24 apr 2013
MP Mussa condemns Abbas's attempts to thwart Erdogan's visit to Gaza
MP Yahya Mussa stated that Abbas's position towards the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Gaza came within his attempt to keep Hamas Hamas and the Gaza strip under siege and to protect his shaky "legitimacy", calling on the Palestinian people to override him and go ahead with their liberation project.
Abbas has asked, during his visit to Turkey which coincided with John Kerry's visit, Erdogan to postpone his visit to Gaza until the implementation of the national reconciliation.
US Secretary of State John Kerry has also asked the same, however Erdogan insisted to visit Gaza on schedule.
Abu Mazen's position confirmed that he is part of the siege imposed on Hamas, MP Mussa said commenting on attempt by Abbas and US to get Erdogan to cancel his visit to Gaza.
Abbas's continued attempts to reinforce siege on Hamas since 2006 deepened the division and prevented achieving unity between Gaza and the West Bank, he continued.
PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas suffers legitimacy crisis in light of the Arab spring revolutions, so he is trying to improve his image even at the expense of the Palestinian people's interest for fear of being a part of the occupation, he pointed out.
Abbas became out of touch with reality and we should override him and not the Fatah movement to achieve the liberation project, the MP said.
He said that Abbas is using his old and last cards. Abbas wants to use the PLO, Arab, regional and international commitments against Hamas to prevent any visit to the Gaza strip, he clarified.
The MP stressed that the Turkish people and government do not accept any blackmail or any foreign intervention in their decisions, where the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister criticized the U.S. State Secretary John Kerry’s recent comments on a planned visit to Gaza by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
"His comments that ‘we do not want the prime minister to go in May’ are not right in a diplomatic sense," MP Mussa quoted the Turkish Deputy as saying, confirming that the Turkish leadership will not submit to these pressures.
The Turkish leadership is committed to supporting the Palestinian people and lifting the siege on the Gaza strip, he stressed.
Abbas has asked, during his visit to Turkey which coincided with John Kerry's visit, Erdogan to postpone his visit to Gaza until the implementation of the national reconciliation.
US Secretary of State John Kerry has also asked the same, however Erdogan insisted to visit Gaza on schedule.
Abu Mazen's position confirmed that he is part of the siege imposed on Hamas, MP Mussa said commenting on attempt by Abbas and US to get Erdogan to cancel his visit to Gaza.
Abbas's continued attempts to reinforce siege on Hamas since 2006 deepened the division and prevented achieving unity between Gaza and the West Bank, he continued.
PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas suffers legitimacy crisis in light of the Arab spring revolutions, so he is trying to improve his image even at the expense of the Palestinian people's interest for fear of being a part of the occupation, he pointed out.
Abbas became out of touch with reality and we should override him and not the Fatah movement to achieve the liberation project, the MP said.
He said that Abbas is using his old and last cards. Abbas wants to use the PLO, Arab, regional and international commitments against Hamas to prevent any visit to the Gaza strip, he clarified.
The MP stressed that the Turkish people and government do not accept any blackmail or any foreign intervention in their decisions, where the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister criticized the U.S. State Secretary John Kerry’s recent comments on a planned visit to Gaza by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
"His comments that ‘we do not want the prime minister to go in May’ are not right in a diplomatic sense," MP Mussa quoted the Turkish Deputy as saying, confirming that the Turkish leadership will not submit to these pressures.
The Turkish leadership is committed to supporting the Palestinian people and lifting the siege on the Gaza strip, he stressed.
The Islamic bloc boycotts Al-Quds University elections
Islamic bloc at al-Quds University declared its boycott of next week’s student council elections to protest the University administration's rejection to commit to the terms of the elections' rules.
The Islamic bloc said in a press statement that its decision to boycott the elections came to protest the University's intransigence in dealing with the students' demands, stressing that the University has been witnessing crisis since the last semester.
The statement referred to the student blocs' efforts to develop a unified plan for all student councils in all universities in the 2006-2007 academic year to maintain the student movement's unity.
The bloc confirmed that the university administration violated the elections' constitution by involving the postgraduate students in the electoral process and who are not entitled to participate.
The bloc's position was based on the Constitution of the Student Union of al-Quds University, which does not include any term that allows postgraduate students to participate in the student council elections.
The bloc's statement pointed that the participation of postgraduate students in the electoral process is not allowed at al-Quds University, contrary to all Palestinian universities.
The bloc confirmed that the postgraduate students' participation in electoral process in 2004 was an exception in light of agreements at that time, stressing its rejection to legalize this exception by the University administration.
The bloc denounced the University administration's attempts to allow postgraduate students to vote in order to increase financial returns to the University's weak budget.
The bloc indicated that it accepted to participate in the last year elections after receiving promises to resolve this problem this year, but the university administration continued to procrastinate until this moment.
Hamas: Najah election results big victory
Hamas movement described the results of the students’ elections in the Najah university in Nablus as a victory for the Islamic bloc after six years of boycott. Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman, said on Wednesday that winning 33 seats against 43 seats for the Fatah-affiliated bloc reflected growing popularity for the Islamic bloc that has been absent from those elections for six years.
He said that the result pointed to the failure of the policy of persecution on the part of both the PA security apparatuses and the Israeli occupation.
“This is a message to all those who bet on the failure of Hamas and those who try to smear its image and to isolate it from the people,” he added.
The spokesman congratulated the Islamic bloc on behalf of Hamas on what he described as a “big victory”.
The Islamic bloc said in a press statement that its decision to boycott the elections came to protest the University's intransigence in dealing with the students' demands, stressing that the University has been witnessing crisis since the last semester.
The statement referred to the student blocs' efforts to develop a unified plan for all student councils in all universities in the 2006-2007 academic year to maintain the student movement's unity.
