5 may 2015
The first round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Palestine were held in Ramallah Monday in efforts to strengthen bilateral diplomatic relations.
India's support for the Palestinian cause was emphasized by Indian officials during the meeting, led by Ambassador Mazen Shamiya, representing Palestine and Ambassador Sandeep Kumar representing India, the Indian Representative office in Ramallah said.
Delegations discussed regional and multilateral issues including the latest developments in the Middle East peace process, regional developments and the "fight against terrorism," as well as United Nations Security Council reforms, the office said in a statement.
Palestinian representatives underlined support to the efforts and aspirations of India to obtain a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, as both sides agreed to increase efforts in building a mutual relationship.
India has historically supported the Palestinian cause, however support has fluctuated in recent decades as the country has maintained close diplomatic, military, and commercial relations with Israel.
As India long fought against a colonial occupation enforced by the same British Empire that allied with the Zionist forces that created the state of Israel, India formally adhered to policies supporting "inalienable rights" of Palestinians since 1947, the year that India's gained independence from British colonial occupation.
Such solidarity with Palestinians was hampered in 1992 when India cemented diplomatic relations with Israel. Today, India is the number one buyer of Israeli military equipment, conducts extensive trade with the country, and collaborates with Israeli intelligence in efforts to combat extremist activity in and surrounding India.
While maintaining a so-called "neutral" stance on continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza crisis, India was, however, one of many non-European countries to vote in favor of a UNHRC probe into alleged war crimes committed by Israeli forces during last summer's war in the strip.
India's support for the Palestinian cause was emphasized by Indian officials during the meeting, led by Ambassador Mazen Shamiya, representing Palestine and Ambassador Sandeep Kumar representing India, the Indian Representative office in Ramallah said.
Delegations discussed regional and multilateral issues including the latest developments in the Middle East peace process, regional developments and the "fight against terrorism," as well as United Nations Security Council reforms, the office said in a statement.
Palestinian representatives underlined support to the efforts and aspirations of India to obtain a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, as both sides agreed to increase efforts in building a mutual relationship.
India has historically supported the Palestinian cause, however support has fluctuated in recent decades as the country has maintained close diplomatic, military, and commercial relations with Israel.
As India long fought against a colonial occupation enforced by the same British Empire that allied with the Zionist forces that created the state of Israel, India formally adhered to policies supporting "inalienable rights" of Palestinians since 1947, the year that India's gained independence from British colonial occupation.
Such solidarity with Palestinians was hampered in 1992 when India cemented diplomatic relations with Israel. Today, India is the number one buyer of Israeli military equipment, conducts extensive trade with the country, and collaborates with Israeli intelligence in efforts to combat extremist activity in and surrounding India.
While maintaining a so-called "neutral" stance on continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza crisis, India was, however, one of many non-European countries to vote in favor of a UNHRC probe into alleged war crimes committed by Israeli forces during last summer's war in the strip.
Jamal Bobali, 28
Unidentified gunmen shot dead a Palestinian resident of Bat Yam neighborhood south of Tel Aviv Monday night, Israeli police and medical sources said.
Jamal Bobali, 28 from Jaffa, was evacuated in critical condition to Wolfson Medical Center in Holon where he soon succumbed to his wounds, according to the Israeli ambulance service. Another shooting attack was also reported in the city of Lod southeast Tel Aviv.
Sources told a Ma'an reporter that a Palestinian man was shot and critically injured while driving his private car in al-Mahatta (the station) neighborhood of Lod. He was evacuated to Assaf Harofeh Medical Center near Ramla.
Israeli security sources said the motive behind the two incidents appeared to be criminal highlighting that both shooting took place about the same time.
Unidentified gunmen shot dead a Palestinian resident of Bat Yam neighborhood south of Tel Aviv Monday night, Israeli police and medical sources said.
Jamal Bobali, 28 from Jaffa, was evacuated in critical condition to Wolfson Medical Center in Holon where he soon succumbed to his wounds, according to the Israeli ambulance service. Another shooting attack was also reported in the city of Lod southeast Tel Aviv.
