5 july 2013
By Khalid Amayreh in occupied Jerusalem
The PA regime in Ramallah proves everyday that it is absolutely worthy of a prominent place in the dustbin of history. The matter here goes far beyond the scandalous groveling of that regime at Israel's and America's feet despite the latter's blatant hostility to Palestinian rights.
In fact, the Ramallah regime has effectively lost whatever moral compass it may claim to have. Its ignominious behavior at various levels leaves no doubt as to its moral bankruptcy.
Last week, the PA regime allowed the organization of a permissive concert in Ramallah. During the concert, drunken young men and women mingled rather promiscuously. Some of the scenes at the concerts were so offensive to the Palestinian culture that the organizers had to abruptly end it, ostensibly to prevent further chaos.
Unrepentant, the organizers sought to take the show to al-Khalil, the largest and most conservative town in the West Bank. However, community leaders in al-Khalil warned the local governor that permissive concerts were a red line.
"We are not in Las Vegas or Frankfurt; we are Muslims living in al-Khalil, in the vicinity of the Patriarch Ibrahim and not far from the Aqsa Mosque. Such promiscuity and permissiveness are unacceptable to our community since they contribute to corrupting our young generations," said a statement read by the local community and civic leaders.
Eventually, the governor, Kamel Humeid, heeded the local community's call, and decided to ban the organization of the concert in the city.
The decision was widely viewed as a victory by the Islamist camp over Fatah, the political backbone of the PA.
Another indelible badge of dishonor for the PA took the form of granting a non-Palestinian Arab singer a special Palestinian passport. The symbolic measure contradicts the vociferous objections voiced by Fatah and the Ramallah leadership to the granting by Prime Minister Ismael Haniya earlier this year of a diplomatic passport to Dr. Yousuf al-Qaradaw, the prominent Muslim scholar and thinker.
Al-Qaradawi is the author of more than sixty books and is widely considered one of the prominent living Muslim scholars. The 85-year old scholar spent the bulk of his life defending Palestine so much that Europe and North America declared him persona non grata under Zionist pressure.
The PA went as far as asking Interpol to arrest al-Qaradawi for carrying "a false passport." The measure was largely symbolic and intended to harass the prominent scholar and embarrass the Islamist government in the Gaza Strip, but it showed the extent to which the depraved regime was willing to go in defying Muslim sensibilities.
The fact that the PA leadership sees that an insignificant singer is more deserving of Palestinian honor than a great Muslim scholar underscores the depravity and moral bankruptcy of the entire PA apparatus.
Of course, the moral downfall of the PA is not a recent phenomenon. When the PA was established following the scandalous Oslo Accords in the early 1990s, the first thing it did was building a large casino for gambling in the town of Jericho. This, too, will be an indelible mark of shame on the Ramallah group.
It is really difficult to pinpoint an achievement or honorable behavior that would vindicate the PA.
A few days ago, PA media displayed a euphoric jubilation over the military coup against the elected Egyptian president Muhammed Mursi. Gleeful gloating over the overthrow of the legitimate Egyptian head of state was conspicuous on PA-run TV as if the new military dictatorship in Cairo would liberate Jerusalem and free al-Masjidul Aqsa (the Aqsa Mosque) from Zionist bondage.
It obviously didn't occur to the Palestinian leadership that military coups can only bring disaster to their countries and people and can never be a genuine asset for Palestine and its struggling people.
We in the Arab world have been living under military dictatorships or military-backed tyrannies for ages. And the result has been indisputably disastrous to put it mildly. Just look at what is happening in Iraq , Syria , Yemen and Egypt . Fifty years ago, the latter was at the same socio-economic level of countries such as South Korea . Now, South Korea is an economic superpower whereas Egypt is having trouble feeding its own people.
This is the direct result of the inherent impotence of military dictatorships.
Unfortunately, military dictators obviously have their fans, mostly ignorant people who are duped and beguiled to believe almost anything. To my chagrin, there are a lot of such people in Palestine and elsewhere in the Arab world.
Well, who says that only dynastic tyrannies in the Arab world have imbecile citizens who content themselves with following the adage "feed me today, kill me tomorrow."?
The stark realties in the Arab world, including occupied Palestine, remind us of another adage: "If knowledge is a sea, ignorance is an ocean."
The PA regime in Ramallah proves everyday that it is absolutely worthy of a prominent place in the dustbin of history. The matter here goes far beyond the scandalous groveling of that regime at Israel's and America's feet despite the latter's blatant hostility to Palestinian rights.
In fact, the Ramallah regime has effectively lost whatever moral compass it may claim to have. Its ignominious behavior at various levels leaves no doubt as to its moral bankruptcy.
Last week, the PA regime allowed the organization of a permissive concert in Ramallah. During the concert, drunken young men and women mingled rather promiscuously. Some of the scenes at the concerts were so offensive to the Palestinian culture that the organizers had to abruptly end it, ostensibly to prevent further chaos.
Unrepentant, the organizers sought to take the show to al-Khalil, the largest and most conservative town in the West Bank. However, community leaders in al-Khalil warned the local governor that permissive concerts were a red line.
"We are not in Las Vegas or Frankfurt; we are Muslims living in al-Khalil, in the vicinity of the Patriarch Ibrahim and not far from the Aqsa Mosque. Such promiscuity and permissiveness are unacceptable to our community since they contribute to corrupting our young generations," said a statement read by the local community and civic leaders.
Eventually, the governor, Kamel Humeid, heeded the local community's call, and decided to ban the organization of the concert in the city.
The decision was widely viewed as a victory by the Islamist camp over Fatah, the political backbone of the PA.
Another indelible badge of dishonor for the PA took the form of granting a non-Palestinian Arab singer a special Palestinian passport. The symbolic measure contradicts the vociferous objections voiced by Fatah and the Ramallah leadership to the granting by Prime Minister Ismael Haniya earlier this year of a diplomatic passport to Dr. Yousuf al-Qaradaw, the prominent Muslim scholar and thinker.
Al-Qaradawi is the author of more than sixty books and is widely considered one of the prominent living Muslim scholars. The 85-year old scholar spent the bulk of his life defending Palestine so much that Europe and North America declared him persona non grata under Zionist pressure.
The PA went as far as asking Interpol to arrest al-Qaradawi for carrying "a false passport." The measure was largely symbolic and intended to harass the prominent scholar and embarrass the Islamist government in the Gaza Strip, but it showed the extent to which the depraved regime was willing to go in defying Muslim sensibilities.
The fact that the PA leadership sees that an insignificant singer is more deserving of Palestinian honor than a great Muslim scholar underscores the depravity and moral bankruptcy of the entire PA apparatus.
Of course, the moral downfall of the PA is not a recent phenomenon. When the PA was established following the scandalous Oslo Accords in the early 1990s, the first thing it did was building a large casino for gambling in the town of Jericho. This, too, will be an indelible mark of shame on the Ramallah group.
It is really difficult to pinpoint an achievement or honorable behavior that would vindicate the PA.
A few days ago, PA media displayed a euphoric jubilation over the military coup against the elected Egyptian president Muhammed Mursi. Gleeful gloating over the overthrow of the legitimate Egyptian head of state was conspicuous on PA-run TV as if the new military dictatorship in Cairo would liberate Jerusalem and free al-Masjidul Aqsa (the Aqsa Mosque) from Zionist bondage.
It obviously didn't occur to the Palestinian leadership that military coups can only bring disaster to their countries and people and can never be a genuine asset for Palestine and its struggling people.
We in the Arab world have been living under military dictatorships or military-backed tyrannies for ages. And the result has been indisputably disastrous to put it mildly. Just look at what is happening in Iraq , Syria , Yemen and Egypt . Fifty years ago, the latter was at the same socio-economic level of countries such as South Korea . Now, South Korea is an economic superpower whereas Egypt is having trouble feeding its own people.
This is the direct result of the inherent impotence of military dictatorships.
Unfortunately, military dictators obviously have their fans, mostly ignorant people who are duped and beguiled to believe almost anything. To my chagrin, there are a lot of such people in Palestine and elsewhere in the Arab world.
Well, who says that only dynastic tyrannies in the Arab world have imbecile citizens who content themselves with following the adage "feed me today, kill me tomorrow."?
The stark realties in the Arab world, including occupied Palestine, remind us of another adage: "If knowledge is a sea, ignorance is an ocean."
The village of Job Al-Theeb, located near Bethlehem in the West Bank, is home to 160 people living in substandard conditions, as it is located in the "Area C" of the occupied Palestinian territories, under the military and administrative control of Israel.
Palestinian residents of these areas need permission from Israeli authorities to build, repair their homes, develop infrastructure and even to cultivate their own land. Moreover, they are targets to Israeli settler's attacks that seeking to reduce the Palestinian presence by any necessary means to establish an Israeli majority in Area C.
Job al-Theeb is no exception; its inhabitants are victims of cruel restrictions that deprive them of the basic services. The village lacks sufficient infrastructure to water source. Israeli regulations impede the construction of wells and pipelines, while pumping of water is only allowed one hour a week forcing the residents to pay for supplies by truck.
Residents of Job Al-Theeb also not allowed access to electricity, where on a previous note, the German government had provided photo-voltaic panels, but the Israeli army seized them under "security reasons".
It is noteworthy that, in addition to facing severe shortages, Job Al-Theeb is besieged by Israeli settlements. Four years ago, a road was built through the village, exclusively for settlers who take advantage to harass Palestinian residents and damage their properties.
In an attempt to mitigate the shortcomings of the village, Palestinian authorities are scheduled to hold meetings with their Israeli counterparts in an attempt to obtain permits to improve the infrastructure and quality of life for residents. The future of these negotiations is still uncertain.
Palestinian residents of these areas need permission from Israeli authorities to build, repair their homes, develop infrastructure and even to cultivate their own land. Moreover, they are targets to Israeli settler's attacks that seeking to reduce the Palestinian presence by any necessary means to establish an Israeli majority in Area C.
Job al-Theeb is no exception; its inhabitants are victims of cruel restrictions that deprive them of the basic services. The village lacks sufficient infrastructure to water source. Israeli regulations impede the construction of wells and pipelines, while pumping of water is only allowed one hour a week forcing the residents to pay for supplies by truck.
Residents of Job Al-Theeb also not allowed access to electricity, where on a previous note, the German government had provided photo-voltaic panels, but the Israeli army seized them under "security reasons".
It is noteworthy that, in addition to facing severe shortages, Job Al-Theeb is besieged by Israeli settlements. Four years ago, a road was built through the village, exclusively for settlers who take advantage to harass Palestinian residents and damage their properties.
In an attempt to mitigate the shortcomings of the village, Palestinian authorities are scheduled to hold meetings with their Israeli counterparts in an attempt to obtain permits to improve the infrastructure and quality of life for residents. The future of these negotiations is still uncertain.
by The Media Line
Becoming a citizen of a country ordinarily comes with a passport. Last year, the United Nations recognized "Palestine" as a non-member state, but many of its citizens say it doesn't make traveling easier.
The Palestinian passport, which was issued in 1995 and was based on the Oslo Accords reached between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Liberation Organization, is essentially a travel document and does not stipulate that its owner is a citizen of Palestine. The document's cover reads "the Palestinian Authority," not "Palestine." While Palestinians have changed the formal letterhead on many of their official documents from "the Palestinian Authority" to "Palestine," they continue to hold Palestinian Authority (PA) passports because Israel does not recognize the name Palestine.