The bloc confirmed that the university administration violated the elections' constitution by involving the postgraduate students in the electoral process and who are not entitled to participate.
The bloc's position was based on the Constitution of the Student Union of al-Quds University, which does not include any term that allows postgraduate students to participate in the student council elections.
The bloc's statement pointed that the participation of postgraduate students in the electoral process is not allowed at al-Quds University, contrary to all Palestinian universities.
The bloc confirmed that the postgraduate students' participation in electoral process in 2004 was an exception in light of agreements at that time, stressing its rejection to legalize this exception by the University administration.
The bloc denounced the University administration's attempts to allow postgraduate students to vote in order to increase financial returns to the University's weak budget.
The bloc indicated that it accepted to participate in the last year elections after receiving promises to resolve this problem this year, but the university administration continued to procrastinate until this moment.
Hamas: Najah election results big victory
Hamas movement described the results of the students’ elections in the Najah university in Nablus as a victory for the Islamic bloc after six years of boycott. Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman, said on Wednesday that winning 33 seats against 43 seats for the Fatah-affiliated bloc reflected growing popularity for the Islamic bloc that has been absent from those elections for six years.
He said that the result pointed to the failure of the policy of persecution on the part of both the PA security apparatuses and the Israeli occupation.
“This is a message to all those who bet on the failure of Hamas and those who try to smear its image and to isolate it from the people,” he added.
The spokesman congratulated the Islamic bloc on behalf of Hamas on what he described as a “big victory”.
Islamic bloc wins 33 seats in student council elections at Al-Najah university
The Islamic bloc, the student wing of Hamas, won 33 seats in the student council elections that took place on Tuesday at Al-Najah university in Nablus city after an absence for more than six years as a result of the suppression policy pursued by the Palestinian authority in the West Bank.
According to the final results, 13,824 students out of 19,956 gave their votes in the elections which ended with 43 seats for the Fatah student bloc, 33 seats for the Hamas student bloc, and five for other blocs.
After hearing the results, the Islamic bloc students lay prostrate to thank God for this honorable result, which came despite the suppression they were exposed to before the elections and the intimidation of voters by Fatah students and the security forces in the West Bank.
Many students who support the Islamic bloc refrained from voting in the elections and stayed at homes because of the intimidating security situation in the West Bank.
The Islamic bloc had declared that it would return to its student activities at the West Bank universities to shake off the dust that covered the student movement there.
In this regard, speaker of the Palestinian legislative council Aziz Dweik said that the honorable electoral results which the Islamic bloc had achieved at the West Bank universities reflected that the Palestinian people are still adherent to their religious principles and the resistance.
Dweik noted that the Fatah student bloc had not won its seats at the West Bank universities without using the carrot and stick approach in getting many students to vote for them.
He added that Fatah and its student wing intimidated the students, obstructed many of them from going to their universities during the election days and used several temptations, including scholarships and prepaid cellphone cards to lure others into voting for them.
According to the final results, 13,824 students out of 19,956 gave their votes in the elections which ended with 43 seats for the Fatah student bloc, 33 seats for the Hamas student bloc, and five for other blocs.
After hearing the results, the Islamic bloc students lay prostrate to thank God for this honorable result, which came despite the suppression they were exposed to before the elections and the intimidation of voters by Fatah students and the security forces in the West Bank.
Many students who support the Islamic bloc refrained from voting in the elections and stayed at homes because of the intimidating security situation in the West Bank.
The Islamic bloc had declared that it would return to its student activities at the West Bank universities to shake off the dust that covered the student movement there.
In this regard, speaker of the Palestinian legislative council Aziz Dweik said that the honorable electoral results which the Islamic bloc had achieved at the West Bank universities reflected that the Palestinian people are still adherent to their religious principles and the resistance.
Dweik noted that the Fatah student bloc had not won its seats at the West Bank universities without using the carrot and stick approach in getting many students to vote for them.
He added that Fatah and its student wing intimidated the students, obstructed many of them from going to their universities during the election days and used several temptations, including scholarships and prepaid cellphone cards to lure others into voting for them.
Jordan: Israel to allow UN into Jerusalem Old City
Jordan on Tuesday said Israel has agreed to allow a UN mission to "investigate and assess" heritage conservation in Jerusalem's Old City for the first time since 2004.
"Jordan and Palestine, supported by Arab states, succeeded in pressuring Israel, for the first time since 2004, to accept and facilitate a UNESCO experts' mission to investigate and assess the status of heritage and conservation of the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls," a palace statement said.
The mission will start its work on May 15 "and it has to present its report and recommendations before June 1st, 2013, just before the beginning of the World Heritage Committee 37th session," it added.
According to the palace, Israel confirmed its decision in a letter to UNESCO director general Irina Bokova and in a statement read out on Tuesday at a meeting in Paris of UNESCO's executive board.
Israel also agreed to take part in a technical meeting of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization "to discuss recent Israeli violations against the Mughrabi Gate," in Jerusalem, it added.
The Mughrabi ramp leads from the plaza by the Western Wall, the most sacred site at which Jews can pray, up to the adjoining the sacred compound, known to Muslims as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, which houses Al-Aqsa Mosque.
An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman confirmed to AFP that a UNESCO delegation would be arriving "in the near future" but stressed it would visit heritage sites "throughout Israel, not only in Jerusalem".
Yigal Palmor stressed "there was nothing new about this cooperation (between Israel and UNESCO), and any attempt to portray it otherwise is aimed at concealing the fact some Arab elements have turned UNESCO from a professional agency to a vehicle for political attacks".
"The tendentious language of the statement, loaded with political bias of what is fundamentally a professional activity, is not conducive to finding rational solutions to problems raised by the unwarranted politicization of UNESCO's work, a regrettable phenomenon intensified since the admission of Palestine as a member state in that organization," he added.
