6 dec 2013
Dozens of Palestinians were injured and one detained as Israeli forces opened fire to disperse protests against the Israeli occupation and commemorating Nelson Mandela's death across the West Bank on Friday afternoon.
Protests against the Israeli occupation and separation wall took place in villages across the West Bank, including in Bilin, al-Masara, Kafr Qaddum, and Nabi Saleh.
Demonstrators raised slogans and posters of South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela in many villages, commemorating the legacy of the "freedom fighter" who passed away on Thursday.
Many Palestinian activists argue that the system of racial segregation in South Africa that existed until 1994 resembles the Israel treatment of Palestinians, referring to the current situation as "Israeli apartheid."
Protests against the Israeli occupation and separation wall took place in villages across the West Bank, including in Bilin, al-Masara, Kafr Qaddum, and Nabi Saleh.
Demonstrators raised slogans and posters of South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela in many villages, commemorating the legacy of the "freedom fighter" who passed away on Thursday.
Many Palestinian activists argue that the system of racial segregation in South Africa that existed until 1994 resembles the Israel treatment of Palestinians, referring to the current situation as "Israeli apartheid."
Bilin
Dozens of Palestinians suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation and another was detained as Israeli forces dispersed the weekly protest in Bilin near Ramallah.
Palestinian, Israeli and international activists who participated in the protest raised Palestinian flags and posters of the late South African president Nelson Mandela. They chanted songs calling for unity, in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and against the Israeli occupation.
This week's protest commemorated Mandela's legacy and his fight against apartheid in South Africa.
AbdulKadir Abu Rahma, 20, was detained during the protest.
Since 2005, Bilin villagers have protested on a weekly basis against the Israeli separation wall that runs through their village on land confiscated from local farmers.
Previous protests by Bilin activists have forced the Israeli authorities to re-route the wall, but large chunks of the village lands remain inaccessible to residents because of the route.
Dozens of Palestinians suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation and another was detained as Israeli forces dispersed the weekly protest in Bilin near Ramallah.
Palestinian, Israeli and international activists who participated in the protest raised Palestinian flags and posters of the late South African president Nelson Mandela. They chanted songs calling for unity, in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and against the Israeli occupation.
This week's protest commemorated Mandela's legacy and his fight against apartheid in South Africa.
AbdulKadir Abu Rahma, 20, was detained during the protest.
Since 2005, Bilin villagers have protested on a weekly basis against the Israeli separation wall that runs through their village on land confiscated from local farmers.
Previous protests by Bilin activists have forced the Israeli authorities to re-route the wall, but large chunks of the village lands remain inaccessible to residents because of the route.
Al-Masara
Israeli forces on Friday also dispersed a protest against the separation wall in al-Masara south of Bethlehem.
Protesters marched from the center of the village and raised Palestinian flags in the demonstration which was held in honor of late South African President Nelson Mandela as well as late Egyptian poet and social critic Ahmad Fouad Najm.
Hassan Brejia, coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall, said "since its beginning, the Palestinian revolution has gained its strength from other revolutions including South Africa and its symbol Nelson Mandela, who was always a help for the struggle and fighting of Palestinians."
Brejia also praised the position of a Druze man, Omar Saad, who went to jail this week after he refused to serve in the Israeli army.
Since 2006, the residents of al-Masara have protested on a weekly basis, demanding Israeli authorities return village lands confiscated in order to build the separation wall as it crosses through their town.
Israeli forces on Friday also dispersed a protest against the separation wall in al-Masara south of Bethlehem.
Protesters marched from the center of the village and raised Palestinian flags in the demonstration which was held in honor of late South African President Nelson Mandela as well as late Egyptian poet and social critic Ahmad Fouad Najm.
Hassan Brejia, coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall, said "since its beginning, the Palestinian revolution has gained its strength from other revolutions including South Africa and its symbol Nelson Mandela, who was always a help for the struggle and fighting of Palestinians."
Brejia also praised the position of a Druze man, Omar Saad, who went to jail this week after he refused to serve in the Israeli army.
Since 2006, the residents of al-Masara have protested on a weekly basis, demanding Israeli authorities return village lands confiscated in order to build the separation wall as it crosses through their town.
Kafr Qaddum
Two people were injured and dozens others suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation as Israeli forces dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum.
Spokesman of the popular resistance committee Murad Eshtewi said Israeli forces raided the village after the weekly demonstration started, firing tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber-coated steel bullets.
Nasser Barham, 43, and Bashar Eshtewi, 43, were struck by tear gas canisters in the arm and abdomen, he added.
Eshtewi said that today's demonstration was in protest against the recurrent raids of al-Aqsa by Israeli extremists, and in response to the "repression" suffered by the people in the village at the hands of Israeli forces.
Israeli forces erected a checkpoint at the entrance of the village in the morning, declared it a closed military zone, and prevented ambulances and journalists from entering the village until the demonstration ended.
Protests are held every Friday in Kafr Qaddum against Israel's closure of a main road linking the village to its nearest city, Nablus.
Two people were injured and dozens others suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation as Israeli forces dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum.
Spokesman of the popular resistance committee Murad Eshtewi said Israeli forces raided the village after the weekly demonstration started, firing tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber-coated steel bullets.
Nasser Barham, 43, and Bashar Eshtewi, 43, were struck by tear gas canisters in the arm and abdomen, he added.
Eshtewi said that today's demonstration was in protest against the recurrent raids of al-Aqsa by Israeli extremists, and in response to the "repression" suffered by the people in the village at the hands of Israeli forces.
Israeli forces erected a checkpoint at the entrance of the village in the morning, declared it a closed military zone, and prevented ambulances and journalists from entering the village until the demonstration ended.
Protests are held every Friday in Kafr Qaddum against Israel's closure of a main road linking the village to its nearest city, Nablus.
Nabi Saleh
In Nabi Saleh, Israeli forces dispersed demonstrators who marched throughout the village raising Palestinian flags as well as photographs of Mustafa Tamimi, who was shot dead by Israeli forces at a similar rally in 2011.
Israeli forces opened fire on the demonstrations throughout the day with tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets.
