31 oct 2014
Sweden's Foreign Minister, Margot Wallstrom, today, said she would be "happy" to send Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman some IKEA furniture.
PNN reports that Wallstrom's comments, made during a recent CNN interview, came after Mr. Lieberman, in denouncing Sweden's decision to recognize the Palestinian Authority (PA) as "the State of Palestine," said that "relations in the Middle East are a lot more complex than the self-assembly furniture of IKEA".
"I think it's a sign of a sense of humor, and I will be happy to send him a flat pack of IKEA furniture and he will also see that what you need to put that together is, first of all, a partner," Wallstrom said in response.
"You also need to cooperate and you need a good manual. I think we have most of those elements if we want to use them also for the conflict in the Middle East. For peace you need two parties to actually sit down at the same table and discuss the future," she added.
"We think that now is the right time [to recognize a Palestinian state]. We think that the legal requirements are fulfilled but also it is timely because we've had a very serious situation on the ground.
"We've seen new settlements and more violence and also a tendency to radicalization of young people especially," the FM noted, explaining her country's decision to recognize Palestine, further adding:
"We hope that we can make the parties a little less unequal, that we might inject some new dynamics into the suspended peace talks and also give hope to young people that there is an alternative to violence and war and conflict."
Just hours after his criticizing statement, Liberman recalled Israel's ambassador to Sweden, Isaac Bachman.
PNN reports that Wallstrom's comments, made during a recent CNN interview, came after Mr. Lieberman, in denouncing Sweden's decision to recognize the Palestinian Authority (PA) as "the State of Palestine," said that "relations in the Middle East are a lot more complex than the self-assembly furniture of IKEA".
"I think it's a sign of a sense of humor, and I will be happy to send him a flat pack of IKEA furniture and he will also see that what you need to put that together is, first of all, a partner," Wallstrom said in response.
"You also need to cooperate and you need a good manual. I think we have most of those elements if we want to use them also for the conflict in the Middle East. For peace you need two parties to actually sit down at the same table and discuss the future," she added.
"We think that now is the right time [to recognize a Palestinian state]. We think that the legal requirements are fulfilled but also it is timely because we've had a very serious situation on the ground.
"We've seen new settlements and more violence and also a tendency to radicalization of young people especially," the FM noted, explaining her country's decision to recognize Palestine, further adding:
"We hope that we can make the parties a little less unequal, that we might inject some new dynamics into the suspended peace talks and also give hope to young people that there is an alternative to violence and war and conflict."
Just hours after his criticizing statement, Liberman recalled Israel's ambassador to Sweden, Isaac Bachman.
Abbas
Lieberman: "Politics More Complicated Than IKEA Assembly Stores"
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the Swedish decision to recognize Palestine as a State, and said this decision in coherent with International Law and all related resolutions and treaties.
Abbas stated this decision served as a message to Israel in response to its ongoing illegal occupation of Palestine, and called on world countries to do the same so that the Palestinians can establish their independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He added that the Swedish decision was a historic move that comes in response to Israel’s ongoing violations and occupation.
Abbas also called on world countries to follow Sweden’s lead to increase the chances of achieving comprehensive peace.
Presidency spokesperson Nabil Abu Rodeina said the decision complies with International Law, and all related UN resolutions, especially the 2012 UN recognition of Palestine as an observer member state.
Israel was angered by the Swedish recognition of Palestine, while Israeli Foreign Minister recalled the ambassador for what he called “consultations.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said this decision just causes more damage, adding that Sweden does not seem to understand that “Middle East politics are more complicated than assembling furniture in its IKEA stores.”
Israel recalls ambassador after Swedish government recognizes Palestine.
Lieberman: "Politics More Complicated Than IKEA Assembly Stores"
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the Swedish decision to recognize Palestine as a State, and said this decision in coherent with International Law and all related resolutions and treaties.
Abbas stated this decision served as a message to Israel in response to its ongoing illegal occupation of Palestine, and called on world countries to do the same so that the Palestinians can establish their independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He added that the Swedish decision was a historic move that comes in response to Israel’s ongoing violations and occupation.
Abbas also called on world countries to follow Sweden’s lead to increase the chances of achieving comprehensive peace.
