30 apr 2015
The UN's Middle East peace envoy Nickolay Mladenov on Thursday urged Palestinian factions to unite and asked Israel to lift its blockade of the Gaza Strip.
“Anyone who visits Gaza should be shocked of the extent of damage caused by Israel. The siege must be ended,” Nickolay Mladenov, told reporters in Gaza City.
“I strongly believe that it will hurt the cause of the Palestinian people if division, if the lack of unity, is not addressed as soon as possible”, he said.
“I hope that the United Nations will be able to support the efforts to strengthen this unity”, he said.
He went on to say that he also agreed with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and the unity government to work on achieving Palestinian reconciliation.
The Bulgarian diplomat also noted that he touched "serious intention" in the Palestinian unity government towards ending the outstanding crises in the Strip for the sake of Gaza reconstruction.
He pointed out that Gaza has been facing a humanitarian crisis months after a devastating 51-day war between Israel and Hamas, with the international community warning of further conflict without Palestinian reconciliation and lifting of Israel's blockade. The reconstruction should be based on a comprehensive concept, he added.
"We in the United Nations, along with our partners in the international community, have a responsibility to offer humanitarian aid to Gaza and the people of Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria”, he said
Mladenov was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in February, replacing Robert Serry, a Dutch diplomat who as UN Middle East envoy sponsored a controversial reconstruction plan for Gaza following a devastating Israeli military offensive last summer.
Nickolay Mladenov arrived in Gaza on Wednesday evening through Erez crossing in his first visit since he was appointed two months ago.
The United Nations supervise the Gaza reconstruction by coordination with Palestinian Authority and Israel within a construction plan known as Serry’s plan which is refused by Palestinians as it hinders the reconstruction for long years.
In July of last year, more than 2,323 Gazans, mostly civilians, were killed, while thousands others were injured and 15,671 housing units across the Gaza Strip were damaged, including 2,276 that were completely destroyed during seven weeks of ferocious Israeli bombardment.
“Anyone who visits Gaza should be shocked of the extent of damage caused by Israel. The siege must be ended,” Nickolay Mladenov, told reporters in Gaza City.
“I strongly believe that it will hurt the cause of the Palestinian people if division, if the lack of unity, is not addressed as soon as possible”, he said.
“I hope that the United Nations will be able to support the efforts to strengthen this unity”, he said.
He went on to say that he also agreed with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and the unity government to work on achieving Palestinian reconciliation.
The Bulgarian diplomat also noted that he touched "serious intention" in the Palestinian unity government towards ending the outstanding crises in the Strip for the sake of Gaza reconstruction.
He pointed out that Gaza has been facing a humanitarian crisis months after a devastating 51-day war between Israel and Hamas, with the international community warning of further conflict without Palestinian reconciliation and lifting of Israel's blockade. The reconstruction should be based on a comprehensive concept, he added.
"We in the United Nations, along with our partners in the international community, have a responsibility to offer humanitarian aid to Gaza and the people of Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria”, he said
Mladenov was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in February, replacing Robert Serry, a Dutch diplomat who as UN Middle East envoy sponsored a controversial reconstruction plan for Gaza following a devastating Israeli military offensive last summer.
Nickolay Mladenov arrived in Gaza on Wednesday evening through Erez crossing in his first visit since he was appointed two months ago.
The United Nations supervise the Gaza reconstruction by coordination with Palestinian Authority and Israel within a construction plan known as Serry’s plan which is refused by Palestinians as it hinders the reconstruction for long years.
In July of last year, more than 2,323 Gazans, mostly civilians, were killed, while thousands others were injured and 15,671 housing units across the Gaza Strip were damaged, including 2,276 that were completely destroyed during seven weeks of ferocious Israeli bombardment.
Laurent Fabius
Israeli newspaper "Haaretz" has published a report saying that the United States and several other countries – including Arab states – have asked the French government, over the past two weeks, to postpone its initiative for a United Nations Security Council draft resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian issue – at least until after the June 30th deadline for reaching a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran.
According to Haaretz, Senior US officials and European diplomats told the newspaper that the message was also relayed to French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, as well as to French diplomats at the UN headquarters in New York and to officials in Washington and in other capitals. Foreign Policy was the first to report on Wednesday regarding the American messages to France.
PNN further reports that, according to the American and European diplomats, the messages relayed to the French stressed that the Obama administration – as well as other powers – are currently focused on reaching a comprehensive agreements with Iran. Taking action on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, they said, would only distract from and disrupt this goal.
A senior American official said that the administration is also worried that such a move by France would harm efforts to win the support for the Iran deal from Democratic congressmen and senators. He added that Israeli opposition to negotiations with Iran is already hindering the efforts to win support in Congress; therefore, there is no need for a Security Council showdown over another issue which Israel views as harmful to its interests.
French diplomats met over the past two weeks, with representatives of various Arab states, and presented a first draft of a resolution they wish to submit to the UN Security Council on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The diplomats were surprised by the position taken by some Arab states; their representatives requested that the move be postponed, on the grounds that the timing is inappropriate.
French Foreign Minister Fabius implicitly hinted at American reservations from the move in an interview, last week, with the Financial Times. "We need to agree on timing with [US Secretary of State] John Kerry," he said. "There are other issues to deal with. One negotiation should not hurt another, but at the same time, there's always a lot going on, so the risk is we never find time."
A few weeks ago, France announced that it was interested in renewing the initiative to advance a resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian issue at the UN Security Council. The French already tried to advance the move a few months ago, but failed due to a Palestinian refusal to accept the proposal drafted in Paris.
