15 jan 2013
Risheq: Hamas and Fatah to discuss mechanisms of implementing reconciliation
Member of Hamas political bureau, Izzat al-Risheq, confirmed that a meeting between delegations from Hamas and Fatah will be held on Thursday in the Egyptian capital Cairo to agree on mechanisms and a timetable for the implementation of the reconciliation deal. Risheq said in a statement to Quds Press Agency, that Hamas and Fatah have agreed on the date of this meeting during the last meeting that took place in the Egyptian capital Cairo between Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and the head of Hamas political bureau Khaled Mashaal.
He pointed out that the leadership of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) will hold another meeting at the beginning of the next month with the presence of the general secretaries of the factions, including Abbas and Meshaal.
"We in Hamas are interested in achieving the reconciliation file and overcoming all obstacles that prevent its completion," Risheq said.
He emphasized that the reconciliation file includes all issues agreed upon, including the formation of the government, the PLO and its re-formation, the election, the public freedoms and the community reconciliation.
Concerning the elections, he said that after preparing the appropriate conditions, the sides will agree on the suitable time to hold the elections.
He pointed out that the leadership of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) will hold another meeting at the beginning of the next month with the presence of the general secretaries of the factions, including Abbas and Meshaal.
"We in Hamas are interested in achieving the reconciliation file and overcoming all obstacles that prevent its completion," Risheq said.
He emphasized that the reconciliation file includes all issues agreed upon, including the formation of the government, the PLO and its re-formation, the election, the public freedoms and the community reconciliation.
Concerning the elections, he said that after preparing the appropriate conditions, the sides will agree on the suitable time to hold the elections.
Haniyeh: We hope that reconciliation reinforces partnership, protects resistance
Ismail Haniyeh, the prime minister, expressed his hope that the national reconciliation will reinforce partnership in managing the Palestinian issue and will protect a national program based on Palestinian people's rights and constants. Haniyeh appreciated during his speech at the cabinet meeting in Gaza on Tuesday, the Palestinian national reconciliation talks in Cairo, hoping that "there will be real reconciliation that protects the Palestinian rights and constants, protects the resistance option, and protects the choices and will of the Palestinian people which were expressed at the ballot box."
The government was always keen to achieve internal harmony, where it decided to grant all facilities to establish festivals of Palestinian factions' anniversaries, including Fatah movement, to emphasize on political pluralism, he said.
In another context, the Prime Minister condemned the Israeli crimes in the West Bank, stressing that the government is following with concern the Israeli piracy in the West Bank and its brutal practices against the Palestinians in Bab al-Shams village.
"This is further evidence of the Israeli terrorism that does not respect the international covenants and conventions and never looks for political stability in the region," he added.
We stand with our people in the village of Bab al-Shams and in the West Bank in the face of settlement and Judaization and the wall annexation of land in the face of piracy and arrests," pointing out to the arrest of Palestinian leaders, including elected heads of municipal councils.
He stressed that these foolish policies could not determine the Palestinian people's will, aspirations and ambitions, asserting that West Bank and Jerusalem issues will be forever on the top of the government priorities.
The prime minister also evoked the memory of the martyrdom of Interior Minister Said Siyam, who was martyred in an Israeli airstrike during the Furqan war, stressing their adherence to Siyam's way in building the national project and their adherence to the Palestinian constants and the resistance option.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh recieved on Tuesday Turkish and Indian delegations, appreciating all solidarity delegations that came to Gaza to support the Palestinian people.
Haniyeh declared that such convoys and delegations confirm that the Palestinian issue is the central issue for the nation, and that the Palestinian people are not alone in confronting the occupation, stressing on the Palestinian people's adherence to the national constants and rights.
We will never relinquish Jerusalem and Palestine and the right of return to the land of Palestine and we stick to the choice of resistance as a strategic option for liberation, he added.
For their part, the heads of the two visiting delegations stressed their close relationship with the Palestinian people.
The government was always keen to achieve internal harmony, where it decided to grant all facilities to establish festivals of Palestinian factions' anniversaries, including Fatah movement, to emphasize on political pluralism, he said.
In another context, the Prime Minister condemned the Israeli crimes in the West Bank, stressing that the government is following with concern the Israeli piracy in the West Bank and its brutal practices against the Palestinians in Bab al-Shams village.
"This is further evidence of the Israeli terrorism that does not respect the international covenants and conventions and never looks for political stability in the region," he added.
We stand with our people in the village of Bab al-Shams and in the West Bank in the face of settlement and Judaization and the wall annexation of land in the face of piracy and arrests," pointing out to the arrest of Palestinian leaders, including elected heads of municipal councils.
He stressed that these foolish policies could not determine the Palestinian people's will, aspirations and ambitions, asserting that West Bank and Jerusalem issues will be forever on the top of the government priorities.
The prime minister also evoked the memory of the martyrdom of Interior Minister Said Siyam, who was martyred in an Israeli airstrike during the Furqan war, stressing their adherence to Siyam's way in building the national project and their adherence to the Palestinian constants and the resistance option.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh recieved on Tuesday Turkish and Indian delegations, appreciating all solidarity delegations that came to Gaza to support the Palestinian people.
Haniyeh declared that such convoys and delegations confirm that the Palestinian issue is the central issue for the nation, and that the Palestinian people are not alone in confronting the occupation, stressing on the Palestinian people's adherence to the national constants and rights.
We will never relinquish Jerusalem and Palestine and the right of return to the land of Palestine and we stick to the choice of resistance as a strategic option for liberation, he added.
For their part, the heads of the two visiting delegations stressed their close relationship with the Palestinian people.
Haneyya urges more legal action against Israel in meeting with int'l jurists
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya on Monday called for more legal moves against Israel during a meeting with a delegation from the international federation of jurists.
Premier Haneyya expressed his sincere thanks to Turkey for holding trials against Israeli leaders for the crimes they had committed against Gaza people and Turkish activists. The premier stated that the Turkish activists who were murdered on their way to support Gaza people are considered martyrs of the Palestinian people and their blood cannot go in vain.
He stressed that the legal and judicial field is one of the important means to take legal action against Israeli war criminals, noting that his government documented Israel's war crimes and would work on keeping the international community informed about them.
For his part, the head of the delegation said the Palestinian cause is a matter of concern to all Muslims and noted that a society for the support of Gaza was established in Turkey.
He pledged to continue their efforts to expose Israel's crimes in international conferences and meetings, and support the Palestinian cause.
Premier Haneyya expressed his sincere thanks to Turkey for holding trials against Israeli leaders for the crimes they had committed against Gaza people and Turkish activists. The premier stated that the Turkish activists who were murdered on their way to support Gaza people are considered martyrs of the Palestinian people and their blood cannot go in vain.
He stressed that the legal and judicial field is one of the important means to take legal action against Israeli war criminals, noting that his government documented Israel's war crimes and would work on keeping the international community informed about them.
For his part, the head of the delegation said the Palestinian cause is a matter of concern to all Muslims and noted that a society for the support of Gaza was established in Turkey.
He pledged to continue their efforts to expose Israel's crimes in international conferences and meetings, and support the Palestinian cause.
14 jan 2013
Bahar calls for prosecuting Israeli war criminals internationally
Dr. Ahmed Bahar, the First Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council, stressed the need for concerted efforts to prosecute Israel's war criminals for their crimes against the Palestinian people, praising the Egyptian and Sudanese support for the Palestinian cause. This came during a meeting of the Legislative Council, on Sunday with a delegation of human rights activists from the international Union of Jurists, along with delegations from Egypt and Sudan, at the Council's headquarters in Gaza.
Bahar welcomed the human rights delegation, where he briefed them on the situation of the people of the Gaza Strip after the recent Israeli aggression, and the crimes carried out by the occupation against civilians in their homes, and the bombing of infrastructure and civil institutions, stressing the need to pursue the occupation leaders as war criminals.
For his part, the Secretary-General of the Union and head of the delegation, the lawyer Nissata Ceylon, said that the union composed of members from 32 countries around the world, primarily seeks to defend human rights, and shed light on human rights violations that occur in many parts of the world.
He stressed that the Union members came on this trip to the Gaza Strip to document the evidences, and to monitor violations carried out by the occupation in the recent war against the Gaza Strip, adding: "We have been following the events from abroad, and we have come to the strip to document everything and prepare a detailed report for violations and hand it to the concerned authorities."
He expressed his hope to reinforce relationship between the Legislative Council and international human rights organizations to achieve better results for the Palestinian cause and the trial of war criminals and to restore the rights to their owners.
For his part, the MP Mohammed Faraj al-Ghoul, head of PLC legal committee, said that the Palestinian people seek justice by trying war criminals, especially that the arrogant Israeli occupation has assaulted 36 countries by targeting Mavi Marmara in the territorial waters.
The Israeli occupation represents a threat to international security, where it commits crimes in total violation to the international law, supported by the U.S. veto, he added.
At the end of the meeting, Bahar handed a shield of honor to the delegation for their efforts in supporting the Palestinian cause and monitoring the Israeli violations.
Furthermore, Bahar has received an Egyptian delegation headed by the Undersecretary for the Egyptian Youth Sports Committee, Yasser Hassanein, in the PLC headquarters in Gaza and in the presence of several deputies.
Bahar praised the Egyptian official and popular position towards the Palestinian cause and in particular President Mursi's supportive position to the right of the Palestinian people.
For his part, the head of the Egyptian delegation Yasser Hassanein confirmed that Egypt attaches great importance to Gaza and the Palestinians, stressing that "this visit represents one ring in the communication chain which began after the Egyptian revolution and that will continue until the liberation of all Palestine and al-Aqsa mosque."
The Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza has also received a solidarity Sudanese delegation composed of 54 members headed by Sudanese presidential adviser Qutbi Mahdi.
Bahar welcomed the brotherly delegation from Sudan which is representative of all segments of Sudanese society, stressing that "Sudan stands with the Palestinian issue since 1948, where volunteers were arriving from Khartoum to Palestine to defend our land."
He praised the Sudanese support for the Palestinian cause especially during Furqan war as the Sudanese doctors delegation was the first to arrive to Gaza, stressing that this visit came after the resistance victory.
Bahar considered the victory of the resistance not only for Palestine, but also for Sudan and the Arab and Islamic nation and all the free people in the world, adding that by such visits the Palestinian case began to regain its Arab and Islamic depth.
For his part, the Sudanese Presidential Advisor Dr. Mahdi, confirmed that the visit of the Sudanese delegation comes within Sudan's policy and vision to support the Palestinian people and their cause, and to stand with the besieged Gaza Strip, expressing hope that this visit will reinforce the links with the Palestinian people and Gaza.
"Sudan was aware of the seriousness of Israel and this why we are in permanent confrontation with the Israeli entity," he said.
Bahar welcomed the human rights delegation, where he briefed them on the situation of the people of the Gaza Strip after the recent Israeli aggression, and the crimes carried out by the occupation against civilians in their homes, and the bombing of infrastructure and civil institutions, stressing the need to pursue the occupation leaders as war criminals.
For his part, the Secretary-General of the Union and head of the delegation, the lawyer Nissata Ceylon, said that the union composed of members from 32 countries around the world, primarily seeks to defend human rights, and shed light on human rights violations that occur in many parts of the world.
He stressed that the Union members came on this trip to the Gaza Strip to document the evidences, and to monitor violations carried out by the occupation in the recent war against the Gaza Strip, adding: "We have been following the events from abroad, and we have come to the strip to document everything and prepare a detailed report for violations and hand it to the concerned authorities."
He expressed his hope to reinforce relationship between the Legislative Council and international human rights organizations to achieve better results for the Palestinian cause and the trial of war criminals and to restore the rights to their owners.
For his part, the MP Mohammed Faraj al-Ghoul, head of PLC legal committee, said that the Palestinian people seek justice by trying war criminals, especially that the arrogant Israeli occupation has assaulted 36 countries by targeting Mavi Marmara in the territorial waters.
The Israeli occupation represents a threat to international security, where it commits crimes in total violation to the international law, supported by the U.S. veto, he added.
At the end of the meeting, Bahar handed a shield of honor to the delegation for their efforts in supporting the Palestinian cause and monitoring the Israeli violations.
Furthermore, Bahar has received an Egyptian delegation headed by the Undersecretary for the Egyptian Youth Sports Committee, Yasser Hassanein, in the PLC headquarters in Gaza and in the presence of several deputies.
Bahar praised the Egyptian official and popular position towards the Palestinian cause and in particular President Mursi's supportive position to the right of the Palestinian people.
For his part, the head of the Egyptian delegation Yasser Hassanein confirmed that Egypt attaches great importance to Gaza and the Palestinians, stressing that "this visit represents one ring in the communication chain which began after the Egyptian revolution and that will continue until the liberation of all Palestine and al-Aqsa mosque."
The Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza has also received a solidarity Sudanese delegation composed of 54 members headed by Sudanese presidential adviser Qutbi Mahdi.
Bahar welcomed the brotherly delegation from Sudan which is representative of all segments of Sudanese society, stressing that "Sudan stands with the Palestinian issue since 1948, where volunteers were arriving from Khartoum to Palestine to defend our land."
He praised the Sudanese support for the Palestinian cause especially during Furqan war as the Sudanese doctors delegation was the first to arrive to Gaza, stressing that this visit came after the resistance victory.
Bahar considered the victory of the resistance not only for Palestine, but also for Sudan and the Arab and Islamic nation and all the free people in the world, adding that by such visits the Palestinian case began to regain its Arab and Islamic depth.
For his part, the Sudanese Presidential Advisor Dr. Mahdi, confirmed that the visit of the Sudanese delegation comes within Sudan's policy and vision to support the Palestinian people and their cause, and to stand with the besieged Gaza Strip, expressing hope that this visit will reinforce the links with the Palestinian people and Gaza.
"Sudan was aware of the seriousness of Israel and this why we are in permanent confrontation with the Israeli entity," he said.
Egyptian delegation concludes its visit to Gaza after a series of meetings
The Egyptian sports delegation ended a two-day visit to Gaza during which they arranged for a football match in Gaza between a team of international stars and another Arab team to take place in June to protest the European championship to be played in "Israel." The Palestinian Prime Minister Haniyeh has received the Egyptian sports delegation on Sunday at his home in Gaza City, saying that "this historic visit of the Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Ameri Farouk to the Gaza Strip came as a clear declaration to break the siege imposed on the Palestinian sports."
The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of sport unions accompanying the delegation with the Palestinian Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Gaza.
The delegation has visited the Islamic University in Gaza City, and the home of Hamas founder martyr Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the Council of Ministers, which was destroyed by Israeli warplanes in the recent war on Gaza, and the solidarity tent with prisoners outside the Red Cross building in Gaza City.
The Egyptian sports delegation has visited the Palestine Stadium ravaged by Israeli aircraft, where Farouk said that he would work through the Council of Ministers of Arab Youth and Sports, Egyptian clubs and associations and media to establish a match between Arab elite stars Arabs led by player Mohammed Abu Trika and a team of international stars headed by Frederic Omar Kanoute Mali National football team player
Farouk pointed out that this match will take place on June 5, which marks the opening of the European championship to be held in "Israel" protesting against choosing "Israel" as a host for the tournament.
The Egyptian delegation visit was ended by a match between the members of the delegation, including the most prominent journalist and Egyptian former goalkeeper Ahmed Shuber and Egyptian Sports minister Farouk, and a group of former Gaza players, including PM Haniyeh.
The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of sport unions accompanying the delegation with the Palestinian Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Gaza.
The delegation has visited the Islamic University in Gaza City, and the home of Hamas founder martyr Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the Council of Ministers, which was destroyed by Israeli warplanes in the recent war on Gaza, and the solidarity tent with prisoners outside the Red Cross building in Gaza City.
The Egyptian sports delegation has visited the Palestine Stadium ravaged by Israeli aircraft, where Farouk said that he would work through the Council of Ministers of Arab Youth and Sports, Egyptian clubs and associations and media to establish a match between Arab elite stars Arabs led by player Mohammed Abu Trika and a team of international stars headed by Frederic Omar Kanoute Mali National football team player
Farouk pointed out that this match will take place on June 5, which marks the opening of the European championship to be held in "Israel" protesting against choosing "Israel" as a host for the tournament.
The Egyptian delegation visit was ended by a match between the members of the delegation, including the most prominent journalist and Egyptian former goalkeeper Ahmed Shuber and Egyptian Sports minister Farouk, and a group of former Gaza players, including PM Haniyeh.
Barhoum: reconciliation deal ensures security services not linked to occupation
Fawzi Barhoum, the spokesman for Hamas movement, said that any obstacles that would disrupt the reconciliation process have been raised and discussed at the dialogue table. Barhoum said in a statement to PIC on Monday: "The security file was developed in the agreement of the 17th of March 2009, which was held in Cairo and it is one of the 5 files that will be discussed on the table", pointing out that the file has been discussed in the presence of the Egyptian side.
Hamas spokesman noted that several solutions for this file have been developed to ensure that the legal security services to be formed will not be linked to the occupation and will be based on protecting the homeland and the citizens.
He noted that the two sides agreed on the formation of a security committee, from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, that includes Egyptian experts to work on the re-formulation of the security services, in light of the agreements.
The Al Quds Al Arabi newspaper reported that the Palestinian Authority required dissolving all arms of the armed resistance, especially the Ezz El Din al-Qassam Brigades the military wing of Hamas, in addition to all the security services in the Gaza Strip, which may cause the failure of the Palestinian reconciliation, if Fatah insists on its position, according to the paper.
Hamas spokesman noted that several solutions for this file have been developed to ensure that the legal security services to be formed will not be linked to the occupation and will be based on protecting the homeland and the citizens.
He noted that the two sides agreed on the formation of a security committee, from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, that includes Egyptian experts to work on the re-formulation of the security services, in light of the agreements.
The Al Quds Al Arabi newspaper reported that the Palestinian Authority required dissolving all arms of the armed resistance, especially the Ezz El Din al-Qassam Brigades the military wing of Hamas, in addition to all the security services in the Gaza Strip, which may cause the failure of the Palestinian reconciliation, if Fatah insists on its position, according to the paper.
Dismissed teachers decide to re-start sit-in outside Fayyad's office
The dismissed teachers decided to return to sit in outside the prime minister's office in Ramallah on Tuesday in response to the procrastination by the Fayyad government in implementing their agreement to reinstate the estimated 560 dismissed teachers. The teachers' union called for a sit-in in the city of Ramallah tomorrow until the implementation of all the demands of dismissed teachers because of political reasons.
The statement said that the sit-in came after cancelling the agreement by the government after promises to recruit them.
Fayyad's government has agreed about a month ago to recruit the dismissed teachers in two phases until the beginning of the next academic year in return for ending their sit-in outside the prime minister's office and their hunger strike.
The statement stressed that the dismissal decision only took a few minutes where they accused them of being affiliated to specific parties, however the implementation of Fayyad’s promises has taken all this long time.
The statement said that despite the court decision to cancel the so called security screening and although the meetings with representatives of the government in Ramallah were positive, nothing was achieved or implemented.
The statement emphasized that the Commission will continue struggling and step up their activities, appreciating the efforts of all who stand with them, especially the representative of independent Palestinian figures assembly in the West Bank, Khalil Assaf, and deputies of the Legislative Council and representatives of the Independent Commission for Human Rights.
The statement said that the sit-in came after cancelling the agreement by the government after promises to recruit them.
Fayyad's government has agreed about a month ago to recruit the dismissed teachers in two phases until the beginning of the next academic year in return for ending their sit-in outside the prime minister's office and their hunger strike.
The statement stressed that the dismissal decision only took a few minutes where they accused them of being affiliated to specific parties, however the implementation of Fayyad’s promises has taken all this long time.
The statement said that despite the court decision to cancel the so called security screening and although the meetings with representatives of the government in Ramallah were positive, nothing was achieved or implemented.
The statement emphasized that the Commission will continue struggling and step up their activities, appreciating the efforts of all who stand with them, especially the representative of independent Palestinian figures assembly in the West Bank, Khalil Assaf, and deputies of the Legislative Council and representatives of the Independent Commission for Human Rights.
13 jan 2013
Haniyeh: Egypt's security is our security
Ismail Haniya, Gaza Prime Minister, considered the arrival of the Egyptian delegation, headed by Egypt's Minister of Sport, to the Gaza Strip as "an Egyptian and Arab declaration of breaking the siege imposed on Gaza's sports." This came today during the reception of the Egyptian delegation by Haniyeh at his home in the Shati refugee camp in western Gaza. The delegation is headed by Egyptian Minister of Sports, Ameri Farouk, and includes about 70 athletes, media figures in the field of sports and members of the Egyptian Shura Council.
The Prime Minister said the visit was historic "and represented an Egyptian and Arab explicit declaration of breaking the siege imposed on sports in Palestine and the Gaza Strip."
He has also hailed the Egyptian role in defending Palestine, noting that the victory of Gaza during the recent eight-day war represents a victory for Egypt.
He expressed appreciation for the role and the great efforts, made by Egypt and headed by Egyptian President, to complete the reconciliation, adding that the national unity is a strategic choice and that division must be ended in order to form a single government.
Gaza Premier also thanked Egypt for its efforts made in the reconstruction file, and noted that large quantities of Qatari fuel were allowed today to Gaza through Egypt.
Haniyeh confirmed that Gaza will defend the security of Egypt from east to west, and said "Egypt's security is our security and Egypt's stability is our stability ... Sinai will always be part of Egypt and Gaza will always be part of Palestine."
For his part; Egypt's Minister of Sports thanked the prime minister in Gaza and the Palestinian people for the warm reception, explaining that "the most important objective of the delegation is to break the siege on Palestine's sports."
He noted that a number of tournaments will be organized between Palestine and Egypt until the lifting of the siege imposed on Palestine, and condemned targeting the infrastructure of the Palestinian Sports.
The Prime Minister said the visit was historic "and represented an Egyptian and Arab explicit declaration of breaking the siege imposed on sports in Palestine and the Gaza Strip."
He has also hailed the Egyptian role in defending Palestine, noting that the victory of Gaza during the recent eight-day war represents a victory for Egypt.
He expressed appreciation for the role and the great efforts, made by Egypt and headed by Egyptian President, to complete the reconciliation, adding that the national unity is a strategic choice and that division must be ended in order to form a single government.
Gaza Premier also thanked Egypt for its efforts made in the reconstruction file, and noted that large quantities of Qatari fuel were allowed today to Gaza through Egypt.
Haniyeh confirmed that Gaza will defend the security of Egypt from east to west, and said "Egypt's security is our security and Egypt's stability is our stability ... Sinai will always be part of Egypt and Gaza will always be part of Palestine."
For his part; Egypt's Minister of Sports thanked the prime minister in Gaza and the Palestinian people for the warm reception, explaining that "the most important objective of the delegation is to break the siege on Palestine's sports."
He noted that a number of tournaments will be organized between Palestine and Egypt until the lifting of the siege imposed on Palestine, and condemned targeting the infrastructure of the Palestinian Sports.