Protestors marked the second anniversary of his death by beginning the protest at the village cemetery and demonstrating in front of his house. They also marched to the site where Tamimi was killed two years ago.
In a statement, the village popular resistance committee also expressed condolences at the passing of late South African leader Nelson Mandela, highlighting his work as a "freedom fighter" who "fought against injustice" and stressing that his passing is a "great loss for humanity."
In 2004, the International Court of Justice called on Israel to stop construction of the separation wall within the occupied West Bank.
When completed, 85 percent of the wall will run inside the West Bank.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
In Nabi Saleh, Israeli forces dispersed demonstrators who marched throughout the village raising Palestinian flags as well as photographs of Mustafa Tamimi, who was shot dead by Israeli forces at a similar rally in 2011.
Israeli forces opened fire on the demonstrations throughout the day with tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets.
Protestors marked the second anniversary of his death by beginning the protest at the village cemetery and demonstrating in front of his house. They also marched to the site where Tamimi was killed two years ago.
In a statement, the village popular resistance committee also expressed condolences at the passing of late South African leader Nelson Mandela, highlighting his work as a "freedom fighter" who "fought against injustice" and stressing that his passing is a "great loss for humanity."
In 2004, the International Court of Justice called on Israel to stop construction of the separation wall within the occupied West Bank.
When completed, 85 percent of the wall will run inside the West Bank.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Local sources in Jaloud village, south of the northern West bank city of Nablus, have reported that Israeli settlers threw rocks at a Palestinian car in the village, and wrote racist graffiti on a number of walls.
The sources said that the vandals came from a nearby Israeli settlement; they torched a car belonging to resident Fathi Yousef Mohammad, while it was parked in front of his home.
The settlers also wrote racist graffiti, including "Price Tag", on the walls of Mohammad’s home.
Price tag attacks are ongoing assaults carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinian homes, property and holy sites. Some attacks even target Israeli leftist and peace movements, such as Peace Now.
Vandals have targeted churches, mosques, Islamic and Christian graveyards and various other holy sites, in addition to Palestinian orchards and dozens of homes and property.
On November 19, a number of settlers entered Far’ata village, west of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, burning two cars. The settlers went on to write racist anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian graffiti, including "Price Tag" and “Death To Arabs”.
The attack came just a few days after Israelis invaded an Islamic graveyard in occupied Jerusalem, broke tombstones and wrote graffiti on tombstones and buildings adjacent to the cemetery.
The sources said that the vandals came from a nearby Israeli settlement; they torched a car belonging to resident Fathi Yousef Mohammad, while it was parked in front of his home.
The settlers also wrote racist graffiti, including "Price Tag", on the walls of Mohammad’s home.
Price tag attacks are ongoing assaults carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinian homes, property and holy sites. Some attacks even target Israeli leftist and peace movements, such as Peace Now.
Vandals have targeted churches, mosques, Islamic and Christian graveyards and various other holy sites, in addition to Palestinian orchards and dozens of homes and property.
On November 19, a number of settlers entered Far’ata village, west of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, burning two cars. The settlers went on to write racist anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian graffiti, including "Price Tag" and “Death To Arabs”.
The attack came just a few days after Israelis invaded an Islamic graveyard in occupied Jerusalem, broke tombstones and wrote graffiti on tombstones and buildings adjacent to the cemetery.
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) opened fire at Palestinian farmers working on their lands east of Khan Younis to the east of the Gaza Strip.
Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli military vehicles stationed across the border with Gaza, fired live tear gas and stun bombs at Palestinian farmers to the east of Khan Younis. No casualties were reported.
The shooting coincided with intensive Israeli overflights, the sources added.
The farmers were forced to leave their lands due to the intensive firing of tear gas grenades.
The Israeli army frequently carries out limited incursions into border areas, and opens fire at farmers in clear violation of the Egyptian-brokered truce in Gaza.
Since the truce, 11 Palestinians have been killed while dozens were injured and kidnapped during different Israeli violations in Gaza.
Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli military vehicles stationed across the border with Gaza, fired live tear gas and stun bombs at Palestinian farmers to the east of Khan Younis. No casualties were reported.
The shooting coincided with intensive Israeli overflights, the sources added.
The farmers were forced to leave their lands due to the intensive firing of tear gas grenades.
The Israeli army frequently carries out limited incursions into border areas, and opens fire at farmers in clear violation of the Egyptian-brokered truce in Gaza.
Since the truce, 11 Palestinians have been killed while dozens were injured and kidnapped during different Israeli violations in Gaza.
Israeli Police stormed on Friday Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Eyewitnesses said that forces from the Israeli police and security guards stormed al-Aqsa mosque and fired tear gas grenades toward the worshipers, causing several Palestinians to suffer suffocation injuries.
The witnesses added that the force surrounded the worshipers inside the mosque, closed the main gate of the mosque with chains. The forces also assaulted a number of journalists.
The Israeli spokesperson, Luba al-Samri, claimed that the Palestinian youths threw stones at the Israeli forces.
Eyewitnesses said that forces from the Israeli police and security guards stormed al-Aqsa mosque and fired tear gas grenades toward the worshipers, causing several Palestinians to suffer suffocation injuries.
The witnesses added that the force surrounded the worshipers inside the mosque, closed the main gate of the mosque with chains. The forces also assaulted a number of journalists.
The Israeli spokesperson, Luba al-Samri, claimed that the Palestinian youths threw stones at the Israeli forces.
Israeli occupation forces suppressed, Friday, the Al-Ma'asara weekly march against the Israeli Apartheid Wall and illegal settlements.
Coordinator of Popular Committee to Resist the Wall and Settlements in Bethelehme, Hasan Breijiyeh, said that Israeli forces assaulted participants and prevented them from reaching the apartheid wall.
Speakers at the march called for boosting popular resistance against illegal Israeli settlements.
Coordinator of Popular Committee to Resist the Wall and Settlements in Bethelehme, Hasan Breijiyeh, said that Israeli forces assaulted participants and prevented them from reaching the apartheid wall.
Speakers at the march called for boosting popular resistance against illegal Israeli settlements.
