6 mar 2013
Hamas extends condolences over demise of Chavez
The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, extended heartfelt condolences to the “friendly people and government” of Venezuela over the death of president Hugo Chavez on Tuesday night.
Hamas hailed in a statement on Wednesday Chavez’s stands in support of the Palestine cause, adding that he always defended the Palestinian people and its freedom and condemned the Israeli war on Gaza.
Hamas hoped that Venezuela would remain as always an ardent supporter of the Palestinian people’s rights in face of Israeli occupation and arrogance.
Hamas hailed in a statement on Wednesday Chavez’s stands in support of the Palestine cause, adding that he always defended the Palestinian people and its freedom and condemned the Israeli war on Gaza.
Hamas hoped that Venezuela would remain as always an ardent supporter of the Palestinian people’s rights in face of Israeli occupation and arrogance.
Abu Marzouk: Resistance the only road to victory
Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, the deputy chairman of Hamas’s political bureau, met with Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmedi Nejad in Tehran on Wednesday.
Abu Marzouk said after the meeting that the victory of resistance in the latest war on Gaza proved to all Palestinians that resistance is the only feasible road to victory.
He pointed out that the recent changes in the balance of power in the region were in favor of resistance. “We feel that it is about time to reap the fruit of Jihad … and we have to double our efforts to unite Muslims”, he added.
The Hamas leader did not divulge more details about issues discussed during meetings with Iranian officials.
Abu Marzouk said after the meeting that the victory of resistance in the latest war on Gaza proved to all Palestinians that resistance is the only feasible road to victory.
He pointed out that the recent changes in the balance of power in the region were in favor of resistance. “We feel that it is about time to reap the fruit of Jihad … and we have to double our efforts to unite Muslims”, he added.
The Hamas leader did not divulge more details about issues discussed during meetings with Iranian officials.
5 mar 2013
Radwan: Zionism constitutes a threat to humanity
Dr. Ismail Radwan, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, stated that Zionism constitutes a threat to humanity, to values and principles, where it practices the worst forms of murder and terrorism against the Palestinian prisoners and the unarmed Palestinian people.
The Minister's statements came during a rally organized by his ministry outside the Red Cross headquarters in Gaza in support of the Palestinian prisoners, on Monday, which was attended by prisoners' families and representatives of the government and national and Palestinian Islamic forces.
Radwan called on peoples of the Arab Spring and the Palestinian people for more support of the prisoners' issue in the Israeli jails especially the hunger strikers.
He also called on the Palestinian factions to unite their efforts for the prisoners, pointing out to the importance of national unity to intensify efforts for the Palestinian prisoners' issue.
"We will not rest until the prisoners regain their freedom, because they defended the Arab and Muslim nation's dignity and holy places," Radwan said.
The Minister's statements came during a rally organized by his ministry outside the Red Cross headquarters in Gaza in support of the Palestinian prisoners, on Monday, which was attended by prisoners' families and representatives of the government and national and Palestinian Islamic forces.
Radwan called on peoples of the Arab Spring and the Palestinian people for more support of the prisoners' issue in the Israeli jails especially the hunger strikers.
He also called on the Palestinian factions to unite their efforts for the prisoners, pointing out to the importance of national unity to intensify efforts for the Palestinian prisoners' issue.
"We will not rest until the prisoners regain their freedom, because they defended the Arab and Muslim nation's dignity and holy places," Radwan said.
Mahathir Mohammed to visit Gaza soon
Members of the Malaysian-Palestinian youth movement called on former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohammed in his office in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. Yusri Al-Ghul, the deputy director of the movement, said that Mohammed accepted an invitation to visit Gaza after a lengthy discussion on means of supporting the Palestinian cause and humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.
He quoted Mohammed as asserting the importance of supporting the Palestinian people’s rights before discussing a number of international questions.
The former Malaysian premier urged the movement to employ new advanced media to shed light on the Palestinians’ suffering and to think of new creative means to manage their struggle.
The few hours meeting included learning about Mohammed’s experience in Malaysian renaissance and the possibility of cloning it in Palestine.
He quoted Mohammed as asserting the importance of supporting the Palestinian people’s rights before discussing a number of international questions.
The former Malaysian premier urged the movement to employ new advanced media to shed light on the Palestinians’ suffering and to think of new creative means to manage their struggle.
The few hours meeting included learning about Mohammed’s experience in Malaysian renaissance and the possibility of cloning it in Palestine.
2 mar 2013
Abu Marzouk slams Egyptian media for fabricating lies about Hamas
Deputy head of Hamas's political bureau Moussa Abu Marzouk strongly denounced some Egyptian media outlets for their persistence in claiming that his Movement backed president Mohamed Morsi with 500 men from its armed brigades. On his facebook page, Abu Marzouk stated that such news was broadcast and published many times, although Hamas refuted these allegations every time.
He noted that these news outlets attributed the news to anonymous sources and talked about raids without stating if anyone had been arrested.
The Hamas official stressed that such fabricated news do not only target Hamas, but also the Egyptian security apparatuses and the army because such lies accuse them of dereliction of duty and failure to protect Egypt's security and stability.
