19 july 2019
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In the presence of His Excellency Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, European Union Representative Ralph Tarraf, UNNDP, represented by Roberto Valent, inaugurated yesterday the historic site of Maqam Nabi Musa in Jericho Governorate.
“The work that was done in Nabi Musa preserves our historical, religious and spiritual heritage,” said Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. “Today, we see the rebirth of Maqam Nabi Musa, fully restored and will be managed by a Palestinian private sector company. I thank the UNDP for their spirit of partnership with the government, and the generosity of the EU, and its member states, for their support to the Palestinian people,” he added. The Maqam Nabi Musa project is part of a Euro 5 million EU funded |
programme, implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Ministry of Awqaf and religious Affairs, Jericho Governorate and other relevant stakeholders in the tourism sector. The programme aims at supporting the development of cultural tourism in the State of Palestine, coupled with a Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) model that fosters economic growth in the region.
“Historic buildings are reflections of our histories and the face of our heritage. They reflect conflicts, wars and also peace and prosperity of our past. Preserving and restoring these buildings help us understand, respect, and connect with the past. In Palestine, cultural heritage remains a sensitive topic, also politically. The renovated Maqam En Nabi Mousa, which we celebrate today, is an example of an iconic historic building located between Jericho and Jerusalem. We are confident that this site, once operational, will become a hub for an enriched community life and attract pilgrims and tourists,” said the EU Representative Ralph Tarraf.
The Support to the Development of Cultural Tourism programme has transformed the Maqam into a fully-functioning guest house and tourist centre for both religious and mainstream tourism. Restoration works included rehabilitation of pathways, building elevations and basic infrastructure networks, development of the exterior courtyard and landscaping. This has generated over 25,500 workdays for skilled and unskilled laborers. With emphasis on supporting the local community, it is expected that 70 sustainable job opportunities will be created once the operation starts.
Roberto Valent, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator, highlighted the importance of the Nabi Musa historical site in creating new job opportunities and an enabling economic environment for young men and women. “This project has not only contributed to inclusive economic development but has also developed the capacities of young Palestinian professionals in cultural preservation. Cultural heritage and diversity are crucial enablers for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. The engagement of the different stakeholders, be it the government or the local community, in the stewardship of this project is a model to be followed. UNDP is proud to be part of this”.
Further to the completion of rehabilitation works, the site now has a 60-bed capacity distributed across the lodges, hostel and back-backing area. A restaurant and cafe were also established in addition to 14 spaces designated for shops to promote Palestinian local products. The spaces at the court will also be upgraded to host a museum and multi-purpose halls. It is anticipated that around 120,000 people will visit the site on yearly basis, in addition to the increasing influx of visitors during Mawsem Nabi Musa.
Following the ribbon cutting, the guests had a tour of the site and were briefed on the utilization of digital heritage in promoting cultural sites and raising awareness to the local and international community at large.
The event was attended by H.E. Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh; Mr Jihad Abu Al Asal, Governor of Jericho; H.E. Rula Ma’ayah, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; H.E. Ralph Tarraf, EU Representative, Dr Guy Clausse, Executive Vice President of Europa Nostra; Mr Roberto Valent, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator as well as representatives from the Palestinian government, private sector and local community.
“Historic buildings are reflections of our histories and the face of our heritage. They reflect conflicts, wars and also peace and prosperity of our past. Preserving and restoring these buildings help us understand, respect, and connect with the past. In Palestine, cultural heritage remains a sensitive topic, also politically. The renovated Maqam En Nabi Mousa, which we celebrate today, is an example of an iconic historic building located between Jericho and Jerusalem. We are confident that this site, once operational, will become a hub for an enriched community life and attract pilgrims and tourists,” said the EU Representative Ralph Tarraf.
