4 apr 2014
Thirteen Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli forces near Ofer detention center in Ramallah on Friday, onlookers said.
Seven people were shot with live bullets, a Ma'an reporter said.
Five were hurt with rubber-coated steel bullets. A journalist was struck in the back with a tear-gas canister.
The clashes broke out after Israeli forces attacked Palestinians who were performing Friday prayers there. The afternoon prayer was held near the detention center to protest Israel's refusal to release to a fourth group of veteran Palestinian prisoners.
Palestinians responded by throwing rocks, the Ma'an reporter said.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said forces fired at "rioters" who threw rocks and burning tires at security forces.
The spokeswoman said five people were lightly injured by riot-dispersal means.
Seven people were shot with live bullets, a Ma'an reporter said.
Five were hurt with rubber-coated steel bullets. A journalist was struck in the back with a tear-gas canister.
The clashes broke out after Israeli forces attacked Palestinians who were performing Friday prayers there. The afternoon prayer was held near the detention center to protest Israel's refusal to release to a fourth group of veteran Palestinian prisoners.
Palestinians responded by throwing rocks, the Ma'an reporter said.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said forces fired at "rioters" who threw rocks and burning tires at security forces.
The spokeswoman said five people were lightly injured by riot-dispersal means.
A Palestinian was injured on Friday after being attacked by Israeli settlers in Urif village south of Nablus, a Palestinian official said.
Mohammad Ahmad Radi Ibrahim, 33, suffered several fractures after dozens of settlers from Elon Moreh attacked farmers in the village, Ghassan Daghlas told Ma'an.
He was taken to Rafidia hospital for treatment.
On Monday, hundreds of Israeli settlers gathered on a main road in the northern West Bank and hurled stones at Palestinian vehicles while shouting "Death to Arabs," witnesses said.
Settlers in the occupied West Bank routinely attack Palestinians and their property.
In 2013, there were 399 incidents of settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Over 90 percent of investigations into settler violence by Israeli police fail to lead to an indictment.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in contravention of international law.
Mohammad Ahmad Radi Ibrahim, 33, suffered several fractures after dozens of settlers from Elon Moreh attacked farmers in the village, Ghassan Daghlas told Ma'an.
He was taken to Rafidia hospital for treatment.
On Monday, hundreds of Israeli settlers gathered on a main road in the northern West Bank and hurled stones at Palestinian vehicles while shouting "Death to Arabs," witnesses said.
Settlers in the occupied West Bank routinely attack Palestinians and their property.
In 2013, there were 399 incidents of settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Over 90 percent of investigations into settler violence by Israeli police fail to lead to an indictment.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in contravention of international law.
The child injured in one of the raids
Two Palestinians have suffered wounds during Israeli aerial attacks at an early hour on Friday morning on different areas of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Gaza said that Israeli warplanes bombed Abu Jarad site in Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza and another site belonging to Al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas in Gaza city.
Other air raids were reported on empty areas in Gaza. Two civilian workshops were also bombed in the attacks.
A spokesman for the health ministry said that a one-year-old child and a young men suffered moderate injuries during the raids and were taken to Shifa hospital.
The Hebrew radio, in turn, claimed that the Israeli air forces targeted at dawn Friday several sites in Gaza in response to Palestinian rocket attacks on empty areas in the Negev on Thursday.
Medics: 2 hurt in Gaza airstrikes
Two Palestinians were injured in overnight Israeli airstrikes on targets in the Gaza Strip, medics said Friday.
The health ministry in Gaza said a 1-year-old and a 30-year-old man arrived injured at Shifa Hospital after being hit with rocket shrapnel in the al-Maghraqa area in southern Gaza.
Israeli forces targeted 10 sites in Gaza in 15 attacks overnight, hours after the Israeli army said four rockets landed in open areas in the south of Israel.
One airstrike targeted a washing machine factory in Jabaliya refugee camp that caused a fire.
The air force also targeted two sites belonging to Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades south of Gaza City.
Additionally, they targeted the former al-Zahraa police station and a blacksmith workshop in Jabaliya.
In a statement, Israel's military said its aircraft targeted four "terror sites" in the northern Gaza Strip and one additional site in the central Gaza Strip. Direct hits were confirmed, it said.
It also said that Palestinian snipers fired at security personnel near a security fence in the north, causing damage to an armored vehicle. Several hours later, four rockets struck southern Israel, it said.
"Civilians in southern Israel were forced to begin this month with an unacceptable barrage of rockets. Hamas has a responsibility to cease and prevent acts of aggression emanating from the Gaza Strip," said army spokesman Peter Lerner.
He added: "The IDF will retaliate, reciprocate and when required initiate the use of force in order to defend the civilians of the State of Israel from these unlawful terrorist actions."
