31 jan 2013
Sawaf: PA security services' practices do not serve reconciliation
Political arrests and summonses still continue in the West Bank against supporters and members of Hamas movement despite the movement’s efforts in providing a positive atmosphere for reconciliation in the Gaza strip. The Public Freedoms and confidence-building Committee has discussed in its recent meetings in Gaza the political arrest file calling for ending this file. However, the political arrests are still continued in the West Bank.
The political analyst Mustafa Sawaf stated that what is happening in the West Bank affects negatively the national reconciliation, pointing out the PA practices of political arrests, summonses, dismissing employees, and closing institutions.
"Should the division's causes be removed only in the Gaza Strip while they continue in the West Bank?" he wondered.
He pointed out that the PA security services' practices came in total contrast to the reconciliation talks and meetings in Cairo.
He stated that the political arrests file, which is still postponed or suspended, constitutes a threat to the validity of the Cairo talks.
The PA security services in the various governorates of the West Bank continued the arrest of nearly 30 political detainees, including 11 detainees who were arrested several years ago.
Yahya Rabah, a leader in Fatah movement, described the meetings of the reconciliation five committees in Cairo as "fruitless".
The PA security apparatus continued their violations against supporters of Hamas in the various governorates of the West Bank, where they detained three in Salfit, Ramallah, and al-Khalil and summoned another one in Nablus.
In Ramallah, the preventive security arrested the liberated prisoner Mohamed Ahmed Abu Slim, 26, after being summoned for interrogation. Slim has served four years in Israeli jails and he spent a month and a half during several arrests in PA prisons.
In Nablus, PA security services summoned Khalid Marawah Dweikat, a former detainee who was previously summoned several times.
In Salfit, the PA Intelligence service arrested the liberated prisoner Mohammed Yousef Saleh Yacob from the village of Kifel Haris, after summoning him.
In al-Khalil, the intelligence service arrested the liberated prisoner Hazem al-Tawil after raiding his house.
In light of the continuing security coordination, Israeli forces arrested the lawyer Ahmed Abu Fajath, from the village of Ras Karkar, after raiding his home and confiscating his computer.
Abu Fajadh has been arrested and summoned several times by PA security services due to his opposition to the political arrests and summonses.
The political analyst Mustafa Sawaf stated that what is happening in the West Bank affects negatively the national reconciliation, pointing out the PA practices of political arrests, summonses, dismissing employees, and closing institutions.
"Should the division's causes be removed only in the Gaza Strip while they continue in the West Bank?" he wondered.
He pointed out that the PA security services' practices came in total contrast to the reconciliation talks and meetings in Cairo.
He stated that the political arrests file, which is still postponed or suspended, constitutes a threat to the validity of the Cairo talks.
The PA security services in the various governorates of the West Bank continued the arrest of nearly 30 political detainees, including 11 detainees who were arrested several years ago.
Yahya Rabah, a leader in Fatah movement, described the meetings of the reconciliation five committees in Cairo as "fruitless".
The PA security apparatus continued their violations against supporters of Hamas in the various governorates of the West Bank, where they detained three in Salfit, Ramallah, and al-Khalil and summoned another one in Nablus.
In Ramallah, the preventive security arrested the liberated prisoner Mohamed Ahmed Abu Slim, 26, after being summoned for interrogation. Slim has served four years in Israeli jails and he spent a month and a half during several arrests in PA prisons.
In Nablus, PA security services summoned Khalid Marawah Dweikat, a former detainee who was previously summoned several times.
In Salfit, the PA Intelligence service arrested the liberated prisoner Mohammed Yousef Saleh Yacob from the village of Kifel Haris, after summoning him.
In al-Khalil, the intelligence service arrested the liberated prisoner Hazem al-Tawil after raiding his house.
In light of the continuing security coordination, Israeli forces arrested the lawyer Ahmed Abu Fajath, from the village of Ras Karkar, after raiding his home and confiscating his computer.
Abu Fajadh has been arrested and summoned several times by PA security services due to his opposition to the political arrests and summonses.
29 jan 2013
PA arrests 'arms dealers' in northern West Bank
Palestinian Authority security forces arrested a group of arms dealers in the northern West Bank on Tuesday, a local official said.
Governor of Tubas Marwan al-Tubasi told Ma'an that security services received intelligence about the group operating in Tubas, and raided an apartment building they were using to store weapons.
"The detainees are being interrogated by both the Preventive Security services and intelligence officials. They will be referred to the courts after investigations," he added.
Security forces seized an unspecified amount of weapons from the hideout, with no details provided as to where the weapons were being trafficked.
Governor of Tubas Marwan al-Tubasi told Ma'an that security services received intelligence about the group operating in Tubas, and raided an apartment building they were using to store weapons.
"The detainees are being interrogated by both the Preventive Security services and intelligence officials. They will be referred to the courts after investigations," he added.
Security forces seized an unspecified amount of weapons from the hideout, with no details provided as to where the weapons were being trafficked.
Rizqa: the continuing arrests in WB could delay the reconciliation
Yousef Rizqa, political adviser of Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, confirmed that the continuation of political arrests and summonses in the West Bank, damages the national reconciliation. The continuation of political arrests in the West Bank may postpone the reconciliation, Rizqa told PIC reporter on Tuesday, noting that the reconciliation atmosphere is not appropriate in the West Bank despite the Gaza government and Hamas's efforts to provide a positive atmosphere for the reconciliation.
He pointed to the Islamic factions and movements' dissatisfaction towards the arrests and summonses in the West Bank against members and supports of Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements.
Regarding the deteriorating situation in Egypt, he said that it may have a negative impact on the Palestinian reconciliation especially that it needs direct Egyptian mediation. "But the internal causes are more serious on reconciliation file than what is happening in Egypt and abroad," he added.
He stressed that the PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' criticism of the visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Gaza and his pressure to thwart the Tunisian president's visit to Gaza would harm the reconciliation file.
