29 nov 2016
Saturday 26th November 2016 marked the completion of the PCA Futsal Tournament – season 4, where the The Palestinian Community Association in Victoria (PCA) hosted a fundraiser lunch in collaboration with Knafeh Nabulseyeh (Business Owner Mussa Khayat) in Melbourne, Australia, reaching the goal of A$10,000.
According to the PNN, the money will go to the Al-Awda kindergarten in Al-Azzeh camp, Bethlehem, Aida Youth Center in Aida refugee Camp, and to Lajee cultural center in Aida as well.
“We had a great turn out of players, their families, friends and members of the Palestinian community in Melbourne,” said Nadeem Farhoud, an Australian-Palestinian soccer player and main charity coordinator.
“It was great atmosphere of support, collaboration and joy to cheer on the teams participating in the Grand Final and to also boost the donations to allow us achieve our ultimate goal,” he added.
According to the PNN, the money will go to the Al-Awda kindergarten in Al-Azzeh camp, Bethlehem, Aida Youth Center in Aida refugee Camp, and to Lajee cultural center in Aida as well.
“We had a great turn out of players, their families, friends and members of the Palestinian community in Melbourne,” said Nadeem Farhoud, an Australian-Palestinian soccer player and main charity coordinator.
“It was great atmosphere of support, collaboration and joy to cheer on the teams participating in the Grand Final and to also boost the donations to allow us achieve our ultimate goal,” he added.
18 nov 2016
The Turkish humanitarian relief group IHH on Thursday morning distributed electric mobility scooters to nine Gazan citizens with special needs.
IHH representative in Gaza Mohamed Kaya told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that the scooters were given to people with movement disabilities in order of priority.
Kaya affirmed that IHH would continue to work on carrying out relief projects for the disabled in Gaza to alleviate some of their suffering under the blockade.
IHH representative in Gaza Mohamed Kaya told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that the scooters were given to people with movement disabilities in order of priority.
Kaya affirmed that IHH would continue to work on carrying out relief projects for the disabled in Gaza to alleviate some of their suffering under the blockade.
7 nov 2016
The European Union forum that deals with Middle East affairs is recommending that the EU’s 28 member states ask Israel to reimburse them for the demolition of buildings and infrastructure projects in Area C of the West Bank that they helped finance, European and Israeli diplomats told Haaretz.
European diplomats attributed the new non-binding resolution to the lack of progress in negotiations between Israel and EU over the situation in Area C.
The negotiations involved, among other issues, the European demand to stop the demolition of Palestinian structures Israel claims were built illegally, including many built with European funding.
The committee comprises Middle East experts from all 28 member states. The committee's resolutions are not binding but can be used as the basis for binding resolutions that may be adopted later by the EU's Political and Security Committee.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry was outraged by the resolution and has lodged protests with the EU and several member states.
The European diplomats said that Germany categorically objected to the move and managed to soften the resolution so that it only recommends requesting compensation, saying member states could do so if they chose.
In the European Parliament, pressure in the opposite direction is being brought to bear on EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini by EU Parliament members who are demanding tough action against Israel for demolishing projects built by the EU or by member states.
In addition to the EU itself, several EU states help build Palestinian structures or infrastructures in Area C directly, among them several key allies of Israel such as Germany, Italy, Britain, France and Poland. Demolishing these structures or even just issuing demolition orders puts stress on Israel’s ties to these countries. Demands for compensation by these countries could lead to serious diplomatic crises.
European diplomats attributed the new non-binding resolution to the lack of progress in negotiations between Israel and EU over the situation in Area C.
The negotiations involved, among other issues, the European demand to stop the demolition of Palestinian structures Israel claims were built illegally, including many built with European funding.
The committee comprises Middle East experts from all 28 member states. The committee's resolutions are not binding but can be used as the basis for binding resolutions that may be adopted later by the EU's Political and Security Committee.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry was outraged by the resolution and has lodged protests with the EU and several member states.
The European diplomats said that Germany categorically objected to the move and managed to soften the resolution so that it only recommends requesting compensation, saying member states could do so if they chose.
In the European Parliament, pressure in the opposite direction is being brought to bear on EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini by EU Parliament members who are demanding tough action against Israel for demolishing projects built by the EU or by member states.