Two Palestinians have suffered wounds during Israeli aerial attacks at an early hour on Friday morning on different areas of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Gaza said that Israeli warplanes bombed Abu Jarad site in Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza and another site belonging to Al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas in Gaza city.
Other air raids were reported on empty areas in Gaza. Two civilian workshops were also bombed in the attacks.
A spokesman for the health ministry said that a one-year-old child and a young men suffered moderate injuries during the raids and were taken to Shifa hospital.
The Hebrew radio, in turn, claimed that the Israeli air forces targeted at dawn Friday several sites in Gaza in response to Palestinian rocket attacks on empty areas in the Negev on Thursday.
Medics: 2 hurt in Gaza airstrikes
Two Palestinians were injured in overnight Israeli airstrikes on targets in the Gaza Strip, medics said Friday.
The health ministry in Gaza said a 1-year-old and a 30-year-old man arrived injured at Shifa Hospital after being hit with rocket shrapnel in the al-Maghraqa area in southern Gaza.
Israeli forces targeted 10 sites in Gaza in 15 attacks overnight, hours after the Israeli army said four rockets landed in open areas in the south of Israel.
One airstrike targeted a washing machine factory in Jabaliya refugee camp that caused a fire.
The air force also targeted two sites belonging to Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades south of Gaza City.
Additionally, they targeted the former al-Zahraa police station and a blacksmith workshop in Jabaliya.
In a statement, Israel's military said its aircraft targeted four "terror sites" in the northern Gaza Strip and one additional site in the central Gaza Strip. Direct hits were confirmed, it said.
It also said that Palestinian snipers fired at security personnel near a security fence in the north, causing damage to an armored vehicle. Several hours later, four rockets struck southern Israel, it said.
"Civilians in southern Israel were forced to begin this month with an unacceptable barrage of rockets. Hamas has a responsibility to cease and prevent acts of aggression emanating from the Gaza Strip," said army spokesman Peter Lerner.
He added: "The IDF will retaliate, reciprocate and when required initiate the use of force in order to defend the civilians of the State of Israel from these unlawful terrorist actions."
3 apr 2014
Israeli warships opened fire Thursday at dawn at Palestinian fishermen off Gaza sea. Witnesses said the warships fired at fishing boats off al-Sodaniyya shore, north of Gaza,although the fishermen were within the 3-mile fishing distance. No injuries were reported.
(Israel) has controlled Gaza waters since its occupation of the area in 1967, and has kept several warships stationed off the coast since 2008.
Although Israeli occupation limited the fishing distance in Gaza Sea to 6 nautical miles, they neither complied with that distance nor allowed Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip to sail and fish freely, and continued their attacks against them.
(Israel) has controlled Gaza waters since its occupation of the area in 1967, and has kept several warships stationed off the coast since 2008.
Although Israeli occupation limited the fishing distance in Gaza Sea to 6 nautical miles, they neither complied with that distance nor allowed Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip to sail and fish freely, and continued their attacks against them.
A Palestinian was shot with a live bullet and injured by Israeli forces in Nabi Saleh village north of Ramallah.
A statement from the popular resistance movement said Rami al-Rimawi was shot with a live bullet in the foot during clashes in the villages.
He was taken to Salfit Hospital with moderate injuries, it said.
An Israeli army spokesman said "a .2 caliber round was fired toward a main instigator" of a riot in which about 20 Palestinians hurled rocks at Israeli forces.
He said the forces also used riot-dispersal means during the incident.
A statement from the popular resistance movement said Rami al-Rimawi was shot with a live bullet in the foot during clashes in the villages.
He was taken to Salfit Hospital with moderate injuries, it said.
An Israeli army spokesman said "a .2 caliber round was fired toward a main instigator" of a riot in which about 20 Palestinians hurled rocks at Israeli forces.
He said the forces also used riot-dispersal means during the incident.
Hundreds of Jewish settlers on Thursday, raided the Joseph's Tomb east of the West Bank city of Nablus, under the protection of Israeli army.
Palestinian official responsible for the Settlement File in the northern West Bank, Ghassan Doughlas, told the PNN that violent clashes erupted in the area between the Palestinian residents and Israeli forces, amid heavy fire shooting from the Israeli side.
Following the clashes, the Israeli forces and army withdrew from the area.
On Wednesday, settlers smashed a Palestinian vehicle in the village of Jaloud, south of Nablus.
Ghassan Doughlas, said that a number of Israeli settlers raided the village at dawn, and smashed the car of Jihad Riyad Hamoud before fleeing the scene.
Palestinian official responsible for the Settlement File in the northern West Bank, Ghassan Doughlas, told the PNN that violent clashes erupted in the area between the Palestinian residents and Israeli forces, amid heavy fire shooting from the Israeli side.
Following the clashes, the Israeli forces and army withdrew from the area.