He pointed out that the visit of any Arab and Islamic official to Gaza came to express solidarity with the Palestinian People "and not a breach to the national representation and legitimacy."
The PA is still monopolizing the Palestinian legitimacy for itself, he said, adding that the PA is working to undermine any success in the Gaza strip.
He stressed that Abbas still does not recognize the legitimacy of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the legitimacy of the elected government of Ismail Haniyeh.
Rizqa denounced Abbas's statement in which he said that Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements have agreed the two-state solution despite the movements' adherence to the Palestinian national rights on all the Palestinian land.
Rizqa added that such provocative statements aimed to shuffle the deck without any reasonable justification, "although he knows well that Hamas and Islamic Jihad movement are not going to recognize the Zionist entity at all."
Concerning the Central Election Commission's work, Rizqa said that the Committee will start its work as soon as they reach Gaza on Wednesday, in conjunction with the West Bank.
"The committee will meet with Hamas and the Palestinian factions to listen to their feedback on their performance in the West Bank."
He pointed to the Islamic factions and movements' dissatisfaction towards the arrests and summonses in the West Bank against members and supports of Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements.
Regarding the deteriorating situation in Egypt, he said that it may have a negative impact on the Palestinian reconciliation especially that it needs direct Egyptian mediation. "But the internal causes are more serious on reconciliation file than what is happening in Egypt and abroad," he added.
He stressed that the PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' criticism of the visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Gaza and his pressure to thwart the Tunisian president's visit to Gaza would harm the reconciliation file.
He pointed out that the visit of any Arab and Islamic official to Gaza came to express solidarity with the Palestinian People "and not a breach to the national representation and legitimacy."
The PA is still monopolizing the Palestinian legitimacy for itself, he said, adding that the PA is working to undermine any success in the Gaza strip.
He stressed that Abbas still does not recognize the legitimacy of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the legitimacy of the elected government of Ismail Haniyeh.
Rizqa denounced Abbas's statement in which he said that Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements have agreed the two-state solution despite the movements' adherence to the Palestinian national rights on all the Palestinian land.
Rizqa added that such provocative statements aimed to shuffle the deck without any reasonable justification, "although he knows well that Hamas and Islamic Jihad movement are not going to recognize the Zionist entity at all."
Concerning the Central Election Commission's work, Rizqa said that the Committee will start its work as soon as they reach Gaza on Wednesday, in conjunction with the West Bank.
"The committee will meet with Hamas and the Palestinian factions to listen to their feedback on their performance in the West Bank."
28 jan 2013
8 liberated prisoners protest in Tulkarem
Eight liberated prisoners continued their sit-in and hunger strike outside the department of liberated prisoners in Tulkarm since 5 days, protesting against PA neglect of them. The protesters said the liberated prisoners’ ministry neglected them after being released from Israeli jails, where it did not provide them with jobs or universal health insurance to their families, despite spending more than 5 years in occupation prisons.
The protesters' spokesman, Mohamed al-Sabah, told PIC reporter that their hunger strike came in light of their economic and health difficult situation, calling on the concerned authorities to pay attention to their issue.
The Palestinian law qualifies Palestinian prisoners who spent 5 years in Israeli jails for a salary and a universal health insurance, however many of them were sentenced to more than 5 years and they were released in Wafa al-Ahrar exchange deal few months or days before completing the 5 years.
The protesters called for providing them with these privileges even partially, where many of them suffer different health problems due to their detention in Israeli jails for years, especially that private institutions refuse to employ them for fear of Israeli assaults.
The protesters confirmed to the PIC that some officials in Fayyad's government have promised them that there is an amendment for their case, but it is not yet signed by PA president Mahmoud Abbas since two years.
The protesters confirmed they will continue their hunger strike till achieving their demands, a job and a universal health insurance, after sacrificing their lives in Israeli jails.
Meanwhile, the PA security apparatus continued their violations in various governorates of the West Bank, where they summoned six of Hamas' supporters in a-Khalil and Tulkarem, raided the leader in hamas Hammad al-Omla's house, in Beit Ula, and extending the arrest of other three members of Hamas movement.
In Tulkarem, the PA preventive and intelligence service summoned the liberated prisoner Moad Fathi al-Khsib, 27, from the town Qaffin north of the city, a week after his release where he spent 10 days in PA prisons.
On the other hand, PA security services tried the liberated prisoner Abdul Latif Abu Khmish for the second time since his arrest in January 14. He spent nearly six years in Israeli jails.
In al-Khalil, the Magistrate's Court extended the detention of liberated prisoner Wahid Ma'arouf Shallaldah for eight more days, noting that Shallaldah has declared a hunger strike since his arrest on January 23.
PA intelligence service summoned the liberated prisoner Assid Adi for the 22nd time in less than four months after his release from Israeli jails.
In a related context, the PA preventive service raided the house of the prisoner in PA prisons Sheikh Hammad al-Omla and confiscate his daughter's laptop.
The Preventive Security Service continue to detain the liberated prisoner Ashraf Hamdi Abu Sarah, 41, since last Wednesday after raiding his house in the city.
On the other hand, the Preventive Security Service has released on bail a number of Palestinian detainees after three court decisions.
In Qalqilya, the family of the prisoner Mohammad Sameh Afaneh revealed that the First City Court issued a judicial decision to arrest her son Mohammed, although he is detained in the Israeli jails.
The protesters' spokesman, Mohamed al-Sabah, told PIC reporter that their hunger strike came in light of their economic and health difficult situation, calling on the concerned authorities to pay attention to their issue.
The Palestinian law qualifies Palestinian prisoners who spent 5 years in Israeli jails for a salary and a universal health insurance, however many of them were sentenced to more than 5 years and they were released in Wafa al-Ahrar exchange deal few months or days before completing the 5 years.
The protesters called for providing them with these privileges even partially, where many of them suffer different health problems due to their detention in Israeli jails for years, especially that private institutions refuse to employ them for fear of Israeli assaults.
