26 apr 2013
Violent clashes erupt in fields threatened with confiscation near Silwad
Violent clashes broke out on Friday between Israeli forces and Palestinian citizens, who came to perform Friday prayers in their fields threatened with confiscation near the town of Silwad to the east of the occupied city of Ramallah.
Thousands of citizens from the towns of Silwad and Deir Jarir headed towards the lands located in the north of their hometowns and performed Friday prayers there. They have also tried to reach a hill controlled by the Jewish settlers, when the occupation forces started firing gas grenades and rubber bullets towards them.
Eyewitnesses told PIC's correspondent in Ramallah that the Israeli soldiers have also used live ammunition against the citizens in an attempt to intimidate the owners of the agricultural lands and deter the demonstrators.
Dozens of citizens suffered from suffocation, while medical teams could not reach the place because of its distance from the main street.
An Israeli soldier from the border guards was also injured as he was hit by a stone during the confrontations
The villages located in the east of Ramallah are witnessing a state of tension due to the settlers' continuous attacks on the villagers' farms.
Thousands of citizens from the towns of Silwad and Deir Jarir headed towards the lands located in the north of their hometowns and performed Friday prayers there. They have also tried to reach a hill controlled by the Jewish settlers, when the occupation forces started firing gas grenades and rubber bullets towards them.
Eyewitnesses told PIC's correspondent in Ramallah that the Israeli soldiers have also used live ammunition against the citizens in an attempt to intimidate the owners of the agricultural lands and deter the demonstrators.
Dozens of citizens suffered from suffocation, while medical teams could not reach the place because of its distance from the main street.
An Israeli soldier from the border guards was also injured as he was hit by a stone during the confrontations
The villages located in the east of Ramallah are witnessing a state of tension due to the settlers' continuous attacks on the villagers' farms.
Israel Uproots Trees To Prepare For New Settlement In Bethlehem
Israeli bulldozers uprooted dozens of trees on a hill close to the Jabal Abu Ghneim (Har Homa) illegal settlement, east of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, in order to pave a new road that leads to a planned settlement neighborhood of 3000 homes for Jewish settlers.
Bethlehem Governor, Abdul-Fattah Hamayil, stated that the new violation is part of a decision made by the Jerusalem City Council to build more illegal settlement units on Palestinian lands in the area.
Hamayil added that the lands in question are not part of Area A (under Palestinian control), but are located behind the illegal Israeli Annexation Wall built in the area. He said that part of these lands are being planted by their owners, and that the army did not inform the residents of its intensions to uproot the lands.
The governor called on the owners of the lands to bring land deeds and all legal documents to the Legal Unit at his office in order to file appeals in Israeli courts against the latest violation.
Settlements Researcher at the Applied Research Institute (ARIJ) Suheil Khaliliyya, stated that the road Israel is preparing for is part of settlement neighborhood “C” that includes 3000 units, and that Israel is planning to construct 800 in the first phase.
Khaliliyya said that Israel did not give landowners any legal notices as the Jerusalem City Council refers to “Har Homa” as part of Jerusalem, and not as a settlement.
He further stated that, two years ago, Israel built a water distillation plant in “Har Homa C”, as an apparent preparation for more construction and expansion of the settlements.
The researcher said that the current phase includes the construction of two settlement neighborhoods in the area, referred to as C and D, and that each neighborhood will include 3000 units.
The project is also meant to link between Givat Hamatos, Gilo and Har Homa.
He added that the constructions are meant to boost the settlement belt that aims at isolating Jerusalem from Bethlehem, effectively preventing a viable “peace agreement” that would lead to an independent and contiguous Palestinian state.
On his part, Hasan Breijiyya, coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall in Bethlehem, said that what happen in Abu Ghneim is similar to what Israel recently did in Teqoua’ village, east of Bethlehem, as the army uprooted Palestinian trees close to a settlement outpost near the village in order to expand the outpost on the expense of Palestinian lands and property.
Israel’s settlement in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem are built in direct violation of International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
Israel’s settlements and its Annexation Wall are turning the West Bank into isolated ghettoes, and are isolating the villagers from their own orchards and farmlands.
Bethlehem Governor, Abdul-Fattah Hamayil, stated that the new violation is part of a decision made by the Jerusalem City Council to build more illegal settlement units on Palestinian lands in the area.
Hamayil added that the lands in question are not part of Area A (under Palestinian control), but are located behind the illegal Israeli Annexation Wall built in the area. He said that part of these lands are being planted by their owners, and that the army did not inform the residents of its intensions to uproot the lands.
The governor called on the owners of the lands to bring land deeds and all legal documents to the Legal Unit at his office in order to file appeals in Israeli courts against the latest violation.
Settlements Researcher at the Applied Research Institute (ARIJ) Suheil Khaliliyya, stated that the road Israel is preparing for is part of settlement neighborhood “C” that includes 3000 units, and that Israel is planning to construct 800 in the first phase.
Khaliliyya said that Israel did not give landowners any legal notices as the Jerusalem City Council refers to “Har Homa” as part of Jerusalem, and not as a settlement.
He further stated that, two years ago, Israel built a water distillation plant in “Har Homa C”, as an apparent preparation for more construction and expansion of the settlements.
The researcher said that the current phase includes the construction of two settlement neighborhoods in the area, referred to as C and D, and that each neighborhood will include 3000 units.
The project is also meant to link between Givat Hamatos, Gilo and Har Homa.
He added that the constructions are meant to boost the settlement belt that aims at isolating Jerusalem from Bethlehem, effectively preventing a viable “peace agreement” that would lead to an independent and contiguous Palestinian state.
On his part, Hasan Breijiyya, coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall in Bethlehem, said that what happen in Abu Ghneim is similar to what Israel recently did in Teqoua’ village, east of Bethlehem, as the army uprooted Palestinian trees close to a settlement outpost near the village in order to expand the outpost on the expense of Palestinian lands and property.
