27 june 2013
The Minister of Telecom and Information Technology Dr. Safaa Nasir al-Deen stressed on the need to pass the Right of Access to Information law in Palestine, and her full support of the campaign launched by the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms "MADA" to consider and approve the draft law, which was prepared by a group of experts under the supervision of MADA center, the Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology said in a press statement.
This came during the minister's meeting with the general director of MADA Mousa Rimawi and Riham Abu Aita MADA's Public Relations Officer, to discuss MADA campaign, which comes under the title "You have the right to know."
the minister praised MADA's efforts and the campaign, and considered the right of access to information a human right and that it must be within a legal framework, especially that the law would serve all Palestinians including both students and academics, journalists, technicians, businessmen and women, and public figures.
The Minister stated: "This law is required for us as a global and international requirement, which is one of the most important pillars of a open government, in order to join the global partnership of the open government that is one of the ways of governance, which guarantees citizens the right to obtain documents, and procedures of the government, to enable citizens' participation in the control of the government, and thus achieve greater transparency. And that the enactment of the law is also an essential part of the e-government policies which is important in supporting the work of the ministry for the development of the telecommunications and information technology sector to keep pace with global changes".
The minister pointed out that she will support the trend towards the enactment of the law and will partner with the various parties concerned, but after the law gets audited by the ministry and after adding any technical sides relating to the work of the ministry.
The two parties agreed to cooperate also in various fields such as the exchange of legal consulting and specialized studies with regard to freedom of expression, and the exchange of information about the various Arab partnerships that operate in this field.
Mr. Rimawi thanked the minister for her support for MADA's campaign, and called on the ministry to intensify the efforts and cooperation for the dissemination of this campaign to the different sectors of government.
Rimawi also explained that MADA during the past two years worked with all stakeholders in order to formulate a new draft of the Law of access to information in cooperation with DCAF, aligned with the Palestinian situation and international standards in this field, stressing the importance of accelerating the adoption and enactment of the law for it will benefit all sectors of society and public institutions.
This came during the minister's meeting with the general director of MADA Mousa Rimawi and Riham Abu Aita MADA's Public Relations Officer, to discuss MADA campaign, which comes under the title "You have the right to know."
the minister praised MADA's efforts and the campaign, and considered the right of access to information a human right and that it must be within a legal framework, especially that the law would serve all Palestinians including both students and academics, journalists, technicians, businessmen and women, and public figures.
The Minister stated: "This law is required for us as a global and international requirement, which is one of the most important pillars of a open government, in order to join the global partnership of the open government that is one of the ways of governance, which guarantees citizens the right to obtain documents, and procedures of the government, to enable citizens' participation in the control of the government, and thus achieve greater transparency. And that the enactment of the law is also an essential part of the e-government policies which is important in supporting the work of the ministry for the development of the telecommunications and information technology sector to keep pace with global changes".
The minister pointed out that she will support the trend towards the enactment of the law and will partner with the various parties concerned, but after the law gets audited by the ministry and after adding any technical sides relating to the work of the ministry.
The two parties agreed to cooperate also in various fields such as the exchange of legal consulting and specialized studies with regard to freedom of expression, and the exchange of information about the various Arab partnerships that operate in this field.
Mr. Rimawi thanked the minister for her support for MADA's campaign, and called on the ministry to intensify the efforts and cooperation for the dissemination of this campaign to the different sectors of government.
Rimawi also explained that MADA during the past two years worked with all stakeholders in order to formulate a new draft of the Law of access to information in cooperation with DCAF, aligned with the Palestinian situation and international standards in this field, stressing the importance of accelerating the adoption and enactment of the law for it will benefit all sectors of society and public institutions.
Israel’s settlement activity is wiping out the two-state solution, member of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s negotiating team said Thursday. Erekat was reacting to an Israeli decision to build 69 new housing units in the illegal settlement of Jabal Abu Ghneim (Har Homa) south of Jerusalem.
Erekat, who called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its “systematic violations of international law,” said in a statement issued by the Negotiations Affairs Department that “settlement activity in and around Occupied East Jerusalem is one of the main reasons why the two-state solution is disappearing, as without East Jerusalem there will be no Palestinian state.”
The Israeli decision is taken on the eve of a visit to the region for US Secretary of State John Kerry.
“Israel has a selected repertoire awaiting US officials, like what happened to Mr. Biden (the US vice president), which includes settlements, settlements and more settlements,” he said. “It has played the same symphony since the signature of the Oslo Agreement in 1993 by almost tripling the number of settlers in 20 years, taking Palestinian land, lives and livelihoods in the process.”
Erekat said that in spite of an accelerated settlement activity, forced displacement, identity card revocations and home demolitions, Israel has signed several free trade agreements, including an Association Agreement with the European Union.
“In other words, Israel has been rewarded for its crimes, leaving Tel Aviv with no incentive to move for peace,” said Erekat.
“The international community should understand that in order to create the right environment for negotiations it should not grant impunity to Israel over its repeated crimes and violations. On the contrary, accountability is the best incentive to realign negotiations with international law. This is the only path towards a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine,” said Erekat.
Erekat, who called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its “systematic violations of international law,” said in a statement issued by the Negotiations Affairs Department that “settlement activity in and around Occupied East Jerusalem is one of the main reasons why the two-state solution is disappearing, as without East Jerusalem there will be no Palestinian state.”
The Israeli decision is taken on the eve of a visit to the region for US Secretary of State John Kerry.