The Palestinians pushed through a much more extreme proposal, but did not succeed in winning nine out of 15 Security Council member votes needed. Because of this, the US did not have to use its veto power.
According to the French initiative, the draft UN proposal would include principles for resolving the conflict, such as establishing the borders of the Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines with land swaps, making Jerusalem the capital of both Israel and Palestine, setting a timeline for ending the occupation and holding an international peace conference.
See also: New Pro-Settlement Legislation Pending in US Congress
Carter Cancels Visit to Gaza, Palestinian Authority Implicated
Palestine and the Injustice of the World Community
Israeli newspaper "Haaretz" has published a report saying that the United States and several other countries – including Arab states – have asked the French government, over the past two weeks, to postpone its initiative for a United Nations Security Council draft resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian issue – at least until after the June 30th deadline for reaching a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran.
According to Haaretz, Senior US officials and European diplomats told the newspaper that the message was also relayed to French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, as well as to French diplomats at the UN headquarters in New York and to officials in Washington and in other capitals. Foreign Policy was the first to report on Wednesday regarding the American messages to France.
PNN further reports that, according to the American and European diplomats, the messages relayed to the French stressed that the Obama administration – as well as other powers – are currently focused on reaching a comprehensive agreements with Iran. Taking action on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, they said, would only distract from and disrupt this goal.
A senior American official said that the administration is also worried that such a move by France would harm efforts to win the support for the Iran deal from Democratic congressmen and senators. He added that Israeli opposition to negotiations with Iran is already hindering the efforts to win support in Congress; therefore, there is no need for a Security Council showdown over another issue which Israel views as harmful to its interests.
French diplomats met over the past two weeks, with representatives of various Arab states, and presented a first draft of a resolution they wish to submit to the UN Security Council on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The diplomats were surprised by the position taken by some Arab states; their representatives requested that the move be postponed, on the grounds that the timing is inappropriate.
French Foreign Minister Fabius implicitly hinted at American reservations from the move in an interview, last week, with the Financial Times. "We need to agree on timing with [US Secretary of State] John Kerry," he said. "There are other issues to deal with. One negotiation should not hurt another, but at the same time, there's always a lot going on, so the risk is we never find time."
A few weeks ago, France announced that it was interested in renewing the initiative to advance a resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian issue at the UN Security Council. The French already tried to advance the move a few months ago, but failed due to a Palestinian refusal to accept the proposal drafted in Paris.
The Palestinians pushed through a much more extreme proposal, but did not succeed in winning nine out of 15 Security Council member votes needed. Because of this, the US did not have to use its veto power.
According to the French initiative, the draft UN proposal would include principles for resolving the conflict, such as establishing the borders of the Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines with land swaps, making Jerusalem the capital of both Israel and Palestine, setting a timeline for ending the occupation and holding an international peace conference.
See also: New Pro-Settlement Legislation Pending in US Congress
Carter Cancels Visit to Gaza, Palestinian Authority Implicated
Palestine and the Injustice of the World Community
Palestine Forum in Britain announced the start of preparations for celebrating Palestine Day in the United Kingdom to be held on June 06, 2015.
The head of the Palestine Forum in Britain Ziyad al-Aloul said, in a press statement, that the Palestine Day this year coincides with the continuation of the siege on Gaza Strip and the failure of the settlement project as well as the internal division.
He added that the event will emphasize supporting the Palestinian national project which adheres to the Palestinian constants with the right of return on top.
Aloul revealed that the activities of Palestine Day will present different phases of Palestinian culture.
Palestinian singers will be invited to sing for unity, the right of return, and abiding by the constants. The event will include heritage exhibitions for Palestinian products, he said
The head of the Palestine Forum in Britain Ziyad al-Aloul said, in a press statement, that the Palestine Day this year coincides with the continuation of the siege on Gaza Strip and the failure of the settlement project as well as the internal division.
He added that the event will emphasize supporting the Palestinian national project which adheres to the Palestinian constants with the right of return on top.
Aloul revealed that the activities of Palestine Day will present different phases of Palestinian culture.
Palestinian singers will be invited to sing for unity, the right of return, and abiding by the constants. The event will include heritage exhibitions for Palestinian products, he said
The Israeli occupation is pursuing a strategy of first-degree bloody terrorism against Palestinians in Occupied Jerusalem, Head of the Islamic Movement in the 1948 occupied territories, Sheikh Raed Salah, said in an exclusive interview with the PIC.
“The Israeli occupation has turned all tactics of oppression against our land, our homes, our holy sites, and, above all, our children in Occupied Jerusalem into legal pursuits,” he said.
“The Israeli occupation decriminalized field executions against our elderly civilians, our men, our women, and even our innocent children,” he added.
“In a nutshell the Israeli colonizers would like to force Jerusalemites to internalize a state of bitter isolation, to mislead them into believing that they have been left alone in their national liberation struggle; that everybody is turning their back on them,” he said.
Sheikh Salah warned of Israeli intents to build the alleged temple on the ruins of the Dome of the Rock as part of its Judaization schemes weaved against Muslims’ holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
“Israel’s greed has gone many steps further than the spatio-temporal division of the Mosque between Jews and Muslims . . . . But Muslim sit-inners, both male and female, shall forever stand on their guard to such sacrilegious attempts,” he vowed.
He raised alarm bells over the agony endured by Palestinian detainees at Israeli lock-ups, calling for the need to rally round them and stand up for their rights.
“Our prisoners, be them from the West Bank, Jerusalem or Gaza, are a source of pride for us. We shall work from dawn to sunset to release them from the bleak labyrinths of Israeli jails,” he pledged.