On Wednesday, settlers smashed a Palestinian vehicle in the village of Jaloud, south of Nablus.
Ghassan Doughlas, said that a number of Israeli settlers raided the village at dawn, and smashed the car of Jihad Riyad Hamoud before fleeing the scene.
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed for the second consecutive day Madama village, south of Nablus city, and closed all its entrances. Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that a large number of Israeli troops on Thursday morning blocked all roads leading to the village and prevented its residents from going in or out.
The Israeli military measures raised the ire of the young men in the village who clashed with the invading troops who, in their turn, responded by firing a hail of tear gas grenades and rubber bullets.
A young man from the village was able to throw a Molotov cocktail at one of the Israeli jeeps near Madama cemetery.
The IOF had launched a similar campaign on Wednesday evening in the village.
The Israeli military measures raised the ire of the young men in the village who clashed with the invading troops who, in their turn, responded by firing a hail of tear gas grenades and rubber bullets.
A young man from the village was able to throw a Molotov cocktail at one of the Israeli jeeps near Madama cemetery.
The IOF had launched a similar campaign on Wednesday evening in the village.
Two young Palestinian men escaped an abduction attempt by an Israeli settler in southern Nablus on Thursday, Palestinian security sources said.
A settler from Brakha near Burin village in Nablus bought a mobile phone from a cellular shop in Huwara then asked the owner to go with him to the settlement’s entrance to pay.
According to the Palestinian officials, the owner and a friend of his went with the settler in his car and on the way he pulled out a gun and threatened them.
They asked him to pull over, attacked him, seized his gun and beat him before he ran away.
The young men escaped to a Palestinian security center and handed over the settler’s gun.
A settler from Brakha near Burin village in Nablus bought a mobile phone from a cellular shop in Huwara then asked the owner to go with him to the settlement’s entrance to pay.
According to the Palestinian officials, the owner and a friend of his went with the settler in his car and on the way he pulled out a gun and threatened them.
They asked him to pull over, attacked him, seized his gun and beat him before he ran away.
The young men escaped to a Palestinian security center and handed over the settler’s gun.
A citizen from Nablus was shot Wednesday evening by the guard of an Israeli settlement south of Nablus city in the Northern West Bank.
SAFA News Agency reported quoting eye-witnesses that the guard opened fire on a group of farmers working in their land. Mohamed Jazi, 35, was seriously injured and carried to a hospital in Nazareth by an Israeli ambulance.
According to SAFA News Agency, the citizens were physically assaulted by the guard before being shot.
The agency further reported that dozens of Israeli army patrols and troops were dispatched to the area and blocked the road between Ramallah and Nablus. The soldiers arrested three youths who were present with the injured citizen for investigation.
Eye-witnesses reported that the shooting incident occurred 1500 meters away from the settlement, which belies the occupation’s claim that the young men were trying to sneak into the settlement.
SAFA News Agency reported quoting eye-witnesses that the guard opened fire on a group of farmers working in their land. Mohamed Jazi, 35, was seriously injured and carried to a hospital in Nazareth by an Israeli ambulance.
According to SAFA News Agency, the citizens were physically assaulted by the guard before being shot.
The agency further reported that dozens of Israeli army patrols and troops were dispatched to the area and blocked the road between Ramallah and Nablus. The soldiers arrested three youths who were present with the injured citizen for investigation.
Eye-witnesses reported that the shooting incident occurred 1500 meters away from the settlement, which belies the occupation’s claim that the young men were trying to sneak into the settlement.
Six military bulldozers entered Thursday morning into Palestinian citizens' lands east of Rafah, the southern Gaza Strip. The bulldozers entered 100 meters from Abu Metleq gate, east of al-Nahdha neighborhood, and started leveling and razing the lands located between Karem Abu Salem crossing and the gate.
Several military vehicles were deployed at the border fence to reinforce the incursion.
Similar incursions take place almost daily in the eastern and northern borders of the Gaza Strip in a clear violation of the cease-fire- agreement that Israel signed with the Palestinian resistance and brokered by Egypt in November 2013.
Several military vehicles were deployed at the border fence to reinforce the incursion.
Similar incursions take place almost daily in the eastern and northern borders of the Gaza Strip in a clear violation of the cease-fire- agreement that Israel signed with the Palestinian resistance and brokered by Egypt in November 2013.
Israeli Occupation Forces( IOF) stormed early Thursday Ebzeeq village in the northern Jordan Valley, near the Palestinian city of Tobas in the West Bank. They handed its inhabitants direct expulsion summons under the pretext of carrying on military trainings.
This is the fourth time that the inhabitants of Ebzeeq are demanded to evacuate their village, under the pretext of claimed military trainings. That made them lose stability and feel of continued displacement, EmadHaroup, the Ebzeeq's spokesperson said. He added that twenty families received evacuation summons to evacuate their homes on Friday from 07:00 a.m to 04:00 p.m.