Israel’s settlement in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem are built in direct violation of International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
Israel’s settlements and its Annexation Wall are turning the West Bank into isolated ghettoes, and are isolating the villagers from their own orchards and farmlands.
25 apr 2013
Soldiers Uproot 700 Olive Trees Near Jenin
Thursday April 25, 2013; Israeli soldiers uprooted more than 700 olive trees in Arraba area, close to the Dotan illegal Israeli settlement, near Arraba village, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin.
Local sources reported that the olive trees belong to resident Mahmoud Ad-Daheedy, from Arraba, and that the trees were planed more than seven years ago.
The Maan News Agency reported that legislator Najat Abu Baker called on human rights and legal groups to investigate the assault and oblige Israel to compensate the farmers for their losses, especially since uprooting trees and farmlands is a policy used by Israel, and its settlers, in occupied Palestine.
It is worth mentioning that Israeli settlers are also responsible for hundreds of attacks targeting Palestinian orchards, farmlands, homes and property in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem.
These attacks include uprooting and cutting trees, burning trees and farmlands, burning Palestinian cars and property, in addition to defacing and torching several mosques and churches and writing racist graffiti against the Arabs, Muslims and Christians.
Local sources reported that the olive trees belong to resident Mahmoud Ad-Daheedy, from Arraba, and that the trees were planed more than seven years ago.
The Maan News Agency reported that legislator Najat Abu Baker called on human rights and legal groups to investigate the assault and oblige Israel to compensate the farmers for their losses, especially since uprooting trees and farmlands is a policy used by Israel, and its settlers, in occupied Palestine.
It is worth mentioning that Israeli settlers are also responsible for hundreds of attacks targeting Palestinian orchards, farmlands, homes and property in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem.
These attacks include uprooting and cutting trees, burning trees and farmlands, burning Palestinian cars and property, in addition to defacing and torching several mosques and churches and writing racist graffiti against the Arabs, Muslims and Christians.
Army Invades Khan Younis, Uproots Farmlands
Thursday April 25, 2013; several armored Israeli military vehicles and bulldozers invaded an area east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, and uprooted Palestinian farmlands before withdrawing.
The Palestine News Network (PNN) reported that three military bulldozers and four tanks stationed in military camps across the border, advanced nearly 300 meters into Palestinian farmlands, uprooted the lands, and raised sand barriers while firing live ammunition at random.
On Wednesday, the army invaded Beit Hanoun, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, and uprooted Palestinian farmlands.
The attacks are part of ongoing violations against the farmers trying to farm their lands close to the border fence in the coastal region. The army repeatedly opens fire at the farmers in an attempt to force them out of their lands; dozens of casualties have been reported.
IOF soldiers raid southern Gaza
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) raided the eastern areas of Khan Younis, south of Gaza Strip, at dawn Thursday amidst intermittent firing.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that four IOF tanks escorted three military bulldozers that advanced 300 meters in agricultural land to the east of Abbasan Al-Kabira while firing at random.
The sources said that the bulldozers leveled land and erected sand barriers.
IOF troops on Wednesday advanced into northern Gaza Strip and leveled land near Beit Hanun town.
All Israeli army infiltrations into Gaza Strip areas are in violation of the calm agreement concluded with Palestinian resistance factions in Cairo last November under Egyptian patronage.
The Palestine News Network (PNN) reported that three military bulldozers and four tanks stationed in military camps across the border, advanced nearly 300 meters into Palestinian farmlands, uprooted the lands, and raised sand barriers while firing live ammunition at random.
On Wednesday, the army invaded Beit Hanoun, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, and uprooted Palestinian farmlands.
The attacks are part of ongoing violations against the farmers trying to farm their lands close to the border fence in the coastal region. The army repeatedly opens fire at the farmers in an attempt to force them out of their lands; dozens of casualties have been reported.
IOF soldiers raid southern Gaza
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) raided the eastern areas of Khan Younis, south of Gaza Strip, at dawn Thursday amidst intermittent firing.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that four IOF tanks escorted three military bulldozers that advanced 300 meters in agricultural land to the east of Abbasan Al-Kabira while firing at random.
The sources said that the bulldozers leveled land and erected sand barriers.
IOF troops on Wednesday advanced into northern Gaza Strip and leveled land near Beit Hanun town.
All Israeli army infiltrations into Gaza Strip areas are in violation of the calm agreement concluded with Palestinian resistance factions in Cairo last November under Egyptian patronage.
IOA bulldozers demolish six Jerusalemite buildings
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) razed a number of apartments and shops in Khilla suburb east of the Old City of occupied Jerusalem. The Wadi Hilwa information center said that Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished the apartment and the shops on Wednesday.
It said that the buildings were owned by two Jerusalemites and were razed at the pretext of lack of construction permits.
The center said that the 500 square meters buildings were ready for use as they were completed in August 2012 at a cost of around 165,000 dollars.
It pointed out that an Israeli court had ordered the demolition of the buildings in May 2013 but the municipality suddenly demolished them on 24th April.
It said that the buildings were owned by two Jerusalemites and were razed at the pretext of lack of construction permits.
The center said that the 500 square meters buildings were ready for use as they were completed in August 2012 at a cost of around 165,000 dollars.
It pointed out that an Israeli court had ordered the demolition of the buildings in May 2013 but the municipality suddenly demolished them on 24th April.
IOA serves notices for the demolition of clinic, houses in Al-Khalil
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) served demolition notices to owners of four Palestinian houses and a medical clinic in Yatta town in Al-Khalil on Wednesday evening.
Ratib Al-Jabour, the coordinator of the popular committee in Yatta, said that the four houses are owned by two brothers in Eqawaris area.
He said that the demolition notifications also included a medical clinic that is still under construction in Susiya and that was supposed to extend medical services to more than 145 people inhabiting that area.
Ratib Al-Jabour, the coordinator of the popular committee in Yatta, said that the four houses are owned by two brothers in Eqawaris area.