The protesters confirmed to the PIC that some officials in Fayyad's government have promised them that there is an amendment for their case, but it is not yet signed by PA president Mahmoud Abbas since two years.
The protesters confirmed they will continue their hunger strike till achieving their demands, a job and a universal health insurance, after sacrificing their lives in Israeli jails.
Meanwhile, the PA security apparatus continued their violations in various governorates of the West Bank, where they summoned six of Hamas' supporters in a-Khalil and Tulkarem, raided the leader in hamas Hammad al-Omla's house, in Beit Ula, and extending the arrest of other three members of Hamas movement.
In Tulkarem, the PA preventive and intelligence service summoned the liberated prisoner Moad Fathi al-Khsib, 27, from the town Qaffin north of the city, a week after his release where he spent 10 days in PA prisons.
On the other hand, PA security services tried the liberated prisoner Abdul Latif Abu Khmish for the second time since his arrest in January 14. He spent nearly six years in Israeli jails.
In al-Khalil, the Magistrate's Court extended the detention of liberated prisoner Wahid Ma'arouf Shallaldah for eight more days, noting that Shallaldah has declared a hunger strike since his arrest on January 23.
PA intelligence service summoned the liberated prisoner Assid Adi for the 22nd time in less than four months after his release from Israeli jails.
In a related context, the PA preventive service raided the house of the prisoner in PA prisons Sheikh Hammad al-Omla and confiscate his daughter's laptop.
The Preventive Security Service continue to detain the liberated prisoner Ashraf Hamdi Abu Sarah, 41, since last Wednesday after raiding his house in the city.
On the other hand, the Preventive Security Service has released on bail a number of Palestinian detainees after three court decisions.
In Qalqilya, the family of the prisoner Mohammad Sameh Afaneh revealed that the First City Court issued a judicial decision to arrest her son Mohammed, although he is detained in the Israeli jails.
Bardawil refutes Fatah claims about political arrests in Gaza
Senior Hamas official Salah Al-Bardawil categorically denied that there are political arrests in the Gaza Strip, affirming that some citizens were detained lately for national security reasons. "There is no political detention in the Gaza Strip at all; the arrests and security raids are only persistent in the West Bank in the context of the security coordination between the Palestinian authority forces and the occupation, and such arrests carried out by the PA security forces without any regard for the reconciliation and the efforts being made to achieve it," Bardawil told Quds Press.
He explained that what happened in Gaza that the internal security apparatus detained a gang of men working for notorious security leaders in the West Bank and kept them in custody for 48 hours before releasing most of them.
The official added that there are only three or four men in detention for further investigation regarding their involvement in acts threatening the Palestinian national security, stressing that they are not detained because of their political affiliation.
The Hamas official described the accusations made by Fatah faction against his Movement in this regard as "smoke grenades" aimed at blacking out the violations in the West Bank and misleading the public opinion.
He explained that what happened in Gaza that the internal security apparatus detained a gang of men working for notorious security leaders in the West Bank and kept them in custody for 48 hours before releasing most of them.
The official added that there are only three or four men in detention for further investigation regarding their involvement in acts threatening the Palestinian national security, stressing that they are not detained because of their political affiliation.
The Hamas official described the accusations made by Fatah faction against his Movement in this regard as "smoke grenades" aimed at blacking out the violations in the West Bank and misleading the public opinion.
27 jan 2013
Gov't: News about arresting journalists is untrue
The government information office in Gaza said that some citizens, described as journalists in some news reports, were summoned and detained because of their involvement in illegal practices threatening the security and stability in the Gaza Strip.
In a press release, the information office stated that the citizens were not placed in custody because of their press activities, but because of their work for former Israel-backed security officials and their use of websites to trigger sedition in society.
It affirmed that the internal security apparatus, which is now responsible for this case, discovered that those citizens are members of a cell working for rallying support for former Fatah security chief Mohamed Dahlan and inciting against Hamas and Fatah officials.
In a related context, the Hamas Movement strongly denounced Wafa news agency, the mouthpiece of the Palestinian authority, for accusing its senior political official Mahmoud Al-Zahhar of attempting to thwart the national reconciliation.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told the Palestinian information center (PIC) on Saturday that such news is only fabrications by Wafa and constitutes a violation of the agreement between the Palestinian rivals to stop all kind of media wrangling.
Wafa had claimed that member of Hamas's political bureau Mahmoud Al-Zahhar had instructed the internal security apparatus in Gaza to arrest Fatah supporters working for Dahlan in a bid to frustrate the reconciliation talks in Cairo.
In a press release, the information office stated that the citizens were not placed in custody because of their press activities, but because of their work for former Israel-backed security officials and their use of websites to trigger sedition in society.
It affirmed that the internal security apparatus, which is now responsible for this case, discovered that those citizens are members of a cell working for rallying support for former Fatah security chief Mohamed Dahlan and inciting against Hamas and Fatah officials.
In a related context, the Hamas Movement strongly denounced Wafa news agency, the mouthpiece of the Palestinian authority, for accusing its senior political official Mahmoud Al-Zahhar of attempting to thwart the national reconciliation.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told the Palestinian information center (PIC) on Saturday that such news is only fabrications by Wafa and constitutes a violation of the agreement between the Palestinian rivals to stop all kind of media wrangling.
Wafa had claimed that member of Hamas's political bureau Mahmoud Al-Zahhar had instructed the internal security apparatus in Gaza to arrest Fatah supporters working for Dahlan in a bid to frustrate the reconciliation talks in Cairo.
26 jan 2013
Ex-prisoner's life 'at risk' after joining hunger strike
The medical situation of a former prisoner is deteriorating after he joined a hunger strike in Tulkarem protesting Palestinian Authority policies, an activist said.
Mohammad Sabah, a spokesman of former prisoners on hunger strike, said that Mosaab Abu Tanin's life was in danger, and the PA ministry of prisoners affairs was responsible.