The PA passport is available to any individual who can present a birth certificate showing he/she was born in Palestine; he/she must also hold a current Palestinian identity card.
All Palestinians residing in the areas under PA rule are entitled to a Palestinian Authority passport. However, those Palestinians living in east Jerusalem, which Israel annexed in 1967, can only hold a laissez-passer, the travel document issued to them by Israel. If they wish to travel to Arab countries that don't recognize Israel, they usually apply for a temporary Jordanian passport. Some Palestinians simply use a Jordanian passport for all of their travel.
Qasam Hamayel, a 25-year-old government employee with a Palestinian passport, tried to obtain a visa to go to Holland three years ago, but failed. He said he had all the documents that officials there requested.
"After I was invited by the Dutch government I was asked to present documents to prove that I was a student. I had a bank account, health insurance, and a return ticket but after a month they denied my application."
A letter justified the visa rejection on the basis that Hamayel didn't provide proof that he would return to the Palestinian territories. "They said that the Palestinians were recognized as an Authority, but not as a country so they couldn't deport me back if I stayed there illegally," he added.
Only two months ago, Hamayel's friend Ahmed Omar was also denied a visa to Holland, which means that the new Palestinian state status has so far not translated into fewer limitations on Palestinian movement.
Visas for Palestinians more expensive
In general, the UN recognition of Palestine as a non-member state last year has not led to great changes in the daily lives of Palestinians. Nevertheless, some countries have taken steps to acknowledge the new status by opening embassies – and other countries, such as Brazil, have even changed the name on their visa stamp from the "Palestinian Territories" to "Palestine." Kuwait has recently opened its first Palestinian embassy, and it allows Palestinians to enter Kuwait using their Palestinian passports.
For Fadi Abu Sa'da, a journalist, having an embassy doesn't have much meaning. "I was denied a visa to enter Kuwait three times," he said. Abu Sa'da had hoped to attend the Arab Media Forum, of which he is a board member, two years ago in Kuwait. He made efforts to apply via the forum itself, via a travel agency, and via Kuwaiti officials, all to no avail.
Palestinian-Kuwaiti relations have been strained ever since the First Gulf War, when deceased Palestinian President Yasser Arafat supported Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. "I wasn't given a justification or a clear answer, but I believe we are still being punished for Arafat's position", Abu Sa'da told The Media Line.
Palestinians who lived in Kuwait held Jordanian passports. After Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan in 1967, Palestinians living there continued to have the right to apply for Jordanian passports. Palestinian refugees actually living in Jordan were also considered full Jordanian citizens. But in July 1988, Jordan severed all legal and administrative ties with the West Bank. Palestinians who were living in Jordan at the time remained Jordanian citizens, but West Bank residents lost that status.
A source at the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told The Media Line that some countries fear that anyone visiting from a third-world country, including Palestinians, will want to stay.
However, some states, particularly the Gulf States may not want a large influx of Palestinians for "security" reasons.
Palestinian Deputy Minister of the Interior Hassan Alawi, denies that Palestinians are singled out for discrimination.
The Foreign Ministry source said that there is slow but steady progress being made on the passport issue. Governmental officials in Palestine say as more countries begin to work with them on an official basis, the process will improve. "As we don't have control of our borders, we can't sign mutual agreements with other countries. We can't tell Lebanese officials that we will let their citizens in our areas if they do the same for us," Alawi told The Media Line.
Obtaining a visa for other countries is also complicated for Palestinians. There are no specific explanations or guidelines as to which countries deny or allow Palestinians visas but many Palestinians express frustration when it comes to gaining access to them.
Shaker Garabedian of George Garabedian Tourist and Travel Bureau told The Media Line that Jordan is the only country that allows Palestinians to enter its territory without a visa. He also said that Palestinians stopped applying for visas to the Gulf States because they know they won't get them. "Also, visas for Palestinians are more expensive. A Jordanian pays $130 to go to Dubai, while a Palestinian pays $250, if the visa is granted", Garabedian said.
All other countries require visa applications months in advance, and without any guarantee of success. An individual needs to start the process a minimum of 20 days before his/her departure date.
Documents verifying health, employment, and even purchased round-trip tickets are mandatory in order to apply for visas to travel to other countries.
While complications continue to exist, even with the presence of the Palestinian passport, some existing loopholes have facilitated the granting of visa applications. For example, Palestinians are not technically eligible for an official US visa, as the PLO is still listed as a terrorist organization in the United States. Nevertheless, a waiver often enables them to receive visas. Such waivers have helped ease restrictions on Palestinians wishing to visit the United States, and there is hope that other countries will begin to make it easier for Palestinians to travel.
Becoming a citizen of a country ordinarily comes with a passport. Last year, the United Nations recognized "Palestine" as a non-member state, but many of its citizens say it doesn't make traveling easier.
The Palestinian passport, which was issued in 1995 and was based on the Oslo Accords reached between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Liberation Organization, is essentially a travel document and does not stipulate that its owner is a citizen of Palestine. The document's cover reads "the Palestinian Authority," not "Palestine." While Palestinians have changed the formal letterhead on many of their official documents from "the Palestinian Authority" to "Palestine," they continue to hold Palestinian Authority (PA) passports because Israel does not recognize the name Palestine.
The PA passport is available to any individual who can present a birth certificate showing he/she was born in Palestine; he/she must also hold a current Palestinian identity card.
All Palestinians residing in the areas under PA rule are entitled to a Palestinian Authority passport. However, those Palestinians living in east Jerusalem, which Israel annexed in 1967, can only hold a laissez-passer, the travel document issued to them by Israel. If they wish to travel to Arab countries that don't recognize Israel, they usually apply for a temporary Jordanian passport. Some Palestinians simply use a Jordanian passport for all of their travel.
Qasam Hamayel, a 25-year-old government employee with a Palestinian passport, tried to obtain a visa to go to Holland three years ago, but failed. He said he had all the documents that officials there requested.
"After I was invited by the Dutch government I was asked to present documents to prove that I was a student. I had a bank account, health insurance, and a return ticket but after a month they denied my application."
A letter justified the visa rejection on the basis that Hamayel didn't provide proof that he would return to the Palestinian territories. "They said that the Palestinians were recognized as an Authority, but not as a country so they couldn't deport me back if I stayed there illegally," he added.
Only two months ago, Hamayel's friend Ahmed Omar was also denied a visa to Holland, which means that the new Palestinian state status has so far not translated into fewer limitations on Palestinian movement.
Visas for Palestinians more expensive
In general, the UN recognition of Palestine as a non-member state last year has not led to great changes in the daily lives of Palestinians. Nevertheless, some countries have taken steps to acknowledge the new status by opening embassies – and other countries, such as Brazil, have even changed the name on their visa stamp from the "Palestinian Territories" to "Palestine." Kuwait has recently opened its first Palestinian embassy, and it allows Palestinians to enter Kuwait using their Palestinian passports.
For Fadi Abu Sa'da, a journalist, having an embassy doesn't have much meaning. "I was denied a visa to enter Kuwait three times," he said. Abu Sa'da had hoped to attend the Arab Media Forum, of which he is a board member, two years ago in Kuwait. He made efforts to apply via the forum itself, via a travel agency, and via Kuwaiti officials, all to no avail.
Palestinian-Kuwaiti relations have been strained ever since the First Gulf War, when deceased Palestinian President Yasser Arafat supported Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. "I wasn't given a justification or a clear answer, but I believe we are still being punished for Arafat's position", Abu Sa'da told The Media Line.
Palestinians who lived in Kuwait held Jordanian passports. After Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan in 1967, Palestinians living there continued to have the right to apply for Jordanian passports. Palestinian refugees actually living in Jordan were also considered full Jordanian citizens. But in July 1988, Jordan severed all legal and administrative ties with the West Bank. Palestinians who were living in Jordan at the time remained Jordanian citizens, but West Bank residents lost that status.
A source at the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told The Media Line that some countries fear that anyone visiting from a third-world country, including Palestinians, will want to stay.
However, some states, particularly the Gulf States may not want a large influx of Palestinians for "security" reasons.
Palestinian Deputy Minister of the Interior Hassan Alawi, denies that Palestinians are singled out for discrimination.
The Foreign Ministry source said that there is slow but steady progress being made on the passport issue. Governmental officials in Palestine say as more countries begin to work with them on an official basis, the process will improve. "As we don't have control of our borders, we can't sign mutual agreements with other countries. We can't tell Lebanese officials that we will let their citizens in our areas if they do the same for us," Alawi told The Media Line.
Obtaining a visa for other countries is also complicated for Palestinians. There are no specific explanations or guidelines as to which countries deny or allow Palestinians visas but many Palestinians express frustration when it comes to gaining access to them.
Shaker Garabedian of George Garabedian Tourist and Travel Bureau told The Media Line that Jordan is the only country that allows Palestinians to enter its territory without a visa. He also said that Palestinians stopped applying for visas to the Gulf States because they know they won't get them. "Also, visas for Palestinians are more expensive. A Jordanian pays $130 to go to Dubai, while a Palestinian pays $250, if the visa is granted", Garabedian said.
All other countries require visa applications months in advance, and without any guarantee of success. An individual needs to start the process a minimum of 20 days before his/her departure date.
Documents verifying health, employment, and even purchased round-trip tickets are mandatory in order to apply for visas to travel to other countries.
While complications continue to exist, even with the presence of the Palestinian passport, some existing loopholes have facilitated the granting of visa applications. For example, Palestinians are not technically eligible for an official US visa, as the PLO is still listed as a terrorist organization in the United States. Nevertheless, a waiver often enables them to receive visas. Such waivers have helped ease restrictions on Palestinians wishing to visit the United States, and there is hope that other countries will begin to make it easier for Palestinians to travel.
4 july 2013
The 2nd leaders’ summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) has taken place in Moscow. Experts say there is a candidate to enter the elite club of 13 members once the rich East Mediterranean deposits start to be developed. The vast sea bottom natural gas fields were discovered a few years ago. Israel is the leader in the development; it starts its activities without waiting for neither ultimate resolution of legal issues, nor settling the emerging disputes with neighbors.
It has been exploring the shelf area for many years. In 2009-2010 US Noble Energy discovered substantial natural gas deposits. According to first estimations, the deposits found were to contain 950 billion cubic metres of natural gas, the potential cost exceeding $260 billion. The Tamar gas field (283 billion cubic meters) is located in Israel’s exclusive economic zone, roughly 80 kilometers (50 mi) west of Haifa in waters 1,700 metres (5,600 ft.) deep.
The Leviathan is located roughly 130 kilometers (81 mi) west of Haifa in waters 1,500 metres (4,900 ft.) deep in the Levantine basin, near the Lebanese shore, a rich hydrocarbon area in one of the world’s larger offshore gas finds of the past decade. The Tamar is developed by Noble Energy and Israeli Delek Group, which belongs to Israeli billionaire Yitzhak Tshuva, the controlling shareholder. Australian Woodside Petroleum has won the bidding to become the leading developer of the Leviathan. Many gas industry majors kept away from bidding because of regional instability and co-ownership disputes. To avoid the reaction of Arab states Royal Dutch Shell energy giant sold down its major stake in Woodside Petroleum when it joined the Israeli project. (1)
It has been exploring the shelf area for many years. In 2009-2010 US Noble Energy discovered substantial natural gas deposits. According to first estimations, the deposits found were to contain 950 billion cubic metres of natural gas, the potential cost exceeding $260 billion. The Tamar gas field (283 billion cubic meters) is located in Israel’s exclusive economic zone, roughly 80 kilometers (50 mi) west of Haifa in waters 1,700 metres (5,600 ft.) deep.