He said that the demolition notifications also included a medical clinic that is still under construction in Susiya and that was supposed to extend medical services to more than 145 people inhabiting that area.
24 apr 2013
Israel Demolishes House in East Jerusalem
The West Jerusalem municipality workers Wednesday demolished three apartments of a building under the pretext of building without a permit, in the town of Al-Tor in East Jerusalem, according to the house owner.
Kayid Jaradat told WAFA that this is the third time the Israeli municipality workers demolish his house despite the fact that he obtained all the required papers to stop the demolition.
He added that the 500-square-meters apartments were to house 40 of his family members including three blind and six disabled members.
Ahmad Sob-Laban, the Jerusalem affairs field researcher, told WAFA that since 1967 the Israeli municipality gave four thousand construction permits to Palestinians in Jerusalem; whereas 52 thousand permits were given to Jewish settlers.
He added “this systematic policy of the Israeli occupation aims to empty Jerusalem of its rightful residents.”
He continued that nearly 20 thousand homes are exposed to demolition in East Jerusalem and that the Jerusalem municipality demolishes up to 100 houses each year as part of its transmigration policy.
Kayid Jaradat told WAFA that this is the third time the Israeli municipality workers demolish his house despite the fact that he obtained all the required papers to stop the demolition.
He added that the 500-square-meters apartments were to house 40 of his family members including three blind and six disabled members.
Ahmad Sob-Laban, the Jerusalem affairs field researcher, told WAFA that since 1967 the Israeli municipality gave four thousand construction permits to Palestinians in Jerusalem; whereas 52 thousand permits were given to Jewish settlers.
He added “this systematic policy of the Israeli occupation aims to empty Jerusalem of its rightful residents.”
He continued that nearly 20 thousand homes are exposed to demolition in East Jerusalem and that the Jerusalem municipality demolishes up to 100 houses each year as part of its transmigration policy.
Israel to Evacuate around 100 Jordan Valley Families
The Israeli authorities Wednesday informed around 100 families of Wadi Al Malih, in the Jordan Valley, that they have until Monday to evacuate their shacks and move somewhere else, according to a local official.
Aref Daraghme, head of al-Maleh local council, said that Israeli forces informed the residents of the area to evacuate their shacks and tents temporarily for military training, which will force them to eventually leave their homes.
He added that using live bullets during the military training will put the residents and their cattle’s life in risk.
Daraghme said that this is not the first time Israeli soldiers force residents to evacuate their homes.
Aref Daraghme, head of al-Maleh local council, said that Israeli forces informed the residents of the area to evacuate their shacks and tents temporarily for military training, which will force them to eventually leave their homes.
He added that using live bullets during the military training will put the residents and their cattle’s life in risk.
Daraghme said that this is not the first time Israeli soldiers force residents to evacuate their homes.
Israeli forces demolish 3 homes near Hebron
Israeli forces on Wednesday demolished three homes in al-Arrub refugee camp in Hebron, a local official said.
Israeli bulldozers, accompanied by a large military force, entered the al-Bassah area of the camp and demolished the home of Omar Muheisen and two others under construction, popular committee head Ahmad Abu Kheiran told Ma'an.
Camp residents are afraid that more homes could be under threat of demolition, he added.
Between 1999 to 2004, Israel demolished 1,049 homes and other structures in the occupied West Bank, according to B'Tselem.
In 2013, 234 people have been left homeless, including 129 children, by Israeli house demolitions in the West Bank, not including East Jerusalem.
IOA razes three homes in Aroub refugee camp
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) razed three Palestinian homes in Aroub refugee camp, north of Al-Khalil, at dawn Wednesday. Ahmed Abu Khairan, a spokesman for the popular committee in the camp, said that Israeli occupation forces stormed the camp at the early dawn hours and used huge bulldozers to raze the three houses.
He said that the bulldozers destroyed two houses for Muhaisen family and a third one that was still under construction.
Omar Muhaisen, an owner of one of the houses, said that the bulldozers inflicted damages on other installations while destroying the houses.
He added that the demolition falls in line with the IOA scheme to prevent the camp inhabitants from building more houses on the four corners of the camp.
Israeli bulldozers, accompanied by a large military force, entered the al-Bassah area of the camp and demolished the home of Omar Muheisen and two others under construction, popular committee head Ahmad Abu Kheiran told Ma'an.
Camp residents are afraid that more homes could be under threat of demolition, he added.
Between 1999 to 2004, Israel demolished 1,049 homes and other structures in the occupied West Bank, according to B'Tselem.
In 2013, 234 people have been left homeless, including 129 children, by Israeli house demolitions in the West Bank, not including East Jerusalem.
IOA razes three homes in Aroub refugee camp
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) razed three Palestinian homes in Aroub refugee camp, north of Al-Khalil, at dawn Wednesday. Ahmed Abu Khairan, a spokesman for the popular committee in the camp, said that Israeli occupation forces stormed the camp at the early dawn hours and used huge bulldozers to raze the three houses.
He said that the bulldozers destroyed two houses for Muhaisen family and a third one that was still under construction.
Omar Muhaisen, an owner of one of the houses, said that the bulldozers inflicted damages on other installations while destroying the houses.
He added that the demolition falls in line with the IOA scheme to prevent the camp inhabitants from building more houses on the four corners of the camp.
Israel demolishes East Jerusalem buildings
Israeli forces demolished several residential and commercial buildings in East Jerusalem on Wednesday, locals said.
Israeli bulldozers, accompanied by military forces, arrived in the neighborhood of At-Tur and demolished a building under construction containing three apartments, owner of the property Khamini Hamdan told Ma'an.
Three shops connected to the building were also destroyed, he added.
The buildings were destroyed under the pretext that they lacked construction permits, although Hamdan said he has been trying to obtain building permission for over 6 months.
Kayed Jaradat, a joint owner of the property, said he had obtained a court-order to suspend demolition orders on the building until May, saying that the construction cost of the property was over 600,000 shekels ($166,000).