He expressed hope that the Palestinian Authority would adopt a discourse speaking up for Palestinian detainees as prisoners of war rather than convicts or lawbreakers as Israelis would claim.
Commenting on the current state of affairs in the 1948 occupied territories, Sheikh Salah said: “An Israeli preplanned bid is being devised to knock down our homes as part of a larger policy of ethnic cleansing aimed at forcing our people out of 1948 occupied Palestine and dampening our spirits.”
“But we are part and parcel of every single inch of Palestine and the Islamic world. We are just part of the land, of the homes, and of the holy sites; we are like a palm-tree forever rooted in its native soil, never deracinated from its mother land,” he said.
“The Israeli occupation has turned all tactics of oppression against our land, our homes, our holy sites, and, above all, our children in Occupied Jerusalem into legal pursuits,” he said.
“The Israeli occupation decriminalized field executions against our elderly civilians, our men, our women, and even our innocent children,” he added.
“In a nutshell the Israeli colonizers would like to force Jerusalemites to internalize a state of bitter isolation, to mislead them into believing that they have been left alone in their national liberation struggle; that everybody is turning their back on them,” he said.
Sheikh Salah warned of Israeli intents to build the alleged temple on the ruins of the Dome of the Rock as part of its Judaization schemes weaved against Muslims’ holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
“Israel’s greed has gone many steps further than the spatio-temporal division of the Mosque between Jews and Muslims . . . . But Muslim sit-inners, both male and female, shall forever stand on their guard to such sacrilegious attempts,” he vowed.
He raised alarm bells over the agony endured by Palestinian detainees at Israeli lock-ups, calling for the need to rally round them and stand up for their rights.
“Our prisoners, be them from the West Bank, Jerusalem or Gaza, are a source of pride for us. We shall work from dawn to sunset to release them from the bleak labyrinths of Israeli jails,” he pledged.
He expressed hope that the Palestinian Authority would adopt a discourse speaking up for Palestinian detainees as prisoners of war rather than convicts or lawbreakers as Israelis would claim.
Commenting on the current state of affairs in the 1948 occupied territories, Sheikh Salah said: “An Israeli preplanned bid is being devised to knock down our homes as part of a larger policy of ethnic cleansing aimed at forcing our people out of 1948 occupied Palestine and dampening our spirits.”
“But we are part and parcel of every single inch of Palestine and the Islamic world. We are just part of the land, of the homes, and of the holy sites; we are like a palm-tree forever rooted in its native soil, never deracinated from its mother land,” he said.
The Moroccan Committee to Support the Nation’s Causes announced the launch of the national campaign in solidarity with the Palestinian detainees held in the Israeli occupation jails.
The campaign has kicked off at the request of the National Union of Moroccan Students during a lecture delivered Tuesday at the Ben M’Sik University in the Framework of a cultural week entitled “The role of students in supporting the Palestinian cause.”
The campaign, entitled “Palestinian detainees. . . . Isn’t it high time the chains were broken?” was launched in the presence of a number of Moroccan pro-Palestine figures, including member of the central bureau of the committee Prof. Mohamed al-Riahi al-Idrisi.
Speaking in a presentation delivered at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of Bin M’sik, al-Idrisi instructed the audience on the need to develop a sense of duty and sincere commitment as regards the Palestinian cause.
The campaign has kicked off at the request of the National Union of Moroccan Students during a lecture delivered Tuesday at the Ben M’Sik University in the Framework of a cultural week entitled “The role of students in supporting the Palestinian cause.”
The campaign, entitled “Palestinian detainees. . . . Isn’t it high time the chains were broken?” was launched in the presence of a number of Moroccan pro-Palestine figures, including member of the central bureau of the committee Prof. Mohamed al-Riahi al-Idrisi.
Speaking in a presentation delivered at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of Bin M’sik, al-Idrisi instructed the audience on the need to develop a sense of duty and sincere commitment as regards the Palestinian cause.
Hamas hailed the visit paid by Nikolay Mladenov, the UN's recently-appointed envoy for the Middle East peace process, to the blockaded Gaza Strip, branding the stopover a step in the right direction.
Hamas expressed hopes that the UN delegation would discern on-the-spot proofs of Israeli crimes and the perilous repercussions of the tough blockade imposed on the people of Gaza for eight uninterrupted years.
Hamas called on Mladenov to urgently work on lifting the siege, taking a tougher line against Israeli crimes, unblocking the border crossings, and boosting reconstruction.
Mladenov arrived in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday via the Israeli-controlled Erez border crossing in his first visit to the blockaded coastal enclave since his appointment two months ago.
Mladenov held a round of separate meetings with representatives of popular and civil organizations along with businessman and private investors.
Earlier, on Tuesday, he met the Palestinian Authority Chairman, Mahmoud Abbas, in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat, was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in February to replace Robert Serry, a Dutch diplomat who sponsored a controversial reconstruction plan for Gaza following a devastating Israeli military offensive last summer.
Hamas expressed hopes that the UN delegation would discern on-the-spot proofs of Israeli crimes and the perilous repercussions of the tough blockade imposed on the people of Gaza for eight uninterrupted years.
Hamas called on Mladenov to urgently work on lifting the siege, taking a tougher line against Israeli crimes, unblocking the border crossings, and boosting reconstruction.
Mladenov arrived in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday via the Israeli-controlled Erez border crossing in his first visit to the blockaded coastal enclave since his appointment two months ago.
Mladenov held a round of separate meetings with representatives of popular and civil organizations along with businessman and private investors.