"Hamas has never taken its conflict with the occupation outside Palestine, even when some of its members were assassinated abroad. Does it make sense for Hamas to target Egypt's security?" the official stated. He reiterated some of his Movement's policies, most importantly, its commitment not to interfere in the internal affairs of the Arab countries, not to take sides, and to only confine its conflict with the Israeli occupation.
He noted that these news outlets attributed the news to anonymous sources and talked about raids without stating if anyone had been arrested.
The Hamas official stressed that such fabricated news do not only target Hamas, but also the Egyptian security apparatuses and the army because such lies accuse them of dereliction of duty and failure to protect Egypt's security and stability.
"Hamas has never taken its conflict with the occupation outside Palestine, even when some of its members were assassinated abroad. Does it make sense for Hamas to target Egypt's security?" the official stated. He reiterated some of his Movement's policies, most importantly, its commitment not to interfere in the internal affairs of the Arab countries, not to take sides, and to only confine its conflict with the Israeli occupation.
1 mar 2013
Abu Subbah and Belgian delegation discuss prosecuting Israel internationally
The Palestinian Minister of Prisoners Dr. Atallah Abu Subbah received on Thursday a Belgian delegation to discuss ways to prosecute the Israeli occupation officials internationally. The delegation was headed by Judge Philip Pavar, head of the Al-Aqsa Foundation Mohammed Al-Hajjaji and Coordinator of the Committee Mohammed Baroud.
The two sides discussed effective ways to prosecute the Israeli war criminals before the Belgian judiciary and the need to proceed with filing lawsuits despite the continued Israeli pressure.
Abu Subbah hailed the delegation's efforts in supporting the Palestinian cause through filing lawsuits against the occupation crimes before international courts.
"You are international human rights activists and we hope that you will defend the oppressed in the world," the Palestinian minster said.
He pointed out that the legal delegations are ready to provide all the necessary assistance so that the war criminals will appear before international courts.
He also stressed that the documentation of the occupation crimes, conducted by his ministry, does not only include crimes committed during the war on Gaza, but it rather documents all the crimes the occupation has been committing.
The two sides discussed effective ways to prosecute the Israeli war criminals before the Belgian judiciary and the need to proceed with filing lawsuits despite the continued Israeli pressure.
Abu Subbah hailed the delegation's efforts in supporting the Palestinian cause through filing lawsuits against the occupation crimes before international courts.
"You are international human rights activists and we hope that you will defend the oppressed in the world," the Palestinian minster said.
He pointed out that the legal delegations are ready to provide all the necessary assistance so that the war criminals will appear before international courts.
He also stressed that the documentation of the occupation crimes, conducted by his ministry, does not only include crimes committed during the war on Gaza, but it rather documents all the crimes the occupation has been committing.
28 feb 2013
Zahhar: Third intifada in West Bank would expel occupiers
Political bureau member of Hamas Dr. Mahmoud al-Zahhar has said that a third intifada in the West bank would expel the Israeli occupation from it similar to what happened in Gaza in 2005. Zahhar, speaking at a session for the Palestinian legislative council on Thursday, said that only resistance would liberate prisoners.
He told the session, held in Gaza and allocated for discussing the death of detainee Arafat Jaradat in Israeli detention under torture, that the Europeans were pursuing a double-standard policy and would not benefit the prisoners’ cause.
He called on Arab and Islamic parliaments to shoulder the responsibility of activating the issue of prisoners.
The Hamas leader blamed the PA security coordination with the Israeli occupation authorities for arresting Palestinians in the West Bank.
He told the session, held in Gaza and allocated for discussing the death of detainee Arafat Jaradat in Israeli detention under torture, that the Europeans were pursuing a double-standard policy and would not benefit the prisoners’ cause.
He called on Arab and Islamic parliaments to shoulder the responsibility of activating the issue of prisoners.
The Hamas leader blamed the PA security coordination with the Israeli occupation authorities for arresting Palestinians in the West Bank.
Hamas applauds EU report against settlement-related dealings
The Hamas Movement hailed the European union for demanding its member states to prevent all financial transactions that support Israel's settlement activities in the occupied territories of the West Bank and Jerusalem. In a press release on Thursday, Hamas said that such EU position is a step in the right direction but insufficient to curb Israel's escalating settlement and Judaization activities.
Hamas called on the EU and the international community to put more pressure on Israel and take strict measures against its settlement expansion.
In a strongly-worded 15-page report released on Wednesday, the EU called for "ensuring that imports of settlement products do not benefit from preferential tariffs" and make sure that all such products are clearly labeled as originating from Israeli-occupied areas.
Written by EU heads of mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah, the report makes nine recommendations on settlements, six of which are related to financial translations linked to or supporting Israel's ongoing construction in the occupied Palestinian lands.
It also warned that EU programs should not be "used to support settlements and settlement-related activity, including funding for research, education or technological cooperation."
The report proposed as well that the EU member states should raise awareness about "the financial and legal risks involved in purchasing property or providing services in settlements."
