30 jan 2013
Israeli army issues demolition orders against Palestinian homes east J'lem
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Tuesday handed the Palestinian residents of Fahidat neighborhood to the east of Anata town, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, demolition orders against their homes and structures at the pretext of unlicensed construction. One of the residents reported that the IOF stormed the neighborhood and delivered demolition notices against 13 apartments and 10 rooms used for livestock and poultry.
He noted that the entire neighborhood, which is located on an area of 50 dunums, belongs to Fahidat clan and there are about 60 citizens residing in it.
The resident said the Israeli army wants to remove the neighborhood completely at the pretext it is located near the segregation wall and one of their military bases.
The resident added that the Israeli army also photographed all buildings and structures and gave the clan until the seventh of next February to file a legal objection against its decision.
In another incident, the IOF also handed on the same days other demolition orders against agricultural structures owned by three Palestinian farmers in the Jordan Valley area and gave them until 20 February to evacuate them.
Aref Daraghmeh, head of the Bedouin council, stated in a press release that the demolition orders were against one agricultural room extending over 240 meters of land and two fish hatchery pools, and all of them were built by international aid organizations.
He noted that the entire neighborhood, which is located on an area of 50 dunums, belongs to Fahidat clan and there are about 60 citizens residing in it.
The resident said the Israeli army wants to remove the neighborhood completely at the pretext it is located near the segregation wall and one of their military bases.
The resident added that the Israeli army also photographed all buildings and structures and gave the clan until the seventh of next February to file a legal objection against its decision.
In another incident, the IOF also handed on the same days other demolition orders against agricultural structures owned by three Palestinian farmers in the Jordan Valley area and gave them until 20 February to evacuate them.
Aref Daraghmeh, head of the Bedouin council, stated in a press release that the demolition orders were against one agricultural room extending over 240 meters of land and two fish hatchery pools, and all of them were built by international aid organizations.
29 jan 2013
Israel to demolish Palestinian neighborhood
Israeli forces on Tuesday delivered demolition notices to all Palestinian families in Fuheidat neighborhood east of Anata village in northeast Jerusalem, residents said.
According to the notices, residents can demur before Feb. 17.
A Ma’an reporter said about 200 Palestinians live in the neighborhood which is located to the west of a large Israeli military base called Anatot.
The Israeli forces plan to remove the neighborhood because it is close to the base.
In 2011 a young Bedouin girl suffered severe injuries after being shot in an incident her family blamed on the Israeli military, which denied involvement at the time.
In 2007 a Palestinian girl died two days after being shot by a border police officer near Anata.
According to the notices, residents can demur before Feb. 17.
A Ma’an reporter said about 200 Palestinians live in the neighborhood which is located to the west of a large Israeli military base called Anatot.
The Israeli forces plan to remove the neighborhood because it is close to the base.
In 2011 a young Bedouin girl suffered severe injuries after being shot in an incident her family blamed on the Israeli military, which denied involvement at the time.
In 2007 a Palestinian girl died two days after being shot by a border police officer near Anata.
A judicial decision issued to stop destruction in Silwan
Jerusalem Development Foundation reported that Israeli bulldozers and forces withdrew from Wadi Rababah neighborhood in the town of Silwan in Jerusalem, on Monday afternoon, after causing damage to citizens' lands and properties in the area. This came during a visit held by the Jerusalem Development Foundation delegation, headed by the foundation's lawyer Khaled Zabarka, to Wadi Rababa neighborhood in solidarity with the residents.
The foundation's lawyer said in press statements that the Court accepted to issue an order to stop all acts of bulldozing, demolition and destruction in the citizens' lands as they represent private properties, and that the Israeli forces withdrew from the area.
He stressed that raiding private lands by the occupation bulldozers is a violation of the law and pointed out that during the vicious attack the bulldozers bulldozed the lands of the Wadi Rababah residents, uprooted more than one hundred trees and closed roads.
He also noted that the Israeli forces attacked the citizens, including the elderly people, arrested a number of land owners, including a human rights activist from the Wadi Hilweh Information center, and used sniffer dogs and a large number of troops to intimidate the civilians.
The foundation's lawyer said in press statements that the Court accepted to issue an order to stop all acts of bulldozing, demolition and destruction in the citizens' lands as they represent private properties, and that the Israeli forces withdrew from the area.
He stressed that raiding private lands by the occupation bulldozers is a violation of the law and pointed out that during the vicious attack the bulldozers bulldozed the lands of the Wadi Rababah residents, uprooted more than one hundred trees and closed roads.
He also noted that the Israeli forces attacked the citizens, including the elderly people, arrested a number of land owners, including a human rights activist from the Wadi Hilweh Information center, and used sniffer dogs and a large number of troops to intimidate the civilians.
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According to the lawyers for the Jerusalem Development Foundation, six of the detainees have been release while one of them appeared before the judge on Tuesday morning.
The Jerusalem Development Foundation condemned "this criminal act and considered it an offense against humanity, to be added to the crimes committed by the occupation in Jerusalem." For their part, residents of Wadi Rababah stated that the occupation forces; including border guards, policemen, Special Forces and sniffer dogs, surrounded the neighborhood from all its sides, and prevented the citizens from reaching the areas threatened with demolition and the students from heading to their schools. The Information Center in Wadi Hilweh noted that clashes erupted between the Israeli soldiers and the Palestinian residents; during the demolitions, and that some citizens have been abused and arrested. |
Islamic Christian commission slams Israel's destruction policy in Silwan
The Islamic Christian commission for patronizing Jerusalem and holy sites said that Israel's demolition of homes and property in Silwan district is detrimental to any direct or indirect peace talks and an obstacle to the establishment of the Palestinian state. In a press release, secretary-general of the commission Hanna Issa said that Israel seeks through its arbitrary measures against the Palestinian natives in the holy city to shrink their number and provide areas of land and property for the housing of Jews.
Issa stressed that Israel pursues a mass punishment policy against the Palestinians in Jerusalem and violates the fourth Geneva convention regarding the protection of civilians under occupation.
"Since its occupation of the Palestinian lands in 1967, Israel has embarked on practicing the policy of demolishing homes and establishments under many pretexts, especially for security excuses or because the owners have no construction licenses," Issa underlined.
He appealed to the international community and the UN security council to take action to stop Israel's destruction policy against the Palestinian homes and the Islamic and Christian historical buildings in the holy city.
Issa stressed that Israel pursues a mass punishment policy against the Palestinians in Jerusalem and violates the fourth Geneva convention regarding the protection of civilians under occupation.
"Since its occupation of the Palestinian lands in 1967, Israel has embarked on practicing the policy of demolishing homes and establishments under many pretexts, especially for security excuses or because the owners have no construction licenses," Issa underlined.
He appealed to the international community and the UN security council to take action to stop Israel's destruction policy against the Palestinian homes and the Islamic and Christian historical buildings in the holy city.
IOF demolish facility in al-Khalil, summon the activist Ratib Jabour
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) demolished on Monday evening an agricultural facility in al-Khalil in the southern West Bank, and summoned an activists in the national committee against the wall and settlement in Yatta after storming and searching his house. The Palestinian security sources reported that Israeli bulldozers have demolished yesterday an agricultural facility belonging to Palestinian farmers in the area.
The old city of al-Khail has witnessed intensive occupation military deployment, particularly near the Ibrahimi Mosque.
In the same context, the occupation forces stormed of the house of the head of the Popular Committee Against the settlement in the town of Yatta, Ratib Jabour, and summoned him to the Israeli intelligence headquarters.
Jabour confirmed that Israeli forces raided his home at 1 am, and searched the house and handed him a notice to meet with the Israeli intelligence in Etzion center near Bethlehem this morning.
The old city of al-Khail has witnessed intensive occupation military deployment, particularly near the Ibrahimi Mosque.
In the same context, the occupation forces stormed of the house of the head of the Popular Committee Against the settlement in the town of Yatta, Ratib Jabour, and summoned him to the Israeli intelligence headquarters.
Jabour confirmed that Israeli forces raided his home at 1 am, and searched the house and handed him a notice to meet with the Israeli intelligence in Etzion center near Bethlehem this morning.
28 jan 2013
Musawa warns of scheme to displace 30,000 Palestinians
The Musawa center for Palestinians’ rights in 1948 occupied Palestine warned of an Israeli government scheme that plans the displacement of 30,000 Palestinians. It said in a press release on Monday that the government-endorsed plan envisages the confiscation of 800,000 dunums of Palestinian land in the Negev and displacing their 30,000 owners.
The center called for urgent moves on the part of all civil societies to foil the Israeli government’s scheme.
The center called for urgent moves on the part of all civil societies to foil the Israeli government’s scheme.
Israeli bulldozers raze Palestinian home in Lod
Bulldozers of the Israeli Lod municipality razed a Palestinian home in downtown Ramat Ashkol suburb on Sunday evening at the pretext of lack of construction permit. Family of Abu Zayed, owners of the house, said big numbers of policemen, border guards and special forces encircled the house and blocked neighbors from approaching it.
Family members said that they were surprised at the step, noting that municipality workers threw out their belongings then tore down their little house that provided shelter for them especially in the current cold spell.
Family members said that they were surprised at the step, noting that municipality workers threw out their belongings then tore down their little house that provided shelter for them especially in the current cold spell.
Dozens of Muslim remains transferred in boxes from Mamanullah cemetery
Israeli workmen transferred dozens of boxes containing the remains of the deceased Muslims in Mamanullah cemetery in occupied Jerusalem to an unknown place, eyewitnesses reported. Without stating the exact day of the incident, the eyewitnesses told the Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage that one of the workmen dishonored a few days ago the remains of a dead body in the cemetery and kept kicking its skull as a football.
The Aqsa foundation said that Israeli construction firms in cooperation with the Zio-American center Simon Wiesenthal have deepened their diggings in the Muslim cemetery and started to build the foundations of construction projects including the "museum of tolerance" as they call it.
It added that the workmen of these firms had also expanded their destruction of the historical cemetery of Mamanullah in order to establish these Jewish projects.
The Aqsa foundation said that Israeli construction firms in cooperation with the Zio-American center Simon Wiesenthal have deepened their diggings in the Muslim cemetery and started to build the foundations of construction projects including the "museum of tolerance" as they call it.
It added that the workmen of these firms had also expanded their destruction of the historical cemetery of Mamanullah in order to establish these Jewish projects.
Israeli gov't sanctions Begin's proposal to displace Negev Bedouins
The outgoing Israeli government on Sunday approved the recommendations of minister Benny Begin calling for transferring the Bedouin families in the Negev region from their villages to other areas. Different Israeli news agencies confirmed that the decision was taken by a caretaker government with limited jurisdiction not allowing it to take such step.
Head of Adalah center's mission in the Negev Thabet Abu Ras said this new Israeli proposal was not different from Praver's plan.
Abu Ras stated that the center did not receive this proposal before it was approved by the cabinet, describing what happened as extremely serious.
He noted that according to this Israeli plan, the Bedouins will lose most of their land in the Negev in exchange for symbolic recognition of some villages.
In a press release, the office of Knesset member Jamal Zahalka, in turn, condemned this plan as a declaration of war on the Negev people and all Palestinians and urged the Arab nation to revolt against it.
Head of Adalah center's mission in the Negev Thabet Abu Ras said this new Israeli proposal was not different from Praver's plan.
Abu Ras stated that the center did not receive this proposal before it was approved by the cabinet, describing what happened as extremely serious.
He noted that according to this Israeli plan, the Bedouins will lose most of their land in the Negev in exchange for symbolic recognition of some villages.
In a press release, the office of Knesset member Jamal Zahalka, in turn, condemned this plan as a declaration of war on the Negev people and all Palestinians and urged the Arab nation to revolt against it.
27 jan 2013
IOF stops road construction work northern Nablus
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stopped on Sunday morning the construction work of an agricultural road near the village of Zawata, north of the city of Nablus. Omar Sobh, the supervisor of the project which is sponsored by the Palestinian Agriculture Relief Committee (PARC), stated that the IOF raided the project area, confiscated machinery and bulldozers and detained the workers and the project supervisor for more than an hour.
Sobh added that the arrival of the people to the scene to support the workers forced the occupation forces to withdraw, where they threatened them with arrest and confiscation if they restart construction work in that area under the pretext of being close to Shavei Shomron settlement.
For its part, PARC denounced the Israeli brutal practices against its project, stressing that this agriculture road will enable the Palestinian farmers to have access to their lands.
The farmers in Zawata village and neighboring villages are constantly suffering from the severe economic conditions in light of the Israeli attacks, where they are prevented to have access to their agricultural lands located along the bypass road that lead to Shomron settlement.
Sobh added that the arrival of the people to the scene to support the workers forced the occupation forces to withdraw, where they threatened them with arrest and confiscation if they restart construction work in that area under the pretext of being close to Shavei Shomron settlement.