Israeli occupation forces raided Friday, a house in the city of Jenin and several houses in Ajja village.
Security sources said that Israeli forces raided the house Rabea al-Sanori, searched it and interrogated its residents.
In the village of Ajja, Israeli forces raided several houses, searched them and interrogated their residents. Some of these houses belonging to the families of Zahran, Badran, Shehadeh, Qassem and Khalifeh.
Security sources said that Israeli forces raided the house Rabea al-Sanori, searched it and interrogated its residents.
In the village of Ajja, Israeli forces raided several houses, searched them and interrogated their residents. Some of these houses belonging to the families of Zahran, Badran, Shehadeh, Qassem and Khalifeh.
5 dec 2013
Confrontations were reported between invading Israeli occupation forces (IOF) and inhabitants of Arub refugee camp, north of Al-Khalil, on Thursday morning. Eyewitnesses said that IOF soldiers in armored vehicles and on foot raided the camp and fired teargas canisters at homes and citizens.
They said that young men responded to the IOF raid with stones and empty bottles, adding that some citizens were treated for breathing difficulty.
Arub refugee camp is the scene of daily IOF incursions during which teargas and metal bullets are fired. The refugee camp’s main entrance witnesses daily humiliation of passing citizens, especially young men. The IOF surrounded the camp with seven-meter high fence.
They said that young men responded to the IOF raid with stones and empty bottles, adding that some citizens were treated for breathing difficulty.
Arub refugee camp is the scene of daily IOF incursions during which teargas and metal bullets are fired. The refugee camp’s main entrance witnesses daily humiliation of passing citizens, especially young men. The IOF surrounded the camp with seven-meter high fence.
4 dec 2013
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) opened machinegun fire at Palestinian agricultural fields to the east of Khan Younis, south of Gaza Strip, on Wednesday morning. The PIC reporter in Khan Younis quoted Palestinian security sources as saying that IOF soldiers manning military watchtowers near the borders of the city opened fire at the fields.
They said that there was no apparent reason for the shooting, adding that no casualties were reported.
Israeli troops fire at Palestinian fields south of Gaza
Israeli Military forces opened on Wednesday machinegun fire at Palestinian agricultural fields to the east of Khan Younis, south of Gaza Strip. " Israeli soldiers manning military watchtowers near the borders of the city opened fire at the fields." Security sources reported.
The sources said the there was no apparent reason for the shooting, no casualties were reported.
They said that there was no apparent reason for the shooting, adding that no casualties were reported.
Israeli troops fire at Palestinian fields south of Gaza
Israeli Military forces opened on Wednesday machinegun fire at Palestinian agricultural fields to the east of Khan Younis, south of Gaza Strip. " Israeli soldiers manning military watchtowers near the borders of the city opened fire at the fields." Security sources reported.
The sources said the there was no apparent reason for the shooting, no casualties were reported.
Palestinian prisoner Moussa Abu Turki's family, from al-Khalil, charged Israeli soldiers of stealing 30 thousand shekels after raiding their house to arrest Moussa at dawn Tuesday. The Israeli soldiers surrounded the house Tuesday morning and arrested Moussa, in addition to stealing 30 thousand shekels from the house, the family added.
Meanwhile, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed Kafr Kadum town east of Qalqilya and provoked citizens, which led to the outbreak of violent clashes.
Local sources said that more than nine military vehicles stormed the town at night and fired a barrage of tear gas bombs. Thirteen citizens were injured.
In their turn, Palestinian youths threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers who set up a military checkpoint at the entrance to the village.
On the other hand, Israeli soldiers suppressed on Tuesday a peaceful march organized by Palestinians in Tekoa town east of Bethlehem southern occupied West Bank.
The march came in protest at the Israeli settlers' break-ins into the town to perform Talmudic rituals under Israeli army protection, eyewitnesses said.
The sources said Israeli soldiers assaulted, in the march, two Palestinian children and detained them for a while.
The Israeli settlers had stormed the town and chanted racist slogans against Arabs, while raising Israeli flag.
In a related matter, IOF soldiers stormed Qaryout village southern Nablus on Tuesday night, which triggered clashes between Palestinian citizens and Israeli soldiers.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that occupation forces raided the village while carrying illustrative maps of the area.
IOF soldiers fired tear gas bombs at the citizens who in their turn threw stones at the Israeli vehicles.
On the other hand, Palestinian vehicles were stoned last night by settlers at the entrance of Sinjel town between Nablus and Ramallah.
Meanwhile, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed Kafr Kadum town east of Qalqilya and provoked citizens, which led to the outbreak of violent clashes.
Local sources said that more than nine military vehicles stormed the town at night and fired a barrage of tear gas bombs. Thirteen citizens were injured.
In their turn, Palestinian youths threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers who set up a military checkpoint at the entrance to the village.
On the other hand, Israeli soldiers suppressed on Tuesday a peaceful march organized by Palestinians in Tekoa town east of Bethlehem southern occupied West Bank.
The march came in protest at the Israeli settlers' break-ins into the town to perform Talmudic rituals under Israeli army protection, eyewitnesses said.
The sources said Israeli soldiers assaulted, in the march, two Palestinian children and detained them for a while.
The Israeli settlers had stormed the town and chanted racist slogans against Arabs, while raising Israeli flag.
In a related matter, IOF soldiers stormed Qaryout village southern Nablus on Tuesday night, which triggered clashes between Palestinian citizens and Israeli soldiers.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that occupation forces raided the village while carrying illustrative maps of the area.
IOF soldiers fired tear gas bombs at the citizens who in their turn threw stones at the Israeli vehicles.
On the other hand, Palestinian vehicles were stoned last night by settlers at the entrance of Sinjel town between Nablus and Ramallah.
A Jewish settler in a speeding car hit a ten-year-old Palestinian child at entrance to Beit Ummar village, north of Al-Khalil, on Tuesday night. Mohammed Awad, the coordinator of the popular committee in Beit Ummar, told Quds Press that the child Mohammed Abu Ayyash was injured in the incident and taken to hospital where his condition was described as moderate.
