15 nov 2016
Muslim scholars from 14 African countries stressed the urgent need to support Jerusalem and to confront Israel’s penetration attempts into Africa.
The recommendations were made during the closing session of the Quds Conference 2 which was held in in Nouakchott for three days under the slogan “Africa renews its support to Jerusalem.”
The conference also called for strengthening the African peoples’ solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The three-day conference has been held amid large African and Palestinian participation.
Several delegations representing African countries have participated in the conference, including Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Niger, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gambia.
The conference aimed at strengthening the link between Africa and Palestine especially in light of the Israeli Prime Minister’s visit to a number of African countries.
The recommendations were made during the closing session of the Quds Conference 2 which was held in in Nouakchott for three days under the slogan “Africa renews its support to Jerusalem.”
The conference also called for strengthening the African peoples’ solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The three-day conference has been held amid large African and Palestinian participation.
Several delegations representing African countries have participated in the conference, including Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Niger, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gambia.
The conference aimed at strengthening the link between Africa and Palestine especially in light of the Israeli Prime Minister’s visit to a number of African countries.
12 nov 2016
Israeli Army Minister Avigdor Lieberman (Yisrael Beytenu) blasted Israeli Arab Joint List head Ayman Odeh over the latter’s participation in a memorial ceremony held in Ramallah for late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat’s death.
Yediot Ahronot Hebrew newspaper quoted Lieberman as saying in his Facebook official page, “He wouldn’t come to the funeral of Peres in Jerusalem, but today he goes and eulogizes Arafat in Ramallah.”
“We will continue to work to make sure that he is not a Knesset Member in Jerusalem, and at most will be a city council member in Ramallah,” he wrote.
Odeh defended his decision to attend the ceremony saying that it is a peace and hope message.
Lieberman could not just stop incitement against Arab community, he said.
Israeli analysts said that that Lieberman’s threat appears to be a public relations move as he has no legal means for actually carrying it out.
Lieberman has been leading a boycott of the Joint List since the Peres funeral last month, which the entire Arab party members declined to attend due to the criminal history that Peres represented.
Yediot Ahronot Hebrew newspaper quoted Lieberman as saying in his Facebook official page, “He wouldn’t come to the funeral of Peres in Jerusalem, but today he goes and eulogizes Arafat in Ramallah.”
“We will continue to work to make sure that he is not a Knesset Member in Jerusalem, and at most will be a city council member in Ramallah,” he wrote.
Odeh defended his decision to attend the ceremony saying that it is a peace and hope message.
Lieberman could not just stop incitement against Arab community, he said.
Israeli analysts said that that Lieberman’s threat appears to be a public relations move as he has no legal means for actually carrying it out.
Lieberman has been leading a boycott of the Joint List since the Peres funeral last month, which the entire Arab party members declined to attend due to the criminal history that Peres represented.
11 nov 2016
Top Israel affairs advisor to President-elect Donald Trump tells Israel's Army Radio that the his boss doesn't share the long-held US stance that Israeli settlements should be condemned or they pose an 'obstacle to peace.'
A top adviser to President-elect Donald Trump says his boss doesn't think Israeli settlements should be condemned and they don't pose an "obstacle to peace."
Jason Greenblatt's comments to Israel's Army Radio Thursday would mark a stark departure from the long-time American stance that Israeli construction in areas captured in the 1967 Six Day War makes it more difficult to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians.
Greenblatt is the chief legal officer and executive vice president at the Trump Organization. He has been tapped by Trump as his top adviser on Israel.
Israel and the US are close allies but relations were often tense between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, mainly over Israel's policies toward the Palestinians. Netanyahu and Trump have been friends for many years and ties between the two are expected to improve.
After Trump was proclaimed the victor of the presidential elections, Netanyahu posted a Facebook video congratulating the president-elect, describing him as a "true friend" and expressed his optimism about elevating the US-Israeli relationship to "new heights." Later on Netanyahu called Trump, reiterated his belief that he was a "true friend of Israel" and assured him that the US has no greater ally than Israel.
Settler leadership happy with Trump victory
Meanwhile, Trump's victory has put a new, optimistic wind in the sails of the settlement enterprise in Israel, as right wing MKs and West Bank regional council leaders welcomed the Republican's election.
Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, publicly supported Trump, and expressed his hope that a new path will be made in regards to the West Bank settlements.