The Support to the Development of Cultural Tourism programme has transformed the Maqam into a fully-functioning guest house and tourist centre for both religious and mainstream tourism. Restoration works included rehabilitation of pathways, building elevations and basic infrastructure networks, development of the exterior courtyard and landscaping. This has generated over 25,500 workdays for skilled and unskilled laborers. With emphasis on supporting the local community, it is expected that 70 sustainable job opportunities will be created once the operation starts.
Roberto Valent, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator, highlighted the importance of the Nabi Musa historical site in creating new job opportunities and an enabling economic environment for young men and women. “This project has not only contributed to inclusive economic development but has also developed the capacities of young Palestinian professionals in cultural preservation. Cultural heritage and diversity are crucial enablers for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. The engagement of the different stakeholders, be it the government or the local community, in the stewardship of this project is a model to be followed. UNDP is proud to be part of this”.
Further to the completion of rehabilitation works, the site now has a 60-bed capacity distributed across the lodges, hostel and back-backing area. A restaurant and cafe were also established in addition to 14 spaces designated for shops to promote Palestinian local products. The spaces at the court will also be upgraded to host a museum and multi-purpose halls. It is anticipated that around 120,000 people will visit the site on yearly basis, in addition to the increasing influx of visitors during Mawsem Nabi Musa.
Following the ribbon cutting, the guests had a tour of the site and were briefed on the utilization of digital heritage in promoting cultural sites and raising awareness to the local and international community at large.
The event was attended by H.E. Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh; Mr Jihad Abu Al Asal, Governor of Jericho; H.E. Rula Ma’ayah, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; H.E. Ralph Tarraf, EU Representative, Dr Guy Clausse, Executive Vice President of Europa Nostra; Mr Roberto Valent, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator as well as representatives from the Palestinian government, private sector and local community.
17 july 2019
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The entrance to the venue amazed me. I am not accustomed to this kind of audience. I’m not used to such a warm welcome nor to events of this magnitude. Generally I lecture to American or European students, academics, and activists, or to Arabs, mainly Palestinian exiles.
At the Olympia London in the city’s southwest, the scene I beheld early in July was different: thousands of Britons and others, mostly Muslim. A large model of Al-Aqsa Mosque and a smaller one of Gaza’s Shifa Hospital, an exhibition of equipment banned by Israel from entering Gaza, vendor stalls, activities for children. A colorful, noisy, lively tableau made me welcome right at the entrance – a |
scene peopled by countless excited young volunteers in Palestine-themed black t-shirts along with thousands of visitors, young and old, women and men, all brimming with enthusiasm.
Welcome to Palestine Expo, the largest Palestinian event in Europe. Welcome to a surprising breath of fresh air.
Futility of hope
Two fascinating days at this expo, packed with experiences.
Even as the Palestinian issue seems to be gradually fading from the agenda of mainstream public opinion in the West, worn down by the futility of hope; despite the brainwashing in Israel that conflates Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda and Islamic State group (IS) as identical, and despite the rising Islamophobia, I saw just the opposite during these two days: a tremendous interest in Palestine and genuine concern for its people, and determination to actively aid the Palestinians.
There was a scathing and bitter criticism of the occupation and its dispossession, abuse, humiliation, crimes, violations of international law – but without manifestations of antisemitism. Proving once again that it is possible (and necessary) to criticise Israel and even to act against it without being antisemitic.
Two figures I met there tell the story best: Ismail Patel, chairman of the Friends of Al-Aqsa, which organised the event, and Chief Zwelivelile Mandela, a member of the South African parliament and a key speaker at the exhibition. Patel is a Malawian-born Muslim of Indian origin who grew up in Britain.
A deep commitment
One visit to Palestine changed his life: he became an activist for Palestinian rights. He is an impressive, authoritative, soft-spoken man. He organizes these events from a deep commitment to the Palestinian issue.
Mandela is a larger-than-life figure: Nelson Mandela’s first grandson, he accompanied him during much of his global travel and today lives in his village, Qunu, and keeps faith with his grandfather’s legacy.