In addition to the EU itself, several EU states help build Palestinian structures or infrastructures in Area C directly, among them several key allies of Israel such as Germany, Italy, Britain, France and Poland. Demolishing these structures or even just issuing demolition orders puts stress on Israel’s ties to these countries. Demands for compensation by these countries could lead to serious diplomatic crises.
25 oct 2016
Coordinator of the 'Miles of Smiles' convoys Isam Yousef called Tuesday on Egyptian authorities to facilitate the passage of humanitarian relief convoys into Gaza Strip via Rafah border crossing.
The difficult humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip, caused by the Israeli decade-long siege, needs an urgent international support, he said.
'Miles of Smiles' convoys have managed to reach Gaza Strip more than once in coordination with Egyptian authorities, he pointed out.
Yousef appreciated the Egyptian decision to open Rafah crossing over the past week, saying that such a step has helped to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.
He expressed hope that the Egyptian authorities would facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza Strip as it was agreed upon during donor countries conference in Cairo in 2014.
The difficult humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip, caused by the Israeli decade-long siege, needs an urgent international support, he said.
'Miles of Smiles' convoys have managed to reach Gaza Strip more than once in coordination with Egyptian authorities, he pointed out.
Yousef appreciated the Egyptian decision to open Rafah crossing over the past week, saying that such a step has helped to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.
He expressed hope that the Egyptian authorities would facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza Strip as it was agreed upon during donor countries conference in Cairo in 2014.
18 sept 2016
Fahrettin Göker of Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has said that the next Turkish aid to Gaza would be used for the purpose of development and production.
In press remarks to the Palestinian Information Center (PIC), Göker expressed his satisfaction with the distribution of Turkish aid in accordance with a fair and successful mechanism, affirming that his country would continue to support the Palestinians in Gaza.
The second Turkish aid shipment contains food supplies, wheelchairs for the disabled, stationery, school bags, bicycles, clothes and shoes.
The Palestinian ministry of social affairs on Saturday morning started to distribute the aid in Gaza, including 1,000 bicycles for orphaned children.
In press remarks to the Palestinian Information Center (PIC), Göker expressed his satisfaction with the distribution of Turkish aid in accordance with a fair and successful mechanism, affirming that his country would continue to support the Palestinians in Gaza.
The second Turkish aid shipment contains food supplies, wheelchairs for the disabled, stationery, school bags, bicycles, clothes and shoes.
The Palestinian ministry of social affairs on Saturday morning started to distribute the aid in Gaza, including 1,000 bicycles for orphaned children.
9 sept 2016
The second shipment of Turkish aid started to arrive in the Gaza Strip on Thursday through the Karam Abu Salem border crossing.
According to Quds Press, the Israeli occupation authority allowed the entry of two cargo trucks fully laden with flour and rice. Other truckloads of aid will follow.
Deputy minister of social affairs Yousef Ibrahim told Quds Press on Wednesday that those who benefited from Turkey's first aid convoy would not receive any aid from the second ship.
Ibrahim added that the second Turkish ship had unloaded food aid, wheelchairs for the disabled, stationery, school bags, bicycles, clothes and shoes, noting that the current boatload was half the first one.
The current ship docked last Sunday at the Israeli port of Ashdod city. The first aid shipment from Turkey to Gaza anchored in Ashdod on July 3.
According to Quds Press, the Israeli occupation authority allowed the entry of two cargo trucks fully laden with flour and rice. Other truckloads of aid will follow.
Deputy minister of social affairs Yousef Ibrahim told Quds Press on Wednesday that those who benefited from Turkey's first aid convoy would not receive any aid from the second ship.
Ibrahim added that the second Turkish ship had unloaded food aid, wheelchairs for the disabled, stationery, school bags, bicycles, clothes and shoes, noting that the current boatload was half the first one.
The current ship docked last Sunday at the Israeli port of Ashdod city. The first aid shipment from Turkey to Gaza anchored in Ashdod on July 3.
6 sept 2016
According to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency, a new Turkish aid vessel has docked in the Israeli port of Ashdod.