Cultural heritage has become a major issue for the two sides since the Palestinians became a UNESCO member in 2011.
Tuesday's announcement comes after a deal was struck in March by which the Palestinian Authority confirmed a verbal agreement dating back to 1924 giving Jordan custodianship over Muslim and Christian sites in Jerusalem.
"Jordan and Palestine, supported by Arab states, succeeded in pressuring Israel, for the first time since 2004, to accept and facilitate a UNESCO experts' mission to investigate and assess the status of heritage and conservation of the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls," a palace statement said.
The mission will start its work on May 15 "and it has to present its report and recommendations before June 1st, 2013, just before the beginning of the World Heritage Committee 37th session," it added.
According to the palace, Israel confirmed its decision in a letter to UNESCO director general Irina Bokova and in a statement read out on Tuesday at a meeting in Paris of UNESCO's executive board.
Israel also agreed to take part in a technical meeting of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization "to discuss recent Israeli violations against the Mughrabi Gate," in Jerusalem, it added.
The Mughrabi ramp leads from the plaza by the Western Wall, the most sacred site at which Jews can pray, up to the adjoining the sacred compound, known to Muslims as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, which houses Al-Aqsa Mosque.
An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman confirmed to AFP that a UNESCO delegation would be arriving "in the near future" but stressed it would visit heritage sites "throughout Israel, not only in Jerusalem".
Yigal Palmor stressed "there was nothing new about this cooperation (between Israel and UNESCO), and any attempt to portray it otherwise is aimed at concealing the fact some Arab elements have turned UNESCO from a professional agency to a vehicle for political attacks".
"The tendentious language of the statement, loaded with political bias of what is fundamentally a professional activity, is not conducive to finding rational solutions to problems raised by the unwarranted politicization of UNESCO's work, a regrettable phenomenon intensified since the admission of Palestine as a member state in that organization," he added.
Cultural heritage has become a major issue for the two sides since the Palestinians became a UNESCO member in 2011.
Tuesday's announcement comes after a deal was struck in March by which the Palestinian Authority confirmed a verbal agreement dating back to 1924 giving Jordan custodianship over Muslim and Christian sites in Jerusalem.
23 apr 2013
Abu Zuhri: US pressures Fatah to freeze reconciliation
Hamas confirmed its commitment to the reconciliation agreement's terms, calling on Fatah not to submit to the American pressures and to implement the reconciliation agreements.
The spokesman for the movement, Sami Abu Zahri, denied talks about Turkish mediation in reconciliation file, stressing the movement's adherence to the Egyptian mediation.
Since the beginning, all the Palestinian movements had agreed on the Egyptian mediation concerning the national reconciliation file, he stressed, welcoming any support to the Egyptian role including Turkish support.
Abu Zahri accused Fatah movement of poisoning the reconciliation atmosphere through escalating political arrests against Hamas supporters in the West Bank and reinforcing the siege on Hamas and Gaza.
He denounced Abbas's calls on Erdogan to cancel his upcoming visit to the Gaza strip.
The national reconciliation is frozen due to the U.S. veto, he confirmed, pointing out to Erekat and Kerry's meeting in Paris during which they agreed not to implement the reconciliation in this current period.
The spokesman for the movement, Sami Abu Zahri, denied talks about Turkish mediation in reconciliation file, stressing the movement's adherence to the Egyptian mediation.
Since the beginning, all the Palestinian movements had agreed on the Egyptian mediation concerning the national reconciliation file, he stressed, welcoming any support to the Egyptian role including Turkish support.
Abu Zahri accused Fatah movement of poisoning the reconciliation atmosphere through escalating political arrests against Hamas supporters in the West Bank and reinforcing the siege on Hamas and Gaza.
He denounced Abbas's calls on Erdogan to cancel his upcoming visit to the Gaza strip.
The national reconciliation is frozen due to the U.S. veto, he confirmed, pointing out to Erekat and Kerry's meeting in Paris during which they agreed not to implement the reconciliation in this current period.
Hamas slams PLO for attacking Palestinian government
The Hamas Movement strongly denounced the Fatah-controlled Palestinian liberation organization (PLO) for launching an inappropriate verbal attack on the legitimate Palestinian government in the Gaza Strip.
In a press release on Monday, Hamas expressed its rejection of the improper seditious language used by the PLO executive committee in its statement and emphasized that the Palestinian government in Gaza came to power through the ballot box and not through a foreign will.
Hamas also criticized Fatah faction for its persistence in claiming that it represents the Palestinian people and using the PLO executive committee to support its claims.
Hamas highlighted that the Palestinian government in Gaza is elected by its own people and it is not the government of Hamas as the PLO labeled in its statement, adding that this government has a vested right to make decisions in the best interest of its people.
It also stressed that the Palestinian legislative council is a legitimate body and its meetings are legal regardless of the closure of its headquarters by the Fatah-controlled Palestinian authority in Ramallah city and Israel's detention of many lawmakers as part of its cooperation with the PA.
In a press release on Monday, Hamas expressed its rejection of the improper seditious language used by the PLO executive committee in its statement and emphasized that the Palestinian government in Gaza came to power through the ballot box and not through a foreign will.
Hamas also criticized Fatah faction for its persistence in claiming that it represents the Palestinian people and using the PLO executive committee to support its claims.
Hamas highlighted that the Palestinian government in Gaza is elected by its own people and it is not the government of Hamas as the PLO labeled in its statement, adding that this government has a vested right to make decisions in the best interest of its people.
It also stressed that the Palestinian legislative council is a legitimate body and its meetings are legal regardless of the closure of its headquarters by the Fatah-controlled Palestinian authority in Ramallah city and Israel's detention of many lawmakers as part of its cooperation with the PA.