For its part, PARC denounced the Israeli brutal practices against its project, stressing that this agriculture road will enable the Palestinian farmers to have access to their lands.
The farmers in Zawata village and neighboring villages are constantly suffering from the severe economic conditions in light of the Israeli attacks, where they are prevented to have access to their agricultural lands located along the bypass road that lead to Shomron settlement.
Israeli gov't to sanction plan to seize Bedouins' homes in Negev
The Israeli government is expected to approve a plan suggested by Israeli minister of science Benny Begin to displace about 45,000 Bedouins from their homes in the Negev villages, which is unrecognized by Israel, to other areas.
The Hebrew radio quoted head of the provincial council of the Negev villages Atiya Al-A'asam as saying that Begin's plan is aimed at seizing the lands of the Bedouin villagers and ending their landownership.
A'asam added that the Bedouin community in the Negev would confront this plan as they had done last year.
The Hebrew radio quoted head of the provincial council of the Negev villages Atiya Al-A'asam as saying that Begin's plan is aimed at seizing the lands of the Bedouin villagers and ending their landownership.
A'asam added that the Bedouin community in the Negev would confront this plan as they had done last year.
Sheikh Salhab denounces IOA excavations in the vicinity of the Aqsa mosque
Sheikh Abduladheem Salhab, the chairman of the Islamic Awkaf council in occupied Jerusalem, has denounced the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) for persisting in excavations in the vicinity of the Aqsa mosque and under its walls. Sheikh Salhab told the PIC that his council was undertaking maintenance works in the holy site despite the ceaseless IOA obstacles.
He underlined that the IOA was impeding the periodical visits and monitoring that the UNESCO used to launch to the Aqsa mosque.
The Awkaf chairman said that the IOA blocked the visits by UNESCO’s director general, recalling that Jerusalem city was included in the World Heritage List since 1981 but the organization was not assuming its duties as it was supposed to do.
The head of the international Quds center Dr. Hassan Khater, for his part, called for renewing the Palestinian request for the formation of an international committee under leadership of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to inspect and evaluate the status of the Aqsa mosque and its affiliated buildings, warning that their conditions are very serious.
He underlined that the IOA was impeding the periodical visits and monitoring that the UNESCO used to launch to the Aqsa mosque.
The Awkaf chairman said that the IOA blocked the visits by UNESCO’s director general, recalling that Jerusalem city was included in the World Heritage List since 1981 but the organization was not assuming its duties as it was supposed to do.
The head of the international Quds center Dr. Hassan Khater, for his part, called for renewing the Palestinian request for the formation of an international committee under leadership of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to inspect and evaluate the status of the Aqsa mosque and its affiliated buildings, warning that their conditions are very serious.
Beit Iksa villagers challenge military siege on their lands
The Palestinian natives of Beit Iksa village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, challenged on Saturday the Israeli siege on their village and determined to reach their seized lands. Head of the municipal council in the village Kamal Hababa told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that Beit Iksa villagers would never yield to Israel's fait accompli in their village and would defend every inch of its soil.
Hababa said the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) cordoned off the village and prevented dozens of Beit Iksa natives from reaching their homes.
He added that the Israeli military blockade on Beit Iksa was aimed to bar the villagers and the anti-wall activists from reaching the evacuated Al-Karama camp that had been established a week ago in the village to confront Israel's settlement expansion.
Hababa said the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) cordoned off the village and prevented dozens of Beit Iksa natives from reaching their homes.
He added that the Israeli military blockade on Beit Iksa was aimed to bar the villagers and the anti-wall activists from reaching the evacuated Al-Karama camp that had been established a week ago in the village to confront Israel's settlement expansion.
26 jan 2013
IOF soldiers demolish five houses in Jordan Valley
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) razed five Palestinian homes in the northern Jordan Valley at the pretext of lack of construction permit. Eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter that two military bulldozers escorted by seven army vehicles knocked down three houses and cattle corrals in Jaftalk and two other houses and a sheep pen in the northern Jordan Valley on Thursday.
They said that the soldiers evacuated the houses by force rendering the inhabitants homeless, and blocked other citizens from approaching the demolition sites.
The Israeli occupation authorities have been intensifying demolition of houses in various areas of the Jordan Valley in line with a plan aimed at expelling the inhabitants without any consideration to international law and human rights.
They said that the soldiers evacuated the houses by force rendering the inhabitants homeless, and blocked other citizens from approaching the demolition sites.
The Israeli occupation authorities have been intensifying demolition of houses in various areas of the Jordan Valley in line with a plan aimed at expelling the inhabitants without any consideration to international law and human rights.
24 jan 2013
IOF soldiers demolish Palestinian houses in Jordan Valley for 3rd time
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) bulldozed Palestinian homes in the Jordan Valley on Thursday for the third time running. Aref Daraghma, the head of the Wadi Al-Malih municipal council, told Quds Press that IOF soldiers escorted bulldozers into Mayta and Hamamat areas and destroyed homes for Palestinian shepherds for the third time.
He said that the Israeli occupation constantly targets those areas, noting that the Palestinian inhabitants rebuilt their homes twice before.
Daraghma said that the inhabitants are adamant on maintaining presence on their land and not to leave it for the occupation authorities to annex it to their settlements or army camps.
He said that the Israeli occupation constantly targets those areas, noting that the Palestinian inhabitants rebuilt their homes twice before.
Daraghma said that the inhabitants are adamant on maintaining presence on their land and not to leave it for the occupation authorities to annex it to their settlements or army camps.
Police Removes Protest Tent in a Jerusalem Neighborhood
Israeli police Thursday removed a tent a Palestinian had set up on his land in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Shufat to protest an Israel plan to seize the land to build a road that would serve area settlements, said a relative of the landowner. Majd Abu Nee told WAFA that three Israeli police jeeps raided the area and told the landowner, Amer Abu Nee, that he should remove the tent and when he refused, the police took it down and confiscated it.
The landowner was given an order to report to a police station for interrogation.
Abu Nee said the family had taken an oath not to leave their land under any condition. “We will stay on our land and keep building tents to protect it,” he said.
The tent, which the family has named the Olive Steadfast tent, was erected on Tuesday to protest a plan by the West Jerusalem Israeli municipality to seize 117 dunums of Shufat and nearby Beit Hanina land to build a road that would connect illegal settlements to the east and west of the neighborhoods.
The landowner was given an order to report to a police station for interrogation.
Abu Nee said the family had taken an oath not to leave their land under any condition. “We will stay on our land and keep building tents to protect it,” he said.
The tent, which the family has named the Olive Steadfast tent, was erected on Tuesday to protest a plan by the West Jerusalem Israeli municipality to seize 117 dunums of Shufat and nearby Beit Hanina land to build a road that would connect illegal settlements to the east and west of the neighborhoods.
23 jan 2013
IOF soldiers storm Jenin, bulldoze cultivated land in Bethlehem
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed Yamon village, west of Jenin, on Wednesday morning and broke into the home of a citizen searching for his son. Local sources said that the soldiers broke into the home of Abdulghani Abul Haija and wreaked havoc in it and ordered the father to hand over his son Samed, who was not at home.
IOF soldiers barged into the home of Jamil Al-Qut in the eastern suburb of Jenin city and served a summons to his 22-year-old son Sameh for intelligence interrogation at Salem army camp to the north of Jenin.
The soldiers also combed the outskirts of the village of Kufr Dan, Jenin district.
IOF soldiers had bulldozed grapevines in Al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, on Tuesday to pave the way for a road linking two settlements and destroyed 50 grape trees in the process.
Ahmed Salah, the coordinator of the popular committee in the village, told Quds Press that the 100 meters long road was built on 35 dunums of land in Khilat Um ul-Fahm hamlet, near Al-Khader.
He said that the Israeli occupation authorities had old ambitions in the hamlet and wishes to establish a Toratic park on its land.
IOF soldiers barged into the home of Jamil Al-Qut in the eastern suburb of Jenin city and served a summons to his 22-year-old son Sameh for intelligence interrogation at Salem army camp to the north of Jenin.
The soldiers also combed the outskirts of the village of Kufr Dan, Jenin district.
IOF soldiers had bulldozed grapevines in Al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, on Tuesday to pave the way for a road linking two settlements and destroyed 50 grape trees in the process.
Ahmed Salah, the coordinator of the popular committee in the village, told Quds Press that the 100 meters long road was built on 35 dunums of land in Khilat Um ul-Fahm hamlet, near Al-Khader.
He said that the Israeli occupation authorities had old ambitions in the hamlet and wishes to establish a Toratic park on its land.
Israeli Forces Deliver Demolition Notices in Jordan Valley
Israeli Forces handed several Palestinians demolition notices for two houses and several agricultural structures in al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho. The village residents said the demolition is usually implemented immediately and without giving residents any time to file an objection to the order.
Israel is trying to prevent Palestinians from building in the scarcely-populated Jordan Valley area, which Israel plans to annex.
Israel to Demolish two Houses in Jordan Valley
Israeli forces Wednesday handed a number of Palestinians demolition notices for two houses and several agricultural structures in al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho, according to local sources. Village residents said the demolition is usually implemented immediately and without giving residents any time to file an objection to the order.
Israel is trying to prevent Palestinians from building in the scarcely-populated Jordan Valley area, which it plans to annex.
Israel is trying to prevent Palestinians from building in the scarcely-populated Jordan Valley area, which Israel plans to annex.
Israel to Demolish two Houses in Jordan Valley
Israeli forces Wednesday handed a number of Palestinians demolition notices for two houses and several agricultural structures in al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho, according to local sources. Village residents said the demolition is usually implemented immediately and without giving residents any time to file an objection to the order.
Israel is trying to prevent Palestinians from building in the scarcely-populated Jordan Valley area, which it plans to annex.
22 jan 2013
IOF bulldozers pave way for annexing more Palestinian land
Bulldozers of the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) leveled land near to Nabi Saleh village, north of Ramallah, to expand Halamish settlement. Village sources said that the IOF troops were also carrying dozens of new mobile homes to be installed on that land, which is considered the most fertile in the village.
They said that the troops and border police protected the transportation and installation of those homes.
They said that the troops and border police protected the transportation and installation of those homes.
Soldiers Invade Several West Bank Districts, Kidnap Residents
Tuesday - January 22, Israeli soldiers invaded several towns and villages in the occupied West Bank, broke into and searched dozens of homes and kidnapped a number of residents including two children.
The army also installed roadblocks and inspected Palestinian vehicles while interrogating drivers and passengers.
Local sources in Borqa village, north of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, reported that several armored Israeli military vehicles invaded the village, adding that the soldiers broke into and searched dozens of homes.
The army also kidnapped two residents identified as Monjid Ragheb Salah, 23, and Maher Ahmad Salah, 23; they were cuffed and blindfolded before being taken to an unknown destination.
Soldiers also invaded ‘Aba village, east of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, kidnapped one resident, detained and interrogated several residents before and handing one resident a warrant demanding him to head to a Salem nearby Israeli military and security base for interrogation.
The kidnapped resident has been identified as Salim Suleiman Hazhouzy, 20; he was kidnapped from his own home after the soldiers violently broke into the property and searched it.
The army also installed a roadblock east of Ya’bod village, southwest of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, stopped dozens of vehicles and searched them while inspecting the ID cards of the residents and interrogating them.
Media sources reported that the soldiers also invaded Beit Ummar town, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and kidnapped three Palestinians, including two children.
Resident Mohammad Abu Ayyash stated that the army broke into his home, kidnapped his 12-year-old son, Rabee’, and informed the father that his child will be taken to the Etzion military base. The father was told that his child will be released after he pays a 1000 NIS bail.
Soldiers further invaded the Al-Baq’a area, east of Hebron, broke into the home of Badawi Ikhlayyil, and kidnapped his 15-year-old son, Yazan.
Several soldiers attacked the child and pushed him around before hurling a gas bomb and a concussion grenade at the family’s home.
Another resident, identified as Ibrahim Mohammad Ibregheeth, 40, was also kidnapped after the army broke into his home in Al-Baq’a and searched it.
Local sources reported that clashes took place between the residents and the invading Israeli soldiers, and added that several residents have been treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
On Monday, Israeli soldiers kidnapped four Palestinians in the West Bank districts of Jenin and Tubas. The army also demolished a Palestinian home, and a greenhouse, owned by local farmers.
The army invaded Yatta town, near Hebron, and demolished a two-story home leaving resident Hamad Mohammad Al-Amour, and his 15 family members in the cold.
The army went on to demolish a hothouse and a well that belong to resident Mousa Mohammad Makhamra.
Soldiers further invaded Al-Eesawiyya town, in occupied East Jerusalem, and kidnapped two teenagers after the army broke into several homes and searched them.
Invasions, kidnapping and arrests targeting the Palestinians, their homes, lands and property are carried out by the soldiers on a daily basis in direct violation of International Law.
The army also installed roadblocks and inspected Palestinian vehicles while interrogating drivers and passengers.