Awad said that Israeli occupation forces fired stun grenades at the citizens who gathered near the scene of the incident.
Awad said that Israeli occupation forces fired stun grenades at the citizens who gathered near the scene of the incident.
3 dec 2013
During the arrest of an anti-prawer protester
Israeli police ordered media outlets Monday to turn over all photographs taken at Saturday's Naqab (Negev) demonstrations against Israel's Prawer Plan. World Bulletin quoted Israeli daily Haaretz as saying that "police provided no explanation for the unusual order, but they are investigating violent clashes between stone-throwing demonstrators and police, who used stun grenades, tear gas and water cannons during the protests against the Prawer Plan.
The "day of rage" demonstrations ended with 34 protesters arrested and 15 officers wounded.
The Southern District of the Israel Police force communicated the order directly to photographers via a text message.
"All the media in the State of Israel to hand over any documentation of the riots at Hura Junction and the surroundings on November 30, 2013,” the message said.
Haaretz and Israel's two biggest news networks, Channel 10 and Channel 2, said they would challenge the order in court.
The Israeli occupation classifies approximately 40 villages in the Naqab (Negev) Desert as "unrecognized," arguing that the roughly 53,000 Arab Bedouins living there cannot prove their ownership of the land.
The Prawer Plan is said to be a continuation of the 1948 Nakba.
The Palestinian Government in Gaza called for cancelling this plan, which grossly violates the constitutional rights of the Arab Bedouin citizens to property, dignity, equality, adequate housing, and freedom to choose their own residence, before it becomes law.
Israeli police ordered media outlets Monday to turn over all photographs taken at Saturday's Naqab (Negev) demonstrations against Israel's Prawer Plan. World Bulletin quoted Israeli daily Haaretz as saying that "police provided no explanation for the unusual order, but they are investigating violent clashes between stone-throwing demonstrators and police, who used stun grenades, tear gas and water cannons during the protests against the Prawer Plan.
The "day of rage" demonstrations ended with 34 protesters arrested and 15 officers wounded.
The Southern District of the Israel Police force communicated the order directly to photographers via a text message.
"All the media in the State of Israel to hand over any documentation of the riots at Hura Junction and the surroundings on November 30, 2013,” the message said.
Haaretz and Israel's two biggest news networks, Channel 10 and Channel 2, said they would challenge the order in court.
The Israeli occupation classifies approximately 40 villages in the Naqab (Negev) Desert as "unrecognized," arguing that the roughly 53,000 Arab Bedouins living there cannot prove their ownership of the land.
The Prawer Plan is said to be a continuation of the 1948 Nakba.
The Palestinian Government in Gaza called for cancelling this plan, which grossly violates the constitutional rights of the Arab Bedouin citizens to property, dignity, equality, adequate housing, and freedom to choose their own residence, before it becomes law.
Palestinian medical sources have reported that one resident was injured, with several suffering the effects of tear gas inhalation, after dozens of soldiers invaded Kofur Qaddoum village, near the northern West Bank city of Qalqilia.
The sources said that Ahmad Eshtewy, 22, was shot in the arm by a gas bomb fired by the soldiers, while dozens of residents have been treated for tear gas inhalation.
The soldiers also kidnapped Ghaleb Hilmhy Eshtewy, 23, and took him to an unknown destination.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall, Morad Qaddoumy, stated that the army has been targeting the village in an attempt to stop its ongoing protests against Israe's illegal annexation wall and illegitimate settlements.
He said that, after the villagers started their massive weekly nonviolent protests two years ago, the Israeli military escalated its ongoing assaults, with its collective punishment policies targeting civilians and their lands.
On Tuesday evening, soldiers kidnapped Ahmad Khalil Jaradat, 23, at a military roadblock on the Jenin-Haifa road. Jaradat is a student of the Arab American University in Jenin. He was stopped and interrogated at the roadblock for more than an hour before the army took him to the Salem military base, north of Jenin.
The sources said that Ahmad Eshtewy, 22, was shot in the arm by a gas bomb fired by the soldiers, while dozens of residents have been treated for tear gas inhalation.
The soldiers also kidnapped Ghaleb Hilmhy Eshtewy, 23, and took him to an unknown destination.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall, Morad Qaddoumy, stated that the army has been targeting the village in an attempt to stop its ongoing protests against Israe's illegal annexation wall and illegitimate settlements.
He said that, after the villagers started their massive weekly nonviolent protests two years ago, the Israeli military escalated its ongoing assaults, with its collective punishment policies targeting civilians and their lands.
On Tuesday evening, soldiers kidnapped Ahmad Khalil Jaradat, 23, at a military roadblock on the Jenin-Haifa road. Jaradat is a student of the Arab American University in Jenin. He was stopped and interrogated at the roadblock for more than an hour before the army took him to the Salem military base, north of Jenin.
Violent clashes erupted last night in Nablus when hundreds of Jewish settlers stormed Yusuf Tomb and performed Talmudic rituals under the protection of the occupation army. Israeli buses and cars carrying hundreds of Jewish settlers entered Nablus at midnight, accompanied by a large number of Israeli military vehicles, PIC correspondent reported.
Clashes erupted in Balata refugee camp when Israeli soldiers fired live bullets at Palestinians. As a result, one citizen was shot in his back.
Israeli occupation forces also fired a barrage of tear gas bombs causing breathing problems among Palestinian youths.
Nablus has witnessed during the recent period weekly incursions by Israeli settlers who come to visit Yusuf Tomb in order to perform Talmudic rituals believing that it is the resting-place of the Prophet Yusuf, while historical accounts confirmed that it is an Islamic shrine for a man called Sheikh Yusuf Dweikat.
Clashes erupted in Balata refugee camp when Israeli soldiers fired live bullets at Palestinians. As a result, one citizen was shot in his back.
Israeli occupation forces also fired a barrage of tear gas bombs causing breathing problems among Palestinian youths.