Hamas called on the EU and the international community to put more pressure on Israel and take strict measures against its settlement expansion.
In a strongly-worded 15-page report released on Wednesday, the EU called for "ensuring that imports of settlement products do not benefit from preferential tariffs" and make sure that all such products are clearly labeled as originating from Israeli-occupied areas.
Written by EU heads of mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah, the report makes nine recommendations on settlements, six of which are related to financial translations linked to or supporting Israel's ongoing construction in the occupied Palestinian lands.
It also warned that EU programs should not be "used to support settlements and settlement-related activity, including funding for research, education or technological cooperation."
The report proposed as well that the EU member states should raise awareness about "the financial and legal risks involved in purchasing property or providing services in settlements."
27 feb 2013
Occupation brings a group of American Indians to settle in Palestine
Jewish Agency concerned with attracting Jews of the world to live in Palestinian occupied lands has been facilitating the arrival of group of American Indians, living on the banks of the Amazon River, claiming they have Jewish origin. Hebrew media revealed that a group of 100 American Indians, who are currently living in the city of Iquitos located on the banks of the Amazon River, are expected to arrive to the occupied territories.
According to Israeli media claims; these people are part of a "unique" Jewish community, originated from the late nineteenth century when a group of Jews migrated from the Maghreb, and settled in this town, located in the jungles of the Amazon basin, where they worked in rubber trade - as alleged by the Hebrew source.
It said that decades ago members of this community have contacted Jewish religious organizations, which worked hard to bring them to the occupied territories. The first group of them arrived in the nineties, followed by another group. Then, 12 years ago, another group of 250 American Indians, arrived. Recently, 100 other people demanded to come to the entity.
An official at the Jewish Agency said that the members of this group hold documents that confirm their Jewish origin, adding that the agency has already approved their arrival but the Israeli Interior Ministry has required additional "complementary" measures.
The new group may come to the occupied territories very soon, after the completion of the procedures.
According to Israeli media claims; these people are part of a "unique" Jewish community, originated from the late nineteenth century when a group of Jews migrated from the Maghreb, and settled in this town, located in the jungles of the Amazon basin, where they worked in rubber trade - as alleged by the Hebrew source.
It said that decades ago members of this community have contacted Jewish religious organizations, which worked hard to bring them to the occupied territories. The first group of them arrived in the nineties, followed by another group. Then, 12 years ago, another group of 250 American Indians, arrived. Recently, 100 other people demanded to come to the entity.
An official at the Jewish Agency said that the members of this group hold documents that confirm their Jewish origin, adding that the agency has already approved their arrival but the Israeli Interior Ministry has required additional "complementary" measures.
The new group may come to the occupied territories very soon, after the completion of the procedures.
Gov't and Hamas slam Addameri for labeling West Bankers' ire as chaos
The Palestinian government in Gaza strongly denounced Adnan Addameri, the spokesman for the Palestinian authority security agencies, for labeling the popular anger in the West Bank against the Israeli occupation regime as "chaos." On his facebook page, spokesman for the government Taher Al-Nunu said that the remarks that had been made by Addameri were an affront to the feelings of the Palestinian people.
For his part, senior Hamas official Salah Al-Bardawil stated that Adnan Addameri always talks and acts out of tune with the Palestinian street and the public mood.
Bardawil added that Addameri ignored on purpose the popular rage caused by the death of prisoner Arafat Jaradat in an Israeli jail and the worsening incarceration conditions of detainees in general.
"Addameiri seems to have forgotten that Fatah and its prisoners called more than the others for revolting in anger against the Zionist occupation," the Hamas official noted.
He affirmed that Addameri uses Zionist terminology when he describes the Palestinians' anger for their dignity as chaos and violence because he, as a man serving the security of the Zionists, only thinks with a conspiratorial mindset.
"As usual, Addameri and his ilk launch their arranged accusations against Hamas, claiming that it seeks to destabilize the situation in the West Bank, and this indicates that there premeditated intents for more repression and coordination with the occupation in exchange for some poisonous funds," the official underlined.
Addameri's antinational remarks came after the Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu asked de facto president Mahmoud Abbas to take measures to calm the situation on the ground in the West Bank and hastened to release the frozen tax funds that were supposed to be channeled to the Palestinian authority in January last year.
For his part, senior Hamas official Salah Al-Bardawil stated that Adnan Addameri always talks and acts out of tune with the Palestinian street and the public mood.
Bardawil added that Addameri ignored on purpose the popular rage caused by the death of prisoner Arafat Jaradat in an Israeli jail and the worsening incarceration conditions of detainees in general.
"Addameiri seems to have forgotten that Fatah and its prisoners called more than the others for revolting in anger against the Zionist occupation," the Hamas official noted.
He affirmed that Addameri uses Zionist terminology when he describes the Palestinians' anger for their dignity as chaos and violence because he, as a man serving the security of the Zionists, only thinks with a conspiratorial mindset.
"As usual, Addameri and his ilk launch their arranged accusations against Hamas, claiming that it seeks to destabilize the situation in the West Bank, and this indicates that there premeditated intents for more repression and coordination with the occupation in exchange for some poisonous funds," the official underlined.