Sabah, Samer Salah and Bassam Mari set up a protest tent outside the PA's detainee affairs office in the northern West Bank city on Sunday demanding financial assistance usually afforded to ex-detainees.
Abu Tanin joined the hunger strike days later.
"The Palestinian ministry of prisoners failed to carry out their duties concerning the cases of former detainees," Sabah said.
He said Abu Tanin was suffering low blood pressure and blood sugar, and was refusing to take medications.
Mohammad Sabah, a spokesman of former prisoners on hunger strike, said that Mosaab Abu Tanin's life was in danger, and the PA ministry of prisoners affairs was responsible.
Sabah, Samer Salah and Bassam Mari set up a protest tent outside the PA's detainee affairs office in the northern West Bank city on Sunday demanding financial assistance usually afforded to ex-detainees.
Abu Tanin joined the hunger strike days later.
"The Palestinian ministry of prisoners failed to carry out their duties concerning the cases of former detainees," Sabah said.
He said Abu Tanin was suffering low blood pressure and blood sugar, and was refusing to take medications.
Gaza Interior Ministry releases 34 prisoners
The Ministry of Interior in Gaza released 34 prisoners on Saturday to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, the ministry said.
The prisoners had served the majority of their sentences in rehabilitation centers and were released under the orders of Interior Minister Fathi Hammad said in a statement.
The ministry said that it would use all religious and national holidays as an opportunity to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
The prisoners had served the majority of their sentences in rehabilitation centers and were released under the orders of Interior Minister Fathi Hammad said in a statement.
The ministry said that it would use all religious and national holidays as an opportunity to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
25 jan 2013
PA security detain two liberated prisoners
The PA security apparatuses continued its arrest and summons campaigns in the various governorates of the West Bank, where they arrested two citizens in Nablus and al-Khalil, summoned two others in Ramallah, and extended the arrest of liberated prisoners in Jericho and Ramallah prisons. In al-Khalil the Preventive Security Service arrested Farhan Musa Alqam, 45, the former mayor of Beit Ummar and one of the leading figures in the town.
Alqam is a liberated prisoner who spent more than two and a half years in Israeli jails and he was kidnapped twice by PA preventive services and a third time by the intelligence service.
In a related matter, the intelligence service summoned the liberated prisoner Adam Abu Sharar from Dura village, after being prevented by the occupation forces from traveling to perform Umrah.
The intelligence service extended the arrest of the liberated prisoner Tariq Adeis in Jericho prison for 15 days for interrogation, despite the difficulty of his health position due to his continued hunger strike since his arrest.
In Nablus, the liberated prisoner Rami al-Hamami was arrested by PA security forces.
In Ramallah, the Preventive Security Apparatus summoned the liberated prisoner Aladdin Samaha, 26, a day after his graduation from the University of Birzeit. He is a former detainee at PA prisons.
The Preventive service also summoned the liberated prisoner Mohammed Ziad, 33, from Jalazoun refugee camp.
In a related matter, the Ministry of Awqaf in Ramallah prevented the preacher of Saifullah mosque in Beitunia Ibrahim al-Saba'a from delivering the Friday sermon under the pretext of not committing to the Ministry of Awqaf's recommendations.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrested a student at Birzeit University Kedar Suleiman, 22, from the village of Deir Ballut. He was detained more than once in the PA prisons.
Alqam is a liberated prisoner who spent more than two and a half years in Israeli jails and he was kidnapped twice by PA preventive services and a third time by the intelligence service.
In a related matter, the intelligence service summoned the liberated prisoner Adam Abu Sharar from Dura village, after being prevented by the occupation forces from traveling to perform Umrah.
The intelligence service extended the arrest of the liberated prisoner Tariq Adeis in Jericho prison for 15 days for interrogation, despite the difficulty of his health position due to his continued hunger strike since his arrest.
In Nablus, the liberated prisoner Rami al-Hamami was arrested by PA security forces.
In Ramallah, the Preventive Security Apparatus summoned the liberated prisoner Aladdin Samaha, 26, a day after his graduation from the University of Birzeit. He is a former detainee at PA prisons.
The Preventive service also summoned the liberated prisoner Mohammed Ziad, 33, from Jalazoun refugee camp.
In a related matter, the Ministry of Awqaf in Ramallah prevented the preacher of Saifullah mosque in Beitunia Ibrahim al-Saba'a from delivering the Friday sermon under the pretext of not committing to the Ministry of Awqaf's recommendations.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrested a student at Birzeit University Kedar Suleiman, 22, from the village of Deir Ballut. He was detained more than once in the PA prisons.
24 jan 2013
PA forces arrest 4 Hamas supporters
PA security forces continued in the West Bank targeting Hamas supporters, where they arrested 4 of Hamas activists in Nablus and al-Khalil. In Nablus, PA preventive security arrested 3 citizens from Osarin village south of the city, during a raid launched on Wednesday.
In al-Khalil, PA General Intelligence arrested the liberated prisoner Omar al-Omla from Beit Ula, after being summoned few days ago.
In Qalqilya, PA security apparatus prevented the Imam Mujahid Nawfel, a former detainee in PA prisons, from speaking in the mosques in the city until further notice.
The young man Moath Hazem, 20, was arrested by the IOF after raiding and searching his house in Al-Bireh town in Ramallah based on the exchange of information and roles between the PA security services and the occupation forces.
Moaz had been summoned more than once by the PA preventive security but he refused to attend.
In Qalqiliya, Israeli occupation forces arrested Ahmed Sadek, 32, from the village of Sanniriya south of the city. He is a former detainee in PA prisons.
In Nablus, occupation forces raided the liberated prisoner Samer Sharab's house in the town of Awarta south of the city before arresting him, noting that he had spent 14 years in Israeli prisons.
In al-Khalil, PA General Intelligence arrested the liberated prisoner Omar al-Omla from Beit Ula, after being summoned few days ago.