Nablus has witnessed during the recent period weekly incursions by Israeli settlers who come to visit Yusuf Tomb in order to perform Talmudic rituals believing that it is the resting-place of the Prophet Yusuf, while historical accounts confirmed that it is an Islamic shrine for a man called Sheikh Yusuf Dweikat.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) clashed with dozens of young men in Tabaka village, south of Al-Khalil, afternoon Monday. Eyewitnesses told the PIC that IOF soldiers burst into the village, near Dura town, and started firing metal bullets and teargas canisters prompting youth to throw stones at them.
They said that IOF patrols set up roadblocks on the main road adjacent to the areas where the clashes were taking place.
They said that IOF patrols set up roadblocks on the main road adjacent to the areas where the clashes were taking place.
2 dec 2013
Dozens of students from Al-Quds University in Abu Deis town, near Ramallah, suffered tear gas inhalation and rubber-coated bullet injuries during clashes that erupted with the Israeli forces on Monday.
A PNN reporter said that clashes erupted after a group of activists tried to demolish part of the apartheid wall in the village.
A PNN reporter said that clashes erupted after a group of activists tried to demolish part of the apartheid wall in the village.
Dr. Ramy Abdu ,the Chairman of the Board of the Euro-Mid Observer for Human Rights said
The last five years witnessed an increase in the number of European mercenaries who enrolled in the Israeli army which is banned internationally , Dr. Ramy Abdu ,the Chairman of the Board of the Euro-Mid Observer for Human Rights said. He said that Jewish and Christian rightist groups in Europe have organized projects and campaigns in Europe to call on Europeans to join and support the Israeli army in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which is considered a violation of International Law.
The Euro-Mid Observer for Human Rights revealed last week that hundreds of Europeans have volunteered for military service in the ranks of the IMF (Israel Military Forces), whereas tens of recruited Europeans have participated in the killing of Palestinian civilians, especially in the Gaza Strip.
Abdu said that article 5 of the resolution 3103 of 1973 stated that the practice of using mercenaries against national liberation movements in the colonial territories constitutes a criminal act.
He called on the UN to take a serious step regarding this act and to activate the role of UN assemblies.
The last five years witnessed an increase in the number of European mercenaries who enrolled in the Israeli army which is banned internationally , Dr. Ramy Abdu ,the Chairman of the Board of the Euro-Mid Observer for Human Rights said. He said that Jewish and Christian rightist groups in Europe have organized projects and campaigns in Europe to call on Europeans to join and support the Israeli army in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which is considered a violation of International Law.
The Euro-Mid Observer for Human Rights revealed last week that hundreds of Europeans have volunteered for military service in the ranks of the IMF (Israel Military Forces), whereas tens of recruited Europeans have participated in the killing of Palestinian civilians, especially in the Gaza Strip.
Abdu said that article 5 of the resolution 3103 of 1973 stated that the practice of using mercenaries against national liberation movements in the colonial territories constitutes a criminal act.
He called on the UN to take a serious step regarding this act and to activate the role of UN assemblies.
The Foreign Press Association on Sunday accused the Israeli army of “deliberately targeting” journalists after soldiers fired rubber bullets and threw stun grenades at photojournalists clearly identified as press, Palestine chronicle reported. In a statement, the Tel Aviv-based group, which represents journalists of all foreign media, including AFP, said troops had directly targeted a group of photographers covering clashes at the Qalandia checkpoint between Jerusalem and Ramallah.
“On Friday afternoon, Israeli forces threw stun grenades at FPA photojournalists as they were leaving Qalandia. The FPA members had put their hands in the air, indicating to the forces that they were leaving at which point the grenades were thrown from close quarters directly at their backs,” it said.
Earlier an Italian freelance photographer covering the same incident had almost been hit in the face by a rubber bullet, it said.
“Fortunately the photographer was taking pictures at the time and the rubber bullet shattered the camera instead of his head. All the photographers in question wore clearly-marked jackets and helmets,” the FPA said.
“There is no question that the forces were directly targeting the journalists.”
The army said in a written reply to AFP questions that its soldiers had responded accordingly after protesters hurled fire bombs and rocks at them.
“Throughout the provocation, photojournalists were sighted adjacent and in the midst of the rioters, putting themselves at risk,” it said.
The army’s initial review of the incident involving the Italian freelancer had found that “the rubber bullet which hit the photojournalist’s camera, who was in the vicinity of violent protesters, was not intentionally fired towards him, but part of the riot dispersal means which were aimed at disbanding the protest,” it said.
AFP’s chief photographer Marco Longari said the photographers had been standing under a shelter about 20 meters from Palestinian youths throwing stones, and that the soldiers had suddenly begun firing rubber bullets without first using tear gas or giving any other warning.
“Usually they shoot at the legs, but this was at eye level,” said Longari, pointing out that the photographers had walked past in full view of the soldiers before taking up their position under the shelter.
“The bullet hit the upper part of the camera casing — if he hadn’t been taking a picture, he would have been killed,” he said of the Italian freelancer.
“We showed the camera to the commander and he laughed and said it was a mistake, but you don’t shoot by mistake at eye-level.”
The FPA said it had complained about some 10 such incidents over the past two years, none of which had been properly investigated, adding that the army and the military police had a “dismal track record” for looking into such incidents.
“As far as we know, just two investigations have been launched, with no results. The others have been ignored,” it said.
In February this year, a report by the Turkel Commission into investigations of violations of the laws of armed conflict concluded that there were “structural problems” in the military’s investigative processes, the FPA noted.
“A proper investigation into violence against the media and holding soldiers accountable for their actions would be a very practical first step towards rectifying these problems.”
“On Friday afternoon, Israeli forces threw stun grenades at FPA photojournalists as they were leaving Qalandia. The FPA members had put their hands in the air, indicating to the forces that they were leaving at which point the grenades were thrown from close quarters directly at their backs,” it said.
Earlier an Italian freelance photographer covering the same incident had almost been hit in the face by a rubber bullet, it said.
“Fortunately the photographer was taking pictures at the time and the rubber bullet shattered the camera instead of his head. All the photographers in question wore clearly-marked jackets and helmets,” the FPA said.
“There is no question that the forces were directly targeting the journalists.”
The army said in a written reply to AFP questions that its soldiers had responded accordingly after protesters hurled fire bombs and rocks at them.