He is completely committed to the Palestinian cause, guided by Nelson Mandela’s teachings, including this one from 1995: “Our struggle will not be complete without freedom for the Palestinian people.”
Zwelivelile Mandela spoke very firmly during the panel discussions: Apartheid Israel shows all the characteristics of an apartheid state. In Israel, as in the West, some people still argue vainly over whether Israel is an apartheid state or not; the grandson of Nelson Mandela states unequivocally: “To us, the South Africans, it is clear: Israel is an apartheid state.
"We, all of us, who have experienced the brutality of South African apartheid – this [in Israel] is the worst form of apartheid we have witnessed.” His operative conclusion was also unequivocal: “We have a moral duty to boycott Israel because of its apartheid regime against the Palestinians.”
Could it be said with any greater clarity? Can we also brand the grandson of the greatest statesman and freedom fighter of the 20th century, the companion who was shaped by his influence and follows his path, as an antisemite? Zwelivelile Mandela’s words and the fascinating meetings with him will remain with me for a long time.
Another reality
One conference does not tell the whole story, of course, and we must not harbor false expectations.
At a time when Islamophobia is intensifying, the Jewish and Israeli propaganda machines are racking up big successes in Europe and America, branding every criticism of the Israeli occupation as antisemitism, the struggle against Israeli occupation is undergoing decriminalization. With all the regulations and legislation against BDS in Europe and the US, it becomes harder and harder to work against the Israeli occupation: just try to rent a hall for a Palestinian solidarity event in Germany or the US.
This gathering reminds us that another reality exists. It reminds us that the spirit of the struggle has not disappeared from Europe. That Palestine remains in the hearts of many. But we mustn’t delude ourselves: the struggle for justice and freedom for Palestinians is now at a nadir.
Palestinians are divided, bleeding from the wounds of the occupation and lacking leadership; Gaza is under a siege that defies credibility and has no end in sight; the West Bank is under a slightly more convenient occupation; US President Donald Trump is giving the occupation its strongest backing ever; and, with not a few right-wing governments supporting the occupation uninhibitedly, and Israel stronger than ever – the struggle is in a bad shape.
The inflection point in the international discourse between the two-state solution, whose time is apparently gone forever, and the one-state alternative, the only remaining solution, was evident in all the conference deliberations. Most, if not all, of the speakers explicitly supported the one-state solution. Most are not motivated by a desire to destroy Israel, as Israeli propaganda warns and as most Israelis claim.
Rather, they understand that only in the framework of one state can relative justice be achieved and most of the problems redressed. Most of the speakers also supported the only currently effective mode of action available in Western civil societies: BDS.
My two days at Olympia London were enjoyable and interesting. For two days in London it was possible to speak of hope, however faint and far away.
- Gideon Levy is a Haaretz columnist and a member of the newspaper's editorial board. Levy joined Haaretz in 1982, and spent four years as the newspaper's deputy editor. He was the recipient of the Euro-Med Journalist Prize for 2008; the Leipzig Freedom Prize in 2001; the Israeli Journalists’ Union Prize in 1997; and The Association of Human Rights in Israel Award for 1996. His new book, The Punishment of Gaza, has just been published by Verso.
Welcome to Palestine Expo, the largest Palestinian event in Europe. Welcome to a surprising breath of fresh air.
Futility of hope
Two fascinating days at this expo, packed with experiences.
Even as the Palestinian issue seems to be gradually fading from the agenda of mainstream public opinion in the West, worn down by the futility of hope; despite the brainwashing in Israel that conflates Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda and Islamic State group (IS) as identical, and despite the rising Islamophobia, I saw just the opposite during these two days: a tremendous interest in Palestine and genuine concern for its people, and determination to actively aid the Palestinians.
There was a scathing and bitter criticism of the occupation and its dispossession, abuse, humiliation, crimes, violations of international law – but without manifestations of antisemitism. Proving once again that it is possible (and necessary) to criticise Israel and even to act against it without being antisemitic.