The Leviathan is located roughly 130 kilometers (81 mi) west of Haifa in waters 1,500 metres (4,900 ft.) deep in the Levantine basin, near the Lebanese shore, a rich hydrocarbon area in one of the world’s larger offshore gas finds of the past decade. The Tamar is developed by Noble Energy and Israeli Delek Group, which belongs to Israeli billionaire Yitzhak Tshuva, the controlling shareholder. Australian Woodside Petroleum has won the bidding to become the leading developer of the Leviathan. Many gas industry majors kept away from bidding because of regional instability and co-ownership disputes. To avoid the reaction of Arab states Royal Dutch Shell energy giant sold down its major stake in Woodside Petroleum when it joined the Israeli project. (1)
Natural gas from the offshore Tamar field was pumped to Israeli shores for the first time on March 30, the day of the Passover holiday, in the presence of Energy and Water Minister Silvan Shalom. The ceremony took place against the backdrop of Orthodox rabbis protests; they said it was out of time violating the sanctity of holiday. The fact goes to show how significant the event was for the country and its people. Minister Shalom said, «This is an ‘energy independence day’ for Israel». «This breakthrough is the harbinger of the foray of additional private companies» into the Israeli energy market», he added.
Yitzhak Tshuva said that one cannot overestimate the importance of the Tamar gas for Israel’s economy. According to him, almost every superlative is appropriate in this case. Thanks to this and other offshore gas reserves, Israel will achieve energy independence for the first time in its history and will no longer have to go begging from other countries. The country has entered a new phase of its history. According to Tshuva, Tamar is a national pride of Israel. (2) Indeed, the discovery of Tamar has turned the country into a potential energy exporter. There were hot debates, the developers wanted the maximum 55% export quota, but the Netanyahu government took a more balanced decision by the end of July raising the domestic consumption share from 450 billion cubic meters to 540.
Some 260 – 360 billion cubic meters are to be exported. It means only 40% of gas production will go abroad, while the remaining 60% will provide Israel with gas supplies during 25, or even 30 years to follow. «The decision balances between the need to ensure a cheap and available source of energy for Israelis and the need to export. This amount of gas will meet our energy needs for at least the next 25 years, « Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointed out. «We are not interested in becoming one of those nations that procrastinated and ended up without gas. We want to harvest the gas and produce billions of dollars in state revenue in favor of the country’s budgetary needs. We have to drive growth forward and natural gas is a growth engine», he said, adding that Israel stands to receive $60 billion in taxes and royalties from the sale of gas over the next two decades. The production will save around $ 4 billion yearly, the sum spent on imports at present. (3)
Silvan Shalom noted the government planned to extend the period of energy independence from 25 to 30 years. Sarah and Myra gas exploratory licenses have failed to produce gas. It has made Israel increase the share destined for domestic consumption. (4)
Yitzhak Tshuva said that one cannot overestimate the importance of the Tamar gas for Israel’s economy. According to him, almost every superlative is appropriate in this case. Thanks to this and other offshore gas reserves, Israel will achieve energy independence for the first time in its history and will no longer have to go begging from other countries. The country has entered a new phase of its history. According to Tshuva, Tamar is a national pride of Israel. (2) Indeed, the discovery of Tamar has turned the country into a potential energy exporter. There were hot debates, the developers wanted the maximum 55% export quota, but the Netanyahu government took a more balanced decision by the end of July raising the domestic consumption share from 450 billion cubic meters to 540.
Some 260 – 360 billion cubic meters are to be exported. It means only 40% of gas production will go abroad, while the remaining 60% will provide Israel with gas supplies during 25, or even 30 years to follow. «The decision balances between the need to ensure a cheap and available source of energy for Israelis and the need to export. This amount of gas will meet our energy needs for at least the next 25 years, « Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointed out. «We are not interested in becoming one of those nations that procrastinated and ended up without gas. We want to harvest the gas and produce billions of dollars in state revenue in favor of the country’s budgetary needs. We have to drive growth forward and natural gas is a growth engine», he said, adding that Israel stands to receive $60 billion in taxes and royalties from the sale of gas over the next two decades. The production will save around $ 4 billion yearly, the sum spent on imports at present. (3)
Silvan Shalom noted the government planned to extend the period of energy independence from 25 to 30 years. Sarah and Myra gas exploratory licenses have failed to produce gas. It has made Israel increase the share destined for domestic consumption. (4)
At that, the implementation of the plans may become a bumpy road. There is no clear sea economic zone delimitation of borders between the neighboring states.The Eastern Mediterranean «gas pie» is disputed by Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Turkey, as well as Palestine striving for independence… The matter gets even more complicated because the states have disputes between themselves, as well each of them with Israel.
Formally Lebanon and Israel are still at war. The Lebanese government has launched a complaint to the United Nations saying Israel is in violation of its continental shelf. Syria says the Leviathan stretches to its economic zone. Egypt insists the gas field is closer to its city of Damietta (190 km) than to Haifa (according to Cairo, the alleged distance is 235 km). It claims that the Tamar and Leviathan gas fields are situated on the southern part of an underwater slope that belongs to Egypt since a long time. Palestine accuses Israel of outright stealing the gas from the Gaza Strip. (5)
Ankara is concerned over the plans to develop the deposits near the Cypriot shore, as well as to liquefy and transport the gas jointly by Israel and Cyprus. Turkey thinks the interests of unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are ignored. There is a slim chance the countries of the region will effectively cooperate to develop the deposits. (6) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already ordered to create a special military force for gas fields protection. The formation includes missile craft and drones. Israel is in talks with Germany on acquisition of four frigates.Some estimates say the government will have to spend around half a billion dollars annually for gas fields and infrastructure defense. (7)
Minister of National Infrastructure Uzi Landau thinks it will affect negatively the production and cost effectiveness. (8) The existing contradictions with the neighbors will hardly stop Israel from extracting the gas for domestic use. The current instability in the region meets the Israel’s short-term interests. Export sales are an imperative for attracting so much needed investments into deposits development and boosting influential international actors presence in the region. At that, the ambitious world market plans evoke serious doubts.
The ambitions are there. For instance, the Institute for Policy and Strategy has come up with the report called Israel’s New Gas Discovery: A Diplomatic and Geopolitical Nuance or Revolution? devoted to diplomatic and geopolitical implications of the gas deposits discovery. (9) Israeli experts make assessment based on obviously exaggerated estimates of the reserves; the figure three trillion cubic meters has been adduced by U.S. Geological Survey without conducting more thorough exploration research. They say that if the present market trends continue, the supplies from Russia will make up half of European consumption by 2020. The European Union would like to bring it down to, at least, a quarter. If the deposit reserves estimations prove to be correct, then, according to the Institute for Policy and Strategy assessment, starting from 2016 Israel may become a reliable alternative energy supplier for, at least, 50 years. According to these calculations, Israel has the capaсity to supply Europe with up to 30 cubic meters annually and bring the dependence on Russian gas down to 23%.
This is a rather optimistic forecast. It probably reflects the sentiments among some part of military and political elite, though it lacks solid indicators as convincing evidence that the conclusions are based on sound foundation. First, adding 30 billion cubic meters to the 500 billion European market will not result in abrupt reduction of Russia’s presence. Second, the prospects for 30 billion cubic meters export are murky as yet; it could be around 10 billion cubic meters at best. That’s what the Netanyahu government approved key indicators say. The assertions that the liquid gas supplies could improve ties with India, China, Japan and South Korea, and even make Georgia independent from Russia, sound more as a pure fantasy, as well as the plans to compensate the US supplies to American strategic European allies. (10) All this is presumed to be achieved thanks to only half a percent of world gas reserves.
Even very limited exports will engender the problems extremely hard to tackle. The disputes with neighbors hinder coming up with strictly defined gas export strategy. Israel had started to build a liquefied gas production facility along with Cyprus, but the plans were abrogated due to high costs and the protests of Turkey. Then Ankara initiated a joint study of deep water route going through the Turkish territory around Lebanon and Syria. The idea was refused: the Israelis did not want to be dependent on Turkey, which along with the European Union, could demand making concessions related to the Palestinian issue. Then an idea to build a liquefied gas facility on Israel’s own soil took shape. At first they even considered the possibility of involving Gasprom, and then the proposal was shelved due to «strategic reasons» in favor of French Technip. Now, according to the latest reports, the Israelis are getting back to the liquefied gas facility construction in Vasilikos, located on the Cyprus southern shore (near Limassol). By the end of June the Cypriot Aphrodite deposit owners (70% Noble Energy and 30% Israeli Delek Group) signed a preliminary agreement to build a $6 billion terminal till 2019. The Israeli Leviathan is close to the Aphrodite, so after taking a final decision of Israeli gas exports, the companies will join in a pipeline construction to link the both deposits. (11)
There is no doubt Ankara will do its best to frustrate the plans. It can do it taking into consideration the fact of its military presence in the northern part of Cyprus. As a result, the only realistic option at present is starting gas supplies to Jordan according to the preliminary accord, which has already been achieved. The export will not exceed 1,5 – 2,0 billion cubic meters a year on the condition the Arab Spring will not spread to the Hashemite kingdom. That’s how the hopes get dashed when you’re not friendly with neighbors.
Note
(10) Ibid
Formally Lebanon and Israel are still at war. The Lebanese government has launched a complaint to the United Nations saying Israel is in violation of its continental shelf. Syria says the Leviathan stretches to its economic zone. Egypt insists the gas field is closer to its city of Damietta (190 km) than to Haifa (according to Cairo, the alleged distance is 235 km). It claims that the Tamar and Leviathan gas fields are situated on the southern part of an underwater slope that belongs to Egypt since a long time. Palestine accuses Israel of outright stealing the gas from the Gaza Strip. (5)
Ankara is concerned over the plans to develop the deposits near the Cypriot shore, as well as to liquefy and transport the gas jointly by Israel and Cyprus. Turkey thinks the interests of unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are ignored. There is a slim chance the countries of the region will effectively cooperate to develop the deposits. (6) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already ordered to create a special military force for gas fields protection. The formation includes missile craft and drones. Israel is in talks with Germany on acquisition of four frigates.Some estimates say the government will have to spend around half a billion dollars annually for gas fields and infrastructure defense. (7)
Minister of National Infrastructure Uzi Landau thinks it will affect negatively the production and cost effectiveness. (8) The existing contradictions with the neighbors will hardly stop Israel from extracting the gas for domestic use. The current instability in the region meets the Israel’s short-term interests. Export sales are an imperative for attracting so much needed investments into deposits development and boosting influential international actors presence in the region. At that, the ambitious world market plans evoke serious doubts.