Barhoum: demolition of Bab Shams village proves the occupation’s racism
Fawzi Barhoum, the spokesman for Hamas movement, said that the demolition of the village of Bab Shams by the occupation, and the arrest of its residents represent forms of Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people, on their own land. He told PIC on Sunday that the continuation of the programmed and systematic policy, adopted by the occupation to make demographic changes, demonstrates Israel's racism.
Hamas spokesman has called for the need to support the Palestinian people and demanded all the Palestinians to continue to adhere to their land, stressing that his movement will be supporting every Palestinian defending his land and right.
For his part; the MP Jamal Al Khudari, the head of the Popular Committee against the Siege, has confirmed that the occupation army’s attack on the village of Bab Shams in the occupied city of Jerusalem will not stop the popular activities against the settlements and the apartheid wall.
Al Khudari stressed in a statement on Sunday that the attack on the village will increase the international solidarity and the popular activities, considered as one of the aspects of the resistance and steadfastness.
The MP also emphasized that such brutal treatment against the Palestinians, the peace activists and the Popular Resistance militants will not discourage them from continuing their activities until the achievement of their legitimate rights and the end of the occupation of their land.
Hamas spokesman has called for the need to support the Palestinian people and demanded all the Palestinians to continue to adhere to their land, stressing that his movement will be supporting every Palestinian defending his land and right.
For his part; the MP Jamal Al Khudari, the head of the Popular Committee against the Siege, has confirmed that the occupation army’s attack on the village of Bab Shams in the occupied city of Jerusalem will not stop the popular activities against the settlements and the apartheid wall.
Al Khudari stressed in a statement on Sunday that the attack on the village will increase the international solidarity and the popular activities, considered as one of the aspects of the resistance and steadfastness.
The MP also emphasized that such brutal treatment against the Palestinians, the peace activists and the Popular Resistance militants will not discourage them from continuing their activities until the achievement of their legitimate rights and the end of the occupation of their land.
Israeli Soldiers Attack, Evict, Bab Al-Shams, Arrest Dozens
Thousands of Israeli soldiers and policemen attacked, on Saturday at dawn, the Bab Al-Shams Palestinian village, installed east of in occupied East Jerusalem, and forcibly removed dozens of activists loading them into buses.
The soldiers dragged several activists into the ground, attacked reporters and journalist and declared the area as a closed military zone, several injuries were reported.
The Israeli decision to evacuate the village came, on Saturday, through a direct order issued by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his right-wing fundamentalist cabinet.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, reported that by midnight Saturday, the order was signed by Osnat Mandel, head of the Israeli High Court division of the Justice Ministry, under the claimed that “the people and the tends must be removed due to security considerations”.
The Israeli Police said that the eviction order, issued by the court, prohibits the army from removing the tens, but orders the removal of the people staying there.
Also, the so-called Israeli Civil Administration Office, run by the occupation in the West bank, claimed that the Palestinian tent village “was installed on state land”.
But four Bedouin families living in the area confirmed that they own the land, and even showed deeds proving ownership.
The soldiers dragged several activists into the ground, attacked reporters and journalist and declared the area as a closed military zone, several injuries were reported.
The Israeli decision to evacuate the village came, on Saturday, through a direct order issued by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his right-wing fundamentalist cabinet.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, reported that by midnight Saturday, the order was signed by Osnat Mandel, head of the Israeli High Court division of the Justice Ministry, under the claimed that “the people and the tends must be removed due to security considerations”.
The Israeli Police said that the eviction order, issued by the court, prohibits the army from removing the tens, but orders the removal of the people staying there.
Also, the so-called Israeli Civil Administration Office, run by the occupation in the West bank, claimed that the Palestinian tent village “was installed on state land”.
But four Bedouin families living in the area confirmed that they own the land, and even showed deeds proving ownership.
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Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, who was also at the Palestinian village, stated that hundreds of Israeli soldiers invaded the village after surrounding it, and attacked the nonviolent activists camped there, and started kidnapping them.
The soldiers violently attacked the residents, including journalists, elderly and women, and dragged several resident onto the ground. The soldiers repeatedly interrupted the work of local reporters, flashing their lights onto the camera, and pushing the reporters away, and dragged dozens of activists into buses that were brought by the army to the area. On Saturday evening, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, ordered the army "to remove the Palestinians and their supporters from the Palestinian outpost" that was installed on privately-owned Palestinian lands to send a message to Israel and the entire world that this land is the land of Palestine, and the Palestinian people have the right to inhibit it. |
The army installed dozens of roadblocks around the area to prevent Palestinian traffic and surrounded the Bab Al-Shams where around 200 activists installed around 20 tents declaring the Bab Al-Shams Palestinian village, in the area were Israeli illegally declared it intends to build thousands of homes for Jewish settlers, east of occupied east Jerusalem.
The Israeli decision to build the illegal settlements in the occupied state of Palestine came after the Palestinians managed to obtain an observer state status at the UN – General Assembly.
The Israeli decision was met with international condemnation, but the settler-led government of Benjamin Netanyahu, approved the illegal settlement project.
The so-called E1 settlement project aims at linking the Maale Adumim illegal settlement, where 35000 reside, with occupied East Jerusalem, thus illegally confiscating Palestinian lands and blocking geographical continuity in the occupied West Bank.
This illegal Israeli project would divide the West Bank into two parts, and would completely isolate it from occupied East Jerusalem, an issue that would prevent the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.
Abdullah Abu Rahma, a Palestinian nonviolent activist from the West Bank village on Bil’in, who was also detained when the army attacked and evicted Bab Al-Shams, stated that this village is on private Palestinian land, and that the Palestinians are not invading anybody’s property, as they are establishing a village in the land of Palestine.
“We tied our hands, chained ourselves with each other to prevent the soldiers from removing us”, Abu Rahma said, “The Soldiers violently attacked us, beat us, and injured at least 10”
He added that there will be more nonviolent activities, and that the struggle for Bab Al-Shams, the nonviolent struggle for the liberation of Palestine will continue as the Palestinians are practicing their internationally-guaranteed right.
It is worth mentioning that the Palestine TV was live streaming from Bab Al-Shams, and the army repeatedly tried to interrupt the stream, pushing the reporters, and using large flashlight, pointing them against the camera to disrupt the images.
(pictures below)
The Israeli decision to build the illegal settlements in the occupied state of Palestine came after the Palestinians managed to obtain an observer state status at the UN – General Assembly.
The Israeli decision was met with international condemnation, but the settler-led government of Benjamin Netanyahu, approved the illegal settlement project.
The so-called E1 settlement project aims at linking the Maale Adumim illegal settlement, where 35000 reside, with occupied East Jerusalem, thus illegally confiscating Palestinian lands and blocking geographical continuity in the occupied West Bank.
This illegal Israeli project would divide the West Bank into two parts, and would completely isolate it from occupied East Jerusalem, an issue that would prevent the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.
Abdullah Abu Rahma, a Palestinian nonviolent activist from the West Bank village on Bil’in, who was also detained when the army attacked and evicted Bab Al-Shams, stated that this village is on private Palestinian land, and that the Palestinians are not invading anybody’s property, as they are establishing a village in the land of Palestine.
“We tied our hands, chained ourselves with each other to prevent the soldiers from removing us”, Abu Rahma said, “The Soldiers violently attacked us, beat us, and injured at least 10”
He added that there will be more nonviolent activities, and that the struggle for Bab Al-Shams, the nonviolent struggle for the liberation of Palestine will continue as the Palestinians are practicing their internationally-guaranteed right.
It is worth mentioning that the Palestine TV was live streaming from Bab Al-Shams, and the army repeatedly tried to interrupt the stream, pushing the reporters, and using large flashlight, pointing them against the camera to disrupt the images.
(pictures below)
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Netanyahu on evacuating Palestinian protest tents: Nobody will block E-1 corridor
Israeli security forces on Sunday cleared about one hundred Palestinian activists from the encampment they had set up between Jerusalem and Ma'aleh Adumin two days earlier. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he had ordered the immediate evacuation of a Palestinian protest encampment in the the E-1 corridor east of Jerusalem, vowing that Israel would not let anyone stop it from connecting the capital to Ma'aleh Adumim. Israeli security forces cleared about 100 Palestinian activists early on Sunday from the tent city that had pitched as a protest against Israeli plans to expand settlement construction there. Israel's Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the Palestinian outpost, built in the |
geographically sensitive area known as E-1, could remain for six days while the issue of the removal of the tents was being discussed. Netanyahu ordered the evacuation immediately, however, despite the court's ruling.
A police spokesman explained that the court had allowed for the removal of the protesters even if the tents, for now, will stay.
Netanyahu said he had ordered the area sealed off to prevent clashes.
"I immediately called for the area to be closed off so there would not be large gatherings there that could cause friction and breach the public order," he said.
"We will not let anyone harm the contiguity between Jerusalem and Ma'aleh Adumim," Netanyahu said.
Hundreds of Israeli police and border guards entered the compound and told a crowd of about 100 to leave the 20 large, steel-framed tents erected on Friday.
Those protesters who refused to leave were carried down the hill by Israeli officers and detained, but were not jailed.
Israeli police vans took them to the West Bank town of Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government.
"Everyone was evacuated carefully and swiftly, without any injuries to officers or protesters," said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
Palestinian activists criticized the raid and promised more protest camps in areas designated by Israel for settlements.
"The eviction and the exercise of force is another indication that Israel is defying the international consensus on the need to vacate occupied Palestinian land," Palestinian government spokesman Nour Odeh said.
For years, Israel froze building in E-1, which currently houses only a police headquarters, after coming under pressure from former U.S. President George W. Bush.
Netanyahu said Israel would build at E-1 after the planning process was completed.
"It is a gradual process, it will take time. It will not happen immediately, you understand our bureaucratic process... We will complete the planning and there will be building there," he told Army Radio.
Israel announced plans to expand settlements, mainly in West Bank areas around Jerusalem, after the Palestinians won de-facto recognition of statehood at the UN General Assembly in November.
International powers view all Jewish settlement building in areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War as detrimental to securing an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal.
E-1 covers 4.6 square miles (12 square km) and is seen as particularly important because it not only juts into the narrow "waist" of the West Bank, but backs onto East Jerusalem.
Palestinians want to establish an independent state in the West Bank, dominated by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah faction, and the Gaza Strip, run by the rival Islamist group Hamas, with East Jerusalem as the capital.
About 500,000 Israelis and 2.5 million Palestinians live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in 2010 over the issue of Israel's continued settlement building.
A police spokesman explained that the court had allowed for the removal of the protesters even if the tents, for now, will stay.
Netanyahu said he had ordered the area sealed off to prevent clashes.
"I immediately called for the area to be closed off so there would not be large gatherings there that could cause friction and breach the public order," he said.
"We will not let anyone harm the contiguity between Jerusalem and Ma'aleh Adumim," Netanyahu said.
Hundreds of Israeli police and border guards entered the compound and told a crowd of about 100 to leave the 20 large, steel-framed tents erected on Friday.
Those protesters who refused to leave were carried down the hill by Israeli officers and detained, but were not jailed.
Israeli police vans took them to the West Bank town of Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government.
"Everyone was evacuated carefully and swiftly, without any injuries to officers or protesters," said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
Palestinian activists criticized the raid and promised more protest camps in areas designated by Israel for settlements.
"The eviction and the exercise of force is another indication that Israel is defying the international consensus on the need to vacate occupied Palestinian land," Palestinian government spokesman Nour Odeh said.
For years, Israel froze building in E-1, which currently houses only a police headquarters, after coming under pressure from former U.S. President George W. Bush.
Netanyahu said Israel would build at E-1 after the planning process was completed.
"It is a gradual process, it will take time. It will not happen immediately, you understand our bureaucratic process... We will complete the planning and there will be building there," he told Army Radio.
Israel announced plans to expand settlements, mainly in West Bank areas around Jerusalem, after the Palestinians won de-facto recognition of statehood at the UN General Assembly in November.
International powers view all Jewish settlement building in areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War as detrimental to securing an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal.
E-1 covers 4.6 square miles (12 square km) and is seen as particularly important because it not only juts into the narrow "waist" of the West Bank, but backs onto East Jerusalem.
Palestinians want to establish an independent state in the West Bank, dominated by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah faction, and the Gaza Strip, run by the rival Islamist group Hamas, with East Jerusalem as the capital.
About 500,000 Israelis and 2.5 million Palestinians live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in 2010 over the issue of Israel's continued settlement building.
Ghussein: Bab al-Shams Village is a new and important form of resistance
Ihab Ghussein, head of the Government Information Office, said that setting up the tent village of Bab al-Shams (Gate of the Sun) east Jerusalem, is a new and important form of resistance against settlement. "The construction of the village is a step in the right direction, and a Palestinian need to restore resistance in all its forms against the occupation," Ghussein said in a written press statement on Sunday.
He rejected the notion that the destruction of the village, at dawn on Sunday by the Israeli occupation, is a failure for the protestors, stressing the need to continue similar steps to impose the reality against the occupation in light of international silence.
He reaffirmed the Palestinian people's right to use all available means of resistance, including armed struggle.
Ghsain said that the Palestinian government and Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh have appreciated the efforts of the Palestinian activists who challenged the occupation and its aggression and devised a new way to resist settlement.
Palestinian activists set up a village, named Bab al-Shams (Gate of the Sun in Arabic), on Friday in east occupied Jerusalem challenging the Israeli decision to build settlements in the so-called (E1) area project.
Occupation troops moved in at dawn Sunday, arrested the activists and destroyed the village.
He rejected the notion that the destruction of the village, at dawn on Sunday by the Israeli occupation, is a failure for the protestors, stressing the need to continue similar steps to impose the reality against the occupation in light of international silence.
He reaffirmed the Palestinian people's right to use all available means of resistance, including armed struggle.
Ghsain said that the Palestinian government and Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh have appreciated the efforts of the Palestinian activists who challenged the occupation and its aggression and devised a new way to resist settlement.
Palestinian activists set up a village, named Bab al-Shams (Gate of the Sun in Arabic), on Friday in east occupied Jerusalem challenging the Israeli decision to build settlements in the so-called (E1) area project.
Occupation troops moved in at dawn Sunday, arrested the activists and destroyed the village.
12 jan 2013
Peres: “Arafat Should Not Have Been Assassinated, Abbas Is A Partner In Peace”
In an interview that was conducted by the New York Times several months ago, and was only published Wednesday (and then republished by Israeli Radio), Israeli President, Shimon Peres, stated that late Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat, should not have been assassinated, adding that “without Arafat, the current situation is more complicated.”
The Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat, died at a French Military Hospital on November 11, 2004. On July 31st this year, Soha Arafat filed a lawsuit against “unknown” in France for the assassination of her husband.
Many Palestinians believe that Israeli forces which surrounded Arafat in his compound, in 2002, until he fell seriously ill and was airlifted to France, were behind the assassination of Arafat. Israel also bombarded sections of the compound, and bulldozed other sections, in addition to cutting power and water supplies, and phone lines. Israeli sharpshooters also occupied several surrounding buildings overlooking the office of Arafat, and killed five Palestinians in the compound, including members personal bodyguards of Arafat; at least 40 were injured and 70 were kidnapped. Israel also said that two Israeli soldiers were killed in the attack.
At the time, some Israeli politicians alluded to the possibility that Arafat had been assassinated, but none admitted it openly. Prior to Arafat’s death, Israeli leaders kept labeling him as an “obstacle to peace”. The then-Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, said in a press conference that “invading Ramallah, and the isolation of Arafat is only the beginning of an extended military offensive that aims at uprooting the infrastructure of terrorism”.
In the New York Times interview published this week, when asked if he thought that Arafat should have been assassinated, Peres replied “No”, and stated that It was possible for Israel “to do business with Arafat”, and that “without him, the situation became much more complicated”.
Peres also stated that Israel could not have reached the Oslo peace agreement without Arafat, and added that the Hebron agreement was also reached with Arafat, but claimed that he “tried to explain to Arafat how to be a true leader”.
The Israeli President added that he and Arafat sat together, “with me eating from his hand. It took courage. I told him he must be like Lincoln, like Ben-Gurion: one nation, one gun, not innumerable armed forces with each firing in a different direction”, the New York Times reported.
He further claimed that Arafat kept saying No in Arabic (la, la, la) but at the end said yes to what Peres told him, and added that “Arafat lied to him, with no problem”, as Peres was referring to “Arafat agreeing to fighter Palestinian fighters”, described by Peres are militants and insurgencies”.
Furthermore, Peres claimed that he “protected Arafat from several plots against his life”, and plots meant to remove him out of Palestine.
As for Israel assassination policies, Peres said that he opposes Israel’s use of targeting killings, and opposed Israel’s use of targeted killing as a means to achieve its goals.
He further stated that he also opposed the assassination of Khalil Al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) who was the deputy of Yasser Arafat, and was assassinated in Tunisia by an Israeli death squad, under direct orders of the Israeli Mosad, on April 16, 1996.
Twenty well-trained Israeli assassins working for the Mossad (Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations) were deployed at a Qurtaja shore in Tunisia; four ships, two submarined and two Israeli military hellicopeters were deployed in the area, and when Abu Jihad returned to his home, the Israeli commandoes and assassins headed to his home, killed his guards and went to his room where they fired several bullets at him. It is believed that he was shot by 70 rounds of live ammunition.
Peres added that he does not agree with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in his policies towards current Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas.
“I do not accept the assertion that Abu Mazen [Abbas] is not a good negotiating partner”, Peres said, “To my mind, he is an excellent partner. Our military people describe to me the extent to which the Palestinian forces are cooperating with us to combat terror.”
Peres further claimed that Jewish settlements in the West Bank “did not void the two-state solution”, and added that Israel’s Jewish settlements in the West Bank, including in Jerusalem, “are only built on 2% of the Palestinian territory”.
Furthermore, Peres claimed that the Palestinian issue is not the main issue in the Middle East, but admitted that it is affecting Israel’s relations with 1.5 Billion Muslims in the world, and added that “once the conflict is resolved, extremist Islamists will not have an excuse to continue to attack us”, according to the Israeli President.
As for the current Israel government headed by Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and its inability to advance talks with the Palestinians, Peres said that “the problem is not with Netanyahu, the problem is his coalition partners”, referring to extreme right-wing fundamentalist coalition partners such as the extremist “Israel Our Home” party led by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who is also a settler and continuously denies the legitimate Palestinian rights, and in the past repeatedly called for their massive expulsion to Arab countries.
Lieberman also repeatedly stated that the Arabs and the Palestinians are a “strategic threat to the Jewish State”.
The Israeli President further said that he does not claim that peace with the Palestinians would lead to resolving all issues in the region, and added that “achieving this peace in not an easy task”.
Yet, the Israeli president said that he fully supported the latest Israeli military offensive on Gaza, and claimed that the operation “was not a war or a military offensive, but a lesson to Hamas”.
He also claimed that Israel “tried its best not to harm civilians in Gaza”, and added that “sometimes it is very difficult to differentiate between Hamas gunmen and innocent civilians”. He also claimed that Israel tried to tell Hamas that it has no objection to building homes in Gaza, but will not allow the movement to build rocket launchers.
The November 2012 8-day Israeli war on Gaza, led to the death of 191 Palestinians, including children, women and elderly, while at least 1492 Palestinians have been injured, dozens seriously.
8 children, including 16 under the age of five, have been killed by Israeli missiles and shells during the war, in addition to 12 women and 20 elderly.
Palestinians, including 533 children (195 under the age of 5), 254 women and 103 elderly have been injured by Israeli fire and shells, and at least five Palestinians have been killed after the ceasefire agreement was reached, and more than 54 have been injured. More...
The Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat, died at a French Military Hospital on November 11, 2004. On July 31st this year, Soha Arafat filed a lawsuit against “unknown” in France for the assassination of her husband.
Many Palestinians believe that Israeli forces which surrounded Arafat in his compound, in 2002, until he fell seriously ill and was airlifted to France, were behind the assassination of Arafat. Israel also bombarded sections of the compound, and bulldozed other sections, in addition to cutting power and water supplies, and phone lines. Israeli sharpshooters also occupied several surrounding buildings overlooking the office of Arafat, and killed five Palestinians in the compound, including members personal bodyguards of Arafat; at least 40 were injured and 70 were kidnapped. Israel also said that two Israeli soldiers were killed in the attack.
At the time, some Israeli politicians alluded to the possibility that Arafat had been assassinated, but none admitted it openly. Prior to Arafat’s death, Israeli leaders kept labeling him as an “obstacle to peace”. The then-Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, said in a press conference that “invading Ramallah, and the isolation of Arafat is only the beginning of an extended military offensive that aims at uprooting the infrastructure of terrorism”.
In the New York Times interview published this week, when asked if he thought that Arafat should have been assassinated, Peres replied “No”, and stated that It was possible for Israel “to do business with Arafat”, and that “without him, the situation became much more complicated”.
Peres also stated that Israel could not have reached the Oslo peace agreement without Arafat, and added that the Hebron agreement was also reached with Arafat, but claimed that he “tried to explain to Arafat how to be a true leader”.
The Israeli President added that he and Arafat sat together, “with me eating from his hand. It took courage. I told him he must be like Lincoln, like Ben-Gurion: one nation, one gun, not innumerable armed forces with each firing in a different direction”, the New York Times reported.
He further claimed that Arafat kept saying No in Arabic (la, la, la) but at the end said yes to what Peres told him, and added that “Arafat lied to him, with no problem”, as Peres was referring to “Arafat agreeing to fighter Palestinian fighters”, described by Peres are militants and insurgencies”.
Furthermore, Peres claimed that he “protected Arafat from several plots against his life”, and plots meant to remove him out of Palestine.
As for Israel assassination policies, Peres said that he opposes Israel’s use of targeting killings, and opposed Israel’s use of targeted killing as a means to achieve its goals.
He further stated that he also opposed the assassination of Khalil Al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) who was the deputy of Yasser Arafat, and was assassinated in Tunisia by an Israeli death squad, under direct orders of the Israeli Mosad, on April 16, 1996.
Twenty well-trained Israeli assassins working for the Mossad (Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations) were deployed at a Qurtaja shore in Tunisia; four ships, two submarined and two Israeli military hellicopeters were deployed in the area, and when Abu Jihad returned to his home, the Israeli commandoes and assassins headed to his home, killed his guards and went to his room where they fired several bullets at him. It is believed that he was shot by 70 rounds of live ammunition.
Peres added that he does not agree with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in his policies towards current Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas.
“I do not accept the assertion that Abu Mazen [Abbas] is not a good negotiating partner”, Peres said, “To my mind, he is an excellent partner. Our military people describe to me the extent to which the Palestinian forces are cooperating with us to combat terror.”
Peres further claimed that Jewish settlements in the West Bank “did not void the two-state solution”, and added that Israel’s Jewish settlements in the West Bank, including in Jerusalem, “are only built on 2% of the Palestinian territory”.
Furthermore, Peres claimed that the Palestinian issue is not the main issue in the Middle East, but admitted that it is affecting Israel’s relations with 1.5 Billion Muslims in the world, and added that “once the conflict is resolved, extremist Islamists will not have an excuse to continue to attack us”, according to the Israeli President.