In Qalqilya, PA security apparatus prevented the Imam Mujahid Nawfel, a former detainee in PA prisons, from speaking in the mosques in the city until further notice.
The young man Moath Hazem, 20, was arrested by the IOF after raiding and searching his house in Al-Bireh town in Ramallah based on the exchange of information and roles between the PA security services and the occupation forces.
Moaz had been summoned more than once by the PA preventive security but he refused to attend.
In Qalqiliya, Israeli occupation forces arrested Ahmed Sadek, 32, from the village of Sanniriya south of the city. He is a former detainee in PA prisons.
In Nablus, occupation forces raided the liberated prisoner Samer Sharab's house in the town of Awarta south of the city before arresting him, noting that he had spent 14 years in Israeli prisons.
22 jan 2013
Hamas Security Forces in Gaza Arrest Several Journalists
Hamas security sources arrested at dawn, several Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources revealed that Hamas arrested Al-Horya Radio reporter, Joma Abu Shomar, in Gaza after the Hamas security services detained his father and uncles, to force him turn himself in before releasing his family.
Hamas security services also arrested the journalists: Munir Al-Mawri, Ashraf Abu Khsewan and Mustafa Megdad without informing them of the reasons behind their arrest.
The Hamas' Internal Security Agency summoned Sunday several Palestinian Journalists including Abdul Karim Haji and Hussein Abdul Jawad Karsou', without revealing reasons for their arrest.
Hamas security services also arrested the journalists: Munir Al-Mawri, Ashraf Abu Khsewan and Mustafa Megdad without informing them of the reasons behind their arrest.
The Hamas' Internal Security Agency summoned Sunday several Palestinian Journalists including Abdul Karim Haji and Hussein Abdul Jawad Karsou', without revealing reasons for their arrest.
13 jan 2013
Political arrests continue in the West Bank
PA security apparatus arrested the preacher of a mosque in Jenin, and summoned seven Hamas supporters for interrogation in al-Khalil, Nablus and Qalqilya. In Jenin, the Preventive Security Apparatus arrested Sheikh Mohammed Habayba, the preacher of the Dhou Nourain mosque in Sanour.
The Authority security apparatus summoned in areas in the south of al-Khalil governorate 4 supporters and cadres of Hamas movement.
The intelligence service summoned in Nablus, two students at An-Najah National University, one of them is a liberated captive and former political prisoner, while the Preventive Security Service summoned on Saturday a former political prisoner from the town of Immatin in the east of Qalqilya.
Meanwhile, the General Intelligence Service transferred the hunger striking political prisoner Tariq Anwar Edis, a liberated captive from the Israeli jails, from al-Khalil prisons to Jericho jail, while he has continued his open hunger strike in protest at his detention and to demand his release.
Preventive Security Service continued detaining the political prisoner Ayyub al-Qawasmi from al-Khalil, despite the end of his sentence period. He was arrested on 30/12/2010 on charge of protesting against the general policy of the National Authority, and was sentenced by the military court in al-Khalil to eight months, that ended in August 2011 without being released.
For his part; Khalil Assaf, the head of the independent Palestinian figures gatherings in the West Bank, confirmed that the Authority security apparatuses in the West Bank have arrested and summoned in the last few days Hamas supporters, and he hoped for an end for such arrests.
"The Palestinian Central Elections Committee will start working in the Gaza Strip within a few days. The reconciliation files are moving according to the agreement the Palestinian factions have reached a few days ago," Assaf said in press statements.
He noted that the file of activating the PLO has been raised and that all the lists, approved by the independents during the senior leadership meeting, have been prepared, adding that the file will be presented to the Executive Committee for approval.
The Preventive Security Service has also arrested in Ramallah Mr. Tariq Fadel al-Sheikh, in the 6th of January, as he refused to present himself to the apparatus headquarters after he has been summoned.
He is a liberated captive who had served in the Israeli jails more than nine years, and he is a father of three children; Mujahid 4, Malak 7and Rahma 2.
Assaf also pointed out to the difficulty of the security file, that has been discussed in the Cairo talks, and stated that the two sides agreed to merge the Palestinian security apparatuses in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The Authority security apparatus summoned in areas in the south of al-Khalil governorate 4 supporters and cadres of Hamas movement.
The intelligence service summoned in Nablus, two students at An-Najah National University, one of them is a liberated captive and former political prisoner, while the Preventive Security Service summoned on Saturday a former political prisoner from the town of Immatin in the east of Qalqilya.
Meanwhile, the General Intelligence Service transferred the hunger striking political prisoner Tariq Anwar Edis, a liberated captive from the Israeli jails, from al-Khalil prisons to Jericho jail, while he has continued his open hunger strike in protest at his detention and to demand his release.
Preventive Security Service continued detaining the political prisoner Ayyub al-Qawasmi from al-Khalil, despite the end of his sentence period. He was arrested on 30/12/2010 on charge of protesting against the general policy of the National Authority, and was sentenced by the military court in al-Khalil to eight months, that ended in August 2011 without being released.
For his part; Khalil Assaf, the head of the independent Palestinian figures gatherings in the West Bank, confirmed that the Authority security apparatuses in the West Bank have arrested and summoned in the last few days Hamas supporters, and he hoped for an end for such arrests.
"The Palestinian Central Elections Committee will start working in the Gaza Strip within a few days. The reconciliation files are moving according to the agreement the Palestinian factions have reached a few days ago," Assaf said in press statements.
He noted that the file of activating the PLO has been raised and that all the lists, approved by the independents during the senior leadership meeting, have been prepared, adding that the file will be presented to the Executive Committee for approval.
The Preventive Security Service has also arrested in Ramallah Mr. Tariq Fadel al-Sheikh, in the 6th of January, as he refused to present himself to the apparatus headquarters after he has been summoned.
He is a liberated captive who had served in the Israeli jails more than nine years, and he is a father of three children; Mujahid 4, Malak 7and Rahma 2.