Presidency spokesperson Nabil Abu Rodeina said the decision complies with International Law, and all related UN resolutions, especially the 2012 UN recognition of Palestine as an observer member state.
Israel was angered by the Swedish recognition of Palestine, while Israeli Foreign Minister recalled the ambassador for what he called “consultations.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said this decision just causes more damage, adding that Sweden does not seem to understand that “Middle East politics are more complicated than assembling furniture in its IKEA stores.”
Israel recalls ambassador after Swedish government recognizes Palestine.
30 oct 2014
After the Swedish government officially recognized the state of Palestine Thursday, Israeli officials announced the withdrawal of the Israeli ambassador from the northern European nation.
The recognition by Sweden’s newly elected government marks the largest Western European nation to recognize the state of Palestine. Malta and Cyprus have also recognized Palestine as a state.
Margot Wallstrom, Sweden’s Foreign Minister, made the announcement Thursday morning that the Swedish government would officially recognize Palestine, following a promise made earlier this month when the Social Democratic coalition took office.
Palestinian legislator Hanan Ashrawi called the Swedish move "a principled and courageous decision”, and added, "It is our hope that other EU member states and countries worldwide will follow Sweden's lead and recognize Palestine before the chances for a two-state solution are destroyed indefinitely."
Sweden has long offered a safe haven for Palestinian refugees, providing them with Swedish citizenship and assistance if they chose to move to Sweden. But the government of Sweden also recognizes the importance of Palestinians remaining in their homeland, as Israeli settlements continue to encroach on sovereign Palestinian land.
British legislators voted earlier this month to recognize Palestine, but the move was largely symbolic.
In addition, the United Nations has recognized the state of Palestine on a number of different levels, but the Security Council resolution proposed for that purpose by the Palestinian delegation has been threatened with a veto by the U.S. government.
After peace talks brokered by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry broke down in April, Israel has feverishly increased the pace of settlement construction on Palestinian land in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
In addition, Israel launched a massive invasion of Gaza in July that lasted fifty days and resulted in more than 2200 Palestinian deaths, the vast majority of whom were civilians. 64 Israelis were also killed, 3 of whom were civilians.
The recognition by Sweden’s newly elected government marks the largest Western European nation to recognize the state of Palestine. Malta and Cyprus have also recognized Palestine as a state.
Margot Wallstrom, Sweden’s Foreign Minister, made the announcement Thursday morning that the Swedish government would officially recognize Palestine, following a promise made earlier this month when the Social Democratic coalition took office.
Palestinian legislator Hanan Ashrawi called the Swedish move "a principled and courageous decision”, and added, "It is our hope that other EU member states and countries worldwide will follow Sweden's lead and recognize Palestine before the chances for a two-state solution are destroyed indefinitely."
Sweden has long offered a safe haven for Palestinian refugees, providing them with Swedish citizenship and assistance if they chose to move to Sweden. But the government of Sweden also recognizes the importance of Palestinians remaining in their homeland, as Israeli settlements continue to encroach on sovereign Palestinian land.
British legislators voted earlier this month to recognize Palestine, but the move was largely symbolic.
In addition, the United Nations has recognized the state of Palestine on a number of different levels, but the Security Council resolution proposed for that purpose by the Palestinian delegation has been threatened with a veto by the U.S. government.
After peace talks brokered by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry broke down in April, Israel has feverishly increased the pace of settlement construction on Palestinian land in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
In addition, Israel launched a massive invasion of Gaza in July that lasted fifty days and resulted in more than 2200 Palestinian deaths, the vast majority of whom were civilians. 64 Israelis were also killed, 3 of whom were civilians.
29 oct 2014
By Iqbal Jassat
South Africa’s increasing interest in Palestine and its woes is beginning to manifest in ways that’s likely to attract more antagonism from Israel and her lobbyists.
Currently a number of South Africans are in Israel to gain first-hand insight of conditions faced by Palestinians under Occupation as well as experience the political and humanitarian situation there.
Delegates include Prof Barney Pityana, Adv Vusi Pikoli, MPL Mbala Ntuli, Adv Adila Hassim, Prof Firoz Cachalia, Dr Christi van der Westhuizen and Brad Brockman.