The ambitions are there. For instance, the Institute for Policy and Strategy has come up with the report called Israel’s New Gas Discovery: A Diplomatic and Geopolitical Nuance or Revolution? devoted to diplomatic and geopolitical implications of the gas deposits discovery. (9) Israeli experts make assessment based on obviously exaggerated estimates of the reserves; the figure three trillion cubic meters has been adduced by U.S. Geological Survey without conducting more thorough exploration research. They say that if the present market trends continue, the supplies from Russia will make up half of European consumption by 2020. The European Union would like to bring it down to, at least, a quarter. If the deposit reserves estimations prove to be correct, then, according to the Institute for Policy and Strategy assessment, starting from 2016 Israel may become a reliable alternative energy supplier for, at least, 50 years. According to these calculations, Israel has the capaсity to supply Europe with up to 30 cubic meters annually and bring the dependence on Russian gas down to 23%.
This is a rather optimistic forecast. It probably reflects the sentiments among some part of military and political elite, though it lacks solid indicators as convincing evidence that the conclusions are based on sound foundation. First, adding 30 billion cubic meters to the 500 billion European market will not result in abrupt reduction of Russia’s presence. Second, the prospects for 30 billion cubic meters export are murky as yet; it could be around 10 billion cubic meters at best. That’s what the Netanyahu government approved key indicators say. The assertions that the liquid gas supplies could improve ties with India, China, Japan and South Korea, and even make Georgia independent from Russia, sound more as a pure fantasy, as well as the plans to compensate the US supplies to American strategic European allies. (10) All this is presumed to be achieved thanks to only half a percent of world gas reserves.
Even very limited exports will engender the problems extremely hard to tackle. The disputes with neighbors hinder coming up with strictly defined gas export strategy. Israel had started to build a liquefied gas production facility along with Cyprus, but the plans were abrogated due to high costs and the protests of Turkey. Then Ankara initiated a joint study of deep water route going through the Turkish territory around Lebanon and Syria. The idea was refused: the Israelis did not want to be dependent on Turkey, which along with the European Union, could demand making concessions related to the Palestinian issue. Then an idea to build a liquefied gas facility on Israel’s own soil took shape. At first they even considered the possibility of involving Gasprom, and then the proposal was shelved due to «strategic reasons» in favor of French Technip. Now, according to the latest reports, the Israelis are getting back to the liquefied gas facility construction in Vasilikos, located on the Cyprus southern shore (near Limassol). By the end of June the Cypriot Aphrodite deposit owners (70% Noble Energy and 30% Israeli Delek Group) signed a preliminary agreement to build a $6 billion terminal till 2019. The Israeli Leviathan is close to the Aphrodite, so after taking a final decision of Israeli gas exports, the companies will join in a pipeline construction to link the both deposits. (11)
There is no doubt Ankara will do its best to frustrate the plans. It can do it taking into consideration the fact of its military presence in the northern part of Cyprus. As a result, the only realistic option at present is starting gas supplies to Jordan according to the preliminary accord, which has already been achieved. The export will not exceed 1,5 – 2,0 billion cubic meters a year on the condition the Arab Spring will not spread to the Hashemite kingdom. That’s how the hopes get dashed when you’re not friendly with neighbors.
Note
(10) Ibid
A Palestinian prisoner from the Bethlehem area arrived Thursday in Gaza City via the Erez crossing, after agreeing to a deportation deal with Israel.
Iyad Abu Fanoun, 30, from Battir village near Bethlehem, was freed in a deal to release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, but Israel detained him again afterwards. He could have faced 20 years of his original sentence in an Israeli jail, lawyers say.
The Israeli military prosecution announced on June 20 plans to deport Abu Fanoun to the Gaza Strip, responding to his wishes.
Lawyer Ahlam Hadad told Ma’an that the Israeli prosecution at Ofer told her they had agreed to Iyad’s request to be deported to Gaza for 10 years.
Iyad Abu Fanoun, 30, from Battir village near Bethlehem, was freed in a deal to release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, but Israel detained him again afterwards. He could have faced 20 years of his original sentence in an Israeli jail, lawyers say.
The Israeli military prosecution announced on June 20 plans to deport Abu Fanoun to the Gaza Strip, responding to his wishes.
Lawyer Ahlam Hadad told Ma’an that the Israeli prosecution at Ofer told her they had agreed to Iyad’s request to be deported to Gaza for 10 years.
Official sources in the Gaza Strip reported that the number of newborns for the first half of the current year amounted to more than 24 thousand, while the total number of cases deaths reached 2051. According to statistics carried out by the General Administration of Civil Affairs in the Ministry of the Interior, the number of newborns in the Gaza Strip reached during the first half of the year "24073 newborns."
51.27 percent of the newborns are males, while 48.72 percent are females (12,343 boys and 11,730 girls)
Over the past six months of this year, 132 new babies are born in the Strip each day, the statistics noted.
It added that the number of deaths in the Gaza Strip reached during the first half of this year 2051; "53.92 percent of the death rate are males and 46.07 percent are females."
51.27 percent of the newborns are males, while 48.72 percent are females (12,343 boys and 11,730 girls)
Over the past six months of this year, 132 new babies are born in the Strip each day, the statistics noted.
It added that the number of deaths in the Gaza Strip reached during the first half of this year 2051; "53.92 percent of the death rate are males and 46.07 percent are females."
The Hamas Movement strongly denounced Fatah faction for accusing it of interfering in the internal affairs of other Arab countries and called on it to stop making such cheap accusations. In a press release on Wednesday, Hamas said that some Fatah officials embarked lately on making repeated accusations against the Movement in order to discredit its image and its honorable positions.
"The claims made by Fatah faction are only unfounded blatant lies, which are based on illusions of its own fabrication and not on facts," Hamas underlined.
"Everyone knows the Movement's firm position which is based on not interfering in the internal affairs of all Arab and Islamic countries, and there is no single incident proving that the Movement interfered in any internal affairs of the countries throughout its bright history which is full of honorable positions," Hamas emphasized.
Its statement affirmed that the occurrence of some events in Arab countries proved that Hamas contributed actively to neutralize the Palestinian people in any internal conflicts, and helped to maintain civil peace as happened in Sidon and Ein Hilweh areas in Lebanon.
"The claims made by Fatah faction are only unfounded blatant lies, which are based on illusions of its own fabrication and not on facts," Hamas underlined.
"Everyone knows the Movement's firm position which is based on not interfering in the internal affairs of all Arab and Islamic countries, and there is no single incident proving that the Movement interfered in any internal affairs of the countries throughout its bright history which is full of honorable positions," Hamas emphasized.
Its statement affirmed that the occurrence of some events in Arab countries proved that Hamas contributed actively to neutralize the Palestinian people in any internal conflicts, and helped to maintain civil peace as happened in Sidon and Ein Hilweh areas in Lebanon.
3 july 2013
A Palestinian boy plays outside his family's dwelling as his mother looks out in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, June 15, 2013
Since the beginning of 2013, the Gaza Strip has been witnessing a sudden rise in the rate of suicides by various means and methods including hanging, immolation and jumping from high heights — mostly as a result of the difficult living conditions.
On June 27, Gaza police found 25-year-old Nidal Mohammad al-Adlouni, a resident of al-Namsawi neighborhood in the Khan Yunis governorate, hanging inside his grocery shop in the south of the Gaza Strip.
Police spokesman Lt. Col. Ayoub Abu Shaar said in a statement issued on June 28 that information indicates that Adlouni was found hanging inside his shop, pointing out that he was already dead when he arrived at the hospital.
In an interview with Al-Monitor, Abu Shaar said, “The police considers the recent suicides in the Gaza Strip a serious matter.”
He highlighted that a lack of a religious deterrent and weak adherence to Islamic doctrine are the reasons why the victim chose to end his life. He said that the way to remedy these cases is through guidance by preachers and guidance by imams, who must warn people of the societal risks of suicide and its illegitimacy in Islamic Sharia law.
Dr. Ayman al-Sahbani, head of the reception department at Shifa Hospital — the largest medical complex in the Gaza Strip — reported that the hospital receives up to 30 patients who have attempted suicide per month. They attempt to end their lives using a variety of methods including pain killers, pesticides, cutting, jumping from heights, firearms, immolation or hanging.
In an interview with Maan News Agency, Sahbani explained that those who attempt suicide are mostly youth and described the cases they have seen in the hospital ranging from slightly to mildly serious.
Regarding the reasons for these suicide attempts, he said, “It is not our area of expertise to ask about the motives, but they are mostly related to family problems, unemployment or educational problems.”
Mustafa Ibrahim, a member of the Independent Commission of Human Rights, believes that economic and social reasons drive people to end their lives, especially in light of the difficulty in finding work and the high rates of unemployment and poverty among the Palestinian community in the Gaza Strip.
In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ibrahim said that a person’s inability to bear the harsh living conditions and difficulties, and overcome the crises he has to endure, leads to taking the difficult decision to end his own life. This is also related to the government’s failure to fulfill its promises and provide employment and social security to the people, in addition to a lack of equal employment opportunities.
He added, “As a human rights body, we usually do not document all suicide cases, since the concerned families are hesitant to talk to us.” He noted that the shame attached to Palestinian families having lost members as a result of suicide makes talking about this issue a taboo.
Ibrahim pointed to recent cases of immolation, which have increased since the beginning of 2013 in the Gaza Strip. He stressed that they usually occur when a person loses all self-control, and is unable to determine the course of his life, in light of the bitter economic and employment reality experienced by residents of the Gaza Strip.
He called on the government to meet people’s everyday needs, restore their confidence, provide a minimum level of reassurance to citizens and refrain from taking measures that cause people to lose confidence.
On the other hand, the Gaza government indicated that suicides are caused by the lack of a religious deterrent and a weak adherence to Islamic doctrine by the person having committed suicide, or due to a psychological illness. In this respect, Ibrahim called on the government not to rely only on these results and seek to meet the people’s living needs.
Moreover, Walid Mosbah, a specialist in social psychology, confirmed that suicide is not a new phenomenon in the Gaza Strip, but suicide rates increase and decrease according to the living conditions experienced of the Gaza’s citizens.
In an interview with Al-Monitor, Mosbah said, “Our society is facing a tense period in light of high unemployment and blockades. Families are suffering from restrictions imposed on them and from continued power outages, which affects the morale of the people. All of these factors combined lead to a variety of psychological distress, thus pushing numerous persons to end their lives.”
“We all saw and heard recently about the numerous incidences of suicide and immolation, but all of these crimes do not have similar circumstances, details and causes. In other words, there are several different factors leading to the occurrence of such crimes, which may be social, economic, psychological and intellectual, as well as some that are driven by revenge,” he continued.
Regarding the high rate of suicide attempts, Mosbah said, “Talk of 30 suicide attempts per month reflects a significant increase,” indicating that the situation experienced by citizens in the Gaza Strip has become very difficult.
Mosbah stressed the role of the government in facing and preventing suicides and immolation cases by spreading hope and opening the political and economic horizon toward a better future, and by providing citizens with the means to sustain their lives, their future and that of their children.
On June 24, 30-year-old Yousef Nassar died after pouring a flammable substance over his body and setting himself on fire in the Shujaiyeh neighborhood east of Gaza City.
On the same day, a high school student died after throwing herself from the fourth floor of her home in Tel al-Zaatar neighborhood in the northern Gaza Strip.
On June 14, in the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, Ibrahim al-Tartouri poured gasoline over his body and set himself ablaze to protest the government’s decision to demolish his family-owned factory and build a mosque in its place, while his brother, Mohamed, was injured trying to help him.