Turkey PM says will go to Gaza despite US delay call
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday said he would go ahead with a scheduled trip to the Gaza Strip in May despite US calls to delay the visit.
"There is no question of delaying this trip," Erdogan said on Turkish television. Washington had urged Erdogan to postpone visiting the impoverished Palestinian territory, saying it would be a "distraction" from US efforts to revive the moribund Middle East peace process.
Hamas welcomes Erdogan’s insistence on visiting Gaza
Dr. Sami Abu Zuhir, a Hamas spokesman, has welcomed the announcement by Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he would visit Gaza Strip as declared. Abu Zuhri said in a press release on Tuesday that Erdogan’s position is the natural response to interventions that aim at maintaining the blockade on Gaza.
Haneyya: Erdogan’s visit signals the end of American hegemony
Gaza premier Ismail Haneyya said that the scheduled visit of Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Gaza had signaled the end of US hegemony in the region. Haneyya welcomed and appreciated, in a terse statement in Doha on Tuesday, Erdogan’s visit to Gaza.
He said that the visit reflected the extent of Ankara’s support for the Palestine cause and people.
Erdogan had said that his plan to visit Gaza would not change in response to a request by American secretary of state John Kerry to postpone the visit.
"There is no question of delaying this trip," Erdogan said on Turkish television. Washington had urged Erdogan to postpone visiting the impoverished Palestinian territory, saying it would be a "distraction" from US efforts to revive the moribund Middle East peace process.
Hamas welcomes Erdogan’s insistence on visiting Gaza
Dr. Sami Abu Zuhir, a Hamas spokesman, has welcomed the announcement by Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he would visit Gaza Strip as declared. Abu Zuhri said in a press release on Tuesday that Erdogan’s position is the natural response to interventions that aim at maintaining the blockade on Gaza.
Haneyya: Erdogan’s visit signals the end of American hegemony
Gaza premier Ismail Haneyya said that the scheduled visit of Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Gaza had signaled the end of US hegemony in the region. Haneyya welcomed and appreciated, in a terse statement in Doha on Tuesday, Erdogan’s visit to Gaza.
He said that the visit reflected the extent of Ankara’s support for the Palestine cause and people.
Erdogan had said that his plan to visit Gaza would not change in response to a request by American secretary of state John Kerry to postpone the visit.
Bethlehem man shot dead on coast of Jordanian Dead Sea
A man from Bethlehem was shot dead Monday night on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea, security sources said.
Salih Jahalin's body was found off the Jordanian coast of the Dead Sea, security sources told Ma'an, adding that it appeared he died trying to return to Jordan.
Jahalin, a Bedouin from al-Khader south of Bethlehem, was released from Israeli jail in Dec. 2011. He had served over nine years for affiliation to Fatah and smuggling weapons via the Dead Sea during the second intifada.
On his release, local sources said he continued to smuggle weapons even though Israeli forces had declared the Dead Sea a closed military zone during evening hours.
His body is still in Jordan and it is not yet clear when it will be delivered to the Palestinian side.
Salih Jahalin's body was found off the Jordanian coast of the Dead Sea, security sources told Ma'an, adding that it appeared he died trying to return to Jordan.
Jahalin, a Bedouin from al-Khader south of Bethlehem, was released from Israeli jail in Dec. 2011. He had served over nine years for affiliation to Fatah and smuggling weapons via the Dead Sea during the second intifada.
On his release, local sources said he continued to smuggle weapons even though Israeli forces had declared the Dead Sea a closed military zone during evening hours.
His body is still in Jordan and it is not yet clear when it will be delivered to the Palestinian side.
22 apr 2013
Gunmen open fire at Jerusalem Electricity Company
Unidentified gunmen opened fire on Sunday at the Jerusalem Electricity Company's office in Eizariya, east Jerusalem, a source said.
JEC said it was taking the necessary steps to protect its employees from violence.
This is the second attack against the office in April, after an employee was shot at in the JEC's Ramallah and al-Bireh office.
JEC said it was taking the necessary steps to protect its employees from violence.
This is the second attack against the office in April, after an employee was shot at in the JEC's Ramallah and al-Bireh office.
21 apr 2013
Official: Hamas to focus on removing name from terrorism list
The Hamas movement has been holding a series of closed-door meetings in the Qatari capital of Doha to distribute positions on the new members of its politburo, says senior leader Ahmed Yousif.
Yousif told Ma’an Sunday that the task would be completed this week.
He highlighted that Hamas’ leader in Gaza and deputy chief of the movement’s politburo Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Doha to join the meetings and to discuss reconciliation with Fatah. He is also expected to discuss the special Arab League summit the Emir of Qatar suggested during the latest Doha summit to address Palestinian reconciliation.
Names and positions of new politburo members will be announced soon, added Yousif.
The new Hamas politburo, added Yousif, is expected to focus on benefiting from the Arab, Palestinian and Muslim communities in Europe to recruit support to Hamas in Europe, and try and take the movement’s name off terrorism lists.
“Hamas will focus on convincing European countries to take its name out of the terrorism list. Hamas is certain that the US will not agree to take its name off the list. However, European countries set only one condition to do that -- avoiding martyrdom attacks inside Israel, and Hamas hasn’t carried out any attack since 2004.”
Asked about expected consultations to form a unity government after Salam Fayyad's resignation, Yousif said his movement would be ready to join any consultations.
“The atmosphere is appropriate for forming a technocrat government, and the ball is on President (Mahmoud) Abbas' court who can in a few weeks hold consultations with Palestinian factions and set a date for elections.”
Yousif applauded Fayyad highlighting that his resignation was not directly related to Palestinian reconciliation.