In a statement issued by the joint organizers of the trip, the Heinrich Boll Foundation Southern Africa [HBF] and Open Shuhada Street [OSS], they undertake that the delegates will meet and interact with both Israeli and Palestinian civil society “working to end the conflict and advance human rights and social justice, as well as political representatives…”. Among other activities, the group will visit and observe military court proceedings in the West Bank, visit the Jordan valley to understand the politics of water and its impact on Palestinian farmers.
As they wrap up their fact finding mission, we at Media Review Network, are keenly anticipating a thorough and detailed report back. We hope that the quality of their findings will unleash greater momentum within South Africa to fulfill aspirations and desires of Palestinians to gain freedom, dignity and justice.
We are well aware that the mission will in all likelihood draw the ire and fire of a deeply wounded pro-Israel lobby in South Africa. Their hostile reaction to any critique of Israel’s apartheid policies is by now predictable. It’s a phenomenon closely associated with blind support, which lately has over spilled in hate campaigns as is evident in the insulting treatment meted to Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Cachalia, Pityana and colleagues must brace themselves for a barrage of attacks from the Israeli lobby corner, some of whom have already resorted to demonizing via twitter and Facebook. Its ugly and undignified, yet synonymous with the type of “hasbarah” (propaganda) Israel expects its army of defenders to undertake.
The visit nevertheless raises expectations within South African civil society as to whether the findings will propel the Zuma administration to review its foreign policy on Israel. For instance the skewed approach of so-called “even handedness” is an unfair disadvantage to Palestinians as an Occupied people as against the unlimited advantage enjoyed by Israel in every sphere of economic, social, cultural, military and political link resulting from full diplomatic relations.
That racist profiling informed by Islamophobia gave the group a taste of Israel’s apartheid as soon as they arrived there, with the detention of Section27’s Advocate Adila Hassim – albeit for three hours of interrogation, raises the hope that Pityana and his colleagues will not spare the Zionist regime.
- Iqbal Jassat is the Executive of Media Review Network, Johannesburg. He contributed this article to PalestineChronicle.com.
http://english.palinfo
South Africa’s increasing interest in Palestine and its woes is beginning to manifest in ways that’s likely to attract more antagonism from Israel and her lobbyists.
Currently a number of South Africans are in Israel to gain first-hand insight of conditions faced by Palestinians under Occupation as well as experience the political and humanitarian situation there.
Delegates include Prof Barney Pityana, Adv Vusi Pikoli, MPL Mbala Ntuli, Adv Adila Hassim, Prof Firoz Cachalia, Dr Christi van der Westhuizen and Brad Brockman.
In a statement issued by the joint organizers of the trip, the Heinrich Boll Foundation Southern Africa [HBF] and Open Shuhada Street [OSS], they undertake that the delegates will meet and interact with both Israeli and Palestinian civil society “working to end the conflict and advance human rights and social justice, as well as political representatives…”. Among other activities, the group will visit and observe military court proceedings in the West Bank, visit the Jordan valley to understand the politics of water and its impact on Palestinian farmers.
As they wrap up their fact finding mission, we at Media Review Network, are keenly anticipating a thorough and detailed report back. We hope that the quality of their findings will unleash greater momentum within South Africa to fulfill aspirations and desires of Palestinians to gain freedom, dignity and justice.
We are well aware that the mission will in all likelihood draw the ire and fire of a deeply wounded pro-Israel lobby in South Africa. Their hostile reaction to any critique of Israel’s apartheid policies is by now predictable. It’s a phenomenon closely associated with blind support, which lately has over spilled in hate campaigns as is evident in the insulting treatment meted to Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Cachalia, Pityana and colleagues must brace themselves for a barrage of attacks from the Israeli lobby corner, some of whom have already resorted to demonizing via twitter and Facebook. Its ugly and undignified, yet synonymous with the type of “hasbarah” (propaganda) Israel expects its army of defenders to undertake.
The visit nevertheless raises expectations within South African civil society as to whether the findings will propel the Zuma administration to review its foreign policy on Israel. For instance the skewed approach of so-called “even handedness” is an unfair disadvantage to Palestinians as an Occupied people as against the unlimited advantage enjoyed by Israel in every sphere of economic, social, cultural, military and political link resulting from full diplomatic relations.