The family of the two brothers said that the Hamas authorities tried to demolish the factory built on a piece of land that had been leased from the Palestinian Authority for many years, without obtaining any judicial decision.
On June 3, a 27-year-old man survived when he lit fire to a room in his family home in Al-Salam neighborhood, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. He admitted that he had intended to commit suicide following a dispute between him and his father, who wanted him to move out.
On May 30, 45-year-old Ziad Abu Musa from the town of Rafah burned himself to death, after pouring a flammable substance on himself.
The next day and in the same city, citizens foiled a self-immolation attempt by 49-year-old Tawfiq Abu Hassanein, who tried to set himself ablaze after hearing about his salary cut.
On April 13, 22-year-old Noura Solomon, a resident of El-Shaboura refugee camp in the center of Rafah, died due to the burns she sustained on April 6. Solomon tried to commit suicide by pouring flammable substances over herself and lighting herself on fire.
In this context, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) issued a statement on May 31, saying that the rise in murder and suicide cases in the Gaza Strip is a serious indicator of the low level of security and safety provided to citizens, and of pressures and tensions experienced by society. The latter threaten the social fabric and its coherence and lead to a rise in crime rates.
Rasha Abou Jalal is a writer and freelance journalist from Gaza specializing in the political news, humanitarian and social issues linked to current events.
Since the beginning of 2013, the Gaza Strip has been witnessing a sudden rise in the rate of suicides by various means and methods including hanging, immolation and jumping from high heights — mostly as a result of the difficult living conditions.
On June 27, Gaza police found 25-year-old Nidal Mohammad al-Adlouni, a resident of al-Namsawi neighborhood in the Khan Yunis governorate, hanging inside his grocery shop in the south of the Gaza Strip.
Police spokesman Lt. Col. Ayoub Abu Shaar said in a statement issued on June 28 that information indicates that Adlouni was found hanging inside his shop, pointing out that he was already dead when he arrived at the hospital.
In an interview with Al-Monitor, Abu Shaar said, “The police considers the recent suicides in the Gaza Strip a serious matter.”
He highlighted that a lack of a religious deterrent and weak adherence to Islamic doctrine are the reasons why the victim chose to end his life. He said that the way to remedy these cases is through guidance by preachers and guidance by imams, who must warn people of the societal risks of suicide and its illegitimacy in Islamic Sharia law.
Dr. Ayman al-Sahbani, head of the reception department at Shifa Hospital — the largest medical complex in the Gaza Strip — reported that the hospital receives up to 30 patients who have attempted suicide per month. They attempt to end their lives using a variety of methods including pain killers, pesticides, cutting, jumping from heights, firearms, immolation or hanging.
In an interview with Maan News Agency, Sahbani explained that those who attempt suicide are mostly youth and described the cases they have seen in the hospital ranging from slightly to mildly serious.
Regarding the reasons for these suicide attempts, he said, “It is not our area of expertise to ask about the motives, but they are mostly related to family problems, unemployment or educational problems.”
Mustafa Ibrahim, a member of the Independent Commission of Human Rights, believes that economic and social reasons drive people to end their lives, especially in light of the difficulty in finding work and the high rates of unemployment and poverty among the Palestinian community in the Gaza Strip.
In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ibrahim said that a person’s inability to bear the harsh living conditions and difficulties, and overcome the crises he has to endure, leads to taking the difficult decision to end his own life. This is also related to the government’s failure to fulfill its promises and provide employment and social security to the people, in addition to a lack of equal employment opportunities.
He added, “As a human rights body, we usually do not document all suicide cases, since the concerned families are hesitant to talk to us.” He noted that the shame attached to Palestinian families having lost members as a result of suicide makes talking about this issue a taboo.
Ibrahim pointed to recent cases of immolation, which have increased since the beginning of 2013 in the Gaza Strip. He stressed that they usually occur when a person loses all self-control, and is unable to determine the course of his life, in light of the bitter economic and employment reality experienced by residents of the Gaza Strip.
He called on the government to meet people’s everyday needs, restore their confidence, provide a minimum level of reassurance to citizens and refrain from taking measures that cause people to lose confidence.
On the other hand, the Gaza government indicated that suicides are caused by the lack of a religious deterrent and a weak adherence to Islamic doctrine by the person having committed suicide, or due to a psychological illness. In this respect, Ibrahim called on the government not to rely only on these results and seek to meet the people’s living needs.
Moreover, Walid Mosbah, a specialist in social psychology, confirmed that suicide is not a new phenomenon in the Gaza Strip, but suicide rates increase and decrease according to the living conditions experienced of the Gaza’s citizens.
In an interview with Al-Monitor, Mosbah said, “Our society is facing a tense period in light of high unemployment and blockades. Families are suffering from restrictions imposed on them and from continued power outages, which affects the morale of the people. All of these factors combined lead to a variety of psychological distress, thus pushing numerous persons to end their lives.”
“We all saw and heard recently about the numerous incidences of suicide and immolation, but all of these crimes do not have similar circumstances, details and causes. In other words, there are several different factors leading to the occurrence of such crimes, which may be social, economic, psychological and intellectual, as well as some that are driven by revenge,” he continued.
Regarding the high rate of suicide attempts, Mosbah said, “Talk of 30 suicide attempts per month reflects a significant increase,” indicating that the situation experienced by citizens in the Gaza Strip has become very difficult.
Mosbah stressed the role of the government in facing and preventing suicides and immolation cases by spreading hope and opening the political and economic horizon toward a better future, and by providing citizens with the means to sustain their lives, their future and that of their children.
On June 24, 30-year-old Yousef Nassar died after pouring a flammable substance over his body and setting himself on fire in the Shujaiyeh neighborhood east of Gaza City.
On the same day, a high school student died after throwing herself from the fourth floor of her home in Tel al-Zaatar neighborhood in the northern Gaza Strip.
On June 14, in the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, Ibrahim al-Tartouri poured gasoline over his body and set himself ablaze to protest the government’s decision to demolish his family-owned factory and build a mosque in its place, while his brother, Mohamed, was injured trying to help him.
The family of the two brothers said that the Hamas authorities tried to demolish the factory built on a piece of land that had been leased from the Palestinian Authority for many years, without obtaining any judicial decision.
On June 3, a 27-year-old man survived when he lit fire to a room in his family home in Al-Salam neighborhood, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. He admitted that he had intended to commit suicide following a dispute between him and his father, who wanted him to move out.
On May 30, 45-year-old Ziad Abu Musa from the town of Rafah burned himself to death, after pouring a flammable substance on himself.
The next day and in the same city, citizens foiled a self-immolation attempt by 49-year-old Tawfiq Abu Hassanein, who tried to set himself ablaze after hearing about his salary cut.
On April 13, 22-year-old Noura Solomon, a resident of El-Shaboura refugee camp in the center of Rafah, died due to the burns she sustained on April 6. Solomon tried to commit suicide by pouring flammable substances over herself and lighting herself on fire.
In this context, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) issued a statement on May 31, saying that the rise in murder and suicide cases in the Gaza Strip is a serious indicator of the low level of security and safety provided to citizens, and of pressures and tensions experienced by society. The latter threaten the social fabric and its coherence and lead to a rise in crime rates.
Rasha Abou Jalal is a writer and freelance journalist from Gaza specializing in the political news, humanitarian and social issues linked to current events.
Dr. Salah Bardawil, a Hamas leader, charged on Wednesday that Fatah calls on Hamas to stop intervening in internal Egyptian affairs were “cheap opportunism”. Bardawil told Quds Press on Wednesday that his movement did not and would not intervene in the internal affairs of any Arab country.
He said that Fatah and PA chief Mahmoud Abbas’s call on Hamas not to interfere in the Egyptian affairs was meant to cover up for their involvement anew in negotiations with the Israeli occupation.
Bardawil reminded Fatah that its past mistakes had dragged the Palestinian people into the quagmire of Arab internal affairs.
Describing it as the “black history” of Fatah, the Hamas leader said that Fatah leaders want to charge Hamas with what they themselves had committed in the past.
He said that Fatah and PA chief Mahmoud Abbas’s call on Hamas not to interfere in the Egyptian affairs was meant to cover up for their involvement anew in negotiations with the Israeli occupation.
Bardawil reminded Fatah that its past mistakes had dragged the Palestinian people into the quagmire of Arab internal affairs.
Describing it as the “black history” of Fatah, the Hamas leader said that Fatah leaders want to charge Hamas with what they themselves had committed in the past.
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya met with president of the international committee of the Red Cross Peter Maurer, who visited the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. The cabinet information center stated that premier Haneyya highlighted different issues during the meeting, especially with regard to Israel's violations against the Palestinian and Jordanian prisoners in its jails.
Haneyya pointed out that Israel backtracked on its commitments regarding the last prisoner swap deal and its agreements with the hunger strikers.
The premier briefed Maurer on the humanitarian situation in the besieged strip, especially the impacts of Israel's blockade on the daily life in Gaza and its ongoing violations against the Palestinian farmers and fishermen.
He also underlined Israel's Judaization plans in occupied Jerusalem and its violations against the Islamic holy sites.
The premier finally hailed the Red Cross for its humanitarian efforts in the occupied Palestinian lands and its hosting of protests and sit-ins in solidarity with the prisoners.
He then listened to a detailed explanation from Maurer about the role of the international committee and its latest talks with the Israeli premier about the rights of the prisoners in Israeli jails and other humanitarian issues.
Haneyya pointed out that Israel backtracked on its commitments regarding the last prisoner swap deal and its agreements with the hunger strikers.
The premier briefed Maurer on the humanitarian situation in the besieged strip, especially the impacts of Israel's blockade on the daily life in Gaza and its ongoing violations against the Palestinian farmers and fishermen.
He also underlined Israel's Judaization plans in occupied Jerusalem and its violations against the Islamic holy sites.
The premier finally hailed the Red Cross for its humanitarian efforts in the occupied Palestinian lands and its hosting of protests and sit-ins in solidarity with the prisoners.
He then listened to a detailed explanation from Maurer about the role of the international committee and its latest talks with the Israeli premier about the rights of the prisoners in Israeli jails and other humanitarian issues.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe granted Palestine a membership status, as a Mediterranean State that is a nonmember of the European Union.
The Assembly of the OSCE adopted a draft resolution presented by Belgian Socialist Senator, Marie Arianna, during its 22nd session of the Parliamentary Committee convening in Istanbul, Turkey. The Palestinian Authority filed the application back in 2004.
After passing the vote, the OSCE urged both Israel and the Palestinians to resume direct peace talks in order to preserve the two-state solution.
Arianna urged all member states, and all nonmember Mediterranean countries, to act on reviving peace talks by starting a constructive dialogue.
The Senator filed her application based on the fact that Palestine was voted in as a nonmember state of the General Assembly of the United Nations in November of 2012, as a member state at the UNESCO in 2011, in addition to the “Partner for Democracy” status granted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in 2011.
Leila Shahid, Palestinian Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg, thanked Arianna for her enormous efforts in helping Palestine achieve this membership status, and thanked all member states for their vote.
The Assembly of the OSCE adopted a draft resolution presented by Belgian Socialist Senator, Marie Arianna, during its 22nd session of the Parliamentary Committee convening in Istanbul, Turkey. The Palestinian Authority filed the application back in 2004.
After passing the vote, the OSCE urged both Israel and the Palestinians to resume direct peace talks in order to preserve the two-state solution.