"I'm sorry to say this, but the decision to build a new park in the West Bank isn't made by the head of the Regional Council nor by the Israeli government, but on the whims of the President of the United States and how he feels that day," Dagan said.
Dagan, who participated in the opening of the Trump campaign headquarters in the West Bank, and even met with Trump Advisor David Friedman, continued by saying that "we decided that we will no longer sit on the side and watch as world leaders decide our lives, but become involved instead – both for our sakes, and for the sake of our children." Dagan said.
"Trump's announcements were clearly in favor of strengthening Jewish settlement in the West Bank. We regularly host parliamentarians, congressmen, and senators, and have created extensive relationships with high ranking Republican officials," he continued
Dagan then directed his message to the Netanyahu government, saying "we have high expectations for a significant change in how the Israeli government treats Judea and Samaria following the election of a US president who is a friend to the settler movement in the West Bank. We expect an end to the construction freeze, and even more."
Mayor of Ariel Eliyahu Shaviro also welcomed Trump's victory. The mayor added that he believes that the new American president will stand by his pledge of preventing a Palestinian state, and will continue to support building within the settlements, especially in Ariel.
Meanwhile, Acting Head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council Moshe Saville said "I'm sure that a new era of bravery and connection to the land has begun."
The settlers also received support from the Bayit Yehudi party, specifically from Party Chairman Naftali Bennett. He wrote on Facebook that "Trump's victory is a rare opportunity for Israel to announce on its withdrawal from the idea of establishing (a Palestinian state) in the heart of Israeli territory, something which would constitute a direct harm to our security and in the justice of our cause. This is the President elect's view as is written in his platform, and this of course must also be what we do as well. Straight, simple, and clear. This is the end of the era of the Palestinian state."
Meanwhile, Bezalel Smotrich (Bayit Yehudi) said "something happened, the change which occurred (on Tuesday) in the US is a fait accompli. One thing must be made clear, the two state solution must be shelved immediately. The government in the US is going to change, and with that so will the terrible freeze on building which was forced on the State of Israel by the previous administration… I call on the prime minister and the entire government to stand behind the settlement of Judea and Samaria, and to announce the building of thousands of housing units today."
Science Minister Ofir Akunis told Army Radio Thursday that, "We need to think how we move forward now when the administration in Washington, the Trump administration and his advisers, are saying that there is no place for a Palestinian state."
A top adviser to President-elect Donald Trump says his boss doesn't think Israeli settlements should be condemned and they don't pose an "obstacle to peace."
Jason Greenblatt's comments to Israel's Army Radio Thursday would mark a stark departure from the long-time American stance that Israeli construction in areas captured in the 1967 Six Day War makes it more difficult to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians.
Greenblatt is the chief legal officer and executive vice president at the Trump Organization. He has been tapped by Trump as his top adviser on Israel.
Israel and the US are close allies but relations were often tense between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, mainly over Israel's policies toward the Palestinians. Netanyahu and Trump have been friends for many years and ties between the two are expected to improve.
After Trump was proclaimed the victor of the presidential elections, Netanyahu posted a Facebook video congratulating the president-elect, describing him as a "true friend" and expressed his optimism about elevating the US-Israeli relationship to "new heights." Later on Netanyahu called Trump, reiterated his belief that he was a "true friend of Israel" and assured him that the US has no greater ally than Israel.
Settler leadership happy with Trump victory
Meanwhile, Trump's victory has put a new, optimistic wind in the sails of the settlement enterprise in Israel, as right wing MKs and West Bank regional council leaders welcomed the Republican's election.
Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, publicly supported Trump, and expressed his hope that a new path will be made in regards to the West Bank settlements.
"I'm sorry to say this, but the decision to build a new park in the West Bank isn't made by the head of the Regional Council nor by the Israeli government, but on the whims of the President of the United States and how he feels that day," Dagan said.
Dagan, who participated in the opening of the Trump campaign headquarters in the West Bank, and even met with Trump Advisor David Friedman, continued by saying that "we decided that we will no longer sit on the side and watch as world leaders decide our lives, but become involved instead – both for our sakes, and for the sake of our children." Dagan said.
"Trump's announcements were clearly in favor of strengthening Jewish settlement in the West Bank. We regularly host parliamentarians, congressmen, and senators, and have created extensive relationships with high ranking Republican officials," he continued
Dagan then directed his message to the Netanyahu government, saying "we have high expectations for a significant change in how the Israeli government treats Judea and Samaria following the election of a US president who is a friend to the settler movement in the West Bank. We expect an end to the construction freeze, and even more."
