14 aug 2016
UNDP refuted Israeli Shin Bet claims that Development Program engineer Wahid al-Barsh had directed resources to Hamas in Gaza.
Haaretz newspaper Sunday quoted the UNDP Special envoy Roberto Valent as saying that the rubble was tested and it was found that the materials were transferred to the right place.
Israeli authorities announced the arrest of Wahid Abd Allah Barsh, 38, an engineer at the UN Development Program and claimed in the indictment brought against him that based on a high-level member of Hamas he funneled resources, 300 tons of the destruction rubble left after Israeli aggression on the Strip in 2014, to Hamas.
It was claimed that the materials were transferred for the establishment of a fishing port.
He was also accused of giving priority in reconstruction works to the areas where Hamas members resided.
Valent said that Barsh had no administrative powers or the ability to determine the destination where the rubble was to be transferred. He implemented the UN agency’s instructions by coordination and cooperation with the Palestinian unity government, he underlined.
Haaretz newspaper Sunday quoted the UNDP Special envoy Roberto Valent as saying that the rubble was tested and it was found that the materials were transferred to the right place.
Israeli authorities announced the arrest of Wahid Abd Allah Barsh, 38, an engineer at the UN Development Program and claimed in the indictment brought against him that based on a high-level member of Hamas he funneled resources, 300 tons of the destruction rubble left after Israeli aggression on the Strip in 2014, to Hamas.
It was claimed that the materials were transferred for the establishment of a fishing port.
He was also accused of giving priority in reconstruction works to the areas where Hamas members resided.
Valent said that Barsh had no administrative powers or the ability to determine the destination where the rubble was to be transferred. He implemented the UN agency’s instructions by coordination and cooperation with the Palestinian unity government, he underlined.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri has refuted claims made recently by Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu that funds of some international organizations reached the hands of Hamas and described them as "unfounded lies."
Abu Zuhri stated on Sunday that Netanyahu's recent remarks in this regard were aimed at misleading the world public opinion, putting pressure on international relief groups in Gaza and justifying Israel's blockade on its population.
He also scoffed at Netanyahu's talk about caring about the well-being of the Palestinians and described it as a "ridiculous claim."
He said that Netanyahu obliterated entire Palestinian families from the life, killed hundreds of children and women, and destroyed thousands of homes in the 2014 war on Gaza.
The spokesman added that Netanyahu would remain a symbol of terrorism and criminality, and his lies would not succeed in changing his bloodstained image.
Abu Zuhri stated on Sunday that Netanyahu's recent remarks in this regard were aimed at misleading the world public opinion, putting pressure on international relief groups in Gaza and justifying Israel's blockade on its population.
He also scoffed at Netanyahu's talk about caring about the well-being of the Palestinians and described it as a "ridiculous claim."
He said that Netanyahu obliterated entire Palestinian families from the life, killed hundreds of children and women, and destroyed thousands of homes in the 2014 war on Gaza.
The spokesman added that Netanyahu would remain a symbol of terrorism and criminality, and his lies would not succeed in changing his bloodstained image.
FIFA stripped Malaysia of its rights to host the 2017 FIFA Congress after the country refused to give visas to Israeli participants.
“It is better for Malaysia to not host the FIFA Congress in May, given the risks involved in allowing certain countries to attend the event,” said Deputy Prime minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Zahid, who is also Home Minister, attributed the move to Malaysia’s refusal to guarantee visas to delegates representing Israel.
He said this was also in line with Malaysia’s policy of not accepting certain entities with which it has no diplomatic ties.
“Some of the conditions include placing the flag (Israel) on the table during the congress,” said Zahid as he explained the reasons behind Malaysia’s refusal to issue visas for Israelis.
“After comparing the benefits and the risks, it is better for Malaysia to avoid playing host,” he told reporters.
“It is better for Malaysia to not host the FIFA Congress in May, given the risks involved in allowing certain countries to attend the event,” said Deputy Prime minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Zahid, who is also Home Minister, attributed the move to Malaysia’s refusal to guarantee visas to delegates representing Israel.
He said this was also in line with Malaysia’s policy of not accepting certain entities with which it has no diplomatic ties.
“Some of the conditions include placing the flag (Israel) on the table during the congress,” said Zahid as he explained the reasons behind Malaysia’s refusal to issue visas for Israelis.
“After comparing the benefits and the risks, it is better for Malaysia to avoid playing host,” he told reporters.
13 aug 2016
Israeli Ori Sasson bested Egyptian Islam El Shehaby on the Judo mat in Rio on Friday, and, as is customary, he extended his hand to his opponent after winning Israel's second bronze medal; when the Egyptian refused, the crowd booed, and many have condemned his refusal.