As for the current Israel government headed by Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and its inability to advance talks with the Palestinians, Peres said that “the problem is not with Netanyahu, the problem is his coalition partners”, referring to extreme right-wing fundamentalist coalition partners such as the extremist “Israel Our Home” party led by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who is also a settler and continuously denies the legitimate Palestinian rights, and in the past repeatedly called for their massive expulsion to Arab countries.
Lieberman also repeatedly stated that the Arabs and the Palestinians are a “strategic threat to the Jewish State”.
The Israeli President further said that he does not claim that peace with the Palestinians would lead to resolving all issues in the region, and added that “achieving this peace in not an easy task”.
Yet, the Israeli president said that he fully supported the latest Israeli military offensive on Gaza, and claimed that the operation “was not a war or a military offensive, but a lesson to Hamas”.
He also claimed that Israel “tried its best not to harm civilians in Gaza”, and added that “sometimes it is very difficult to differentiate between Hamas gunmen and innocent civilians”. He also claimed that Israel tried to tell Hamas that it has no objection to building homes in Gaza, but will not allow the movement to build rocket launchers.
The November 2012 8-day Israeli war on Gaza, led to the death of 191 Palestinians, including children, women and elderly, while at least 1492 Palestinians have been injured, dozens seriously.
8 children, including 16 under the age of five, have been killed by Israeli missiles and shells during the war, in addition to 12 women and 20 elderly.
Palestinians, including 533 children (195 under the age of 5), 254 women and 103 elderly have been injured by Israeli fire and shells, and at least five Palestinians have been killed after the ceasefire agreement was reached, and more than 54 have been injured. More...
Palestinian Documentary Nominated for Oscar
Jibreel, the filmmaker’s youngest son, looks towards Israeli settlements from Bilin
A Palestinian film portraying the life of a Palestinian photographer and his son in a village witnessing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on daily basis was nominated for an Oscar in the documentary feature category. “5 Broken Cameras,' the documentary directed by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi, tells the story of a Palestinian man who lives in the small Palestinian village of Bilin, northwest of Ramallah, which is most famous for its popular and nonviolent weekly protests which started back in 2005.
The entire movie was shot in and around Bilin and presents the stories of the director, Burnat, who took upon himself the responsibility of documenting the Israeli violations, raids, nonviolent protests, the life of his son who was born with the beginning of the nonviolent resistance movement in the village and other outstanding figures and friends in the village.
The title of the documentary refers to the five cameras that were smashed by Israeli soldiers while recording the struggle and steadfastness of the people of Bilin.
“I started documenting what happens in Bilin from Israeli violations and raids to protests held by the residents as a way to expose the Israeli practices against Palestinians,” Burnat told WAFA.
A Palestinian film portraying the life of a Palestinian photographer and his son in a village witnessing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on daily basis was nominated for an Oscar in the documentary feature category. “5 Broken Cameras,' the documentary directed by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi, tells the story of a Palestinian man who lives in the small Palestinian village of Bilin, northwest of Ramallah, which is most famous for its popular and nonviolent weekly protests which started back in 2005.
The entire movie was shot in and around Bilin and presents the stories of the director, Burnat, who took upon himself the responsibility of documenting the Israeli violations, raids, nonviolent protests, the life of his son who was born with the beginning of the nonviolent resistance movement in the village and other outstanding figures and friends in the village.
The title of the documentary refers to the five cameras that were smashed by Israeli soldiers while recording the struggle and steadfastness of the people of Bilin.
“I started documenting what happens in Bilin from Israeli violations and raids to protests held by the residents as a way to expose the Israeli practices against Palestinians,” Burnat told WAFA.
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“I later decided that I want to make a movie that tells the story of Bilin through authentic Palestinian voices.”
Burnat said he asked the help of Davidi who used to come to Bilin a lot to film and participate in the protests. “I don’t think the help of an Israeli director has affected the movie in the least since I am well aware of Davidi’s position regarding the conflict,” he said. When asked about Israeli media referring to the movie as an Israeli film, he said that the film is 100% Palestinian made by a Palestinian director and tells the story of the Palestinians of Bilin. He said “Israel is trying to take advantage of this nomination and attribute it to itself.” Burnat spent five years working on his documentary which received high ratings by both critics and activists around the globe and was screened in the United States and many European countries and received about 25 international awards. |
A review published in the Observer said that the movie “presents with overwhelming power a case of injustice on a massive scale, and gives a direct experience of what it's like to be on the receiving end of oppression and dispossession, administered by the unyielding, stony-faced representatives of those convinced of their own righteousness.”
Burnat said that the movie is a huge success not only for him as the director or the people of Bilin, but for every Palestinian who believe in the lawfulness of the Palestinian cause.
Is Oscar-nominated 5 Broken Cameras an Israeli or a Palestinian film?
The film 5 Broken Cameras has been nominated for a Oscar in the best feature-length documentary category, it was announced yesterday. I reviewed the feature, the product of years’ worth of footage of demonstrations shot by Palestinian filmmaker Emad Burnat, for The Electronic Intifada back in October.
As a film, 5 Broken Cameras works on both an artistic and a political level. It’s a deeply personal film to Burnat in many ways, while also being a chronicle of the struggle of his village, Bilin, against Israel’s apartheid wall and policies of dispossession.
In a press release from the production company, Burnat responded to the news: “This is one of the happiest moments of my life. The village of Bilin is celebrating because of international support of my film. As a child I remember watching the Oscars on TV … I don’t recall seeing films about Palestine, the occupation or our struggles. Times have changed.”
Israeli appropriation
But despite being a deeply Palestinian story about a collective Palestinian struggle, told by a Palestinian, the Israeli press almost immediately began referring to it as an “Israeli film,” along with some US media, and boasting of it almost as a national product.
Even the Israeli embassy in Washington tweeted out a headline from The Forward claiming Burnat’s effort as an “Israeli film”:
Embassy of Israel
Embedded rich on Twitter But Burnat today denied this. On his Facebook page, after being alerted as to how the Israeli press is describing it, Burnat said it was actually a “Palestinian film … My story, my village story, my people’s story, seven years I was working on the film.”
Guy Davidi, the film’s other director, said in a statement released on his Facebook page that “it’s first and foremost also a Palestinian film,” as well as an Israeli film. In the statement (which you can read in full below), Davidi reflects on some of the complexities surrounding the film – which did receive some Israeli funding. (Davidi has also told me that a report about him and the film by Israel National News was totally invented, and they had not even spoken to him.)
Expanding on this point Davidi told me in an online chat: “the film is considered a Palestinian-Israeli-French production since there is finance from these countries and I’m Israeli, Emad is Palestinian, personally I don’t think films should have citizenships.”
In some ways, this debate recalls the Academy’s spurning of Elia Suieiman’s Divine Intervention over a decade ago, on spurious grounds. But this time with a different result.
As far as the Oscars go, however, the two cases are different, because 5 Broken Cameras has been nominated in the documentary feature category, not the foreign language category. In the latter, in-country committees formally nominate films on behalf of the country. So in this case, that issue does not arise in a formal sense – unlike the issues around funding, talent and “nationality” (if films even have one).
Boycott?
The fact of Israeli funding may, for some, raise of the specter of boycotting this Palestinian film. Indeed, last year celebrity academic Norman Finkelstein once again attacked the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement for “flagrant hypocrisy” for not calling for a boycott of 5 Broken Cameras.
But this is just another sign of Finkelstein’s sad degeneration, with more frequent attacks on the solidarity movement in recent years, including slandering the BDS movement as a “cult.”
In fact, the movement has strict, detailed and specific criteria for applying the cultural boycott, and 5 Broken Cameras does not meet them. According to the official cultural boycott guidelines published by the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI):
Individual cultural products that receive [Israeli] state funding as part of the individual cultural worker’s entitlement as a tax-paying citizen, without her/him being bound to serve the state’s political and PR interests, are not boycottable
Before I wrote my review of the film, I wrote to PACBI and the Palestinian BDS National Committee to confirm my reading of the guidelines that this applied to 5 Broken Cameras. Both confirmed it was the case, and that the film is not boycottable as part of the BDS movement.
Activists in Arab countries may, however, apply a stricter standard than this as part of anti-normalization campaigns.
But PACBI cautioned that certain showings of the film “could be boycottable if it is sponsored by any brand Israel type funding,” citing the film’s screening at the Canadian Hotdocs festival last year, which had received money from the Israeli consulate.
Davidi responded that Hotdocs had made a request for this funding without his knowledge. “The festival got sponsorship, not us. The whole thing happened without us knowing so I found that only after the showing,” he explained.
The festival indeed appears to have hushed up this funding, as it does not appear on its website sponsors page, nor on copies the page made at the time.
Guy Davidi’s full statement
I wanted to write a few words for this very complex day. When a film succeeds, you’re supposed to sit back and enjoy, but when a film like 5 Broken Cameras succeeds, a whole box of complex challenges opens up. Every side immediately has its interpretation of the filmmakers or the film. Some are Israelis who immediately appropriate the film for national pride or pride over the national arts, but obscure or completely omit the fact that it’s first and foremost also a Palestinian film. Not that a film should have a citizenship at all. On the other hand, there are also activists who are in turn offended by this appropriation and expect harsh statements in response; the kind of statements that would obliterate the possibility of having the film connect with a slightly broader audience. There are dear Israelis, some of them also inside the establishment itself, who supported and lifted up the film, such as the New Fund for Cinema and Television, who were the most incredible and supportive partners for the making of the film, and who are facing an established system that is threatening their existence and independence. And there are the Palestinians and the Arab World, for whom this detail makes it difficult to accept the film, and the film can’t even be screened there because of that.
There is a nonviolent struggle that faces challenges not only from the Israeli occupation but also from within, and the portrayal of partnership with Israelis is a complex challenge, and a Palestinian director may find himself under attack for that. And then there are journalists and headline editors who are looking for half a sentence, a quarter of a sentence that they can wave around, and situate the left wing director in a provocative and nonthreatening space, and the Palestinian director in a nationalistic and nonthreatening space. And then there will be lots of talk-backs for a short while, and the whole matter will be forgotten and the audience will be happy that there is nothing new under the sun and they can continue their lives without disturbance or worry. And in that place, any achievement that was reached is crushed. This is a day with joy and sadness. Joy – it’s clear why, but sadness – about the ability of a delicate and complicated conversation to come out.
Burnat said that the movie is a huge success not only for him as the director or the people of Bilin, but for every Palestinian who believe in the lawfulness of the Palestinian cause.
Is Oscar-nominated 5 Broken Cameras an Israeli or a Palestinian film?
The film 5 Broken Cameras has been nominated for a Oscar in the best feature-length documentary category, it was announced yesterday. I reviewed the feature, the product of years’ worth of footage of demonstrations shot by Palestinian filmmaker Emad Burnat, for The Electronic Intifada back in October.
As a film, 5 Broken Cameras works on both an artistic and a political level. It’s a deeply personal film to Burnat in many ways, while also being a chronicle of the struggle of his village, Bilin, against Israel’s apartheid wall and policies of dispossession.
In a press release from the production company, Burnat responded to the news: “This is one of the happiest moments of my life. The village of Bilin is celebrating because of international support of my film. As a child I remember watching the Oscars on TV … I don’t recall seeing films about Palestine, the occupation or our struggles. Times have changed.”
Israeli appropriation
But despite being a deeply Palestinian story about a collective Palestinian struggle, told by a Palestinian, the Israeli press almost immediately began referring to it as an “Israeli film,” along with some US media, and boasting of it almost as a national product.
Even the Israeli embassy in Washington tweeted out a headline from The Forward claiming Burnat’s effort as an “Israeli film”:
Embassy of Israel
Embedded rich on Twitter But Burnat today denied this. On his Facebook page, after being alerted as to how the Israeli press is describing it, Burnat said it was actually a “Palestinian film … My story, my village story, my people’s story, seven years I was working on the film.”
Guy Davidi, the film’s other director, said in a statement released on his Facebook page that “it’s first and foremost also a Palestinian film,” as well as an Israeli film. In the statement (which you can read in full below), Davidi reflects on some of the complexities surrounding the film – which did receive some Israeli funding. (Davidi has also told me that a report about him and the film by Israel National News was totally invented, and they had not even spoken to him.)
Expanding on this point Davidi told me in an online chat: “the film is considered a Palestinian-Israeli-French production since there is finance from these countries and I’m Israeli, Emad is Palestinian, personally I don’t think films should have citizenships.”
In some ways, this debate recalls the Academy’s spurning of Elia Suieiman’s Divine Intervention over a decade ago, on spurious grounds. But this time with a different result.
As far as the Oscars go, however, the two cases are different, because 5 Broken Cameras has been nominated in the documentary feature category, not the foreign language category. In the latter, in-country committees formally nominate films on behalf of the country. So in this case, that issue does not arise in a formal sense – unlike the issues around funding, talent and “nationality” (if films even have one).
Boycott?
The fact of Israeli funding may, for some, raise of the specter of boycotting this Palestinian film. Indeed, last year celebrity academic Norman Finkelstein once again attacked the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement for “flagrant hypocrisy” for not calling for a boycott of 5 Broken Cameras.
But this is just another sign of Finkelstein’s sad degeneration, with more frequent attacks on the solidarity movement in recent years, including slandering the BDS movement as a “cult.”
In fact, the movement has strict, detailed and specific criteria for applying the cultural boycott, and 5 Broken Cameras does not meet them. According to the official cultural boycott guidelines published by the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI):
Individual cultural products that receive [Israeli] state funding as part of the individual cultural worker’s entitlement as a tax-paying citizen, without her/him being bound to serve the state’s political and PR interests, are not boycottable
Before I wrote my review of the film, I wrote to PACBI and the Palestinian BDS National Committee to confirm my reading of the guidelines that this applied to 5 Broken Cameras. Both confirmed it was the case, and that the film is not boycottable as part of the BDS movement.
Activists in Arab countries may, however, apply a stricter standard than this as part of anti-normalization campaigns.
But PACBI cautioned that certain showings of the film “could be boycottable if it is sponsored by any brand Israel type funding,” citing the film’s screening at the Canadian Hotdocs festival last year, which had received money from the Israeli consulate.
Davidi responded that Hotdocs had made a request for this funding without his knowledge. “The festival got sponsorship, not us. The whole thing happened without us knowing so I found that only after the showing,” he explained.
The festival indeed appears to have hushed up this funding, as it does not appear on its website sponsors page, nor on copies the page made at the time.
Guy Davidi’s full statement
I wanted to write a few words for this very complex day. When a film succeeds, you’re supposed to sit back and enjoy, but when a film like 5 Broken Cameras succeeds, a whole box of complex challenges opens up. Every side immediately has its interpretation of the filmmakers or the film. Some are Israelis who immediately appropriate the film for national pride or pride over the national arts, but obscure or completely omit the fact that it’s first and foremost also a Palestinian film. Not that a film should have a citizenship at all. On the other hand, there are also activists who are in turn offended by this appropriation and expect harsh statements in response; the kind of statements that would obliterate the possibility of having the film connect with a slightly broader audience. There are dear Israelis, some of them also inside the establishment itself, who supported and lifted up the film, such as the New Fund for Cinema and Television, who were the most incredible and supportive partners for the making of the film, and who are facing an established system that is threatening their existence and independence. And there are the Palestinians and the Arab World, for whom this detail makes it difficult to accept the film, and the film can’t even be screened there because of that.
There is a nonviolent struggle that faces challenges not only from the Israeli occupation but also from within, and the portrayal of partnership with Israelis is a complex challenge, and a Palestinian director may find himself under attack for that. And then there are journalists and headline editors who are looking for half a sentence, a quarter of a sentence that they can wave around, and situate the left wing director in a provocative and nonthreatening space, and the Palestinian director in a nationalistic and nonthreatening space. And then there will be lots of talk-backs for a short while, and the whole matter will be forgotten and the audience will be happy that there is nothing new under the sun and they can continue their lives without disturbance or worry. And in that place, any achievement that was reached is crushed. This is a day with joy and sadness. Joy – it’s clear why, but sadness – about the ability of a delicate and complicated conversation to come out.
Israeli Occupation Prevents PNN Team from Reaching E1 Area
Israeli occupation forces prevented the team of the Palestine News Network (PNN) from reaching the E1 Area, where Palestinian and international activists settled in yesterday in an attempt to establish a Palestinian village that called Bab As-Shams (Gate of the Sun) as a response to the Israeli occupation plans to build settlements in this area that aim to connect Jerusalem with Ma'ali Adumim. The PNN team: Editor-in-Chief, Monjed Jadou, and the Cameraman, Joseph Safar, were prevented from reaching the area.
As the team arrived to al-Za'im checkpoint that was set in a the road that leads to E1 Area, the Israeli soldiers stopped their car that holds the sign "press" and told them to show their IDs, and their press IDs. Then, the soldiers said that these IDs are Palestinian, therefore the IDs are not valid nor recognized.
The soldiers claimed they saw the PNN car trying to cross the checkpoint three times, while the PNN team denied and said they only tried to cross the border one time only. The soldiers threatened the team and ordered them to leave.
Carlos Handal, Director of ONE SHOT PRODUCTIONS also declared to PNN that media crews working for some satellite TV channels were also denied access to the location.
Israeli occupation forces imposed tough measures on the entry of press crews to E1 area and had been delivered orders to evacuate, referring to the possibility evacuating the area by force.
As the team arrived to al-Za'im checkpoint that was set in a the road that leads to E1 Area, the Israeli soldiers stopped their car that holds the sign "press" and told them to show their IDs, and their press IDs. Then, the soldiers said that these IDs are Palestinian, therefore the IDs are not valid nor recognized.
The soldiers claimed they saw the PNN car trying to cross the checkpoint three times, while the PNN team denied and said they only tried to cross the border one time only. The soldiers threatened the team and ordered them to leave.
Carlos Handal, Director of ONE SHOT PRODUCTIONS also declared to PNN that media crews working for some satellite TV channels were also denied access to the location.
Israeli occupation forces imposed tough measures on the entry of press crews to E1 area and had been delivered orders to evacuate, referring to the possibility evacuating the area by force.
Dr. Ashrawi Welcomes the Initiative to Establish a Palestinian Village in E1 Area
PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi welcomed the initiative to establish a new Palestinian village in the area where Israel plans to expand the Ma'ale Adumin settlement. "Bab al Shams" (Gate of the Sun) was established today by hundreds of Palestinians and international supporters, including the rightful owners of the land, popular committees, youth groups and other civil society organizations. "This initiative is a highly creative and legitimate non-violent tool to protect our land from Israeli colonial plans. We have the right to live anywhere in our State, and we call upon the international community, to support such initiatives, as well as to protect those who are being threatened by Israeli occupation forces for exercising their right to peaceful resistance against the illegal Israeli occupation."
Dr. Ashrawi congratulated the organizers: "This is collective effort initiated by civil society, including youth, social, and political organizations, who came together to support the right of the owners of the land to make use of it as they see fit. We fully support and encourage non-violent popular resistance against the Israeli occupation throughout the State of Palestine."
To conclude, Dr. Ashrawi highlighted the fact that "what this great initiative demonstrates, are the serious hardships that Palestinians face, just to live on their own land. Those who have challenged the occupation forces are being threatened simply for trying to peacefully make use of the land belonging to the occupied State of Palestine. What is happening at Bab Al Shams is reminder of the apartheid regime that Israel has imposed for the exclusive use of land for Jewish Israeli settlers all over Palestine."
Dr. Ashrawi congratulated the organizers: "This is collective effort initiated by civil society, including youth, social, and political organizations, who came together to support the right of the owners of the land to make use of it as they see fit. We fully support and encourage non-violent popular resistance against the Israeli occupation throughout the State of Palestine."
To conclude, Dr. Ashrawi highlighted the fact that "what this great initiative demonstrates, are the serious hardships that Palestinians face, just to live on their own land. Those who have challenged the occupation forces are being threatened simply for trying to peacefully make use of the land belonging to the occupied State of Palestine. What is happening at Bab Al Shams is reminder of the apartheid regime that Israel has imposed for the exclusive use of land for Jewish Israeli settlers all over Palestine."
Israel Prepares To Evict “Bab Al-Shams” Palestinian Village
Dozens of Israeli soldiers and policemen are surrounding the new Palestinian village, Bab Al-Shams, preparing to evict and remove the newly installed Palestinian outpost, set-up on Palestinian lands east of occupied East Jerusalem.
The army declared the area as a “closed military zone”, and prevented dozens of activists and residents from reaching it, before handing the Palestinians at the outpost a military order demanding them to remove their outpost and leave the area.
Abdullah Abu Rahma, an activist of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Bil’in village near the central West bank city of Ramallah, stated that the soldiers said that they will use force should the activists refuse to leave the area.
Abu Rahma added that dozens of Israeli soldiers and policemen were deployed in the area, and appear to be preparing to remove it.
“We have nothing but our will and determination, it will not be easy to remove us, we will use our expertise and abilities to remain steadfast”, Abu Rahma said, “It will take at least 800 soldiers to remove the 200 activists currently camping here”.
The activist spent a cold night in the new village, but remained there despite the lack of sheets and warm covers, while several activists burnt some wood to provide as much heat as possible.
One of the activists told the Maan News Agency that despite the cold, “the general atmosphere is pleasant due to the presence of committed activists and friends”.
“We are here enjoying the magnificent view of hills and mountains, close to Jerusalem”, the activist said, “It's cold, the tents can’t prevent the cold, but we are here to stay”.
The army declared the area as a “closed military zone”, and prevented dozens of activists and residents from reaching it, before handing the Palestinians at the outpost a military order demanding them to remove their outpost and leave the area.
Abdullah Abu Rahma, an activist of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Bil’in village near the central West bank city of Ramallah, stated that the soldiers said that they will use force should the activists refuse to leave the area.
Abu Rahma added that dozens of Israeli soldiers and policemen were deployed in the area, and appear to be preparing to remove it.
“We have nothing but our will and determination, it will not be easy to remove us, we will use our expertise and abilities to remain steadfast”, Abu Rahma said, “It will take at least 800 soldiers to remove the 200 activists currently camping here”.
The activist spent a cold night in the new village, but remained there despite the lack of sheets and warm covers, while several activists burnt some wood to provide as much heat as possible.
One of the activists told the Maan News Agency that despite the cold, “the general atmosphere is pleasant due to the presence of committed activists and friends”.
“We are here enjoying the magnificent view of hills and mountains, close to Jerusalem”, the activist said, “It's cold, the tents can’t prevent the cold, but we are here to stay”.
Police Hands Eviction Notices Targeting Bab Al-Shams
The Israeli Police was deployed, Saturday, around the newly installed Palestinian village, Bab Al-Shams”, and handed the activists eviction notices threatening that the army will evict the new “outpost” should the activists fail to remove it.