Two figures I met there tell the story best: Ismail Patel, chairman of the Friends of Al-Aqsa, which organised the event, and Chief Zwelivelile Mandela, a member of the South African parliament and a key speaker at the exhibition. Patel is a Malawian-born Muslim of Indian origin who grew up in Britain.
A deep commitment
One visit to Palestine changed his life: he became an activist for Palestinian rights. He is an impressive, authoritative, soft-spoken man. He organizes these events from a deep commitment to the Palestinian issue.
Mandela is a larger-than-life figure: Nelson Mandela’s first grandson, he accompanied him during much of his global travel and today lives in his village, Qunu, and keeps faith with his grandfather’s legacy.
He is completely committed to the Palestinian cause, guided by Nelson Mandela’s teachings, including this one from 1995: “Our struggle will not be complete without freedom for the Palestinian people.”
Zwelivelile Mandela spoke very firmly during the panel discussions: Apartheid Israel shows all the characteristics of an apartheid state. In Israel, as in the West, some people still argue vainly over whether Israel is an apartheid state or not; the grandson of Nelson Mandela states unequivocally: “To us, the South Africans, it is clear: Israel is an apartheid state.
"We, all of us, who have experienced the brutality of South African apartheid – this [in Israel] is the worst form of apartheid we have witnessed.” His operative conclusion was also unequivocal: “We have a moral duty to boycott Israel because of its apartheid regime against the Palestinians.”
Could it be said with any greater clarity? Can we also brand the grandson of the greatest statesman and freedom fighter of the 20th century, the companion who was shaped by his influence and follows his path, as an antisemite? Zwelivelile Mandela’s words and the fascinating meetings with him will remain with me for a long time.
Another reality
One conference does not tell the whole story, of course, and we must not harbor false expectations.
At a time when Islamophobia is intensifying, the Jewish and Israeli propaganda machines are racking up big successes in Europe and America, branding every criticism of the Israeli occupation as antisemitism, the struggle against Israeli occupation is undergoing decriminalization. With all the regulations and legislation against BDS in Europe and the US, it becomes harder and harder to work against the Israeli occupation: just try to rent a hall for a Palestinian solidarity event in Germany or the US.
This gathering reminds us that another reality exists. It reminds us that the spirit of the struggle has not disappeared from Europe. That Palestine remains in the hearts of many. But we mustn’t delude ourselves: the struggle for justice and freedom for Palestinians is now at a nadir.
Palestinians are divided, bleeding from the wounds of the occupation and lacking leadership; Gaza is under a siege that defies credibility and has no end in sight; the West Bank is under a slightly more convenient occupation; US President Donald Trump is giving the occupation its strongest backing ever; and, with not a few right-wing governments supporting the occupation uninhibitedly, and Israel stronger than ever – the struggle is in a bad shape.
The inflection point in the international discourse between the two-state solution, whose time is apparently gone forever, and the one-state alternative, the only remaining solution, was evident in all the conference deliberations. Most, if not all, of the speakers explicitly supported the one-state solution. Most are not motivated by a desire to destroy Israel, as Israeli propaganda warns and as most Israelis claim.
Rather, they understand that only in the framework of one state can relative justice be achieved and most of the problems redressed. Most of the speakers also supported the only currently effective mode of action available in Western civil societies: BDS.
My two days at Olympia London were enjoyable and interesting. For two days in London it was possible to speak of hope, however faint and far away.
- Gideon Levy is a Haaretz columnist and a member of the newspaper's editorial board. Levy joined Haaretz in 1982, and spent four years as the newspaper's deputy editor. He was the recipient of the Euro-Med Journalist Prize for 2008; the Leipzig Freedom Prize in 2001; the Israeli Journalists’ Union Prize in 1997; and The Association of Human Rights in Israel Award for 1996. His new book, The Punishment of Gaza, has just been published by Verso.
Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov has voiced his country’s keenness on promoting its relations with the Hamas Movement, affirming that Moscow refused to attend the Manama economic workshop because it rejects the US deal of the century.
According to a statement issued by Hamas, Bogdanov asserted his country’s support for the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights during his meeting with a delegation from the Movement led by Mousa Abu Marzouk in Moscow.
The Russian official also emphasized the need to achieve the Palestinian unity and said that his country is ready to provide every help in this regard.
The Hamas delegation, for its part, put Bogdanov in the picture of the political developments regarding the Palestinian question.
The delegation discussed with the Russian official the avenues to heal the rift in the Palestinian arena and highlighted Hamas’s keenness on achieving the Palestinian reconciliation.
The meeting was also a chance to brief the Russian side on the difficult living conditions the Palestinian people suffer from in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jerusalem and abroad.
According to a statement issued by Hamas, Bogdanov asserted his country’s support for the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights during his meeting with a delegation from the Movement led by Mousa Abu Marzouk in Moscow.
The Russian official also emphasized the need to achieve the Palestinian unity and said that his country is ready to provide every help in this regard.
The Hamas delegation, for its part, put Bogdanov in the picture of the political developments regarding the Palestinian question.
The delegation discussed with the Russian official the avenues to heal the rift in the Palestinian arena and highlighted Hamas’s keenness on achieving the Palestinian reconciliation.
The meeting was also a chance to brief the Russian side on the difficult living conditions the Palestinian people suffer from in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jerusalem and abroad.
16 july 2019
The Hamas Movement has affirmed that its struggle is against the Israeli occupation as an entity occupying the Palestinian land and defiling its holy places and not against the Jews in the world or Judaism as a religion.
In a press release on Monday, Hamas said it had already condemned attacks on Jewish places of worship that happened in other countries.
The Movement also said that the March of Return rallies are peaceful events aimed at advocating the Palestinian rights of return and demanding an end to the blockade imposed on Gaza, denouncing Israel’s persistence in targeting and killing Gaza protesters.
It urged all the Palestinian masses to abide by the decisions made by the Higher National Committee of the March of Return.
Hammad: Hamas’s resistance is only directed against occupation
Member of Hamas’s political bureau Fathi Hammad has said that his Movement’s resistance is only directed at the Israeli occupation that has usurped the Palestinian land and desecrated its holy sites, calling such position “an unwavering policy.”
“Such position is always expressed by Hamas through its political behavior and confirmed by its political document,” Hammad stated on Monday.
He also affirmed that all forms of resistance against the Israeli occupation would continue through armed or peaceful means.
In a press release on Monday, Hamas said it had already condemned attacks on Jewish places of worship that happened in other countries.
The Movement also said that the March of Return rallies are peaceful events aimed at advocating the Palestinian rights of return and demanding an end to the blockade imposed on Gaza, denouncing Israel’s persistence in targeting and killing Gaza protesters.
It urged all the Palestinian masses to abide by the decisions made by the Higher National Committee of the March of Return.
Hammad: Hamas’s resistance is only directed against occupation
Member of Hamas’s political bureau Fathi Hammad has said that his Movement’s resistance is only directed at the Israeli occupation that has usurped the Palestinian land and desecrated its holy sites, calling such position “an unwavering policy.”
“Such position is always expressed by Hamas through its political behavior and confirmed by its political document,” Hammad stated on Monday.
He also affirmed that all forms of resistance against the Israeli occupation would continue through armed or peaceful means.
14 july 2019
CEC Chairman, Dr. Hanna Nasir, announced today the preliminary results of the 2019 Re-Run Local Council Elections held yesterday after the completion of counting of votes, data management and allocation of seats.
Prior to this announcement, the CEC held a meeting early this morning to review the elections reports and endorse the preliminary results of the elections which was held in seven localities in this West Bank which are: Hizma, Qifeen, Qabalan, Jayous, Kafr Al-Deek, Tafouh and Beit Awwa.