Earlier, on Tuesday, he met the Palestinian Authority Chairman, Mahmoud Abbas, in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat, was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in February to replace Robert Serry, a Dutch diplomat who sponsored a controversial reconstruction plan for Gaza following a devastating Israeli military offensive last summer.
29 apr 2015
In a last minute move, former U.S President Jimmy Carter on Wednesday canceled his visit to the Gaza Strip, scheduled on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
The removal of the Gaza Strip from Carter's itinerary was announced without reason Wednesday evening by the Elders, a non-governmental organization that describes itself as a group of "independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights."
Carter's stop in the Gaza Strip was to be the first of a larger trip, to be following by visits to the occupied West Bank and Israel to address pressing political issues and bring international attention to the current humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. In response to Carter's decision to meet with Hamas leadership, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said on April 20 he would refuse to meet with the former president due to his "anti-Israel" positions, according to Israeli media.
Israeli news source Jerusalem Post reported Wednesday that the Israeli Foreign Ministry recommended Rivlin not meet with Carter, in order to convey the message that those who harm Israel will not meet with the president.
Carter is a longstanding critic of what he views as Israel's unjust and violent policy against Palestinians.During last summer's war, Carter demanded that the the Israel-Gaza status quo change, calling for the international community to recognize Hamas as a "legitimate political actor."
Carter was scheduled to meet Hamas leaders including Ismail Haniyeh to discuss national reconciliation, Hamas leader Ahmad Yousef told Ma'an earlier this week. He added at the time that since Egypt has no role in mediation now, Carter would come accompanied by international officials to meet Hamas leaders and then President Mahmoud Abbas.
Carter was also scheduled to meet faction leaders and ministers in Gaza, and had planned to discuss a ceasefire with Israel as well as Palestinian elections.The former president is assumed to continue as usual with his plans to Israel and the occupied West Bank, as reported by the Associated Press.
The removal of the Gaza Strip from Carter's itinerary was announced without reason Wednesday evening by the Elders, a non-governmental organization that describes itself as a group of "independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights."
Carter's stop in the Gaza Strip was to be the first of a larger trip, to be following by visits to the occupied West Bank and Israel to address pressing political issues and bring international attention to the current humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. In response to Carter's decision to meet with Hamas leadership, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said on April 20 he would refuse to meet with the former president due to his "anti-Israel" positions, according to Israeli media.
Israeli news source Jerusalem Post reported Wednesday that the Israeli Foreign Ministry recommended Rivlin not meet with Carter, in order to convey the message that those who harm Israel will not meet with the president.
Carter is a longstanding critic of what he views as Israel's unjust and violent policy against Palestinians.During last summer's war, Carter demanded that the the Israel-Gaza status quo change, calling for the international community to recognize Hamas as a "legitimate political actor."
Carter was scheduled to meet Hamas leaders including Ismail Haniyeh to discuss national reconciliation, Hamas leader Ahmad Yousef told Ma'an earlier this week. He added at the time that since Egypt has no role in mediation now, Carter would come accompanied by international officials to meet Hamas leaders and then President Mahmoud Abbas.
Carter was also scheduled to meet faction leaders and ministers in Gaza, and had planned to discuss a ceasefire with Israel as well as Palestinian elections.The former president is assumed to continue as usual with his plans to Israel and the occupied West Bank, as reported by the Associated Press.
Hamas Movement declared in a statement issued on Wednesday its total support for the Palestinian people’s protest steps within the Green Line against Israeli demolition policy.
The statement called for “escalating the ongoing protests in face of Israeli criminal policies that aim at liquidating the Arab presence in the Palestinian territories occupied in 1948.”
The Movement stressed the importance of such protest steps till putting an end to the Israeli demolition policy against Palestinian homes and properties within the Green Line.
The statement called for “escalating the ongoing protests in face of Israeli criminal policies that aim at liquidating the Arab presence in the Palestinian territories occupied in 1948.”
The Movement stressed the importance of such protest steps till putting an end to the Israeli demolition policy against Palestinian homes and properties within the Green Line.
A delegation of the MPs of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) participated in the celebration of the 21st anniversary of South Africa’s independence and liberation day in Movenpick Hotel in Ramallah.
The PLC delegation included MPs Dr. Ayman Daraghmeh, Ahmad Attoun, Wael al-Husseini and Mohammad Totah.
The South African representative N. W. Makalima along with an official delegation of the consulate received the congratulating delegations amid official and diplomatic participation.
Makalima talked, in his speech, about the transitional stage experienced by the South African people before they reached liberation. He compared it to the current situation of the Palestinian people who suffer just like the South African people did.
The PLC MPs met with many Palestinian officials and diplomatic representatives and discussed the latest updates in the Palestinian arena as well as the mechanisms to end the internal division.
The PLC delegation included MPs Dr. Ayman Daraghmeh, Ahmad Attoun, Wael al-Husseini and Mohammad Totah.
The South African representative N. W. Makalima along with an official delegation of the consulate received the congratulating delegations amid official and diplomatic participation.
Makalima talked, in his speech, about the transitional stage experienced by the South African people before they reached liberation. He compared it to the current situation of the Palestinian people who suffer just like the South African people did.
The PLC MPs met with many Palestinian officials and diplomatic representatives and discussed the latest updates in the Palestinian arena as well as the mechanisms to end the internal division.
Two members of the International Committee of Wise Men will pay a visit to the Gaza Strip on Wednesday in a bid to end internal division and seek solutions to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Leading a delegation representing the International Committee of Wise Men, Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter will have meetings and talks with Palestinian politicians, diplomats, representatives of civil society, along with Gaza’s refugees and displaced civilians.