Sources told a Ma'an reporter that a Palestinian man was shot and critically injured while driving his private car in al-Mahatta (the station) neighborhood of Lod. He was evacuated to Assaf Harofeh Medical Center near Ramla.
Israeli security sources said the motive behind the two incidents appeared to be criminal highlighting that both shooting took place about the same time.
The pro-Palestine Italian cyclist Andrea De Plasio arrived from Rome to Istanbul by bicycle in a solidarity journey covering over 5,000 kilometers.
On his way to Istanbul, Plasio passed through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece in a bike journey that lasted two months and a half.
The Anadolu News Agency quoted De Plasio as stating that his trip was, for the most part, motivated by his sincere love for the Palestinian people and his unyielding support of the Palestinian cause.
He said people everywhere in the world are sticking up with Palestinians all along their fight for freedom.
He said the trip is the concrete reverberation of a set of choices and rights of his own.
De Plasio is expected to spend a few days in Istanbul before heading for a 10-day stopover in Palestine.
He expressed his wish to spend the rest of his lifetime in Palestine, saying he is very sad because his dream can hardly, if ever, see the day.
De Plasio reiterated the depoliticized nature of his standpoint, saying his solidarity with the Palestinian people stems rather from a humanitarian call launched by a cause that speaks for itself.
On his way to Istanbul, Plasio passed through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece in a bike journey that lasted two months and a half.
The Anadolu News Agency quoted De Plasio as stating that his trip was, for the most part, motivated by his sincere love for the Palestinian people and his unyielding support of the Palestinian cause.
He said people everywhere in the world are sticking up with Palestinians all along their fight for freedom.
He said the trip is the concrete reverberation of a set of choices and rights of his own.
De Plasio is expected to spend a few days in Istanbul before heading for a 10-day stopover in Palestine.
He expressed his wish to spend the rest of his lifetime in Palestine, saying he is very sad because his dream can hardly, if ever, see the day.
De Plasio reiterated the depoliticized nature of his standpoint, saying his solidarity with the Palestinian people stems rather from a humanitarian call launched by a cause that speaks for itself.
Senior leaders at Sweden’s Social Democratic Party said blacklisting of the Palestinian flag, by the Swedish police, as a logo of terror is an inadvertent error.
The Swedish Minister of Home Affairs, Ann Linde, and the official in charge of international relations at the Social Democratic Party, Andrena Winter, said the designation is an intolerable and unacceptable mistake.
"The local police in Orebro downloaded a list of banned logos from the American National Counterterrorism Center and handed it over to high school principals as part of intents to lookout for early signs of potential trouble among their student populations," Linde said.
She added that the list was not issued by the central government in Stockholm, which branded the designation of the Palestinian flag a non-deliberate and unacceptable mistake.
The Swedish police meanwhile claimed responsibility for the blunder, vowing to take urgent steps to meticulously sift the counter-terrorism material being propagated at schools and remove the Palestinian flag from terror blacklists.
The Swedish Minister of Home Affairs, Ann Linde, and the official in charge of international relations at the Social Democratic Party, Andrena Winter, said the designation is an intolerable and unacceptable mistake.
"The local police in Orebro downloaded a list of banned logos from the American National Counterterrorism Center and handed it over to high school principals as part of intents to lookout for early signs of potential trouble among their student populations," Linde said.
She added that the list was not issued by the central government in Stockholm, which branded the designation of the Palestinian flag a non-deliberate and unacceptable mistake.
The Swedish police meanwhile claimed responsibility for the blunder, vowing to take urgent steps to meticulously sift the counter-terrorism material being propagated at schools and remove the Palestinian flag from terror blacklists.
4 may 2015
Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, announced its refusal of any cabinet reshuffle on the Palestinian unity government with no national consensus.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said, in a statement on Monday, that Hamas refuses any solo ministerial changes made by Fatah movement.
Such amendments would delegitimize the government and turn it into a factious government, he pointed out.