Local activists at the Bab Al-Shams voiced an urgent appealed to journalists, human rights groups, and any person who believes in the Palestinian legitimate rights, to join them and stop the eviction.
They said that their village was installed on Palestinian lands, located within the boundaries of the occupied state of Palestine.
The Israeli army declared the area a closed military zone, and prevented journalists, local and international peace activists from entering it.
A statement, issued by the Bab Al-Shams (Gate of the Sun) activists, said that this Palestinian village “was established by the sons and daughter of Palestine.”
“We the people, without permits from the occupation, without permission from anyone, sit here today because this is our land and it is our right to inhabit it”, the statement added.
The army and the police installed dozens of roadblocks in the area while dozens of local activists are trying to reach the village through the surrounding mountains.
Bab Al-Shams was established on Palestinian lands that belong to the At-Tour Palestinian town, in occupied East Jerusalem. The area in question is referred to by Israel as E1 where Israel decided to build thousands of homes for Jewish settlers.
The village is located in the area located between occupied East Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim illegal settlement bloc where Israel is planning to build thousands of units for Jewish settlers.
The Israeli settlement project would block any geographical contiguity of the Palestinian territories, and comes in direct violation of International Law.
Statement published on Bab Al-Shams Facebook Page;
We, the sons and daughters of Palestine from all throughout the land, announce the establishment of Bab Al Shams Village (Gate of the Sun). We the people, without permits from the occupation, without permission from anyone, sit here today because this is our land and it is our right to inhabit it
A few months ago the Israeli government announced its intention to build about 4000 settlement housing units in the area Israel refers to as E1.
E1 block is an area of about 13 square km that falls on confiscated Palestinian land East of Jerusalem between Ma’ale Adumim settlement, which lies on occupied West Bank Palestinian land, and Jerusalem.
We will not remain silent as settlement expansion and confiscation of our land continues.
Therefore we hereby establish the village of Bab Al Shams to proclaim our faith in direct action and popular resistance. We declare that the village will stand steadfast until the owners of this land will get their right to build on their land.
The village’s name is taken from the novel, “Bab Al Shams,” by Lebanese writer Elias Khoury. The book depicts the history of Palestine through a love story between a Palestinian man, Younis, and his wife Nahila.
Younis leaves his wife to join the Palestinian resistance in Lebanon while Nahila remains steadfast in what remains of their village in the Galilee.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Younis smuggles through Lebanon and back to the Galilee to meet his wife in the “Bab Al Shams” cave, where she gives birth to their children.
Younis returns to the resistance in Lebanon as his wife remains in Bab Al Shams.
Bab Al Shams is the gate to our freedom and steadfastness. Bab Al Shams is our gate to Jerusalem. Bab Al Shams is the gate to our to our return.”
“You Gave Life Back To Bab Al-Shams”, Bab Al-Shams Novelist Says
“You gave a meaning to the meaning”, this is how Lebanese writer, novelist, playwright, critic and intellectual, author of the Bab Al-Shams novel, Elias Khoury, started his letter that he sent to the activists who installed the new Palestinian village, Bab Al-Shams, near occupied East Jerusalem.
“A letter to my people, my family in Bab Al-Shams village”, Elias started his letter, and added “I wish I was there, with you, I see you, and I see how the dream became a reality implanted in the land”.
The Lebanese intellectual sent his best wishes and regards to all activists who installed this new Palestinian village, in the land of Palestine, to those who told the occupation “this is our country, this is our land, we have the right to build in our own state”.
The activists said that this village, built on lands that are dubbed by Israel as E1, is part of the state of Palestine, and that their decision came after Israel decided, a few months ago, to build more than 4000 units for Jewish settlers in the area.
The E1 area is located east of Jerusalem in the area between the Maale Adumim illegal settlement bloc and occupied Jerusalem.
The area is 13 square/kilometers and the lands in question belong to Palestinians from Al-Esawiyya, At-Tour Abu Dis, Al-Ezariyya, Anata and Az-Za’yyim.
In his letter, Khoury said that this is Palestine, “when you built your village, you returned Palestine back to Palestine, you gave words a meaning”.
“I see in your village the faces of the loved ones who went missing on the road, and came to land, the land of Palestine, Palestine the homeland of those who were expelled from their homes and lands, thrown out of their land, and treated as strangers while they are the indigenous nation of this country, its Olive trees and its olive oil”
“I see in your eyes a homeland born again from the rubble of the Nakba that started 64 years ago, and continues to happen, I see the words, I see you growing in my consciousness, I see you flying high reaching out to the sky”.
Khoury published his letter through a report by Journalist Mohammad Younis of the Al-Hayat Lebanese newspaper.
Local activists at the Bab Al-Shams voiced an urgent appealed to journalists, human rights groups, and any person who believes in the Palestinian legitimate rights, to join them and stop the eviction.
They said that their village was installed on Palestinian lands, located within the boundaries of the occupied state of Palestine.
The Israeli army declared the area a closed military zone, and prevented journalists, local and international peace activists from entering it.
A statement, issued by the Bab Al-Shams (Gate of the Sun) activists, said that this Palestinian village “was established by the sons and daughter of Palestine.”
“We the people, without permits from the occupation, without permission from anyone, sit here today because this is our land and it is our right to inhabit it”, the statement added.
The army and the police installed dozens of roadblocks in the area while dozens of local activists are trying to reach the village through the surrounding mountains.
Bab Al-Shams was established on Palestinian lands that belong to the At-Tour Palestinian town, in occupied East Jerusalem. The area in question is referred to by Israel as E1 where Israel decided to build thousands of homes for Jewish settlers.
The village is located in the area located between occupied East Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim illegal settlement bloc where Israel is planning to build thousands of units for Jewish settlers.
The Israeli settlement project would block any geographical contiguity of the Palestinian territories, and comes in direct violation of International Law.
Statement published on Bab Al-Shams Facebook Page;
We, the sons and daughters of Palestine from all throughout the land, announce the establishment of Bab Al Shams Village (Gate of the Sun). We the people, without permits from the occupation, without permission from anyone, sit here today because this is our land and it is our right to inhabit it
A few months ago the Israeli government announced its intention to build about 4000 settlement housing units in the area Israel refers to as E1.
E1 block is an area of about 13 square km that falls on confiscated Palestinian land East of Jerusalem between Ma’ale Adumim settlement, which lies on occupied West Bank Palestinian land, and Jerusalem.
We will not remain silent as settlement expansion and confiscation of our land continues.
Therefore we hereby establish the village of Bab Al Shams to proclaim our faith in direct action and popular resistance. We declare that the village will stand steadfast until the owners of this land will get their right to build on their land.
The village’s name is taken from the novel, “Bab Al Shams,” by Lebanese writer Elias Khoury. The book depicts the history of Palestine through a love story between a Palestinian man, Younis, and his wife Nahila.
Younis leaves his wife to join the Palestinian resistance in Lebanon while Nahila remains steadfast in what remains of their village in the Galilee.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Younis smuggles through Lebanon and back to the Galilee to meet his wife in the “Bab Al Shams” cave, where she gives birth to their children.
Younis returns to the resistance in Lebanon as his wife remains in Bab Al Shams.
Bab Al Shams is the gate to our freedom and steadfastness. Bab Al Shams is our gate to Jerusalem. Bab Al Shams is the gate to our to our return.”
“You Gave Life Back To Bab Al-Shams”, Bab Al-Shams Novelist Says
“You gave a meaning to the meaning”, this is how Lebanese writer, novelist, playwright, critic and intellectual, author of the Bab Al-Shams novel, Elias Khoury, started his letter that he sent to the activists who installed the new Palestinian village, Bab Al-Shams, near occupied East Jerusalem.
“A letter to my people, my family in Bab Al-Shams village”, Elias started his letter, and added “I wish I was there, with you, I see you, and I see how the dream became a reality implanted in the land”.
The Lebanese intellectual sent his best wishes and regards to all activists who installed this new Palestinian village, in the land of Palestine, to those who told the occupation “this is our country, this is our land, we have the right to build in our own state”.
The activists said that this village, built on lands that are dubbed by Israel as E1, is part of the state of Palestine, and that their decision came after Israel decided, a few months ago, to build more than 4000 units for Jewish settlers in the area.
The E1 area is located east of Jerusalem in the area between the Maale Adumim illegal settlement bloc and occupied Jerusalem.
The area is 13 square/kilometers and the lands in question belong to Palestinians from Al-Esawiyya, At-Tour Abu Dis, Al-Ezariyya, Anata and Az-Za’yyim.
In his letter, Khoury said that this is Palestine, “when you built your village, you returned Palestine back to Palestine, you gave words a meaning”.
“I see in your village the faces of the loved ones who went missing on the road, and came to land, the land of Palestine, Palestine the homeland of those who were expelled from their homes and lands, thrown out of their land, and treated as strangers while they are the indigenous nation of this country, its Olive trees and its olive oil”
“I see in your eyes a homeland born again from the rubble of the Nakba that started 64 years ago, and continues to happen, I see the words, I see you growing in my consciousness, I see you flying high reaching out to the sky”.
Khoury published his letter through a report by Journalist Mohammad Younis of the Al-Hayat Lebanese newspaper.
Methlon villagers attack Fayyad's motorcade, clash with PA forces
Violent clashes broke out on Friday evening between the Palestinian Authority security forces and young men from Methlon village, south of Jenin city, after the latter attacked the motorcade of Salam Fayyad and barred him from visiting their village. Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the PA security forces fired tear gas grenades at the angry young men who responded by throwing stones.
The villagers rallied in the afternoon upon their knowledge of the visit and intercepted the motorcade of Fayyad who wanted to visit the area affected by the rainstorm.
The sources added that the head of the municipal council of Methlon had to meet with Fayyad in an area outside the village.
Later, the protestors felt angry at this meeting and physically attacked the head of the municipality.
The Methlon villagers had boycotted the municipal elections in protest at Fayyad's decision to merge their village with five other municipal councils as part of the plan he called the united municipality.
The villagers rallied in the afternoon upon their knowledge of the visit and intercepted the motorcade of Fayyad who wanted to visit the area affected by the rainstorm.
The sources added that the head of the municipal council of Methlon had to meet with Fayyad in an area outside the village.
Later, the protestors felt angry at this meeting and physically attacked the head of the municipality.
The Methlon villagers had boycotted the municipal elections in protest at Fayyad's decision to merge their village with five other municipal councils as part of the plan he called the united municipality.
Haneyya describes Sudanese visit as historic
Prime Minister, Ismail Haneyya, received on Saturday a Sudanese delegation headed by Kotbi Mahdi Ahmed, adviser to the Sudanese President, and hailed the strong ties existing between the Palestinian and Sudanese peoples. The delegation included parliamentarians, governors, and representatives of the Sudanese Women's Union, students and preachers; who came to congratulate Gaza on its victory in the latest Israeli aggression.
Haneyya lauded Sudan’s support of the Palestinian people, stressing that such supportive positions demonstrate that the Palestinian cause represents a central issue for the nation.
He noted that the siege, wars, and raids, Sudan has been exposed to, did not deter it from making the Palestinian cause on the top of its priorities, adding that Gaza's victory in the recent aggression represents a victory for the Sudanese people.
Gaza Premier stressed that this historic visit emphasizes the role of Sudan in supporting the Palestinian cause.
For his part, Dr. Kotbi Mahdi Ahmed, the Sudanese presidential adviser and head of the delegation, expressed his and the delegates’ happiness for being in Gaza, pointing to the strong relationship that links the Sudanese and Palestinian peoples.
Sudanese solidarity delegation arrives in Gaza
A Sudanese solidarity delegation led by a senior official landed in the Gaza Strip on Friday night after passing the Rafah border terminal with Egypt. Sources in the terminal told the PIC reporter that the 60-strong delegation is led by Qutbi Al-Mahdi, an advisor to the Sudanese president and the chairman of the board of trustees of the international Quds institution.
The sources said that the delegates brought with them medicines and medical supplies and are expected to hold a series of visits and meetings in Gaza including one with premier Ismail Haneyya.
Haneyya lauded Sudan’s support of the Palestinian people, stressing that such supportive positions demonstrate that the Palestinian cause represents a central issue for the nation.
He noted that the siege, wars, and raids, Sudan has been exposed to, did not deter it from making the Palestinian cause on the top of its priorities, adding that Gaza's victory in the recent aggression represents a victory for the Sudanese people.
Gaza Premier stressed that this historic visit emphasizes the role of Sudan in supporting the Palestinian cause.
For his part, Dr. Kotbi Mahdi Ahmed, the Sudanese presidential adviser and head of the delegation, expressed his and the delegates’ happiness for being in Gaza, pointing to the strong relationship that links the Sudanese and Palestinian peoples.
Sudanese solidarity delegation arrives in Gaza
A Sudanese solidarity delegation led by a senior official landed in the Gaza Strip on Friday night after passing the Rafah border terminal with Egypt. Sources in the terminal told the PIC reporter that the 60-strong delegation is led by Qutbi Al-Mahdi, an advisor to the Sudanese president and the chairman of the board of trustees of the international Quds institution.
The sources said that the delegates brought with them medicines and medical supplies and are expected to hold a series of visits and meetings in Gaza including one with premier Ismail Haneyya.
11 jan 2013
Palestinians Install “Outpost” On Palestinian Lands in East Jerusalem
Bab Ash-Shams
Hundreds of Palestinians installed tents declaring what they called Bab Ash-Shams Palestinian village, near the Az-Zayyim village, east of occupied East Jerusalem; the tents were installed on areas that Israel regards as E1 and intends to build thousands of units for Jewish settlers on Palestinian property.
The village is located in the area located between occupied East Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim illegal settlement bloc where Israel is planning to build thousands of units for Jewish settlers.
The Israeli project would block any geographical contiguity of the Palestinian territories, and comes in direct violation of International Law.
The Palestinian activists said that the new project is a confirmation of the right of the Palestinians to build on their own lands in the occupied West Bank.
Abdullah of Rahma, a nonviolent peace activist in Bil’in village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, stated that the decision to install the new village (tent camp), “Bab Ash-Shams” (The Gate of the Son), is part of the Palestinians are determination to defend their lands against Israel’s illegal settlement activities.
Abu Rahma added that the activists started formulating the idea, several months ago, to establish this camp on Palestinian lands that Israel intends to illegally confiscate; the lands belong to residents of the Palestinian towns of At-Tour, Al-Eesawiyya, Abu Dis, Al-Ezariyya, Anata and Az-Za’yyim.
E1 is a 13 kilometer stretch of Palestinian lands located in the occupied West Bank between Maale Adumim and occupied East Jerusalem.
He added that this camp is one of the forms of nonviolent resistance against the occupation and its illegal settlements, and added that men and women from different parts of the West Bank are part of this project.
Abu Rahma further stated that the activists released a statement declaring that “Bab Ash-Shams village was built through a free Palestinian decision without any construction permit from the occupation, this is our land and we have the right to develop it”.
“We decided to establish Bab Ash-Shams village on lands that are specified as E1, the same lands that the occupation decided, a few month ago, to build around 4000 units for Jewish settlers. We will not be silent, we refuse be silenced, this is our land, this is a Palestinian property”, the statement reads.
Abu Rahma further stated that the name of the village comes from Bab Ash-Shams novel that was written Lebanese author, Elias Khoury; the novel speaks of the history of Palestine, the Nakba of 1948, through a love story between Younis, a Palestinian resistance fighter who joins the resistance in defense of Palestine while his wife, Nabeeha, stays at her village in the Galilee.
The fighter, throughout the fifties and sixties of last century, continued his activities with the resistance in Lebanon, and would from time to time “sneak” into the country to meet his wife in a cave Bab Ash-Shams.
The novel is narrated by Dr. Khalil, who is treating Younis after he fell into a coma; Khalil speaks to Younis while he is in a coma and tells him several stories that depict the Palestinian Nakba, the Palestinian history of occupation and resistance.
The activists’ statement also said that Bab Ash-Shams is "the gateway to freedom, the gateway to Jerusalem, and the gateway to the Right of Return of all refugees displaced from hundreds of villages that were destroyed when Israel was created in the historic land of Palestine.
“The world has been silent, ignoring our rights and suffering”, the statement reads, “Israel kept enforcing facts on the ground through its violations, the time has come to change the rules of the game”. "This is not a symbolic act, but comes in response to Israeli settlement building and we are sending a message to the international community that urgent action must be taken against Israel's settlement construction," Mohammad Khatib, a Palestinian nonviolent activists, one of the organizers of the tent village.
Hundreds of Palestinians installed tents declaring what they called Bab Ash-Shams Palestinian village, near the Az-Zayyim village, east of occupied East Jerusalem; the tents were installed on areas that Israel regards as E1 and intends to build thousands of units for Jewish settlers on Palestinian property.
The village is located in the area located between occupied East Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim illegal settlement bloc where Israel is planning to build thousands of units for Jewish settlers.
The Israeli project would block any geographical contiguity of the Palestinian territories, and comes in direct violation of International Law.
The Palestinian activists said that the new project is a confirmation of the right of the Palestinians to build on their own lands in the occupied West Bank.
Abdullah of Rahma, a nonviolent peace activist in Bil’in village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, stated that the decision to install the new village (tent camp), “Bab Ash-Shams” (The Gate of the Son), is part of the Palestinians are determination to defend their lands against Israel’s illegal settlement activities.
Abu Rahma added that the activists started formulating the idea, several months ago, to establish this camp on Palestinian lands that Israel intends to illegally confiscate; the lands belong to residents of the Palestinian towns of At-Tour, Al-Eesawiyya, Abu Dis, Al-Ezariyya, Anata and Az-Za’yyim.
E1 is a 13 kilometer stretch of Palestinian lands located in the occupied West Bank between Maale Adumim and occupied East Jerusalem.
He added that this camp is one of the forms of nonviolent resistance against the occupation and its illegal settlements, and added that men and women from different parts of the West Bank are part of this project.
Abu Rahma further stated that the activists released a statement declaring that “Bab Ash-Shams village was built through a free Palestinian decision without any construction permit from the occupation, this is our land and we have the right to develop it”.
“We decided to establish Bab Ash-Shams village on lands that are specified as E1, the same lands that the occupation decided, a few month ago, to build around 4000 units for Jewish settlers. We will not be silent, we refuse be silenced, this is our land, this is a Palestinian property”, the statement reads.
Abu Rahma further stated that the name of the village comes from Bab Ash-Shams novel that was written Lebanese author, Elias Khoury; the novel speaks of the history of Palestine, the Nakba of 1948, through a love story between Younis, a Palestinian resistance fighter who joins the resistance in defense of Palestine while his wife, Nabeeha, stays at her village in the Galilee.
The fighter, throughout the fifties and sixties of last century, continued his activities with the resistance in Lebanon, and would from time to time “sneak” into the country to meet his wife in a cave Bab Ash-Shams.
The novel is narrated by Dr. Khalil, who is treating Younis after he fell into a coma; Khalil speaks to Younis while he is in a coma and tells him several stories that depict the Palestinian Nakba, the Palestinian history of occupation and resistance.
The activists’ statement also said that Bab Ash-Shams is "the gateway to freedom, the gateway to Jerusalem, and the gateway to the Right of Return of all refugees displaced from hundreds of villages that were destroyed when Israel was created in the historic land of Palestine.
“The world has been silent, ignoring our rights and suffering”, the statement reads, “Israel kept enforcing facts on the ground through its violations, the time has come to change the rules of the game”. "This is not a symbolic act, but comes in response to Israeli settlement building and we are sending a message to the international community that urgent action must be taken against Israel's settlement construction," Mohammad Khatib, a Palestinian nonviolent activists, one of the organizers of the tent village.
Transportation Strike Paralyzes West Bank
On Wednesday 9Th January, drivers of public transportation sector in the West Bank went on a one-day strike to protest government failure to meet their demands paralyzing as a result life across the West Bank, Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.
The drivers are demanding reduction in fuel prices in light of the current bad economic situation.
They said they will escalate their strike if the government does not respond to their demands.
Around 25,000 drivers went on strike in September protesting the high prices of fuel.
Meanwhile, head of the public transportation union stressed that the union did not call for this strike and that it was conducted by the drivers themselves.
The drivers are demanding reduction in fuel prices in light of the current bad economic situation.
They said they will escalate their strike if the government does not respond to their demands.
Around 25,000 drivers went on strike in September protesting the high prices of fuel.
Meanwhile, head of the public transportation union stressed that the union did not call for this strike and that it was conducted by the drivers themselves.
Mishaal meets Al-Arabi in Cairo
Nabil Al-Arabi (L) and Khaled Mishaal
Hamas leader Khaled Mishaal met the Secretary-General of the Arab League Nabil Al-Arabi in Cairo on Thursday evening and discussed Palestinian national reconciliation and the conditions of the refugees in Syria.
Mishaal affirmed that the Palestinian, Egyptian and Arab political leaders, who met in Cairo during the past two days, had agreed to reactivate the 2011 deal and complete the Palestinian reconciliation process. The Hamas leader thanked Al-Arabi for his efforts and added that there is no fear that previous failures will be repeated, as the current atmosphere, especially after the recent Israeli aggression on Gaza, is favorable for the achievement of the reconciliation.
For his part, Al-Arabi said, in a joint press conference after the talks, that he was optimistic that implementation of the 2011 Egyptian-sponsored reconciliation deal between Hamas and Fatah would be completed.
The Arab League will be supporting the Palestinian reconciliation, which will strengthen the Palestinian position domestically and internationally, he said.
Khaled Mishaal had phoned al-Akdhar al-Ibrahimi, the Arab UN envoy to Syria, and demanded him to provide the protection and help for the Palestinian refugees in Syria.
Hamas leader Khaled Mishaal met the Secretary-General of the Arab League Nabil Al-Arabi in Cairo on Thursday evening and discussed Palestinian national reconciliation and the conditions of the refugees in Syria.
Mishaal affirmed that the Palestinian, Egyptian and Arab political leaders, who met in Cairo during the past two days, had agreed to reactivate the 2011 deal and complete the Palestinian reconciliation process. The Hamas leader thanked Al-Arabi for his efforts and added that there is no fear that previous failures will be repeated, as the current atmosphere, especially after the recent Israeli aggression on Gaza, is favorable for the achievement of the reconciliation.
For his part, Al-Arabi said, in a joint press conference after the talks, that he was optimistic that implementation of the 2011 Egyptian-sponsored reconciliation deal between Hamas and Fatah would be completed.
The Arab League will be supporting the Palestinian reconciliation, which will strengthen the Palestinian position domestically and internationally, he said.
Khaled Mishaal had phoned al-Akdhar al-Ibrahimi, the Arab UN envoy to Syria, and demanded him to provide the protection and help for the Palestinian refugees in Syria.
Details of the Hamas-Fatah agreement in Cairo
Informed sources confirmed that the meetings between Fatah and Hamas in the Egyptian capital Cairo resulted in an agreement on six key issues. The sources told PIC's reporter that the Hamas delegation, headed by the chief of the Movement’s Political Bureau Khaled Meshaal, and Fatah delegation, headed by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, mainly agreed on achieving the reconciliation as a one-package deal.