Local sources in Borqa village, north of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, reported that several armored Israeli military vehicles invaded the village, adding that the soldiers broke into and searched dozens of homes.
The army also kidnapped two residents identified as Monjid Ragheb Salah, 23, and Maher Ahmad Salah, 23; they were cuffed and blindfolded before being taken to an unknown destination.
Soldiers also invaded ‘Aba village, east of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, kidnapped one resident, detained and interrogated several residents before and handing one resident a warrant demanding him to head to a Salem nearby Israeli military and security base for interrogation.
The kidnapped resident has been identified as Salim Suleiman Hazhouzy, 20; he was kidnapped from his own home after the soldiers violently broke into the property and searched it.
The army also installed a roadblock east of Ya’bod village, southwest of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, stopped dozens of vehicles and searched them while inspecting the ID cards of the residents and interrogating them.
Media sources reported that the soldiers also invaded Beit Ummar town, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and kidnapped three Palestinians, including two children.
Resident Mohammad Abu Ayyash stated that the army broke into his home, kidnapped his 12-year-old son, Rabee’, and informed the father that his child will be taken to the Etzion military base. The father was told that his child will be released after he pays a 1000 NIS bail.
Soldiers further invaded the Al-Baq’a area, east of Hebron, broke into the home of Badawi Ikhlayyil, and kidnapped his 15-year-old son, Yazan.
Several soldiers attacked the child and pushed him around before hurling a gas bomb and a concussion grenade at the family’s home.
Another resident, identified as Ibrahim Mohammad Ibregheeth, 40, was also kidnapped after the army broke into his home in Al-Baq’a and searched it.
Local sources reported that clashes took place between the residents and the invading Israeli soldiers, and added that several residents have been treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
On Monday, Israeli soldiers kidnapped four Palestinians in the West Bank districts of Jenin and Tubas. The army also demolished a Palestinian home, and a greenhouse, owned by local farmers.
The army invaded Yatta town, near Hebron, and demolished a two-story home leaving resident Hamad Mohammad Al-Amour, and his 15 family members in the cold.
The army went on to demolish a hothouse and a well that belong to resident Mousa Mohammad Makhamra.
Soldiers further invaded Al-Eesawiyya town, in occupied East Jerusalem, and kidnapped two teenagers after the army broke into several homes and searched them.
Invasions, kidnapping and arrests targeting the Palestinians, their homes, lands and property are carried out by the soldiers on a daily basis in direct violation of International Law.
Military to Demolish Homes, Shed near Hebron
Israeli forces Tuesday handed Palestinians demolition notices for three homes and a shed in the town of Idna, west of Hebron, according to a local source. Abdul Hadi Hantash, an expert on settlements in the Hebron area, told WAFA that the homes and shed were in area C, which is under full Israeli control. The army claimed they were built without permit.
He said that the Israeli military does not want to see any Palestinian presence in this area and therefore it is following a policy of ethnic cleansing.
He said that the Israeli military does not want to see any Palestinian presence in this area and therefore it is following a policy of ethnic cleansing.
IOF soldiers destroy six installations south of Al-Khalil
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) razed six installations south of Daheria town, which is south of Al-Khalil district, on Monday. Shehda Al-Wuridat, a resident of the Khirbat Al-Rahwa hamlet, told the PIC reporter that IOF soldiers escorted two bulldozes and other heavy machines and razed four houses including his own.
He said that the soldiers also destroyed two cattle corrals and damaged property other than beating inhabitants.
The hamlet’s land, which is near to the bypass road south of Daheria, is threatened by confiscation.
The IOF destruction spree of Palestinian homes and property escalated with the approach of the Israeli general elections in a clear bid to attract votes to the ruling coalition parties.
He said that the soldiers also destroyed two cattle corrals and damaged property other than beating inhabitants.
The hamlet’s land, which is near to the bypass road south of Daheria, is threatened by confiscation.
The IOF destruction spree of Palestinian homes and property escalated with the approach of the Israeli general elections in a clear bid to attract votes to the ruling coalition parties.
Israeli Bulldozers Remove Large Areas of Ma’man-Allah (Mamanullah) Graveyard
Monday January 21, The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage reported that Israeli bulldozers removed and bulldozed large areas of the lands of the Mananullah historic Islamic graveyard, in occupied Jerusalem, as part of Israel’s plan to build the so-called “Museum Of Tolerance”.
The foundation said that the bulldozer dug the land as deep as 15 meters (49.21 feet) in preparation for the construction of the museum, a coffee shop and a warehouse on 25 Dunams (6.17 Acres).
In a press release, the foundation said that the work is being conducted by the Israeli government and an American organization called the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
The foundation added that several Israeli companies are part of the work that also includes building a coffee shop on another section of the graveyard.
A section of the graveyard is now being used as a warehouse for storing construction materials and tools. Several graves and gravestones have been already destroyed and removed.
Engineer Zakki Ighbariyya, head of the Al-Aqsa Foundation, called on the international community to act and stop the Israeli violation, especially since Israel is destroying the ancient historic Islamic site in order to build the “Museum of Tolerance”.
Several historic Islamic figures, Muslim residents of Jerusalem and mullahs have been buried in the Mamanullah graveyard starting around 1400 years ago.
The foundation said that the bulldozer dug the land as deep as 15 meters (49.21 feet) in preparation for the construction of the museum, a coffee shop and a warehouse on 25 Dunams (6.17 Acres).
In a press release, the foundation said that the work is being conducted by the Israeli government and an American organization called the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
The foundation added that several Israeli companies are part of the work that also includes building a coffee shop on another section of the graveyard.
A section of the graveyard is now being used as a warehouse for storing construction materials and tools. Several graves and gravestones have been already destroyed and removed.
Engineer Zakki Ighbariyya, head of the Al-Aqsa Foundation, called on the international community to act and stop the Israeli violation, especially since Israel is destroying the ancient historic Islamic site in order to build the “Museum of Tolerance”.
Several historic Islamic figures, Muslim residents of Jerusalem and mullahs have been buried in the Mamanullah graveyard starting around 1400 years ago.
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The Al-Aqsa foundation said that the Israeli destruction of the historic graveyard is part of ongoing serious Israeli violations, and crimes, against the Palestinians, their history and heritage in the land of Palestine.
The violations against the graveyard started after Israel was established in the historic land of Palestine in 1948, the foundation added. It is worth mentioning that Israel has already destroyed most of the ancient graves, and that the original size of the graveyard used to be around 200 Dunams. |
The graves have been replaced with coffee shops, a public yard, and Israel also installed sewage pipelines, electricity and water systems, and road.
On June 25 2012, Israeli bulldozers removed and destroyed several graves in the cemetery as part of the Israeli plan to build the Museum.
On July 13 2012, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that Israel approved the building on top of a Muslim burial site. The plan was the subject of a lengthy legal battle brought by Palestinians, some of whom have family buried in the proposed site.
The Israeli Interior Ministry has given the go ahead for construction of “Museum Of Tolerance” on the site of the ancient Muslim burial ground.
The path to starting the construction had been cleared following a 2008 Israeli court decision that the site was: “No longer a burial ground.”
On June 25 2012, Israeli bulldozers removed and destroyed several graves in the cemetery as part of the Israeli plan to build the Museum.
On July 13 2012, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that Israel approved the building on top of a Muslim burial site. The plan was the subject of a lengthy legal battle brought by Palestinians, some of whom have family buried in the proposed site.
The Israeli Interior Ministry has given the go ahead for construction of “Museum Of Tolerance” on the site of the ancient Muslim burial ground.
The path to starting the construction had been cleared following a 2008 Israeli court decision that the site was: “No longer a burial ground.”
21 jan 2013
IOF troops raze Palestinian house, agricultural utilities
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) razed the home of Ahmed Al-Amur in Erfaya area to the east of Yatta, south of Al-Khalil, on Monday and rendered his 16-member family homeless. Shehade Al-Arini, a citizen in Erfaya, told the PIC reporter that a big number of IOF soldiers escorted huge bulldozes that knocked down the two-story home.
He pointed out that the same force also demolished a 1000-square-meter agricultural room and a water well used for irrigation and drinking in nearby Hawara owned by 64-year-old Mousa Mohammed.
The IOF soldiers destroyed a two-story building for the same family two months ago in addition to a big number of houses and shelters in that area and nearby hamlets.
He pointed out that the same force also demolished a 1000-square-meter agricultural room and a water well used for irrigation and drinking in nearby Hawara owned by 64-year-old Mousa Mohammed.
The IOF soldiers destroyed a two-story building for the same family two months ago in addition to a big number of houses and shelters in that area and nearby hamlets.
Army Demolishes Six Residential Structures Near Hebron
Israeli soldiers invaded the Ath-Thaheriyya town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and demolished six Palestinian homes and structures.
Local sources reported that several armored Israeli military vehicles, accompanied by military bulldozers, invaded the area after installing roadblocks and enforcing a siege that heavily impacted the freedom of movement of the locals.
Resident Shihada Hamad Al-Wreidat, a resident of the Al-Rahwa area, stated that the army forced six families out of their homes, including his own home, and demolished them.
The soldiers also demolished several structures in the area, detained and interrogated a number of residents.
He added that the soldiers attacked several residents and homes leading to injuries and property damage.
The Al-Rahwa area is located south of the Ath-Thaheriyya, and is one of several areas in Hebron that the army is trying to illegally confiscate for “military considerations” and for the construction and expansion of Jewish settlement.
Earlier on Monday, the army invaded Yatta town in the Hebron district, and demolished a home, a hothouse, and a well.
Several armored Israeli military vehicles invaded the town and demolished a two-story home that belongs to resident Hamad Mohammad Al-Amour, leaving him and his 15 family members in the cold.
Soldiers also demolished a hothouse and a well that belong to a resident identified as Mousa Mohammad Makhamra.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Yatta, Rateb Al-Jabour, denounced the ongoing Israeli military violations and escalation, especially against the eastern area of Yatta town.
He said that the army is trying to push the residents out of their own lands and homes in order to build and expand Jewish-only settlements.
Al-Jabour called on international human rights groups to intervene and stop the Israeli violations against the residents and their homes.
It is worth mentioning that the army demolished, over the last few months, a large number of homes, structures and sheds in the area and in nearby Palestinian communities.
Also on Monday, the soldiers demolished a 150 square/meter shed that belongs to a resident and his 15 family members, in Beit Safafa, in occupied Jerusalem.
Owner of the demolished shed, Salah Ali Salah, 48, told the Palestine News Network (PNN), that several Israeli military jeeps surrounded the area, while military bulldozers demolished his property under the pretext that it was installed without a construction permit.
Salah added that the Israeli attack led to the death of some of the livestock owned by the family, and that the army also took away some of the remaining cattle.
Salah also stated that the army kidnapped Mohammad Khaled Abu Dayya, 25, moved him to an interrogation facility in the area, and attacked his niece, Aaya Mahmoud Salah, 19.
He said that his entire family has been living in sheds on their own lands in Beit Safafa after Israeli settler organizations illegal occupied the family home in 2010.
The family lived in the home since 1967, and has been in legal battles in Israeli courts since 1967.
Soldiers also handed four families military orders informing them that their sheds will also be demolished in the near future.
The sheds are home to more than 50 residents; the owners were granted three days to demolish their property otherwise the army will demolish the structures and will impose high fines and penalties on the residents.
Local sources reported that several armored Israeli military vehicles, accompanied by military bulldozers, invaded the area after installing roadblocks and enforcing a siege that heavily impacted the freedom of movement of the locals.
Resident Shihada Hamad Al-Wreidat, a resident of the Al-Rahwa area, stated that the army forced six families out of their homes, including his own home, and demolished them.
The soldiers also demolished several structures in the area, detained and interrogated a number of residents.
He added that the soldiers attacked several residents and homes leading to injuries and property damage.
The Al-Rahwa area is located south of the Ath-Thaheriyya, and is one of several areas in Hebron that the army is trying to illegally confiscate for “military considerations” and for the construction and expansion of Jewish settlement.
Earlier on Monday, the army invaded Yatta town in the Hebron district, and demolished a home, a hothouse, and a well.
Several armored Israeli military vehicles invaded the town and demolished a two-story home that belongs to resident Hamad Mohammad Al-Amour, leaving him and his 15 family members in the cold.
Soldiers also demolished a hothouse and a well that belong to a resident identified as Mousa Mohammad Makhamra.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Yatta, Rateb Al-Jabour, denounced the ongoing Israeli military violations and escalation, especially against the eastern area of Yatta town.
He said that the army is trying to push the residents out of their own lands and homes in order to build and expand Jewish-only settlements.
Al-Jabour called on international human rights groups to intervene and stop the Israeli violations against the residents and their homes.
It is worth mentioning that the army demolished, over the last few months, a large number of homes, structures and sheds in the area and in nearby Palestinian communities.
Also on Monday, the soldiers demolished a 150 square/meter shed that belongs to a resident and his 15 family members, in Beit Safafa, in occupied Jerusalem.