“He has gone through pressures and injustices by some people who tried to show that he was a weak element,” Yousif said.
Fayyad, added Yousif, is innocent of all these accusations and he is a patriotic man who helped the Palestinian national project considerably.
Yousif told Ma’an Sunday that the task would be completed this week.
He highlighted that Hamas’ leader in Gaza and deputy chief of the movement’s politburo Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Doha to join the meetings and to discuss reconciliation with Fatah. He is also expected to discuss the special Arab League summit the Emir of Qatar suggested during the latest Doha summit to address Palestinian reconciliation.
Names and positions of new politburo members will be announced soon, added Yousif.
The new Hamas politburo, added Yousif, is expected to focus on benefiting from the Arab, Palestinian and Muslim communities in Europe to recruit support to Hamas in Europe, and try and take the movement’s name off terrorism lists.
“Hamas will focus on convincing European countries to take its name out of the terrorism list. Hamas is certain that the US will not agree to take its name off the list. However, European countries set only one condition to do that -- avoiding martyrdom attacks inside Israel, and Hamas hasn’t carried out any attack since 2004.”
Asked about expected consultations to form a unity government after Salam Fayyad's resignation, Yousif said his movement would be ready to join any consultations.
“The atmosphere is appropriate for forming a technocrat government, and the ball is on President (Mahmoud) Abbas' court who can in a few weeks hold consultations with Palestinian factions and set a date for elections.”
Yousif applauded Fayyad highlighting that his resignation was not directly related to Palestinian reconciliation.
“He has gone through pressures and injustices by some people who tried to show that he was a weak element,” Yousif said.
Fayyad, added Yousif, is innocent of all these accusations and he is a patriotic man who helped the Palestinian national project considerably.
Hamas condemns Kerry over Erdogan visit
The Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas has condemned US Secretary of State John Kerry for calling on the Turkish prime minister to delay a visit to the Gaza Strip.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri on Sunday blamed Kerry and acting Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas for "collusion in a bid to maintain the (Israeli) blockade on Gaza."
Earlier in the day, the US secretary of state held separate meetings with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Abbas in Istanbul and told reporters he had asked Erdogan to wait for the "right conditions" before going ahead with a scheduled visit to Gaza in May.
"We have expressed to the prime minister that it would be better to delay (the visit to Gaza)," Kerry said.
In November 2012, the eight-day Israeli offensive in Gaza killed about 170 Palestinians, including many women and children, and injured over 1,400 others.
A ceasefire agreement, which took effect on November 21, ended the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip, which has been blockaded since June 2007, a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.
The apartheid regime of Israel denies about 1.7 million people in Gaza their basic rights, such as freedom of movement, jobs that pay proper wages, and adequate healthcare and education.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri on Sunday blamed Kerry and acting Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas for "collusion in a bid to maintain the (Israeli) blockade on Gaza."
Earlier in the day, the US secretary of state held separate meetings with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Abbas in Istanbul and told reporters he had asked Erdogan to wait for the "right conditions" before going ahead with a scheduled visit to Gaza in May.
"We have expressed to the prime minister that it would be better to delay (the visit to Gaza)," Kerry said.
In November 2012, the eight-day Israeli offensive in Gaza killed about 170 Palestinians, including many women and children, and injured over 1,400 others.
A ceasefire agreement, which took effect on November 21, ended the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip, which has been blockaded since June 2007, a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.
The apartheid regime of Israel denies about 1.7 million people in Gaza their basic rights, such as freedom of movement, jobs that pay proper wages, and adequate healthcare and education.
Haniyeh meets with the Crown Prince of Qatar in Doha
The Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh met on Sunday with the Crown Prince of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in the Qatari capital Doha.
Haniyeh left the Gaza Strip to Qatar; to meet with the Qatari Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and discuss with him several important files.
The Palestinian government spokesman Taher al-Nunu confirmed that Haniyeh discussed with the Qatari Crown Prince the issues of reconciliation, Jerusalem, prisoners and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Nunu said in a statement that the Qatari crown prince announced that his country is to donate $11 million to build the Palace of Justice in Gaza, in addition to the Qatari grant for the reconstruction.
Haniyeh has also welcomed the Qatari initiative to hold a mini-summit for national reconciliation in Cairo, and hailed Qatar's attitudes towards the Palestinian case and people.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani proposed to hold a mini-Arab summit in Cairo, with the participation of Hamas and Fatah, in an attempt to achieve reconciliation according to a limited timetable, to form a transitional government of independents, and to agree on the election date.
Haniyeh reviewed during his meeting with the Qatari crown prince the suffering of the Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails, especially the hunger striking captive Samer al-Issawi, and stressed the need to act to stop this suffering and the Israeli violations.
The Gaza Premier has also invited the Crown Prince, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to visit Gaza and open the Qatari projects.
According to Nunu, the Qatari crown prince stressed on his country's full readiness to support the Palestinian people and their just cause, considering it a central issue for the Islamic nation.
Haniyeh left the Gaza Strip to Qatar; to meet with the Qatari Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and discuss with him several important files.
The Palestinian government spokesman Taher al-Nunu confirmed that Haniyeh discussed with the Qatari Crown Prince the issues of reconciliation, Jerusalem, prisoners and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Nunu said in a statement that the Qatari crown prince announced that his country is to donate $11 million to build the Palace of Justice in Gaza, in addition to the Qatari grant for the reconstruction.
Haniyeh has also welcomed the Qatari initiative to hold a mini-summit for national reconciliation in Cairo, and hailed Qatar's attitudes towards the Palestinian case and people.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani proposed to hold a mini-Arab summit in Cairo, with the participation of Hamas and Fatah, in an attempt to achieve reconciliation according to a limited timetable, to form a transitional government of independents, and to agree on the election date.