“Throughout the provocation, photojournalists were sighted adjacent and in the midst of the rioters, putting themselves at risk,” it said.
The army’s initial review of the incident involving the Italian freelancer had found that “the rubber bullet which hit the photojournalist’s camera, who was in the vicinity of violent protesters, was not intentionally fired towards him, but part of the riot dispersal means which were aimed at disbanding the protest,” it said.
AFP’s chief photographer Marco Longari said the photographers had been standing under a shelter about 20 meters from Palestinian youths throwing stones, and that the soldiers had suddenly begun firing rubber bullets without first using tear gas or giving any other warning.
“Usually they shoot at the legs, but this was at eye level,” said Longari, pointing out that the photographers had walked past in full view of the soldiers before taking up their position under the shelter.
“The bullet hit the upper part of the camera casing — if he hadn’t been taking a picture, he would have been killed,” he said of the Italian freelancer.
“We showed the camera to the commander and he laughed and said it was a mistake, but you don’t shoot by mistake at eye-level.”
The FPA said it had complained about some 10 such incidents over the past two years, none of which had been properly investigated, adding that the army and the military police had a “dismal track record” for looking into such incidents.
“As far as we know, just two investigations have been launched, with no results. The others have been ignored,” it said.
In February this year, a report by the Turkel Commission into investigations of violations of the laws of armed conflict concluded that there were “structural problems” in the military’s investigative processes, the FPA noted.
“A proper investigation into violence against the media and holding soldiers accountable for their actions would be a very practical first step towards rectifying these problems.”
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) opened heavy machinegun fire at Palestinian land and houses to the east of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, at dawn Monday. A Palestinian security source told the PIC reporter that soldiers stationed east of Fakhari area opened fire at cultivated land lots and houses, but no casualties were reported.
He pointed to movement for IOF armored vehicles along the border during the shooting along with reconnaissance flights overhead.
Israel troops open machinegun fire at southern Gaza
Israeli Military forces opened Monday at dawn heavy machinegun fire at Palestinian land and houses east of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza. Security sourcs said Israeli soldiers stationed east of Fakhari area and opened fire at cultivated land and houses ,no injuries were reported.
The sources pointed to movement for the occupation armored vehicles along the border during the shooting along with reconnaissance flights overhead.
He pointed to movement for IOF armored vehicles along the border during the shooting along with reconnaissance flights overhead.
Israel troops open machinegun fire at southern Gaza
Israeli Military forces opened Monday at dawn heavy machinegun fire at Palestinian land and houses east of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza. Security sourcs said Israeli soldiers stationed east of Fakhari area and opened fire at cultivated land and houses ,no injuries were reported.
The sources pointed to movement for the occupation armored vehicles along the border during the shooting along with reconnaissance flights overhead.
1 dec 2013
Last week, the United Nations warned that a blockade on the Gaza Strip imposed by Israel and Egypt was making Gaza ‘uninhabitable’. The following is a personal account of what life is like for one resident, Sally Idwedar, in Gaza City
I was thinking about how I would start to write about life in Gaza – how I would lay the words out with eloquence – when suddenly an explosion boomed close by and those thoughts fled my mind.
I didn’t know the source; maybe it was internal training or perhaps another air strike. Movement and horns stopped on the street below, a brief pause to make sure it wasn’t anyone close that was hit, then movement resumed. My heart is still pounding and my mind racing and, like every other woman in Gaza, I say a quick prayer of thanks that my family is near and safe and hope no one was hurt.
My husband lights a cigarette in the next room while reports come in that it was an “internal” explosion from training. Either way I guess it doesn’t really matter, it is just enough to remind us nothing in Gaza is ever normal.
I like to stand out on my balcony in the wee hours of the morning just before the call to prayer. Everything is so silent and still and the stars above are so close you can touch them. It is easy to forget in those few minutes where I am, so easy to forget the challenges that plague our daily life.
The UN issued a report last week saying Gaza is becoming uninhabitable and the humanitarian conditions are deteriorating – sadly that is true.
We wake up to terrifying sonic booms and try to sleep while the Israeli navy is shelling. Simple things like daily running water and a full day of electricity have now become luxuries. Nearly four weeks ago the sole power generator in Gaza stopped working due to lack of fuel. We had become used to the eight hours of electricity we were allotted but now we are down to four to six hours at a time and lengthy 12-14 hour blackouts.
At any given moment at least one-third of Gaza will be in the dark. During the long days of summer it is much easier to cope but now the days are much shorter and it seems most of our time is spent in the dark. Students study by candlelight and women cook by flashlight. Men gather on the balconies to smoke and talk politics – the only light that can be seen are the small red dots of their glowing cigarettes.
Some families are able to afford a converter than runs on a car battery and can power a few small items. The cost for the unit is about 700 shekels (£120) and the batteries cost another 700 shekels. This might not seem like much but even that is out of reach for a majority of families especially now the unemployment rate is nearly 40 per cent. Stores, restaurants and larger apartment buildings often use gas generators. These days, however, it is nearly impossible to get fuel and queues are very long with some people waiting 24 hours just for a few litres.
Drivers are feeling the shortage and finding a taxi is impossible at times. Yet everyone knows how hard it is and we try to help each other as much as possible. People pile as many in as can fit in a car, sometimes sitting on laps, just to make sure others can get to their homes. It is not uncommon to see three or even four people squeezed into the front seat of a taxi going from Gaza City to the refugee camps in the middle of Gaza. Some cars are now running on a mixture of cooking oils and the smell of falafel and French fries trails after them. Cooking gas supply runs low every winter but this year it is the worst shortage in a long time. An average family goes through one 12kg gas cylinder a month and it costs 65 shekels. It takes more than a month to get a refill. Neighbours are helping each other and women rotate cooking duties to save gas-cooking large meals for multiple families at one time.
Others less fortunate are resorting to cooking over open fires outside, burning paper and cardboard as fuel. I am constantly worried what will happen when the cold and wet weather arrives next month. Rubbish collection has nearly stopped in the densely populated city. Swarms of flies, wild cats and dogs hover around the rubbish piles. In an attempt to help alleviate the situation, donkey carts have now been deployed to collect what they can. So far it is not making a dent.