Two nearby apartments were evacuated during the demolition, with 40 people forced to leave their homes temporarily.
Since 2004, Israel has demolished 442 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem, leaving 1,746 people, including 945 children, homeless, according to B'Tselem.
Palestinian homes are usually demolished under the pretext of not having a building permit. Figures from Israeli NGO Bimkom show that 95 percent of Palestinian applications for a building permit are rejected.
Rights groups say that Israel implements a series of discriminatory practices in housing, planning, residency rights and budget allocation in East Jerusalem, with the aim of reducing the number of Palestinians living in the city.
Israeli bulldozers, accompanied by military forces, arrived in the neighborhood of At-Tur and demolished a building under construction containing three apartments, owner of the property Khamini Hamdan told Ma'an.
Three shops connected to the building were also destroyed, he added.
The buildings were destroyed under the pretext that they lacked construction permits, although Hamdan said he has been trying to obtain building permission for over 6 months.
Kayed Jaradat, a joint owner of the property, said he had obtained a court-order to suspend demolition orders on the building until May, saying that the construction cost of the property was over 600,000 shekels ($166,000).
Two nearby apartments were evacuated during the demolition, with 40 people forced to leave their homes temporarily.
Since 2004, Israel has demolished 442 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem, leaving 1,746 people, including 945 children, homeless, according to B'Tselem.
Palestinian homes are usually demolished under the pretext of not having a building permit. Figures from Israeli NGO Bimkom show that 95 percent of Palestinian applications for a building permit are rejected.
Rights groups say that Israel implements a series of discriminatory practices in housing, planning, residency rights and budget allocation in East Jerusalem, with the aim of reducing the number of Palestinians living in the city.
23 apr 2013
IOF destroys Palestinian agricultural facilities in the Jordan Valley
Israeli Occupation Forces have demolished on Tuesday Palestinian agricultural facilities in al-Maleh area in the northern Jordan Valley.
The chairman of the Local Council in Wadi al-Maleh and Bedouin villages, Aref Daraghmeh, told Quds Press that Israeli force accompanied by bulldozers stormed on Tuesday Wadi al-Maleh area and demolished the farmers' tents and agricultural facilities.
The IOF targeted 18 tents and barns for livestock breeding, causing considerable material damage, Daraghmeh confirmed, pointing that the demolition process came in light of the Israeli continued target to the Jordan Valley under the pretext of being a military zone.
The chairman of the Local Council in Wadi al-Maleh and Bedouin villages, Aref Daraghmeh, told Quds Press that Israeli force accompanied by bulldozers stormed on Tuesday Wadi al-Maleh area and demolished the farmers' tents and agricultural facilities.
The IOF targeted 18 tents and barns for livestock breeding, causing considerable material damage, Daraghmeh confirmed, pointing that the demolition process came in light of the Israeli continued target to the Jordan Valley under the pretext of being a military zone.
Israel destroys over 1,000 olive trees in Hebron village
Israeli forces destroyed over 1,300 olive trees in the south Hebron hills on Tuesday.
Israeli soldiers accompanied officials from Israel's civil administration as demolition crews uprooted hundreds of olive trees in the village of Susiya, Ma'an's reporter said.
According to B'Tselem, there are 26 outstanding Israeli demolition orders in the village.
In February 2012, right-wing settler advocacy group Regavim petitioned Israel's supreme court on behalf of an Israeli settlement overshadowing the village, calling for Israeli authorities to implement the demolition orders.
Meanwhile, settlers from Karmi Tzur uprooted 30 olive trees east of Halhul, local Saeed Madiyah told Ma'an.
In al-Malih and al-Madareb, in the Jordan Valley, Israeli forces demolished 15 animal shelters belonging to Bedouins in the area.
In Hizma, north of Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished shelters belonging to Nayef al-Ashab.
Al-Ashab told Ma'an he used the shelters to store produce for his shop and that he was not warned they would be demolished. The goods were all destroyed in the demolition, he said.
Israeli soldiers accompanied officials from Israel's civil administration as demolition crews uprooted hundreds of olive trees in the village of Susiya, Ma'an's reporter said.
According to B'Tselem, there are 26 outstanding Israeli demolition orders in the village.
In February 2012, right-wing settler advocacy group Regavim petitioned Israel's supreme court on behalf of an Israeli settlement overshadowing the village, calling for Israeli authorities to implement the demolition orders.
Meanwhile, settlers from Karmi Tzur uprooted 30 olive trees east of Halhul, local Saeed Madiyah told Ma'an.
In al-Malih and al-Madareb, in the Jordan Valley, Israeli forces demolished 15 animal shelters belonging to Bedouins in the area.
In Hizma, north of Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished shelters belonging to Nayef al-Ashab.
Al-Ashab told Ma'an he used the shelters to store produce for his shop and that he was not warned they would be demolished. The goods were all destroyed in the demolition, he said.
22 apr 2013
PA rejects increased army presence in flashpoint village
The Palestinian Authority rejected on Monday a request by Israel to bolster troop presence in a flashpoint Bethlehem village in Area C, the city's governor said.
Abed al-Fatah Hamayal said Israel wanted to increase its army's presence in the Umm Rukba area of the al-Khader village after clashes erupted between residents and soldiers over the past week, leaving dozens injured.
The governor said Israel has barred the PA from exercising security control over Umm Rukba because it is located near a bypass road used by Israeli settlers to access the nearby Efrat settlement.
The PA is prepared to take control over Area C "fully and permanently," Hamayel added.
Over 60 percent of the West Bank is considered Area C, where Israel retains extensive control over security, planning and zoning, according to the UN. Approximately 300,000 settlers currently live in Area C.
Meanwhile, Popular Committee Against Settlements and the Wall coordinator in the village Ahmad Salah said 20 homes in Umm Rukba were threatened with demolition to make way for Israel's construction of the wall.
Salah said if the PA were to take over security control, it would require Israeli citizens to receive prior coordination to enter the area.