Owner of the demolished shed, Salah Ali Salah, 48, told the Palestine News Network (PNN), that several Israeli military jeeps surrounded the area, while military bulldozers demolished his property under the pretext that it was installed without a construction permit.
Salah added that the Israeli attack led to the death of some of the livestock owned by the family, and that the army also took away some of the remaining cattle.
Salah also stated that the army kidnapped Mohammad Khaled Abu Dayya, 25, moved him to an interrogation facility in the area, and attacked his niece, Aaya Mahmoud Salah, 19.
He said that his entire family has been living in sheds on their own lands in Beit Safafa after Israeli settler organizations illegal occupied the family home in 2010.
The family lived in the home since 1967, and has been in legal battles in Israeli courts since 1967.
Soldiers also handed four families military orders informing them that their sheds will also be demolished in the near future.
The sheds are home to more than 50 residents; the owners were granted three days to demolish their property otherwise the army will demolish the structures and will impose high fines and penalties on the residents.
Soldiers Kidnap Four Palestinians, Demolish Property
Palestinian sources reported that Israeli soldiers kidnapped four Palestinians in the West Bank districts of Jenin and Tubas. The army also demolished a Palestinian home, a hothouse and a well near Hebron.
The army invaded Rommana village, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and kidnapped one resident identified as Farid Ghazi Mahajna, 27, after breaking into his family’s home and violently searching it.
It is worth mentioning that the brother of Mahajna was kidnapped by the army a month ago after the soldiers shot and injured him.
In Qabatia town, also near Jenin, the army kidnapped one resident identified as Jasser Amin Nazzal, 32.
Soldiers broke into his home and violently searched it after forcing the family out in the cold.
The army also invaded Al-Arqa village, west of Jenin, and fired several flares and concussion grenades while the soldiers marched in the village.
Furthermore, soldiers invaded Aqaba town, in the Tubas district, broke into a home and searched it before kidnapping a father identified as Suleiman Radi As-Sayyid, 55, and his son, Firas, 28.
In the Hebron district, in the southern part of the occupied West Bank, the army invaded the nearby town of Yatta, and demolished a home, a hothouse, and a well.
Several armored Israeli military vehicles invaded the town and demolished a two-story home that belongs to resident Hamad Mohammad Al-Amour, leaving him and his 15 family members in the cold.
Soldiers went on to demolish a hothouse and a well that belong to a resident identified as Mousa Mohammad Makhamra.
In related news, Israeli soldiers shot and wounded a Palestinian worker near the Erez (Beit Hanoun) Crossing, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Medical sources reported that Abdullah Abu Ma’rouf, 19, was shot in his right leg, and was moved to Kamal Odwan hospital suffering moderate injuries.
The latest Israeli military attacks are part of ongoing and systematic violations against the Palestinians, their property and lands in different parts of occupied Palestine.
The army invaded Rommana village, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and kidnapped one resident identified as Farid Ghazi Mahajna, 27, after breaking into his family’s home and violently searching it.
It is worth mentioning that the brother of Mahajna was kidnapped by the army a month ago after the soldiers shot and injured him.
In Qabatia town, also near Jenin, the army kidnapped one resident identified as Jasser Amin Nazzal, 32.
Soldiers broke into his home and violently searched it after forcing the family out in the cold.
The army also invaded Al-Arqa village, west of Jenin, and fired several flares and concussion grenades while the soldiers marched in the village.
Furthermore, soldiers invaded Aqaba town, in the Tubas district, broke into a home and searched it before kidnapping a father identified as Suleiman Radi As-Sayyid, 55, and his son, Firas, 28.
In the Hebron district, in the southern part of the occupied West Bank, the army invaded the nearby town of Yatta, and demolished a home, a hothouse, and a well.
Several armored Israeli military vehicles invaded the town and demolished a two-story home that belongs to resident Hamad Mohammad Al-Amour, leaving him and his 15 family members in the cold.
Soldiers went on to demolish a hothouse and a well that belong to a resident identified as Mousa Mohammad Makhamra.
In related news, Israeli soldiers shot and wounded a Palestinian worker near the Erez (Beit Hanoun) Crossing, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Medical sources reported that Abdullah Abu Ma’rouf, 19, was shot in his right leg, and was moved to Kamal Odwan hospital suffering moderate injuries.
The latest Israeli military attacks are part of ongoing and systematic violations against the Palestinians, their property and lands in different parts of occupied Palestine.
IOF troops bulldoze land, olive trees in Shufat
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) bulldozed vast tracts of cultivated land in Shufat in occupied Jerusalem on Sunday to pave the way for constructing a road. Local sources said that IOF soldiers used bulldozers to level 90 dunums of cultivated land in Ras suburb and destroyed many old, fruitful olive trees in the process.
They said that soldiers were deployed in the scene of the destruction to block citizens from approaching and to protect the bulldozers.
They said that soldiers were deployed in the scene of the destruction to block citizens from approaching and to protect the bulldozers.
Hamas slams int'l silence on Israel's decision to annex Beit Iksa lands
The Hamas Movement strongly denounced the international silence on Israel's decision to annex the whole lands of Beit Iksa village in the West Bank. In a press release, Hamas condemned the international community for its connivance in Israel's persistent violations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Hamas also hailed the efforts that had been made during the last two days by Palestinian activists to confront the Israeli decision to appropriate Beit Iksa lands, and urged them to stand their ground and keep resisting Israel's settlement expansion activities.
Hamas called on the Arab and Muslim countries to actively move to support the Palestinian villages in the face of Israel's settlement plans.
Palestinian local groups set up a new tented protest village on the siezed lands of Beit Iksa village and named it Al-Karamah on Friday, the second such initiative against Israeli settlement building in about a week.
Last Wednesday, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) had torn down the tented village Bab Ashams east of Jerusalem that was set up to protest Israel’s plans to build the E1 settlement project on the land, severing the West Bank from Jerusalem.
However, the IOF on Sunday raided the newly erected Palestinian protest village Al-Karamah and wounded many activists.
Hamas also hailed the efforts that had been made during the last two days by Palestinian activists to confront the Israeli decision to appropriate Beit Iksa lands, and urged them to stand their ground and keep resisting Israel's settlement expansion activities.
Hamas called on the Arab and Muslim countries to actively move to support the Palestinian villages in the face of Israel's settlement plans.
Palestinian local groups set up a new tented protest village on the siezed lands of Beit Iksa village and named it Al-Karamah on Friday, the second such initiative against Israeli settlement building in about a week.
Last Wednesday, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) had torn down the tented village Bab Ashams east of Jerusalem that was set up to protest Israel’s plans to build the E1 settlement project on the land, severing the West Bank from Jerusalem.
However, the IOF on Sunday raided the newly erected Palestinian protest village Al-Karamah and wounded many activists.
Israeli Authorities Change Route Of Wall To Fully Annex Jerusalem For Israel
The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Sunday that they will re-route a section of the Wall east of Jerusalem in order to close off an existing gap and fully annex the city of Jerusalem into Israel. The new route means the complete encirclement of the Palestinian village of Al-Zaim, with the Wall to the West and a security fence to the east.
Other Palestinian towns are also completely isolated and encircled into ghettoes, including the town of Sheikh Sa'ed and the city of Qalqilya. Israeli authorities isolated these towns in order to create Palestinian-free zones and routes throughout the West Bank to allow Israeli settlers to travel unencumbered without either having to stop at checkpoints or to drive on the same roads as Palestinians. But in order to do that, Israeli forces have had to maintain over 600 checkpoints throughout the West Bank, and to force Palestinians off their own roads and onto dirt roads or trails.
The new route of the Wall will put the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim on the Palestinian side of the Wall, along with dozens of other Israeli settlements constructed in violation of international law all over the West Bank. But Israeli officials have assured the residents of these settlements that they will construct other Walls and fences to allow them to access Jerusalem without having to go through Palestinian areas.
These additional fences and barriers will, like the Annexation Wall itself, be constructed on land seized from Palestinian owners by Israeli authorities who claim that they have the right to take the land 'for security reasons'. All Israeli settlements on Palestinian land are considered illegal under international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention, which forbids an occupying military power from settling its civilian population on land occupied by military force.
The announcement is seen as a response to the Palestinian encampment Bab Al Shams, which was established on the land in question, known to Israeli officials as 'E1', last weekend, then demolished by Israeli forces. The Palestinian non-violent activists who established the encampment entered the area through the village of Al-Zaim.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has openly declared his intention to build a settlement on the 'E1' land, and completely enclose the eastern edge of Jerusalem, thus effectively annexing the city of Jerusalem to the state of Israel. This renders any peace agreement with the Palestinian Authority impossible, since one of the Palestinian Authority's base demands is sharing the city of Jerusalem. The base demands, which Palestinians have asked Israel to recognize time and again to no avail, are: the recognition of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, the right of return of Palestinian refugees and the release of the thousands of Palestinian political prisoners being held in Israeli prison camps.
Other Palestinian towns are also completely isolated and encircled into ghettoes, including the town of Sheikh Sa'ed and the city of Qalqilya. Israeli authorities isolated these towns in order to create Palestinian-free zones and routes throughout the West Bank to allow Israeli settlers to travel unencumbered without either having to stop at checkpoints or to drive on the same roads as Palestinians. But in order to do that, Israeli forces have had to maintain over 600 checkpoints throughout the West Bank, and to force Palestinians off their own roads and onto dirt roads or trails.
The new route of the Wall will put the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim on the Palestinian side of the Wall, along with dozens of other Israeli settlements constructed in violation of international law all over the West Bank. But Israeli officials have assured the residents of these settlements that they will construct other Walls and fences to allow them to access Jerusalem without having to go through Palestinian areas.
These additional fences and barriers will, like the Annexation Wall itself, be constructed on land seized from Palestinian owners by Israeli authorities who claim that they have the right to take the land 'for security reasons'. All Israeli settlements on Palestinian land are considered illegal under international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention, which forbids an occupying military power from settling its civilian population on land occupied by military force.
The announcement is seen as a response to the Palestinian encampment Bab Al Shams, which was established on the land in question, known to Israeli officials as 'E1', last weekend, then demolished by Israeli forces. The Palestinian non-violent activists who established the encampment entered the area through the village of Al-Zaim.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has openly declared his intention to build a settlement on the 'E1' land, and completely enclose the eastern edge of Jerusalem, thus effectively annexing the city of Jerusalem to the state of Israel. This renders any peace agreement with the Palestinian Authority impossible, since one of the Palestinian Authority's base demands is sharing the city of Jerusalem. The base demands, which Palestinians have asked Israel to recognize time and again to no avail, are: the recognition of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, the right of return of Palestinian refugees and the release of the thousands of Palestinian political prisoners being held in Israeli prison camps.
Soldiers Demolish Bab Al-Karama
Monday at dawn - January 21, Israeli soldiers invaded the Bab Al-Karama Palestinian village, installed by Palestinian activists on lands Israel intends to illegally confiscate in Beit Iksa, north west of occupied Jerusalem, and removed all tents and structures.
Palestinian activists in Bab Al-Karama (Gate Of Dignity) stated that the soldiers removed and demolished everything the activists installed, and started forcing them away from the entire area.
Kamal Hababa, head of the Bab Al-Karama village council, stated that a large number of Israeli soldiers, accompanied by military vehicles and bulldozers, invaded the area and removed the structures.
The army also continued its siege on the area preventing the residents from reaching Bab Al-Karama.
The new Palestinian ‘village’ was installed on Friday on privately-owned Palestinians lands that belong to the residents of Beit Iksa; the lands are on the area Israeli dubs as E1 where the Netanyahu government intends to build thousands of units for Jewish settlers.
On Sunday, the Israeli forces closed the checkpoint leading to Beit Iksa and attacked nonviolent protesters with gas bombs and stun grenades, and gave notice that they would evict the village.
The Palestinians insist that, similar to Bab Al-Shams village that was also attacked and removed by the Israeli army and police, last Wednesday at night, Bab Al-Karama is built on Palestinian lands, and that the Palestinians have the right to build on their own lands, part of the future Palestinian state.
Israel on the other hand is building an expanding illegal Jewish-only settlements on Palestinian lands in different parts of the occupied West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem.
The site where the Bab Al-Karama was installed overlooks the valley with the 1948 border where the remains of the village of Lifta are visible.
Lifta was one of hundreds of villages depopulated in 1948 when Israel was established in the historic land of Palestine. Just beyond Lifta, the remains of the village of Deir Yassin, also depopulated in 1948, are still visible.
Before 1948, the villagers of Beit Iksa had over 14000 Dunams of land, but they now have access to only 2000 Dunams of their lands. Should the Israel E1 Plan go forward, the villagers will only have around 600 Dunams. (1 Dunam = 0.247 Acres)
Palestinian activists in Bab Al-Karama (Gate Of Dignity) stated that the soldiers removed and demolished everything the activists installed, and started forcing them away from the entire area.