Two weeks ago the sewage pumping stations stopped working in many areas – they simply did not have the fuel to work. Raw sewage leaks into the streets. Fathers carry their children to get to school and most cars won’t venture into it. The sludge reeks and brings mosquitoes in swarms.
There is fear it will end up in the water supply as well. The Al-Shati refugee camp, also known as Beach camp, has reported foul smelling and discoloured water this week and many have fallen ill with stomach maladies already. My area has been lucky so far, no sewage in the streets but unfortunately we don’t have any water at all.
As I write this we are beginning the fourth day with dry taps. With the erratic electricity schedule the water pumping station is rarely working when my building has electricity so even when there is water in the lines there is no way to get it up to the flats. Before the fuel crisis we only received water from the municipal lines three or four times a week, now it is half of that if we are lucky. We fill old bottles when we do have water.
This is life in Gaza now: a constant struggle to find the bare necessities. Gaza life is about always being prepared for the worst case scenario because normally that is what happens. It has been a year since the last major Israeli aggression here and we are trying to pick up the pieces. Constructions materials are now refused entry so repairs have ground to a halt.
Our life lines – the tunnels from Egypt – have been severed. Without them we don’t have a consistent flow of food, medicine and fuel. The border with Israel is often closed and only half of the needed trucks of aid are allowed in when it is open. The items on the market shelves are withering away and prices are getting higher and higher.
Sometimes I think someone has hit the pause button on life but then I see all that we have survived and realise we continue on just as before: couples get married, babies are born and children go to school. We laugh with our friends, we love each other and, most importantly, we live.
Sally Idwedar is a blogger and resident of Gaza City. She was born in New York and her family is originally from Yibna, Palestine.
I was thinking about how I would start to write about life in Gaza – how I would lay the words out with eloquence – when suddenly an explosion boomed close by and those thoughts fled my mind.
I didn’t know the source; maybe it was internal training or perhaps another air strike. Movement and horns stopped on the street below, a brief pause to make sure it wasn’t anyone close that was hit, then movement resumed. My heart is still pounding and my mind racing and, like every other woman in Gaza, I say a quick prayer of thanks that my family is near and safe and hope no one was hurt.
My husband lights a cigarette in the next room while reports come in that it was an “internal” explosion from training. Either way I guess it doesn’t really matter, it is just enough to remind us nothing in Gaza is ever normal.
I like to stand out on my balcony in the wee hours of the morning just before the call to prayer. Everything is so silent and still and the stars above are so close you can touch them. It is easy to forget in those few minutes where I am, so easy to forget the challenges that plague our daily life.
The UN issued a report last week saying Gaza is becoming uninhabitable and the humanitarian conditions are deteriorating – sadly that is true.
We wake up to terrifying sonic booms and try to sleep while the Israeli navy is shelling. Simple things like daily running water and a full day of electricity have now become luxuries. Nearly four weeks ago the sole power generator in Gaza stopped working due to lack of fuel. We had become used to the eight hours of electricity we were allotted but now we are down to four to six hours at a time and lengthy 12-14 hour blackouts.
At any given moment at least one-third of Gaza will be in the dark. During the long days of summer it is much easier to cope but now the days are much shorter and it seems most of our time is spent in the dark. Students study by candlelight and women cook by flashlight. Men gather on the balconies to smoke and talk politics – the only light that can be seen are the small red dots of their glowing cigarettes.
Some families are able to afford a converter than runs on a car battery and can power a few small items. The cost for the unit is about 700 shekels (£120) and the batteries cost another 700 shekels. This might not seem like much but even that is out of reach for a majority of families especially now the unemployment rate is nearly 40 per cent. Stores, restaurants and larger apartment buildings often use gas generators. These days, however, it is nearly impossible to get fuel and queues are very long with some people waiting 24 hours just for a few litres.
Drivers are feeling the shortage and finding a taxi is impossible at times. Yet everyone knows how hard it is and we try to help each other as much as possible. People pile as many in as can fit in a car, sometimes sitting on laps, just to make sure others can get to their homes. It is not uncommon to see three or even four people squeezed into the front seat of a taxi going from Gaza City to the refugee camps in the middle of Gaza. Some cars are now running on a mixture of cooking oils and the smell of falafel and French fries trails after them. Cooking gas supply runs low every winter but this year it is the worst shortage in a long time. An average family goes through one 12kg gas cylinder a month and it costs 65 shekels. It takes more than a month to get a refill. Neighbours are helping each other and women rotate cooking duties to save gas-cooking large meals for multiple families at one time.
Others less fortunate are resorting to cooking over open fires outside, burning paper and cardboard as fuel. I am constantly worried what will happen when the cold and wet weather arrives next month. Rubbish collection has nearly stopped in the densely populated city. Swarms of flies, wild cats and dogs hover around the rubbish piles. In an attempt to help alleviate the situation, donkey carts have now been deployed to collect what they can. So far it is not making a dent.
Two weeks ago the sewage pumping stations stopped working in many areas – they simply did not have the fuel to work. Raw sewage leaks into the streets. Fathers carry their children to get to school and most cars won’t venture into it. The sludge reeks and brings mosquitoes in swarms.
There is fear it will end up in the water supply as well. The Al-Shati refugee camp, also known as Beach camp, has reported foul smelling and discoloured water this week and many have fallen ill with stomach maladies already. My area has been lucky so far, no sewage in the streets but unfortunately we don’t have any water at all.
As I write this we are beginning the fourth day with dry taps. With the erratic electricity schedule the water pumping station is rarely working when my building has electricity so even when there is water in the lines there is no way to get it up to the flats. Before the fuel crisis we only received water from the municipal lines three or four times a week, now it is half of that if we are lucky. We fill old bottles when we do have water.
This is life in Gaza now: a constant struggle to find the bare necessities. Gaza life is about always being prepared for the worst case scenario because normally that is what happens. It has been a year since the last major Israeli aggression here and we are trying to pick up the pieces. Constructions materials are now refused entry so repairs have ground to a halt.