That racist profiling informed by Islamophobia gave the group a taste of Israel’s apartheid as soon as they arrived there, with the detention of Section27’s Advocate Adila Hassim – albeit for three hours of interrogation, raises the hope that Pityana and his colleagues will not spare the Zionist regime.
- Iqbal Jassat is the Executive of Media Review Network, Johannesburg. He contributed this article to PalestineChronicle.com.
http://english.palinfo
The Qatari capital Doha is slated to host on Wednesday evening the three-day "first humanitarian forum to support Palestinians."
The forum, to be held by Qatar Charity under the slogan "Palestine, we are all with you," will be attended by a galaxy of humanitarian figures from several international, regional and local organizations.
The participants will explore avenues of cooperation and develop mechanisms to help the Palestinian people at home and abroad.
Head of Qatar Charity office in Gaza Ibrahim Zainal told Quds Press that the forum is aimed at highlighting the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, developing a common vision to determine the priorities of the humanitarian work in occupied Palestine, and strengthening and activating the relations with other humanitarian and development organizations and institutions.
"Our direct goal from this annual meeting is to help the Palestinian people apart from any political considerations, and our way to achieve that is to network with all representatives of the Palestinian people in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem and diaspora," Zainal added.
http://english.palinfo
The forum, to be held by Qatar Charity under the slogan "Palestine, we are all with you," will be attended by a galaxy of humanitarian figures from several international, regional and local organizations.
The participants will explore avenues of cooperation and develop mechanisms to help the Palestinian people at home and abroad.
Head of Qatar Charity office in Gaza Ibrahim Zainal told Quds Press that the forum is aimed at highlighting the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, developing a common vision to determine the priorities of the humanitarian work in occupied Palestine, and strengthening and activating the relations with other humanitarian and development organizations and institutions.
"Our direct goal from this annual meeting is to help the Palestinian people apart from any political considerations, and our way to achieve that is to network with all representatives of the Palestinian people in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem and diaspora," Zainal added.
http://english.palinfo
26 oct 2014
MP Jamal Al-Khudari, head of the popular committee against the siege, called on the Palestinians from all spectra to join forces with each other to confront Israel's violations in the occupied city of Jerusalem. In a press release on Saturday, Khudari said that Israel's persistence in violating the sanctity of the Aqsa Mosque and targeting the Palestinian natives of Jerusalem are grave violations that need to be ended.
The lawmaker accused Israel of using systematic mass punishment and aggression against the Palestinian natives in Jerusalem, and working on Judaizing their city, expelling them from it and seizing their property as part of a scheme to obliterate the Palestinian presence in the holy city.
He added that Israel also works day and night to eliminate any possibility for the Palestinians to have Jerusalem as a capital for their state through forcibly imposing further faits accomplis on the ground and expanding its control over the city.
Khudari stressed that the occupied territories can never enjoy security and stability without recognizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, withdrawing from their lands, especially Jerusalem, removing all settlements and establishing their independent state.
The lawmaker accused Israel of using systematic mass punishment and aggression against the Palestinian natives in Jerusalem, and working on Judaizing their city, expelling them from it and seizing their property as part of a scheme to obliterate the Palestinian presence in the holy city.
He added that Israel also works day and night to eliminate any possibility for the Palestinians to have Jerusalem as a capital for their state through forcibly imposing further faits accomplis on the ground and expanding its control over the city.
Khudari stressed that the occupied territories can never enjoy security and stability without recognizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, withdrawing from their lands, especially Jerusalem, removing all settlements and establishing their independent state.
Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Atef Udwan on Saturday said PM Hamdallah’s dragging of his feet vis-à-vis his promises regarding the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip dealt heavy blows at his credibility as an elected politician. The PLC deputy said in a press release Saturday: “Hamdallah’s countless promises, none of which has been kept, struck a heavy blow at his credibility as a prime minister for the unity government.”
Udwan spoke out against Hamdallah’s procrastination vis-à-vis Gaza’s salary crisis and the rebuilding of what had been destroyed by the latest Israeli offensive on the Strip.
Hamdallah and his substandard government, who were all well received in Gaza, misled Gazans into believing that all the outstanding crises will be soon brought to a standstill. But none of those promises has really seen the day. The Hamdallah team descended Gaza into more chaos, he further charged.