“Israel has a selected repertoire awaiting US officials, like what happened to Mr. Biden (the US vice president), which includes settlements, settlements and more settlements,” he said. “It has played the same symphony since the signature of the Oslo Agreement in 1993 by almost tripling the number of settlers in 20 years, taking Palestinian land, lives and livelihoods in the process.”
Erekat said that in spite of an accelerated settlement activity, forced displacement, identity card revocations and home demolitions, Israel has signed several free trade agreements, including an Association Agreement with the European Union.
“In other words, Israel has been rewarded for its crimes, leaving Tel Aviv with no incentive to move for peace,” said Erekat.
“The international community should understand that in order to create the right environment for negotiations it should not grant impunity to Israel over its repeated crimes and violations. On the contrary, accountability is the best incentive to realign negotiations with international law. This is the only path towards a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine,” said Erekat.
Turkish media agencies have reported that Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayiip Erdogan, will be visiting the Gaza Strip on July 5 to meet with Ismail Hanniya of Hamas, and several Palestinian officials in the coastal region.
Sources at the Hamas-led Palestinian government in Gaza stated that a number of Turkish officials recently held a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister of the Hamasl-led government in Gaza, Ismail Haniyya, and deputy Foreign Minister, Ghazi Hamad.
The meeting focused on arrangements and preparations of the planned visit.
The Turkish PM said that the protests taking place in Turkey initially caused a delay to the visit that was initially set for June.
The Hamas-led government in Gaza confirmed the reports, and said that a Turkish government delegation and Turkish media crews are currently in Gaza, and already held a meeting with Haniyya to discuss details of the planned visit.
Despite media reports of an addition delay to the visit, government sources in Gaza said that the planned July visit has not been delayed.
Sources at the Hamas-led Palestinian government in Gaza stated that a number of Turkish officials recently held a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister of the Hamasl-led government in Gaza, Ismail Haniyya, and deputy Foreign Minister, Ghazi Hamad.
The meeting focused on arrangements and preparations of the planned visit.
The Turkish PM said that the protests taking place in Turkey initially caused a delay to the visit that was initially set for June.
The Hamas-led government in Gaza confirmed the reports, and said that a Turkish government delegation and Turkish media crews are currently in Gaza, and already held a meeting with Haniyya to discuss details of the planned visit.
Despite media reports of an addition delay to the visit, government sources in Gaza said that the planned July visit has not been delayed.
26 june 2013
The Global Palestinian Youth Movement (GPYM) is scheduled to include the largest number of youth activists in the world, organizers said. Youth activists all over the world declared their intention to join the GPYM particularly from Arab Spring countries including Yemen, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, said Ahmed Baalousha, one of the GPYM organizers.
The movement organizers have contacted international institutions and supporters of the Palestinian cause around the world to join the movement.
The movement sent delegations to Egypt, Yemen, and Lebanon to unite efforts of international activists in human, social and economic fields.
Activists from the US, Brazil, Canada and many other western countries have expressed their intention to join and support the movement.
The organizers confirmed that the movement is expected to be launched by the end of this year with the participation of more than 50 delegations from different countries.
GPYM aims to unite youth activists' efforts in support of the Palestinian cause and to pressure the international community to put an end to the Israeli violations and crimes, according to the organizers.
GPYM's organizers have started documenting the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people and properties since the establishment of the Israeli entity as a prelude to prosecute the occupation leaders in international forums.
The movement organizers have contacted international institutions and supporters of the Palestinian cause around the world to join the movement.
The movement sent delegations to Egypt, Yemen, and Lebanon to unite efforts of international activists in human, social and economic fields.
Activists from the US, Brazil, Canada and many other western countries have expressed their intention to join and support the movement.
The organizers confirmed that the movement is expected to be launched by the end of this year with the participation of more than 50 delegations from different countries.
GPYM aims to unite youth activists' efforts in support of the Palestinian cause and to pressure the international community to put an end to the Israeli violations and crimes, according to the organizers.
GPYM's organizers have started documenting the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people and properties since the establishment of the Israeli entity as a prelude to prosecute the occupation leaders in international forums.
Dr. Ahmed Abdul Hadi, deputy political official of Hamas movement in Lebanon, denied rumors which claim that Taamir district in Ein al-Hilweh camp has been exposed to sniper attacks and raids by the army. Abdul Hadi described the news as "tendentious rumors", and said "some suspicious bodies are spreading these rumors in an attempt to create tension in Taamir, terrorize its residents and push them to leave their homes."
He revealed in remarks to Quds Press that Hamas has been contacting all parties in the region, including the leadership of the army, to put an end to the rumors and to maintain a calm atmosphere.
Abdul Hadi asserted that such rumors are detrimental to the interests of the Palestinian people.
He revealed in remarks to Quds Press that Hamas has been contacting all parties in the region, including the leadership of the army, to put an end to the rumors and to maintain a calm atmosphere.
Abdul Hadi asserted that such rumors are detrimental to the interests of the Palestinian people.
Dr. Yousef Rizqa, political adviser to Gaza prime minister, warned against "a new catastrophe similar to the Oslo Accord catastrophe," in light of PA's willingness to resume negotiations with the Israeli side. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry began a new tour in the region to push for the resumption of negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian parties. He will arrive to the Palestinian territories on Thursday.
Dr. Rizqa told Quds Press agency that due to Kerry's pressure on the Palestinian side, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has agreed to return to negotiations.
The occupation authorities are supposed to release a limited number of prisoners, detained before the Oslo agreement, and to stop the settlement construction outside the major settlements, while the Palestinian side will give up its demands concerning the borders of 1967.