Our life lines – the tunnels from Egypt – have been severed. Without them we don’t have a consistent flow of food, medicine and fuel. The border with Israel is often closed and only half of the needed trucks of aid are allowed in when it is open. The items on the market shelves are withering away and prices are getting higher and higher.
Sometimes I think someone has hit the pause button on life but then I see all that we have survived and realise we continue on just as before: couples get married, babies are born and children go to school. We laugh with our friends, we love each other and, most importantly, we live.
Sally Idwedar is a blogger and resident of Gaza City. She was born in New York and her family is originally from Yibna, Palestine.
The Hamas Movement reiterated its strong rejection of Israel's Prawer plan that aims to displace the Palestinian people from the Negev region and urged the Palestinian people and their political forces all over Palestine to stand united in the face of this scheme. In a press release issued on Saturday, Hamas said that the Prawer plan is racist and violates the international law, especially the international declaration of human rights.
Hamas also stated that Israel's plans to expand settlements and displace the Palestinian people from their native land are desperate attempts, which will never succeed in changing the history and uprooting the Palestinians from their land.
In an incident related to the Prawer plan, violent clashes broke out on Saturday between Palestinian young men from Al-Jalazoun refugee camp to the north of Ramallah and Israeli soldiers following an angry protest against the plan.
The Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Ramallah said that dozens of angry young men protesting the Prawer plan rallied outside Beit El settlement and tried to open its gate before Israeli armed guards showed up and opened machinegun fire at them.
He added that large military reinforcements were sent to the area to protect the settlement and suppress the young men.
Afterwards, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) closed the Ramallah-Nablus road, chased the protestors and kidnapped three of them. One was severely beaten before his detention.
A large number of troops also stormed Al-Jalazoun refugee camp and embarked on heavily firing live bullets and tear gas grenades at everyone and everything in the camp.
No casualties among the protestors were reported during the intensive gunfire.
In another related context, hundreds of Palestinian young men and foreign activists participated in the rally that was organized on Saturday afternoon in Palestine square in Gaza city to protest Israel's Prawer plan in the Palestinian Negev region.
The participants carried banners and chanted slogans condemning the Israeli intention to demolish entire villages in the Negev and displace its native population.
The rally was called for by the Palestinian intifada youth coalition
Israel's Prawer plan is intended to raze 36 Palestinian villages in the Negev region and transfer thousands of natives to other areas despite the fact that these villages have always been there even before the occupation of Palestine.
Hamas also stated that Israel's plans to expand settlements and displace the Palestinian people from their native land are desperate attempts, which will never succeed in changing the history and uprooting the Palestinians from their land.
In an incident related to the Prawer plan, violent clashes broke out on Saturday between Palestinian young men from Al-Jalazoun refugee camp to the north of Ramallah and Israeli soldiers following an angry protest against the plan.
The Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Ramallah said that dozens of angry young men protesting the Prawer plan rallied outside Beit El settlement and tried to open its gate before Israeli armed guards showed up and opened machinegun fire at them.
He added that large military reinforcements were sent to the area to protect the settlement and suppress the young men.
Afterwards, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) closed the Ramallah-Nablus road, chased the protestors and kidnapped three of them. One was severely beaten before his detention.
A large number of troops also stormed Al-Jalazoun refugee camp and embarked on heavily firing live bullets and tear gas grenades at everyone and everything in the camp.
No casualties among the protestors were reported during the intensive gunfire.
In another related context, hundreds of Palestinian young men and foreign activists participated in the rally that was organized on Saturday afternoon in Palestine square in Gaza city to protest Israel's Prawer plan in the Palestinian Negev region.
The participants carried banners and chanted slogans condemning the Israeli intention to demolish entire villages in the Negev and displace its native population.
The rally was called for by the Palestinian intifada youth coalition
Israel's Prawer plan is intended to raze 36 Palestinian villages in the Negev region and transfer thousands of natives to other areas despite the fact that these villages have always been there even before the occupation of Palestine.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) shelled eastern areas of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, on Sunday morning and opened gunfire at farmers. A field observer told Quds Press that IOF soldiers in Karm Abu Salem and Soufa military outposts fired a number of artillery and smoke bombs at farmland east of Rafah and opened machinegun fire at farmers.
He said that the shelling forced the farmers to abandon their cultivated land lots with no casualties reported.
He pointed out that Israeli reconnaissance planes were seen hovering over the area coupled with movement for army vehicles along the border fence.
Israeli army forces did not cease violations of the calm agreement signed with resistance factions in Gaza under Egyptian auspices in November last year killing 11 Palestinians in the process and wounding and arresting dozens others.
He said that the shelling forced the farmers to abandon their cultivated land lots with no casualties reported.
He pointed out that Israeli reconnaissance planes were seen hovering over the area coupled with movement for army vehicles along the border fence.
Israeli army forces did not cease violations of the calm agreement signed with resistance factions in Gaza under Egyptian auspices in November last year killing 11 Palestinians in the process and wounding and arresting dozens others.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed Fawar refugee camp, south of Al-Khalil, at noon Sunday triggering confrontations with young men. Eyewitnesses said that the soldiers raided various areas in the camp firing teargas and metal bullets in the process.
They said that the raid triggered confrontations with young men who threw stones, adding that a number of citizens and school students were treated for breathing problems.
In a similar raid on southern Jenin on Saturday night 12 citizens were treated for gas inhalation, local sources told the PIC reporter.
The sources said that IOF soldiers stormed two villages south of Jenin, noting that an entire family suffered suffocation while inside their home as a result of the IOF intensive firing of teargas canisters.
They said that IOF soldiers served summonses to three young men for intelligence interrogation.
They said that the raid triggered confrontations with young men who threw stones, adding that a number of citizens and school students were treated for breathing problems.
In a similar raid on southern Jenin on Saturday night 12 citizens were treated for gas inhalation, local sources told the PIC reporter.
The sources said that IOF soldiers stormed two villages south of Jenin, noting that an entire family suffered suffocation while inside their home as a result of the IOF intensive firing of teargas canisters.
They said that IOF soldiers served summonses to three young men for intelligence interrogation.