Arianna urged all member states, and all nonmember Mediterranean countries, to act on reviving peace talks by starting a constructive dialogue.
The Senator filed her application based on the fact that Palestine was voted in as a nonmember state of the General Assembly of the United Nations in November of 2012, as a member state at the UNESCO in 2011, in addition to the “Partner for Democracy” status granted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in 2011.
Leila Shahid, Palestinian Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg, thanked Arianna for her enormous efforts in helping Palestine achieve this membership status, and thanked all member states for their vote.
President Mahmoud Abbas stressed Wednesday the firm Palestinian position of non-interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries.
Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh told Palestinian official news agency WAFA that "the president has stressed the non-interference in the current events in the Arab Republic of Egypt."
Palestinian President begins today, his 3-day official visit to Lebanon where he is scheduled to meet with Lebanese senior officials, on top of them Michel Suleiman, the president of Lebanon.
Abbas said he will be holding a meeting with Suleiman where they will be discussing the latest developments in the region and in the Palestinian arena, in addition to ways to develop relations between the two countries.
Abbas confirmed the Palestinian Authority's position of "non-interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon because it's own master," adding that, "the Palestinians in Lebanon are only guests and have nothing to do with what is currently happening."
About Syria, Abbas said that the conflict caused the deportation of thousands of Palestinian refugees living in camps in Syria, who flee to Lebanese areas and who are living under harsh and difficult economic, social and humanitarian situation.
It's worth mentioning that in Lebanon, there are around a million Palestinian refugees, contributed on 12 refugee camps run by UNRWA- United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh told Palestinian official news agency WAFA that "the president has stressed the non-interference in the current events in the Arab Republic of Egypt."
Palestinian President begins today, his 3-day official visit to Lebanon where he is scheduled to meet with Lebanese senior officials, on top of them Michel Suleiman, the president of Lebanon.
Abbas said he will be holding a meeting with Suleiman where they will be discussing the latest developments in the region and in the Palestinian arena, in addition to ways to develop relations between the two countries.
Abbas confirmed the Palestinian Authority's position of "non-interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon because it's own master," adding that, "the Palestinians in Lebanon are only guests and have nothing to do with what is currently happening."
About Syria, Abbas said that the conflict caused the deportation of thousands of Palestinian refugees living in camps in Syria, who flee to Lebanese areas and who are living under harsh and difficult economic, social and humanitarian situation.
It's worth mentioning that in Lebanon, there are around a million Palestinian refugees, contributed on 12 refugee camps run by UNRWA- United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Lapid (Right) and Bishara
Israeli Radio (Kol Israel) has reported, Tuesday [June 2 2012] that the Israeli Finance Minister, Yair Lapid, held a meeting with his Palestinian counterpart, Shokry Bishara, in order to ensure the resumption of economic talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
Israeli Tax Department official, Moshe Asher, and his Palestinian counterpart, Yousef Az-Zamr, also participated in the meeting.
The Radio said that the two Ministers held a similar meeting, a few weeks ago, and decided to hold further meetings to ensure economic cooperation.
Sources at the Israeli Finance Ministry said that the recent meeting aimed at renewing economic cooperation between the two sides.
The Israeli Radio said that the two sides agreed, during Tuesday’s meeting, to form a joint task team that convenes once every two weeks.
Israeli Radio (Kol Israel) has reported, Tuesday [June 2 2012] that the Israeli Finance Minister, Yair Lapid, held a meeting with his Palestinian counterpart, Shokry Bishara, in order to ensure the resumption of economic talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
Israeli Tax Department official, Moshe Asher, and his Palestinian counterpart, Yousef Az-Zamr, also participated in the meeting.
The Radio said that the two Ministers held a similar meeting, a few weeks ago, and decided to hold further meetings to ensure economic cooperation.
Sources at the Israeli Finance Ministry said that the recent meeting aimed at renewing economic cooperation between the two sides.
The Israeli Radio said that the two sides agreed, during Tuesday’s meeting, to form a joint task team that convenes once every two weeks.
2 july 2013
Palestinians enjoy the warm weather at a beach in Gaza City, May 31, 2013.
As summer arrived, the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip — who number around 1.7 million — found in the sea an avenue to escape from the summer heat and electricity outages.
Thousands of men and children on vacation swam or lay on the beach, while most women sat carefully or swam in their black abayas. Every now and then, the scene was broken by the passage of a horse or camel to lure people into taking a ride for less than $1.
Ibrahim, 20, rode his camel from the Mughraqa region of the Gaza Strip toward the shore, which takes about an hour, to earn a daily income that does not exceed $15. Speaking to Al-Monitor while looking around for potential customers, he said, “The summer season continues until Ramadan (due to start on July 9). Because they are fasting, people don’t come to the beach much, and summer goes by quickly. During this time of the year, nobody rides camels, so I will have to find another job in construction or sales.”
Ibrahim said that in the past he had a herd of camels, but the war in 2012 left him with only one. Two girls who seemed to be friends approached his camel, and Ibrahim helped them up onto the saddle. They cried out in fear when the camel stood up to walk, while one of them said, laughing, “I feel like I’m looking out from the third floor.”
Hares, 12, and Anis, 11, just came out of the water, reluctantly, after being stung by jellyfish.
“We want the lifeguards to get rid of the jellyfish because they are so annoying. I have stings all over my hands and legs,” said Hares, while extending his red arm.
Their relative, 39-year-old Mazen al-Shaer, was also there with three of his sons. He said, “We live close to the beach, and we believe it’s the only escape for the children. There are no clubs or places where they can spend their time.” Shaer also complained about the pollution on the beach.
Papers, empty cans and plastic bags are spread out on the shore, in a scene that completely distorts the general image of the beauty of a beach and sunset. There is also a stench that can be smelled from time to time, because the beach has become a sewage dump in several spots.
Unlike Hares and Anis, not all children come to enjoy themselves, as some of them have bigger responsibilities. For instance, 13-year-old Ahmad calls out “Anbar Anbar,” while approaching families sitting in chairs and others stretched out on the ground. He is trying to sell them “Anbar,” a Palestinian term for candied apples. Not many buy candied apples from him, since families believe that their high sugar content is harmful, not to mention the fact that it comes without a cover. Still, attracted by its flashy red color, some children insist on buying one.
Suddenly, a horse carriage makes its way between the people. Families cry out, while moving away from the man leading the horse and insulting him. Yet, he insists on steering clear of the water since it ruins the wheels of the carriage. Atop the carriage there is a stove he calls the “potato stove,” which is fueled by wood logs to grill potatoes. He calls out, “Sweet potatoes.”
While putting another potato on the stove, 21-year-old potato merchant Hatem al-Nounou told Al-Monitor, “The farmers sell us sweet potatoes for a high price. For this reason, we sell one potato for two or three Israeli shekels [$0.55-0.83]. Sales are very low these days, despite the fact that there are thousands of people on vacation, in addition to 12 potato merchants on the Gaza shores alone.”
Giving us a delicious piece of grilled sweet potato served on a newspaper page, Nounou wrapped up the conversation. He then left, insisting on making his way past the vacationers once again, thus pushing them to run in all directions for fear of being hit by his carriage.
Yet, horses, bad smells and filth are not the only things ruining the beach experience for vacationers. Alerted by the sound of an ambulance siren, people suddenly run to the same spot on the beach. “Someone drowned! Someone drowned!” people cried. At that moment, rumors start spreading. Some say that a child was taken under by the current, while others talk about a man who thought himself undefeatable but did not return from the sea. Others say a woman nearing the shore was dragged into the current. Whatever the story, the ending is rarely happy.
Yahya Tayeh, a mayor and head of the marine rescue department in the civil defense services, said that since the onset of this year, there have been seven deaths from drowning and over 400 rescue cases. He added that four deaths happened before the start of the summer season — which lasts from the beginning of June until the beginning of September — and three deaths were recorded during the summer. He confirmed that these deaths occurred before or after the lifeguards’ shifts, which start at 8 a.m. and end at 8 p.m.
In an interview with Al-Monitor at his office that overlooks the port, Tayeh mentioned that before the summer season there were 100 lifeguards, and the number increased to 360 during the season. He also asserted that they advise vacationers not to swim before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m., but some do not listen. They also spread awareness and hang up banners telling people not to swim in spots where sewage is pumped or in dangerous rocky areas.
He also noted that there is an operations room to facilitate constant coordination between the civil defense services, the marine police and the relief team. They are prepared for any emergency. This is especially important amid an increased number of children going missing on the beach on Thursdays and Fridays, when the number of vacationers reach into the thousands. He also warned that they lacked rescue equipment such as lifeboats and life preservers.
Close to the beach, 18-year-old Khouloud al-Sarraj sat with a book in one hand while holding her little sister Hanane's hand with the other. She said that she came here in search of some calm and fresh air to study for her baccalaureate exams, after electricity service was cut.
Surrounded by two watermelons and some towels, 48-year-old Salem al-Dreimli sat with his family, comprising mostly women and girls, on plastic chairs. He said that while they love the sea, there is a lack of lighting and lifeguards on the shore at night. He also noted that most families — his own included — come to the beach after 8 p.m., when the lifeguards’ shift has ended.
Dreimli’s wife, Umm Saed, complained about pollution and noted that the families keep the place clean and put their waste in bags. The problem, however, is that there are no bins to throw the trash in.
Regarding the issue of cleanliness, Hatem al-Sheikh Khalil, head of public relations for the Gaza municipality, stated that the beach is cleaned in the early morning. He also noted that it is impossible to clean it while the families are there. He said that the massive number of vacationers has pushed the municipality to pay extra attention to completing Gaza’s corniche, which is costing more than $3.5 million and aims at reducing crowding on the beach.
Speaking to Al-Monitor, he said that every year they get ready for the season by preparing to offer vacationers leisure options. He clarified that in the past year they allowed 15 cafeterias to rent beach spots, as opposed to only seven this year. They want to leave wide spaces open for people to sit, especially amid the tough economic conditions.
Gaza’s shore is not only an escape for students, families and children but also for newlyweds such as Samar, 19, and Mohammad, 23, who found no better place than this to spend their honeymoon. They fight and laugh, while looking at the vast ocean, counting the days of their marriage and enjoying the sunset.
Asmaa al-Ghoul is a contributing writer for Al-Monitor's Palestine Pulse, and a journalist from the Rafah refugee camp based in Gaza.
As summer arrived, the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip — who number around 1.7 million — found in the sea an avenue to escape from the summer heat and electricity outages.
Thousands of men and children on vacation swam or lay on the beach, while most women sat carefully or swam in their black abayas. Every now and then, the scene was broken by the passage of a horse or camel to lure people into taking a ride for less than $1.
Ibrahim, 20, rode his camel from the Mughraqa region of the Gaza Strip toward the shore, which takes about an hour, to earn a daily income that does not exceed $15. Speaking to Al-Monitor while looking around for potential customers, he said, “The summer season continues until Ramadan (due to start on July 9). Because they are fasting, people don’t come to the beach much, and summer goes by quickly. During this time of the year, nobody rides camels, so I will have to find another job in construction or sales.”
Ibrahim said that in the past he had a herd of camels, but the war in 2012 left him with only one. Two girls who seemed to be friends approached his camel, and Ibrahim helped them up onto the saddle. They cried out in fear when the camel stood up to walk, while one of them said, laughing, “I feel like I’m looking out from the third floor.”