The refusal of Islam El Shehaby, a 34-year-old Egyptian judoka, to shake the hand of 25-year-old Israel Ori Sasson after being bested on the judo mat has provoked international criticism. The two sparred on Friday, when Sasson won Israel's second bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Islam El Shehaby, an ultraconservative Salafi Muslim, had come under pressure before the games from Islamist-leaning and nationalist voices in Egypt to withdraw from the first-round heavyweight bout against Or Sasson.
With about a minute and a half left in the bout, Sasson earned an automatic victory with two throws of El Shehaby.
The Egyptian lay flat on his back for a moment before rising and standing opposite Sasson in front of the referee. When Sasson extended his hand, El Shehaby backed away, shaking his head.
The referee called the 34-year-old El Shehaby back to the mat and obliged to him to bow; he gave a quick nod and was loudly booed as he exited.
Later, Sasson said his coaches had warned him that El Shehaby might refuse to shake his hand even though the two have never fought before.
"I knew he would do it, so it wasn't a surprise for me," he said. "But I cannot say anything. This was his decision."
Having been taught that one of the first principles of judo was to respect one's opponent, Sasson said it was "a little bit weird" that El Shehaby declined to shake his hand, although the gesture didn't affect him.
"For me, it doesn't matter because I'm a professional fighter," he said.
"Sport doesn't always unite," wrote Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on the affair. "Though at the Olymic Games in Rio we've already seen historic selfies of North Korean athletes with South Korean athletes, there were no smiles and no expressions of peace between…El Shehaby and his Israeli opponent.
The International Olympic Committee set up a disciplinary commission to look into the incident.
"Things happen in the heat of the moment that are not acceptable," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. "We believe the Olympic movement should be about building bridges, not erecting walls. There's absolutely no excuse for it."
He acknowledged that sometimes athletes can't bring themselves to shake hands with their competitors.
"It's a shame if that happens," Adams said.
The International Judo Federation called it a sign a progress that the bout even took place between the two athletes.
"This is already a big improvement that Arabic countries accept to (fight) Israel," spokesman Nicolas Messner said in an email. The competitors were under no obligation to shake hands, but a bow is mandatory, he added.
Even though El Shehaby ultimately bowed, "his attitude will be reviewed after the games to see if any further action should be taken," Messner said, adding that the ethics commission of judo's governing body would review the incident after the Olympics.
Ofir Gendelman, Arabic language spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called the incident "shocking." In a Twitter post, he said it "goes against the spirit of Rio 2016," writing in Arabic said that "sports are not the field for politics and extremism."
Egypt's Olympic Committee distanced itself from what El Shehaby did, saying he was "alerted before the match to abide by all the rules and to have sporting spirit during his match with the Israeli player."
"What the player did after the match, and not shaking hands with his rival, is a personal action," the committee said in a statement.
Sasson described Friday as "a difficult day" after four years of preparation but that he was satisfied with the outcome.
"Now I'm thinking only about my medal," he added.
The refusal of Islam El Shehaby, a 34-year-old Egyptian judoka, to shake the hand of 25-year-old Israel Ori Sasson after being bested on the judo mat has provoked international criticism. The two sparred on Friday, when Sasson won Israel's second bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Islam El Shehaby, an ultraconservative Salafi Muslim, had come under pressure before the games from Islamist-leaning and nationalist voices in Egypt to withdraw from the first-round heavyweight bout against Or Sasson.
With about a minute and a half left in the bout, Sasson earned an automatic victory with two throws of El Shehaby.
The Egyptian lay flat on his back for a moment before rising and standing opposite Sasson in front of the referee. When Sasson extended his hand, El Shehaby backed away, shaking his head.
The referee called the 34-year-old El Shehaby back to the mat and obliged to him to bow; he gave a quick nod and was loudly booed as he exited.
Later, Sasson said his coaches had warned him that El Shehaby might refuse to shake his hand even though the two have never fought before.
"I knew he would do it, so it wasn't a surprise for me," he said. "But I cannot say anything. This was his decision."
Having been taught that one of the first principles of judo was to respect one's opponent, Sasson said it was "a little bit weird" that El Shehaby declined to shake his hand, although the gesture didn't affect him.
"For me, it doesn't matter because I'm a professional fighter," he said.
"Sport doesn't always unite," wrote Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on the affair. "Though at the Olymic Games in Rio we've already seen historic selfies of North Korean athletes with South Korean athletes, there were no smiles and no expressions of peace between…El Shehaby and his Israeli opponent.
The International Olympic Committee set up a disciplinary commission to look into the incident.