There is a general feeling that those military trainings are used as a means of displacement and putting the Palestinian people under pressure to leave their nomadic villages, Emad declared.
This is the fourth time that the inhabitants of Ebzeeq are demanded to evacuate their village, under the pretext of claimed military trainings. That made them lose stability and feel of continued displacement, EmadHaroup, the Ebzeeq's spokesperson said. He added that twenty families received evacuation summons to evacuate their homes on Friday from 07:00 a.m to 04:00 p.m.
There is a general feeling that those military trainings are used as a means of displacement and putting the Palestinian people under pressure to leave their nomadic villages, Emad declared.
For the second night in a row, dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded the village of Bil’in, near the central West Bank, city of Ramallah, broke into and searched dozens of homes.
Local sources in Bil’in have reported that the soldiers invaded the village, approximately at 2 after midnight, and started massive and violent searches of homes.
The Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Bil’in said five groups of soldiers invaded the village, and that each group contained around twelve soldiers.
The soldiers then violently broke into dozens of homes and searched them, causing panic attacks among the residents, especially the children.
The invasion came only one day after a similar invasion carried out by the soldiers against the village.
Bil’in village is known for its ongoing and creative nonviolent resistance against Israel’s illegal Annexation Wall, and its illegitimate settlements. The village is subject to frequent Israeli assaults.
Earlier on Thursday at dawn, dozens of soldiers invaded the Azzoun town, east of Qalqilia, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, and kidnapped one Palestinian.
Local sources said the army kidnapped Bajes Nidal Shbeita, 21, after violently searching his family’s home, causing property damage. The soldiers withdrew from the village later on taking Shbeita to an unknown destination.
On Wednesday at dawn, soldiers invaded the Sahl area, in Beit Jala, near the West Bank city of Bethlehem, and kidnapped one Palestinian after detonating the main door of his home.
The kidnapped has been identified as Yousef Abdul-Rahman Khatib; a Palestinian child was injured in the Israeli attack, and the explosion caused damage to the family car.
Khatib fainted after the soldiers sprayed a chemical solution in his face, and was moved by the soldiers to an Israeli hospital. He is a former political prisoner from Qalandia, north of occupied Jerusalem.
Local sources in Bil’in have reported that the soldiers invaded the village, approximately at 2 after midnight, and started massive and violent searches of homes.
The Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Bil’in said five groups of soldiers invaded the village, and that each group contained around twelve soldiers.
The soldiers then violently broke into dozens of homes and searched them, causing panic attacks among the residents, especially the children.
The invasion came only one day after a similar invasion carried out by the soldiers against the village.
Bil’in village is known for its ongoing and creative nonviolent resistance against Israel’s illegal Annexation Wall, and its illegitimate settlements. The village is subject to frequent Israeli assaults.
Earlier on Thursday at dawn, dozens of soldiers invaded the Azzoun town, east of Qalqilia, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, and kidnapped one Palestinian.
Local sources said the army kidnapped Bajes Nidal Shbeita, 21, after violently searching his family’s home, causing property damage. The soldiers withdrew from the village later on taking Shbeita to an unknown destination.
On Wednesday at dawn, soldiers invaded the Sahl area, in Beit Jala, near the West Bank city of Bethlehem, and kidnapped one Palestinian after detonating the main door of his home.
The kidnapped has been identified as Yousef Abdul-Rahman Khatib; a Palestinian child was injured in the Israeli attack, and the explosion caused damage to the family car.
Khatib fainted after the soldiers sprayed a chemical solution in his face, and was moved by the soldiers to an Israeli hospital. He is a former political prisoner from Qalandia, north of occupied Jerusalem.
2 apr 2014
Minor in Aida camp beaten and abducted
Israeli occupation soldiers forced a Palestinian child to take an unknown pill after abducting him at Johar mountain in Hebron, southern the occupied West Bank.
Local sources said that child Ziyad al-Shanteer, 15, was obliged to take an unknown pill. He felt dizzy and suffered a headache moments later.
The child was transferred to a hospital in Hebron for medical treatment, Al Ray reports.
According to doctors, Ziyad’s condition is stable.
Tuesday evening, occupation forces kidnapped a Palestinian minor in a West Bank raid to Aida refugee camp, in northern Bethlehem.
Local sources said that Israeli soldiers beat and detained Abdullah Hammad, 14, near Aida Social Youth Center.
He was taken to an unknown place, according to witnesses.
Israeli forces fired tear gas bombs towards Palestinians, causing several cases of suffocation.
Israeli occupation soldiers forced a Palestinian child to take an unknown pill after abducting him at Johar mountain in Hebron, southern the occupied West Bank.
Local sources said that child Ziyad al-Shanteer, 15, was obliged to take an unknown pill. He felt dizzy and suffered a headache moments later.