Hares, 12, and Anis, 11, just came out of the water, reluctantly, after being stung by jellyfish.
“We want the lifeguards to get rid of the jellyfish because they are so annoying. I have stings all over my hands and legs,” said Hares, while extending his red arm.
Their relative, 39-year-old Mazen al-Shaer, was also there with three of his sons. He said, “We live close to the beach, and we believe it’s the only escape for the children. There are no clubs or places where they can spend their time.” Shaer also complained about the pollution on the beach.
Papers, empty cans and plastic bags are spread out on the shore, in a scene that completely distorts the general image of the beauty of a beach and sunset. There is also a stench that can be smelled from time to time, because the beach has become a sewage dump in several spots.
Unlike Hares and Anis, not all children come to enjoy themselves, as some of them have bigger responsibilities. For instance, 13-year-old Ahmad calls out “Anbar Anbar,” while approaching families sitting in chairs and others stretched out on the ground. He is trying to sell them “Anbar,” a Palestinian term for candied apples. Not many buy candied apples from him, since families believe that their high sugar content is harmful, not to mention the fact that it comes without a cover. Still, attracted by its flashy red color, some children insist on buying one.
Suddenly, a horse carriage makes its way between the people. Families cry out, while moving away from the man leading the horse and insulting him. Yet, he insists on steering clear of the water since it ruins the wheels of the carriage. Atop the carriage there is a stove he calls the “potato stove,” which is fueled by wood logs to grill potatoes. He calls out, “Sweet potatoes.”
While putting another potato on the stove, 21-year-old potato merchant Hatem al-Nounou told Al-Monitor, “The farmers sell us sweet potatoes for a high price. For this reason, we sell one potato for two or three Israeli shekels [$0.55-0.83]. Sales are very low these days, despite the fact that there are thousands of people on vacation, in addition to 12 potato merchants on the Gaza shores alone.”
Giving us a delicious piece of grilled sweet potato served on a newspaper page, Nounou wrapped up the conversation. He then left, insisting on making his way past the vacationers once again, thus pushing them to run in all directions for fear of being hit by his carriage.
Yet, horses, bad smells and filth are not the only things ruining the beach experience for vacationers. Alerted by the sound of an ambulance siren, people suddenly run to the same spot on the beach. “Someone drowned! Someone drowned!” people cried. At that moment, rumors start spreading. Some say that a child was taken under by the current, while others talk about a man who thought himself undefeatable but did not return from the sea. Others say a woman nearing the shore was dragged into the current. Whatever the story, the ending is rarely happy.
Yahya Tayeh, a mayor and head of the marine rescue department in the civil defense services, said that since the onset of this year, there have been seven deaths from drowning and over 400 rescue cases. He added that four deaths happened before the start of the summer season — which lasts from the beginning of June until the beginning of September — and three deaths were recorded during the summer. He confirmed that these deaths occurred before or after the lifeguards’ shifts, which start at 8 a.m. and end at 8 p.m.
In an interview with Al-Monitor at his office that overlooks the port, Tayeh mentioned that before the summer season there were 100 lifeguards, and the number increased to 360 during the season. He also asserted that they advise vacationers not to swim before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m., but some do not listen. They also spread awareness and hang up banners telling people not to swim in spots where sewage is pumped or in dangerous rocky areas.
He also noted that there is an operations room to facilitate constant coordination between the civil defense services, the marine police and the relief team. They are prepared for any emergency. This is especially important amid an increased number of children going missing on the beach on Thursdays and Fridays, when the number of vacationers reach into the thousands. He also warned that they lacked rescue equipment such as lifeboats and life preservers.
Close to the beach, 18-year-old Khouloud al-Sarraj sat with a book in one hand while holding her little sister Hanane's hand with the other. She said that she came here in search of some calm and fresh air to study for her baccalaureate exams, after electricity service was cut.
Surrounded by two watermelons and some towels, 48-year-old Salem al-Dreimli sat with his family, comprising mostly women and girls, on plastic chairs. He said that while they love the sea, there is a lack of lighting and lifeguards on the shore at night. He also noted that most families — his own included — come to the beach after 8 p.m., when the lifeguards’ shift has ended.
Dreimli’s wife, Umm Saed, complained about pollution and noted that the families keep the place clean and put their waste in bags. The problem, however, is that there are no bins to throw the trash in.
Regarding the issue of cleanliness, Hatem al-Sheikh Khalil, head of public relations for the Gaza municipality, stated that the beach is cleaned in the early morning. He also noted that it is impossible to clean it while the families are there. He said that the massive number of vacationers has pushed the municipality to pay extra attention to completing Gaza’s corniche, which is costing more than $3.5 million and aims at reducing crowding on the beach.
Speaking to Al-Monitor, he said that every year they get ready for the season by preparing to offer vacationers leisure options. He clarified that in the past year they allowed 15 cafeterias to rent beach spots, as opposed to only seven this year. They want to leave wide spaces open for people to sit, especially amid the tough economic conditions.
Gaza’s shore is not only an escape for students, families and children but also for newlyweds such as Samar, 19, and Mohammad, 23, who found no better place than this to spend their honeymoon. They fight and laugh, while looking at the vast ocean, counting the days of their marriage and enjoying the sunset.
Asmaa al-Ghoul is a contributing writer for Al-Monitor's Palestine Pulse, and a journalist from the Rafah refugee camp based in Gaza.
Gaza premier Ismail Haneyya congratulated the new Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad on the occasion of his ascension to the throne. A terse statement for the government on Tuesday said that Haneyya hailed the courageous step of outgoing Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa and emphasized the importance of boosting bilateral relations.
For his part, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim thanked Haneyya for his congratulations and affirmed that his country would continue its support for the Palestine cause. He also extended condolences to Haneyya over the death of his brother’s grandson.
For his part, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim thanked Haneyya for his congratulations and affirmed that his country would continue its support for the Palestine cause. He also extended condolences to Haneyya over the death of his brother’s grandson.
African Americans, including Angela Davis and actress Lisa Gay Hamilton, released a statement reaffirming parallels between Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and discrimination against African Americans living under Jim Crow in the United States, a press release by the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation said on Monday. The African American statement, signed by academics, artists, clergy, activists and a retired city councilman, was prompted by attacks on the analogy between Israel's treatment of Palestinians and the Jim Crow segregation laws that followed Alice Walker's use of it in an interview, and later, her allusion to it in an open letter calling on US singer Alicia Keys to cancel her July 4 concert in Israel.
The attacks came in the form of an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, an editorial in the New York Daily News, and an Israeli government op-ed in the New York Post.
Titled “African Americans Affirming the Jim Crow analogy in Palestine/Israel,” the statement “affirm[ed] the accuracy of parallels drawn between the experience of African Americans in the U.S. under Jim Crow and Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.”
Signatories cited a 2012 report from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination that “framed Israel’s treatment of both its Palestinian citizens, and those living under military rule in the occupied territories, in terms of segregation and racial discrimination.”
Their criticism of how Palestinians are treated extends to the situation of citizens of Israel, linking to a report by Adalah, the Legal Center for Minority Rights in Israel, which lists several dozen laws that discriminate against Palestinian citizens.
Alicia Keys is set to play a concert in Israel on the 4th of July, ignoring a growing campaign of direct pleas not to perform in Israel from artists including Alice Walker and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters.
Felicia Eaves, co-chair of the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, and a signatory to the letter commented: “It’s completely accurate to draw parallels between the segregation and discrimination of Jim Crow and Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Angela [Davis], myself and others have made this analogy previously, because our travel to the Occupied Palestinian Territories reminded us of the oppression we’ve faced in the past right here in the United States.”
The attacks came in the form of an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, an editorial in the New York Daily News, and an Israeli government op-ed in the New York Post.
Titled “African Americans Affirming the Jim Crow analogy in Palestine/Israel,” the statement “affirm[ed] the accuracy of parallels drawn between the experience of African Americans in the U.S. under Jim Crow and Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.”
Signatories cited a 2012 report from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination that “framed Israel’s treatment of both its Palestinian citizens, and those living under military rule in the occupied territories, in terms of segregation and racial discrimination.”
Their criticism of how Palestinians are treated extends to the situation of citizens of Israel, linking to a report by Adalah, the Legal Center for Minority Rights in Israel, which lists several dozen laws that discriminate against Palestinian citizens.
Alicia Keys is set to play a concert in Israel on the 4th of July, ignoring a growing campaign of direct pleas not to perform in Israel from artists including Alice Walker and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters.
Felicia Eaves, co-chair of the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, and a signatory to the letter commented: “It’s completely accurate to draw parallels between the segregation and discrimination of Jim Crow and Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Angela [Davis], myself and others have made this analogy previously, because our travel to the Occupied Palestinian Territories reminded us of the oppression we’ve faced in the past right here in the United States.”
Palestinian Authority Religious Affairs Minister Mahmoud al-Habbash on Tuesday urged Arab Idol star Muhammad Assaf to cancel concerts planned for the West Bank to show solidarity with unrest in Egypt.
The PA minister also urged Palestine TV not to broadcast any celebratory events to reflect sympathy and solidarity with Egypt.
"This is a personal stance," he told Ma'an, and does not necessarily reflect any official position.
Al-Habbash said that while he appreciates the unique talent of Assaf, "certain conditions and developments necessitate that we delay festivities for two or more days."
"We are with what the Egyptian people want and what serves Egypt's interests," the religious affairs minister said.
"I am worried about Egypt, and this worry is justified both politically and in the field. I am worried because Egypt is the heart of the Arab nation, and the army of the nation."
Assaf arrived in the West Bank, which is governed by president Mahmoud Abbas's Palestinian authority, on Monday afternoon, entering from Jordan over the Allenby Bridge. In Ramallah, Assaf laid a wreath on Arafat's tomb before meeting Abbas.
The singer is due to visit other West Bank towns Bethlehem, Hebron and Nablus.
The PA minister also urged Palestine TV not to broadcast any celebratory events to reflect sympathy and solidarity with Egypt.
"This is a personal stance," he told Ma'an, and does not necessarily reflect any official position.
Al-Habbash said that while he appreciates the unique talent of Assaf, "certain conditions and developments necessitate that we delay festivities for two or more days."
"We are with what the Egyptian people want and what serves Egypt's interests," the religious affairs minister said.
"I am worried about Egypt, and this worry is justified both politically and in the field. I am worried because Egypt is the heart of the Arab nation, and the army of the nation."
Assaf arrived in the West Bank, which is governed by president Mahmoud Abbas's Palestinian authority, on Monday afternoon, entering from Jordan over the Allenby Bridge. In Ramallah, Assaf laid a wreath on Arafat's tomb before meeting Abbas.
The singer is due to visit other West Bank towns Bethlehem, Hebron and Nablus.
The Gazan winner of pan-Arab talent competition Arab Idol, Mohammed Assaf, performed in front of some 40,000 fans in Ramallah on Monday.
Crowds thronged a square near the tomb of president Yasser Arafat with a heavy security detail present, along with ambulances as a precaution, an AFP journalist reported.
Assaf was greeted with cheers and applause as he came on stage, surrounded by policemen holding back hundreds of fans who wanted a photograph with the singer.
Before beginning his performance, Assaf spoke to the crowds.