The Palestinian unity government was formed based on an agreement between both Hamas and Fatah movements last June in Gaza Strip.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said, in a statement on Monday, that Hamas refuses any solo ministerial changes made by Fatah movement.
Such amendments would delegitimize the government and turn it into a factious government, he pointed out.
The Palestinian unity government was formed based on an agreement between both Hamas and Fatah movements last June in Gaza Strip.
Fatah Central Committee Member Marwan Barghouthi, who is currently held in the Israeli jail of Hadarim, called for convening Fatah Movement’s 7th conference in order to guarantee the group’s internal unity.
In a leaked letter, Barghouthi stressed his total trust in the efforts made by his group to overcome the current challenges.
The senior leader in Fatah movement called for finalizing preparations for the group’s 7th conference that would guarantee its democratic process and internal unity.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the group’s independence and sincere communication with its people.
Barghouthi called for uniting the movement’s efforts to restore the Palestinian private lands threatened with confiscation, and to take good care of the martyrs and prisoners’ families.
In a leaked letter, Barghouthi stressed his total trust in the efforts made by his group to overcome the current challenges.
The senior leader in Fatah movement called for finalizing preparations for the group’s 7th conference that would guarantee its democratic process and internal unity.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the group’s independence and sincere communication with its people.
Barghouthi called for uniting the movement’s efforts to restore the Palestinian private lands threatened with confiscation, and to take good care of the martyrs and prisoners’ families.
During his visit to Australia, Dr. Riad al-Malki urged the Abbott government to restore "balance" to its voting positions on Israel and Palestine at the United Nations and asked Julie Bishop to include the Palestinian Authority on her next official trip to the Middle East.
Meeting Ms. Bishop in Sydney on Thursday morning, Dr Malki said he'd noted her travels to "other countries" in the Middle East and that "Palestine is missing from that list . . . I think it's very important for her to make such a visit because most of the foreign ministers, the first thing they do after they take office is to come to visit Israel and Palestine."
Dr. Malki's visit was the first by a Palestinian Authority foreign minister.
The Palestinian Authority is alarmed by the Abbott government's perceived tilt towards Israel on several key votes at the UN, including no longer supporting a cessation order on Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.
In December, Australia opposed a UN Security Council proposal that Israel end the occupation of Palestinian territories within two years, and Canberra has withdrawn support for the contention that Israel as an " occupying power" should be forced to comply with the 1949 Geneva Conventions in relation to the occupied territories.
By contrast, federal Labor is making backroom moves that could bring the party's federal conference in July closer to unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state – moves Dr Malki says his government is watching closely.
"I am happy about this," he told Fairfax Media in Sydney. "I believe that they [the ALP] are reaching an important decision. I think it reflects political maturity among the rank and file of the party and reflects what Australian public opinion wants . . . Australian cannot exclude itself from the same phenomena that is sweeping the rest of the world, especially in Europe."
The moves inside federal Labor mirror recent steps taken at the NSW, Queensland and South Australian state Labor conferences. They come as state Labor leader Luke Foley warned MPs this week that they should spend as much time in the West Bank "and/or Gaza" as in Israel, if they accepted "assisted travel" to Israel.
But president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Robert Goot, said on Thursday he had rung federal Labor leader Bill Shorten's office and been told that any moves to change the ALP's national position did not carry MrShorten's imprimatur.
He also denied that Canberra had become unbalanced in favour of Israel, saying that Mr Abbott was restoring positions taken by the Howard government.
Dr Malki said he'd discussed with MsBishop the recent statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that there would never be a Palestinian state while Mr Netanyahu was leader.
Nevertheless, Dr Malki said, his government would "extend our hand to whoever will be [the government] in Israel to jump-start negotiations".
He said a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute would assist the fight against the so-called Islamic State because "by doing so we will take away [that excuse] from most of these [extremist] groups".
He also met Labor's shadow minister for foreign affairs, Tanya Plibersek, on Thursday before flying to New Zealand.
New Zealand has said it wants to use its role on the UN Security Council to "inject new momentum into negotiations on the Middle East peace process".