A statement issued by the Wise Men said the stopover aims at reinforcing the committee’s belief that the two-state solution is the only way-out of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The projected visit will also tackle the humanitarian crisis rocking the blockaded Gaza Strip.
The Wise Men envoy is also expected to carry out a round of talks and initiatives to boost national reconciliation and heal the internal rift.
The delegation is set to meet the Palestinian Authority Chairman, Mahmoud Abbas, and Israeli stakeholders to those very ends.
The visit is said to be the fourth of its kind paid by the committee to the region since 2007, when it was founded by the world’s peace icon Nelson Mandela to advocate justice and freedom for the oppressed peoples in all corners of the earth.
Leading a delegation representing the International Committee of Wise Men, Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter will have meetings and talks with Palestinian politicians, diplomats, representatives of civil society, along with Gaza’s refugees and displaced civilians.
A statement issued by the Wise Men said the stopover aims at reinforcing the committee’s belief that the two-state solution is the only way-out of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The projected visit will also tackle the humanitarian crisis rocking the blockaded Gaza Strip.
The Wise Men envoy is also expected to carry out a round of talks and initiatives to boost national reconciliation and heal the internal rift.
The delegation is set to meet the Palestinian Authority Chairman, Mahmoud Abbas, and Israeli stakeholders to those very ends.
The visit is said to be the fourth of its kind paid by the committee to the region since 2007, when it was founded by the world’s peace icon Nelson Mandela to advocate justice and freedom for the oppressed peoples in all corners of the earth.
The Palestinian unity government spokesman Ihab Beseiso said “the unity government is seeking to embark upon its duties and responsibilities in Gaza Strip”.
Beseiso said, in a statement on Wednesday, “The government will head to Gaza again (without announcing the date) within its strategies based on addressing the outstanding crises in the blockaded enclave. The government needs clear and not perplexing signs”.
He pointed out that “the unity government has not so far been given the opportunity to work in Gaza”.
He stressed that “resolving the problems of the besieged Gaza Strip requires the activation of the government’s role not by enforcing new laws”.
He renewed his government’s refusal of the social solidarity tax in Gaza which was endorsed by Hamas bloc in the Palestinian Legislative Council and called on Hamas to cancel it.
Both the unity government and Hamas Movement exchanged accusations in regards with the failure of the government delegation’s last one-day visit to Gaza.
Beseiso said, in a statement on Wednesday, “The government will head to Gaza again (without announcing the date) within its strategies based on addressing the outstanding crises in the blockaded enclave. The government needs clear and not perplexing signs”.
He pointed out that “the unity government has not so far been given the opportunity to work in Gaza”.
He stressed that “resolving the problems of the besieged Gaza Strip requires the activation of the government’s role not by enforcing new laws”.
He renewed his government’s refusal of the social solidarity tax in Gaza which was endorsed by Hamas bloc in the Palestinian Legislative Council and called on Hamas to cancel it.
Both the unity government and Hamas Movement exchanged accusations in regards with the failure of the government delegation’s last one-day visit to Gaza.
The largest memorandum of protest against the settlement and the apartheid wall in Palestine was launched by the Department of Refugees' Affairs in Hamas on Wednesday.
The event was organized in front of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) in Gaza in cooperation with al-Assour center for heritage in Silwad town in Ramallah.
The memorandum was signed by Ismail Haneyya, deputy head of Hamas's political bureau, MPs, representatives of Palestinian factions, and many Palestinian figures who stressed the Palestinian non-negotiable rights and constants.
Largest memorandum
The document, which is considered to be the largest memorandum of protest against the settlement and the apartheid wall in the whole world, collected about 10500 signatures so far and will be handed over to the UN representative office in Gaza and the West Bank at the same time.
For his part, Issam Udwan head of Hamas Department of Refugees' Affairs said in a press conference that this document will be handed over to the UN representative office on May 14, 2015 after being signed by many Palestinian figures and factions. He also stressed the importance of the event in rejecting the settlement which misappropriates the Palestinian lands and the apartheid wall which separates the Palestinian lands.
Udwan shed light on the Israeli frenzied expropriation campaign of Palestinian lands and touched on the Israeli decision to demolish 50 homes in the 1948-occupied lands.
Palestinian duty
Secretary-general of al-Ahrar Movement Khaled Abu Hilal told the PIC reporter: "We are here today to sign this document as part of the Palestinian duty and to sound alarm bells over the Israeli settlement and apartheid wall which is tearing apart the Palestinian lands and unity." He also highlighted the importance of achieving the Palestinian unity.
Adherence to rights
The Islamic Jihad leader Khader Habib told the PIC: "Today, we affirm the Palestinian people's adherence to their right to the whole Palestinian lands, and that we will never compromise on the slightest portion of our people's rights."
And added: "We raise our voice to demand an end to the Israeli crimes amid the international silence and complicity."
He also called on the United Nations to fulfill its role and stop the inhuman crimes committed by Israel in absolute disregard of the international laws and conventions.
The event was organized in front of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) in Gaza in cooperation with al-Assour center for heritage in Silwad town in Ramallah.
The memorandum was signed by Ismail Haneyya, deputy head of Hamas's political bureau, MPs, representatives of Palestinian factions, and many Palestinian figures who stressed the Palestinian non-negotiable rights and constants.
Largest memorandum
The document, which is considered to be the largest memorandum of protest against the settlement and the apartheid wall in the whole world, collected about 10500 signatures so far and will be handed over to the UN representative office in Gaza and the West Bank at the same time.