Assaf also pointed out to the difficulty of the security file, that has been discussed in the Cairo talks, and stated that the two sides agreed to merge the Palestinian security apparatuses in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Fateh Fighters March In Nablus
For the first time in years, dozens of fighters of the Fateh movement of President Mahmoud Abbas, marched last week in the Balata refugee camp, carrying automatic rifles and firing into the air, and read a statement slamming the Palestinian security forces for political arrests.
The fighters strongly denounced the actions of some leaders of the Fateh-dominated Palestinian security forces in the West Bank, and accused them of targeting Fateh fighters and trying to “break the will of the sons of Fateh movement”.
They also denounced the ongoing security coordination between the Palestinian Security Forces and the Israeli military.
A reporter working for the Israeli TV, Channel 2, was there and conducted an interview with several fighters.
The fighters strongly denounced the actions of some leaders of the Fateh-dominated Palestinian security forces in the West Bank, and accused them of targeting Fateh fighters and trying to “break the will of the sons of Fateh movement”.
They also denounced the ongoing security coordination between the Palestinian Security Forces and the Israeli military.
A reporter working for the Israeli TV, Channel 2, was there and conducted an interview with several fighters.
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One of the fighters said that the fighters “sent a message to President Mahmoud Abbas; “we informed him that we support him, we told him our guns are yours, but there are leaders of the security forces who are targeting us”.
Another fighter told the Israeli reporter that “the youth who struggle against the Israeli occupation are being targeted by the Palestinian security forces”, and added, “We have been arrested and imprisoned at the Thaheriyya prison, near Hebron, they mistreated us, they did not treat us as the sons of Fateh movement, as members of Palestinian security forces…” In their statement that was read in public, the fighters addressed President Abbas, telling him that the fighters “are being mistreated, tortured, marginalized and imprisoned without committing any crime; they want to break our will, our national agenda, they want to break the will of the sons of Fateh movement” The Israeli reporter then asked a fighter if this march is also against Israel, and the fighters said; “No, no, no, this procession is not against Israel, there is a truce with Israel and we are committed this truce that was declared by Abbas”. |
And when asked about the Hamas movement, the fighter said; “Hamas… we are against Hamas, we do not support Hamas..”
“We have a clear message, we support president Abbas”, another fighter told the Israeli reporter, “But if the Palestinian Authority and its security forces want to attack the camp and attack us we will deal with them…”.
Another fighter said that those gunmen are Palestinians who are under enormous pressure, “but they will not allow any act of insecurity and chaos”, and called on the Palestinian Authority “to treat them in a positive manner, instead of arresting them and trying to clash with them”.
“We have a clear message, we support president Abbas”, another fighter told the Israeli reporter, “But if the Palestinian Authority and its security forces want to attack the camp and attack us we will deal with them…”.
Another fighter said that those gunmen are Palestinians who are under enormous pressure, “but they will not allow any act of insecurity and chaos”, and called on the Palestinian Authority “to treat them in a positive manner, instead of arresting them and trying to clash with them”.
Afifa: The PA security ties with Israel impedes the Palestinian unity
Political analyst Wisam Afifa said the Palestinian authority's persistent security collaboration with the Israeli regime would get the inter-Palestinian reconciliation situation back to square one. In a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC) on Saturday, Afifa said the national unity in Palestine cannot be restored without renouncing the security coordination with the Israeli regime.
He criticized de facto president Mahmoud Abbas for his insistence on holding the elections first before talking about the reconciliation, describing this position as unreasonable.
"The elections need an atmosphere of security stability and political consensus, and the formation of a unity government as well as other basic requirements for the success of the elections," the analyst underscored.
The analyst added that Abbas's insistence on holding the elections is an attempt to evade the obligations of the national reconciliation.
"The reconciliation files should be executed concurrently and evenly as a package deal," he emphasized.
Afifa expressed his belief that Abbas reopened the reconciliation file because of the financial crisis of his authority and the stalled settlement process with Israel.
He criticized de facto president Mahmoud Abbas for his insistence on holding the elections first before talking about the reconciliation, describing this position as unreasonable.
"The elections need an atmosphere of security stability and political consensus, and the formation of a unity government as well as other basic requirements for the success of the elections," the analyst underscored.
The analyst added that Abbas's insistence on holding the elections is an attempt to evade the obligations of the national reconciliation.
"The reconciliation files should be executed concurrently and evenly as a package deal," he emphasized.
Afifa expressed his belief that Abbas reopened the reconciliation file because of the financial crisis of his authority and the stalled settlement process with Israel.
12 jan 2013
Methlon villagers attack Fayyad's motorcade, clash with PA forces
Violent clashes broke out on Friday evening between the Palestinian Authority security forces and young men from Methlon village, south of Jenin city, after the latter attacked the motorcade of Salam Fayyad and barred him from visiting their village. Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the PA security forces fired tear gas grenades at the angry young men who responded by throwing stones.
The villagers rallied in the afternoon upon their knowledge of the visit and intercepted the motorcade of Fayyad who wanted to visit the area affected by the rainstorm.
The sources added that the head of the municipal council of Methlon had to meet with Fayyad in an area outside the village.
Later, the protestors felt angry at this meeting and physically attacked the head of the municipality.
The Methlon villagers had boycotted the municipal elections in protest at Fayyad's decision to merge their village with five other municipal councils as part of the plan he called the united municipality.
The villagers rallied in the afternoon upon their knowledge of the visit and intercepted the motorcade of Fayyad who wanted to visit the area affected by the rainstorm.
The sources added that the head of the municipal council of Methlon had to meet with Fayyad in an area outside the village.
Later, the protestors felt angry at this meeting and physically attacked the head of the municipality.
The Methlon villagers had boycotted the municipal elections in protest at Fayyad's decision to merge their village with five other municipal councils as part of the plan he called the united municipality.