In the photo, taken three days ago, the ship waits to unload its cargo for transport to the besieged enclave of Gaza.
The Gaza Strip has suffered from an Israeli military blockade since 2007, when Hamas was democratically elected to rule the territory.
Residents of Gaza suffer from high unemployment and poverty rates, as well as the consequences of three devastating wars with Israel since 2008.
The UN has warned that unless current trends were altered, the Gaza Strip could become uninhabitable for residents in fewer than five years.
“The social, health and security-related ramifications of the high population density and overcrowding are among the factors that may render Gaza unlivable by 2020,” the UN’s development agency said in 2015.
Turkish-Israeli affairs were suspended in 2010, after the Israeli attack on Mavi Marmara from the “Gaza Freedom Flotilla,” in which ten activists were killed.
In the photo, taken three days ago, the ship waits to unload its cargo for transport to the besieged enclave of Gaza.
The Gaza Strip has suffered from an Israeli military blockade since 2007, when Hamas was democratically elected to rule the territory.
Residents of Gaza suffer from high unemployment and poverty rates, as well as the consequences of three devastating wars with Israel since 2008.
The UN has warned that unless current trends were altered, the Gaza Strip could become uninhabitable for residents in fewer than five years.
“The social, health and security-related ramifications of the high population density and overcrowding are among the factors that may render Gaza unlivable by 2020,” the UN’s development agency said in 2015.
Turkish-Israeli affairs were suspended in 2010, after the Israeli attack on Mavi Marmara from the “Gaza Freedom Flotilla,” in which ten activists were killed.
3 sept 2016
A second cargo ship, carrying Gaza-bound humanitarian aid, set sail on Friday from the Turkish port of Mersin city in the context of Turkey's deal with Israel in late June to restore strained relations.
The Marshall island-flagged cargo ship, Eclips Majuro, has arrived in Turkey's largest port of the southern city, Mersin, late Thursday after a day-long journey.
The ship has been loaded with 2,500 tons of humanitarian aid supplies, 1000 bicycles and 300,000 items of clothing, along with school bags, stationery for children and 100 wheel-chairs for the disabled.
The aid supplies are expected to be delivered via the Israeli port of Ashdod a day before the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice (Ein al-Adha), the second most important festival on the Islamic calendar.
This is the second aid ship to carry aid to the blockaded Palestinian territory after Turkey and Israel ended a six-year stand-off over Israel's deadly raid on a previous Gaza-bound ship. In early July, the Panama-flagged ship, Lady Leyla, carried 11,000 tons of aid including rice, flour and sugar to Gaza.
The goods had been delivered via Ashdod port. The Turkish-coordinated aid also included toys and garments for young children. The humanitarian aid that AFAD, Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Agency, has coordinated has surpassed 170 million Turkish Lira, or about $55 million.
The Marshall island-flagged cargo ship, Eclips Majuro, has arrived in Turkey's largest port of the southern city, Mersin, late Thursday after a day-long journey.
The ship has been loaded with 2,500 tons of humanitarian aid supplies, 1000 bicycles and 300,000 items of clothing, along with school bags, stationery for children and 100 wheel-chairs for the disabled.
The aid supplies are expected to be delivered via the Israeli port of Ashdod a day before the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice (Ein al-Adha), the second most important festival on the Islamic calendar.
This is the second aid ship to carry aid to the blockaded Palestinian territory after Turkey and Israel ended a six-year stand-off over Israel's deadly raid on a previous Gaza-bound ship. In early July, the Panama-flagged ship, Lady Leyla, carried 11,000 tons of aid including rice, flour and sugar to Gaza.
The goods had been delivered via Ashdod port. The Turkish-coordinated aid also included toys and garments for young children. The humanitarian aid that AFAD, Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Agency, has coordinated has surpassed 170 million Turkish Lira, or about $55 million.
23 aug 2016
Celtic fans have raised $59,000 for Palestinian charities in defiance over UEFA sanctions for waving Palestinian flags during their team's clash with an Israeli side last week.
Celtic fans raised a whopping $59,000 dollars for Palestinian charities after anticipating a fine from European football's governing body for waving Palestinian flags at last week's Champions League qualifying first leg clash against an Israeli team.
