week and footfall in the trading streets doubled.