“Gazans’ wounds and pains, deep as they have always been, grew more tragic as Gaza’s homes have been turned into rubble; as civilian families have gone homeless; and as the notorious blockade has grown tougher,” the PLC representative maintained.
He further raised alarm bells over the quasi-permanent closure of border-crossings, the power crisis, and the lack of basic facilities.
Udwan called on the consensus government to either step down or leave once and for all after Gaza’s state of affairs has gone from bad to worse.
Udwan spoke out against Hamdallah’s procrastination vis-à-vis Gaza’s salary crisis and the rebuilding of what had been destroyed by the latest Israeli offensive on the Strip.
Hamdallah and his substandard government, who were all well received in Gaza, misled Gazans into believing that all the outstanding crises will be soon brought to a standstill. But none of those promises has really seen the day. The Hamdallah team descended Gaza into more chaos, he further charged.
“Gazans’ wounds and pains, deep as they have always been, grew more tragic as Gaza’s homes have been turned into rubble; as civilian families have gone homeless; and as the notorious blockade has grown tougher,” the PLC representative maintained.
He further raised alarm bells over the quasi-permanent closure of border-crossings, the power crisis, and the lack of basic facilities.
Udwan called on the consensus government to either step down or leave once and for all after Gaza’s state of affairs has gone from bad to worse.
23 oct 2014
The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign congratulated, today, Seanad Éireann on passing a motion calling on the Irish Government to formally recognize the State of Palestine.
The motion, which was tabled by Sen. Averil Power and supported by Senators from all parties, as well as independents, was passed this afternoon without a vote, according to the PNN.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan TD, will come before the Seanad in November, to further discuss the issue.
IPSC Spokesperson Freda Hughes announced: "We welcome this move on behalf of Seanad Eireann which follows similar recent votes in the British and Swedish parliaments.
"This is an important expression of support for Palestinian statehood and peace in the region in a highly symbolic, yet extremely effective, manner."
See also CPS: No Prosecution of Galloway Over 'Israel-free Zone' Comments
Ms. Hughes continued, "We hope this motion will increase support for a similar vote in Dáil Éireann in the near future. International recognition of the State of Palestine is an important symbolic gesture that will increase diplomatic pressure on Israel to end the occupation."
In conclusion, Ms. Hughes stated that "While symbolic actions such as this recognition are important and welcome, they are not a substitute for concrete and meaningful action. The IPSC continues to urge the Irish government to impose political and economic sanctions on Israel until it ends its occupation of Palestine and abides fully by its obligations under international law."
The motion, which was tabled by Sen. Averil Power and supported by Senators from all parties, as well as independents, was passed this afternoon without a vote, according to the PNN.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan TD, will come before the Seanad in November, to further discuss the issue.
IPSC Spokesperson Freda Hughes announced: "We welcome this move on behalf of Seanad Eireann which follows similar recent votes in the British and Swedish parliaments.
"This is an important expression of support for Palestinian statehood and peace in the region in a highly symbolic, yet extremely effective, manner."
See also CPS: No Prosecution of Galloway Over 'Israel-free Zone' Comments
Ms. Hughes continued, "We hope this motion will increase support for a similar vote in Dáil Éireann in the near future. International recognition of the State of Palestine is an important symbolic gesture that will increase diplomatic pressure on Israel to end the occupation."
In conclusion, Ms. Hughes stated that "While symbolic actions such as this recognition are important and welcome, they are not a substitute for concrete and meaningful action. The IPSC continues to urge the Irish government to impose political and economic sanctions on Israel until it ends its occupation of Palestine and abides fully by its obligations under international law."
Al-Jazeera Centre for Studies (AJCS) and the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) declared intention to host a joint conference in London under the title of “The International Conference on the Impact of the World War 1 (WWI) on Palestine” on the 8th and 9th of November 2014. The conference will examine the impact of the WWI on Palestine with special interests on the role of the Ottoman Empire and the Zionist Movement. It will examine the political position of the Palestinians and the Arabs in general following the Sykes-Picot Agreement.
It will also discuss in-depth the British Mandate and the San Remo Conference. The conference will also discuss the emergence of a national Palestinian movement in the 1930’s. Last but not least, the conference will address the effects of the laissez faire attitude of the international community towards Israel after the end of WWII.