Haneyya's political adviser asserted that the Palestinian people are concerned due to the new waivers submitted by Palestinian side, as they mean accepting land swaps, which forms a threat to Jerusalem.
Rizqa called on the Palestinian public opinion and the leaders of the National and Islamic factions to take firm positions and express their rejection of the return to futile negotiations.
Dr. Rizqa told Quds Press agency that due to Kerry's pressure on the Palestinian side, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has agreed to return to negotiations.
The occupation authorities are supposed to release a limited number of prisoners, detained before the Oslo agreement, and to stop the settlement construction outside the major settlements, while the Palestinian side will give up its demands concerning the borders of 1967.
Haneyya's political adviser asserted that the Palestinian people are concerned due to the new waivers submitted by Palestinian side, as they mean accepting land swaps, which forms a threat to Jerusalem.
Rizqa called on the Palestinian public opinion and the leaders of the National and Islamic factions to take firm positions and express their rejection of the return to futile negotiations.
25 june 2013
Hamas movement extended congratulations and best wishes to the new Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The movement hoped in a statement on Tuesday that Sheikh Tamim would succeed in leading his country into more progress.
It also hoped that he would follow the footsteps of his father in supporting Arab and Islamic causes especially the Palestine cause.
Hamas reiterated its appreciation of the honorable and courageous stands of the outgoing Emir Sheikh Hamad during his reign as Emir of Qatar in support of “our just cause, steadfastness of our people and holy shrines”.
It also hoped that he would follow the footsteps of his father in supporting Arab and Islamic causes especially the Palestine cause.
Hamas reiterated its appreciation of the honorable and courageous stands of the outgoing Emir Sheikh Hamad during his reign as Emir of Qatar in support of “our just cause, steadfastness of our people and holy shrines”.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneyya met, in his office on Tuesday, with the head of the World Federation of Islamic Universities Zulkifl Abdul Razek. Gaza Premier pointed to the continuous improvement in the educational process in Palestine, despite the blockade.
He said that there are a number of excellent universities in Palestine, which are always working to develop themselves and contact all the educational institutions around the world, including the Malaysian institutions.
For his part; head of the delegation expressed his happiness to visit Palestine, hailing the Palestinian universities and educational institutions.
He pointed to the efforts made by a number of Malaysian enterprises to cooperate with their Palestinian counterparts.
He also stressed that the World Federation of Islamic Universities, which includes about 700 universities and colleges around the world, will work on shedding light on Palestine issue and cooperating with the Palestinian universities, noting that preparations are made for a conference on issues of Jerusalem and prisoners in collaboration with the Islamic University.
The delegation also included Dr. Mohamed Afandi Saleh from Sultan Zine El Abidine University, Dr. Mohamed Zain Kendar representative of the Al-Aqsa Foundation, and Abdel Razek Ibn Ahmed higher education adviser in Malaysia.
He said that there are a number of excellent universities in Palestine, which are always working to develop themselves and contact all the educational institutions around the world, including the Malaysian institutions.
For his part; head of the delegation expressed his happiness to visit Palestine, hailing the Palestinian universities and educational institutions.
He pointed to the efforts made by a number of Malaysian enterprises to cooperate with their Palestinian counterparts.
He also stressed that the World Federation of Islamic Universities, which includes about 700 universities and colleges around the world, will work on shedding light on Palestine issue and cooperating with the Palestinian universities, noting that preparations are made for a conference on issues of Jerusalem and prisoners in collaboration with the Islamic University.
The delegation also included Dr. Mohamed Afandi Saleh from Sultan Zine El Abidine University, Dr. Mohamed Zain Kendar representative of the Al-Aqsa Foundation, and Abdel Razek Ibn Ahmed higher education adviser in Malaysia.
Hamas movement denied Fatah claims of alleged internal differences inside the Islamic movement, saying that it targets the movement credibility and unity.
In a press release, Hamas denied the allegations published by Palestine Press Website, affiliated to Fatah movement, claiming that Hamas has prevented Dr. Mahmoud al-Zahar from traveling due to internal differences within the movement.
The statement considered these claims as a futile attempt to target the resistance leaders and icons.
These allegations came in light of the media silence towards the Israeli Judaization and settlement projects in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem and towards the Israeli brutal practices against Palestinian prisoners and the Palestinian refugees’ plight in Syria, the statement said.
The statement pointed out that these Fatah allegations aim to hide the political crisis in the PA after PM Hamdallah's resignation and to hide the PA escalated and continued political arrests in the West Bank that only serve the occupation.
Hamas stressed on the unity of its leadership and position, saying that its battle is against the Israeli occupation.
In a press release, Hamas denied the allegations published by Palestine Press Website, affiliated to Fatah movement, claiming that Hamas has prevented Dr. Mahmoud al-Zahar from traveling due to internal differences within the movement.
The statement considered these claims as a futile attempt to target the resistance leaders and icons.
These allegations came in light of the media silence towards the Israeli Judaization and settlement projects in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem and towards the Israeli brutal practices against Palestinian prisoners and the Palestinian refugees’ plight in Syria, the statement said.
The statement pointed out that these Fatah allegations aim to hide the political crisis in the PA after PM Hamdallah's resignation and to hide the PA escalated and continued political arrests in the West Bank that only serve the occupation.
Hamas stressed on the unity of its leadership and position, saying that its battle is against the Israeli occupation.
Thousands of Gaza residents Monday awaited since the first hours of the morning the arrival of the 23-year-old Palestinian inspiration, the winner of the Arab Idol singing contest, Muhammad Assaf. Since early morning, people started to gather at the M shaped Rafah crossing, which links Gaza to Egypt in hope to see the Palestinian Idol and goodwill Ambassador and express their happiness for his return.