Addameri's antinational remarks came after the Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu asked de facto president Mahmoud Abbas to take measures to calm the situation on the ground in the West Bank and hastened to release the frozen tax funds that were supposed to be channeled to the Palestinian authority in January last year.
26 feb 2013
Bardawil: Fatah is not serious about reconciliation
Salah Bardawil, a leader in the Hamas movement, stressed that the reconciliation consultations were postponed to an indefinite date, and held Fatah movement responsible for that. Bardawil said in remarks to Quds Press that Fatah is not serious about reconciliation and "does not have the serious will to end the division" in the light of its approval of the upcoming visit of U.S. President Barack Obama, scheduled for March.
He pointed out that one of the reasons behind the postponement of the meeting, which was expected to take place on Wednesday in Cairo, is the attack on the head of the Palestinian Legislative Council Dr. Aziz Dweik by the head of Fatah's delegation Azzam al-Ahmad.
The Hamas leader expressed regret as the Authority continues to turn its back to the reconciliation and the Palestinian people, and said that Fatah wants to resume negotiations with Israel.
Bardawil considered that Obama's visit will not affect the resistance, and the Palestinian people's adherence to their rights.
He added: "We in Hamas do not believe in a two-state solution, because we do not recognize the occupation... a two-state solution option is unacceptable. We agreed to a Palestinian state within 1967 borders, but without recognition of Israel."
On a different note, the Palestinian government in Gaza, condemned the statement made by spokesman for PA's security apparatuses in the West Bank, Adnan al-Dhamiri, in which he described the marches and protests taking place in the West Bank after the death of captive Arafat Jaradat as "chaos".
Taher al-Nunu, the spokesman for Gaza's government said in a statement published on his Facebook page on Tuesday that "al-Dhamiri's statements represent an affront to the feelings of the Palestinian people."
Al-Dhamiri has attacked Hamas movement and accused it of being responsible for the "chaos" in the West Bank.
For his part; Dr. Salah Bardawil said: "As usual al-Dhamiri and others like him are ready to fabricate accusations against Hamas claiming that it is seeking to destabilize the situation in the West Bank, which shows intentions for more repression and coordination with the occupation."
He called on all the forces of the people to reject these statements which poison the atmosphere of unity.
He pointed out that one of the reasons behind the postponement of the meeting, which was expected to take place on Wednesday in Cairo, is the attack on the head of the Palestinian Legislative Council Dr. Aziz Dweik by the head of Fatah's delegation Azzam al-Ahmad.
The Hamas leader expressed regret as the Authority continues to turn its back to the reconciliation and the Palestinian people, and said that Fatah wants to resume negotiations with Israel.
Bardawil considered that Obama's visit will not affect the resistance, and the Palestinian people's adherence to their rights.
He added: "We in Hamas do not believe in a two-state solution, because we do not recognize the occupation... a two-state solution option is unacceptable. We agreed to a Palestinian state within 1967 borders, but without recognition of Israel."
On a different note, the Palestinian government in Gaza, condemned the statement made by spokesman for PA's security apparatuses in the West Bank, Adnan al-Dhamiri, in which he described the marches and protests taking place in the West Bank after the death of captive Arafat Jaradat as "chaos".
Taher al-Nunu, the spokesman for Gaza's government said in a statement published on his Facebook page on Tuesday that "al-Dhamiri's statements represent an affront to the feelings of the Palestinian people."
Al-Dhamiri has attacked Hamas movement and accused it of being responsible for the "chaos" in the West Bank.
For his part; Dr. Salah Bardawil said: "As usual al-Dhamiri and others like him are ready to fabricate accusations against Hamas claiming that it is seeking to destabilize the situation in the West Bank, which shows intentions for more repression and coordination with the occupation."
He called on all the forces of the people to reject these statements which poison the atmosphere of unity.
Abu Marzouk: Third intifada in the offing
Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, the deputy political bureau chairman of Hamas, has said that torturing Palestinian prisoners to death is an invitation to a third intifada. Abu Marzouk said in a statement on his Facebook page on Tuesday that demonstrations in thousands out of rage against what happened to prisoner Arafat Jaradat and in his funeral, the hunger strike by all prisoners out of protest to that killing, and the continued hunger strike of Samer Issawi were all pointing to a third intifada.
He said that the above coupled with three wars on Gaza amidst continuation of the siege, the Judaization in Jerusalem, the confiscation of land, the freezing of assets, the arrest campaigns, the growing settlement drive, and the separation wall all push toward what he called the “freedom intifada”.
The American bias to Israel, the re-election of Netanyahu, the closure of negotiations option, the fading away of the two-state solution despite promises by three American presidents were also encouraging elements for a third intifada, Abu Marzouk concluded.
He said that the above coupled with three wars on Gaza amidst continuation of the siege, the Judaization in Jerusalem, the confiscation of land, the freezing of assets, the arrest campaigns, the growing settlement drive, and the separation wall all push toward what he called the “freedom intifada”.