Haniyeh reviewed during his meeting with the Qatari crown prince the suffering of the Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails, especially the hunger striking captive Samer al-Issawi, and stressed the need to act to stop this suffering and the Israeli violations.
The Gaza Premier has also invited the Crown Prince, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to visit Gaza and open the Qatari projects.
According to Nunu, the Qatari crown prince stressed on his country's full readiness to support the Palestinian people and their just cause, considering it a central issue for the Islamic nation.
Rizqa: Erdogan is determined to visit Gaza
Political advisor to the Palestinian premier Yousuf Rizqa said that Turkish premier Recep Erdogan is determined to visit the Gaza Strip and no one can dissuade him from his decision.
Rizqa ruled out in a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC) on Tuesday that de facto president Mahmoud Abbas would try to dissuade Erdogan from his visit to Gaza, expressing his belief that Abbas would table other issues related the peace process with Israel.
The London-based newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi had reported that there were vigorous efforts made by the Palestinian authority to postpone the visit which the Turkish premier intends to make to Gaza as happened when the Tunisian president delayed his visit to Gaza at the behest of the PA.
Furthermore, senior Fatah official Azzam Al-Ahmed told a PA radio station last Monday that Abbas would visit Ankara soon to discuss Erdogan's visit to Gaza.
The Fatah official also expressed his hope that Erdogan would change his decision to visit Gaza.
Rizqa ruled out in a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC) on Tuesday that de facto president Mahmoud Abbas would try to dissuade Erdogan from his visit to Gaza, expressing his belief that Abbas would table other issues related the peace process with Israel.
The London-based newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi had reported that there were vigorous efforts made by the Palestinian authority to postpone the visit which the Turkish premier intends to make to Gaza as happened when the Tunisian president delayed his visit to Gaza at the behest of the PA.
Furthermore, senior Fatah official Azzam Al-Ahmed told a PA radio station last Monday that Abbas would visit Ankara soon to discuss Erdogan's visit to Gaza.
The Fatah official also expressed his hope that Erdogan would change his decision to visit Gaza.
19 apr 2013
On the anniversary of Rantisi's martyrdom, Hamas renews commitment to resistance
The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas renewed its pledge to the martyrs' blood, and its commitment to the resistance option to liberate and defend the Palestinian people's rights and national constants.
On the 9th anniversary of Abdel Aziz Rantisi's martyrdom, Hamas stressed to continue Rantisi's approach to defend Palestine as part of the Islamic doctrine.
The movement added in its statement that it will not compromise on its people's constants, stressing that "the martyrs' blood is fuel for the battle against the occupation till freedom and return."
Rantisi was assassinated on April 17, 2004 by Israeli shelling of his car after he was appointed Hamas's leader following Sheikh Ahmad Yassin's martyrdom in March 2004.
For his part, the Palestinian Minister of Awqaf, Dr. Ismail Radwan, called on Qassam Brigades to respond to the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people and prisoners.
Radwan's statements came during a march organized by Hamas movement to mark the anniversary of Rantisi's martyrdom and Palestinian Prisoners Day on Thursday.
The occupation must be aware that targeting Hamas leaders will not break the resistance, he said, calling on the Palestinian people to activate the prisoners' issue.
Radwan called on the Arab and Islamic nation to stand behind the Palestinian resistance till the liberation of all the Palestinian territories.
On the 9th anniversary of Abdel Aziz Rantisi's martyrdom, Hamas stressed to continue Rantisi's approach to defend Palestine as part of the Islamic doctrine.
The movement added in its statement that it will not compromise on its people's constants, stressing that "the martyrs' blood is fuel for the battle against the occupation till freedom and return."
Rantisi was assassinated on April 17, 2004 by Israeli shelling of his car after he was appointed Hamas's leader following Sheikh Ahmad Yassin's martyrdom in March 2004.
For his part, the Palestinian Minister of Awqaf, Dr. Ismail Radwan, called on Qassam Brigades to respond to the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people and prisoners.
Radwan's statements came during a march organized by Hamas movement to mark the anniversary of Rantisi's martyrdom and Palestinian Prisoners Day on Thursday.
The occupation must be aware that targeting Hamas leaders will not break the resistance, he said, calling on the Palestinian people to activate the prisoners' issue.
Radwan called on the Arab and Islamic nation to stand behind the Palestinian resistance till the liberation of all the Palestinian territories.
Salam Fayyad Doomed by Israel and Palestinian Enemies Alike
by Daoud Kuttab
When Salam Fayyad took over the Palestinian ministry of finance, the No, 1 complaint against the Palestinian leadership was corruption. I should know: In 1996 I was jailed for seven days because the small TV station I was running dared to broadcast live a session of the newly elected Palestinian legislative council dealing with corruption. Much has happened since then.
Now that he has been a minister and then prime minister, the former World Bank official has put Palestinian finances in order. He unified all income sources, dried up all slush accounts and went against Yasser Arafat's orders by insisting on paying all security officials by direct bank account (rather than with cash given to their commanders based on a questionable list of personnel). Fayyad also became the first Arab government official to publish his government's entire budget online, ushering a new transparency not seen in the entire Arab region.
As prime minister, Fayyad gave new meaning to the term "rule of law," developed the Palestinian police and security forces (to impressive results), and upgraded the judiciary and its independence. Palestinian Radio and TV Corporation moved closer to a public service operation, although the president's office has continued to dictate the news segment. Independent media has also witnessed a golden period even though cases of security violations of press freedoms have persisted.
Fayyad began drawing up a detailed plan of what the Palestinian state should look like and directed his government and international funders in that direction. His blueprint of the state included human development and created the needed infrastructure for statehood, which included roads, ports and a West Bank airport.