For his part, Issam Udwan head of Hamas Department of Refugees' Affairs said in a press conference that this document will be handed over to the UN representative office on May 14, 2015 after being signed by many Palestinian figures and factions. He also stressed the importance of the event in rejecting the settlement which misappropriates the Palestinian lands and the apartheid wall which separates the Palestinian lands.
Udwan shed light on the Israeli frenzied expropriation campaign of Palestinian lands and touched on the Israeli decision to demolish 50 homes in the 1948-occupied lands.
Palestinian duty
Secretary-general of al-Ahrar Movement Khaled Abu Hilal told the PIC reporter: "We are here today to sign this document as part of the Palestinian duty and to sound alarm bells over the Israeli settlement and apartheid wall which is tearing apart the Palestinian lands and unity." He also highlighted the importance of achieving the Palestinian unity.
Adherence to rights
The Islamic Jihad leader Khader Habib told the PIC: "Today, we affirm the Palestinian people's adherence to their right to the whole Palestinian lands, and that we will never compromise on the slightest portion of our people's rights."
And added: "We raise our voice to demand an end to the Israeli crimes amid the international silence and complicity."
He also called on the United Nations to fulfill its role and stop the inhuman crimes committed by Israel in absolute disregard of the international laws and conventions.
The new United Nations official charged with working toward peace in the Middle East on Wednesday arrived in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov arrived in Gaza at the head of a 10-member delegation via the Erez crossing from southern Israel.
The trip to Gaza is a first for Mladenov since his appointment to the position in early February by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
On April 15, Mladenov said in a statement that "The UN remains committed to supporting the reconstruction of Gaza." "With the advent of a number of large scale housing and infrastructure projects, it would be important for Israel and all stakeholders to work together and accelerate the entry of construction materials," he said at the time.
That statement was released following the envoy's first meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.
In his position, Mladenov also serves as the personal representative of the UN leader to the Palestine Liberation Organization, the Palestinian Authority, and the international quarter on the Middle East, including the UN, EU, US, and Russia.
He has come under fire by some Palestinian critics, who accuse him of taking strongly pro-Israel stances during his time as Bulgarian foreign minister in 2010 to 2013.Mladenov replaced Robert Serry, who was UN Mideast peace coordinator since 2007.
Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov arrived in Gaza at the head of a 10-member delegation via the Erez crossing from southern Israel.
The trip to Gaza is a first for Mladenov since his appointment to the position in early February by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
On April 15, Mladenov said in a statement that "The UN remains committed to supporting the reconstruction of Gaza." "With the advent of a number of large scale housing and infrastructure projects, it would be important for Israel and all stakeholders to work together and accelerate the entry of construction materials," he said at the time.
That statement was released following the envoy's first meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.
In his position, Mladenov also serves as the personal representative of the UN leader to the Palestine Liberation Organization, the Palestinian Authority, and the international quarter on the Middle East, including the UN, EU, US, and Russia.
He has come under fire by some Palestinian critics, who accuse him of taking strongly pro-Israel stances during his time as Bulgarian foreign minister in 2010 to 2013.Mladenov replaced Robert Serry, who was UN Mideast peace coordinator since 2007.
Allegations by the Israeli security apparatus Shin Bet that Hamas fighters are trained in Malaysia are trumped-up stories, senior Hamas leader Husam Badran said Tuesday.
Badran, Hamas spokesman abroad, branded such accusations by the Shin Bet as part of a preplanned Israeli propaganda aimed at stepping up pressure and chasing down Palestinian students enrolled overseas.
“By weaving these sorts of fibs, the Israeli occupation is seeking pretexts for its arbitrary abduction of the Palestinian students who are eligible for travel grants along with those coming back home to the West Bank from a foreign country,” he added.
Earlier, the Shin Bet claimed the armed wing of Hamas is training West Bank Palestinian students in Malaysia to conduct attacks on Israeli targets.
Badran, Hamas spokesman abroad, branded such accusations by the Shin Bet as part of a preplanned Israeli propaganda aimed at stepping up pressure and chasing down Palestinian students enrolled overseas.
“By weaving these sorts of fibs, the Israeli occupation is seeking pretexts for its arbitrary abduction of the Palestinian students who are eligible for travel grants along with those coming back home to the West Bank from a foreign country,” he added.
Earlier, the Shin Bet claimed the armed wing of Hamas is training West Bank Palestinian students in Malaysia to conduct attacks on Israeli targets.
Head of Tunisia’s Ennahda Party, Sheikh Rached al-Ghannouchi, afternoon Monday called on the Palestinians to pool resources and work together to oust the Israeli occupation from the Palestinian soil.
Al-Ghannounchi said, as he received the Palestinian writer and politician Nabil Amr in his office in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, the Palestinian cause has priority both in Tunisians’ and Muslims’ concerns.
A press statement issued, meanwhile, by Ennahda Party said Amr briefed his Tunisian host on the latest developments emerging on the Palestinian socio-political arena and the hurdles set before the national reconciliation process.
Al-Ghannounchi said, as he received the Palestinian writer and politician Nabil Amr in his office in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, the Palestinian cause has priority both in Tunisians’ and Muslims’ concerns.
A press statement issued, meanwhile, by Ennahda Party said Amr briefed his Tunisian host on the latest developments emerging on the Palestinian socio-political arena and the hurdles set before the national reconciliation process.
28 apr 2015
The Palestinian cultural week in Algeria has been launched on Monday evening as part of the event "Constantine, Capital of Arab Culture 2015."