With the Palestine and Lebanon flags flying among the crowd and posters of Assaf hanging on surrounding buildings, Rafah crossing was crowded as people saw it a chance to welcome who has been described as the Rocket and a Hero by Arab Idol’s jury.
A loud cheering echoed across the crossing when the vehicle carrying Assaf entered as tens of youngsters surrounded the vehicle hoping to get to speak or shake hands with Assaf.
Fatah member Jihad Abu Anza told WAFA that hundreds have been waiting for the star, who was able to capture and draw world’s attention to the outstanding talent of Palestine, which deserves nourishing and respect.
Abu Anza said that Assaf has been able to achieve what politicians failed to accomplish which is peoples’ unity in favor of one cause.
Fatah member of Central Khan Younis region, Muhammad Irbei’, said that the presence of thousands of Palestinians to receive Assaf is a message to all politicians on the importance of ending Palestinian division which has been harming the Palestinian cause.
Gaza resident Muhammad Madi said that he decided to leave his work and join everyone in receiving the Arab Idol and goodwill ambassador.
Madi said that Assaf’s win is not only his, but every Palestinian as well as their just cause.
Another young man, while anxiously awaited under the burning sun with the Palestinian Kuffiyah draped around his shoulders said, “We are waiting for the joy of Palestine. We will not leave until Assaf arrives.”
Meanwhile across the Gaza Strip, hundreds of Assaf’s friends, relatives, neighbors and fans gathered in front of his house in the modest refugee camp of Khan Younis to be reunited with their inspiration, Assaf, after four months of absence on his quest to compete in the prestigious contest.
A living example of paradox was the reception of Assaf; the damaged and cracked walls of the refugee camp which continue to carry the marks of the latest Israeli assault and the love of life which vibrates from the posters carrying the face of a star whose smile captivated millions around the globe.
According to Abdullah Kamil, the official representative of the National Campaign to Support Assaf, the young star is going to stay in Gaza for three days, before he takes off back to Dubai to prepare for his first TV series theme song.
Assaf is expected to return to Amman on June 6 and then arrive in the West Bank on July 1, where he is reportedly going to meet President Mahmoud Abbas, after an arranged official reception in Jericho, his arrival station, and throw three main concerts in Jenin, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, according to Kamil.
With the Palestine and Lebanon flags flying among the crowd and posters of Assaf hanging on surrounding buildings, Rafah crossing was crowded as people saw it a chance to welcome who has been described as the Rocket and a Hero by Arab Idol’s jury.
A loud cheering echoed across the crossing when the vehicle carrying Assaf entered as tens of youngsters surrounded the vehicle hoping to get to speak or shake hands with Assaf.
Fatah member Jihad Abu Anza told WAFA that hundreds have been waiting for the star, who was able to capture and draw world’s attention to the outstanding talent of Palestine, which deserves nourishing and respect.
Abu Anza said that Assaf has been able to achieve what politicians failed to accomplish which is peoples’ unity in favor of one cause.
Fatah member of Central Khan Younis region, Muhammad Irbei’, said that the presence of thousands of Palestinians to receive Assaf is a message to all politicians on the importance of ending Palestinian division which has been harming the Palestinian cause.
Gaza resident Muhammad Madi said that he decided to leave his work and join everyone in receiving the Arab Idol and goodwill ambassador.
Madi said that Assaf’s win is not only his, but every Palestinian as well as their just cause.
Another young man, while anxiously awaited under the burning sun with the Palestinian Kuffiyah draped around his shoulders said, “We are waiting for the joy of Palestine. We will not leave until Assaf arrives.”
Meanwhile across the Gaza Strip, hundreds of Assaf’s friends, relatives, neighbors and fans gathered in front of his house in the modest refugee camp of Khan Younis to be reunited with their inspiration, Assaf, after four months of absence on his quest to compete in the prestigious contest.
A living example of paradox was the reception of Assaf; the damaged and cracked walls of the refugee camp which continue to carry the marks of the latest Israeli assault and the love of life which vibrates from the posters carrying the face of a star whose smile captivated millions around the globe.
According to Abdullah Kamil, the official representative of the National Campaign to Support Assaf, the young star is going to stay in Gaza for three days, before he takes off back to Dubai to prepare for his first TV series theme song.
Assaf is expected to return to Amman on June 6 and then arrive in the West Bank on July 1, where he is reportedly going to meet President Mahmoud Abbas, after an arranged official reception in Jericho, his arrival station, and throw three main concerts in Jenin, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, according to Kamil.
Reports that President Mahmoud Abbas has agreed to make concessions on the 1967 borders are unfounded, said member of the Palestine Liberation Organization and its negotiator Saeb Erekat on Tuesday. He said after holding separate meetings with different foreign officials that allegations in the Israeli media regarding concessions on the 1967 borders are “trial balloons and impressions aimed at mixing papers and creating confusion.”
He said Abbas is holding on to the two-state solution on the 1967 borders.
Erekat stressed that the Palestinians are doing everything they can to make efforts by United State Secretary of State John Kerry a success.
Kerry is working to revive the peace process and resume Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, which the Palestinians say will resume only if they were based on the1967 borders and if Israel implements its obligations in settlement freeze and release of prisoners.
Erekat said it is too early to talk about Abbas’ future steps while he gets ready to meet Kerry in the next few days.
The Palestinian official said Israeli measures in the occupied territories, including settlement expansion, demolition of homes, uprooting people and announcing death of the two-state solution, “are all part of a strategy to undermine Kerry’s efforts and destroy the two-state option.”