Fayyad's efforts won him high marks on all levels, but it failed to provide him with the one element that was necessary: the acquiescence of the Israelis who directly controlled Area C, more than 60% of the West Bank.
The latest human rights report of the United Kingdom's foreign secretary, issued April 15, details some of the Israeli human rights violations that have no doubt weakened Fayyad; among them are an "unprecedented surge" in Israeli settlement, referred to in the report as "illegal under international humanitarian law"; a barrier that incurs illegally on the Palestinian side of the Green Line; the restriction of people and goods to and from Gaza, including access to agricultural and fishing areas; 589 structures demolished in Area C in 2012, and 871 people displaced; violation of article 53 of the Geneva Convention; only 5% of building permits requested by Palestinians for Area C approved, and administrative detention used as punitive measure rather than for the narrow security purpose for which it was intended.
The Palestinian prime minister was also never able to convince Israel to respect the honor and legitimacy of the Palestinian government within Area A. Regular infiltrations continued unabated even after the professionally trained Palestinian security forces proved (according to senior Israel Defense Forces officials) their ability to deliver. Fayyad's legitimacy was eroded every time an Israeli army incursion occurred in Palestinian areas or every time settlement activities increased.
As the United States and other Western countries were unable to change Israeli behavior, the Palestinian leadership decided to seek help from the United Nations. This proved to be a fatal blow to Fayyadism, as Israel and the Americans turned against the Palestinians through financial means. The U.S. Congress halted all aid; Israel held back taxes it had collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority and tightened travel restrictions.
The ability of Salam Fayyad to overcome this economic hardship was further eroded by the failure of the two major Palestinian rivals to enact a Saudi- and Qatari-sponsored reconciliation agreement. Funding from those two wealthy Arab countries was held back until the agreement was completed, even though all evidence showed that the pro-Iranian Hamas was not interested in holding elections that could unseat them from power. Recent internal elections in Hamas and the distancing of the Islamists from Bashar al-Asaad and Iranians may now make this possible, but it will be too late for Fayyad.
As the economic pinch hit home, Fayyad had no choice but to tighten the belt, This put him in direct conflict with such local powers as the pro-Fatah Public Workers Union, which refused to accept cuts or delays in its members' salaries and benefits. This situation was in turn a gift to Fatah cronies who have always despised Fayyad, a non-Fatah member, because he refused to do what previous prime ministers have done: spread the wealth to others in the party.
Fayyad's downfall was certainly abetted by internal forces unhappy with his professionalism, but there is no doubt that failure to deliver on political goals, refusal of Israel to respect his legitimacy and curtail its powers, and America's abandonment of him led to his departure. Ironically, a last-ditch effort by Barack Obama and John Kerry to help boost the Palestinian prime minister was too little, too late. In fact, Kerry's public attempt on Fayyad's behalf was the last straw. Asked if he would withdraw his resignation after this public 11th-hour American plea, Fayyad said that no power on earth would make him withdraw it. Fayyad, a Palestinian patriot who has always tried to keep his finger on the pulse of the Palestinian people, understood that had he stayed in power, he would have confirmed his people's worst fears that he was simply a Western stooge.
Daoud Kuttab, former Ferris Professor of Journalism at Princeton University, is the regular columnist for Almonitor.com. This Op-Ed was originally published on the FORWARD.
When Salam Fayyad took over the Palestinian ministry of finance, the No, 1 complaint against the Palestinian leadership was corruption. I should know: In 1996 I was jailed for seven days because the small TV station I was running dared to broadcast live a session of the newly elected Palestinian legislative council dealing with corruption. Much has happened since then.
Now that he has been a minister and then prime minister, the former World Bank official has put Palestinian finances in order. He unified all income sources, dried up all slush accounts and went against Yasser Arafat's orders by insisting on paying all security officials by direct bank account (rather than with cash given to their commanders based on a questionable list of personnel). Fayyad also became the first Arab government official to publish his government's entire budget online, ushering a new transparency not seen in the entire Arab region.
As prime minister, Fayyad gave new meaning to the term "rule of law," developed the Palestinian police and security forces (to impressive results), and upgraded the judiciary and its independence. Palestinian Radio and TV Corporation moved closer to a public service operation, although the president's office has continued to dictate the news segment. Independent media has also witnessed a golden period even though cases of security violations of press freedoms have persisted.
Fayyad began drawing up a detailed plan of what the Palestinian state should look like and directed his government and international funders in that direction. His blueprint of the state included human development and created the needed infrastructure for statehood, which included roads, ports and a West Bank airport.
Fayyad's efforts won him high marks on all levels, but it failed to provide him with the one element that was necessary: the acquiescence of the Israelis who directly controlled Area C, more than 60% of the West Bank.
The latest human rights report of the United Kingdom's foreign secretary, issued April 15, details some of the Israeli human rights violations that have no doubt weakened Fayyad; among them are an "unprecedented surge" in Israeli settlement, referred to in the report as "illegal under international humanitarian law"; a barrier that incurs illegally on the Palestinian side of the Green Line; the restriction of people and goods to and from Gaza, including access to agricultural and fishing areas; 589 structures demolished in Area C in 2012, and 871 people displaced; violation of article 53 of the Geneva Convention; only 5% of building permits requested by Palestinians for Area C approved, and administrative detention used as punitive measure rather than for the narrow security purpose for which it was intended.
The Palestinian prime minister was also never able to convince Israel to respect the honor and legitimacy of the Palestinian government within Area A. Regular infiltrations continued unabated even after the professionally trained Palestinian security forces proved (according to senior Israel Defense Forces officials) their ability to deliver. Fayyad's legitimacy was eroded every time an Israeli army incursion occurred in Palestinian areas or every time settlement activities increased.