Meeting Ms. Bishop in Sydney on Thursday morning, Dr Malki said he'd noted her travels to "other countries" in the Middle East and that "Palestine is missing from that list . . . I think it's very important for her to make such a visit because most of the foreign ministers, the first thing they do after they take office is to come to visit Israel and Palestine."
Dr. Malki's visit was the first by a Palestinian Authority foreign minister.
The Palestinian Authority is alarmed by the Abbott government's perceived tilt towards Israel on several key votes at the UN, including no longer supporting a cessation order on Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.
In December, Australia opposed a UN Security Council proposal that Israel end the occupation of Palestinian territories within two years, and Canberra has withdrawn support for the contention that Israel as an " occupying power" should be forced to comply with the 1949 Geneva Conventions in relation to the occupied territories.
By contrast, federal Labor is making backroom moves that could bring the party's federal conference in July closer to unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state – moves Dr Malki says his government is watching closely.
"I am happy about this," he told Fairfax Media in Sydney. "I believe that they [the ALP] are reaching an important decision. I think it reflects political maturity among the rank and file of the party and reflects what Australian public opinion wants . . . Australian cannot exclude itself from the same phenomena that is sweeping the rest of the world, especially in Europe."
The moves inside federal Labor mirror recent steps taken at the NSW, Queensland and South Australian state Labor conferences. They come as state Labor leader Luke Foley warned MPs this week that they should spend as much time in the West Bank "and/or Gaza" as in Israel, if they accepted "assisted travel" to Israel.
But president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Robert Goot, said on Thursday he had rung federal Labor leader Bill Shorten's office and been told that any moves to change the ALP's national position did not carry MrShorten's imprimatur.
He also denied that Canberra had become unbalanced in favour of Israel, saying that Mr Abbott was restoring positions taken by the Howard government.
Dr Malki said he'd discussed with MsBishop the recent statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that there would never be a Palestinian state while Mr Netanyahu was leader.
Nevertheless, Dr Malki said, his government would "extend our hand to whoever will be [the government] in Israel to jump-start negotiations".
He said a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute would assist the fight against the so-called Islamic State because "by doing so we will take away [that excuse] from most of these [extremist] groups".
He also met Labor's shadow minister for foreign affairs, Tanya Plibersek, on Thursday before flying to New Zealand.
New Zealand has said it wants to use its role on the UN Security Council to "inject new momentum into negotiations on the Middle East peace process".
3 may 2015
Hamas on Sunday slammed the Swedish police for blacklisting the Palestinian flag as a symbol of terrorism, branding the move as “upsetting.”
Hamas voiced in a press statement its firm condemnation of the ambivalent position adopted by Sweden in regards to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, especially that the move came a few months after Sweden had recognized Palestinian statehood.
The group urged Sweden to press ahead with a serious re-assessment of the tag and resume its pro-Palestine standpoint.
The Swedish police branded the Palestinian flag a terror logo and updated high school principals on the designation allegedly so as be able to lookout for early signs of potential trouble among their student populations in light of several Swedish teenagers becoming radicalized and traveling to Iraq and Syria to join terrorist fighters.
Hamas voiced in a press statement its firm condemnation of the ambivalent position adopted by Sweden in regards to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, especially that the move came a few months after Sweden had recognized Palestinian statehood.
The group urged Sweden to press ahead with a serious re-assessment of the tag and resume its pro-Palestine standpoint.
The Swedish police branded the Palestinian flag a terror logo and updated high school principals on the designation allegedly so as be able to lookout for early signs of potential trouble among their student populations in light of several Swedish teenagers becoming radicalized and traveling to Iraq and Syria to join terrorist fighters.
2 may 2015
Former world leaders Jimmy Carter and Gro Harlem Brundtland met with President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Saturday, concluding a three-day visit by the Elders aimed at promoting peace.