"Things happen in the heat of the moment that are not acceptable," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. "We believe the Olympic movement should be about building bridges, not erecting walls. There's absolutely no excuse for it."
He acknowledged that sometimes athletes can't bring themselves to shake hands with their competitors.
"It's a shame if that happens," Adams said.
The International Judo Federation called it a sign a progress that the bout even took place between the two athletes.
"This is already a big improvement that Arabic countries accept to (fight) Israel," spokesman Nicolas Messner said in an email. The competitors were under no obligation to shake hands, but a bow is mandatory, he added.
Even though El Shehaby ultimately bowed, "his attitude will be reviewed after the games to see if any further action should be taken," Messner said, adding that the ethics commission of judo's governing body would review the incident after the Olympics.
Ofir Gendelman, Arabic language spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called the incident "shocking." In a Twitter post, he said it "goes against the spirit of Rio 2016," writing in Arabic said that "sports are not the field for politics and extremism."
Egypt's Olympic Committee distanced itself from what El Shehaby did, saying he was "alerted before the match to abide by all the rules and to have sporting spirit during his match with the Israeli player."
"What the player did after the match, and not shaking hands with his rival, is a personal action," the committee said in a statement.
Sasson described Friday as "a difficult day" after four years of preparation but that he was satisfied with the outcome.
"Now I'm thinking only about my medal," he added.
12 aug 2016
Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights slammed the ongoing death threats launched by the Israelis against its staff members.
According to a statement by staff member Samir Zaqout, the personnel of al-Mezan Center have been subjected to a protracted Israeli campaign of intimidation, harassment, and threats since last year.
Zaqout said a senior staff member of al-Mezan received an Israeli death threat via email directed to himself and to his family with recent pictures of his house from a close range.
“These attacks follow a similar pattern of threats against our colleagues at al-Haq and seem to target NGOs that work on issues of accountability and access to justice for Palestinians,” he noted.
Al-Mezan Center strongly condemned these “malicious attacks on human rights defenders who work to promote human rights and international law by using peaceful and legal methods,” and called on the international community “to intervene and bring them to an end.”
According to a statement by the center, since late 2015, a protracted campaign has been waged against al-Mezan. Suspicious email messages, Facebook posts, telephone calls to staff, donors and friends have been frequent occurrences, carrying threats and false allegations about the integrity of al-Mezan and its staff members.
More recently these messages have contained direct death threats.
These attacks have intensified when the group’s staff members were working on international litigation, including reporting to the International Criminal Court, and international advocacy focusing on accountability for serious violations of international law by the Israeli military. “These interventions show that al-Mezan staff members are under close surveillance, using highly advanced capabilities,” the statement further read.
“So far, al-Mezan has chosen to deal cautiously and privately with these attacks. However, with these recent, direct death threats to staff and to their families, al-Mezan has decided to go public.”
“This smear campaign of false allegations and threats seems to be aimed at undermining al-Mezan's credibility and standing within our society and with partners and at distracting us from our human rights mission and work,” said al-Mezan.
“This campaign does not and will not scare al-Mezan. To the contrary, al-Mezan will continue to carry out its professional work on the promotion and protection mission using legitimate human rights and international law tools.”
Al-Mezan urged the international community, especially human rights defenders mechanisms at the United Nations, European Union, and on the national level, and on international human rights organizations to condemn these unwarranted attacks and take concrete measures to challenge and stop them.
According to a statement by staff member Samir Zaqout, the personnel of al-Mezan Center have been subjected to a protracted Israeli campaign of intimidation, harassment, and threats since last year.
Zaqout said a senior staff member of al-Mezan received an Israeli death threat via email directed to himself and to his family with recent pictures of his house from a close range.
“These attacks follow a similar pattern of threats against our colleagues at al-Haq and seem to target NGOs that work on issues of accountability and access to justice for Palestinians,” he noted.
Al-Mezan Center strongly condemned these “malicious attacks on human rights defenders who work to promote human rights and international law by using peaceful and legal methods,” and called on the international community “to intervene and bring them to an end.”
According to a statement by the center, since late 2015, a protracted campaign has been waged against al-Mezan. Suspicious email messages, Facebook posts, telephone calls to staff, donors and friends have been frequent occurrences, carrying threats and false allegations about the integrity of al-Mezan and its staff members.
More recently these messages have contained direct death threats.
These attacks have intensified when the group’s staff members were working on international litigation, including reporting to the International Criminal Court, and international advocacy focusing on accountability for serious violations of international law by the Israeli military. “These interventions show that al-Mezan staff members are under close surveillance, using highly advanced capabilities,” the statement further read.
“So far, al-Mezan has chosen to deal cautiously and privately with these attacks. However, with these recent, direct death threats to staff and to their families, al-Mezan has decided to go public.”