Protests have been ongoing for a month in the Umm Rukba area in the village in solidarity with hunger strikers in Israeli jails.
Abed al-Fatah Hamayal said Israel wanted to increase its army's presence in the Umm Rukba area of the al-Khader village after clashes erupted between residents and soldiers over the past week, leaving dozens injured.
The governor said Israel has barred the PA from exercising security control over Umm Rukba because it is located near a bypass road used by Israeli settlers to access the nearby Efrat settlement.
The PA is prepared to take control over Area C "fully and permanently," Hamayel added.
Over 60 percent of the West Bank is considered Area C, where Israel retains extensive control over security, planning and zoning, according to the UN. Approximately 300,000 settlers currently live in Area C.
Meanwhile, Popular Committee Against Settlements and the Wall coordinator in the village Ahmad Salah said 20 homes in Umm Rukba were threatened with demolition to make way for Israel's construction of the wall.
Salah said if the PA were to take over security control, it would require Israeli citizens to receive prior coordination to enter the area.
Protests have been ongoing for a month in the Umm Rukba area in the village in solidarity with hunger strikers in Israeli jails.
20 apr 2013
Entire community faces demolition orders, move to Jordan Valley. Civil Administration: We are trying to improve living standards of both Palestinians, Israelis
Id Khamis Jahalin sits in his sparsely furnished, illegally-built shack, and worries about his future. A father of seven, he was born in this community of tents and shacks about 10 miles east of Jerusalem.
Sitting on a thin mattress that substitutes for a couch during the day and a bed at night, Id Khamis told The Media Line that a new Israeli plan to relocate the Jahalin Bedouin community, “is the worst one yet. It is not appropriate for us at all. The place they want to move us to is surrounded on all four sides and it is very crowded. I am a Bedouin and I want to live like my parents.”
Id Khamis says he used to have more than 100 goats, but as grazing land became more limited, he ate or sold most of them. He also used to work in nearby Jewish communities built on post-1967 land such as Kfar Adumim, less than a mile away. But in 2009, when residents illegally built a new school out of mud and tires, He says all of the Bedouin here lost their jobs.
Since all of the homes are built without the approval of government authorities, there is no access to water or electricity. Id Khamis has installed solar panels outside which produce enough power to run a television and lights. He has no refrigerator. “My wife has to work very hard preparing all of the food fresh,” he says with a smile. 'They are living there illegally' Several years ago, Israel tried to move these Jahalin Bedouin, along with 22 other communities - a total of 2300 people - to another location near a garbage dump. Israeli lawyers hired by human rights organizations appealed to Israel’s Supreme Court to thwart that plan. Id Khamis says the new plan is even worse.
“This is private land. It is not appropriate for Bedouin. It’s like a prison. It is surrounded on all four sides. I am a Bedouin…but this is not acceptable to me. Israelis wouldn’t want to live like this, either.” Id Khamis says Israel is trying to remove all Palestinians from Area C, the 60% of land Israel acquired in the 1967 war over which it continues to hold both security and administrative control pursuant to the 1994 Oslo Accords. He sees it as proof that Israel is not interested in a long-term peace with the Palestinians.
“Once they have removed all the people, they will say that the land belongs to them,” Id Khamis argues. “This is like the last bullet in the head of the peace process.” Israeli officials say the plan has not been finalized and they are not sure why the Jahalin are launching their objections now. “They are living there illegally and we are looking at a series of options,” Guy Inbar, spokesman for the Civil Administration, the Israeli body which administers the post-1967 areas, told The Media Line.
“One option is to relocate them to the Jordan Valley. We are working with the Palestinian Authority on a proposal for 800 building units, but it has not been decided.” Inbar said the plan is being drafted by a Palestinian company was awarded the project in a bidding process, and that Israel is simply trying to improve the Jahalins’ quality of life. “We are trying to improve the living standards of both Palestinians and Israelis,” he said. “We want the Bedouin to live in an area where they get all the infrastructure they need, like water and electricity, instead of living in tents that could be demolished.”
All of the structures in this village, including the school, have outstanding Israeli demolition orders against them. Inbar said he was not sure why the plan’s detractors were coming forward now but insisted that nothing has been finalized. But attorney Shlomo Lecker, who showed The Media Line a copy of the plan, said he had information that it will be presented in the next 2-3 weeks. “The homes will be built on the outskirts of Jericho in Area A (which is under complete Palestinian control),” he explained. “Then Israel will use it as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Palestinians. They will offer to give the Palestinians this area in exchange for annexing part of Area C – (where there are Israeli communities built on post-1967 lands).”
Lecker also says that temperatures in the Jordan Valley reach 120 degrees during the summer and most Bedouin will not be able to afford air conditioning.
Speaking to The Media Line, Stephen Wilkinson of the non-profit organization Dikania explained the position of those who accuse Israel of violating international law, a charge it denies. “According to the Geneva Convention, Israel, as the occupying power, has very clear obligations when it comes to the occupied people, in this case the Bedouin. Forcible transfer of protected populations is prohibited. International law can be very complicated, but on this issue it’s very clear that it is illegal,” he charged.
Id Khamis Jahalin sits in his sparsely furnished, illegally-built shack, and worries about his future. A father of seven, he was born in this community of tents and shacks about 10 miles east of Jerusalem.
Sitting on a thin mattress that substitutes for a couch during the day and a bed at night, Id Khamis told The Media Line that a new Israeli plan to relocate the Jahalin Bedouin community, “is the worst one yet. It is not appropriate for us at all. The place they want to move us to is surrounded on all four sides and it is very crowded. I am a Bedouin and I want to live like my parents.”
Id Khamis says he used to have more than 100 goats, but as grazing land became more limited, he ate or sold most of them. He also used to work in nearby Jewish communities built on post-1967 land such as Kfar Adumim, less than a mile away. But in 2009, when residents illegally built a new school out of mud and tires, He says all of the Bedouin here lost their jobs.