The American bias to Israel, the re-election of Netanyahu, the closure of negotiations option, the fading away of the two-state solution despite promises by three American presidents were also encouraging elements for a third intifada, Abu Marzouk concluded.
25 feb 2013
Hamas: Israeli crimes are not subject to statute of limitations
Ibrahimi Mosque massacre
Hamas warned the occupation of the consequences of continuing its crimes against the Palestinians and their land, landmarks and holy sites, stressing that the Palestinian people will never give up their fundamental rights. This came in a statement issued by the movement on Monday on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the Ibrahimi Mosque massacre, which was committed by "Baruch Goldstein" and the occupation army, and which killed 29 worshippers and wounded dozens of others.
Hamas asserted that the occupation crimes are not subject to a statute of limitations.
The movement stressed that the occupation plans as well as settlement and Judaization projects in the occupied cities of al-Khalil and Jerusalem, in light of the international silence, will not succeed in obliterating the Arab and Islamic landmarks, thanks to the steadfastness the Palestinian people.
It pointed out that the best way to confront the Israeli crimes is to unite the efforts in order to achieve a comprehensive national reconciliation based on the adherence to the national rights and fundamentals.
Hamas stressed that the resistance in all its forms - and mainly the armed resistance - is the only way to liberate the land, achieve the right of return and defeat the occupation.
It demanded in its statement the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to defend the Palestinian people, land and holy places from the danger of Judaization. It also called on the masses of the Arab and Islamic nation to support the steadfastness of Palestinian people until they regain their legitimate rights.
Hamas warned the occupation of the consequences of continuing its crimes against the Palestinians and their land, landmarks and holy sites, stressing that the Palestinian people will never give up their fundamental rights. This came in a statement issued by the movement on Monday on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the Ibrahimi Mosque massacre, which was committed by "Baruch Goldstein" and the occupation army, and which killed 29 worshippers and wounded dozens of others.
Hamas asserted that the occupation crimes are not subject to a statute of limitations.
The movement stressed that the occupation plans as well as settlement and Judaization projects in the occupied cities of al-Khalil and Jerusalem, in light of the international silence, will not succeed in obliterating the Arab and Islamic landmarks, thanks to the steadfastness the Palestinian people.
It pointed out that the best way to confront the Israeli crimes is to unite the efforts in order to achieve a comprehensive national reconciliation based on the adherence to the national rights and fundamentals.
Hamas stressed that the resistance in all its forms - and mainly the armed resistance - is the only way to liberate the land, achieve the right of return and defeat the occupation.
It demanded in its statement the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to defend the Palestinian people, land and holy places from the danger of Judaization. It also called on the masses of the Arab and Islamic nation to support the steadfastness of Palestinian people until they regain their legitimate rights.
Hamas asked for postponing meeting with Fatah scheduled for Wednesday
Dr. Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of Hamas' political bureau and head of Hamas' delegation for the reconciliation talks, announced that Hamas asked to postpone the reconciliation meeting, scheduled for next Wednesday with Fatah movement. Hamas' decision came after a verbal attack on the head of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Dr. Aziz Dweik, by the head of Fatah parliamentary bloc and head of its delegation to the reconciliation talks, Azzam al-Ahmed.
Abu Marzouk said, in a statement to PIC: "Hamas has asked for the postponement of the meeting scheduled to take place between Hamas and Fatah movements on Wednesday, to ensure that the meeting will be positive," as he said.
Hamas and Fatah were due to meet in Cairo on Wednesday for consultations to form the government, away from other contentious issues. However, the sharp verbal argument between Dr. Aziz Dweik and head of Fatah delegation Azzam al-Ahmad, during a seminar held last Wednesday in Ramallah, has disturbed the atmosphere.
Hamas condemned the acts of al-Ahmad, and called on Fatah to change the head of its delegation, which was rejected by Fatah.
The Hamas leader strongly criticized the way with which al-Ahmad spoke to Dr. Dweik at the PLO headquarters in Ramallah, and asserted that the unity of the Palestinian people and the end of division "are required for any future Palestinian achievement."
"We have agreed last May to form an independent government that will include 19 ministers, headed by Mahmoud Abbas, and will be in charge of seven files, mainly the community reconciliation, reconstruction, end of siege, the unity of the Palestinian institutions and the preparation of appropriate atmosphere for the elections", Abu Marzouk said.
Abu Marzouk said, in a statement to PIC: "Hamas has asked for the postponement of the meeting scheduled to take place between Hamas and Fatah movements on Wednesday, to ensure that the meeting will be positive," as he said.
Hamas and Fatah were due to meet in Cairo on Wednesday for consultations to form the government, away from other contentious issues. However, the sharp verbal argument between Dr. Aziz Dweik and head of Fatah delegation Azzam al-Ahmad, during a seminar held last Wednesday in Ramallah, has disturbed the atmosphere.
Hamas condemned the acts of al-Ahmad, and called on Fatah to change the head of its delegation, which was rejected by Fatah.
The Hamas leader strongly criticized the way with which al-Ahmad spoke to Dr. Dweik at the PLO headquarters in Ramallah, and asserted that the unity of the Palestinian people and the end of division "are required for any future Palestinian achievement."