Mayor of Ariel Eliyahu Shaviro also welcomed Trump's victory. The mayor added that he believes that the new American president will stand by his pledge of preventing a Palestinian state, and will continue to support building within the settlements, especially in Ariel.
Meanwhile, Acting Head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council Moshe Saville said "I'm sure that a new era of bravery and connection to the land has begun."
The settlers also received support from the Bayit Yehudi party, specifically from Party Chairman Naftali Bennett. He wrote on Facebook that "Trump's victory is a rare opportunity for Israel to announce on its withdrawal from the idea of establishing (a Palestinian state) in the heart of Israeli territory, something which would constitute a direct harm to our security and in the justice of our cause. This is the President elect's view as is written in his platform, and this of course must also be what we do as well. Straight, simple, and clear. This is the end of the era of the Palestinian state."
Meanwhile, Bezalel Smotrich (Bayit Yehudi) said "something happened, the change which occurred (on Tuesday) in the US is a fait accompli. One thing must be made clear, the two state solution must be shelved immediately. The government in the US is going to change, and with that so will the terrible freeze on building which was forced on the State of Israel by the previous administration… I call on the prime minister and the entire government to stand behind the settlement of Judea and Samaria, and to announce the building of thousands of housing units today."
Science Minister Ofir Akunis told Army Radio Thursday that, "We need to think how we move forward now when the administration in Washington, the Trump administration and his advisers, are saying that there is no place for a Palestinian state."
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.
The Israeli Army on Sunday announced that it would renew search for missing Israeli soldier Guy Hever, who has been missing for 19 years.
Israeli media sources said that Hever went missing on August 17, 1997, when he was stationed in the occupied Golan Heights.
The search, focusing on the Golan Heights and the upper Jordan Valley, will begin Monday and continue at least until Wednesday, according to the sources.
Israeli media sources said that Hever went missing on August 17, 1997, when he was stationed in the occupied Golan Heights.
The search, focusing on the Golan Heights and the upper Jordan Valley, will begin Monday and continue at least until Wednesday, according to the sources.
6 nov 2016
The Moroccan Commission to Support the Nation’s Causes slammed the Kingdom of Morocco for accepting to host Israeli delegates in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 22), dubbing the move a whitewash of Israeli crimes against the Palestinians.
Speaking with the PIC, member of the commission’s central bureau, Mohamed Al-Idrissi, said: “We firmly reject that the Israeli flag be raised in the Moroccan territory, particularly in Marrakesh, the land of the heroic sit-inners and supporters of the Palestinian cause—the nation’s deepest wound.”
According to Al-Idrissi, the move presents a barefaced provocation to millions of Moroccan nationals who have had sympathy for the Palestinian land and holy sites and expressed their unyielding support for the Palestinians in their anti-occupation struggle.
“How dare Morocco host delegates of the Israeli occupation in COP 22?” wondered Al-Idirissi. “The Israelis are the ones who usurped Palestinian lands, killed children, women, and elderly civilians, ruined Gaza, and turned the occupied territories into an open-air prison.”
Al-Idirisi vowed that the Moroccan Commission will not remain mum over Israelis’ projected stopover in Morocco, saying: “We will not allow those who destroyed the neighborhood and gate of Al-Maghareba to desecrate the holy land of Morocco.”
Speaking with the PIC, member of the commission’s central bureau, Mohamed Al-Idrissi, said: “We firmly reject that the Israeli flag be raised in the Moroccan territory, particularly in Marrakesh, the land of the heroic sit-inners and supporters of the Palestinian cause—the nation’s deepest wound.”
According to Al-Idrissi, the move presents a barefaced provocation to millions of Moroccan nationals who have had sympathy for the Palestinian land and holy sites and expressed their unyielding support for the Palestinians in their anti-occupation struggle.
“How dare Morocco host delegates of the Israeli occupation in COP 22?” wondered Al-Idirissi. “The Israelis are the ones who usurped Palestinian lands, killed children, women, and elderly civilians, ruined Gaza, and turned the occupied territories into an open-air prison.”
Al-Idirisi vowed that the Moroccan Commission will not remain mum over Israelis’ projected stopover in Morocco, saying: “We will not allow those who destroyed the neighborhood and gate of Al-Maghareba to desecrate the holy land of Morocco.”