"This year, many around the world are looking back at the 100 years since the start of WWI. For us, it is important to examine the impact of those events on our region and Palestine in particular," said Director of Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, Dr. Salah Eddin Elzein
For his part, chairman of the Palestinian Return Centre, Majid Al Zeer, stated that the conference will also tackle the current status quo in Palestine as well as the future.
“The two-day conference will for certainly reveal the role of Europe in creating the Palestinian problem and the failure to solve it,” added Al Zeer.
Several renowned academics and historians from Britain and the Middle East are invited to address the conference.
It will also discuss in-depth the British Mandate and the San Remo Conference. The conference will also discuss the emergence of a national Palestinian movement in the 1930’s. Last but not least, the conference will address the effects of the laissez faire attitude of the international community towards Israel after the end of WWII.
"This year, many around the world are looking back at the 100 years since the start of WWI. For us, it is important to examine the impact of those events on our region and Palestine in particular," said Director of Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, Dr. Salah Eddin Elzein
For his part, chairman of the Palestinian Return Centre, Majid Al Zeer, stated that the conference will also tackle the current status quo in Palestine as well as the future.
“The two-day conference will for certainly reveal the role of Europe in creating the Palestinian problem and the failure to solve it,” added Al Zeer.
Several renowned academics and historians from Britain and the Middle East are invited to address the conference.
Hamas is against ideological, political, or military extremism, Head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, Khaled Mishaal told the American Vanity Fair magazine, adding: “We are for moderation. We are against any aggression, or any killing of innocent human beings, regardless of their beliefs or race.” “We believe in the right to resistance against the occupation. This is a legitimate right of the people,” Mishaal confirmed, adding: “Biased U.S. foreign policies toward Israel, and its policies in the region over the last few years, is a form of extremism. Extremism is condemned, irrespective of who is wielding it.”
Asked whether he would consider this summer’s war with Israel to be a victory, Mishaal said: “The war was imposed on us and we simply defended ourselves . . . we stood our ground in this war. We thwarted Netanyahu’s plot.”
“The steadfastness showcased by Gaza is a victory. It sent a message to the world that there is something called the “Palestinian cause” . . . that the occupation must be brought to an end, that the settlements’ expansions must stop, and that the blockade on Gaza must be lifted,” he maintained.
“The tunnels were one of our innovations. The Israeli army is stronger than us. It possesses a great destructive power. It has airplanes, artillery. It possesses the strongest weapons arsenal in the region. Therefore, what Hamas and other resistance factions are doing in Gaza, with the full support of our people, is just an attempt to ensure the necessary means to protect our people,” he further stated.
“When Israelis declared war on Gaza, they did not declare the tunnels as part of the military targets. But when they discovered the tunnels, this is when they started to raise the issue. This proves that they first started the war, and then looked for justifications,” Mishaal added.
“The resistance in Palestine is engaged in resistance against the occupation army and the settlers, those who live on unlawful land in the West Bank. This is occupied land by virtue of international law, and even by American law. The presence of the Israeli army and the settlers on this land is therefore illegitimate,” he said.
According to Mishaal, Hamas spend part of its funds on services for Palestinians. Hamas “built hospitals, schools, universities, and nursery schools. It also built workshops for needy families.”
As for the ceasefire, Hamas leader said the initiative was built on the principle that all hostilities must first come to an end, and then negotiations can begin. Such terms were essentially based on lifting the blockade, reopening the border crossings, and giving the people normal living circumstances.
“Those who must be held accountable for the killing of Palestinian children and women are the Israeli leaders,” he charged.
“Hamas’s position and its principles are clear. We do not seek to kill Jews or any other people of any faith, nationality, or race. We are only engaged in resistance against those who occupy our land, regardless of their religious beliefs or race. We do not kill Israelis because they are Jews. We kill them because they are occupiers. . . This falls in the context of self-defense and defending our land. This is a legitimate right recognized by all religions and by international laws,” Mishaal proceeded.
“Mohammed Deif is alive. The Israelis failed to kill him. But they succeeded in killing his wife and his two children. Mohammed Deif is still alive, and will continue to fight the Israeli aggression and occupation inshallah,’’ Mishaal vowed.