The published results include the number of votes and seats obtained by electoral lists and the winning candidates. The results were published through CEC’s website: www.elections.ps.
According to published results, the voting percentage reached 58.2% of the total eligible voters in the seven localities with 16,717 valid votes representing 97% of the total votes, 207 blank ballots (1.2%) and 314 invalid ballots (1.8%).
According to local elections law, voters, candidates or candidates’ agents may appeal the elections results before the elections court within one week of publishing.
The Court adjudicates appeals within five working days of appeals submission and issues its decisions which are considered final. The final elections results will then be published and handed over to the Ministry of Local Government.
On this occasion, the CEC extends thanks and appreciation to Palestinians who took part in the electoral process as well as to the following:
The Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Interior and the security forces, Ministry of Civil Affairs, the media, political parties and electoral lists, local observers and CEC staff for making a success of the electoral process.
Prior to this announcement, the CEC held a meeting early this morning to review the elections reports and endorse the preliminary results of the elections which was held in seven localities in this West Bank which are: Hizma, Qifeen, Qabalan, Jayous, Kafr Al-Deek, Tafouh and Beit Awwa.
The published results include the number of votes and seats obtained by electoral lists and the winning candidates. The results were published through CEC’s website: www.elections.ps.
According to published results, the voting percentage reached 58.2% of the total eligible voters in the seven localities with 16,717 valid votes representing 97% of the total votes, 207 blank ballots (1.2%) and 314 invalid ballots (1.8%).
According to local elections law, voters, candidates or candidates’ agents may appeal the elections results before the elections court within one week of publishing.
The Court adjudicates appeals within five working days of appeals submission and issues its decisions which are considered final. The final elections results will then be published and handed over to the Ministry of Local Government.
On this occasion, the CEC extends thanks and appreciation to Palestinians who took part in the electoral process as well as to the following:
The Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Interior and the security forces, Ministry of Civil Affairs, the media, political parties and electoral lists, local observers and CEC staff for making a success of the electoral process.
Salim Abu Ma’rouf, 36
The family of the Palestinian man Salim Abu Ma’rouf, who was found dead last Tuesday in Ma'rib in northern Yemen, has called on the Yemeni government to launch a serious investigation into his death and bring those responsible to account.
In a statement on Saturday night, the family said that Salim had been living in Yemen for more than 14 years and had no enmity with any person or party.
The family said it had lost contact with him for two days before he was found dead at a hospital in Ma'rib city, northeast of the Yemeni capital Sana’a.
The family appealed to the Palestinian and Yemeni official authorities to facilitate the transfer of Salim’s body to Palestine as well as the travel of his wife and kids to Gaza as soon as possible.
The Hamas Movement, for its part, mourned the death of Salim Abu Ma’rouf, 36, and urged the Yemeni security authorities to investigate his death.
Salim, one of Hamas’s officials in Yemen, had reportedly died at a security checkpoint in Ma'rib province on Tuesday night.
The family of the Palestinian man Salim Abu Ma’rouf, who was found dead last Tuesday in Ma'rib in northern Yemen, has called on the Yemeni government to launch a serious investigation into his death and bring those responsible to account.
In a statement on Saturday night, the family said that Salim had been living in Yemen for more than 14 years and had no enmity with any person or party.
The family said it had lost contact with him for two days before he was found dead at a hospital in Ma'rib city, northeast of the Yemeni capital Sana’a.
The family appealed to the Palestinian and Yemeni official authorities to facilitate the transfer of Salim’s body to Palestine as well as the travel of his wife and kids to Gaza as soon as possible.
The Hamas Movement, for its part, mourned the death of Salim Abu Ma’rouf, 36, and urged the Yemeni security authorities to investigate his death.
Salim, one of Hamas’s officials in Yemen, had reportedly died at a security checkpoint in Ma'rib province on Tuesday night.