The child was transferred to a hospital in Hebron for medical treatment, Al Ray reports.
According to doctors, Ziyad’s condition is stable.
Tuesday evening, occupation forces kidnapped a Palestinian minor in a West Bank raid to Aida refugee camp, in northern Bethlehem.
Local sources said that Israeli soldiers beat and detained Abdullah Hammad, 14, near Aida Social Youth Center.
He was taken to an unknown place, according to witnesses.
Israeli forces fired tear gas bombs towards Palestinians, causing several cases of suffocation.
An Israeli minister on Wednesday warned of punitive action if the PLO pursued efforts to join UN agencies, as hopes of a breakthrough in the US-led peace process faded rapidly.
"If they are now threatening (to go to UN institutions), they must know something simple -- they will pay a heavy price," Tourism Minster Uzi Landau told public radio.
President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday said he had begun steps to join several UN agencies, abandoning a pledge to freeze such action for the duration of peace talks -- which end in just four weeks.
The Palestinians had repeatedly threatened to resume their action through international courts and the UN over Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which is considered illegal under international law.
"One of the possible measures will be Israel applying sovereignty over areas which will clearly be part of the State of Israel in any future solution," said Landau, a member of the hardline Yisrael Beitenu faction.
Landau's remarks were referring to areas of the occupied West Bank populated by Jewish settlers which Israel hopes to retain in any future peace deal.
Israel could also hurt the Palestinians economically by acting "to block financial aid to them," the minister added.
Abbas made his announcement just hours after Israel reissued tenders for hundreds of settler homes in annexed East Jerusalem, as Washington was working around the clock to resolve a major dispute over Palestinian prisoners.
The standoff came soon after US Secretary of State John Kerry left Israel on Tuesday after a lightning visit.
He had been due to fly back to the region on Wednesday for talks in Ramallah with Abbas but he cancelled his visit following the Palestinian leader's announcement, while attempting to remain optimistic.
"It is completely premature tonight to draw ... any final judgement about today's events and where things are," he said in Brussels.
The top US diplomat had hoped to convince the Palestinians to extend the faltering talks beyond their April 29 deadline, with the sides discussing a proposal which would have included a limited freeze on settlement construction.
US peace efforts were already teetering on the brink after Israel refused to free a fourth and final group of 26 veteran Palestinian prisoners, which would have completed an agreement that had brought the sides back to the table.
"We aren't acting against the United States, nor against any other party. It is our right (to do so) and we accepted to postpone using it for nine months," Abbas said of the decision to seek membership of UN agencies.
The Islamic movement Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, welcomed the move by Abbas,
A poke in the eye
The negotiations have faltered over several issues, notably Israel's settlement expansion in occupied Palestinian territory, with the Palestinians demanding a freeze on settlement construction, including in east Jerusalem.
Tuesday's 708 tenders in the east Jerusalem settlement neighborhood of Gilo came on top of thousands of new homes announced over the course of the talks.
Israeli NGO Ir Amim described the tenders as "a poke in the eye of both the Palestinians and the Americans," army radio said.
And Hagit Ofran, from Israeli's Peace Now NGO, accused the housing ministry of "trying to forcefully undermine the peace process ... and John Kerry's efforts to promote it."
On Monday, the Palestinians gave Kerry a 24-hour deadline to come up with a solution to the prisoner row, warning that failure to do so would see them turning to UN bodies to press their claims for statehood.
Move 'not against America'
But late Tuesday afternoon, Abbas announced a request to join "15 UN agencies and international treaties, beginning with the Fourth Geneva Convention.
"The demands (for membership) will be sent immediately" to the relevant agencies, he said.
"This is not a move against America, or any other party -- it is our right, and we agreed to suspend it for nine months," he said, without explaining why he had acted before that period ended.
Kerry had met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for two hours late Monday before meeting Palestinian negotiators, then the pair held a second meeting early Tuesday.
US efforts have been focused recently on getting the parties to agree an extension to the end of the year.
A US proposal to continue talks was to include a limited freeze on settlement construction, with Israel adopting "a policy of restraint with (West Bank) government tenders" but would not include annexed East Jerusalem.
Sources close to the negotiations had said Washington was also mulling a proposal to free Jonathan Pollard, who was arrested in Washington in 1985 and sentenced to life in prison for spying on America on Israel's behalf.
One of the sources also said the final batch of Palestinian prisoners would be freed, and Israel would also agree to free another 400 security prisoners not involved in deadly anti-Israeli raids.
But White House Jay Carney said before the Tuesday afternoon developments that President Barack Obama had not made any decision on Pollard.
Separately, a spokesman for the US Justice Department said Pollard had waived his right to attend a meeting of a parole board that could have re-examined his ongoing detention.