Asked whether he would consider this summer’s war with Israel to be a victory, Mishaal said: “The war was imposed on us and we simply defended ourselves . . . we stood our ground in this war. We thwarted Netanyahu’s plot.”
“The steadfastness showcased by Gaza is a victory. It sent a message to the world that there is something called the “Palestinian cause” . . . that the occupation must be brought to an end, that the settlements’ expansions must stop, and that the blockade on Gaza must be lifted,” he maintained.
“The tunnels were one of our innovations. The Israeli army is stronger than us. It possesses a great destructive power. It has airplanes, artillery. It possesses the strongest weapons arsenal in the region. Therefore, what Hamas and other resistance factions are doing in Gaza, with the full support of our people, is just an attempt to ensure the necessary means to protect our people,” he further stated.
“When Israelis declared war on Gaza, they did not declare the tunnels as part of the military targets. But when they discovered the tunnels, this is when they started to raise the issue. This proves that they first started the war, and then looked for justifications,” Mishaal added.
“The resistance in Palestine is engaged in resistance against the occupation army and the settlers, those who live on unlawful land in the West Bank. This is occupied land by virtue of international law, and even by American law. The presence of the Israeli army and the settlers on this land is therefore illegitimate,” he said.
According to Mishaal, Hamas spend part of its funds on services for Palestinians. Hamas “built hospitals, schools, universities, and nursery schools. It also built workshops for needy families.”
As for the ceasefire, Hamas leader said the initiative was built on the principle that all hostilities must first come to an end, and then negotiations can begin. Such terms were essentially based on lifting the blockade, reopening the border crossings, and giving the people normal living circumstances.
“Those who must be held accountable for the killing of Palestinian children and women are the Israeli leaders,” he charged.
“Hamas’s position and its principles are clear. We do not seek to kill Jews or any other people of any faith, nationality, or race. We are only engaged in resistance against those who occupy our land, regardless of their religious beliefs or race. We do not kill Israelis because they are Jews. We kill them because they are occupiers. . . This falls in the context of self-defense and defending our land. This is a legitimate right recognized by all religions and by international laws,” Mishaal proceeded.
“Mohammed Deif is alive. The Israelis failed to kill him. But they succeeded in killing his wife and his two children. Mohammed Deif is still alive, and will continue to fight the Israeli aggression and occupation inshallah,’’ Mishaal vowed.
22 oct 2014
Haaretz Hebrew newspaper published an internal European Union document that defines several of the EU’s “red lines” regarding Israeli actions in the West Bank that could threat the possibility of the two-state solution. The EU’s ambassador to Israel, Lars Faaborg-Andersen, is set to relay the message to Israel over the issues which raised the EU’s concerns, the newspaper revealed.
In recent weeks, a series of discussions have been taking place in the EU’s headquarters in Brussels between the ambassadors of the 28 member states over the European response to Israeli appropriation of 4,000 dunums in Gush Etzion in the West Bank and even more since the push forward in planning for additional constructions in Givat Hamatos.
During these discussions, which ended last weekend, it was decided to relay a sharp message to Israel in the name of all EU members, focusing on the Israeli moves which create a “focused and increasing threat to the possibility of the two-state solution.”
“The EU considers the preservation of the two-state solution a priority,” the document reads. “The only way to resolve the conflict is through an agreement that ends the occupation which began in 1967, that ends all claims and fulfills the aspirations of both parties. A one state reality would not be compatible with these aspirations.”
The document said that construction in the Givat Hamatos neighborhood, beyond the Green Line in Jerusalem would jeopardize the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. The EU “cautions the Israeli government not to move ahead with tenders and construction. Such a development would constitute one more grave “fact on the ground” which would be liable to crucially prejudge the outcome of peace negotiations,” the document reads.
The document said construction in E1 area would also jeopardize the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state, and added that it has already publicly and strongly opposed plans for E1’s development.
“The EU strongly urges Israel to put its plans of expelling 12,000 Bedouin from their lands on hold and search for other solutions together with the concerned populations and the Palestinian Authority. The EU underlines that implementing those plans may amount to a serious breach of International Humanitarian Law (IV Geneva Convention),” the document reads.