"We have agreed last May to form an independent government that will include 19 ministers, headed by Mahmoud Abbas, and will be in charge of seven files, mainly the community reconciliation, reconstruction, end of siege, the unity of the Palestinian institutions and the preparation of appropriate atmosphere for the elections", Abu Marzouk said.
24 feb 2013
Tamimi: Western media mislead the world about Palestine
Director of London-Based Institute of Islamic Political Thought Azzam Tamimi said that the Western media is still in collusion with the Israeli occupation, promoting an erroneous image about Palestinians and their resistance. On the sidelines of "the war on Gaza.. its implications and future prospects" conference, Tamimi told PIC reporter that the occupation has recently promoted to the Western world several motives for its recent aggression on Gaza, including that Hamas movement has become stronger after Wafa al-Ahrar deal and it must be deterred, according to their claims.
Tamimi added that the Western media promoted the image that "Israel" is now so alarmed at the influx of weapons into Gaza especially after the exchange prisoners’ deal and the Arab spring, claiming that Hamas could not control the strip or stop rockets of Gaza militants.
He pointed out that the Arab and Islamic world silence towards the siege of Gaza is unjustified, especially after the resistance’s victory in the recent aggression on the Gaza Strip.
Tamimi stressed the need to develop a defense system in the next phase and to adopt the resistance project by all factions to respond to any Israeli violation.
He pointed out that the Western world still considers the Arab region as an invalid strength, noting that the Arab world has killed the Palestinian issue by neglecting it on their speeches and on the ground.
Tamimi added that the Western media promoted the image that "Israel" is now so alarmed at the influx of weapons into Gaza especially after the exchange prisoners’ deal and the Arab spring, claiming that Hamas could not control the strip or stop rockets of Gaza militants.
He pointed out that the Arab and Islamic world silence towards the siege of Gaza is unjustified, especially after the resistance’s victory in the recent aggression on the Gaza Strip.
Tamimi stressed the need to develop a defense system in the next phase and to adopt the resistance project by all factions to respond to any Israeli violation.
He pointed out that the Western world still considers the Arab region as an invalid strength, noting that the Arab world has killed the Palestinian issue by neglecting it on their speeches and on the ground.
Palestinian prisoner goes on hunger strike to protest 30 years in captivity
Palestinian prisoner Maher Yunis went on hunger strike on Sunday to protest his 30 years of captivity in Israeli occupation jails, the Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights said.
Fuad Al-Khafsh, the director of Ahrar center, said that Yunis, 54, wants to send a message to the Palestinian leadership with this strike, mainly that he was neglected for long years and left in prison without being included in prisoners exchange deals since 1985 at the pretext that he was from 1948 occupied Palestine.
Khafsh, meanwhile, said that Palestinian prisoners in Gilboa jail would start to return meals and refrain from receiving visitors as of Sunday as preliminary protest steps against escalation of Israeli repressive measures.
Fuad Al-Khafsh, the director of Ahrar center, said that Yunis, 54, wants to send a message to the Palestinian leadership with this strike, mainly that he was neglected for long years and left in prison without being included in prisoners exchange deals since 1985 at the pretext that he was from 1948 occupied Palestine.
Khafsh, meanwhile, said that Palestinian prisoners in Gilboa jail would start to return meals and refrain from receiving visitors as of Sunday as preliminary protest steps against escalation of Israeli repressive measures.
23 feb 2013
Gaza hosts fourth conference for scholars of Egypt and Palestine
Palestinian and Egyptian religious figures called for necessarily supporting the occupied city of Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque and raising the awareness of the Muslim nation about the Judaization dangers threatening the city. This came during several speeches delivered in the fourth conference for the scholars of Egypt and Palestine that was held on Friday in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian minister of religious affairs Ismail Radwan said this conference "underscores the deep relationship between Egypt and Palestine and contributes to breaking the blockade imposed on Gaza."
"We have come together to support Jerusalem, which is exposed to Judaization, plots, repeated threats to demolish the Dome of the Rock and build the alleged temple of Solomon, and the continual break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque by the settlers and the occupation forces," Radwan stated in his speech.
"The occupation still prevents the people of the West Bank and Jerusalem from praying at the Aqsa Mosque, knocks down the homes of the Jerusalemites and withdraws their IDs," he noted.
He warned that the ongoing Israeli excavations in Jerusalem and near the Aqsa Mosque entail urgent support from the Arab and Muslim nations.
For his part, Salah Sultan, the secretary-general of the higher council for Islamic affairs in Egypt, hailed in his speech the Gaza people and their resistance for the legendary steadfastness and courage they had showed during the Israeli wars.
Sultan stressed the importance for the Muslim nation to be united in support of the Palestinian cause.
He also said that the Egyptian delegation of scholars would organize after its return from Gaza a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners and would continue their support for Palestine until its liberation.
Egyptian deputy minister of religious affairs Jamal Abdel-Sattar stated, in turn, that the Palestinian determination to challenge the occupation and resist it makes the Muslim nation anxiously anticipate the day of victory.