Kamal Hababa, head of the Bab Al-Karama village council, stated that a large number of Israeli soldiers, accompanied by military vehicles and bulldozers, invaded the area and removed the structures.
The army also continued its siege on the area preventing the residents from reaching Bab Al-Karama.
The new Palestinian ‘village’ was installed on Friday on privately-owned Palestinians lands that belong to the residents of Beit Iksa; the lands are on the area Israeli dubs as E1 where the Netanyahu government intends to build thousands of units for Jewish settlers.
On Sunday, the Israeli forces closed the checkpoint leading to Beit Iksa and attacked nonviolent protesters with gas bombs and stun grenades, and gave notice that they would evict the village.
The Palestinians insist that, similar to Bab Al-Shams village that was also attacked and removed by the Israeli army and police, last Wednesday at night, Bab Al-Karama is built on Palestinian lands, and that the Palestinians have the right to build on their own lands, part of the future Palestinian state.
Israel on the other hand is building an expanding illegal Jewish-only settlements on Palestinian lands in different parts of the occupied West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem.
The site where the Bab Al-Karama was installed overlooks the valley with the 1948 border where the remains of the village of Lifta are visible.
Lifta was one of hundreds of villages depopulated in 1948 when Israel was established in the historic land of Palestine. Just beyond Lifta, the remains of the village of Deir Yassin, also depopulated in 1948, are still visible.
Before 1948, the villagers of Beit Iksa had over 14000 Dunams of land, but they now have access to only 2000 Dunams of their lands. Should the Israel E1 Plan go forward, the villagers will only have around 600 Dunams. (1 Dunam = 0.247 Acres)
20 jan 2013
Army Isolates West Bank’s Northern Plains
Saturday evening - January 19, Israeli soldiers imposed a strict siege on the northern plains area of the occupied West Bank, and installed several roadblocks on main roads in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the army closed the Al-Hamra and Tayaseer roadblocks, installed several roadblocks on main roads linking between different Palestinian towns and villages in the area, and on main junctions.
The siege was imposed after the army demolished several structures and tents that belongs to Palestinian shepherds.
Aref Daraghma, head of the village council of Al-Maleh area and the Bedouin tribes, stated that the humanitarian situation in the area is very difficult, adding that entire families have been displaced and left in the cold.
Shepherds communes in the area have been targeted dozens of times, including several attacks carried out against them in the last few months rendering entire families of Bedouins and Shepherds homeless.
Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced and repeatedly removed from the area since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967.
Israel also demolished dozens of entire villages inhabited by Bedouins and shepherds as it does not recognize their communes and even their residency status in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Eyewitnesses reported that the army closed the Al-Hamra and Tayaseer roadblocks, installed several roadblocks on main roads linking between different Palestinian towns and villages in the area, and on main junctions.
The siege was imposed after the army demolished several structures and tents that belongs to Palestinian shepherds.
Aref Daraghma, head of the village council of Al-Maleh area and the Bedouin tribes, stated that the humanitarian situation in the area is very difficult, adding that entire families have been displaced and left in the cold.
Shepherds communes in the area have been targeted dozens of times, including several attacks carried out against them in the last few months rendering entire families of Bedouins and Shepherds homeless.
Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced and repeatedly removed from the area since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967.
Israel also demolished dozens of entire villages inhabited by Bedouins and shepherds as it does not recognize their communes and even their residency status in the occupied Palestinian territory.
19 jan 2013
IOF soldiers demolish Bedouin homes
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Saturday bulldozed homes of Bedouins in the northern Jordan Valley for the second time within the past couple of days. Aref Daraghme, the municipality chief in Wadi Al-Malih in the Jordan Valley, told Quds Press that IOF soldiers stormed Mayta and Hamamat areas and evicted Bedouins who were re-building what the army had razed on Thursday.
He said that the Palestinian Bedouin families in the area were again rendered homeless.
Daraghme said that IOF soldiers imposed a security cordon around the two areas and restricted the entry of Palestinian citizens after declaring them closed military zones.
He said that the Palestinian Bedouin families in the area were again rendered homeless.
Daraghme said that IOF soldiers imposed a security cordon around the two areas and restricted the entry of Palestinian citizens after declaring them closed military zones.
18 jan 2013
Palestine, Israel In Controversy Over King Herod's Tomb
by Sean McLachlan/ Gadling
An upcoming exhibit is causing friction between Palestinians and Israelis, the Associated Press reports.
On February 13, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem will open "Herod the Great: The King's Final Journey." It will be the first exhibition dedicated to the architectural legacy of the infamous Jewish king, who ruled as a vassal of the Roman Empire from 37-4 B.C.
Best known for the Biblical story of his killing the male children of Bethlehem to try to get rid of the baby Jesus, he was also one of the region's great builders, expanding the Second Temple and erecting many other monuments.
The exhibition will display remains from his many building projects. The centerpiece will be his recently discovered tomb, shown here, and what may be his sarcophagus, painstakingly reconstructed from hundreds of shattered pieces. Archaeologists believe it was destroyed by Jews to show their hatred of Herod.
Almost all the artifacts are from the West Bank, part of Palestine, and here is where the problem lies.
Palestinian Authority officials say they weren't consulted about the exhibit and that excavating and removing artifacts from Palestine without their permission breaks international antiquities laws. The Israel Museum denies this and says they have authority over the artifacts.
They also say the material will be returned to the West Bank after the exhibition closes October 5.
In this part of the world, history frequently gets enmeshed in politics, with both sides trying to claim the land by historical precedent.
The BBC has an interesting article on the troubles archaeologists face in Gaza. Besides a shortage of funding, sanctions keep them from getting many of the materials needed for excavation and conservation. War has also taken its toll, with Israeli bombs hitting the antiquities office and also damaging an early medieval mosaic in a Byzantine Church.
An upcoming exhibit is causing friction between Palestinians and Israelis, the Associated Press reports.
On February 13, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem will open "Herod the Great: The King's Final Journey." It will be the first exhibition dedicated to the architectural legacy of the infamous Jewish king, who ruled as a vassal of the Roman Empire from 37-4 B.C.
Best known for the Biblical story of his killing the male children of Bethlehem to try to get rid of the baby Jesus, he was also one of the region's great builders, expanding the Second Temple and erecting many other monuments.
The exhibition will display remains from his many building projects. The centerpiece will be his recently discovered tomb, shown here, and what may be his sarcophagus, painstakingly reconstructed from hundreds of shattered pieces. Archaeologists believe it was destroyed by Jews to show their hatred of Herod.
Almost all the artifacts are from the West Bank, part of Palestine, and here is where the problem lies.
Palestinian Authority officials say they weren't consulted about the exhibit and that excavating and removing artifacts from Palestine without their permission breaks international antiquities laws. The Israel Museum denies this and says they have authority over the artifacts.
They also say the material will be returned to the West Bank after the exhibition closes October 5.
In this part of the world, history frequently gets enmeshed in politics, with both sides trying to claim the land by historical precedent.
The BBC has an interesting article on the troubles archaeologists face in Gaza. Besides a shortage of funding, sanctions keep them from getting many of the materials needed for excavation and conservation. War has also taken its toll, with Israeli bombs hitting the antiquities office and also damaging an early medieval mosaic in a Byzantine Church.
Occupation demolishes Araqib village in Negev for the 46th time
Israeli occupation bulldozers demolished for the 46th time the unrecognized Arab village of Araqib, located in the Negev in southern 1948-occupied Palestine , on Thursday. Large forces belonging to the Israeli police, accompanied by special units and a number of bulldozers and demolition tools, stormed on Thursday Araqib village and started demolishing Palestinians’ houses, represented in tents and tin shacks which the citizens have established on the ruins of their homes demolished the first time in August 2010.
The village of Araqib, north of the city of Beersheba in the Negev desert, is one of 45 Arab villages in the Negev which the Israeli authorities refuse to recognize. It has a population of nearly 700 people living in harsh conditions in the desert that lacks all services.
The village of Araqib, north of the city of Beersheba in the Negev desert, is one of 45 Arab villages in the Negev which the Israeli authorities refuse to recognize. It has a population of nearly 700 people living in harsh conditions in the desert that lacks all services.
Settlers Cut 50 Olive Trees Near Bethlehem
A number of extremist Israeli settlers cut, Thursday, more than 50 olive trees that belong to a resident of Husan town, west of the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
Member of the Husan village council, Taha Hamara, told the Radio Bethlehem 2000 that a local villager went to his land to find his trees cut. He then went back to the village, and informed the village council of the attack.
The villager, Ahmad Sabateen, told the Radio that this is the fourth attack of its kind on his land, and added that he filed several complaints to the Israeli Police in Gush Etzion but to no avail.
On Tuesday, several Palestinian farmers, from Tequa’ village, east of Bethlehem, were injured after being attacked by a group of extremist settlers as they were heading to their lands.
Head of the Tequa’ Village Council , Taiseer Abu Mfarrih, stated that several members of the As-Sabah family were violently attacked and beaten by extremist settlers as they entered their own lands, close to the Nokadim illegal settlement, built on privately-owned lands that belong to the villagers.
Last month, settlers cut and uprooted more than 200 olive trees that belong to residents of Al-Jab’a village, west of Bethlehem.
Extremist settlers are responsible for numerous attacks against Palestinians villagers, their orchards and their property in different parts of the occupied West Bank.
Member of the Husan village council, Taha Hamara, told the Radio Bethlehem 2000 that a local villager went to his land to find his trees cut. He then went back to the village, and informed the village council of the attack.
The villager, Ahmad Sabateen, told the Radio that this is the fourth attack of its kind on his land, and added that he filed several complaints to the Israeli Police in Gush Etzion but to no avail.
On Tuesday, several Palestinian farmers, from Tequa’ village, east of Bethlehem, were injured after being attacked by a group of extremist settlers as they were heading to their lands.
Head of the Tequa’ Village Council , Taiseer Abu Mfarrih, stated that several members of the As-Sabah family were violently attacked and beaten by extremist settlers as they entered their own lands, close to the Nokadim illegal settlement, built on privately-owned lands that belong to the villagers.
Last month, settlers cut and uprooted more than 200 olive trees that belong to residents of Al-Jab’a village, west of Bethlehem.
Extremist settlers are responsible for numerous attacks against Palestinians villagers, their orchards and their property in different parts of the occupied West Bank.
17 jan 2013
Sit-in protest against the confiscation of lands in Beit Safafa
Dozens of residents of Beit Safafa in Jerusalem have organized a solidarity sit-in, on Wednesday, outside the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem, in protest against the confiscation of land owned by Arab citizens for constructing Road No. 4, which will lead to more separation.
The demonstrators raised banners calling on the Israeli municipality to go back on its decision in their village, chanting slogans against the Israeli Municipality's racist policy.
The Israeli Municipality began to divide their the village’s land nearly five months ago, in order to use it as a fast road linking between Jerusalem's northern settlements and its southern settlements, in addition to forcing the residents to use bypass roads to reach the neighborhoods of the village, as well as the confiscation of nearly 300 Dunams of the village lands.
Abdul Karim Lafi head of Engineering Committee in the village of Beit Safafa, said that "the Road N4 is speculated to start from the commercial complex in al-Malha, passing through Gilo settlement leading to the village of Beit Safafa to the city of al-Khalil."
He pointed out that the outline Road will separate the village of Beit Safafa into four sections, which will lead to more difficulties in residents' movement, in addition to forcing them to enter the Gilo and Pat settlements to reach their village, in addition to the noise and pollution of the environment.
Beit Safafa, a Palestinian village south of Occupied Jerusalem, was divided in the occupation of 1948 and united in the occupation of 1967.
The demonstrators raised banners calling on the Israeli municipality to go back on its decision in their village, chanting slogans against the Israeli Municipality's racist policy.
The Israeli Municipality began to divide their the village’s land nearly five months ago, in order to use it as a fast road linking between Jerusalem's northern settlements and its southern settlements, in addition to forcing the residents to use bypass roads to reach the neighborhoods of the village, as well as the confiscation of nearly 300 Dunams of the village lands.
Abdul Karim Lafi head of Engineering Committee in the village of Beit Safafa, said that "the Road N4 is speculated to start from the commercial complex in al-Malha, passing through Gilo settlement leading to the village of Beit Safafa to the city of al-Khalil."
He pointed out that the outline Road will separate the village of Beit Safafa into four sections, which will lead to more difficulties in residents' movement, in addition to forcing them to enter the Gilo and Pat settlements to reach their village, in addition to the noise and pollution of the environment.
Beit Safafa, a Palestinian village south of Occupied Jerusalem, was divided in the occupation of 1948 and united in the occupation of 1967.
16 jan 2013
IOA destroys power grid in Bethlehem
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) destroyed a power grid in Makhur area in Beit Jala town, Bethlehem province. Nael Suleiman, the head of Beit Jala municipality, said in a press statement that IOF bulldozers destroyed the power grid on Wednesday morning.