He said Abbas is holding on to the two-state solution on the 1967 borders.
Erekat stressed that the Palestinians are doing everything they can to make efforts by United State Secretary of State John Kerry a success.
Kerry is working to revive the peace process and resume Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, which the Palestinians say will resume only if they were based on the1967 borders and if Israel implements its obligations in settlement freeze and release of prisoners.
Erekat said it is too early to talk about Abbas’ future steps while he gets ready to meet Kerry in the next few days.
The Palestinian official said Israeli measures in the occupied territories, including settlement expansion, demolition of homes, uprooting people and announcing death of the two-state solution, “are all part of a strategy to undermine Kerry’s efforts and destroy the two-state option.”
Head of Hamas's political bureau Khaled Mashaal stated that the Palestinian project is to resist the Israeli occupation until the liberation of Palestine, stressing the need for maintaining the security and stability of Lebanon. Mashaal made his remarks on Monday during a phone call with Ali Baraka, the representative of Hamas in Lebanon.
Mashaal hailed the efforts that were made by all Palestinian factions, including Hamas, and their friends in Lebanon to neutralize the Palestinian refugee camps in the recent events in Sidon district.
In this regard, member of Hamas's political bureau Ezzat Al-Resheq emphasized on Monday his Movement's keenness on Lebanon's security and stability.
In a press statement, Resheq stressed the need for keeping the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon neutralized in the events taking place in Sidon or anywhere else.
He underlined that the Palestinian refugees are guests and will remain so until the day of their return to their homeland.
The Hamas official also called on the Palestinians and their factions in all refugee camps to not get involved in any events destabilizing the civil peace in Lebanon.
Mashaal hailed the efforts that were made by all Palestinian factions, including Hamas, and their friends in Lebanon to neutralize the Palestinian refugee camps in the recent events in Sidon district.
In this regard, member of Hamas's political bureau Ezzat Al-Resheq emphasized on Monday his Movement's keenness on Lebanon's security and stability.
In a press statement, Resheq stressed the need for keeping the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon neutralized in the events taking place in Sidon or anywhere else.
He underlined that the Palestinian refugees are guests and will remain so until the day of their return to their homeland.
The Hamas official also called on the Palestinians and their factions in all refugee camps to not get involved in any events destabilizing the civil peace in Lebanon.
Israeli media sources have reported that Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, has allegedly decided to resume direct political talks with Israel in the near future, and that an understanding was reached on the issue between Abbas and U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry.
Military analyst of Israel’s Channel 10 claimed that Abbas also received a call from Kerry promising him to talk to Israel regarding the possibility of releasing some Palestinian political prisoners as a gesture of “good will”.
The analyst added that it seems that the political process between Israel and the Palestinians could resume in the coming few weeks.
Furthermore, Channel 10 said that the recent shells that were fired from Gaza into adjacent Israeli areas were not fired by the Hamas movement or the Islamic Jihad, and added; “that’s why the Israeli response was not harsh on Hamas or the Islamic Jihad”.
It added that the Israeli leadership is closely following the tension between Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, after a senior Islamic Jihad fighter was killed by live rounds, fired by Hamas security forces in Gaza while attempting to arrest him.
The Military analyst claimed that there are serious tensions between Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, and that some Islamic Jihad fighters fired shells into Israel without the knowledge of the political leadership of the movement.
He added that Hamas deployed 600 fighters across the border with Israel to prevent the firing of homemade shells.
On his Facebook page, Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar stated that the death of Islamic Jihad fighter Raed Jondiyya “was caused by tension between the Police and a member of the Islamic Jihad”.
He added that leaders of the Islamic Jihad and the Hamas movements formed a joint committee that also includes the Police in order to discuss the issue, and denied any tension between the two movements.
As for the position of Hamas regarding the firing of five shells into Israel on Monday morning, Zahar said that Hamas would discuss the issue with the Islamic Jihad to see whether the shells were fired in retaliation to Israeli violations, or were motivated by the death of Jondiyya.
P.A Refuses To Resume Peace Talks Without Guarantees
The Palestinian Authority (P.A) headed by President Mahmoud Abbas, is said to be reluctant to resume direct peace talks with Tel Aviv without a viable and clear agenda for any future talks, Palestinian officials stated Thursday.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, stated some senior Palestinian sources involved in the talks told its reporter that should the United States, through its Secretary of State, John Kerry, fail to present a viable initiative that could revive talks; the P.A will not start what was described as “pointless” talks.
Haaretz said that a senior Palestinian source said that the P.A does not want to appear as refusing to cooperate with the United States, but cannot just restart talks without clear answers regarding core issues topped by the Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, the issue of political prisoners and various essential issues.
The unnamed official told Haaretz that President Mahmoud Abbas is closely following internal Israeli debate regarding the Arab Peace Initiative that was presented to Israel in 2003, but officials in Tel Aviv have never offered any direct answers or assurances regarding the final destination of political talks.
Commenting on the issue, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) told Haaretz that the committee has not convened yet; therefore, no decisions have been made on the issue.
Furthermore, foreign diplomats who recently met Abbas said that he is committed to resuming talks with Tel Aviv, but neither Kerry no Netanyahu presented any initiative to resume talks, besides the fact that Israel it ongoing with its illegal violations, and its illegal settlement construction and expansion activities in occupied Palestine.
Despite the fact that the officials of the P.A. in the West Bank held a number of meetings with Israeli officials in a number of capitals, including Amman – Jordan, the official Palestinian stance is that direct talks cannot resume amidst ongoing Israeli violations.