Since all of the homes are built without the approval of government authorities, there is no access to water or electricity. Id Khamis has installed solar panels outside which produce enough power to run a television and lights. He has no refrigerator. “My wife has to work very hard preparing all of the food fresh,” he says with a smile. 'They are living there illegally' Several years ago, Israel tried to move these Jahalin Bedouin, along with 22 other communities - a total of 2300 people - to another location near a garbage dump. Israeli lawyers hired by human rights organizations appealed to Israel’s Supreme Court to thwart that plan. Id Khamis says the new plan is even worse.
“This is private land. It is not appropriate for Bedouin. It’s like a prison. It is surrounded on all four sides. I am a Bedouin…but this is not acceptable to me. Israelis wouldn’t want to live like this, either.” Id Khamis says Israel is trying to remove all Palestinians from Area C, the 60% of land Israel acquired in the 1967 war over which it continues to hold both security and administrative control pursuant to the 1994 Oslo Accords. He sees it as proof that Israel is not interested in a long-term peace with the Palestinians.
“Once they have removed all the people, they will say that the land belongs to them,” Id Khamis argues. “This is like the last bullet in the head of the peace process.” Israeli officials say the plan has not been finalized and they are not sure why the Jahalin are launching their objections now. “They are living there illegally and we are looking at a series of options,” Guy Inbar, spokesman for the Civil Administration, the Israeli body which administers the post-1967 areas, told The Media Line.
“One option is to relocate them to the Jordan Valley. We are working with the Palestinian Authority on a proposal for 800 building units, but it has not been decided.” Inbar said the plan is being drafted by a Palestinian company was awarded the project in a bidding process, and that Israel is simply trying to improve the Jahalins’ quality of life. “We are trying to improve the living standards of both Palestinians and Israelis,” he said. “We want the Bedouin to live in an area where they get all the infrastructure they need, like water and electricity, instead of living in tents that could be demolished.”
All of the structures in this village, including the school, have outstanding Israeli demolition orders against them. Inbar said he was not sure why the plan’s detractors were coming forward now but insisted that nothing has been finalized. But attorney Shlomo Lecker, who showed The Media Line a copy of the plan, said he had information that it will be presented in the next 2-3 weeks. “The homes will be built on the outskirts of Jericho in Area A (which is under complete Palestinian control),” he explained. “Then Israel will use it as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Palestinians. They will offer to give the Palestinians this area in exchange for annexing part of Area C – (where there are Israeli communities built on post-1967 lands).”
Lecker also says that temperatures in the Jordan Valley reach 120 degrees during the summer and most Bedouin will not be able to afford air conditioning.
Speaking to The Media Line, Stephen Wilkinson of the non-profit organization Dikania explained the position of those who accuse Israel of violating international law, a charge it denies. “According to the Geneva Convention, Israel, as the occupying power, has very clear obligations when it comes to the occupied people, in this case the Bedouin. Forcible transfer of protected populations is prohibited. International law can be very complicated, but on this issue it’s very clear that it is illegal,” he charged.
Israeli court suspends confiscation of Palestinian land in Beit Safafa
An Israeli central court in Jerusalem on Friday suspended a legal case by the Israeli municipal council of Jerusalem seeking to confiscate a private tract of land owned by Palestinian Salman family in Beit Safafa neighborhood, a lawyer says.
Qays Yousif Nasser, who represents the Palestinian family, said in a statement that the court decided to wait until the Supreme Court makes its final decision into the case.
Nasser highlighted that a local Palestinian committee from Beit Safafa neighborhood had appealed to the Israeli Supreme Court contesting the municipal plans to build a new road known as route 4.
“The decision is of great importance as it could help freeze other legal proceedings submitted by the municipality of Jerusalem asking to confiscate private lands in other locations in the neighborhood,” the lawyer said.
Nasser revealed that he obtained earlier this week a very important document which would support the neighborhood’s struggle against route 4.
The document, he explained, is a letter sent in 1988 by late mayor of Jerusalem Teddy Kollek to the municipality’s planning engineer. In the letter, Kollek asked his engineer not to approve a suggested network of roads in Beit Safafa “because the neighborhood has lost a lot of lands for different projects.”
Kollek added in his letter, according to the lawyer, that “I doubt the municipality would have acted similarly if Beit Safafa was a Jewish neighborhood.”
Nasser says the letter could serve as a proof that confiscating private land for route 4 is illegal.
Qays Yousif Nasser, who represents the Palestinian family, said in a statement that the court decided to wait until the Supreme Court makes its final decision into the case.
Nasser highlighted that a local Palestinian committee from Beit Safafa neighborhood had appealed to the Israeli Supreme Court contesting the municipal plans to build a new road known as route 4.
“The decision is of great importance as it could help freeze other legal proceedings submitted by the municipality of Jerusalem asking to confiscate private lands in other locations in the neighborhood,” the lawyer said.
Nasser revealed that he obtained earlier this week a very important document which would support the neighborhood’s struggle against route 4.
The document, he explained, is a letter sent in 1988 by late mayor of Jerusalem Teddy Kollek to the municipality’s planning engineer. In the letter, Kollek asked his engineer not to approve a suggested network of roads in Beit Safafa “because the neighborhood has lost a lot of lands for different projects.”
Kollek added in his letter, according to the lawyer, that “I doubt the municipality would have acted similarly if Beit Safafa was a Jewish neighborhood.”
Nasser says the letter could serve as a proof that confiscating private land for route 4 is illegal.
Four citizens including old lady wounded in confrontations with IOF soldiers
Four Palestinians, including an old lady in her seventies, were wounded in confrontations with Israeli occupation forces (IOF) near Ramallah afternoon Friday. Eyewitnesses told the PIC in a telephone contact that IOF soldiers arrested ten demonstrators, who sought refuge in a building after it was stormed by the soldiers, in Silwad village to the east of Ramallah.
They said that the soldiers beat up the citizens after handcuffing and throwing them on the ground.