Organized in the presence of the adviser to Palestine's ambassador to Algiers Haythem Amayeri, the week is marked by the organization of an impressive photo exhibition devoted to "The city of Al-Quds throughout history," held at the Mohamed-Laid Al Khalifa cultural center, the Algeria Press Service reported.
The rich and authentic Palestinian heritage was highly represented by the Palestinian delegation during Monday’s event.
The visitors were also able to discover the Palestinian literature and its illustrious representatives like Darwich, Brahim Salah, Dima Samane and Toufik Fayadh, the sources added.
In his short speech, Haythem Amayeri welcomed Algeria's unchanging position regarding the Palestinian cause, affirming that the relations of Palestine with Algeria are based on a solid foundation, as shown, he added, by the choice of Palestine as the first country to inaugurate the event's cultural weeks.
The Palestinian cultural week in Constantine will last till April 30 with conferences and evenings performed by folk troupes.
Organized in the presence of the adviser to Palestine's ambassador to Algiers Haythem Amayeri, the week is marked by the organization of an impressive photo exhibition devoted to "The city of Al-Quds throughout history," held at the Mohamed-Laid Al Khalifa cultural center, the Algeria Press Service reported.
The rich and authentic Palestinian heritage was highly represented by the Palestinian delegation during Monday’s event.
The visitors were also able to discover the Palestinian literature and its illustrious representatives like Darwich, Brahim Salah, Dima Samane and Toufik Fayadh, the sources added.
In his short speech, Haythem Amayeri welcomed Algeria's unchanging position regarding the Palestinian cause, affirming that the relations of Palestine with Algeria are based on a solid foundation, as shown, he added, by the choice of Palestine as the first country to inaugurate the event's cultural weeks.
The Palestinian cultural week in Constantine will last till April 30 with conferences and evenings performed by folk troupes.
The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, denied claims that two of the group’s members might have been arrested by the Egyptian authorities near the Sinai Peninsula.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said in a statement issued Monday that rumors propagated by unreliable media sources claiming Egyptian security forces arrested two Palestinian brothers in al-Arish, in the northern Sinai Peninsula, alleging the two belong to Hamas and its armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, are just groundless and false.
“Such rumors make part of the ad hominem campaign targeting Hamas and its heroic achievements,” he added.
“Al-Qassam’s and Hamas’s battlefield is Palestine only; their enemy the Israeli occupation; the destination of their resistance weapons Israelis. All the conspiracies weaved against al-Qassam’s history are just doomed to failure,” he further emphasized.
Earlier, Egyptian media sources claimed two brothers affiliated with al-Qassam Brigades were captured by the Egyptian army in Sinai.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said in a statement issued Monday that rumors propagated by unreliable media sources claiming Egyptian security forces arrested two Palestinian brothers in al-Arish, in the northern Sinai Peninsula, alleging the two belong to Hamas and its armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, are just groundless and false.
“Such rumors make part of the ad hominem campaign targeting Hamas and its heroic achievements,” he added.
“Al-Qassam’s and Hamas’s battlefield is Palestine only; their enemy the Israeli occupation; the destination of their resistance weapons Israelis. All the conspiracies weaved against al-Qassam’s history are just doomed to failure,” he further emphasized.
Earlier, Egyptian media sources claimed two brothers affiliated with al-Qassam Brigades were captured by the Egyptian army in Sinai.
27 apr 2015
The EU Representative, John Gatt-Rutter called Monday on the Palestinian Authority (PA), while presenting the 2014 European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) progress report, to bear its responsibilities in Gaza and to accelerate holding the elections.
The report on Palestine underlines key developments and reform efforts in 2014 and makes recommendations for the year to come.
It called on the PA to resume full governmental responsibility in Gaza and to organize free and fair presidential and legislative elections across Palestine.
Gatt-Rutter presented yesterday the 2014 European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) progress report for Palestine to the Palestinian Authority Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Riad Al Malki.
Palestinians faced exceptional challenges in 2014 namely the suffering and destruction caused by the summer conflict in Gaza, the breakdown in peace negotiations in early 2014, and increased tensions across the West Bank including in East Jerusalem, the report pointed out.
"We have witnessed the formation of the Palestinian National consensus government that we welcomed. However, unfortunately to-date this government is still unable to assume its full responsibilities in Gaza," said the EU Representative.
Palestinian civil society in the West Bank still enjoys a relatively positive environment but there has been a shrinking of democratic space with complaints of violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, he added.
The report commended the Palestinian Authority for pursuing positive steps toward advancing intra-Palestinian reconciliation in line with the principles set out by President Abbas on 4 May 2011. It recommended resuming full governmental responsibility in Gaza and organizing free and fair presidential and legislative elections across Palestine.
The report on Palestine underlines key developments and reform efforts in 2014 and makes recommendations for the year to come.
It called on the PA to resume full governmental responsibility in Gaza and to organize free and fair presidential and legislative elections across Palestine.
Gatt-Rutter presented yesterday the 2014 European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) progress report for Palestine to the Palestinian Authority Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Riad Al Malki.
Palestinians faced exceptional challenges in 2014 namely the suffering and destruction caused by the summer conflict in Gaza, the breakdown in peace negotiations in early 2014, and increased tensions across the West Bank including in East Jerusalem, the report pointed out.
"We have witnessed the formation of the Palestinian National consensus government that we welcomed. However, unfortunately to-date this government is still unable to assume its full responsibilities in Gaza," said the EU Representative.
Palestinian civil society in the West Bank still enjoys a relatively positive environment but there has been a shrinking of democratic space with complaints of violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, he added.