Former US President Carter said that they discussed the direction of Palestinian leadership with Abbas, and that the Elders were particularly concerned with reconciliation efforts and the need for holding Palestinian elections.Carter and former Norwegian Prime Minister Brundtland offered their assistance toward that end, and expressed their wish that "forthcoming elections will bring peace and unity, and benefit all Palestinians."
Carter added: "We hope that some time we'll see elections all over the Palestinian area and East Jerusalem and Gaza and also in the West Bank." He said that elections would "be an important step for Palestinians."
Abbas acknowledged the importance of ending internal Palestinian division in order for the national consensus government to perform its duties, and also accepted the need to prepare for presidential and legislative elections.No election has been held in the occupied territories for nearly a decade.
Abbas's presidential mandate expired in 2009, but he has remained in office since there has been no election. Elections were supposed to take place within six months of April last year, following the Fatah-Hamas agreement that led to the formation of a national unity government. However, they have put on hold indefinitely since then, causing outcry from Hamas who say Abbas has failed to fulfill his promises.In recent days, the unity government has come under intense pressure, with one senior Hamas official branding it a "failure" late on Friday.
MP Ismail al-Ashraq said that Hamas no longer supports the unity government of politically-independent technocrats and demands a government comprising all Palestinian factions.Al-Ashraq reiterated Hamas' demand that elections be held as soon as possible. The official's comments came less than a week after a government minister announced that the unity government had cut off contact with Hamas following a high-profile government visit to Gaza that ended in disarray on Apr. 20.
The visit, aimed at resolving an employee dispute between the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority and Hamas, came to an abrupt end when the delegation of eight ministers alleged that Hamas prevented them from leaving them their hotel or meeting with anyone.
'Animosity and Misunderstanding'
Abbas also used his meeting with the Elders to emphasize the importance of speeding up reconstruction efforts in Gaza, in particular pressing the need for donor countries to meet their pledges. Brundtland said it was unfortunate that she and Carter had not been able to visit the Gaza Strip, although she said, "we have had a chance to discuss with people who know the issues in Gaza."
The delegation had initially been scheduled to visit the coastal enclave but at the last minute cancelled the trip, giving no reason. Highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was one of the delegation's key aims during the visit.In a statement released on their official website, the Elders said that since their last visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories in October 2012, they have watched "with dismay the intensification of animosity and misunderstanding between the two parties."
The statement said: "the steadily deteriorating situation in Gaza must be reversed: the enclave has been under siege for eight years, and in 2014 suffered the third of three devastating wars since 2008/09.
"The statement said: "Reconstruction is painfully slow."While former US President Carter has long been an outspoken critic of Israeli practices in the occupied territories, Brundtland served as Prime Minister of Norway when the Oslo Accords were signed in 1993 and has maintained a close interest in the faltering peace process since.
During their three-day visit, the two Elders have spoken with a range of Palestinian and UN officials. They also met with US Ambassador Dan Shapiro, as well as Yehiel Hilik Bar, Secretary-General of the Israeli Labor Party, to discuss the Labor Party's view on the peace process.
Former US President Carter said that they discussed the direction of Palestinian leadership with Abbas, and that the Elders were particularly concerned with reconciliation efforts and the need for holding Palestinian elections.Carter and former Norwegian Prime Minister Brundtland offered their assistance toward that end, and expressed their wish that "forthcoming elections will bring peace and unity, and benefit all Palestinians."
Carter added: "We hope that some time we'll see elections all over the Palestinian area and East Jerusalem and Gaza and also in the West Bank." He said that elections would "be an important step for Palestinians."
Abbas acknowledged the importance of ending internal Palestinian division in order for the national consensus government to perform its duties, and also accepted the need to prepare for presidential and legislative elections.No election has been held in the occupied territories for nearly a decade.
Abbas's presidential mandate expired in 2009, but he has remained in office since there has been no election. Elections were supposed to take place within six months of April last year, following the Fatah-Hamas agreement that led to the formation of a national unity government. However, they have put on hold indefinitely since then, causing outcry from Hamas who say Abbas has failed to fulfill his promises.In recent days, the unity government has come under intense pressure, with one senior Hamas official branding it a "failure" late on Friday.