The sources said that a 70-year-old Palestinian woman was wounded with a rubber bullet in her chest after the soldiers took control of her home and forced her out of it.
Meanwhile to the east of Silwad, inhabitants of Deir Jarir village offered the Friday prayers on a land threatened with confiscation.
Jewish settlers from Ofra settlement, who want to annex the land to their settlement, tried to attack the worshipers but were confronted by villagers who threw stones on them and chased them away.
However, IOF soldiers intervened and fired live and rubber bullets in addition to teargas canisters to disperse the villagers.
In a separate incident, two Palestinian young men were injured in confrontations with IOF soldiers in front of the Jalazoun refugee camp north of Ramallah city.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter that the two young men were hit with teargas canisters and were taken to Ramallah government hospital.
They said that the soldiers arrested two other young men in the confrontations, adding that the soldiers closed Beit El road, near the Jalazoun camp, that links Ramallah to Nablus.
They said that the soldiers beat up the citizens after handcuffing and throwing them on the ground.
The sources said that a 70-year-old Palestinian woman was wounded with a rubber bullet in her chest after the soldiers took control of her home and forced her out of it.
Meanwhile to the east of Silwad, inhabitants of Deir Jarir village offered the Friday prayers on a land threatened with confiscation.
Jewish settlers from Ofra settlement, who want to annex the land to their settlement, tried to attack the worshipers but were confronted by villagers who threw stones on them and chased them away.
However, IOF soldiers intervened and fired live and rubber bullets in addition to teargas canisters to disperse the villagers.
In a separate incident, two Palestinian young men were injured in confrontations with IOF soldiers in front of the Jalazoun refugee camp north of Ramallah city.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter that the two young men were hit with teargas canisters and were taken to Ramallah government hospital.
They said that the soldiers arrested two other young men in the confrontations, adding that the soldiers closed Beit El road, near the Jalazoun camp, that links Ramallah to Nablus.
19 apr 2013
Warning of Israeli plan to deport the Bedouins in the Khan al-Ahmar
Bedouin communities in Khan al-Ahmar held press conference on Thursday to explain the dimensions of the occupation authorities' scheme that aims to expel them to Nowayma village near the city of Jericho.
Eid Abu Dahuk, official in school assembly in Khan al-Ahmar, said during the conference that he and other Bedouins were deported from Tel Arad in the Negev in 1951, to settle down in Khan al-Ahmar and Jerusalem since that date.
He pointed to the close alliance between the settlers and the successive Israeli governments that have been impeding the development process in the region in order to push the Bedouins to leave.
The lawyer Shlomo Lecker, in charge of defending the right of Bedouin communities in the Israeli courts pointed out that the Supreme Court has frozen the decision to deport the Bedouins to a landfill site in Abu Dis.
Lawyer Lecker added that within 60 days, the Israeli Defense Minister will sign on the new plan that aims to deport the Bedouins from Khan al-Ahmar to Nowayma village near Jericho.
Mohammed Karshan, from the Bedouin Committee in Jerusalem, demanded the occupation authorities to allow the Bedouin tribes to return to the Negev and Beersheba, as those areas are suitable for their Bedouin lifestyle that relies on livestock.
Resheq calls for confronting plans to displace Bedouins from Jerusalem
Ezzat Resheq, member of the Hamas political bureau, condemned the occupation new plan to deport the Bedouin communities from Khan al-Ahmar, in eastern Jerusalem, to Nowayma village near Jericho in the Jordan Valley. "We in Hamas strongly condemn and reject the Israeli schemes that target the occupied city of Jerusalem, and aim to displace its people and Judaize its land in favor of the settlement projects," Resheq said in a press statement on Friday.
He considered this scheme a flagrant violation of international norms and conventions, and a desperate attempt that will not succeed in imposing a fait accompli and obliterating the historical landmarks of Jerusalem.
Resheq also warned the occupation of the continuation of its crimes against the land and sanctities, and denounced the international silence and inaction regarding the Israeli abuses.
The Hamas leader called on the Palestinian people to confront the occupation projects, and demanded the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to protect Jerusalem, its population and its historical monuments from the danger of Judaization and displacement.
Meanwhile; the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) called on the Arab and Islamic nation and the Palestinian people to confront the Israeli schemes targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque and the occupied city of Jerusalem.
Ghassan al-Shami, media spokesman for the Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Committee in PLC in Gaza, noted in a press statement on Friday that the occupation authorities have continued their Judaization schemes against the city of Jerusalem; targeting the land, the civilization and the people, in a flagrant violation of all international agreements.
Al-Shami has also denounced the policy of deportation of Jerusalemites from their land for the establishment of settlement projects.
Jerusalemite sources revealed earlier that the Israeli Defense Minister will sign on a new plan that aims to deport the Bedouins from Khan al-Ahmar to Nowayma village near Jericho.
Eid Abu Dahuk, official in school assembly in Khan al-Ahmar, said during the conference that he and other Bedouins were deported from Tel Arad in the Negev in 1951, to settle down in Khan al-Ahmar and Jerusalem since that date.
He pointed to the close alliance between the settlers and the successive Israeli governments that have been impeding the development process in the region in order to push the Bedouins to leave.
The lawyer Shlomo Lecker, in charge of defending the right of Bedouin communities in the Israeli courts pointed out that the Supreme Court has frozen the decision to deport the Bedouins to a landfill site in Abu Dis.
Lawyer Lecker added that within 60 days, the Israeli Defense Minister will sign on the new plan that aims to deport the Bedouins from Khan al-Ahmar to Nowayma village near Jericho.
Mohammed Karshan, from the Bedouin Committee in Jerusalem, demanded the occupation authorities to allow the Bedouin tribes to return to the Negev and Beersheba, as those areas are suitable for their Bedouin lifestyle that relies on livestock.