"If they are now threatening (to go to UN institutions), they must know something simple -- they will pay a heavy price," Tourism Minster Uzi Landau told public radio.
President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday said he had begun steps to join several UN agencies, abandoning a pledge to freeze such action for the duration of peace talks -- which end in just four weeks.
The Palestinians had repeatedly threatened to resume their action through international courts and the UN over Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which is considered illegal under international law.
"One of the possible measures will be Israel applying sovereignty over areas which will clearly be part of the State of Israel in any future solution," said Landau, a member of the hardline Yisrael Beitenu faction.
Landau's remarks were referring to areas of the occupied West Bank populated by Jewish settlers which Israel hopes to retain in any future peace deal.
Israel could also hurt the Palestinians economically by acting "to block financial aid to them," the minister added.
Abbas made his announcement just hours after Israel reissued tenders for hundreds of settler homes in annexed East Jerusalem, as Washington was working around the clock to resolve a major dispute over Palestinian prisoners.
The standoff came soon after US Secretary of State John Kerry left Israel on Tuesday after a lightning visit.
He had been due to fly back to the region on Wednesday for talks in Ramallah with Abbas but he cancelled his visit following the Palestinian leader's announcement, while attempting to remain optimistic.
"It is completely premature tonight to draw ... any final judgement about today's events and where things are," he said in Brussels.
The top US diplomat had hoped to convince the Palestinians to extend the faltering talks beyond their April 29 deadline, with the sides discussing a proposal which would have included a limited freeze on settlement construction.
US peace efforts were already teetering on the brink after Israel refused to free a fourth and final group of 26 veteran Palestinian prisoners, which would have completed an agreement that had brought the sides back to the table.
"We aren't acting against the United States, nor against any other party. It is our right (to do so) and we accepted to postpone using it for nine months," Abbas said of the decision to seek membership of UN agencies.
The Islamic movement Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, welcomed the move by Abbas,
A poke in the eye
The negotiations have faltered over several issues, notably Israel's settlement expansion in occupied Palestinian territory, with the Palestinians demanding a freeze on settlement construction, including in east Jerusalem.
Tuesday's 708 tenders in the east Jerusalem settlement neighborhood of Gilo came on top of thousands of new homes announced over the course of the talks.
Israeli NGO Ir Amim described the tenders as "a poke in the eye of both the Palestinians and the Americans," army radio said.
And Hagit Ofran, from Israeli's Peace Now NGO, accused the housing ministry of "trying to forcefully undermine the peace process ... and John Kerry's efforts to promote it."
On Monday, the Palestinians gave Kerry a 24-hour deadline to come up with a solution to the prisoner row, warning that failure to do so would see them turning to UN bodies to press their claims for statehood.
Move 'not against America'
But late Tuesday afternoon, Abbas announced a request to join "15 UN agencies and international treaties, beginning with the Fourth Geneva Convention.
"The demands (for membership) will be sent immediately" to the relevant agencies, he said.
"This is not a move against America, or any other party -- it is our right, and we agreed to suspend it for nine months," he said, without explaining why he had acted before that period ended.
Kerry had met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for two hours late Monday before meeting Palestinian negotiators, then the pair held a second meeting early Tuesday.
US efforts have been focused recently on getting the parties to agree an extension to the end of the year.
A US proposal to continue talks was to include a limited freeze on settlement construction, with Israel adopting "a policy of restraint with (West Bank) government tenders" but would not include annexed East Jerusalem.
Sources close to the negotiations had said Washington was also mulling a proposal to free Jonathan Pollard, who was arrested in Washington in 1985 and sentenced to life in prison for spying on America on Israel's behalf.
One of the sources also said the final batch of Palestinian prisoners would be freed, and Israel would also agree to free another 400 security prisoners not involved in deadly anti-Israeli raids.
But White House Jay Carney said before the Tuesday afternoon developments that President Barack Obama had not made any decision on Pollard.
Separately, a spokesman for the US Justice Department said Pollard had waived his right to attend a meeting of a parole board that could have re-examined his ongoing detention.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have started Wednesday morning conducting military training exercises in the eastern mountain slopes in Khirbet Abzik in Tubas town, where Israeli authorities have earlier notified the residents to leave the area. Hundreds of Israeli soldiers declared the area a closed military zone and started maneuvers at dawn Wednesday after forcing the residents to leave their hoses and lands, local sources told PIC reporter.
Occupation forces have stormed last night Khirbet Abzik in the northern Jordan Valley near Tubas and forced the residents to leave their homes under the pretext of being a closed military zone.
Representative of Khirbet Abzik, Imad Haroub, confirmed that its residents were forcibly deported three times in one month for the same reason.
Occupation forces have handed over on Tuesday evening 20 Bedouin families in Khirbet Abzik northern Jordan Valley notifications to leave their homes and lands to pave the way for the maneuvers on Wednesday.