The two sides have also agreed on forming the election committee in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, to complete the electoral register and deal with the National Council file, and on starting consultations to form a government headed by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
After the completion of the files, the two sides will set the date for holding the elections of the National Council, the Legislative Council and the presidency.
The leaders of Palestinian factions will be called for a meeting on the first of the next month to pass the national council law, in addition to a meeting next week to arrange meeting dates and present them to the factions.
The two sides have also agreed on forming the election committee in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, to complete the electoral register and deal with the National Council file, and on starting consultations to form a government headed by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
After the completion of the files, the two sides will set the date for holding the elections of the National Council, the Legislative Council and the presidency.
The leaders of Palestinian factions will be called for a meeting on the first of the next month to pass the national council law, in addition to a meeting next week to arrange meeting dates and present them to the factions.
Abbas: “There Are 63 UN Organizations We Have The Right To Join”
“Israel Must Stop Its Illegal Settlement Activities, Violations”
Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, stated that the Palestinian Authority will act on the international level to stop Israel’s illegal settlement construction and expansion activities, and stated that there are 63 UN organizations that the Palestinians can now join.
Abbas said that Israel must stop all of its illegal settlement activities, especially its E1 project that aims at linking occupied East Jerusalem with the Maale Adumim illegal settlement bloc.
He added that the several countries have asked the Palestinians not to head to the International Criminal Court to sue Israel for its illegal settlement activities, and violations against the Palestinian people, but also stated that the Palestinian Authority reserves this right should Israel decide to go ahead with its E1 project, especially since this project will isolate East Jerusalem, its Palestinian communities and towns, will divide the West Bank, and block any Palestinian geographical contiguity.
“Should Israel choose to implement the E1 project, the two-state solution will have no chances of survival”, Abbas stated, “Therefore, we reserve the right to head to different international organizations to stop Israel”.
There are more than 35.000 Jewish settlers living in Maale Adumim, Israel wants to connect it to the illegal settlements and illegal settlement outposts in occupied East Jerusalem; the E1 project is planned to be constructed on 12 square/kilometers between Jerusalem, the Jordan Valley and Jericho, the Bokra Net Arabic news website reported.
Abbas further stated that, after the Palestinians managed to obtain a nonmember observer state status at the UN General Assembly, the international community recognized Palestine as an occupied state.
“Therefore we became under the jurisdiction of the Fourth Geneva Convention, as the occupied territories are now considered part of an occupied state, and not disputed territories as Israel tries to claim, the convention prohibits occupiers from changing the demography of occupied territories.”
The Palestinian President Added that settlements are illegal, illegitimate and violate International Law, and that Jerusalem is also an occupied city, and the center of the conflict.
“But Israel is isolating it from the rest of the Palestinian territories, it is also splitting the West Bank into two parts, this will never be acceptable, we will head to the Security Council to stop these violations, we will do whatever we can on the international level to stop Israel’s settlement activities and its ongoing violations.”
Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, stated that the Palestinian Authority will act on the international level to stop Israel’s illegal settlement construction and expansion activities, and stated that there are 63 UN organizations that the Palestinians can now join.
Abbas said that Israel must stop all of its illegal settlement activities, especially its E1 project that aims at linking occupied East Jerusalem with the Maale Adumim illegal settlement bloc.
He added that the several countries have asked the Palestinians not to head to the International Criminal Court to sue Israel for its illegal settlement activities, and violations against the Palestinian people, but also stated that the Palestinian Authority reserves this right should Israel decide to go ahead with its E1 project, especially since this project will isolate East Jerusalem, its Palestinian communities and towns, will divide the West Bank, and block any Palestinian geographical contiguity.
“Should Israel choose to implement the E1 project, the two-state solution will have no chances of survival”, Abbas stated, “Therefore, we reserve the right to head to different international organizations to stop Israel”.
There are more than 35.000 Jewish settlers living in Maale Adumim, Israel wants to connect it to the illegal settlements and illegal settlement outposts in occupied East Jerusalem; the E1 project is planned to be constructed on 12 square/kilometers between Jerusalem, the Jordan Valley and Jericho, the Bokra Net Arabic news website reported.
Abbas further stated that, after the Palestinians managed to obtain a nonmember observer state status at the UN General Assembly, the international community recognized Palestine as an occupied state.
“Therefore we became under the jurisdiction of the Fourth Geneva Convention, as the occupied territories are now considered part of an occupied state, and not disputed territories as Israel tries to claim, the convention prohibits occupiers from changing the demography of occupied territories.”
The Palestinian President Added that settlements are illegal, illegitimate and violate International Law, and that Jerusalem is also an occupied city, and the center of the conflict.
“But Israel is isolating it from the rest of the Palestinian territories, it is also splitting the West Bank into two parts, this will never be acceptable, we will head to the Security Council to stop these violations, we will do whatever we can on the international level to stop Israel’s settlement activities and its ongoing violations.”
10 jan 2013
Israel floods east of Gaza
The civil defense department in Gaza said the Israeli occupation state opened on Wednesday the floodgates of one of its dams in the eastern part of the Gaza Strip. The department called on the Palestinian citizens living along the Gaza Valley area to be cautious and get in touch with the authorities in case of any incident.
For days, the occupied Palestinian lands have seen heavy rains that caused floods in different areas.
The Israeli regime last year had flooded several Gaza villages and displaced their residents when it opened the same floodgates.
In another incident, the civil defense brigades saved 40 families in Rafah area south of Gaza after floodwaters inundated their homes.
Local sources said that the civil defense men used small fishing boats to reach and save the citizens trapped in flooded areas.
Other areas in Gaza, including the fishing harbors, sustained slight damage. One fishing boat was pulled out after it sank because of the rainstorm.
One tunnel reportedly collapsed in Rafah area, while the fate of four Palestinians who were inside it is still unknown.
One young man from Rafah also died of an electric shock as a result of the damage that the rainstorm had caused to several homes in Gaza.
In the West Bank, the Palestinian natives of Al-Khalil city woke up to the scene of white snow coating their homes and streets.
The snow accumulated mostly in the northern areas of Al-Khalil, especially in Ras Jura, Haras, Namra and Beir Mahjar and Halhul Bridge.
The snowstorm disrupted public life in the city and closed many roads.
In a related context, Palestinian agricultural groups called on the Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and Gaza to establish a disaster and compensation fund in order to protect the agricultural sector from the dangers resulting from natural disasters and Israel's policies.
In a joint statement, different agricultural and land societies said that such step would leave a great impact on the hearts of farmers and villagers and strengthen the pillars of the Palestinian economy and society.
For days, the occupied Palestinian lands have seen heavy rains that caused floods in different areas.
The Israeli regime last year had flooded several Gaza villages and displaced their residents when it opened the same floodgates.
In another incident, the civil defense brigades saved 40 families in Rafah area south of Gaza after floodwaters inundated their homes.
Local sources said that the civil defense men used small fishing boats to reach and save the citizens trapped in flooded areas.
Other areas in Gaza, including the fishing harbors, sustained slight damage. One fishing boat was pulled out after it sank because of the rainstorm.
One tunnel reportedly collapsed in Rafah area, while the fate of four Palestinians who were inside it is still unknown.
One young man from Rafah also died of an electric shock as a result of the damage that the rainstorm had caused to several homes in Gaza.
In the West Bank, the Palestinian natives of Al-Khalil city woke up to the scene of white snow coating their homes and streets.
The snow accumulated mostly in the northern areas of Al-Khalil, especially in Ras Jura, Haras, Namra and Beir Mahjar and Halhul Bridge.
The snowstorm disrupted public life in the city and closed many roads.
In a related context, Palestinian agricultural groups called on the Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and Gaza to establish a disaster and compensation fund in order to protect the agricultural sector from the dangers resulting from natural disasters and Israel's policies.
In a joint statement, different agricultural and land societies said that such step would leave a great impact on the hearts of farmers and villagers and strengthen the pillars of the Palestinian economy and society.
For the second day in a row snowfall blanketing West Bank
Continued snowfall for the second day Thursday blanketed the West Bank that was also paralyzed by strikes and stormy weather conditions. A number of deaths were reported as a result of the blizzard while dozens were injured other than the destruction of hothouses and big damage to many homes, which were inundated in the resultant flooding.
Farmers suffered heavy losses and life came to a standstill in most areas of the West Bank.
Hundreds of thousands of students remained at home as mountain tops in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank were covered with snow.
The snow storm and heavy rain exposed the bad condition of infrastructure in various West Bank areas especially in the plains of Tulkarem and Qalqilia.
Farmers suffered heavy losses and life came to a standstill in most areas of the West Bank.
Hundreds of thousands of students remained at home as mountain tops in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank were covered with snow.
The snow storm and heavy rain exposed the bad condition of infrastructure in various West Bank areas especially in the plains of Tulkarem and Qalqilia.
Eran: Unlike Hamas, Fatah is internally unstable and divided
Oded Eran
Israeli researcher Oded Eran said that the Fatah faction under the leadership of Mahmoud Abbas still stands on an unstable ground because of Fatah's sharp internal differences and conflict. In an Israeli strategic assessment published by the institute for national security studies, Eran said that an objective comparison between Fatah and Hamas in Gaza, especially between their anniversary ceremonies, refers to the size of division within Fatah.
Eran underlined that Fatah was keen on assembling massive crowds to prove itself in front of Hamas in Gaza and ignored that its audience was not like one man with one heart and this was obvious when the supporters of Mohamed Dahlan expelled senior Fatah officials Jabril Rajoub and Nabil Shaath from the anniversary festival.
He also said that the sudden end of the festival confirmed that Fatah is not organized and in a state of confusion.
On the other hand, the Israeli researcher distinguished Hamas as an organized ideological movement.
He said that Hamas leaders may have different political opinions, but such views do not come to the surface because the unity and strength of their movement is the biggest goal for them all.
Eran affirmed that the 25th anniversary festival of Hamas that was held in Al-Katiba Square, where Fatah also held its festival, clearly proved that it successfully organized its event despite the presence of foreign delegations and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
He also stated that Hamas pays more attention to its future than itself and day after day it makes security, military, intellectual and scientific progress despite the economic blockade and its sporadic armed conflict with the Israeli government.
Israeli researcher Oded Eran said that the Fatah faction under the leadership of Mahmoud Abbas still stands on an unstable ground because of Fatah's sharp internal differences and conflict. In an Israeli strategic assessment published by the institute for national security studies, Eran said that an objective comparison between Fatah and Hamas in Gaza, especially between their anniversary ceremonies, refers to the size of division within Fatah.
Eran underlined that Fatah was keen on assembling massive crowds to prove itself in front of Hamas in Gaza and ignored that its audience was not like one man with one heart and this was obvious when the supporters of Mohamed Dahlan expelled senior Fatah officials Jabril Rajoub and Nabil Shaath from the anniversary festival.
He also said that the sudden end of the festival confirmed that Fatah is not organized and in a state of confusion.
On the other hand, the Israeli researcher distinguished Hamas as an organized ideological movement.
He said that Hamas leaders may have different political opinions, but such views do not come to the surface because the unity and strength of their movement is the biggest goal for them all.
Eran affirmed that the 25th anniversary festival of Hamas that was held in Al-Katiba Square, where Fatah also held its festival, clearly proved that it successfully organized its event despite the presence of foreign delegations and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
He also stated that Hamas pays more attention to its future than itself and day after day it makes security, military, intellectual and scientific progress despite the economic blockade and its sporadic armed conflict with the Israeli government.
Abbas Meets Morsi In Cairo
Following his Wednesday meeting with Khaled Mashal of Hamas, and several Hamas officials in Cairo, Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, held a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Mohammad Morsi.
The meeting between Abbas and Morsi took place at the Presidential Palace in Masr Al-Jadeeda, in the Egyptian capital.
The meeting focused on various important issues topped by the Palestinian achievement of a nonmember state status at the UN General Assembly, and the efforts to achieve comprehensive Palestinian unity, including the efforts to implement the Egyptian-mediated Palestinian National Reconciliation Agreement signed on May 4, 2001, the Bokra Net Arabic Language news website reported.
The Abbas-Morsi meeting was attended several Palestinian and Egyptian officials, including Dr. Sa’eb Erekat of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Azzam Al-Ahmad in charge of the National Relations at the Central Committee of Fateh movement, Palestinian Intelligence Chief, Majid Faraj, and the Palestinian Ambassador in Cairo, Palestinian envoy to the Arab League, Barakaat Al-Farra.
On The Egyptian side, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Amro, Egypt’s Intelligence Chief, Ra’fat Shihata, and Egypt’s President’s Advisor for Foreign Affairs, Isam Al-Haddad, attended the meeting.
Also on Wednesday, Abbas held a meeting in Cairo with Hamas’ political bureau chief, Khaled Mashal. The meeting was part of a series of meetings, mediated by Egypt, that will take place between senior Fateh and Hamas officials.
Leaders of the two movements stated that the Abbas-Mashal meeting aims at discussing arrangements for implementing the previously signed unity agreement, and the efforts to restructure and reform the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
Dr. Dweik: “Reconciliation Is A Main Demand For The Palestinians”
Dr. Aziz Dweik, elected head of the Palestinian Legislative Council, stated that national reconciliation is a main demand the Palestinians want to achieve, and added that President Mahmoud Abbas is insisting on finalizing the elections file before other files an issue that would “obstruct reconciliation between Fateh and Hamas”.
Dweik, head of the Change and Reform Bloc of the Hamas movement, that garnered an overwhelming victory in the 2006 elections, stated that the Palestinian people are aspiring full and comprehensive unity and reconciliation, and will never abandon their internationally-guaranteed rights of liberation and independence.
He added that reconciliation is a top priority right now so that the Palestinians can benefit “from the victory the resistance achieved in Gaza” and the fact the Palestine achieved a nonmember observer state status at the United Nations General Assembly.
His statements came as President Abbas and Hamas’ Political Bureau chief, Khaled Mashal, met in Cairo while senior Fateh and Hamas officials are planning to hold a series of meetings, mediated by Egypt, in an effort to implement the unity agreement on the ground.
Dr. Dweik was kidnapped and imprisoned by Israel at least six times, including when he was kidnapped on June 29 2006, and spent three years in Administrative Detention until he was released on June 23 2009.
He was also kidnaped January 19 2012, as he was trying to cross the Jaba’ roadblock, north of occupied Jerusalem. He was heading back home in Hebron when he was stopped at the Jaba’ roadblock while leaving the central West Bank city of Ramallah. He was released on Thursday July 19, 2012, after spending six months under administrative detention without charges.
There are currently 22 elected legislators from the occupied West Bank and occupied Jerusalem who are still imprisoned by Israel. 15 of them are of the Change and Reform Bloc of Hamas, including Dr. Dweik.
Fateh leader, legislator Marwan Barghouthi, and secretary-general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Ahmad Saadat, are also imprisoned by Israel and serving life terms. There are approximately 26 legislators currently detained by Israel.
Abbas Meets Mashal In Cairo
Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, met in Cairo Hamas’ political bureau chief, Khaled Mashal, as part of efforts to secure full Palestinian reconciliation and unity. The meeting is part of a series of meetings, mediated by Egypt, that will take place between senior Fateh and Hamas officials.
Leaders of the two movements stated that the Abbas-Mashal meeting aims at discussing arrangements for implementing the previously signed unity agreement, and the efforts to restructure and reform the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
Azzam Al-Ahmad, member of the Executive Committee of Fateh movement, stated that the meeting took place in positive and productive atmospheres.
The meeting between Abbas and Morsi took place at the Presidential Palace in Masr Al-Jadeeda, in the Egyptian capital.
The meeting focused on various important issues topped by the Palestinian achievement of a nonmember state status at the UN General Assembly, and the efforts to achieve comprehensive Palestinian unity, including the efforts to implement the Egyptian-mediated Palestinian National Reconciliation Agreement signed on May 4, 2001, the Bokra Net Arabic Language news website reported.
The Abbas-Morsi meeting was attended several Palestinian and Egyptian officials, including Dr. Sa’eb Erekat of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Azzam Al-Ahmad in charge of the National Relations at the Central Committee of Fateh movement, Palestinian Intelligence Chief, Majid Faraj, and the Palestinian Ambassador in Cairo, Palestinian envoy to the Arab League, Barakaat Al-Farra.
On The Egyptian side, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Amro, Egypt’s Intelligence Chief, Ra’fat Shihata, and Egypt’s President’s Advisor for Foreign Affairs, Isam Al-Haddad, attended the meeting.
Also on Wednesday, Abbas held a meeting in Cairo with Hamas’ political bureau chief, Khaled Mashal. The meeting was part of a series of meetings, mediated by Egypt, that will take place between senior Fateh and Hamas officials.
Leaders of the two movements stated that the Abbas-Mashal meeting aims at discussing arrangements for implementing the previously signed unity agreement, and the efforts to restructure and reform the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
Dr. Dweik: “Reconciliation Is A Main Demand For The Palestinians”
Dr. Aziz Dweik, elected head of the Palestinian Legislative Council, stated that national reconciliation is a main demand the Palestinians want to achieve, and added that President Mahmoud Abbas is insisting on finalizing the elections file before other files an issue that would “obstruct reconciliation between Fateh and Hamas”.
Dweik, head of the Change and Reform Bloc of the Hamas movement, that garnered an overwhelming victory in the 2006 elections, stated that the Palestinian people are aspiring full and comprehensive unity and reconciliation, and will never abandon their internationally-guaranteed rights of liberation and independence.
He added that reconciliation is a top priority right now so that the Palestinians can benefit “from the victory the resistance achieved in Gaza” and the fact the Palestine achieved a nonmember observer state status at the United Nations General Assembly.
His statements came as President Abbas and Hamas’ Political Bureau chief, Khaled Mashal, met in Cairo while senior Fateh and Hamas officials are planning to hold a series of meetings, mediated by Egypt, in an effort to implement the unity agreement on the ground.
Dr. Dweik was kidnapped and imprisoned by Israel at least six times, including when he was kidnapped on June 29 2006, and spent three years in Administrative Detention until he was released on June 23 2009.
He was also kidnaped January 19 2012, as he was trying to cross the Jaba’ roadblock, north of occupied Jerusalem. He was heading back home in Hebron when he was stopped at the Jaba’ roadblock while leaving the central West Bank city of Ramallah. He was released on Thursday July 19, 2012, after spending six months under administrative detention without charges.
There are currently 22 elected legislators from the occupied West Bank and occupied Jerusalem who are still imprisoned by Israel. 15 of them are of the Change and Reform Bloc of Hamas, including Dr. Dweik.
Fateh leader, legislator Marwan Barghouthi, and secretary-general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Ahmad Saadat, are also imprisoned by Israel and serving life terms. There are approximately 26 legislators currently detained by Israel.
Abbas Meets Mashal In Cairo
Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, met in Cairo Hamas’ political bureau chief, Khaled Mashal, as part of efforts to secure full Palestinian reconciliation and unity. The meeting is part of a series of meetings, mediated by Egypt, that will take place between senior Fateh and Hamas officials.
Leaders of the two movements stated that the Abbas-Mashal meeting aims at discussing arrangements for implementing the previously signed unity agreement, and the efforts to restructure and reform the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
Azzam Al-Ahmad, member of the Executive Committee of Fateh movement, stated that the meeting took place in positive and productive atmospheres.
Morsi meets Hamas delegation led by Mishaal
Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi received on Wednesday evening Khaled Mishaal, the political bureau chairman of Hamas, and the accompanying delegation in Cairo. Ezzet Al-Resheq, political bureau member of Hamas, said on his Facebook page that the discussions tackled overall Palestinian developments in addition to national reconciliation.
Mishaal also conferred with Mahmoud Abbas, PA chief and Fatah leader, who is also in Cairo at the head of a Fatah delegation to discuss means of achieving reconciliation and ending the internal Palestinian division.
Mishaal also conferred with Mahmoud Abbas, PA chief and Fatah leader, who is also in Cairo at the head of a Fatah delegation to discuss means of achieving reconciliation and ending the internal Palestinian division.
Mishaal and Abbas hold successful meeting in Cairo
Head of Hamas's political bureau Khaled Mishaal met on Thursday with de facto president Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo in the presence of Mohamed Shehata, director of the Egyptian intelligence. Both sides explored the avenues to implement the national reconciliation agreement which took place in Cairo in May 2011.
Following the meeting, member of Hamas's political bureau Ezzat Al-Resheq told a news conference that the meeting was aimed at reviving the reconciliation talks in a positive way.
Resheq affirmed that Mishaal and Abbas agreed on inviting all Palestinian factions to participate in getting every point of the reconciliation agreement implemented.
The Hamas official also said that the two sides agreed on holding a meeting between the two movements to develop mechanisms and set up a schedule for the execution of the agreements signed between them.
They also agreed on convening the national committee assigned to activate the Palestinian liberation organization (PLO) in early February.
More talks to be held between Fatah and Hamas in Cairo
Leaders of Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah agreed during the Cairo meeting that the two sides would begin immediately to implement the previously agreed mechanism of the agreement signed in Cairo in 2011. President Mahmoud Abbas of the Fatah movement based in the West Bank and Khaled Mashaal of the Hamas movement that controls the Gaza Strip met face-to-face for the first time in over a year to discuss how to implement their 2011 deal.
The meeting took place in the presence of delegations of Hamas and Fatah and the Egyptian intelligence chief, Major General Mohamed Raafat Shehata, and lasted more than 3 hours.
Izzat al-Risheq, member of Hamas politburo, said in a press statement following the meeting, that the meeting between the two leaders aimed at reviving the Palestinian reconciliation with a positive spirit and helping the sides to implement national consensus file.
Rishq said that the political chiefs had agreed to engage all Palestinian factions in the implementation of the reconciliation agreement, and stressed that "a positive atmosphere" has prevailed the discussions.
The two sides agreed to hold another meeting next week between Hamas and Fatah to work out a timetable for the implementation of the agreements signed, in addition to holding other meetings in the first week of February.
Following the meeting, member of Hamas's political bureau Ezzat Al-Resheq told a news conference that the meeting was aimed at reviving the reconciliation talks in a positive way.
Resheq affirmed that Mishaal and Abbas agreed on inviting all Palestinian factions to participate in getting every point of the reconciliation agreement implemented.
The Hamas official also said that the two sides agreed on holding a meeting between the two movements to develop mechanisms and set up a schedule for the execution of the agreements signed between them.
They also agreed on convening the national committee assigned to activate the Palestinian liberation organization (PLO) in early February.
More talks to be held between Fatah and Hamas in Cairo
Leaders of Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah agreed during the Cairo meeting that the two sides would begin immediately to implement the previously agreed mechanism of the agreement signed in Cairo in 2011. President Mahmoud Abbas of the Fatah movement based in the West Bank and Khaled Mashaal of the Hamas movement that controls the Gaza Strip met face-to-face for the first time in over a year to discuss how to implement their 2011 deal.
The meeting took place in the presence of delegations of Hamas and Fatah and the Egyptian intelligence chief, Major General Mohamed Raafat Shehata, and lasted more than 3 hours.