The Glasgow club's Green Brigade group of supporters launched the fundraising effort initially to match an anticipated $20,000 fine from UEFA after fans expressed solidarity with Palestinians during Celtic's match with Hapoel Be'er Sheva.
"At the Champions League match with Hapoel Be'er Sheva on 17 August 2016, the Green Brigade and fans throughout Celtic Park flew the flag for Palestine," read The Green Brigade statement when they launched the appeal.
"This act of solidarity has earned Celtic respect and acclaim throughout the world. It has also attracted a disciplinary charge from UEFA, which deems the Palestinian flag to be an 'illicit banner'.
"In response to this petty and politically partisan act by European football's governing body, we are determined to make a positive contribution to the game and today launch a campaign to #matchthefineforpalestine."
The money raised will be distributed to Medical Aid Palestine, who deliver health and medical care to those "worst affected by conflict, occupation and displacement"; and the Lajee Centre, a cultural and sports project for children in Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem.
The Green Brigade said the money for the Lajee centre would be put towards football kit and equipment so they can set up a team, to be called Aida Celtic and who will compete in the Bethlehem youth league.
Celtic - whose hearing is on September 22 - are serial offenders with regards to their supporters where UEFA are concerned, having been up before the governing body eight times in the past five years alone.
Celtic - who play Hapoel in the return leg on Tuesday - were fined $20,000 in 2014 for flying a Palestinian flag at a Champions League game against an Icelandic side.
The UEFA rule, which has sparked the latest hearing, forbids the use of "gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious, offensive or provocative nature".
Celtic fans raised a whopping $59,000 dollars for Palestinian charities after anticipating a fine from European football's governing body for waving Palestinian flags at last week's Champions League qualifying first leg clash against an Israeli team.
The Glasgow club's Green Brigade group of supporters launched the fundraising effort initially to match an anticipated $20,000 fine from UEFA after fans expressed solidarity with Palestinians during Celtic's match with Hapoel Be'er Sheva.
"At the Champions League match with Hapoel Be'er Sheva on 17 August 2016, the Green Brigade and fans throughout Celtic Park flew the flag for Palestine," read The Green Brigade statement when they launched the appeal.
"This act of solidarity has earned Celtic respect and acclaim throughout the world. It has also attracted a disciplinary charge from UEFA, which deems the Palestinian flag to be an 'illicit banner'.
"In response to this petty and politically partisan act by European football's governing body, we are determined to make a positive contribution to the game and today launch a campaign to #matchthefineforpalestine."
The money raised will be distributed to Medical Aid Palestine, who deliver health and medical care to those "worst affected by conflict, occupation and displacement"; and the Lajee Centre, a cultural and sports project for children in Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem.
The Green Brigade said the money for the Lajee centre would be put towards football kit and equipment so they can set up a team, to be called Aida Celtic and who will compete in the Bethlehem youth league.
Celtic - whose hearing is on September 22 - are serial offenders with regards to their supporters where UEFA are concerned, having been up before the governing body eight times in the past five years alone.
Celtic - who play Hapoel in the return leg on Tuesday - were fined $20,000 in 2014 for flying a Palestinian flag at a Champions League game against an Icelandic side.
The UEFA rule, which has sparked the latest hearing, forbids the use of "gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious, offensive or provocative nature".
22 aug 2016
The Merciful Hands Charity has distributed food parcels to dozens of citizens with injuries and their families in different areas of the Gaza Strip as part of Turkish humanitarian aid.
The aid distribution took place under the supervision of the Palestinian Ministry of Social Affairs.
Senior official of the charity Fadi al-Dardasawi stated that this humanitarian gesture was aimed at alleviating the suffering of wounded people in light of the difficult living conditions in beleaguered Gaza.
Dardasawi expressed his thanks to the Turkish people and their leadership for their ongoing support for the population in Gaza.
The aid distribution took place under the supervision of the Palestinian Ministry of Social Affairs.
Senior official of the charity Fadi al-Dardasawi stated that this humanitarian gesture was aimed at alleviating the suffering of wounded people in light of the difficult living conditions in beleaguered Gaza.
Dardasawi expressed his thanks to the Turkish people and their leadership for their ongoing support for the population in Gaza.