Resheq calls for confronting plans to displace Bedouins from Jerusalem
Ezzat Resheq, member of the Hamas political bureau, condemned the occupation new plan to deport the Bedouin communities from Khan al-Ahmar, in eastern Jerusalem, to Nowayma village near Jericho in the Jordan Valley. "We in Hamas strongly condemn and reject the Israeli schemes that target the occupied city of Jerusalem, and aim to displace its people and Judaize its land in favor of the settlement projects," Resheq said in a press statement on Friday.
He considered this scheme a flagrant violation of international norms and conventions, and a desperate attempt that will not succeed in imposing a fait accompli and obliterating the historical landmarks of Jerusalem.
Resheq also warned the occupation of the continuation of its crimes against the land and sanctities, and denounced the international silence and inaction regarding the Israeli abuses.
The Hamas leader called on the Palestinian people to confront the occupation projects, and demanded the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to protect Jerusalem, its population and its historical monuments from the danger of Judaization and displacement.
Meanwhile; the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) called on the Arab and Islamic nation and the Palestinian people to confront the Israeli schemes targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque and the occupied city of Jerusalem.
Ghassan al-Shami, media spokesman for the Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Committee in PLC in Gaza, noted in a press statement on Friday that the occupation authorities have continued their Judaization schemes against the city of Jerusalem; targeting the land, the civilization and the people, in a flagrant violation of all international agreements.
Al-Shami has also denounced the policy of deportation of Jerusalemites from their land for the establishment of settlement projects.
Jerusalemite sources revealed earlier that the Israeli Defense Minister will sign on a new plan that aims to deport the Bedouins from Khan al-Ahmar to Nowayma village near Jericho.
Israeli forces demolish store belonging to Bedouin orphans
Israeli forces on Thursday demolished a store belonging to orphans in Wadi al-Niam, a Bedouin village in the Negev.
"The demolition is immoral and unjustifiable. How can a state which claims to be an oasis of democracy and equality explain demolition of orphans' homes and means of living?" said Labbad Abu Affash, head of the village committee.
The store belonged to orphans from the Jirjawi family, a Ma'an reporter said.
Abu Affash told Ma'an the whole village was slated for demolition.
"We realize pretty well that Wadi al-Niam is being targeted by the Israeli occupation. However, we similarly realize that our people in the village are stronger that the machines used in demolitions, and they will never break our will as owners who have the right to live in dignity on our lands."
At the demolition, Talab Abu Arar, a Palestinian member of Israel's Knesset, had a heated argument with an Israeli commander and a representative of Israel's land department.
Abu Arar tried to enter the store to prevent the demolition but police officers used force to stop him.
Earlier in April, Israeli forces demolished Bedouin village al-Arakib for the 49th time. In Arara village, Israeli forces demolished a partially-constructed home, a tent and a barn.
"The demolition is immoral and unjustifiable. How can a state which claims to be an oasis of democracy and equality explain demolition of orphans' homes and means of living?" said Labbad Abu Affash, head of the village committee.
The store belonged to orphans from the Jirjawi family, a Ma'an reporter said.
Abu Affash told Ma'an the whole village was slated for demolition.
"We realize pretty well that Wadi al-Niam is being targeted by the Israeli occupation. However, we similarly realize that our people in the village are stronger that the machines used in demolitions, and they will never break our will as owners who have the right to live in dignity on our lands."
At the demolition, Talab Abu Arar, a Palestinian member of Israel's Knesset, had a heated argument with an Israeli commander and a representative of Israel's land department.
Abu Arar tried to enter the store to prevent the demolition but police officers used force to stop him.
Earlier in April, Israeli forces demolished Bedouin village al-Arakib for the 49th time. In Arara village, Israeli forces demolished a partially-constructed home, a tent and a barn.
18 apr 2013
IOF soldiers raze warehouses
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) demolished two warehouses used by Palestinian farmers in Al-Khader village in Bethlehem to store their crops.
Amed Salah, the coordinator of the popular committee against settlement, told Quds Press that IOF bulldozers razed the two installations on Thursday morning.
He said that the installations are owned by citizens in Habun area that is near to Daniel settlement.
Inhabitants said that the IOF soldiers claimed that the installations were built without permit. In a separate incident, an IOF patrol, including intelligence agents, stormed the town of Yatta, in Al-Khalil province, and questioned a number of young men.
Amed Salah, the coordinator of the popular committee against settlement, told Quds Press that IOF bulldozers razed the two installations on Thursday morning.
He said that the installations are owned by citizens in Habun area that is near to Daniel settlement.
Inhabitants said that the IOF soldiers claimed that the installations were built without permit. In a separate incident, an IOF patrol, including intelligence agents, stormed the town of Yatta, in Al-Khalil province, and questioned a number of young men.
Jewish settlers destroy dozens of olive and fig trees northwest of Ramallah
A gang of Jewish settlers on Wednesday evening uprooted and sabotaged dozens of olive and fig trees belonging to Palestinian citizens in northwest of Ramallah city.
The popular movement Intifada stated that settlers from Hallamish settlement uprooted and damaged about 150 olive trees and 40 fig trees belonging to Palestinian farmers from Deir Nizam village northwest of Ramallah.
Intifada added that the settlers went on the rampage through the cultivated lands, especially the land of Sa'ied Al-Khatib.
It said that this coward attack angered Deir Nizam villagers and the owners of nearby lands and made them more alert to any suspicious moves by the settlers.
Intifada urged the Palestinian people in the West Bank and its villages to defend their lands and revolt against the criminal occupation and its settlers.
The popular movement Intifada stated that settlers from Hallamish settlement uprooted and damaged about 150 olive trees and 40 fig trees belonging to Palestinian farmers from Deir Nizam village northwest of Ramallah.
Intifada added that the settlers went on the rampage through the cultivated lands, especially the land of Sa'ied Al-Khatib.
It said that this coward attack angered Deir Nizam villagers and the owners of nearby lands and made them more alert to any suspicious moves by the settlers.
Intifada urged the Palestinian people in the West Bank and its villages to defend their lands and revolt against the criminal occupation and its settlers.