Izzat al-Risheq, member of Hamas politburo, said in a press statement following the meeting, that the meeting between the two leaders aimed at reviving the Palestinian reconciliation with a positive spirit and helping the sides to implement national consensus file.
Rishq said that the political chiefs had agreed to engage all Palestinian factions in the implementation of the reconciliation agreement, and stressed that "a positive atmosphere" has prevailed the discussions.
The two sides agreed to hold another meeting next week between Hamas and Fatah to work out a timetable for the implementation of the agreements signed, in addition to holding other meetings in the first week of February.
9 jan 2013
Polar air mass to hit Palestinian territories
The weather on Wednesday was cold, rainy and cloudy with a significant drop in temperature caused by the polar air mass that hit the area accompanied by thunder and rain storms and sometimes hail, according to the Palestine Weather Service According to the Palestine Weather Service, the weather on Wednesday remains cold, in the mountainous zones and other regions, and partially cloudy with thunderstorms and hail falling in most areas
The Meteorological Department has warned of the risk of flooding in the valleys and low plains, the possible formation of frost in mountainous areas, low visibility and slippery roads.
Thursday's temperature drops below seasonal average and snow is expected to fall on areas higher than 800 meters above sea level with westerly to southwesterly active winds and high sea waves.
The chance of snow fall remains until the morning hours, according to weather forecast.
The stormy weather has caused 15 injuries, since Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning in all the governorates of the Gaza Strip.
The ministry of health spokesman, Ashraf al-Qidra, said that the injured arrived to "the Gaza's hospitals, with different injuries, after being exposed to different accidents; including falling from a height, traffic accidents, wounded by the objects falling from roofs."
Two of the wounded are children. They are in serious condition, and are being treated in the European Hospital, al-Qidra added.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Health decided to raise the level staffing in all the Gaza Strip's hospitals and health centers and increase opening hours; due to the continued severe weather conditions.
For its part; the Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip said that a low plain in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip was under water and that its crews have been trying since this morning to rescue 34 families, trapped in their flooded houses.
The Palestinian civil defense department appealed to all the Palestinian citizens to avoid leaving their houses because of the severe storm that hit the Palestinian territories, stressing on its crews' readiness to deal with any incident that may be caused by the severe weather conditions.
Civil defense spokesman Muhammad Al-Haj Yusuf called on the citizens, in a press statement, to stay away from the advertising boards that could be dangerous, as they may fall due to the intensity of the wind.
He also called on drivers to not drive fast, during the coming days, in light of the strong winds and low visibility.
The Meteorological Department has warned of the risk of flooding in the valleys and low plains, the possible formation of frost in mountainous areas, low visibility and slippery roads.
Thursday's temperature drops below seasonal average and snow is expected to fall on areas higher than 800 meters above sea level with westerly to southwesterly active winds and high sea waves.
The chance of snow fall remains until the morning hours, according to weather forecast.
The stormy weather has caused 15 injuries, since Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning in all the governorates of the Gaza Strip.
The ministry of health spokesman, Ashraf al-Qidra, said that the injured arrived to "the Gaza's hospitals, with different injuries, after being exposed to different accidents; including falling from a height, traffic accidents, wounded by the objects falling from roofs."
Two of the wounded are children. They are in serious condition, and are being treated in the European Hospital, al-Qidra added.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Health decided to raise the level staffing in all the Gaza Strip's hospitals and health centers and increase opening hours; due to the continued severe weather conditions.
For its part; the Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip said that a low plain in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip was under water and that its crews have been trying since this morning to rescue 34 families, trapped in their flooded houses.
The Palestinian civil defense department appealed to all the Palestinian citizens to avoid leaving their houses because of the severe storm that hit the Palestinian territories, stressing on its crews' readiness to deal with any incident that may be caused by the severe weather conditions.
Civil defense spokesman Muhammad Al-Haj Yusuf called on the citizens, in a press statement, to stay away from the advertising boards that could be dangerous, as they may fall due to the intensity of the wind.
He also called on drivers to not drive fast, during the coming days, in light of the strong winds and low visibility.
Palestinian man dies in Jenin floods, areas announced disaster areas
A Palestinian man in his fifties died in front of his home in Jenin city on Wednesday after he tried to cross a flooded street but he slipped and drowned in the flood, medical sources said.
Meanwhile, Qabatiya village council and Jenin district announced Qabatiya and Wadi Ezzuddin in Jenin city disaster areas as floods covered houses and closed roads leading to those two areas.
The village’s municipality said that around 90 houses were submerged by the rainwater and their inhabitants were displaced, adding floods might increase if the rain did not stop.
It said that technical and relief teams were working strenuously to alleviate the damage suffered as a result of the heavy rainfall.
It said that downtown Qabatiya was flooded along with the road between the village and Jenin while many livestock and poultry perished in the floods and greenhouses were destroyed.
In a related context, the charitable United Arab Emirates authority announced on Wednesday that it started distributing tents, covers, pillows, mattresses, food packets, and money to 30 displaced families in the northern Jordan Valley.
Meanwhile, Qabatiya village council and Jenin district announced Qabatiya and Wadi Ezzuddin in Jenin city disaster areas as floods covered houses and closed roads leading to those two areas.
The village’s municipality said that around 90 houses were submerged by the rainwater and their inhabitants were displaced, adding floods might increase if the rain did not stop.
It said that technical and relief teams were working strenuously to alleviate the damage suffered as a result of the heavy rainfall.
It said that downtown Qabatiya was flooded along with the road between the village and Jenin while many livestock and poultry perished in the floods and greenhouses were destroyed.
In a related context, the charitable United Arab Emirates authority announced on Wednesday that it started distributing tents, covers, pillows, mattresses, food packets, and money to 30 displaced families in the northern Jordan Valley.
450 Bedouin families steadfast in their homes despite hardships
Two Bedouin kids take shelter under a tent vulnerable to rains
TUBAS, (PIC)-- Despite the harsh living and weather conditions and the ongoing Israeli military harassment, 450 Palestinian Bedouin families in the Jordan Valley and Wadi Al-Maleh areas are determined not to leave their homes and try hard to cling on to an age-old way of life.
To the east of Tubas city, the Bedouin families are facing double dangers by the Israeli military exercises on the one hand and the flash floods and strong winds, especially nowadays, which destroy their tents and primitive homes on the other.
Head of the Bedouin hamlets and Wadi Maleh municipal council Aref Daraghmeh appealed to all Palestinian officials and concerned authorities to urgently intervene to save 450 Bedouin families living in vulnerable tents in the Jordan Valley and Wadi Maleh.
Daraghmeh told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the Israeli army also threatened in writing to use force to remove their tents at the pretext of military drills.
"The people here are hanging on to their land and will not leave; despite the harsh conditions especially in the winter, they are determined to stay and endure because this land is theirs and their ancestors'" he underlined.
TUBAS, (PIC)-- Despite the harsh living and weather conditions and the ongoing Israeli military harassment, 450 Palestinian Bedouin families in the Jordan Valley and Wadi Al-Maleh areas are determined not to leave their homes and try hard to cling on to an age-old way of life.
To the east of Tubas city, the Bedouin families are facing double dangers by the Israeli military exercises on the one hand and the flash floods and strong winds, especially nowadays, which destroy their tents and primitive homes on the other.
Head of the Bedouin hamlets and Wadi Maleh municipal council Aref Daraghmeh appealed to all Palestinian officials and concerned authorities to urgently intervene to save 450 Bedouin families living in vulnerable tents in the Jordan Valley and Wadi Maleh.
Daraghmeh told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the Israeli army also threatened in writing to use force to remove their tents at the pretext of military drills.
"The people here are hanging on to their land and will not leave; despite the harsh conditions especially in the winter, they are determined to stay and endure because this land is theirs and their ancestors'" he underlined.
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Missing Palestinian Driver of 2 Women who Died in Flood Found
The Palestinian driver whose car was swept in a flood north of Tulkarm in the West Bank was found in a healthy condition and was taken to a hospital for further examination. Earlier today, the bodies of two young Palestinian women who were in the same car were also found.
The two women: Hana' Samir al-Samery and Samah Waleed Kanan were declared missing on Tuesday along with the car's driver, whose name was not revealed yet.
Two young women drown in West Bank floods
Civil defense brigades in the West Bank on Wednesday morning found the bodies of two young women who were reported missing on Tuesday night after floods swept the main road between Nablus and Tulkarem. The brigades said in a statement on Wednesday that a taxicab driver, who was rescued after floods swept him and his car, said that two young women were with him near Enab roadblock to the west of Nablus when floods surrounded them.
Local sources identified the two young women as Hana Sarawi, 24, and Samah Kenan, 34, adding that both were on their way back to Nablus, their hometown, from Tulkarem.
They said that their bodies were found to the east of Enabta village a long way from where they were reported missing.
The two women: Hana' Samir al-Samery and Samah Waleed Kanan were declared missing on Tuesday along with the car's driver, whose name was not revealed yet.
Two young women drown in West Bank floods
Civil defense brigades in the West Bank on Wednesday morning found the bodies of two young women who were reported missing on Tuesday night after floods swept the main road between Nablus and Tulkarem. The brigades said in a statement on Wednesday that a taxicab driver, who was rescued after floods swept him and his car, said that two young women were with him near Enab roadblock to the west of Nablus when floods surrounded them.
Local sources identified the two young women as Hana Sarawi, 24, and Samah Kenan, 34, adding that both were on their way back to Nablus, their hometown, from Tulkarem.
They said that their bodies were found to the east of Enabta village a long way from where they were reported missing.
Hundreds of homes flooded, citizens injured in W. Bank downpours
More than 400 homes were flooded and many Palestinian citizens sustained injuries on Tuesday in the rainstorm and bad weather that hit the occupied territories and the Levant region. According to a report by the Palestinian civil defense department, the number of the wounded civilians rose to about 500 and the flooded homes to 400 in the last hours due to torrential downpours in the West Bank.
The report explained that the civil defense crews saved more than 300 Palestinian citizens in Tulkarem city and six children in Jaba and Anza areas in Nablus, and evacuated hundreds of people from their homes in different West Bank areas and cities.
In Nablus city, local sources reported that the heavy rains led to serious flooding and caused landslides in a number of towns and villages.
In the center of Nablus city, the rains started on the evening hours of Tuesday to turn into torrents on the streets of Nablus sweeping cars and causing widespread damage to public property.
Dozens of citizens were evacuated from homes in Nablus villages and two young brothers were also saved after the floods washed them away.
In addition to the bad weather, the strikes of school teachers and public drivers almost caused complete paralysis throughout the West Bank.
Many roads and streets in the West Bank were also not busy with the daily movement of vehicles and people because of the rains and the strikes.
Only a few citizens used private cars to get to their workplaces or to meet their needs.
Extreme Rain, Snow, Causes Floods, Casualties And Destruction
The report explained that the civil defense crews saved more than 300 Palestinian citizens in Tulkarem city and six children in Jaba and Anza areas in Nablus, and evacuated hundreds of people from their homes in different West Bank areas and cities.
In Nablus city, local sources reported that the heavy rains led to serious flooding and caused landslides in a number of towns and villages.
In the center of Nablus city, the rains started on the evening hours of Tuesday to turn into torrents on the streets of Nablus sweeping cars and causing widespread damage to public property.
Dozens of citizens were evacuated from homes in Nablus villages and two young brothers were also saved after the floods washed them away.
In addition to the bad weather, the strikes of school teachers and public drivers almost caused complete paralysis throughout the West Bank.
Many roads and streets in the West Bank were also not busy with the daily movement of vehicles and people because of the rains and the strikes.
Only a few citizens used private cars to get to their workplaces or to meet their needs.
Extreme Rain, Snow, Causes Floods, Casualties And Destruction
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The Palestinian Civil Defense reported that the storm that its hitting Palestine, and nearby countries, have caused several casualties and excessive destruction of property as rainfall flooded more than 400 homes while four Palestinians were killed after they were swept by the flooding rain.
The Palestinian Police and the Civil Defense reported that they located the bodies of two young women who went missing Tuesday after being swept by a flood east of Tulkarem, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank. Salah Najeeb, head of the Anabta Town Council, reported that the bodies were found between the Anabta and Ennaba, and were moved to the Rafidia Hospital in Nablus. The two women were identified as Hana’ Samir As-Samiri, and Samah Waleed Canaan, both from Nablus, and went missing while heading to Nablus from Tulkarem. Later on, the driver of the car they traveled with was located and was moved to a local hospital in Tulkarem, his health condition was described as mild. |
Acting governor of Tulkarem, Sa’id Al-Fatateen, stated that rescue teams are still trying to locate a missing resident who was swept by the flood near Jabara south of Tulkarem.
The Public Relations Department at the Civil Defense Department reported that more than 500 Palestinians have been injured in the West Bank due to the current storm, adding that more than 400 homes have been flooded.
It added that more than 300 residents have been rescued in Tulkarem district, and more than 120 Palestinians have been injured in Jenin where 130 homes have been flooded. Six children and a total of 23 residents were rescued in Jaba’ and Anza villages.
The Public Relations Department at the Civil Defense Department reported that more than 500 Palestinians have been injured in the West Bank due to the current storm, adding that more than 400 homes have been flooded.
It added that more than 300 residents have been rescued in Tulkarem district, and more than 120 Palestinians have been injured in Jenin where 130 homes have been flooded. Six children and a total of 23 residents were rescued in Jaba’ and Anza villages.
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50 homes have been flooded in Tubas district, in central West Bank; 40 residents have been injured, and more than 100 homes have been evicted. In Ramallah and Jericho, more than 30 residents have been injured and 20 homes have been evicted.
More than 34 homes have been totally flooded in the Gaza Strip and dozens of residents were evicted. The Civil Defense in Gaza reported that an area in Rafah, in southern Gaza, was also flooded and rescue teams are still evicting the residents and trying to move them to a safer area. 15 more homes were destroyed due to the flood and 14 vehicles have been flooded in the middle of the streets. Rescue teams had to use Palestinian fishing boats to rescue 25 families in the Al-Jneina area in Rafah after it was totally flooded by the rain, while 300 more homes could be flooded if the rain continues. |
15 Palestinians have been injured due to storm related accidents, such as traffic accidents while others were hit by objects swept by the wind and the rain and others fell from high distances. Most of the wounded residents suffered mild-to-moderate injuries while two children suffered serious injuries and were moved to the Gaza European Hospital. This storm is the first of its kind to hit Palestine and several decades.
Netanyahu Pledges Not to Cede More Land to Palestinians
PNN- As Fatah and Hamas met in Cairo to discuss reconciliation, Israel's Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, said he would not cede any more land to the Palestinians. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal were expected to meet in Cairo today to discuss the national reconciliation and ending the dispute between Fatah and Hamas.
Hamas and Fatah officials said that the Cairo talks would focus on ways to implement previous reconciliation accords reached between the two movements, first and foremost the formation of a Palestinian unity government and holding long overdue presidential and parliamentary elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, JPost reported.
Palestinian sources said that following the Abbas-Mashaal meeting, Fatah and Hamas officials will hold separate talks in Cairo to pursue efforts to end the dispute.
As noted earlier, the Hamas delegation is also scheduled to hold talks with Egyptian intelligence officials to discuss ways to solidify the current cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas and Fatah officials said that the Cairo talks would focus on ways to implement previous reconciliation accords reached between the two movements, first and foremost the formation of a Palestinian unity government and holding long overdue presidential and parliamentary elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, JPost reported.
Palestinian sources said that following the Abbas-Mashaal meeting, Fatah and Hamas officials will hold separate talks in Cairo to pursue efforts to end the dispute.
As noted earlier, the Hamas delegation is also scheduled to hold talks with Egyptian intelligence officials to discuss ways to solidify the current cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
Haniyeh hopes success for meeting between Meshaal and Abbas in Cairo
Gaza Premier Ismail Haniyeh expressed his hope for the success of national reconciliation meetings, which will be held in Cairo between head of Hamas political bureau, Khaled Meshaal, and PA President Mahmoud Abbas, on Wednesday under the auspices of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. This came during Haniyeh's meeting with a European delegation at his home in al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza, as he hoped that the Cairo meetings will achieve good results, and launch a new era of unity.
He also stressed on Hamas movement's adherence to achieving reconciliation and a national unity carrying the constants of the Palestinian people and protecting the resistance and the Palestinian rights.
In a separate context; the Prime Minister stated that the victory achieved by Gaza represents a victory for all the Palestinian people, the Arab and Islamic nation and all free people of the world who have been supporting Palestine.
He emphasized that Palestinians will not give up any part of the land of Palestine, and any of its rights; particularly the right of return and the freedom of prisoners.
Political analysts stressed that the meeting, taking place between Khaled Meshaal and Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo will carry positive indicators regarding the reconciliation, in preparation for its implementation on the ground.
Political analyst Dr Hani al-Bassous said that it is difficult to reach practical mechanisms for the Palestinian national reconciliation during Meshaal and Abbas’ meeting; however it may be a preliminary meeting for the upcoming meetings between Fatah and Hamas, and later on between the Palestinian factions.
According to the political analyst Mostafa Sawaf, the meeting will not result in practical result on the ground. He also stressed that the issue requires honest intentions and will for the application of what has been agreed upon.
Rizqa: We wish success for Mishaal-Abbas meeting in Cairo
Dr. Yousef Rizqa, political advisor to the Prime Minister, wished success for the reconciliation meeting between Mishaal and Abbas in Cairo today. Rizqa said in a press release on Wednesday that the Palestinian people with all its components and constituents will be happy by this meeting's success, which will be chaired by Egypt, stressing that the reconciliation is a national project based on the real participation of all factions.
We must complete immediately the reconciliation file to face the Palestinian people's challenges, especially the issue of Jerusalem, refugees, settlements and prisoners, he stated.
He pointed out that the Palestinian government works to create the appropriate conditions to achieve true reconciliation, citing the government's role in providing security and freedom in Fatah's anniversary.
He pointed out that Egypt has a great desire to make the reconciliation succeed, but America does not have the same desire for reconciliation.
He praised the role of the Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, in support of the Palestinian reconciliation, stressing that Egypt wants to complete the reconciliation because it is a Palestinian national interest as well as an Egyptian and Arab interests.
He also stressed on Hamas movement's adherence to achieving reconciliation and a national unity carrying the constants of the Palestinian people and protecting the resistance and the Palestinian rights.
In a separate context; the Prime Minister stated that the victory achieved by Gaza represents a victory for all the Palestinian people, the Arab and Islamic nation and all free people of the world who have been supporting Palestine.
He emphasized that Palestinians will not give up any part of the land of Palestine, and any of its rights; particularly the right of return and the freedom of prisoners.
Political analysts stressed that the meeting, taking place between Khaled Meshaal and Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo will carry positive indicators regarding the reconciliation, in preparation for its implementation on the ground.
Political analyst Dr Hani al-Bassous said that it is difficult to reach practical mechanisms for the Palestinian national reconciliation during Meshaal and Abbas’ meeting; however it may be a preliminary meeting for the upcoming meetings between Fatah and Hamas, and later on between the Palestinian factions.
According to the political analyst Mostafa Sawaf, the meeting will not result in practical result on the ground. He also stressed that the issue requires honest intentions and will for the application of what has been agreed upon.
Rizqa: We wish success for Mishaal-Abbas meeting in Cairo
Dr. Yousef Rizqa, political advisor to the Prime Minister, wished success for the reconciliation meeting between Mishaal and Abbas in Cairo today. Rizqa said in a press release on Wednesday that the Palestinian people with all its components and constituents will be happy by this meeting's success, which will be chaired by Egypt, stressing that the reconciliation is a national project based on the real participation of all factions.
We must complete immediately the reconciliation file to face the Palestinian people's challenges, especially the issue of Jerusalem, refugees, settlements and prisoners, he stated.
He pointed out that the Palestinian government works to create the appropriate conditions to achieve true reconciliation, citing the government's role in providing security and freedom in Fatah's anniversary.
He pointed out that Egypt has a great desire to make the reconciliation succeed, but America does not have the same desire for reconciliation.
He praised the role of the Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, in support of the Palestinian reconciliation, stressing that Egypt wants to complete the reconciliation because it is a Palestinian national interest as well as an Egyptian and Arab interests.
Ashrawi Urges Europeans to End Israeli Occupation
Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee member, Hanan Ashrawi, urged the European Union to put a quick end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, according to a statement issued Tuesday. Ashrawi stressed in a meeting in Ramallah with EU representative to the West Bank, Gaza Strip and UNRWA, John Gatt-Rutter, “the importance of the European role in supporting the two-state solution and in bringing about an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and Israel’s stepped-up illegal settlement campaign before it is too late.”
The two officials discussed ideas to that effect and steps relevant to Palestine in its accession to UN charters and conventions and Palestine joining UN agencies and organizations.
In addition, Ashrawi told a Canadian delegation representing the National Democratic Party that “despite Canada’s official position in support of Israel and a negative vote in the UN, we will not give up on Canada.”
She said, “We believe what is required is an even-handed approach in support of a just peace consistent with international and humanitarian law.”
Dr. Ashrawi: Europe Could Bring an End to Israeli Illegal Occupation and Settlement
PLO Executive Committee member, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, yesterday met with the European Union Representative to the West Bank, Gaza Strip and UNRWA, John Gatt-Rutter at the PLO headquarters in Ramallah. During the meeting they discussed the latest political developments in Palestine as well as issues of mutual concern. Dr. Ashrawi stressed the importance of the European role in supporting the two-state solution and in bringing about an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and Israel's stepped-up illegal settlement campaign before it is too late. They discussed ideas to that effect and steps relevant to Palestine in its accession to UN charters and conventions and Palestine joining UN agencies and organizations.
In addition, Dr. Ashrawi met with a Canadian delegation representing the National Democratic Party: "Despite Canada's official position in support of Israel and a negative vote in the UN, we will not give up on Canada. We believe what is required is an even-handed approach in support of a just peace consistent with international and humanitarian law."
Dr. Ashrawi also addressed a delegation from Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia) on Sunday, and she answered questions on Palestine achieving non-member state status in the United Nations, the US role and the need of urgent action to prevent further deterioration and instability, as well as internal Palestinian issues and regional developments.
The two officials discussed ideas to that effect and steps relevant to Palestine in its accession to UN charters and conventions and Palestine joining UN agencies and organizations.
In addition, Ashrawi told a Canadian delegation representing the National Democratic Party that “despite Canada’s official position in support of Israel and a negative vote in the UN, we will not give up on Canada.”
She said, “We believe what is required is an even-handed approach in support of a just peace consistent with international and humanitarian law.”
Dr. Ashrawi: Europe Could Bring an End to Israeli Illegal Occupation and Settlement
PLO Executive Committee member, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, yesterday met with the European Union Representative to the West Bank, Gaza Strip and UNRWA, John Gatt-Rutter at the PLO headquarters in Ramallah. During the meeting they discussed the latest political developments in Palestine as well as issues of mutual concern. Dr. Ashrawi stressed the importance of the European role in supporting the two-state solution and in bringing about an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and Israel's stepped-up illegal settlement campaign before it is too late. They discussed ideas to that effect and steps relevant to Palestine in its accession to UN charters and conventions and Palestine joining UN agencies and organizations.