MP Ismail al-Ashraq said that Hamas no longer supports the unity government of politically-independent technocrats and demands a government comprising all Palestinian factions.Al-Ashraq reiterated Hamas' demand that elections be held as soon as possible. The official's comments came less than a week after a government minister announced that the unity government had cut off contact with Hamas following a high-profile government visit to Gaza that ended in disarray on Apr. 20.
The visit, aimed at resolving an employee dispute between the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority and Hamas, came to an abrupt end when the delegation of eight ministers alleged that Hamas prevented them from leaving them their hotel or meeting with anyone.
'Animosity and Misunderstanding'
Abbas also used his meeting with the Elders to emphasize the importance of speeding up reconstruction efforts in Gaza, in particular pressing the need for donor countries to meet their pledges. Brundtland said it was unfortunate that she and Carter had not been able to visit the Gaza Strip, although she said, "we have had a chance to discuss with people who know the issues in Gaza."
The delegation had initially been scheduled to visit the coastal enclave but at the last minute cancelled the trip, giving no reason. Highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was one of the delegation's key aims during the visit.In a statement released on their official website, the Elders said that since their last visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories in October 2012, they have watched "with dismay the intensification of animosity and misunderstanding between the two parties."
The statement said: "the steadily deteriorating situation in Gaza must be reversed: the enclave has been under siege for eight years, and in 2014 suffered the third of three devastating wars since 2008/09.
"The statement said: "Reconstruction is painfully slow."While former US President Carter has long been an outspoken critic of Israeli practices in the occupied territories, Brundtland served as Prime Minister of Norway when the Oslo Accords were signed in 1993 and has maintained a close interest in the faltering peace process since.
During their three-day visit, the two Elders have spoken with a range of Palestinian and UN officials. They also met with US Ambassador Dan Shapiro, as well as Yehiel Hilik Bar, Secretary-General of the Israeli Labor Party, to discuss the Labor Party's view on the peace process.
Nihad Awad Khleif, 30
Hamas' military wing Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades said that one of their fighters died in a tunnel collapse on Saturday in the northern Gaza Strip.
In a statement the Brigades identified the fighter as Nihad Awad Khleif, 30, from Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip.
A number of fighters in Gaza have been killed by accidents during military training exercises in recent years, and the tunnel networks, which are largely used for smuggling in the coastal enclave's south and for military purposes in the north, are notoriously dangerous.
The Institute for Palestine Studies reported in 2012 that Hamas authorities had counted 160 deaths inside the tunnels since the Israeli blockade began in 2007, and in August 2014, Al-Jazeera reported that figure to be as high as 400.
Separately, Islamic Jihad announced earlier on Saturday the death of a gunman from the group's military wing in the northern Gaza Strip, saying that Nasim Khalil Naim had been killed during a "Jihadist mission," without giving further details.
Hamas' military wing Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades said that one of their fighters died in a tunnel collapse on Saturday in the northern Gaza Strip.
In a statement the Brigades identified the fighter as Nihad Awad Khleif, 30, from Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip.
A number of fighters in Gaza have been killed by accidents during military training exercises in recent years, and the tunnel networks, which are largely used for smuggling in the coastal enclave's south and for military purposes in the north, are notoriously dangerous.
The Institute for Palestine Studies reported in 2012 that Hamas authorities had counted 160 deaths inside the tunnels since the Israeli blockade began in 2007, and in August 2014, Al-Jazeera reported that figure to be as high as 400.
Separately, Islamic Jihad announced earlier on Saturday the death of a gunman from the group's military wing in the northern Gaza Strip, saying that Nasim Khalil Naim had been killed during a "Jihadist mission," without giving further details.
Prominent leader in Hamas movement Mahmoud al-Zahar Friday evening called on Saudi Arabia to bring Palestinian factions to a Mecca 2 agreement and an Arab follow-up committee.
During a televised interview broadcast on al-Jazeera TV Channel, al-Zahar said that his movement is working on reaching a new Mecca agreement to achieve a real Palestinian reconciliation, pointing to the international and regional efforts made to end the internal division.