He said that the power was cut on four homes and dozens of hothouses in Makhur area.
Suleiman charged that the step was meant to deprive Bethlehem and Beit Jala inhabitants from making good use of their agricultural land.
He noted that the area is considered the only available area for Bethlehem inhabitants to expand their demographic presence.
He said that the power was cut on four homes and dozens of hothouses in Makhur area.
Suleiman charged that the step was meant to deprive Bethlehem and Beit Jala inhabitants from making good use of their agricultural land.
He noted that the area is considered the only available area for Bethlehem inhabitants to expand their demographic presence.
Israel Could Face Criminal Court Charges For Evicting Civilians In Hebron
A revised petition of a legal opinion that was submitted to the Israeli High Court of Justice, against the eviction of twelve Palestinians villages from their home so that the army can conduct military training, stated that the Palestinians could have legal grounds to sue Israel at the International Criminal Court, Israeli daily, Haaretz, reported.
The petition states that by declaring around 30.000 Dunams in the Southern Hebron Hills as an Israeli live-fire training zone, removing the Palestinian residents from their property, there will be legal grounds for suing Israel.
In the early 1980’s, Israel declared the 30.000 Dunams of Palestinian lands as a live-fire zone, Haaretz, said, while in 1999, the Israeli Army issued orders displacing the Palestinians who live in the area, and even used force to evict some of them.
The Israeli High Court received two petitions against the eviction of the Palestinians, and issued a temporary injunction allowing them to return to their homes, but did not void the army’s illegal decision declaring the area as a live-fire zone.
Haaretz further reported in July of last year, Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, submitted the Ministry’s official decision to the court declaring that Palestinians living in eight of the twelve villages need to be evicted “as they are in the live-fire zone”, and claimed that this area is “crucial for Israeli military drills.”
Barak alleged that the Palestinians who live in these villages “are not permanent residents” as they are mainly Bedouin tribes and shepherds, and added that “the army can remove them as they have no legal status”.
On Wednesday, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, submitted a revised petition on behalf of the residents, as suggested by the court.
Haaretz reported that the revised petition stated that the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the forcible transfer of protected populations from occupied territories, and that even countries that are not signatories to the Convention are even bound by it.
Israel is one of the signatories of the Convention, and even without signing it, the Convention should supersede orders issued by military commanders.
Haaretz added that Professors Eyal Benvenisti, Yuval Shany, and David Kremcher, whose legal opinions were included in the petition, argued that the prohibition on the forcible removal of protected civilian populations living in occupied territories, as stated in the Geneva Convention, became a customary law.
The legal experts also stated that the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court “explicitly grants jurisdiction to the court to look into these cases.”
They said that there are no exceptions, as this prohibition is clear and does not depend on the residency status of the residents, and added that the absoluteness that this prohibition stems from what largely took place during World War II, when massive deportations were widely carried out under different claims.
Furthermore, the Fourth Geneva Convention allows the temporary transfer of civilian populations due to temporary military needs, due to war of or armed conflict, but it does not apply to this case as Israel is not in war, but is creating a military training area.
What Israel is doing is the forcible transfer of a civilian population, even if the army did not need to resort to military force, therefore its action is illegal.
The petition states that by declaring around 30.000 Dunams in the Southern Hebron Hills as an Israeli live-fire training zone, removing the Palestinian residents from their property, there will be legal grounds for suing Israel.
In the early 1980’s, Israel declared the 30.000 Dunams of Palestinian lands as a live-fire zone, Haaretz, said, while in 1999, the Israeli Army issued orders displacing the Palestinians who live in the area, and even used force to evict some of them.
The Israeli High Court received two petitions against the eviction of the Palestinians, and issued a temporary injunction allowing them to return to their homes, but did not void the army’s illegal decision declaring the area as a live-fire zone.
Haaretz further reported in July of last year, Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, submitted the Ministry’s official decision to the court declaring that Palestinians living in eight of the twelve villages need to be evicted “as they are in the live-fire zone”, and claimed that this area is “crucial for Israeli military drills.”
Barak alleged that the Palestinians who live in these villages “are not permanent residents” as they are mainly Bedouin tribes and shepherds, and added that “the army can remove them as they have no legal status”.
On Wednesday, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, submitted a revised petition on behalf of the residents, as suggested by the court.
Haaretz reported that the revised petition stated that the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the forcible transfer of protected populations from occupied territories, and that even countries that are not signatories to the Convention are even bound by it.
Israel is one of the signatories of the Convention, and even without signing it, the Convention should supersede orders issued by military commanders.
Haaretz added that Professors Eyal Benvenisti, Yuval Shany, and David Kremcher, whose legal opinions were included in the petition, argued that the prohibition on the forcible removal of protected civilian populations living in occupied territories, as stated in the Geneva Convention, became a customary law.
The legal experts also stated that the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court “explicitly grants jurisdiction to the court to look into these cases.”
They said that there are no exceptions, as this prohibition is clear and does not depend on the residency status of the residents, and added that the absoluteness that this prohibition stems from what largely took place during World War II, when massive deportations were widely carried out under different claims.
Furthermore, the Fourth Geneva Convention allows the temporary transfer of civilian populations due to temporary military needs, due to war of or armed conflict, but it does not apply to this case as Israel is not in war, but is creating a military training area.
What Israel is doing is the forcible transfer of a civilian population, even if the army did not need to resort to military force, therefore its action is illegal.
IOA uproots 100 years old olive tree in Ibrahimi mosque
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) chopped down a one hundred years old olive tree in the eastern garden of the Ibrahimi mosque. Local sources told Quds Press that the IOA alleged that the tree was bulldozed for security reasons and to expand the road trekked by Jewish settlers to reach the mosque.
Former Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman visited the Ibrahimi mosque on Tuesday in a tour that raised the ire of Palestinians.
The IOA had divided the Ibrahimi mosque between Jews and Muslims with the bigger part allocated for Jews.
Former Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman visited the Ibrahimi mosque on Tuesday in a tour that raised the ire of Palestinians.
The IOA had divided the Ibrahimi mosque between Jews and Muslims with the bigger part allocated for Jews.
15 jan 2013
Occupation destroys a second home in Jerusalem on Tuesday
Israeli occupation bulldozers demolished, on Tuesday morning, a second Palestinian home in the occupied city of Jerusalem, and drove its owners outdoors, under the pretext of being built without a permit. Local sources said that the bulldozers raided the area around the house accompanied by enhanced forces of police and border guards, and demolished the house belonging to Arif Hussain Amira, 71, in the town of Sur Baher, south of Jerusalem.
Confrontations have occurred during the demolition process between the occupation forces and local residents, where the Israeli forces fired tear gas and sound bombs towards young people.
Israeli bulldozers had demolished also in the early hours in Tuesday and without warning the house of Nasser Awad Rajabi, 42, under the pretext of being built without a permit, in Beit Hanina north of occupied Jerusalem.
The Secretary-General of the Islamic-Christian committee, Dr. Hanna Issa, condemned, in a press release issued on Tuesday, the demolition of two houses in Jerusalem, considering it a flagrant violation of international charters, especially the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.
Local statistics documented the demolition of more than 400 homes in East Jerusalem in the period between 2004 and 2012.
Issa stressed that the demolishing of citizens' houses violates the international human rights law, saying that according to Forth Geneva Convention of 1949 Art. 53. "Any destruction by the Occupying Power of real or personal property belonging individually or collectively to private persons, or to the State, or to other public authorities, or to social or cooperative organizations, is prohibited, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations."
The Israeli policy of demolishing Palestinian homes under the pretext of being built without permit to cleanse the city of Jerusalem from its indigenous Palestinian population and encourage Jewish settlers to settle and build there is a punitive policy that violates the international agreements that prevent racial discrimination, he explained.
Confrontations have occurred during the demolition process between the occupation forces and local residents, where the Israeli forces fired tear gas and sound bombs towards young people.
Israeli bulldozers had demolished also in the early hours in Tuesday and without warning the house of Nasser Awad Rajabi, 42, under the pretext of being built without a permit, in Beit Hanina north of occupied Jerusalem.
The Secretary-General of the Islamic-Christian committee, Dr. Hanna Issa, condemned, in a press release issued on Tuesday, the demolition of two houses in Jerusalem, considering it a flagrant violation of international charters, especially the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.
Local statistics documented the demolition of more than 400 homes in East Jerusalem in the period between 2004 and 2012.
Issa stressed that the demolishing of citizens' houses violates the international human rights law, saying that according to Forth Geneva Convention of 1949 Art. 53. "Any destruction by the Occupying Power of real or personal property belonging individually or collectively to private persons, or to the State, or to other public authorities, or to social or cooperative organizations, is prohibited, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations."
The Israeli policy of demolishing Palestinian homes under the pretext of being built without permit to cleanse the city of Jerusalem from its indigenous Palestinian population and encourage Jewish settlers to settle and build there is a punitive policy that violates the international agreements that prevent racial discrimination, he explained.
IOA razes Jerusalemite home
The Israeli occupation authorities razed a Palestinian home to the north of occupied Jerusalem at the usual pretext of lack of construction permit. Local sources said that Israeli policemen escorted municipality bulldozers that hacked 60 square meters of the house in Beit Hanina for Rajabi family.
In the same context, Israeli policemen stopped dozens of Palestinian vehicles at Jaba roadblock to the north of occupied Jerusalem and detained many youths for hours before releasing them later.
In the same context, Israeli policemen stopped dozens of Palestinian vehicles at Jaba roadblock to the north of occupied Jerusalem and detained many youths for hours before releasing them later.
14 jan 2013
Israeli Occupation Demolishes Palestinian Houses, Structures in Hebron
Bulldozers of the Israeli occupation authority demolished several Palestinian houses, agricultural structures and barracks belonging to al-Hathaleen family, adjacent to the settlement of 'Carma'il' that was established on Yatta land, south of Hebron. Coordinator of the Popular Committees to Resist Settlement and Apartheid Wall in Yatta, Rateb al-Jbour, told PNN that Israeli bulldozers started since the early hours of the morning, to demolish the houses and structures and prevented the citizens from protesting against the demolition process.
Al-Jbour said that surprisingly, the Israeli bulldozers came to the village to demolish the Palestinian properties without pre-warnings, adding that this process came in preparation to confiscate all the lands adjacent to the settlement.
Al-Jbour said that the Popular Committees will raise this case to the human rights institutions.
It's worth mentioning that the Israeli occupation is deporting and displacing the Palestinian citizens who reside in that area, and that this is not the first time that Israeli occupation demolishes houses and structures on claims they were built on a military area.
Al-Jbour said that surprisingly, the Israeli bulldozers came to the village to demolish the Palestinian properties without pre-warnings, adding that this process came in preparation to confiscate all the lands adjacent to the settlement.
Al-Jbour said that the Popular Committees will raise this case to the human rights institutions.
It's worth mentioning that the Israeli occupation is deporting and displacing the Palestinian citizens who reside in that area, and that this is not the first time that Israeli occupation demolishes houses and structures on claims they were built on a military area.
13 jan 2013
Israel declares plan to build 200 housing units in Jordan Valley
The Israeli military ruler of the Jordan Valley region declared a plan to build 200 housing units in Rotem settlement in addition to other 48 units to be established later in most of the settlements in the Valley. Specialist in settlement affairs Khalil Tufkaji told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that this new Israeli plan is of two parts, the first is to keep harassing the Palestinian farmers and Bedouin families in the Jordan Valley to force them to leave their homes through a number of measures including the restrictions on their movement, the destruction of their villages and the confiscation of their livestock.
The second part, he said, is to keep demolishing their villages systematically at the pretext they are either located in military zones or belong to the Israeli state before giving up the Palestinian lands there to the general federation of laborers known as Histadrut or the Jewish national fund.
Tufkaji noted that senior Israeli security and military personnel are given priority to live in houses built on the Palestinian lands seized from these Palestinian Bedouins and villagers.
The second part, he said, is to keep demolishing their villages systematically at the pretext they are either located in military zones or belong to the Israeli state before giving up the Palestinian lands there to the general federation of laborers known as Histadrut or the Jewish national fund.
Tufkaji noted that senior Israeli security and military personnel are given priority to live in houses built on the Palestinian lands seized from these Palestinian Bedouins and villagers.
10 jan 2013
Army Attacks Arab MK While Protesting Home Demolition
Israeli soldiers and policemen attacked, Wednesday, Arab member of Knesset (MK) of the Arab Democratic Party, Talab El-Sana’, as he protested the demolition of an Arab home in Tal Es-Sabe’ village, near Be’er Es-Sabe’ (Beersheba).
As-Sane’, the longest serving Arab MK, was attacked as he protested the demolition of a home that belongs to resident Ahmad Abu Al-Asa; Israel claims that the home was built without a construction permit.
In a statement issued by his office, As-Sane’ stated that Israeli policemen prevented him from entering the area, and went on to punch him and beat him with their batons.