The report commended the Palestinian Authority for pursuing positive steps toward advancing intra-Palestinian reconciliation in line with the principles set out by President Abbas on 4 May 2011. It recommended resuming full governmental responsibility in Gaza and organizing free and fair presidential and legislative elections across Palestine.
Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah stressed the urgent need on Monday to find a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue based on a Palestinian State free from settlements and with the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem geographically connected.
Hamdallah's statements came during his meeting with a German parliamentary delegation in his office in Ramallah.
The prime minister briefed the delegation on the latest political and economic developments in Palestine, as well as recent Israeli violations against Palestinians especially in occupied Jerusalem.
During the meeting, he called on Germany to increase pressure on Israel to cease violations against Palestinians, and to end the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip.
He also applauded Germany's support for development projects in marginalized areas and area C and also for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Hamdallah's statements came during his meeting with a German parliamentary delegation in his office in Ramallah.
The prime minister briefed the delegation on the latest political and economic developments in Palestine, as well as recent Israeli violations against Palestinians especially in occupied Jerusalem.
During the meeting, he called on Germany to increase pressure on Israel to cease violations against Palestinians, and to end the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip.
He also applauded Germany's support for development projects in marginalized areas and area C and also for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Hamas on Sunday branded an upcoming visit by former Israeli president Shimon Peres to Morocco an attempt to polish Israel’s reputation and open the doors for normalization with such a “colonizing entity”.
Peres is expected to pay a visit to Morocco to attend the Clinton Global Initiative's First Middle East and Africa Conference set to kick off on May 5 in the central Moroccan city of Marrakesh.
Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said in a statement posted on his Facebook page Peres's visit to Morocco would only make Israel look better in front of the rest of the world and open the door for "perilous" normalization with the self-proclaimed Jewish state.
Barhoum expressed hopes that the King and government of Morocco will reconsider Peres's projected visit to their country.
Earlier, on Saturday, the Moroccan Committee to Support the Nation’s Causes denounced Peres’s upcoming stopover in Morocco.
“Palestine is everybody’s cause. It is the central cause of the Nation. Its liberation depends on our emancipation from the tyranny contaminating our Arab homelands,” member of the committee’s executive bureau, Abdul Hafidh Sukrat, said in a speech delivered in a cultural ceremony staged at the Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences of Ben M’sik.
Peres popped in Morocco on three previous occasions, in 1986, 1993, and 1996, raising questions as to where does the Kingdom precisely stand vis-à-vis the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Peres is expected to pay a visit to Morocco to attend the Clinton Global Initiative's First Middle East and Africa Conference set to kick off on May 5 in the central Moroccan city of Marrakesh.
Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said in a statement posted on his Facebook page Peres's visit to Morocco would only make Israel look better in front of the rest of the world and open the door for "perilous" normalization with the self-proclaimed Jewish state.
Barhoum expressed hopes that the King and government of Morocco will reconsider Peres's projected visit to their country.
Earlier, on Saturday, the Moroccan Committee to Support the Nation’s Causes denounced Peres’s upcoming stopover in Morocco.
“Palestine is everybody’s cause. It is the central cause of the Nation. Its liberation depends on our emancipation from the tyranny contaminating our Arab homelands,” member of the committee’s executive bureau, Abdul Hafidh Sukrat, said in a speech delivered in a cultural ceremony staged at the Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences of Ben M’sik.
Peres popped in Morocco on three previous occasions, in 1986, 1993, and 1996, raising questions as to where does the Kingdom precisely stand vis-à-vis the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Fathi Qar’awi on Sunday said the Birzeit elections, sweepingly won by Hamas, would be probably the last called in the West Bank, particularly after the administration at An-Najah and al-Khalil universities unexpectedly called off projected elections.
MP Qar’awi slammed, in a statement issued by the PLC information office, the abduction of the coordinator for the elections committee at the Birzeit University, which coincided with a meeting called for by PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas to scold the Fatah-affiliated student bloc for being overthrown in the latest election race.
Qar’awi spoke out against the ongoing persecution of the members of the Islamic Bloc, branding it a barefaced proof of the despotism perpetrated by the PA in the West Bank.
“Had the Palestinian Authority known that the Islamic Bloc would win, they would have used weapons to stop that,” he charged.
He said the PA leadership would try every possible means to call off elections at all campuses so as to stop Hamas from winning.
The MP further warned of the PA’s lack of sincerity and commitment as regards ongoing calls to restructure home affairs in the West Bank.
He hailed the wisdom and tolerance maintained by the representatives of the Islamic Bloc both before and after the ballot vote.
“But other parties will surely try to stand as stumbling blocks and work on paralyzing any initiatives launched by the next student council, to be headed by the Islamic Bloc,” he opined.
MP Qar’awi slammed, in a statement issued by the PLC information office, the abduction of the coordinator for the elections committee at the Birzeit University, which coincided with a meeting called for by PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas to scold the Fatah-affiliated student bloc for being overthrown in the latest election race.
Qar’awi spoke out against the ongoing persecution of the members of the Islamic Bloc, branding it a barefaced proof of the despotism perpetrated by the PA in the West Bank.
“Had the Palestinian Authority known that the Islamic Bloc would win, they would have used weapons to stop that,” he charged.
He said the PA leadership would try every possible means to call off elections at all campuses so as to stop Hamas from winning.
The MP further warned of the PA’s lack of sincerity and commitment as regards ongoing calls to restructure home affairs in the West Bank.
He hailed the wisdom and tolerance maintained by the representatives of the Islamic Bloc both before and after the ballot vote.
“But other parties will surely try to stand as stumbling blocks and work on paralyzing any initiatives launched by the next student council, to be headed by the Islamic Bloc,” he opined.