Israel is also refusing to officially acknowledge the legitimate Palestinian rights of independence and self-determination, and refuses to hold talks on core issues such as the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees, borders, natural resources and the full withdrawal from the occupied territories.
Israel also insists on what it calls “its right to build and expand Jewish settlements” in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem, despite the fact that settlements are illegal under International Law, and violate the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
Military analyst of Israel’s Channel 10 claimed that Abbas also received a call from Kerry promising him to talk to Israel regarding the possibility of releasing some Palestinian political prisoners as a gesture of “good will”.
The analyst added that it seems that the political process between Israel and the Palestinians could resume in the coming few weeks.
Furthermore, Channel 10 said that the recent shells that were fired from Gaza into adjacent Israeli areas were not fired by the Hamas movement or the Islamic Jihad, and added; “that’s why the Israeli response was not harsh on Hamas or the Islamic Jihad”.
It added that the Israeli leadership is closely following the tension between Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, after a senior Islamic Jihad fighter was killed by live rounds, fired by Hamas security forces in Gaza while attempting to arrest him.
The Military analyst claimed that there are serious tensions between Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, and that some Islamic Jihad fighters fired shells into Israel without the knowledge of the political leadership of the movement.
He added that Hamas deployed 600 fighters across the border with Israel to prevent the firing of homemade shells.
On his Facebook page, Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar stated that the death of Islamic Jihad fighter Raed Jondiyya “was caused by tension between the Police and a member of the Islamic Jihad”.
He added that leaders of the Islamic Jihad and the Hamas movements formed a joint committee that also includes the Police in order to discuss the issue, and denied any tension between the two movements.
As for the position of Hamas regarding the firing of five shells into Israel on Monday morning, Zahar said that Hamas would discuss the issue with the Islamic Jihad to see whether the shells were fired in retaliation to Israeli violations, or were motivated by the death of Jondiyya.
P.A Refuses To Resume Peace Talks Without Guarantees
The Palestinian Authority (P.A) headed by President Mahmoud Abbas, is said to be reluctant to resume direct peace talks with Tel Aviv without a viable and clear agenda for any future talks, Palestinian officials stated Thursday.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, stated some senior Palestinian sources involved in the talks told its reporter that should the United States, through its Secretary of State, John Kerry, fail to present a viable initiative that could revive talks; the P.A will not start what was described as “pointless” talks.
Haaretz said that a senior Palestinian source said that the P.A does not want to appear as refusing to cooperate with the United States, but cannot just restart talks without clear answers regarding core issues topped by the Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, the issue of political prisoners and various essential issues.
The unnamed official told Haaretz that President Mahmoud Abbas is closely following internal Israeli debate regarding the Arab Peace Initiative that was presented to Israel in 2003, but officials in Tel Aviv have never offered any direct answers or assurances regarding the final destination of political talks.
Commenting on the issue, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) told Haaretz that the committee has not convened yet; therefore, no decisions have been made on the issue.
Furthermore, foreign diplomats who recently met Abbas said that he is committed to resuming talks with Tel Aviv, but neither Kerry no Netanyahu presented any initiative to resume talks, besides the fact that Israel it ongoing with its illegal violations, and its illegal settlement construction and expansion activities in occupied Palestine.
Despite the fact that the officials of the P.A. in the West Bank held a number of meetings with Israeli officials in a number of capitals, including Amman – Jordan, the official Palestinian stance is that direct talks cannot resume amidst ongoing Israeli violations.
Israel is also refusing to officially acknowledge the legitimate Palestinian rights of independence and self-determination, and refuses to hold talks on core issues such as the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees, borders, natural resources and the full withdrawal from the occupied territories.
Israel also insists on what it calls “its right to build and expand Jewish settlements” in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem, despite the fact that settlements are illegal under International Law, and violate the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
Palestinian sources in the Gaza Strip have reported that the Hamas government in the coastal region prevented Mahmoud Zahar, one of the political leaders of Hamas, from travelling, as he and a delegation he heads were trying to cross into Egypt on their way to Lebanon and Iran.
The sources said that Zahar, and 22 Hamas officials, were stopped by the Palestinian Security Forces of Hamas at the Palestinian side of the Rafah Border terminal between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, the Radio Bethlehem 2000 have reported.
Zahar wanted to visit Iran to congratulate the new president-elect, Hasan Rohani.
Last week, the Political Bureau of the Hamas movement issued a statement “demanding the Lebanon-based Hezbollah party to withdraw its fighters from Syria”.
Zahar said that the statement was not issued by the Hamas movement in Gaza, and added that the Hamas leadership in exile, led by Khaled Mashal, was behind it.
Hezbollah supported by Iran, sides with Syrian President, Bashar Assad, and repeatedly demanded an end to violence in Syria.
The sources said that Zahar, and 22 Hamas officials, were stopped by the Palestinian Security Forces of Hamas at the Palestinian side of the Rafah Border terminal between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, the Radio Bethlehem 2000 have reported.
Zahar wanted to visit Iran to congratulate the new president-elect, Hasan Rohani.
Last week, the Political Bureau of the Hamas movement issued a statement “demanding the Lebanon-based Hezbollah party to withdraw its fighters from Syria”.
Zahar said that the statement was not issued by the Hamas movement in Gaza, and added that the Hamas leadership in exile, led by Khaled Mashal, was behind it.
Hezbollah supported by Iran, sides with Syrian President, Bashar Assad, and repeatedly demanded an end to violence in Syria.