The document also addressed al-Aqsa Mosque issue, saying that attempts to challenge the status-quo have led to instability in East Jerusalem and increased tensions.
A top European diplomat noted that EU states consuls in East Jerusalem and in Ramallah planned to hold a joint tour in al-Aqsa Mosque, but aborted their plans following instructions from Brussels, fearing Israel would consider such a visit a provocation.
According to the document, the EU ambassador in Israel was instructed to clarify to the Foreign Ministry director and to the national security advisor that the EU is interested in holding “thorough discussion” on these and other issues related to the occupied Palestinian territories.
“…There is a legitimate expectation to have a constructive dialogue with the Israeli authorities on measures from their side which may impact on our assistance and its ultimate objectives of creating a sound enabling environment for economic and social development in the occupied Palestinian territories and contributing to create the conditions for a viable Palestinian state,” the documents reads.
According to Haaretz, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has followed the EU preparations to up the tone against Israel for several weeks. In discussions held over the issue in the ministry on Tuesday the expectation was floated that the message relayed by the EU ambassador would be the opening shot ahead of new European sanctions against the Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
“The negotiations the EU is offering are really the hearing before the sentence,” a senior official in the ministry said.
“We have a feeling they’re expecting us to reject the offer for negotiations and give them an excuse to push the sanctions against us, or that we’ll agree in any case to negotiations in which we’ll discuss which sanctions will be leveled,” he added.
In recent weeks, a series of discussions have been taking place in the EU’s headquarters in Brussels between the ambassadors of the 28 member states over the European response to Israeli appropriation of 4,000 dunums in Gush Etzion in the West Bank and even more since the push forward in planning for additional constructions in Givat Hamatos.
During these discussions, which ended last weekend, it was decided to relay a sharp message to Israel in the name of all EU members, focusing on the Israeli moves which create a “focused and increasing threat to the possibility of the two-state solution.”
“The EU considers the preservation of the two-state solution a priority,” the document reads. “The only way to resolve the conflict is through an agreement that ends the occupation which began in 1967, that ends all claims and fulfills the aspirations of both parties. A one state reality would not be compatible with these aspirations.”
The document said that construction in the Givat Hamatos neighborhood, beyond the Green Line in Jerusalem would jeopardize the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. The EU “cautions the Israeli government not to move ahead with tenders and construction. Such a development would constitute one more grave “fact on the ground” which would be liable to crucially prejudge the outcome of peace negotiations,” the document reads.
The document said construction in E1 area would also jeopardize the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state, and added that it has already publicly and strongly opposed plans for E1’s development.
“The EU strongly urges Israel to put its plans of expelling 12,000 Bedouin from their lands on hold and search for other solutions together with the concerned populations and the Palestinian Authority. The EU underlines that implementing those plans may amount to a serious breach of International Humanitarian Law (IV Geneva Convention),” the document reads.
The document also addressed al-Aqsa Mosque issue, saying that attempts to challenge the status-quo have led to instability in East Jerusalem and increased tensions.
A top European diplomat noted that EU states consuls in East Jerusalem and in Ramallah planned to hold a joint tour in al-Aqsa Mosque, but aborted their plans following instructions from Brussels, fearing Israel would consider such a visit a provocation.
According to the document, the EU ambassador in Israel was instructed to clarify to the Foreign Ministry director and to the national security advisor that the EU is interested in holding “thorough discussion” on these and other issues related to the occupied Palestinian territories.
“…There is a legitimate expectation to have a constructive dialogue with the Israeli authorities on measures from their side which may impact on our assistance and its ultimate objectives of creating a sound enabling environment for economic and social development in the occupied Palestinian territories and contributing to create the conditions for a viable Palestinian state,” the documents reads.
According to Haaretz, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has followed the EU preparations to up the tone against Israel for several weeks. In discussions held over the issue in the ministry on Tuesday the expectation was floated that the message relayed by the EU ambassador would be the opening shot ahead of new European sanctions against the Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
“The negotiations the EU is offering are really the hearing before the sentence,” a senior official in the ministry said.
“We have a feeling they’re expecting us to reject the offer for negotiations and give them an excuse to push the sanctions against us, or that we’ll agree in any case to negotiations in which we’ll discuss which sanctions will be leveled,” he added.