"We call for Saudi-backed mediation efforts between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah to reach a Mecca 2 agreement controlled by an Arab follow-up committee," he urged.
Earlier Friday, deputy head of Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh said that Palestinians look forward to Saudi intervention to end the internal division, similarly to Mecca reconciliation agreement.
In 2007, late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz brokered the first Mecca agreement between Hamas and Fatah, which led to the formation of a short-lived Palestinian unity government.
During a televised interview broadcast on al-Jazeera TV Channel, al-Zahar said that his movement is working on reaching a new Mecca agreement to achieve a real Palestinian reconciliation, pointing to the international and regional efforts made to end the internal division.
"We call for Saudi-backed mediation efforts between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah to reach a Mecca 2 agreement controlled by an Arab follow-up committee," he urged.
Earlier Friday, deputy head of Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh said that Palestinians look forward to Saudi intervention to end the internal division, similarly to Mecca reconciliation agreement.
In 2007, late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz brokered the first Mecca agreement between Hamas and Fatah, which led to the formation of a short-lived Palestinian unity government.
1 may 2015
Unidentified assailants blew up Friday morning a private car in Gaza City. The car was completely burnt, security sources revealed.
No casualties were reported, the sources added. An urgent investigation has been opened into the circumstances of the explosion.
Similar explosions and attacks have occurred recently in Gaza Strip which were described by the Interior Ministry as failed attempts to restore chaos in the strip.
No casualties were reported, the sources added. An urgent investigation has been opened into the circumstances of the explosion.
Similar explosions and attacks have occurred recently in Gaza Strip which were described by the Interior Ministry as failed attempts to restore chaos in the strip.
Deputy head of Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh called Friday on Saudi Arabia to intervene in ending the Palestinian internal division and putting an end to Israeli Judaization policy in al-Aqsa mosque.
During his Friday prayer sermon in Saudi Neighborhood Mosque in Gaza, Haniyeh said that Palestinians look forward to Saudi intervention to end the internal division. similarly to Mecca reconciliation agreement.
Haniyeh expressed his hope to develop a Saudi and Arab strategy to confront Israeli systematic targeting of al-Aqsa Mosque.
"We really appreciate the Saudi effort for the reconstruction of Gaza," he said, pointing to the Saudi-funded neighborhood in Rafah that contains 1560 housing units.
"Hamas adopts an open relationship strategy with all Arab and Islamic countries as we share the same square which is Palestine, Jerusalem, resistance, the support, the steadfastness," he added.
Hanihey said his movement welcomes any unconditional financial, military, or security support to help promote Palestinian steadfastness and end the occupation.
Over the past 27 years, Hamas has only received unconditional support, Haniyeh stated.
The group’s senior official affirmed that Hamas is not in anyone’s pocket but it has good relationships with everyone.
Hanieyh called for supporting the reconciliation process of Gaza Strip and for lifting its siege.
On the other hand, he said that his movement cannot allow any security threat to Egypt. "We have no relation with what is happening in Sinai. Our weapon is only directed to the Israeli occupation," he stressed.
During his Friday prayer sermon in Saudi Neighborhood Mosque in Gaza, Haniyeh said that Palestinians look forward to Saudi intervention to end the internal division. similarly to Mecca reconciliation agreement.
Haniyeh expressed his hope to develop a Saudi and Arab strategy to confront Israeli systematic targeting of al-Aqsa Mosque.
"We really appreciate the Saudi effort for the reconstruction of Gaza," he said, pointing to the Saudi-funded neighborhood in Rafah that contains 1560 housing units.
"Hamas adopts an open relationship strategy with all Arab and Islamic countries as we share the same square which is Palestine, Jerusalem, resistance, the support, the steadfastness," he added.
Hanihey said his movement welcomes any unconditional financial, military, or security support to help promote Palestinian steadfastness and end the occupation.
Over the past 27 years, Hamas has only received unconditional support, Haniyeh stated.