24 june 2013
A man died in the Gaza Strip on Monday after setting fire to himself a day earlier, police said.
Yousef Nassar, 30, suffered severe burns after pouring a flammable substance over himself and setting it alight in the Shujaiyeh neighborhood of Gaza City, a police spokesman told Ma'an.
Gaza police are investigating the incident.
Yousef Nassar, 30, suffered severe burns after pouring a flammable substance over himself and setting it alight in the Shujaiyeh neighborhood of Gaza City, a police spokesman told Ma'an.
Gaza police are investigating the incident.
Egyptian information minister Salah Abdulmaksud received in his office in Cairo on Sunday Gaza government spokesman Taher Al-Nunu and head of its information office Ihab Al-Ghussain. Discussion tackled means of boosting cooperation relations between the two parties in the media field, Ghussain said, adding that he lauded the role of Cairo in defense of the Palestine cause.
The spokesman elaborated on the Israeli crimes against Palestinian freedom of opinion and expression.
Abdulmaksud, for his part, said that Palestine cause is a priority for his country and expressed readiness to develop media cooperation in all spheres.
The spokesman elaborated on the Israeli crimes against Palestinian freedom of opinion and expression.
Abdulmaksud, for his part, said that Palestine cause is a priority for his country and expressed readiness to develop media cooperation in all spheres.
Caretaker premier Rami Hamdallah said there was no difference of opinions with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, hours after Abbas accepted his resignation on Sunday.
"President Abbas is our choice, the people's choice, and there is no dispute with him," he told a Ma'an reporter during a tour of West Bank hospitals with newly-appointed Health Minister Jawad Awwad.
Hamdallah said he would still be fulfilling his duties until a successor is appointed and that he remains in regular contact with PA ministries.
The premier said health care would be a priority for the new government.
Hamdallah will stay on as caretaker premier for the next five weeks until a successor is named, Fatah Central Committee member Jamal Muhaisen told Ma'an.
The former head of Al-Najah University tendered his resignation last week over what commentators have said was a dispute over the roles of his deputy premiers, who were appointed when the new government was formed.
Hamdallah originally retracted his resignation but on Sunday Abbas said he had formally accepted it.
It was the second time in 10 weeks that a Palestinian Authority prime minister had tendered his resignation over a power dispute, and Abbas now has 35 days to find a replacement.
Muhaisen said that during the five-week period, it is hoped that a unity government would be formed as part of a reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas.
Neither party currently recognizes their respective governments.
If a national unity government is not formed before August 10, the "leadership will look for alternatives," Muhaisen said, without providing further details.
A source told Ma'an Sunday that PECDAR chief Mohammad Eshtayyeh may be likely to succed Hamdallah.
"President Abbas is our choice, the people's choice, and there is no dispute with him," he told a Ma'an reporter during a tour of West Bank hospitals with newly-appointed Health Minister Jawad Awwad.
Hamdallah said he would still be fulfilling his duties until a successor is appointed and that he remains in regular contact with PA ministries.
The premier said health care would be a priority for the new government.
Hamdallah will stay on as caretaker premier for the next five weeks until a successor is named, Fatah Central Committee member Jamal Muhaisen told Ma'an.
The former head of Al-Najah University tendered his resignation last week over what commentators have said was a dispute over the roles of his deputy premiers, who were appointed when the new government was formed.
Hamdallah originally retracted his resignation but on Sunday Abbas said he had formally accepted it.
It was the second time in 10 weeks that a Palestinian Authority prime minister had tendered his resignation over a power dispute, and Abbas now has 35 days to find a replacement.
Muhaisen said that during the five-week period, it is hoped that a unity government would be formed as part of a reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas.
Neither party currently recognizes their respective governments.
If a national unity government is not formed before August 10, the "leadership will look for alternatives," Muhaisen said, without providing further details.
A source told Ma'an Sunday that PECDAR chief Mohammad Eshtayyeh may be likely to succed Hamdallah.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abass signed the Palestinian Deposit Insurance Corporation Law in a ceremony attended by the Governor of Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA), Dr. Jihad Al Wazir, the heads of the Banking Sector and Association of Banks in Palestine, PMA said in a press release Sunday.
Dr. Alwazir described this step as a "historical achievement" for the state of Palestine in general, and for the PMA, the banking system in particular. He added that this institution will reinforce financial and banking stability and that its foundation at the appropriate time as the banking system is strong, stable and sound with high levels of equity and capital adequacy that is higher than recommended by the Basel Committee.
Dr. Al Wazir commended the President's support to maintaining financial stability in Palestine. He added that this law is the result of the intensive efforts in collaboration between the PMA, the Banking Association and World Bank experts.The law establishes The Palestine Deposit Insurance Corporation which aims at safeguarding small depositors, maintaining the stability of the banking system, and thus mobilizing more savings that would enable banks to play a better role in the economy. In particular, the corporation will minimize chances for financial crises by insuring 1.2 million depositors representing 93% of the depositors of licensed banks in Palestine. As per the law a percentage of insured deposits will be paid by the licensed banks in Palestine to the corporation, The Government will also contribute to the corporation's capital.
The PMA joined the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), which has more than 132 countries as members.
It's worth noting that The Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) is the emerging Central Bank of Palestine. Its overall purpose is to ensure price stability and contribute to the stability and effectiveness of the Palestinian financial system.
Dr. Alwazir described this step as a "historical achievement" for the state of Palestine in general, and for the PMA, the banking system in particular. He added that this institution will reinforce financial and banking stability and that its foundation at the appropriate time as the banking system is strong, stable and sound with high levels of equity and capital adequacy that is higher than recommended by the Basel Committee.