Earlier on Thursday, minister Ismail Radwan met with the Egyptian delegation of scholars led by Salah Sultan, head of the higher council for Islamic affairs in Egypt.
Radwan stated that the visit of the Egyptian scholars to Gaza sent a message to the Israeli occupation that Jerusalem is not alone.
"Your visit confirms that we share the same goal and role for the liberation of Palestine," Radwan highlighted.
Sultan, in turn, stated during the meeting that the armed resistance is the optimal way to rout the occupation.
He stressed that Egypt's scholars and intellectuals would keep backing the armed resistance against the occupation until Palestine is cleansed from the "Sons of Zion" and its land and prisoners are liberated.
Palestinian minister of religious affairs Ismail Radwan said this conference "underscores the deep relationship between Egypt and Palestine and contributes to breaking the blockade imposed on Gaza."
"We have come together to support Jerusalem, which is exposed to Judaization, plots, repeated threats to demolish the Dome of the Rock and build the alleged temple of Solomon, and the continual break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque by the settlers and the occupation forces," Radwan stated in his speech.
"The occupation still prevents the people of the West Bank and Jerusalem from praying at the Aqsa Mosque, knocks down the homes of the Jerusalemites and withdraws their IDs," he noted.
He warned that the ongoing Israeli excavations in Jerusalem and near the Aqsa Mosque entail urgent support from the Arab and Muslim nations.
For his part, Salah Sultan, the secretary-general of the higher council for Islamic affairs in Egypt, hailed in his speech the Gaza people and their resistance for the legendary steadfastness and courage they had showed during the Israeli wars.
Sultan stressed the importance for the Muslim nation to be united in support of the Palestinian cause.
He also said that the Egyptian delegation of scholars would organize after its return from Gaza a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners and would continue their support for Palestine until its liberation.
Egyptian deputy minister of religious affairs Jamal Abdel-Sattar stated, in turn, that the Palestinian determination to challenge the occupation and resist it makes the Muslim nation anxiously anticipate the day of victory.
Earlier on Thursday, minister Ismail Radwan met with the Egyptian delegation of scholars led by Salah Sultan, head of the higher council for Islamic affairs in Egypt.
Radwan stated that the visit of the Egyptian scholars to Gaza sent a message to the Israeli occupation that Jerusalem is not alone.
"Your visit confirms that we share the same goal and role for the liberation of Palestine," Radwan highlighted.
Sultan, in turn, stated during the meeting that the armed resistance is the optimal way to rout the occupation.
He stressed that Egypt's scholars and intellectuals would keep backing the armed resistance against the occupation until Palestine is cleansed from the "Sons of Zion" and its land and prisoners are liberated.
Premier Haneyya visits liberated prisoner Rikhawi
Palestinian premier in Gaza Ismail Haneyya visited on Friday the liberated prisoner Akram Al-Rikhawi, who was released from Israeli jails after 100 days of hunger strike, in his hometown Rafah. Haneyya said that prisoners in occupation jails grab their rights by hunger strike and would eventually win their freedom.
He said that his government and the entire Palestinian people support prisoners, especially those on hunger strike, until they regain their freedom.
“The freedom of a human being is the most precious freedom because it is the free human being who liberates the land,” Haneyya said.
For his part, Rikhawi expressed pleasure at Haneyya’s visit and called for supporting the prisoners.
Haneyya presented the “Shield of Victory” to Rikhawi in appreciation of his steadfastness and sacrifice.
He said that his government and the entire Palestinian people support prisoners, especially those on hunger strike, until they regain their freedom.
“The freedom of a human being is the most precious freedom because it is the free human being who liberates the land,” Haneyya said.
For his part, Rikhawi expressed pleasure at Haneyya’s visit and called for supporting the prisoners.
Haneyya presented the “Shield of Victory” to Rikhawi in appreciation of his steadfastness and sacrifice.
22 feb 2013
Dweik denounces al-Ahmad's statements
Palestinian Legislative Council Speaker Dr. Aziz Dweik has criticized Fatah Central Committee member Azam al-Ahmad's statements, concerning his refusal to stop political arrests and re-opening Islamic institutions and his opposition to resistance against the occupation. Dweik considered al-Ahmad's statements as political courtship to the occupation and to the U.S. President Barack Obama on the eve of his expected visit to the region next month.
The general political atmosphere is still charged, and the gap between Hamas and Fatah movements is still large, Dweik told Quds Press.
He stressed that the Palestinian Legislative Council works to remove the gap between the Palestinian different political parties, but "Fatah's negotiator, who is responsible for the reconciliation file, said no to stopping political arrests, no to reopening the Islamic institutions , and no to resisting the occupation on the ground, these noes confirmed that the gap between the two sides is still large," he added.
Dweik stated that these no's are a political courtship to the US on the eve of Obama’s visit, saying "I do not think that any Palestinian could refuse the national reconciliation."