9 jan 2013
Mossa: Al-Sakni's issue is purely criminal case
Yahya Moussa
Member of the monitoring and human rights committee in the Palestinian Legislative Council, Yahya Moussa, confirmed that the issue of the detainee Zaki al-Sakni is a purely criminal case and not security or political one. Moussa said in a statement on Wednesday that al-Sakni tried to plant an explosive device, causing the martyrdom of a number of Qassam leaders and children and dozens of wounded on the Gaza beach.
The MP pointed out that the incident took place not during the period of the security lawlessness that have passed before Hamas took over control of the Gaza Strip, but after security prevailed under the rule of Hamas.
Regarding the government's release of dozens of Fatah supporters, Moussa said that al-Sakni's issue has different circumstances.
This provision may be for the benefit of the offender himself before being for the victims, to reassure the people that the law is respected, he added.
He added that if community reconciliation was achieved, everything will be resolved.
Al-Sakni's family announced on Tuesday that the Court of Gaza sentenced the offender Zaki al-Sakni to 15 years, after being convicted and involved in planting an explosive device that led to the death of five Qassam leaders and a child in addition to dozens of wounded in the Gaza beach on July 25, 2008.
Member of the monitoring and human rights committee in the Palestinian Legislative Council, Yahya Moussa, confirmed that the issue of the detainee Zaki al-Sakni is a purely criminal case and not security or political one. Moussa said in a statement on Wednesday that al-Sakni tried to plant an explosive device, causing the martyrdom of a number of Qassam leaders and children and dozens of wounded on the Gaza beach.
The MP pointed out that the incident took place not during the period of the security lawlessness that have passed before Hamas took over control of the Gaza Strip, but after security prevailed under the rule of Hamas.
Regarding the government's release of dozens of Fatah supporters, Moussa said that al-Sakni's issue has different circumstances.
This provision may be for the benefit of the offender himself before being for the victims, to reassure the people that the law is respected, he added.
He added that if community reconciliation was achieved, everything will be resolved.
Al-Sakni's family announced on Tuesday that the Court of Gaza sentenced the offender Zaki al-Sakni to 15 years, after being convicted and involved in planting an explosive device that led to the death of five Qassam leaders and a child in addition to dozens of wounded in the Gaza beach on July 25, 2008.
8 jan 2013
PA security arrest 5 Hamas cadres in WB
PA security apparatuses have arrested five members and cadres of Hamas in the West Bank and summoned four others for interrogation, while the occupation forces arrested three liberated prisoners. Two liberated captives; Tariq Da’is in al-Khalil and Abdul Rahman Hindiya in Nablus, have been arrested by the General Intelligence Service, while the Preventive Apparatus arrested liberated prisoner Tariq Noaman in Ramallah.
The Preventive Security Service arrested in the town of Beit Ula, to the west of the city of al-Khalil, on Monday evening, Hamas leader Sheikh Hammad al-Omla, 55, after storming and searching his house.
Sources from al-Omla family told PIC's reporter that a force of the preventive apparatus raided their house and confiscated the family's computer, and then arrested Sheikh Hammad and transferred him to the preventive's headquarters in the city of al-Khalil for interrogation.
Sheikh Hammad was one of deportees to Marj al-Zouhour and has been recently released from PA jails after a hunger strike that had lasted a month.
He is also a liberated prisoner who had served in the Israeli prisons nearly 15 years, including eight years in the administrative detention.
The Preventive Security Service has also summoned liberated captive Saeed Mohammed al-Alami, 22 from Beit Ummar village, and two other youths from Beitunia, for interrogation in its prisons.
Meanwhile, the Israeli forces arrested a liberated prisoner from a Bedouin village near Jerusalem and a former political prisoner in PA's jails after breaking into his house in al-Sikka Street in the city of Nablus.
The Israeli occupation forces have also summoned a citizen from Surif town to Etzion Center.
The Preventive Security Service arrested in the town of Beit Ula, to the west of the city of al-Khalil, on Monday evening, Hamas leader Sheikh Hammad al-Omla, 55, after storming and searching his house.
Sources from al-Omla family told PIC's reporter that a force of the preventive apparatus raided their house and confiscated the family's computer, and then arrested Sheikh Hammad and transferred him to the preventive's headquarters in the city of al-Khalil for interrogation.
Sheikh Hammad was one of deportees to Marj al-Zouhour and has been recently released from PA jails after a hunger strike that had lasted a month.
He is also a liberated prisoner who had served in the Israeli prisons nearly 15 years, including eight years in the administrative detention.
The Preventive Security Service has also summoned liberated captive Saeed Mohammed al-Alami, 22 from Beit Ummar village, and two other youths from Beitunia, for interrogation in its prisons.
Meanwhile, the Israeli forces arrested a liberated prisoner from a Bedouin village near Jerusalem and a former political prisoner in PA's jails after breaking into his house in al-Sikka Street in the city of Nablus.
The Israeli occupation forces have also summoned a citizen from Surif town to Etzion Center.
5 jan 2013
Shin Bet chief confirms continuation of security coordination in WB
The Shin Bet chief, Yoram Cohen, confirmed that the security coordination between PA's security apparatuses in the West Bank and the Israeli occupation authorities is still ongoing, which requires to continue supporting PA chairman Abbas.
Cohen made his comments to the diplomatic corps at its annual meeting this week.
Ma’ariv newspaper on Friday quoted Cohen as saying that Abbas "is in control of the Palestinian security forces, which do good work and cooperate with Israel."
Cohen also believes that Israel should make concessions and meet Abbas' demands, including releasing the detainees, transferring the weapons and continuing to transfer the tax dues collected by Tel Aviv in favor of the authority.
According to the head of the Shin Bet, Abbas is interested in achieving a peace accord with Israel.
Meanwhile, the PA's security apparatuses have continued their violations against the citizens, activists and supporters of Hamas in the West Bank.
A PA court in al-Khalil extended the arrest of the student at the Quds University Ezzedine Adnan Abu Tabana, 18, for ten additional days, despite the continuation of his hunger strike which he has launched since his arrest at the end of the last month.