Northern Jordan Valley area is repeatedly subjected to continuous raid campaigns and demolition and deportation threats.
Occupation forces have stormed last night Khirbet Abzik in the northern Jordan Valley near Tubas and forced the residents to leave their homes under the pretext of being a closed military zone.
Representative of Khirbet Abzik, Imad Haroub, confirmed that its residents were forcibly deported three times in one month for the same reason.
Occupation forces have handed over on Tuesday evening 20 Bedouin families in Khirbet Abzik northern Jordan Valley notifications to leave their homes and lands to pave the way for the maneuvers on Wednesday.
Northern Jordan Valley area is repeatedly subjected to continuous raid campaigns and demolition and deportation threats.
Israeli occupation forces(IOF) arrested Tuesday evening a Palestinian minor in a West Bank raid to Aida refugee camp, northern Bethlehem. Local sources said that Israeli occupation soldiers beat and detained Abdullah Hammad,14, near Aida Social Youth Center.
He was taken to an unknown place, witnesses reported.
Israeli forces fired tear gas bombs towards Palestinians, several suffocation cases reported.
He was taken to an unknown place, witnesses reported.
Israeli forces fired tear gas bombs towards Palestinians, several suffocation cases reported.
Including Children, Several Palestinians injured By Soldiers, Settlers In Hebron
Israeli soldiers kidnapped one Palestinian, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and three in the southern West Bank city of Hebron. Soldiers also attacked and injured another Palestinian. Two Children hospitalized after fanatic Israeli settlers assaulted them. Settlers destroy car near Nablus.
The Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) has reported that a Palestinian man, identified as Ahmad Khalil Mustafa, 33, was kidnapped at the al-Hamra military roadblock near Jenin. Mustafa is from the Borqeen town, near Jenin.
Soldiers also invaded the Ya’bad town, near Jenin, fired rounds of live ammunition, gas bombs, concussion grenades and rubber-coated metal bullets at local youths who threw stones at them.
Medical sources said several Palestinians received treatment for the effects of tear gas inhalation; no arrests were reported.
Furthermore, several armored Israeli military jeeps invaded Palestinian communities in the Hebron district, kidnapped three Palestinians and attacked another Palestinian, while extremist settlers assaulted three children in the Old City of Hebron.
WAFA said the soldiers kidnapped Mohammad al-Jamal, 24, from Hebron city, as he was near the Etzion military and security base.
Several Israeli military jeeps also invaded Doura town, south of Hebron, broke into and searched several homes, causing property damage, and kidnapped two Palestinians.
The two have been identified as Moayyad as-Souss, 21, and Ahmad Monif Qazzaz, 20. They were taken prisoner from their homes.
In addition, two children identified as ‘Aabed, 13, and Mohammad Abu Sneina, 6, were moderately injured after being attacked and beaten by fanatic Israeli settlers living in illegal outposts in the center of Hebron city.
Palestinian medics arrived at the scene and provided the two children with the need aid before moving them to the Hebron Governmental Hospital.
Also, soldiers stationed near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron city, attacked and injured a young Palestinian man identified as Mahmoud Fuad Qurea’.
He was also moved to the Hebron Governmental Hospital suffering moderate injuries.
Dozens of Israeli soldiers also invaded various neighborhoods in Hebron city, and installed roadblocks at the entrances of Sa’ir and Halhoul towns, the al-Fawwar refugee camp, and the northern entrance of Hebron city.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian cars, and interrogated the residents while inspecting their ID Cards. The roadblocks caused extensive delays and major traffic jams.
In the Nablus District, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, a number of extremist settlers invaded the Jaloud village, and smashed a car that belongs to resident Jihad Riyadh Mahmoud. The settlers fled the scene after the attack.
Israeli soldiers kidnapped one Palestinian, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and three in the southern West Bank city of Hebron. Soldiers also attacked and injured another Palestinian. Two Children hospitalized after fanatic Israeli settlers assaulted them. Settlers destroy car near Nablus.
The Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) has reported that a Palestinian man, identified as Ahmad Khalil Mustafa, 33, was kidnapped at the al-Hamra military roadblock near Jenin. Mustafa is from the Borqeen town, near Jenin.
Soldiers also invaded the Ya’bad town, near Jenin, fired rounds of live ammunition, gas bombs, concussion grenades and rubber-coated metal bullets at local youths who threw stones at them.
Medical sources said several Palestinians received treatment for the effects of tear gas inhalation; no arrests were reported.
Furthermore, several armored Israeli military jeeps invaded Palestinian communities in the Hebron district, kidnapped three Palestinians and attacked another Palestinian, while extremist settlers assaulted three children in the Old City of Hebron.
WAFA said the soldiers kidnapped Mohammad al-Jamal, 24, from Hebron city, as he was near the Etzion military and security base.