“This smear campaign of false allegations and threats seems to be aimed at undermining al-Mezan's credibility and standing within our society and with partners and at distracting us from our human rights mission and work,” said al-Mezan.
“This campaign does not and will not scare al-Mezan. To the contrary, al-Mezan will continue to carry out its professional work on the promotion and protection mission using legitimate human rights and international law tools.”
Al-Mezan urged the international community, especially human rights defenders mechanisms at the United Nations, European Union, and on the national level, and on international human rights organizations to condemn these unwarranted attacks and take concrete measures to challenge and stop them.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasem has described the recent Israeli accusations against employees working for an international organization as "untrue and unfounded" and aimed at justifying the unjust blockade on the Gaza Strip.
In Facebook remarks on Thursday, Qasem said the claim that employees of an international group were funding the Hamas Movement are part of the Israeli attempts to smear the Palestinian resistance and the Gaza Strip.
He expressed his belief that the source of these lies are the Shin Bet which he said is notorious for being hostile towards the Palestinian people and twisting facts and stories in order to justify Israel's crimes against them.
"It is clear that Israel wants to limit the work of international relief organizations in the Gaza Strip in order to tighten the noose on the Strip and intimidate these institutions into halting or lessening its relief activities," the Hamas spokesman said.
He also accused Israel of always seeking to contain the growing international sympathy with the Palestinian people and their just national cause.
In Facebook remarks on Thursday, Qasem said the claim that employees of an international group were funding the Hamas Movement are part of the Israeli attempts to smear the Palestinian resistance and the Gaza Strip.
He expressed his belief that the source of these lies are the Shin Bet which he said is notorious for being hostile towards the Palestinian people and twisting facts and stories in order to justify Israel's crimes against them.
"It is clear that Israel wants to limit the work of international relief organizations in the Gaza Strip in order to tighten the noose on the Strip and intimidate these institutions into halting or lessening its relief activities," the Hamas spokesman said.
He also accused Israel of always seeking to contain the growing international sympathy with the Palestinian people and their just national cause.
11 aug 2016
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Benjamin Netanyahu has released a new video in which he accuses Hamas of denying humanitarian aid to Palestinians, referring to the recent reports of humanitarian aid organizations diverting funds to Hamas, rather than providing actual humanitarian aid as Israel does; 'The Palestinian people deserve better.'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a new video in English on Thursday evening to his official Facebook page in which he claims, "I, the Prime Minister of Israel, care more about Palestinians than their own leaders do." The prime minister does qualify that statement by first stating that it was "something…that some of you will not believe." He addresses the recent revelations that humanitarian aid organization employees were transferring funds to Hamas, "the terrorist organization that rules Gaza." He says, "A few days ago, the world learned that Hamas, the terrorist organization that rules Gaza, stole millions of dollars from humanitarian organizations like World Vision and the United Nations." Netanyahu is referring to two separate, yet related affairs. The first was that the international Christian non-profit organization World Vision's Gaza Strip director, Mohammed el-Halabi, confessed to siphoning about $7.2 million a year in humanitarian funds to Hamas over five years. This was reported by the Shin Bet. The second revelation concerned the construction of a marina built by Hamas's military wing in the northern Gaza Strip that was financed with funds siphoned from the United Nations Development Agency (UNDP). According to an indictment filed against 38-year-old engineer Waheed Borsh from Jabalia (north of Gaza City), the Gazan funneled aid money from UNDP to the construction of the marina, which Hamas naval commandos intended to use for future operations and training. Speaking before book-filled shelves and flanked by an Israeli flag and a photograph of himself with his wife and two sons, the head of government compared the actions of Israel towards the Palestinians favorably against those of Hamas. He speaks, inter alia, of the Jewish State's facilitating the entry of aid into the Strip and the terrorist organization's seizing thereof and of Israeli hospitals treating wounded Gazans that Hamas would prevent from receiving help. Netanyahu proposes, "Imagine, just imagine, where we might all be if |
Palestinian leaders cared as much about helping their own people as they did about hurting our people. The Palestinian people deserve better."
He concludes dramatically, "The cynicism and cruelty of Hamas is hurting all of us. It's hurting peace."
In a response sent to AFP and reported by the same, senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat wrote, "The hatred that Mr. Netanyahu has for the Palestinian people causes him to invent a parallel history."
He concludes dramatically, "The cynicism and cruelty of Hamas is hurting all of us. It's hurting peace."
In a response sent to AFP and reported by the same, senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat wrote, "The hatred that Mr. Netanyahu has for the Palestinian people causes him to invent a parallel history."