The group’s senior official affirmed that Hamas is not in anyone’s pocket but it has good relationships with everyone.
Hanieyh called for supporting the reconciliation process of Gaza Strip and for lifting its siege.
On the other hand, he said that his movement cannot allow any security threat to Egypt. "We have no relation with what is happening in Sinai. Our weapon is only directed to the Israeli occupation," he stressed.
The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) denounced the decision of the Hamas-run security forces in Gaza, to prevent a procession marking International Workers’ Day, on Friday, May 1, 2015.
The DFLP said the decision is a violation to the Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Expression, and an assault on public and union freedoms, and rights.
It said such attacks and violations harm the unity of the Palestinians, and just act on boosting more isolation and fragmentation of the Palestinian people, their political factions, and impact the Palestinian steadfastness and determination to resist the illegal Israeli occupation, and siege.
The DFLP also said that such violations cast doubts on the seriousness of Hamas to regain national unity, and a unified leadership to challenge Israel’s illegal occupation, and violations.
“The DFLP hereby denounces the political arrests, and assaults, carried out by the Hamas security forces in the Gaza Strip, and also by the security forces in the West Bank,” the statement reads, “The Workers Union has an unalienable right to defend the rights of the working class, and to lead the struggle for their rights.”
“Defending the workers, their rights and freedoms, is an essential part of the alternative strategies that combine resistance with political activities,” it added, “We will continue our activities, rejecting unjust policies and violations, until achieving the rights of all workers in Palestine.”
It also called on the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority in Gaza to void its recent decisions that imposed higher taxes on the workers, and called on the “National Unity Government” to implement all decisions of the Central Council, and to resolve all issues, in addition to implementing a comprehensive development plan in the Gaza Strip.
On Wednesday, the Hamas-run security forces attacked nonviolent protesters demanding Fateh and Hamas movements to end their tensions and divisions, and arrested several Palestinians, including journalists and women.
The DFLP said the decision is a violation to the Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Expression, and an assault on public and union freedoms, and rights.
It said such attacks and violations harm the unity of the Palestinians, and just act on boosting more isolation and fragmentation of the Palestinian people, their political factions, and impact the Palestinian steadfastness and determination to resist the illegal Israeli occupation, and siege.
The DFLP also said that such violations cast doubts on the seriousness of Hamas to regain national unity, and a unified leadership to challenge Israel’s illegal occupation, and violations.
“The DFLP hereby denounces the political arrests, and assaults, carried out by the Hamas security forces in the Gaza Strip, and also by the security forces in the West Bank,” the statement reads, “The Workers Union has an unalienable right to defend the rights of the working class, and to lead the struggle for their rights.”
“Defending the workers, their rights and freedoms, is an essential part of the alternative strategies that combine resistance with political activities,” it added, “We will continue our activities, rejecting unjust policies and violations, until achieving the rights of all workers in Palestine.”
It also called on the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority in Gaza to void its recent decisions that imposed higher taxes on the workers, and called on the “National Unity Government” to implement all decisions of the Central Council, and to resolve all issues, in addition to implementing a comprehensive development plan in the Gaza Strip.
On Wednesday, the Hamas-run security forces attacked nonviolent protesters demanding Fateh and Hamas movements to end their tensions and divisions, and arrested several Palestinians, including journalists and women.
The Palestinian Police in the northern West Bank district of Nablus said that a man was shot and killed in Aseera Shemaliyya town, near Nablus.
The Police said Osama Taiseer Yassin, 31 years of age, was shot in the abdomen, and died under surgery in the Rafidia Governmental Hospital in Nablus.
The circumstances of the deadly shooting remain unknown, while the police is currently investigating it.
The body of the slain Palestinian was moved to a Forensic Center.
The Police said Osama Taiseer Yassin, 31 years of age, was shot in the abdomen, and died under surgery in the Rafidia Governmental Hospital in Nablus.
The circumstances of the deadly shooting remain unknown, while the police is currently investigating it.
The body of the slain Palestinian was moved to a Forensic Center.