The security services have also summoned, for the seventh time, the liberated prisoner Baha Ar'ar, from Surif town.
Baha had served in the prisons of the Israeli occupation nearly four years, and he had been released from the intelligence's jails less than a month ago.
Cohen made his comments to the diplomatic corps at its annual meeting this week.
Ma’ariv newspaper on Friday quoted Cohen as saying that Abbas "is in control of the Palestinian security forces, which do good work and cooperate with Israel."
Cohen also believes that Israel should make concessions and meet Abbas' demands, including releasing the detainees, transferring the weapons and continuing to transfer the tax dues collected by Tel Aviv in favor of the authority.
According to the head of the Shin Bet, Abbas is interested in achieving a peace accord with Israel.
Meanwhile, the PA's security apparatuses have continued their violations against the citizens, activists and supporters of Hamas in the West Bank.
A PA court in al-Khalil extended the arrest of the student at the Quds University Ezzedine Adnan Abu Tabana, 18, for ten additional days, despite the continuation of his hunger strike which he has launched since his arrest at the end of the last month.
The security services have also summoned, for the seventh time, the liberated prisoner Baha Ar'ar, from Surif town.
Baha had served in the prisons of the Israeli occupation nearly four years, and he had been released from the intelligence's jails less than a month ago.
4 jan 2013
Protests in Nablus to demand release of detainees in PA's jails
Scores of Palestinians demonstrated in the city of Nablus, on Thursday evening, in protest at the continued detention of citizens, who had participated in protests against the economic policy of Fayyad government, in PA jails
The PIC correspondent said that the demonstrators closed the streets surrounding Shouhada Square and the commercial center in protest at the arrest of more than 30 youths, who had demonstrated few days ago against Fayyad government's economic policy, by the Palestinian security forces.
The protesters set fire to tires demanding the Authority and the officials to immediately intervene and release the detainees.
Popular demonstrations had broken out in the city of Nablus over four days, after Fayyad government had issued a resolution providing that exemptions from payment of electricity debts are to be limited to the residents of the camps, and will not include the residents of the city.
The continuation of the demonstrations and the fear of the Palestinian street's anger pushed Fayyad to issue a decision to drop the citizens' electricity debts.
The PIC correspondent said that the demonstrators closed the streets surrounding Shouhada Square and the commercial center in protest at the arrest of more than 30 youths, who had demonstrated few days ago against Fayyad government's economic policy, by the Palestinian security forces.
The protesters set fire to tires demanding the Authority and the officials to immediately intervene and release the detainees.
Popular demonstrations had broken out in the city of Nablus over four days, after Fayyad government had issued a resolution providing that exemptions from payment of electricity debts are to be limited to the residents of the camps, and will not include the residents of the city.
The continuation of the demonstrations and the fear of the Palestinian street's anger pushed Fayyad to issue a decision to drop the citizens' electricity debts.
Report: PA forces returned 28 Israelis who infiltrated into WB last year
Palestinian statistical report confirmed that PA security services returned 28 Israelis who infiltrated into the West Bank during the past year despite the escalation of arrests launched by the Israeli occupation forces against Palestinians in the West Bank.
The annual statistical report issued by Hamas Information Office stated that the PA security apparatus handed twenty-eight Israelis who entered Area A (which should be under full civil and security control of the Palestinian Authority).
At the same time, Hamas movement said that the Israeli occupation arrested 121 Palestinians of its supporters who were released by the Palestinian Authority security apparatus and in light of what the movement called "revolving door policy".
According to the Israeli army, most of the infiltration cases were soldiers, where they were detained by Palestinian police, and after short investigation, they have been transferred to the offices of the Israeli Civil Administration.
The annual statistical report issued by Hamas Information Office stated that the PA security apparatus handed twenty-eight Israelis who entered Area A (which should be under full civil and security control of the Palestinian Authority).
At the same time, Hamas movement said that the Israeli occupation arrested 121 Palestinians of its supporters who were released by the Palestinian Authority security apparatus and in light of what the movement called "revolving door policy".
According to the Israeli army, most of the infiltration cases were soldiers, where they were detained by Palestinian police, and after short investigation, they have been transferred to the offices of the Israeli Civil Administration.
2 jan 2013
PA security quells rally against Fayyad's gov't in Nablus
Violent clashes broke out Tuesday evening between Palestinian citizens and policemen in Nablus city after they rallied in protest at not treating them like their compatriots in refugee camps whose power arrears had been written off.
A reporter for the Palestinian information center (PIC) said that a protest took place at the main traffic circle in Nablus city against the Palestinian authority government.
He added that dozens of young men rallied to demand the government of Salam Fayyad to relieve the residents of Nablus city from their debts to the power company as was the case with refugee camps.
The PA security forces and riot police dispersed the angry young men and fired shots in the air prompting them to throw stones in return.
Two policemen sustained injuries during the clashes, the PIC reporter said.
Earlier, the national and Islamic political forces in Nablus had issued a statement denouncing Fayyad's government for its decision to exempt only refugee camps from their power debts and not doing the same thing with Nablus city.
They accused Fayyad of socially discriminating between citizens and threatened civil disobedience.
A reporter for the Palestinian information center (PIC) said that a protest took place at the main traffic circle in Nablus city against the Palestinian authority government.
He added that dozens of young men rallied to demand the government of Salam Fayyad to relieve the residents of Nablus city from their debts to the power company as was the case with refugee camps.
The PA security forces and riot police dispersed the angry young men and fired shots in the air prompting them to throw stones in return.
Two policemen sustained injuries during the clashes, the PIC reporter said.
Earlier, the national and Islamic political forces in Nablus had issued a statement denouncing Fayyad's government for its decision to exempt only refugee camps from their power debts and not doing the same thing with Nablus city.
They accused Fayyad of socially discriminating between citizens and threatened civil disobedience.