As-Sane’ stated that the Israeli policies against the Arabs and Palestinian, mainly home demolition policies, are “fascist policy”, and added that “in civilized and democratic countries, governments provide aid to the residents during natural disasters, such as storms, but Israel demolishes Arab homes in extreme weather conditions without any mercy, and leaves the children out in the cold”.
Israel’s policies against the Arabs in the country, including in the Negev, ignore any infrastructure development, any largely prevent the residents from building new homes and structures, while at the same time focus on developing Jewish areas, and building shopping centers.
In 2005, Israel approved the so-called “Negev Development Plan” aiming at building shopping centers and tourist areas, but at the same time displacing around some 65.000 Bedouins living in what Israel refers to as “unrecognized villages”.
Al-Araqeeb village in the Negev is one of the most impacted “unrecognized villages” as it was destroyed more than 41 times.
The Prawer plan calls for annexing more than 700.000 Dunams (185329 acres) and displacing the residents by demolishing 14 villages in the area.
All unrecognized villages in the Negev are under continuing Israeli attacks and violations, as Tel Aviv does not recognize the residents' right to live on their land -- land they inhabited long before the 1948 creation of the state of Israel in historic Palestine.
Unrecognized villages in the Negev are under continuing Israeli attacks and violations, as Tel Aviv does not recognize the residents' right to live on their land -- land they inhabited long before the 1948 creation of the state of Israel in historic Palestine.
As-Sane’, the longest serving Arab MK, was attacked as he protested the demolition of a home that belongs to resident Ahmad Abu Al-Asa; Israel claims that the home was built without a construction permit.
In a statement issued by his office, As-Sane’ stated that Israeli policemen prevented him from entering the area, and went on to punch him and beat him with their batons.
As-Sane’ stated that the Israeli policies against the Arabs and Palestinian, mainly home demolition policies, are “fascist policy”, and added that “in civilized and democratic countries, governments provide aid to the residents during natural disasters, such as storms, but Israel demolishes Arab homes in extreme weather conditions without any mercy, and leaves the children out in the cold”.
Israel’s policies against the Arabs in the country, including in the Negev, ignore any infrastructure development, any largely prevent the residents from building new homes and structures, while at the same time focus on developing Jewish areas, and building shopping centers.
In 2005, Israel approved the so-called “Negev Development Plan” aiming at building shopping centers and tourist areas, but at the same time displacing around some 65.000 Bedouins living in what Israel refers to as “unrecognized villages”.
Al-Araqeeb village in the Negev is one of the most impacted “unrecognized villages” as it was destroyed more than 41 times.
The Prawer plan calls for annexing more than 700.000 Dunams (185329 acres) and displacing the residents by demolishing 14 villages in the area.
All unrecognized villages in the Negev are under continuing Israeli attacks and violations, as Tel Aviv does not recognize the residents' right to live on their land -- land they inhabited long before the 1948 creation of the state of Israel in historic Palestine.
Unrecognized villages in the Negev are under continuing Israeli attacks and violations, as Tel Aviv does not recognize the residents' right to live on their land -- land they inhabited long before the 1948 creation of the state of Israel in historic Palestine.
Egypt Says Israel Stole Sand
The country wants a reasonable $500 billion for Israel’s years in Sinai.
In a short, 750-page report sent to the United Nations recently, Egypt demanded $500 billion dollars from Israel as compensation for damages inflicted on the Sinai Peninsula from 1967 to 1982, when Israel occupied the region.
Among other grievances, Egypt has accused Israel of disrupting maritime trade in the Suez Canal, thus depriving Egypt of millions of dollars’ worth of revenue, and stealing just under $50 billion worth of sand. Those involved with Egypt’s legal proceedings voiced concern that the country was left with annoyingly breathtaking views of the area and “worthless rock” like Mount Sinai.
In response to accusations that Egypt wants a disproportionate sum worth more than Israel’s entire operating budget, authorities referenced the peace agreement signed in 1979 and confirmed that they were just trying to futher develop friendly relations.
Up until now, the UN has ignored the report, so Egyptian authorities have forwarded it on to the U.S. administration via Gmail in the hopes that they will have better luck pressuring Israel into paying up.
As Tablet learned through a White House official who may or may not exist, President Barack Obama has weighed in: “I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m interested in this issue if and only if I can be assured that I’ll be able to secure another Nobel Peace Prize for my involvement.”
Important Israeli lawyers have already started preparing their rebuttal, should the case go to court. “Taking into account disruptions to Israel’s trade, the number of cargo shipments seized, and the money we’re losing from phantom toll booths, we were pleased to realize that Egypt actually owes us $1 trillion.”
At press time, Egypt was contemplating also filing suit against the Ottoman Empire for goblet theft in the years between 1507-1906.
Egypt Seeks $500B from Israel for Sinai Damage [Nuqudy]
In a short, 750-page report sent to the United Nations recently, Egypt demanded $500 billion dollars from Israel as compensation for damages inflicted on the Sinai Peninsula from 1967 to 1982, when Israel occupied the region.
Among other grievances, Egypt has accused Israel of disrupting maritime trade in the Suez Canal, thus depriving Egypt of millions of dollars’ worth of revenue, and stealing just under $50 billion worth of sand. Those involved with Egypt’s legal proceedings voiced concern that the country was left with annoyingly breathtaking views of the area and “worthless rock” like Mount Sinai.
In response to accusations that Egypt wants a disproportionate sum worth more than Israel’s entire operating budget, authorities referenced the peace agreement signed in 1979 and confirmed that they were just trying to futher develop friendly relations.
Up until now, the UN has ignored the report, so Egyptian authorities have forwarded it on to the U.S. administration via Gmail in the hopes that they will have better luck pressuring Israel into paying up.
As Tablet learned through a White House official who may or may not exist, President Barack Obama has weighed in: “I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m interested in this issue if and only if I can be assured that I’ll be able to secure another Nobel Peace Prize for my involvement.”
Important Israeli lawyers have already started preparing their rebuttal, should the case go to court. “Taking into account disruptions to Israel’s trade, the number of cargo shipments seized, and the money we’re losing from phantom toll booths, we were pleased to realize that Egypt actually owes us $1 trillion.”
At press time, Egypt was contemplating also filing suit against the Ottoman Empire for goblet theft in the years between 1507-1906.
Egypt Seeks $500B from Israel for Sinai Damage [Nuqudy]
8 jan 2012
IOA demolishes home in Silwan despite stormy weather
Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) razed a Palestinian home in Suweih suburb in Silwan town to the south of the Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Tuesday.
Fakhri Abu Diyab, a member of the committee for the defense of Silwan land, said in a press release that the three-story building, which overlooks the Aqsa mosque, was under construction and uninhabited.
He said that the timing of the demolition reflected the ugly image of occupation that did not care less about stormy weather conditions and went ahead in its demolition plan.
Israelis Demolish Palestinian-Owned Home in Jerusalem
Bulldozers of the Israeli municipality of West Jerusalem Tuesday demolished a Palestinian home in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan under the pretext it was built without permit, according to a local activist. Head of the Committee for the Defense of Silwan, Fakhri Abu Diab, told WAFA that municipality workers protected by Israeli soldiers demolished a three-story house that is still under construction.
He warned that the Israeli authorities aim to empty the area of its Palestinian residents in order to seize it for the benefit of settlement expansion.
Fakhri Abu Diyab, a member of the committee for the defense of Silwan land, said in a press release that the three-story building, which overlooks the Aqsa mosque, was under construction and uninhabited.
He said that the timing of the demolition reflected the ugly image of occupation that did not care less about stormy weather conditions and went ahead in its demolition plan.
Israelis Demolish Palestinian-Owned Home in Jerusalem
Bulldozers of the Israeli municipality of West Jerusalem Tuesday demolished a Palestinian home in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan under the pretext it was built without permit, according to a local activist. Head of the Committee for the Defense of Silwan, Fakhri Abu Diab, told WAFA that municipality workers protected by Israeli soldiers demolished a three-story house that is still under construction.
He warned that the Israeli authorities aim to empty the area of its Palestinian residents in order to seize it for the benefit of settlement expansion.
5 jan 2013
Settlers force farmers to leave their lands in al-Khalil
Jewish settlers, protected by the Israeli soldiers, forced Palestinian farmers to leave their lands east of the town of Yatta, south of al-Khalil.
Rateb al-Jabour, the coordinator of the popular committee against the settlements in Yatta, stated that settlers from the Avijal settlement chased farmers from the family of Jabarin while they were working on their agricultural lands in the area of Wade Ma'in, east of Yatta, on Saturday.
Clashes erupted between the settlers and the Palestinian farmers at which point the Israeli occupation soldiers arrived to the area and forced the farmers to leave their lands.
Jabour pointed out that the settlers and the occupation soldiers have been recently waging a campaign against the farmers through preventing them from working in their lands in an attempt to displace them and seize control of the lands.
Rateb al-Jabour, the coordinator of the popular committee against the settlements in Yatta, stated that settlers from the Avijal settlement chased farmers from the family of Jabarin while they were working on their agricultural lands in the area of Wade Ma'in, east of Yatta, on Saturday.
Clashes erupted between the settlers and the Palestinian farmers at which point the Israeli occupation soldiers arrived to the area and forced the farmers to leave their lands.
Jabour pointed out that the settlers and the occupation soldiers have been recently waging a campaign against the farmers through preventing them from working in their lands in an attempt to displace them and seize control of the lands.
3 jan 2013
Aqsa foundation: Israel plans to Judaize the landscape around the Aqsa Mosque
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage warned that the Israeli occupation regime plans to build a cluster of giant Jewish structures that can change the urban landscape greatly around the Aqsa Mosque.
In a press report on Thursday, the Aqsa foundation said that the Israeli occupation authority and its institutions intensified in recent days its excavations around the Aqsa Mosque, especially in its western and southern sides where Al-Maghariba Gate, the Umayyad Palaces and the entrance to Wadi Hilwa district are located.
The foundation noted that these excavations are taking place concurrently with the destruction of historical Islamic monuments and remains as part of Israel's steps to Judaize the whole area around the Mosque.
A field committee sent by the Aqsa foundation to where the excavations are taking place spotted dozens of Israeli settlers and foreign workers embarking on destroying the Islamic antiquities in the Umayyad Palaces area south of the Aqsa Mosque.
To the west of the Aqsa Mosque, the destruction of what remained of Al-Maghariba Gate is underway, the committee said, adding that chapels for Jewish women are being built in this area.
Not far from Al-Maghariba Gate, specifically at the entrance to Wadi Hilwa district, the Israeli excavations expand every day, while the Islamic structural remains from Umayyad and Abbasid eras, which were discovered during the diggings, were wiped out, according to the committee.
The Aqsa foundation affirmed that these excavations are prelude to the building of Jewish infrastructure around the Aqsa Mosque serving as annexes to the alleged temple of Solomon which the Jews wants to build on the ruins of Mosque.
In a press report on Thursday, the Aqsa foundation said that the Israeli occupation authority and its institutions intensified in recent days its excavations around the Aqsa Mosque, especially in its western and southern sides where Al-Maghariba Gate, the Umayyad Palaces and the entrance to Wadi Hilwa district are located.
The foundation noted that these excavations are taking place concurrently with the destruction of historical Islamic monuments and remains as part of Israel's steps to Judaize the whole area around the Mosque.
A field committee sent by the Aqsa foundation to where the excavations are taking place spotted dozens of Israeli settlers and foreign workers embarking on destroying the Islamic antiquities in the Umayyad Palaces area south of the Aqsa Mosque.
To the west of the Aqsa Mosque, the destruction of what remained of Al-Maghariba Gate is underway, the committee said, adding that chapels for Jewish women are being built in this area.
Not far from Al-Maghariba Gate, specifically at the entrance to Wadi Hilwa district, the Israeli excavations expand every day, while the Islamic structural remains from Umayyad and Abbasid eras, which were discovered during the diggings, were wiped out, according to the committee.
The Aqsa foundation affirmed that these excavations are prelude to the building of Jewish infrastructure around the Aqsa Mosque serving as annexes to the alleged temple of Solomon which the Jews wants to build on the ruins of Mosque.
Around 1000 Palestinians Leave Their Structures, Tents, In Northern Plains
Around a 1000 Palestinians living in Bedouin communes and residents of Al-Maleh area in the northern Plaines of the occupied West Bank started leaving their homes and tents after receiving military orders from the Israeli army informing them that the soldiers will be conducting drills using live ammunition. Aref Daraghma, head of the village council of Al-Maleh area and the Bedouin tribes, stated that around a 1000 residents started leaving their lands in order to avoid harm, and to avoid clashes with the soldiers who intend to remove them by force if they do not leave.
Daraghma added that the residents fear that the Israeli military training will cause destruction of their lands and property, and that the soldiers would even prevent them from returning to their lands and homes.