As the United States and other Western countries were unable to change Israeli behavior, the Palestinian leadership decided to seek help from the United Nations. This proved to be a fatal blow to Fayyadism, as Israel and the Americans turned against the Palestinians through financial means. The U.S. Congress halted all aid; Israel held back taxes it had collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority and tightened travel restrictions.
The ability of Salam Fayyad to overcome this economic hardship was further eroded by the failure of the two major Palestinian rivals to enact a Saudi- and Qatari-sponsored reconciliation agreement. Funding from those two wealthy Arab countries was held back until the agreement was completed, even though all evidence showed that the pro-Iranian Hamas was not interested in holding elections that could unseat them from power. Recent internal elections in Hamas and the distancing of the Islamists from Bashar al-Asaad and Iranians may now make this possible, but it will be too late for Fayyad.
As the economic pinch hit home, Fayyad had no choice but to tighten the belt, This put him in direct conflict with such local powers as the pro-Fatah Public Workers Union, which refused to accept cuts or delays in its members' salaries and benefits. This situation was in turn a gift to Fatah cronies who have always despised Fayyad, a non-Fatah member, because he refused to do what previous prime ministers have done: spread the wealth to others in the party.
Fayyad's downfall was certainly abetted by internal forces unhappy with his professionalism, but there is no doubt that failure to deliver on political goals, refusal of Israel to respect his legitimacy and curtail its powers, and America's abandonment of him led to his departure. Ironically, a last-ditch effort by Barack Obama and John Kerry to help boost the Palestinian prime minister was too little, too late. In fact, Kerry's public attempt on Fayyad's behalf was the last straw. Asked if he would withdraw his resignation after this public 11th-hour American plea, Fayyad said that no power on earth would make him withdraw it. Fayyad, a Palestinian patriot who has always tried to keep his finger on the pulse of the Palestinian people, understood that had he stayed in power, he would have confirmed his people's worst fears that he was simply a Western stooge.
Daoud Kuttab, former Ferris Professor of Journalism at Princeton University, is the regular columnist for Almonitor.com. This Op-Ed was originally published on the FORWARD.
Attackers torch Fatah leader's car in Gaza
Assailants set fire to the car of a Fatah leader in the southern Gaza Strip late Thursday, Fatah said Friday.
Unidentified attackers torched Mahmud Hussein's car outside his home in Rafah, Fatah said in a statement.
Fatah condemned the attack and vowed to prosecute the perpetrators. Hussein is the party's secretary-general in the Hamas-run enclave.
Unidentified attackers torched Mahmud Hussein's car outside his home in Rafah, Fatah said in a statement.
Fatah condemned the attack and vowed to prosecute the perpetrators. Hussein is the party's secretary-general in the Hamas-run enclave.
18 apr 2013
First Palestine Marathon Launching Sunday
On Sunday 21st April, the city of Bethlehem is due to welcome around 200 local and international runners for the first Palestine Marathon that was organized by two Danish women working in Jerusalem.
The race organizers said that the marathon is to confirm that the Palestinian people has the right to "freedom of movement", a condemnation for the brutal attack in Boston and to express hope that the marathon in Bethlehem will help restore the image of the marathon as an innocent, popular sporting event away from hate and conflict.
They also said that the marathon aims to tell the International community about the suffering of the Palestinian people regards the restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation on their movement. They added that an international intervention is needed to stop the Israeli harassment against the Palestinians in general and sport in particular.
More than 200 local and international athletes are due to participate in the marathon. Around 160 Palestinian policemen are to be deployed on the streets, in addition to 200 volunteers to help organizing the marathon that will start from 8 AM till 2 PM.
The marathon organizers briefed the Governor of Bethlehem, Abdul Fattah Hamayel, of the latest preparations for the marathon that will begin near the Nativity Church, heading toward the eastern entrance of Bethlehem near the Israeli Apartheid Wall, passing a refugee camp and it moves through city streets and then returning to the start point (Manger Square). Due to the challenge of finding a continuous stretch of road in the occupied territory, the marathon is a two-loop course. Half marathoners will run the loop once. A 10-K and a women's 5-K is also being offered.
The organizers also added that on Saturday evening at around 8 PM, candles will be lighted in the Manger Square in solidarity with the victims of Boston Marathon and their families from the heart of Bethlehem city and Palestine that also suffer from the terror attacks and aggression of the Israeli occupation.
The race organizers said that the marathon is to confirm that the Palestinian people has the right to "freedom of movement", a condemnation for the brutal attack in Boston and to express hope that the marathon in Bethlehem will help restore the image of the marathon as an innocent, popular sporting event away from hate and conflict.
They also said that the marathon aims to tell the International community about the suffering of the Palestinian people regards the restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation on their movement. They added that an international intervention is needed to stop the Israeli harassment against the Palestinians in general and sport in particular.
More than 200 local and international athletes are due to participate in the marathon. Around 160 Palestinian policemen are to be deployed on the streets, in addition to 200 volunteers to help organizing the marathon that will start from 8 AM till 2 PM.
The marathon organizers briefed the Governor of Bethlehem, Abdul Fattah Hamayel, of the latest preparations for the marathon that will begin near the Nativity Church, heading toward the eastern entrance of Bethlehem near the Israeli Apartheid Wall, passing a refugee camp and it moves through city streets and then returning to the start point (Manger Square). Due to the challenge of finding a continuous stretch of road in the occupied territory, the marathon is a two-loop course. Half marathoners will run the loop once. A 10-K and a women's 5-K is also being offered.
The organizers also added that on Saturday evening at around 8 PM, candles will be lighted in the Manger Square in solidarity with the victims of Boston Marathon and their families from the heart of Bethlehem city and Palestine that also suffer from the terror attacks and aggression of the Israeli occupation.