Several Israeli military jeeps also invaded Doura town, south of Hebron, broke into and searched several homes, causing property damage, and kidnapped two Palestinians.
The two have been identified as Moayyad as-Souss, 21, and Ahmad Monif Qazzaz, 20. They were taken prisoner from their homes.
In addition, two children identified as ‘Aabed, 13, and Mohammad Abu Sneina, 6, were moderately injured after being attacked and beaten by fanatic Israeli settlers living in illegal outposts in the center of Hebron city.
Palestinian medics arrived at the scene and provided the two children with the need aid before moving them to the Hebron Governmental Hospital.
Also, soldiers stationed near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron city, attacked and injured a young Palestinian man identified as Mahmoud Fuad Qurea’.
He was also moved to the Hebron Governmental Hospital suffering moderate injuries.
Dozens of Israeli soldiers also invaded various neighborhoods in Hebron city, and installed roadblocks at the entrances of Sa’ir and Halhoul towns, the al-Fawwar refugee camp, and the northern entrance of Hebron city.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian cars, and interrogated the residents while inspecting their ID Cards. The roadblocks caused extensive delays and major traffic jams.
In the Nablus District, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, a number of extremist settlers invaded the Jaloud village, and smashed a car that belongs to resident Jihad Riyadh Mahmoud. The settlers fled the scene after the attack.
1 apr 2014
Israeli forces on Tuesday evening detained two teenagers in clashes in Aida refugee camp north of Bethlehem.
Witnesses told Ma’an that Israeli forces raided the camp and pronounced it a closed military zone while firing tear gas and rubber bullets, causing dozens to suffer from excessive tear-gas inhalation.
One of the injured was identified as Abdullah Mohammad Hammad, 15. The other was not named.
An Israeli soldier was lightly wounded after being hit by a rock in the face, witnesses said.
Witnesses told Ma’an that Israeli forces raided the camp and pronounced it a closed military zone while firing tear gas and rubber bullets, causing dozens to suffer from excessive tear-gas inhalation.
One of the injured was identified as Abdullah Mohammad Hammad, 15. The other was not named.
An Israeli soldier was lightly wounded after being hit by a rock in the face, witnesses said.
Israeli troops on Tuesday clashed with students of al-Quds University and the Abu Dis School for Boys in Abu Dis near Jerusalem.
Spokesman for the popular resistance committees Hani Halabiya told Ma’an that Israeli forces raided the village “in a provocative manner,” and stopped students and inspected their IDs.
This sparked clashes in which Israeli forces fired tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber-coated steel bullets.
Halabiya said Israeli forces raided the boys school in the village and detained three students aged between 12 and 14.
They were held and beaten in an Israeli military jeep before the school principle and other local officials intervened and managed to get them released, he said.
Israeli forces also raided the house of the director of the local village council Atif Erekat and searched it for "stone-throwers."
Halabiya added that Israeli forces fired stun grenades and tear gas at the campus, the civil defense headquarters, the department of motor vehicles, the military liaisons office, and the ministry of interior causing dozens to suffer from excessive gas inhalation.
He said Israeli forces used students as human shields to protect themselves from stones.
Israel's military referred inquiries to the border police. A spokesman in turn referred inquiries to the national police which did not immediately return calls Tuesday evening.
Spokesman for the popular resistance committees Hani Halabiya told Ma’an that Israeli forces raided the village “in a provocative manner,” and stopped students and inspected their IDs.
This sparked clashes in which Israeli forces fired tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber-coated steel bullets.
Halabiya said Israeli forces raided the boys school in the village and detained three students aged between 12 and 14.
They were held and beaten in an Israeli military jeep before the school principle and other local officials intervened and managed to get them released, he said.
Israeli forces also raided the house of the director of the local village council Atif Erekat and searched it for "stone-throwers."
Halabiya added that Israeli forces fired stun grenades and tear gas at the campus, the civil defense headquarters, the department of motor vehicles, the military liaisons office, and the ministry of interior causing dozens to suffer from excessive gas inhalation.
He said Israeli forces used students as human shields to protect themselves from stones.
Israel's military referred inquiries to the border police. A spokesman in turn referred inquiries to the national police which did not immediately return calls Tuesday evening.
Dozens of Palestinian citizens in Aida refugee camp suffered breathing difficulty on Monday night during an Israeli occupation forces’ raid on the camp.
IOF soldiers broke into the camp and fired teargas canisters at houses and institutions in the camp prompting young men to throw them with stones.
Locals said that young men managed to hit the nearby military watchtower with firebombs starting fire in it for the third time this week.
IOF soldiers broke into the camp and fired teargas canisters at houses and institutions in the camp prompting young men to throw them with stones.
Locals said that young men managed to hit the nearby military watchtower with firebombs starting fire in it for the third time this week.