In addition, Dr. Ashrawi met with a Canadian delegation representing the National Democratic Party: "Despite Canada's official position in support of Israel and a negative vote in the UN, we will not give up on Canada. We believe what is required is an even-handed approach in support of a just peace consistent with international and humanitarian law."
Dr. Ashrawi also addressed a delegation from Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia) on Sunday, and she answered questions on Palestine achieving non-member state status in the United Nations, the US role and the need of urgent action to prevent further deterioration and instability, as well as internal Palestinian issues and regional developments.
"State of Palestine" Term to be Included on Official Documents
Following the recognition of the Palestinian state at the UN, the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree giving instructions to the government to start using the term "State of Palestine" instead of the term "Palestinian National Authority" on all official documents including passports, identity cards, population registration, driving licenses and other documents. The Ministry of Information confirmed it will include the term "State of Palestine" on all its official papers, including press cards and licenses, as requested in the presidential decree on this regard, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.
The Ministry called on all Palestinian media outlets to start using the new term in all their programs.
Safa Nassereddin, Minister of Communication, said the first stamp to carry the name "State of Palestine" will be issued for the benefit of Palestinian diplomatic offices abroad.
Nassereddin also said that because issuing new stamps requires Israeli approval to print them and bring them into the country, it was decided that the new stamps will be printed in Bahrain, which has contributed to the cost of printing them, and will be used abroad.
She revealed that the cost of printing new stamps is relatively high and because there are no special stamp printing machines in Palestine, the stamps have to be printed abroad.
The stamps will be used on certain forms at Palestinian diplomatic offices around the world.
The Ministry called on all Palestinian media outlets to start using the new term in all their programs.
Safa Nassereddin, Minister of Communication, said the first stamp to carry the name "State of Palestine" will be issued for the benefit of Palestinian diplomatic offices abroad.
Nassereddin also said that because issuing new stamps requires Israeli approval to print them and bring them into the country, it was decided that the new stamps will be printed in Bahrain, which has contributed to the cost of printing them, and will be used abroad.
She revealed that the cost of printing new stamps is relatively high and because there are no special stamp printing machines in Palestine, the stamps have to be printed abroad.
The stamps will be used on certain forms at Palestinian diplomatic offices around the world.
8 jan 2013
Issawi's mother deplores preventing her from meeting Abbas
The mother of hunger striker Samer al-Issawi condemned preventing her from meeting PA President Mahmoud Abbas, and holding her in al-Muqataa in Ramallah.
Issawi's mother told Filastin TV channel yesterday evening, that she went to the Muqataa headquarters to meet President Abbas and tell him about the suffering of her son who has been on hunger strike for nearly six months, but the guards prevented her from entering.
She added that the guards started making fun of her son's strike, then forced her to leave the headquarters without meeting Abbas.
Lawyer Shirin Issawi, Samer's sister, has criticized a month ago Palestinian Authority Chairman's attitude of ignoring her brother's strike.
Issawi's mother told Filastin TV channel yesterday evening, that she went to the Muqataa headquarters to meet President Abbas and tell him about the suffering of her son who has been on hunger strike for nearly six months, but the guards prevented her from entering.
She added that the guards started making fun of her son's strike, then forced her to leave the headquarters without meeting Abbas.
Lawyer Shirin Issawi, Samer's sister, has criticized a month ago Palestinian Authority Chairman's attitude of ignoring her brother's strike.
Communication Ministry Uses ‘State of Palestine’ on New Stamps
Minister of Communication Safa Nassereddin said Tuesday that the first stamp to carry the name “State of Palestine” will be issued for the benefit of Palestinian diplomatic offices abroad. She said that because issuing new stamps requires Israeli approval to print them and bring them into the country, it was decided that the new stamps will be printed in Bahrain, which has contributed to the cost of printing them, and will be used abroad.
The ministry said cost of printing new stamps is relatively high and because there are no special stamp printing machines in Palestine, the stamps have to be printed abroad.
The stamps will be used on certain forms at Palestinian diplomatic offices around the world.
President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree on Sunday giving instructions to the government to start using the term “State of Palestine” instead of the term “Palestinian National Authority” on all official documents including passports, identity cards, population registration, driving licenses, stamps and other documents.
Presidential Decree Orders Using ‘State of Palestine’ on all Documents
President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree on Sunday giving instructions to the government to start using the term “State of Palestine” instead of the term “Palestinian National Authority” on all official documents including passports, identity cards, population registration, driving licenses and other documents. The decree said “the cabinet has to, within two months, prepare amendments to the laws and regulations in force and prepare new sample for passports, identity cards, national ID number, population registration documents, personal status law, vehicle and driving licenses, all sorts of revenue stamps, and the postage stamp for the state of Palestine, as follows:
1-“Preparing a sample of the new passport for the state of Palestine, including diplomatic, private and regular passport based on applicable international regulations and the latest world standards where it will be put into use at the right time to include every Palestinian inside the Palestinian Territory and in the Diaspora while maintaining all the rights of Palestinians in the countries they reside in.
2- “Preparing new samples for the identity card, population registration documents, civil affairs documents for all Palestinians based on the applied international regulations and the latest world standards where it will be put into use at the right time to include every Palestinian inside the Palestinian territory and in Diaspora while maintaining all the rights of Palestinians in the countries they reside in.
The ministry said cost of printing new stamps is relatively high and because there are no special stamp printing machines in Palestine, the stamps have to be printed abroad.
The stamps will be used on certain forms at Palestinian diplomatic offices around the world.
President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree on Sunday giving instructions to the government to start using the term “State of Palestine” instead of the term “Palestinian National Authority” on all official documents including passports, identity cards, population registration, driving licenses, stamps and other documents.
Presidential Decree Orders Using ‘State of Palestine’ on all Documents
President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree on Sunday giving instructions to the government to start using the term “State of Palestine” instead of the term “Palestinian National Authority” on all official documents including passports, identity cards, population registration, driving licenses and other documents. The decree said “the cabinet has to, within two months, prepare amendments to the laws and regulations in force and prepare new sample for passports, identity cards, national ID number, population registration documents, personal status law, vehicle and driving licenses, all sorts of revenue stamps, and the postage stamp for the state of Palestine, as follows:
1-“Preparing a sample of the new passport for the state of Palestine, including diplomatic, private and regular passport based on applicable international regulations and the latest world standards where it will be put into use at the right time to include every Palestinian inside the Palestinian Territory and in the Diaspora while maintaining all the rights of Palestinians in the countries they reside in.
2- “Preparing new samples for the identity card, population registration documents, civil affairs documents for all Palestinians based on the applied international regulations and the latest world standards where it will be put into use at the right time to include every Palestinian inside the Palestinian territory and in Diaspora while maintaining all the rights of Palestinians in the countries they reside in.
Abbas Willing To Cooperate With US To Achieve Two-State Solution
Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, stated that he is willing to continue to cooperate with the United States and the Obama Administration to achieve a peace agreement with Israel based on the two-state solution.
The statements of Abbas came on Tuesday evening during a meeting, in Jordan, with the visiting U.S. Middle East Envoy, David Hale, the Palestine News Network (PNN) has reported.
Hale told Abbas that the United States is committed to the two-state solution, and will continue its efforts to reach this goal, and stressed on the importance of the resumption of peace negotiations between Tel Aviv and Ramallah.
Abbas said that “he appreciates the stances of the U.S. Administration as it considers peace in the Middle East as a top priority”, PNN reported.
The Abbas-Hale meeting was attended by member of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Dr. Saeb Erekat, and official presidency spokesperson Nabil Abu Rodeina.
The meeting took place while the U.S. and Israel continue their financial sanctions on the P.A. for heading to the United Nations, and for managing to upgrade the status of Palestine at the General Assembly to a nonmember state.
Tel Aviv and Washington said that the state of Palestine can only be achieved through direct peace talks between Tel Aviv and Ramallah.
The U.S. and Tel Aviv also rejected a decision made by President Abbas Sunday ordering the Palestinian Authority to start issuing Palestinian Passports, ID Cards, Postage Stamps and License Plates carrying “State Of Palestine”, instead of the Palestinian Authority.
U.S. State Department Spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland, stated that, until peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state, the United States will not refer to the Palestinian Authority (P.A.) as the state of Palestine.
The statements of Abbas came on Tuesday evening during a meeting, in Jordan, with the visiting U.S. Middle East Envoy, David Hale, the Palestine News Network (PNN) has reported.
Hale told Abbas that the United States is committed to the two-state solution, and will continue its efforts to reach this goal, and stressed on the importance of the resumption of peace negotiations between Tel Aviv and Ramallah.
Abbas said that “he appreciates the stances of the U.S. Administration as it considers peace in the Middle East as a top priority”, PNN reported.
The Abbas-Hale meeting was attended by member of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Dr. Saeb Erekat, and official presidency spokesperson Nabil Abu Rodeina.
The meeting took place while the U.S. and Israel continue their financial sanctions on the P.A. for heading to the United Nations, and for managing to upgrade the status of Palestine at the General Assembly to a nonmember state.
Tel Aviv and Washington said that the state of Palestine can only be achieved through direct peace talks between Tel Aviv and Ramallah.
The U.S. and Tel Aviv also rejected a decision made by President Abbas Sunday ordering the Palestinian Authority to start issuing Palestinian Passports, ID Cards, Postage Stamps and License Plates carrying “State Of Palestine”, instead of the Palestinian Authority.
U.S. State Department Spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland, stated that, until peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state, the United States will not refer to the Palestinian Authority (P.A.) as the state of Palestine.
Nuland: “U.S. Will Not Refer To P.A. As State Of Palestine”
U.S. State Department Spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland, stated that, until peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state, the United States will not refer to the Palestinian Authority (P.A.) as the state of Palestine.
Her statements came in response to a decree issued by Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, to rename the P. A. as the State of Palestine, and to change all official documents to reflect this modification.
In a press conference Monday, Nuland said that “a Palestinian state cannot be created through speeches and documents, as states are established through talks and negotiations”.
She also said that U.S. special envoy, David Hale, will be holding a meeting with Abbas, Tuesday, to inform him that his decision is “a bad idea”, and that “peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians must be resumed without any further delay.”
It is worth mentioning that the U.S. stance is coherent with the position of Tel Aviv as Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that Israel rejects the decree and will not recognize it, and added that “the Palestinian state can only be born through a peace agreement with Israel”.
The decree that was issued by Abbas calls for using the name State of Palestine on all official documents, this includes passports, ID cards, driving licenses and official letterhead within the coming two months.
The Abbas-led P.A. in the West Bank had to quit peace talks with Tel Aviv due to Israel’s ongoing violations against the Palestinians and their property.
These violations are topped by Israel’s construction and expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem, and the ongoing demolition of Palestinian homes in the city.
Her statements came in response to a decree issued by Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, to rename the P. A. as the State of Palestine, and to change all official documents to reflect this modification.
In a press conference Monday, Nuland said that “a Palestinian state cannot be created through speeches and documents, as states are established through talks and negotiations”.
She also said that U.S. special envoy, David Hale, will be holding a meeting with Abbas, Tuesday, to inform him that his decision is “a bad idea”, and that “peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians must be resumed without any further delay.”
It is worth mentioning that the U.S. stance is coherent with the position of Tel Aviv as Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that Israel rejects the decree and will not recognize it, and added that “the Palestinian state can only be born through a peace agreement with Israel”.
The decree that was issued by Abbas calls for using the name State of Palestine on all official documents, this includes passports, ID cards, driving licenses and official letterhead within the coming two months.
The Abbas-led P.A. in the West Bank had to quit peace talks with Tel Aviv due to Israel’s ongoing violations against the Palestinians and their property.
These violations are topped by Israel’s construction and expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem, and the ongoing demolition of Palestinian homes in the city.
Abu Zuhri: Hill’s visit to give impression on presence of negotiations
Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, has said that the US Middle East envoy David Hill’s visit to the region aims at giving the impression that negotiations between the PA and Israel were still ongoing.
Hill is slated to arrive in Ramallah on Tuesday for a meeting with PA chief Mahmoud Abbas.
Abu Zuhri told Quds Press that Hill’s visit would not change anything on the ground in light of the incessant Israeli occupation crimes and the American administration blind backing of the Israeli positions.
Regarding whether Hill was carrying a new project to revive the settlement process, the spokesman said that his movement was of the opinion that the settlement process had failed “and we call on the PA to stop negotiating with the occupation.”
Hill is slated to arrive in Ramallah on Tuesday for a meeting with PA chief Mahmoud Abbas.
Abu Zuhri told Quds Press that Hill’s visit would not change anything on the ground in light of the incessant Israeli occupation crimes and the American administration blind backing of the Israeli positions.
Regarding whether Hill was carrying a new project to revive the settlement process, the spokesman said that his movement was of the opinion that the settlement process had failed “and we call on the PA to stop negotiating with the occupation.”
Future of Gaza tabled in conference yesterday
Representatives of Palestinian factions and the UNRWA participated on Monday in a conference titled "the future of Gaza in the midst of agendas" that was organized by Atlas center for Israeli studies.
In his speech, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said that the achievement of the political reconciliation and the formation of one Palestinian government are needed to address the dangers and the problems which Gaza is facing.
Spokesman Abu Zuhri also expressed his Movement's rejection of any idea about separating Gaza from the rest of the Palestinian homeland and making it part of Egypt.
Head of Atlas center Abdul-Rahman Shahab said, in turn, that the idea of the conference was about getting a clear picture about the future of the Palestinian cause and the future of Gaza in particular.
Shahab added that Gaza has gained a special place in the national struggle for liberation because of the extraordinary steadfastness of its people in the face of the Israeli military power.
For his part, Adnan Abu Hasna, the UNRWA media advisor, that the UNRWA had prepared a few months ago a report about the dangers threating Gaza at all levels until the year 2020.
Abu Hasna stated that the report raised questions about how Gaza would be by 2020 when its population would increase in light of the deteriorating economic situation that has affected the basic needs of the civilians.
He expressed his belief that there would be no one drinkable drop of water in Gaza in 2016 and stressed the need for Gaza to be open to the whole world, or else there would be undesirable results.
In his speech, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said that the achievement of the political reconciliation and the formation of one Palestinian government are needed to address the dangers and the problems which Gaza is facing.
Spokesman Abu Zuhri also expressed his Movement's rejection of any idea about separating Gaza from the rest of the Palestinian homeland and making it part of Egypt.
Head of Atlas center Abdul-Rahman Shahab said, in turn, that the idea of the conference was about getting a clear picture about the future of the Palestinian cause and the future of Gaza in particular.
Shahab added that Gaza has gained a special place in the national struggle for liberation because of the extraordinary steadfastness of its people in the face of the Israeli military power.
For his part, Adnan Abu Hasna, the UNRWA media advisor, that the UNRWA had prepared a few months ago a report about the dangers threating Gaza at all levels until the year 2020.
Abu Hasna stated that the report raised questions about how Gaza would be by 2020 when its population would increase in light of the deteriorating economic situation that has affected the basic needs of the civilians.
He expressed his belief that there would be no one drinkable drop of water in Gaza in 2016 and stressed the need for Gaza to be open to the whole world, or else there would be undesirable results.
Abu Marzouk: Mishaal, Abbas to meet Morsi on Wednesday
Political bureau chairman of Hamas Khaled Mishaal and PA chief and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas are scheduled to meet Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi in Cairo on Wednesday.
Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, the deputy political bureau chairman of Hamas, said in a press release on his Facebook page on Tuesday that Mishaal and Abbas would be leading Hamas and Fatah delegations that are expected in the Egyptian capital on Tuesday.
He said that the “Egyptian brothers will exert more efforts in a bid to end the internal Palestinian division”.
Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, the deputy political bureau chairman of Hamas, said in a press release on his Facebook page on Tuesday that Mishaal and Abbas would be leading Hamas and Fatah delegations that are expected in the Egyptian capital on Tuesday.
He said that the “Egyptian brothers will exert more efforts in a bid to end the internal Palestinian division”.
7 jan 2013
Rainwater cause material damage to the citizens' properties in West Bank
A state of emergency has been announced in the West Bank's governorates, particularly in the North, after heavy material damage has been recorded due to heavy rain.
Local sources stated that the rain water flooded seven houses in different areas of the city of Jenin, last night and today, which required the intervention of the civil defense units to save the residents of the houses.
Rainwater flooded houses in the towns of al-Jadida and Jab'a, in the south of Jenin; causing some material damage with no injuries recorded.
In the city of Ramallah, two citizens had been trapped inside a car in the area of "Umm Sharayet" without being injured, while a communications tower fell, as a result of the strong winds that hit the region last night.
The strong winds have also caused a huge advertisement board to fall on the road between Birzeit and the city of Ramallah, which led to the closure of the street in both directions, until the arrival of civil defense.
The director of the Awqaf in Jerusalem, Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib, said in a press statement that a number of trees have fallen in the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque due to the strong winds.
Local sources stated that the rain water flooded seven houses in different areas of the city of Jenin, last night and today, which required the intervention of the civil defense units to save the residents of the houses.
Rainwater flooded houses in the towns of al-Jadida and Jab'a, in the south of Jenin; causing some material damage with no injuries recorded.
In the city of Ramallah, two citizens had been trapped inside a car in the area of "Umm Sharayet" without being injured, while a communications tower fell, as a result of the strong winds that hit the region last night.
The strong winds have also caused a huge advertisement board to fall on the road between Birzeit and the city of Ramallah, which led to the closure of the street in both directions, until the arrival of civil defense.
The director of the Awqaf in Jerusalem, Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib, said in a press statement that a number of trees have fallen in the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque due to the strong winds.
Prisoner Barghouti Calls for 'Palestinian Spring'
The Palestinian prisoner and Fatah leader, Marwan Barghouti, called for a "Palestinian Spring" to force Fatah and Hamas to end their dispute and achieve unity, the Jerusalem Post reported.
He also expressed opposition to dissolving the Palestinian Authority and called for a comprehensive review of its performance and duties.
Barghouti, 53, who is serving five life terms in Israeli prison on claims he carried out attacks against Israel during the second intifada (uprising), called on Palestinians to launch widespread protests in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to force Hamas and Fatah to end their dispute.
His remarks were published by his lawyer and supporters on the 48th anniversary of Fatah's first armed attack on Israel.
Barghouti said, "I call on the Palestinian people and youth to take the initiative to impose unity," He continued, "I call on them to take to the streets in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the diaspora and protest in front of the offices of the Palestinian factions and leaderships until the end of the division."
Palestinians should not wait for Egypt or any other country to achieve reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, he said. "We need reconciliation now and without delay," he stressed.
According to jpost, Barghouti, whom the Israeli Occupation Forces arrested in Ramallah in 2002, said that the PA leadership should now seek membership in various UN agencies and demand sanctions and boycotts against Israel.
Regards the performance of the PA, he urged the PLO to define its duties "in a way that serves the Palestinian independence project." Palestinians are completely opposed to turning the PA into a "security guard" for Israel and settlements, he noted.
"What we need is not the disbanding of the Palestinian Authority, referring to President Mahmoud Abbas's recurring threats to disband the PA," he added, "Rather, what we need is a full review of its missions and performance."
Barghouti further criticized the PA leadership for continuing to believe in the peace process with Israel.
"The peace negotiations have completely failed," he said,"The negotiations have only led to illusions and more settlements and Judaization [of Jerusalem]. The next Israeli government will be more extremist than the current one."
"Israel is doing whatever it wants – occupations and settlements," he continued, "Every night Israel arrests people and enters all parts of the West Bank."
He also expressed opposition to dissolving the Palestinian Authority and called for a comprehensive review of its performance and duties.
Barghouti, 53, who is serving five life terms in Israeli prison on claims he carried out attacks against Israel during the second intifada (uprising), called on Palestinians to launch widespread protests in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to force Hamas and Fatah to end their dispute.
His remarks were published by his lawyer and supporters on the 48th anniversary of Fatah's first armed attack on Israel.
Barghouti said, "I call on the Palestinian people and youth to take the initiative to impose unity," He continued, "I call on them to take to the streets in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the diaspora and protest in front of the offices of the Palestinian factions and leaderships until the end of the division."
Palestinians should not wait for Egypt or any other country to achieve reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, he said. "We need reconciliation now and without delay," he stressed.
According to jpost, Barghouti, whom the Israeli Occupation Forces arrested in Ramallah in 2002, said that the PA leadership should now seek membership in various UN agencies and demand sanctions and boycotts against Israel.
Regards the performance of the PA, he urged the PLO to define its duties "in a way that serves the Palestinian independence project." Palestinians are completely opposed to turning the PA into a "security guard" for Israel and settlements, he noted.
"What we need is not the disbanding of the Palestinian Authority, referring to President Mahmoud Abbas's recurring threats to disband the PA," he added, "Rather, what we need is a full review of its missions and performance."
Barghouti further criticized the PA leadership for continuing to believe in the peace process with Israel.
"The peace negotiations have completely failed," he said,"The negotiations have only led to illusions and more settlements and Judaization [of Jerusalem]. The next Israeli government will be more extremist than the current one."
"Israel is doing whatever it wants – occupations and settlements," he continued, "Every night Israel arrests people and enters all parts of the West Bank."
Morsi: I invited Mashaal and Abbas to meet in Cairo
Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi said he will sponsor a meeting between Hamas and Fatah leaders in Cairo soon to resume the national reconciliation talks.
In an interview by the CNN, Morsi added that he had invited Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal to come to Cairo to table the contentious files and the mechanism to implement them on the ground.
He stressed that the achievement of the national reconciliation between the Palestinian rivals would not be an easy mission.
In another context, Sheikh Ayed Qarni, an acclaimed Saudi religious figure, said in a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the support provided for Gaza people by Egypt and its people is a sacred duty.
Sheikh Qarni, who was in Cairo on Sunday, the noted Egyptian role in Gaza does not absolve the rest of the Arab and Muslim countries from their responsibilities.
He also called on all Arab and Muslim leaders to pool their efforts in support of the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem, and condemned the situation of begging peace from the Israeli occupation as shameful.
In an interview by the CNN, Morsi added that he had invited Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal to come to Cairo to table the contentious files and the mechanism to implement them on the ground.
He stressed that the achievement of the national reconciliation between the Palestinian rivals would not be an easy mission.
In another context, Sheikh Ayed Qarni, an acclaimed Saudi religious figure, said in a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the support provided for Gaza people by Egypt and its people is a sacred duty.
Sheikh Qarni, who was in Cairo on Sunday, the noted Egyptian role in Gaza does not absolve the rest of the Arab and Muslim countries from their responsibilities.
He also called on all Arab and Muslim leaders to pool their efforts in support of the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem, and condemned the situation of begging peace from the Israeli occupation as shameful.