“They are in a tough situation right now”, Daraghma stated, “They had to evict their structures, their tents, and had to leave the area”.
He further stated that the grazing area, inhabited by the shepherds, includes Wadi Al-Maleh, Ein Al-Hilwa, Al-Faw Valley, Al-Meeta, Al-Borj, and other villages.
Israel performed similar military drills in the areas last summer forcing dozens of families to leave their homes seeking shelter in other areas until all drills were concluded.
Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced and repeatedly removed from the area since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967. Israel also demolished dozens of entire villages inhabited by Bedouins and shepherds.
Daraghma added that the residents fear that the Israeli military training will cause destruction of their lands and property, and that the soldiers would even prevent them from returning to their lands and homes.
“They are in a tough situation right now”, Daraghma stated, “They had to evict their structures, their tents, and had to leave the area”.
He further stated that the grazing area, inhabited by the shepherds, includes Wadi Al-Maleh, Ein Al-Hilwa, Al-Faw Valley, Al-Meeta, Al-Borj, and other villages.
Israel performed similar military drills in the areas last summer forcing dozens of families to leave their homes seeking shelter in other areas until all drills were concluded.
Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced and repeatedly removed from the area since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967. Israel also demolished dozens of entire villages inhabited by Bedouins and shepherds.
Likud Officials Call On Government To “Annex C Area” In West Bank
Israeli sources reported that two senior officials of the Likud Party of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called on the government to “officially annex C area” of the occupied West Bank, where Israel’s major illegal settlement blocks and settlements are located, in order to officially regard the area as part of the state of Israel.
Israeli daily, Maariv, reported that Israeli Information and Diaspora Minister, Yuli Edelstein, and Member of Knesset (MK) Zeev Elkin, said that Israel must enforce its sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, stating that “Judea and Samaria must be in the hands of Israel forever”, according to the two officials.
They said that Israel’s settlements in the West Bank must be annexed as part of Israel, but added that Israel should conduct this move “slowly and carefully, not immediately”, in order to avoid massive international condemnation.
More and more Israeli officials, MK’s and ministers, members of the Israeli right-wing and far right fundamentalist parties, have recently voiced similar calls as an act of revenge against the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank especially after its garnered an overwhelming support in obtaining non-member observer state status at the United Nations General Assembly.
Israel claims it has the right to build and expand Jewish-only settlements in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem, as it considers these settlements to be “housing projects built on state land”.
But International Law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory, consider settlements built in the occupied territory to be illegal as they are built on occupied lands, and most of them are actually built on privately-owned Palestinian lands.
Israel’s Annexation Wall in the West Bank is also illegal and is largely designed for more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands and orchards besides the fact that it is preventing thousands of villagers from accessing their lands and orchards.
Israel never defined its border with the West Bank and is using the Wall, that extends around Palestinian lands, and encircling entire villages, as the de facto border with the Palestinian territories.
The Wall is also designed in a way that enables the expansion of existing settlements on the expense of Palestinian lands and property.
Israeli daily, Maariv, reported that Israeli Information and Diaspora Minister, Yuli Edelstein, and Member of Knesset (MK) Zeev Elkin, said that Israel must enforce its sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, stating that “Judea and Samaria must be in the hands of Israel forever”, according to the two officials.
They said that Israel’s settlements in the West Bank must be annexed as part of Israel, but added that Israel should conduct this move “slowly and carefully, not immediately”, in order to avoid massive international condemnation.
More and more Israeli officials, MK’s and ministers, members of the Israeli right-wing and far right fundamentalist parties, have recently voiced similar calls as an act of revenge against the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank especially after its garnered an overwhelming support in obtaining non-member observer state status at the United Nations General Assembly.
Israel claims it has the right to build and expand Jewish-only settlements in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem, as it considers these settlements to be “housing projects built on state land”.
But International Law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory, consider settlements built in the occupied territory to be illegal as they are built on occupied lands, and most of them are actually built on privately-owned Palestinian lands.
Israel’s Annexation Wall in the West Bank is also illegal and is largely designed for more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands and orchards besides the fact that it is preventing thousands of villagers from accessing their lands and orchards.
Israel never defined its border with the West Bank and is using the Wall, that extends around Palestinian lands, and encircling entire villages, as the de facto border with the Palestinian territories.
The Wall is also designed in a way that enables the expansion of existing settlements on the expense of Palestinian lands and property.
2 jan 2013
IOA plans to raze 60-year-old agricultural installation
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) served a demolition notice to a Palestinian owner of an agricultural installation in Al-Khader town, south of Bethlehem, that was built 60 years ago.
Ahmed Salah, the coordinator of the town’s popular committee, told Quds Press on Wednesday that Israeli occupation forces glued the demolition warning on the installation.
He charged that the IOA wants to raze the installation in order to pave the way for expanding a nearby Jewish settlement at the expense of the 20-dunum piece of land on which the installation is built.
Ahmed Salah, the coordinator of the town’s popular committee, told Quds Press on Wednesday that Israeli occupation forces glued the demolition warning on the installation.
He charged that the IOA wants to raze the installation in order to pave the way for expanding a nearby Jewish settlement at the expense of the 20-dunum piece of land on which the installation is built.
Israel launches demolition campaign against Palestinian homes in east J'lem
The Israeli municipal council in occupied Jerusalem started to re-distribute dozens of demolition orders to the Palestinian natives in Arab neighborhoods and towns in the eastern part of the city.
Tawfik Ghazzawi, one of the natives who received demolition notices, told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that he was surprised one morning to see Israeli municipal employees sticking a renewed demolition order on the wall of his house in Sahel neighborhood of Attour district.
Ghazzawi noted that his house is composed of two floor apartments, one has been closed by an Israeli municipal court in 2007 until he obtains a permit and the other is where he lives with his family of 12 members.
"About 10 years ago, an administrative demolition decision was issued against my house in 2002 and the municipal court forced me to pay a fine regularly during the past years, and until last September I continued to pay the fine, but as I just finished paying the fine, the Israeli municipality hastened to put a new demolition order at the pretext of unlicensed construction," he elaborated.
The citizen pointed out that he and the residents of his neighborhood had submitted a project plan for their area to obtain the required permits in accordance with the law and regulations in place, but the municipal council declined the plan and "this time" at the pretext that their area is green and uninhabitable.
According to Ghazzawi, Sahel neighborhood contains 24 homes and all its residents received demolition notices years ago, but because of these renewed demolition threats, they have become exposed once again to displacement and court trials in order to force them to leave the area and later build settlement outposts on the ruins of their homes.
"They tried to knock down my house in 2006 without prior warning, but the lawyer was able at the last minute to stop the demolition order after the troops had forced us out of our home along with our luggage, belongings and all the furniture, and stole my wife's gold jewelry, an amount of money and every precious thing inside the house," he affirmed.
He said he filed a complaint with the Israeli police to have his stolen things back, but to no avail.
In Beit Hanina district, specifically in Wadi Addam neighborhood, Israeli municipal employees also stormed an apartment building of six floors belonging to Tawfiq Zannoun and handed all the residents demolition orders at the pretext that the third floor was built without a permit.
The Israeli municipal council in Jerusalem said in a meeting held two weeks ago that there are 20, 000 demolition orders against Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem, but it needs some time to coordinate with the Israeli government and the interior ministry to implement part of these orders during 2013.
Despite the fact that most of Palestinian natives cannot obtain construction permits, the municipal council claimed that it wants to deter the Palestinian natives from building without permits.
Tawfik Ghazzawi, one of the natives who received demolition notices, told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that he was surprised one morning to see Israeli municipal employees sticking a renewed demolition order on the wall of his house in Sahel neighborhood of Attour district.
Ghazzawi noted that his house is composed of two floor apartments, one has been closed by an Israeli municipal court in 2007 until he obtains a permit and the other is where he lives with his family of 12 members.
"About 10 years ago, an administrative demolition decision was issued against my house in 2002 and the municipal court forced me to pay a fine regularly during the past years, and until last September I continued to pay the fine, but as I just finished paying the fine, the Israeli municipality hastened to put a new demolition order at the pretext of unlicensed construction," he elaborated.
The citizen pointed out that he and the residents of his neighborhood had submitted a project plan for their area to obtain the required permits in accordance with the law and regulations in place, but the municipal council declined the plan and "this time" at the pretext that their area is green and uninhabitable.
According to Ghazzawi, Sahel neighborhood contains 24 homes and all its residents received demolition notices years ago, but because of these renewed demolition threats, they have become exposed once again to displacement and court trials in order to force them to leave the area and later build settlement outposts on the ruins of their homes.
"They tried to knock down my house in 2006 without prior warning, but the lawyer was able at the last minute to stop the demolition order after the troops had forced us out of our home along with our luggage, belongings and all the furniture, and stole my wife's gold jewelry, an amount of money and every precious thing inside the house," he affirmed.
He said he filed a complaint with the Israeli police to have his stolen things back, but to no avail.
In Beit Hanina district, specifically in Wadi Addam neighborhood, Israeli municipal employees also stormed an apartment building of six floors belonging to Tawfiq Zannoun and handed all the residents demolition orders at the pretext that the third floor was built without a permit.
The Israeli municipal council in Jerusalem said in a meeting held two weeks ago that there are 20, 000 demolition orders against Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem, but it needs some time to coordinate with the Israeli government and the interior ministry to implement part of these orders during 2013.
Despite the fact that most of Palestinian natives cannot obtain construction permits, the municipal council claimed that it wants to deter the Palestinian natives from building without permits.
1 jan 2013
Palestinian Home Demolished in East Jerusalem
Workers from the Israeli West Jerusalem municipality Tuesday demolished a Palestinian home in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Issawieh under the pretext it was built without a permit, according to the house owner. Ahmad Issawi, 40, told WAFA that the workers brought a bulldozer and proceeded to demolish the 145-square meter house, which was still under construction. A police force provided cover for the bulldozer during the demolition.
Issawi said he has been living for 10 years in a small house with his wife and three children and has wanted to build a bigger house for them. However, he added, the West Jerusalem municipality refused to give him a permit to build on his land claiming it wants to turn that area into a public park.
Issawi is brother of Samer Issawi, who is being held in Israeli jails and has been on hunger strike since August 1 demanding his release.
Israeli police has been targeting the Issawi family for a long time, raiding their home at night and arresting brothers and sisters of Samer in what the family says is obvious revenge tactics.
IOA demolishes Palestinian house in Issawiye
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) razed a Palestinian house in Issawiye village, to the north of occupied Jerusalem, on Tuesday.
Local sources said that the house belonged to Rafat Al-Issawi, who has been living in it for the past ten years, and was knocked down at the pretext of being built without construction permit.
They said a big number of policemen supervised the demolition, and recalled that the IOA razed the home of another Jerusalemite on Monday in Jabal Al-Mukabir at the same pretext.
Resheq lashes out at IOA for razing house of Issawi’s brother
Political bureau member of Hamas Ezzet Al-Resheq condemned the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) for razing the home of Rafat Al-Issawi, the brother of hunger striker Samer Al-Issawi, in occupied Jerusalem.
He asked the concerned international organizations and free people of the world to condemn those crimes and to pressure the IOA into ending its aggression on the Palestinian people.
Resheq, in a press statement on Tuesday, lashed out at the IOA for demolishing the home of Rafat, underlining that his brother Samer has been on hunger strike in Israeli occupation jails for more than five months protesting his administrative custody and demanding his immediate release.
Issawi said he has been living for 10 years in a small house with his wife and three children and has wanted to build a bigger house for them. However, he added, the West Jerusalem municipality refused to give him a permit to build on his land claiming it wants to turn that area into a public park.
Issawi is brother of Samer Issawi, who is being held in Israeli jails and has been on hunger strike since August 1 demanding his release.
Israeli police has been targeting the Issawi family for a long time, raiding their home at night and arresting brothers and sisters of Samer in what the family says is obvious revenge tactics.
IOA demolishes Palestinian house in Issawiye
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) razed a Palestinian house in Issawiye village, to the north of occupied Jerusalem, on Tuesday.
Local sources said that the house belonged to Rafat Al-Issawi, who has been living in it for the past ten years, and was knocked down at the pretext of being built without construction permit.
They said a big number of policemen supervised the demolition, and recalled that the IOA razed the home of another Jerusalemite on Monday in Jabal Al-Mukabir at the same pretext.
Resheq lashes out at IOA for razing house of Issawi’s brother
Political bureau member of Hamas Ezzet Al-Resheq condemned the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) for razing the home of Rafat Al-Issawi, the brother of hunger striker Samer Al-Issawi, in occupied Jerusalem.
He asked the concerned international organizations and free people of the world to condemn those crimes and to pressure the IOA into ending its aggression on the Palestinian people.
Resheq, in a press statement on Tuesday, lashed out at the IOA for demolishing the home of Rafat, underlining that his brother Samer has been on hunger strike in Israeli occupation jails for more than five months protesting his administrative custody and demanding his immediate release.