We do appreciate Fatah movement and its struggles and all the martyrs of the Palestinian people from all the different factions, but we do not accept any courtship of the occupation and to the Americans at the expense of reconciliation," he said during a debate at the Palestine Liberation Organization headquarters in Ramallah.
Risheq: al-Ahmad's attack on Dr. Dweik strains atmosphere of reconciliation
Ezzat Risheq, member of the Political Bureau of Hamas, criticized Fatah Central Committee member Azam al-Ahmad's statements, in which he has attacked the head of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Dr. Aziz Dweik. Risheq said in a brief statement published on his Facebook page on Thursday evening that al-Ahmad's comments could strain the atmosphere of reconciliation.
Rishq's statements came in response to the remarks made by Azzam al-Ahmed head of Fatah's parliamentary bloc during the seminar held last Wednesday at the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation Organization in Ramallah, with the participation of Dr. Aziz Dweik, the speaker of Palestinian Legislative Council, and al-Ahmed as the head of his movement's delegation to the reconciliation discussions.
In a separate context, Risheq called for supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in Silwan in occupied Jerusalem in light of the Israeli occupation fierce attack which they are exposed to.
He added: "The residents of Silwan have been subjected to collective punishment and an unjust blockade for the 22nd day."
The general political atmosphere is still charged, and the gap between Hamas and Fatah movements is still large, Dweik told Quds Press.
He stressed that the Palestinian Legislative Council works to remove the gap between the Palestinian different political parties, but "Fatah's negotiator, who is responsible for the reconciliation file, said no to stopping political arrests, no to reopening the Islamic institutions , and no to resisting the occupation on the ground, these noes confirmed that the gap between the two sides is still large," he added.
Dweik stated that these no's are a political courtship to the US on the eve of Obama’s visit, saying "I do not think that any Palestinian could refuse the national reconciliation."
We do appreciate Fatah movement and its struggles and all the martyrs of the Palestinian people from all the different factions, but we do not accept any courtship of the occupation and to the Americans at the expense of reconciliation," he said during a debate at the Palestine Liberation Organization headquarters in Ramallah.
Risheq: al-Ahmad's attack on Dr. Dweik strains atmosphere of reconciliation
Ezzat Risheq, member of the Political Bureau of Hamas, criticized Fatah Central Committee member Azam al-Ahmad's statements, in which he has attacked the head of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Dr. Aziz Dweik. Risheq said in a brief statement published on his Facebook page on Thursday evening that al-Ahmad's comments could strain the atmosphere of reconciliation.
Rishq's statements came in response to the remarks made by Azzam al-Ahmed head of Fatah's parliamentary bloc during the seminar held last Wednesday at the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation Organization in Ramallah, with the participation of Dr. Aziz Dweik, the speaker of Palestinian Legislative Council, and al-Ahmed as the head of his movement's delegation to the reconciliation discussions.
In a separate context, Risheq called for supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in Silwan in occupied Jerusalem in light of the Israeli occupation fierce attack which they are exposed to.
He added: "The residents of Silwan have been subjected to collective punishment and an unjust blockade for the 22nd day."
PLC receives Malaysian solidarity delegation
Members of Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), headed by Dr. Ahmed Bahar, First Deputy President of the Council, have received on Thursday a solidarity delegation from the Malaysian Islamic Society. The Malaysian delegation came in support of the steadfastness of the Gaza Strip people, through establishing houses for the needy families, and through re-building mosques demolished by the occupation.
Bahar appreciated the Malaysian role in support of the Palestinian cause in all international forums, in addition to the Malaysia's refusal to recognize the Israeli entity, and the Malaysian diplomatic efforts to regain Palestinian rights and to highlight the suffering of the Palestinians kidnapped MPs in the Israeli occupation prisons in the international human rights councils.
For his part, the head of the Malaysian delegation, Mr. Abdul Aziz Abu Bakar, confirmed that the delegation is on a humanitarian mission to support the steadfastness of the people of Palestine in general, and the Gaza Strip in particular, through rebuilding the houses and mosques destroyed by the occupation forces during the recent wars.
We're very excited as soon as we enter Palestine through the Rafah crossing, he said, promising to provide material and moral support to the Palestinian steadfastness until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem.
At the end of the meeting, Bahar handed a memorial shield to the Malaysian delegation.
Bahar appreciated the Malaysian role in support of the Palestinian cause in all international forums, in addition to the Malaysia's refusal to recognize the Israeli entity, and the Malaysian diplomatic efforts to regain Palestinian rights and to highlight the suffering of the Palestinians kidnapped MPs in the Israeli occupation prisons in the international human rights councils.
For his part, the head of the Malaysian delegation, Mr. Abdul Aziz Abu Bakar, confirmed that the delegation is on a humanitarian mission to support the steadfastness of the people of Palestine in general, and the Gaza Strip in particular, through rebuilding the houses and mosques destroyed by the occupation forces during the recent wars.
We're very excited as soon as we enter Palestine through the Rafah crossing, he said, promising to provide material and moral support to the Palestinian steadfastness until the liberation of Palestine and Jerusalem.
At the end of the meeting, Bahar handed a memorial shield to the Malaysian delegation.