Haneyya calls on Morocco to assume its role in defending Jerusalem
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya called on Morocco to restore its role in protecting Jerusalem and to convene the Jerusalem committee chaired by king Mohamed VI in order to develop mechanisms to face the Zionist dangers threatening the holy city.
This came during his meeting on Sunday with a Moroccan delegation led by Abdul-Jalil Al-Jaseni, head of Al-Tawhid and Al-Islah movement.
Premier Haneyya hailed Morocco for its support for the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem throughout its history.
For his part, head of the delegation Abdul-Jalil Al-Jaseni said they came to support Gaza people and break the economic and political siege imposted on them.
Jaseni added they would do their utmost to support Gaza and expose Israel's crimes in international meetings and conferences.
Premier Ismail Haneyya also met with a Malaysian delegation led by Mohamed Shahrom, dean of the medicine faculty at Cyberjaya university.
Haneyya said that the travel of delegations to Gaza confirms that the Palestinian cause is very important for the Muslim nation and that the Palestinian people are not alone in their battle against the occupation.
This came during his meeting on Sunday with a Moroccan delegation led by Abdul-Jalil Al-Jaseni, head of Al-Tawhid and Al-Islah movement.
Premier Haneyya hailed Morocco for its support for the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem throughout its history.
For his part, head of the delegation Abdul-Jalil Al-Jaseni said they came to support Gaza people and break the economic and political siege imposted on them.
Jaseni added they would do their utmost to support Gaza and expose Israel's crimes in international meetings and conferences.
Premier Ismail Haneyya also met with a Malaysian delegation led by Mohamed Shahrom, dean of the medicine faculty at Cyberjaya university.
Haneyya said that the travel of delegations to Gaza confirms that the Palestinian cause is very important for the Muslim nation and that the Palestinian people are not alone in their battle against the occupation.
Hamad discusses bilateral cooperation with Qatari counterpart
Gazan interior minister Fathi Hammad met in Doha on Sunday with Qatari state minister for interior affairs Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani for a discussion on boosting cooperation relations.
Hammad thanked Qatar for its support of the Palestinian people, and hoped that it would assist in enhancing capabilities of the Palestinian interior ministry apparatuses such as civil defense and security agencies.
For his part, Sheikh Abdullah affirmed his country’s constant backing of the Palestinian people, adding that his ministry would meet the needs of its Palestinian counterpart.
Hammad thanked Qatar for its support of the Palestinian people, and hoped that it would assist in enhancing capabilities of the Palestinian interior ministry apparatuses such as civil defense and security agencies.
For his part, Sheikh Abdullah affirmed his country’s constant backing of the Palestinian people, adding that his ministry would meet the needs of its Palestinian counterpart.
6 jan 2013
Hamas: Ayyash's way is the strategic option for the defense of our people
Yahya Ayyash had imposed through his resistance and steadfastness and martyrdom operations a qualitative balance in the conflict with the enemy, said Fawzi Barhoum, the spokesman for Hamas movement, on the 17th anniversary of the assassination of the first Engineer of the Palestinian Resistance.
Barhoum described the martyr Ayash as the engineer of the Qassam Brigades and martyrdom operations that have embarrassed the Israeli occupation.
We mark Ayyash's anniversary to emphasize the Palestinian adherence to each inch of the soil of Palestine, in which he lived and died for it, Barhoum said in a press statement on Saturday, stressing the resistance option as the strategic choice to defend the Palestinian people, land and holy places, and stressing the national unity particularly in light of this national atmosphere to overcome all the obstacles and challenges.
He said on his personal Facebook page that Ayyash lived as a leader and passed away as a leader, stressing that his name will remain immortal in the hearts of the Palestinian people and the whole nation.
Barhoum described the martyr Ayash as the engineer of the Qassam Brigades and martyrdom operations that have embarrassed the Israeli occupation.
We mark Ayyash's anniversary to emphasize the Palestinian adherence to each inch of the soil of Palestine, in which he lived and died for it, Barhoum said in a press statement on Saturday, stressing the resistance option as the strategic choice to defend the Palestinian people, land and holy places, and stressing the national unity particularly in light of this national atmosphere to overcome all the obstacles and challenges.
He said on his personal Facebook page that Ayyash lived as a leader and passed away as a leader, stressing that his name will remain immortal in the hearts of the Palestinian people and the whole nation.
Bahar urges Egyptian youth to contribute to documenting Israeli crimes
Dr. Ahmed Bahar, the First Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council, confirmed that the Arab Spring revolutions contributed to the resistance's victory, "after the demise of some oppressive regimes that have had a major role in the harassment of the Palestinian people."
Bahar's statement came during a meeting on Saturday with a youth delegation of the Egyptian solidarity Society "al-Khayrat", which includes a group of Egyptian youth in solidarity with Gaza.
Bahar expressed confidence in the Egyptian youth, appreciating the Egyptian leadership's efforts to end the Israeli aggression and to restore stability to Gaza, stressing that the Egyptian delegations came to Gaza to see the resistance victory and to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.
He pointed out during his meeting with the Egyptian youth that the resistance overtook the occupation, where it proved its ability to face advanced weapons despite its simple potential in light of the Israeli siege on Gaza for several years.
Bahar called on Egyptian youth to contribute to documenting the Israeli crimes in Gaza, as a prelude to lawsuits against the Israeli leaders in international courts as war criminals, noting that this step disturbs the Israeli occupation authorities a lot.
Noteworthy that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture received a youth delegation of the Egyptian solidarity Society "al-Khayrat" in light of the ministry's program which has been recently activated in order to enhance communication with Arab youth from all countries of the world.
Bahar's statement came during a meeting on Saturday with a youth delegation of the Egyptian solidarity Society "al-Khayrat", which includes a group of Egyptian youth in solidarity with Gaza.
Bahar expressed confidence in the Egyptian youth, appreciating the Egyptian leadership's efforts to end the Israeli aggression and to restore stability to Gaza, stressing that the Egyptian delegations came to Gaza to see the resistance victory and to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.
He pointed out during his meeting with the Egyptian youth that the resistance overtook the occupation, where it proved its ability to face advanced weapons despite its simple potential in light of the Israeli siege on Gaza for several years.
Bahar called on Egyptian youth to contribute to documenting the Israeli crimes in Gaza, as a prelude to lawsuits against the Israeli leaders in international courts as war criminals, noting that this step disturbs the Israeli occupation authorities a lot.
Noteworthy that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture received a youth delegation of the Egyptian solidarity Society "al-Khayrat" in light of the ministry's program which has been recently activated in order to enhance communication with Arab youth from all countries of the world.
5 jan 2013
PLO’s Central Council to Discuss Changes, says Official
The Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) Central Council is expected to meet in the next few days to discuss political developments, Qais Abdul Karim, a senior member of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said Saturday. He said in a statement that the PLO’s Executive Committee decided in its last meeting in Ramallah to convene the Central Council to discuss the next steps following the United Nations vote on Palestine’s status.
He said that the meeting will discuss the changes that must take place within the Palestinian Authority in order for it to cope with the recent changes.
The meeting will also discuss the relation between the PLO, Palestinian Authority and the various Palestinian institutions.
He pointed out that an earlier decision has been reached to delegate to the Central Council the duties of the Palestinian Authority’s government and parliament.
He said that the meeting will discuss the changes that must take place within the Palestinian Authority in order for it to cope with the recent changes.
The meeting will also discuss the relation between the PLO, Palestinian Authority and the various Palestinian institutions.
He pointed out that an earlier decision has been reached to delegate to the Central Council the duties of the Palestinian Authority’s government and parliament.
3 jan 2013
Abu Marzouk: Third intifada approaching
Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, the deputy political bureau chairman of Hamas, has opined that a third Palestinian intifada was imminent.
He said in a statement on his Facebook page on Wednesday that the intifada reflects a popular resistance movement that surfaces every time the political leaders fail to achieve the people’s aspirations.
Abu Marzouk added that the intifada reflects a yearning to freedom and independence and a hope of ending the policy of humiliation and tyranny.
When all options are closed before the people they go to the street to preserve their rights, the Hamas leader said, adding that the intifada reflects the people’s conscience.
He said in a statement on his Facebook page on Wednesday that the intifada reflects a popular resistance movement that surfaces every time the political leaders fail to achieve the people’s aspirations.
Abu Marzouk added that the intifada reflects a yearning to freedom and independence and a hope of ending the policy of humiliation and tyranny.
When all options are closed before the people they go to the street to preserve their rights, the Hamas leader said, adding that the intifada reflects the people’s conscience.
PLC invites Berre to visit Gaza
The chairmanship of the Palestinian legislative council extended an official invitation to the Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berre to visit Gaza.
The invitation was delivered in a message carried by MP Mushir Al-Masri during a meeting with Berre in Beirut on Wednesday in the presence of a number of Lebanese parliamentarians and Ali Baraka, Hamas’s representative in Lebanon.
The invitation said that the PLC welcomes a visit to Gaza by a Lebanese parliamentary delegation led by Berre to discuss bilateral issues and to serve as a boost for resistance and the Palestine cause.
Masri asked Berre during the meeting to provide shelter for Palestinian refugees fleeing the inferno of internal fighting in Syria.
Berre, for his part, said that the Lebanese cabinet would discuss the issue of those refugees in a meeting on Thursday, affirming his country’s readiness to extend relief to them until the end of the Syrian crisis.
Lebanese MP Bahiya Al-Hariri visited the Gaza Strip a month ago in the company of a number of Lebanese MPs.
Masri, who arrived in Lebanon from Yemen, toured a number of Palestinian refugee camps in that country and met with secretary general of the Islamic movement in Lebanon Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Masri.
The invitation was delivered in a message carried by MP Mushir Al-Masri during a meeting with Berre in Beirut on Wednesday in the presence of a number of Lebanese parliamentarians and Ali Baraka, Hamas’s representative in Lebanon.
The invitation said that the PLC welcomes a visit to Gaza by a Lebanese parliamentary delegation led by Berre to discuss bilateral issues and to serve as a boost for resistance and the Palestine cause.
Masri asked Berre during the meeting to provide shelter for Palestinian refugees fleeing the inferno of internal fighting in Syria.
Berre, for his part, said that the Lebanese cabinet would discuss the issue of those refugees in a meeting on Thursday, affirming his country’s readiness to extend relief to them until the end of the Syrian crisis.
Lebanese MP Bahiya Al-Hariri visited the Gaza Strip a month ago in the company of a number of Lebanese MPs.
Masri, who arrived in Lebanon from Yemen, toured a number of Palestinian refugee camps in that country and met with secretary general of the Islamic movement in Lebanon Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Masri.
Haneyya confirms his keenness on successful anniversary festival for Fatah
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya on Wednesday received in his house in Gaza delegations from Fatah and Hamas Factions and explored with them the avenues to promote bilateral relations and ensure the success of the Fatah's anniversary festival.
The Fatah delegation was led by senior member of its central committee Nabil Shaath, and the delegation from Hamas was led by Imad Al-Alami.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the two factions and the government in Gaza as well as director of the Palestinian security forces Salah Abu Sharkh.
During the meeting, premier Haneyya congratulated Fatah on its inception anniversary and said he gave clear instructions to the security apparatuses to work on ensuring the success of its festival in Gaza.
Haneyya expressed hope that Hamas and Fatah would work together on initiating a new stage of relations paving the way towards the national reconciliation.
The premier then listened to a detailed report by director of the security forces Salah Abu Sharkh about the efforts that were made to protect the anniversary rallies held lately by Fatah supporters in Gaza and the security preparations for the main festival.
Following the meeting, senior Fatah official Nabil Shaath told a news conference that the meeting with Haneyya was brotherly and reconciliatory, adding that Fatah received a renewed congratulation message from the premier in Gaza confirming his government's determination to create a positive atmosphere and participate in Fatah's festival.
"This festival will be like a wedding celebration for Palestine, Jerusalem, the prisoners, the refugees and all the Palestinians," Shaath stated.
The Fatah delegation was led by senior member of its central committee Nabil Shaath, and the delegation from Hamas was led by Imad Al-Alami.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the two factions and the government in Gaza as well as director of the Palestinian security forces Salah Abu Sharkh.
During the meeting, premier Haneyya congratulated Fatah on its inception anniversary and said he gave clear instructions to the security apparatuses to work on ensuring the success of its festival in Gaza.
Haneyya expressed hope that Hamas and Fatah would work together on initiating a new stage of relations paving the way towards the national reconciliation.
The premier then listened to a detailed report by director of the security forces Salah Abu Sharkh about the efforts that were made to protect the anniversary rallies held lately by Fatah supporters in Gaza and the security preparations for the main festival.
Following the meeting, senior Fatah official Nabil Shaath told a news conference that the meeting with Haneyya was brotherly and reconciliatory, adding that Fatah received a renewed congratulation message from the premier in Gaza confirming his government's determination to create a positive atmosphere and participate in Fatah's festival.
"This festival will be like a wedding celebration for Palestine, Jerusalem, the prisoners, the refugees and all the Palestinians," Shaath stated.
Egyptian sports minister to visit Gaza next week
Egyptian minister of sports Alamri Farouk is scheduled to visit Gaza next Thursday at the invitation of his Gazan counterpart Dr. Mohammed Al-Madhoun.
Madhoun said during a meeting with the ministry’s employees on Wednesday that Farouk would be heading a 25-man delegation including prominent sports and media figures.
He said that his ministry would brief the visiting Egyptian minister on the difficulties impeding sports activity in the Gaza Strip especially after the latest Israeli aggression that destroyed three main soccer stadiums and the need for Arab support help the Palestinian sports movement stand on its feet again.
Madhoun said that the visit would also provide an opportunity for exchange of sports expertise and cooperation in various sports fields.
The chairman of the Egyptian Football Association Jamal Allam is expected to visit Gaza within the few coming days at the invitation of Madhoun.
Madhoun said during a meeting with the ministry’s employees on Wednesday that Farouk would be heading a 25-man delegation including prominent sports and media figures.
He said that his ministry would brief the visiting Egyptian minister on the difficulties impeding sports activity in the Gaza Strip especially after the latest Israeli aggression that destroyed three main soccer stadiums and the need for Arab support help the Palestinian sports movement stand on its feet again.
Madhoun said that the visit would also provide an opportunity for exchange of sports expertise and cooperation in various sports fields.
The chairman of the Egyptian Football Association Jamal Allam is expected to visit Gaza within the few coming days at the invitation of Madhoun.
2 jan 2013
Nassif: The Palestinians will not accept displacement
The leader in the Islamic Resistance Movement "Hamas" Rafat Nasif stated that the Israeli calls to displace Palestinians from the West Bank aim to complete the Israeli project of ending the Palestinian presence on the ground.
"Such Israeli statements prove that peace talks with the occupier are empty talk, especially since the Israelis use the Palestinian issue as propaganda in their electoral battles," Nassif told Quds Press on Wednesday.
Nassif stressed that "the Palestinian people will not leave their home again, or accept any offers to give up their land," adding that all these Israeli calls will not be translated on the ground because the Palestinians will not accept to be used in the Israeli electoral campaigns, pointing out that the Palestinians will work to regain all their rights suppressed by the occupation.
The Israeli political activist in ruling Likud party, Moshe Vaigln, has called for the expulsion of the Palestinians from the West Bank and offering hundreds of thousands of dollars for each family in return.
In addition, number of other Israeli figures from the right wing of the Likud party, including the Israeli minister Yuli Edelstein and the head of the current coalition Ze'ev Elkin and MP Yariv Levin, called for the annexation of the West Bank or parts of it to the Israeli entity, even gradually.
"Such Israeli statements prove that peace talks with the occupier are empty talk, especially since the Israelis use the Palestinian issue as propaganda in their electoral battles," Nassif told Quds Press on Wednesday.
Nassif stressed that "the Palestinian people will not leave their home again, or accept any offers to give up their land," adding that all these Israeli calls will not be translated on the ground because the Palestinians will not accept to be used in the Israeli electoral campaigns, pointing out that the Palestinians will work to regain all their rights suppressed by the occupation.
The Israeli political activist in ruling Likud party, Moshe Vaigln, has called for the expulsion of the Palestinians from the West Bank and offering hundreds of thousands of dollars for each family in return.
In addition, number of other Israeli figures from the right wing of the Likud party, including the Israeli minister Yuli Edelstein and the head of the current coalition Ze'ev Elkin and MP Yariv Levin, called for the annexation of the West Bank or parts of it to the Israeli entity, even gradually.
Haniyeh: ending siege, reconstruction and reconciliation our priorities
The Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said that his government will work in the current year on strengthening its relations with the Arab and Islamic surroundings which have positively changed after the revolutions, particularly Egypt.
Haniyeh's statements came during a speech he delivered at the graduation ceremony of a course in security and protection today in Gaza.
"The government's priorities with the beginning of the new year lie in continuing the construction of the government buildings, within the projects of the reconstruction of Gaza, as well as ending the siege and working on achieving the national reconciliation based on our people's constants and choices, according to clear bases and a strategic fixed vision", Haniya said.
The Security and Protection apparatus, under the Ministry of Interior affairs in Gaza, organized, on Wednesday, graduation ceremony of a training course in the security and protection, during which Haniyeh thanked the efforts that have contributed to the success of the course.
The Palestinian Premier also noted that his government had agreed to hold the ceremony of anniversary of inception of Fatah movement in Gaza in an attempt to provide the positive atmosphere to achieve the national reconciliation, and expressed his hope that Fatah’s ceremony in Gaza will enhance unity.
He added: "The security services are doing their job to protect and facilitate the popular movements", calling on everyone to abide to the law and discipline and to reject chaos.
Gaza's Prime Minister congratulated the Palestinian people for the New Year 2013, describing it as the year of Palestinian national reconciliation.
He also congratulated the graduates, hailed their efforts and expressed his admiration for the military performances and maneuvers they have presented during the graduation ceremony.
Haniyeh's statements came during a speech he delivered at the graduation ceremony of a course in security and protection today in Gaza.
"The government's priorities with the beginning of the new year lie in continuing the construction of the government buildings, within the projects of the reconstruction of Gaza, as well as ending the siege and working on achieving the national reconciliation based on our people's constants and choices, according to clear bases and a strategic fixed vision", Haniya said.
The Security and Protection apparatus, under the Ministry of Interior affairs in Gaza, organized, on Wednesday, graduation ceremony of a training course in the security and protection, during which Haniyeh thanked the efforts that have contributed to the success of the course.
The Palestinian Premier also noted that his government had agreed to hold the ceremony of anniversary of inception of Fatah movement in Gaza in an attempt to provide the positive atmosphere to achieve the national reconciliation, and expressed his hope that Fatah’s ceremony in Gaza will enhance unity.
He added: "The security services are doing their job to protect and facilitate the popular movements", calling on everyone to abide to the law and discipline and to reject chaos.
Gaza's Prime Minister congratulated the Palestinian people for the New Year 2013, describing it as the year of Palestinian national reconciliation.
He also congratulated the graduates, hailed their efforts and expressed his admiration for the military performances and maneuvers they have presented during the graduation ceremony.
Khudari: 2013 will witness final end to the siege on Gaza
Independent MP Dr. Jamal Al-Khudari has opined that 2013 would witness a final end to the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip that has been in force for six years.
In a press release on Wednesday, Khudari called for intensifying efforts by free people of the world, those who back the Palestine cause, and layers and segments of the Palestinian people in order to break the siege once and for all.
The MP hoped that the new year would bring about freedom, end of occupation, and restoration of all usurped rights for the Palestinian people in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, 1948 land, and the diaspora.
Khudari also called for ending the internal division, hoping that recent good omens in this regard should be exploited to embark on practical steps toward a reunion.
In a press release on Wednesday, Khudari called for intensifying efforts by free people of the world, those who back the Palestine cause, and layers and segments of the Palestinian people in order to break the siege once and for all.
The MP hoped that the new year would bring about freedom, end of occupation, and restoration of all usurped rights for the Palestinian people in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, 1948 land, and the diaspora.
Khudari also called for ending the internal division, hoping that recent good omens in this regard should be exploited to embark on practical steps toward a reunion.
Bardawil: We did not receive any invitation for reconciliation talks in Cairo
Hamas called on Fatah movement to play its full role to pressure the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah to end the file of political detention and support the national reconciliation atmosphere.
The leader in Hamas movement, Salah Bardawil, denied in exclusive statement to Quds Press that his movement had received an official invitation to attend the factions' heads meeting or resume reconciliation talks with Fatah movement in Cairo.
"So far we have not received any invitation to attend the meeting of the secretaries-general of the Palestinian factions in Cairo, and we did not receive an invitation from the Egyptian presidency to resume reconciliation talks with Fatah movement," he explained.
Bardawil called on Fatah movement to pressure the PA for ending political arrests, thus ending the division.
"We deeply regret the continued political arrests, and we believe that it is a red line that cannot be bypassed," he said, calling on Fatah movement to exercise pressure on the PA security authorities and the presidency for the release of political prisoners, stressing that the current shameful situation does not only serve the occupation and poisons the atmosphere of reconciliation.
The leader in Hamas movement, Salah Bardawil, denied in exclusive statement to Quds Press that his movement had received an official invitation to attend the factions' heads meeting or resume reconciliation talks with Fatah movement in Cairo.
"So far we have not received any invitation to attend the meeting of the secretaries-general of the Palestinian factions in Cairo, and we did not receive an invitation from the Egyptian presidency to resume reconciliation talks with Fatah movement," he explained.
Bardawil called on Fatah movement to pressure the PA for ending political arrests, thus ending the division.
"We deeply regret the continued political arrests, and we believe that it is a red line that cannot be bypassed," he said, calling on Fatah movement to exercise pressure on the PA security authorities and the presidency for the release of political prisoners, stressing that the current shameful situation does not only serve the occupation and poisons the atmosphere of reconciliation.
1 jan 2013
Political forces in Nablus threatens civil disobedience against Fayyad's gov't
The national and Islamic political forces in Nablus threatened to call for civil disobedience to protest what they described as the social discrimination in treatment of West Bank citizens by the government of Salam Fayyad.
They decided to take this protest step after Fayyad said he would relieve the Palestinian citizens in the refugee camps of Nablus city from their electricity service debts, and not the other Palestinians in the city and its villages.
The political forces, in a press release, said the decision is aimed at dividing the Palestinian people geographically and demographically.
They stressed the importance of social justice for all citizens who are exposed to daily attacks by Jewish settlers and troops.
The forces called for continuing public protests and refrain from paying their dues to the government and its municipal institutions until the government equalizes between all citizens.
They decided to take this protest step after Fayyad said he would relieve the Palestinian citizens in the refugee camps of Nablus city from their electricity service debts, and not the other Palestinians in the city and its villages.
The political forces, in a press release, said the decision is aimed at dividing the Palestinian people geographically and demographically.
They stressed the importance of social justice for all citizens who are exposed to daily attacks by Jewish settlers and troops.
The forces called for continuing public protests and refrain from paying their dues to the government and its municipal institutions until the government equalizes between all citizens.