"I am very pleased to be here with you, and with the help of God, I have done you proud," he said before launching into "Raise the Keffiyeh," a Palestinian nationalist song which refers to the traditional chequered headscarf made famous by Arafat.
Assaf arrived in the West Bank, which is governed by president Mahmoud Abbas's Palestinian authority, on Monday afternoon, entering from Jordan over the Allenby Bridge. In Ramallah, Assaf laid a wreath on Arafat's tomb before meeting Abbas.
The singer is due to visit other West Bank towns Bethlehem, Hebron and Nablus.
On his return to Gaza, which is governed by the Islamist movement Hamas, on June 25, Assaf called for an end to the "division" with the West Bank, and urged "unity" between Palestinians.
Israeli legal rights group Gisha, which lobbies for freedom of movement for Palestinians, stressed that the singer's arrival was "exceptional not just because Palestinians consider him a national hero but also because it is an exception to Israel's consistent policy of blocking access between Gaza and the West Bank".
"If Assaf had been anything less than a superstar, he would have had little chance of setting foot in the West Bank because of the Israeli policy of restricting the voyage to 'exceptional humanitarian circumstances,'" Gisha said in a statement.
Born to Palestinian parents in Misrata, Libya, 23-year-old Assaf grew up in the teeming Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza before winning the 2013 edition of Arab Idol in Beirut.
His victory sparked scenes of jubilation across the Palestinian territories.
Crowds thronged a square near the tomb of president Yasser Arafat with a heavy security detail present, along with ambulances as a precaution, an AFP journalist reported.
Assaf was greeted with cheers and applause as he came on stage, surrounded by policemen holding back hundreds of fans who wanted a photograph with the singer.
Before beginning his performance, Assaf spoke to the crowds.
"I am very pleased to be here with you, and with the help of God, I have done you proud," he said before launching into "Raise the Keffiyeh," a Palestinian nationalist song which refers to the traditional chequered headscarf made famous by Arafat.
Assaf arrived in the West Bank, which is governed by president Mahmoud Abbas's Palestinian authority, on Monday afternoon, entering from Jordan over the Allenby Bridge. In Ramallah, Assaf laid a wreath on Arafat's tomb before meeting Abbas.
The singer is due to visit other West Bank towns Bethlehem, Hebron and Nablus.
On his return to Gaza, which is governed by the Islamist movement Hamas, on June 25, Assaf called for an end to the "division" with the West Bank, and urged "unity" between Palestinians.
Israeli legal rights group Gisha, which lobbies for freedom of movement for Palestinians, stressed that the singer's arrival was "exceptional not just because Palestinians consider him a national hero but also because it is an exception to Israel's consistent policy of blocking access between Gaza and the West Bank".
"If Assaf had been anything less than a superstar, he would have had little chance of setting foot in the West Bank because of the Israeli policy of restricting the voyage to 'exceptional humanitarian circumstances,'" Gisha said in a statement.
Born to Palestinian parents in Misrata, Libya, 23-year-old Assaf grew up in the teeming Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza before winning the 2013 edition of Arab Idol in Beirut.
His victory sparked scenes of jubilation across the Palestinian territories.
1 july 2013
President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday telephoned Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh to offer condolences for the death of his nephew, official Palestinian Authority media reported.
Haniyeh's 19-year-old nephew Anas died on Saturday of a heart attack.
Haniyeh's 19-year-old nephew Anas died on Saturday of a heart attack.
Police are investigating the death of a 34-year-old man who was found dead at his home on Monday in Taffuh village in the southern West Bank.
The public prosecution said Zeidan Khamaysa's body was found tied with ropes.
His body was taken to the Abu Dis Institute of Forensic Medicine for an autopsy.
The public prosecution said Zeidan Khamaysa's body was found tied with ropes.
His body was taken to the Abu Dis Institute of Forensic Medicine for an autopsy.
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Unknown assailants opened fire at the car of Fatah leader Hussam Khader outside his home in Nablus' Balata refugee camp early Monday.
Khader told Ma'an that three or four gunmen fired around 20 bullets at his car at around 2.30 a.m. before fleeing. Khader urged President Mahmoud Abbas to investigate the attack. An outspoken critic of the Palestinian Authority, Khader recently criticized the PA on Facebook for "gagging" its opponents. |
30 june 2013
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Liberated prisoner Wisam Marof set himself alight in front of the finance ministry in Ramallah on Sunday protesting the PA’s neglect of his condition. Eyewitnesses said that Marof, 20, suffered burns in his hands and chest.
Palestinian media quoted Marof after the incident as saying that the PA was marginalizing him and many other liberated prisoners from Israeli jails. He said that the finance and prisoners’ ministries in Ramallah did not give him any financial assistance despite his difficult economic and health conditions at the pretext that he did not meet the required criteria. Local sources said that Marof has a medical report from Tulkarem proving that he suffers a 70% physical disability. |
A Palestinian study revealed that Israel collects 40 million shekels ($11 million) per year from Palestinians, in return for issuing Permits and Magnetic cards that allow them enter the occupied territories and work in the Israeli market. The Applied Research Institute ARIJ in the city of Bethlehem revealed on Saturday in a study that the Palestinian citizen pays a fee of 100 NIS for the magnetic card.
According to ARIJ's study, the total number of Palestinian workers in the occupied territories and the settlements reached 100,000 workers who are forced to pay permit fees to be able to work in the 1948-occupied Palestine
The magnetic card was an almost indispensable condition for entry the Occupied Palestinian Territory, although having the card itself was not enough to guarantee receiving a permit, but it is a proof that the people who apply for the permits are not considered a security risk.
According to ARIJ's study, the total number of Palestinian workers in the occupied territories and the settlements reached 100,000 workers who are forced to pay permit fees to be able to work in the 1948-occupied Palestine
The magnetic card was an almost indispensable condition for entry the Occupied Palestinian Territory, although having the card itself was not enough to guarantee receiving a permit, but it is a proof that the people who apply for the permits are not considered a security risk.
Palestinian Arab Idol winner Mohammad Assaf will hold three free concerts across the West Bank in July, the Palestinian Authority minister of culture said Saturday.
Anwar Abu Aisheh said the first concert will be held on 1 July in Ramallah at the al-Umam square at 8:30 p.m., followed by Nablus on 2 July and Hebron on 4 July.
The ministry is waiting to determine the venue locations in Nablus and Hebron from the local municipalities and they will be announced once they have received the okay, Abu Aisheh said.
Assaf returned home to Gaza on Tuesday to jubilant crowds after becoming the first Palestinian to win the popular singing contest Arab Idol.
The singer was raised in the Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza.
Anwar Abu Aisheh said the first concert will be held on 1 July in Ramallah at the al-Umam square at 8:30 p.m., followed by Nablus on 2 July and Hebron on 4 July.
The ministry is waiting to determine the venue locations in Nablus and Hebron from the local municipalities and they will be announced once they have received the okay, Abu Aisheh said.
Assaf returned home to Gaza on Tuesday to jubilant crowds after becoming the first Palestinian to win the popular singing contest Arab Idol.
The singer was raised in the Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza.
28 june 2013
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh confirmed his determination to achieve the Palestinian national reconciliation and to form a united Palestinian government. Our unity is our strength, Haniyeh said during the graduation ceremony at the University of Palestine in Gaza City on Thursday, stressing that he will work to end the division and to form a united government, a united leadership, and united national program.
Haniyeh stressed that this graduation ceremony proves the Palestinian victory over the Israeli aggressions and threats. Thus, it is held on a liberated land thanks to the martyrs' sacrifices.
Haniyeh praised the Palestinian efforts in the educational field that witnessed great developments as part of national liberation program.
Concerning Palestinians in the Diaspora, he has renewed assertion that his government and the Hamas movement refuse a substitute homeland for Palestinians, stressing the Palestinian adherence to the right of return.
Haniyeh stressed that this graduation ceremony proves the Palestinian victory over the Israeli aggressions and threats. Thus, it is held on a liberated land thanks to the martyrs' sacrifices.
Haniyeh praised the Palestinian efforts in the educational field that witnessed great developments as part of national liberation program.
Concerning Palestinians in the Diaspora, he has renewed assertion that his government and the Hamas movement refuse a substitute homeland for Palestinians, stressing the Palestinian adherence to the right of return.
On Wednesday, 26 June 2013, Mr. Raji Sourani, Director of Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), met with Ms. Heidi Hautala, Finnish Minister of International Cooperation, and an accompanied delegation comprised of: Ms. Prirko-Liisa Kyostila, Director of the Department for Development Policy; the Head of the Representative Office of Finland to the Palestinian Authority; and assisting staff, PCHR said in a press release.
The meeting was attended also by Ms. Yasmeen al-Khudari, a Palestinian blogger, and Ms. Hiba al-Zayan, an analyst of UN Empowerment and Gender Equality.
Sourani first thanked the Finnish Minister for her visit to the Gaza Strip, her interest in the human rights situation in Palestine and the constant and clear positions of the Finnish government towards the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He then reviewed the human rights situation in Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip, condemning the institutionalization of the illegal closure imposed on the Gaza Strip for several years as a form of collective punishment, and its impact on the human, social and economic conditions of about 2 million Palestinians.
Sourani also addressed the lack of accountability against suspected Israeli war criminal for war crimes and crimes against humanity they commit, stressing that none of the Israeli security, military or political officials has been held accountable, so the international community is required to activate the principle of universal jurisdiction and the International Criminal Court to ensure that Israel and its leaders are held accountable.
He further reviewed the human rights situation in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, considering that the Israeli policies there constitute a new more brutal and bloodier apartheid, and ethnic cleansing against Palestinians in Jerusalem. He also considered settlement Israeli activities in the West Bank serious, calling on Europe to take a practical political position towards this crime.
Sourani also talked about women's rights in the Gaza Strip, and the suffering of women and the youth at many levels.
In the end, Sourani discussed the internal situation and addressed practices of the two governments in Gaza and Ramallah, highlighting the disastrous impact of the Palestinian political split.
The meeting was attended also by Ms. Yasmeen al-Khudari, a Palestinian blogger, and Ms. Hiba al-Zayan, an analyst of UN Empowerment and Gender Equality.
Sourani first thanked the Finnish Minister for her visit to the Gaza Strip, her interest in the human rights situation in Palestine and the constant and clear positions of the Finnish government towards the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He then reviewed the human rights situation in Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip, condemning the institutionalization of the illegal closure imposed on the Gaza Strip for several years as a form of collective punishment, and its impact on the human, social and economic conditions of about 2 million Palestinians.
Sourani also addressed the lack of accountability against suspected Israeli war criminal for war crimes and crimes against humanity they commit, stressing that none of the Israeli security, military or political officials has been held accountable, so the international community is required to activate the principle of universal jurisdiction and the International Criminal Court to ensure that Israel and its leaders are held accountable.
He further reviewed the human rights situation in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, considering that the Israeli policies there constitute a new more brutal and bloodier apartheid, and ethnic cleansing against Palestinians in Jerusalem. He also considered settlement Israeli activities in the West Bank serious, calling on Europe to take a practical political position towards this crime.
Sourani also talked about women's rights in the Gaza Strip, and the suffering of women and the youth at many levels.
In the end, Sourani discussed the internal situation and addressed practices of the two governments in Gaza and Ramallah, highlighting the disastrous impact of the Palestinian political split.