Dr. Al Wazir commended the President's support to maintaining financial stability in Palestine. He added that this law is the result of the intensive efforts in collaboration between the PMA, the Banking Association and World Bank experts.The law establishes The Palestine Deposit Insurance Corporation which aims at safeguarding small depositors, maintaining the stability of the banking system, and thus mobilizing more savings that would enable banks to play a better role in the economy. In particular, the corporation will minimize chances for financial crises by insuring 1.2 million depositors representing 93% of the depositors of licensed banks in Palestine. As per the law a percentage of insured deposits will be paid by the licensed banks in Palestine to the corporation, The Government will also contribute to the corporation's capital.
The PMA joined the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), which has more than 132 countries as members.
It's worth noting that The Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) is the emerging Central Bank of Palestine. Its overall purpose is to ensure price stability and contribute to the stability and effectiveness of the Palestinian financial system.
President Mahmoud Abbas received on Sunday, a phone call from Mohammad Assaf, the winner of Arab Idol, a TV singing contest broadcasted on the MBC.
Assaf thanked Abbas for his continued support which, according to him, had a significant impact on his success. He also thanked Abbas for offering him a position of Palestine goodwill ambassador with diplomatic standing.
Assaf told Abbas that he looks forward to meet him when visiting the West Bank.
It's worth mentioning that Assaf will be visiting West Bank early in July, where he will be performing three shows in West Bank cities: Bethlehem, Ramallah and Nablus.
Assaf thanked Abbas for his continued support which, according to him, had a significant impact on his success. He also thanked Abbas for offering him a position of Palestine goodwill ambassador with diplomatic standing.
Assaf told Abbas that he looks forward to meet him when visiting the West Bank.
It's worth mentioning that Assaf will be visiting West Bank early in July, where he will be performing three shows in West Bank cities: Bethlehem, Ramallah and Nablus.
23 june 2013
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said that the West Bank Prime Minister's resignation reflects the depth of the true crisis experienced by PA institutions. Barhoum said in a press statement on Sunday that the resignation of Hamdallah is due to disagreements within the PA and power struggles that represent the main cause behind the obstruction of the reconciliation process.
He said: "This resignation should serve as a dividing line between the stage of the deterioration of PA institutions and the stage of its reconstruction on democratic basis.”
“This can be achieved only with the actual application of all the terms of the Cairo Agreement; including the formation of national consensus government that will end the division and protect the people's interests."
Official sources reported that the President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday accepted the resignation of newly-appointed Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, after the two met twice in al-Muqata'a headquarters in Ramallah during the past two days and Abbas failed to persuade Hamdallah to withdraw his resignation.
The PA's official news agency reported that Abbas has asked Hamdallah to stay on as caretaker Prime Minister until a successor is sworn in.
Hamdallah tendered his resignation on Thursday only two weeks after his government was sworn in, due to a power struggle between Hamdallah and his two deputies – Muhammad Mustafa and Ziad Abu Amr – who were appointed by Abbas.
He said: "This resignation should serve as a dividing line between the stage of the deterioration of PA institutions and the stage of its reconstruction on democratic basis.”
“This can be achieved only with the actual application of all the terms of the Cairo Agreement; including the formation of national consensus government that will end the division and protect the people's interests."
Official sources reported that the President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday accepted the resignation of newly-appointed Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, after the two met twice in al-Muqata'a headquarters in Ramallah during the past two days and Abbas failed to persuade Hamdallah to withdraw his resignation.
The PA's official news agency reported that Abbas has asked Hamdallah to stay on as caretaker Prime Minister until a successor is sworn in.
Hamdallah tendered his resignation on Thursday only two weeks after his government was sworn in, due to a power struggle between Hamdallah and his two deputies – Muhammad Mustafa and Ziad Abu Amr – who were appointed by Abbas.
The International Criminal Court head prosecutor believes Palestine qualifies to join the ICC after the UN General Assembly voted to admit the country as a non-member state in November.
Fatou Bensouda made the remarks Thursday at the Transitional Justice and International Justice in the Arab World conference in Tunisia, Palestinian officials who attended it said.
Palestinian justice minister Ali Muhanna attended the conference and handed Bensouda a letter on behalf of the Palestinian government.
The conference included expert opinions in matters of transitional justice and its processes in Arab countries, and the role of International Criminal Court in the region.
Fatou Bensouda made the remarks Thursday at the Transitional Justice and International Justice in the Arab World conference in Tunisia, Palestinian officials who attended it said.
Palestinian justice minister Ali Muhanna attended the conference and handed Bensouda a letter on behalf of the Palestinian government.
The conference included expert opinions in matters of transitional justice and its processes in Arab countries, and the role of International Criminal Court in the region.
Acting Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas has officially accepted the resignation of newly-appointed Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.
“The president accepted the resignation of the prime minister and designated him to head an interim government,” Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdaineh said on Sunday.
A senior Palestinian Authority source also said that Abbas had made the decision “after he refused to work with two deputies.”
Two weeks after taking office, Hamdallah on June 20 submitted his resignation to Abbas due to a “dispute over his powers” and “outside interferences in his powers and duties.”
Hamdallah is a UK-educated professor of linguistics who has been president of Al-Najah University in the occupied West Bank since 1998.
Analysts believe that Hamdallah’s offer to resign signals disarray within the Palestinian Authority.
Following the announcement, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said, “Hamdallah’s resignation indicates that unilateral steps remain weak, are useless and do not resolve the internal Palestinian problem… The solution is not in having many governments. It is in the implementing the reconciliation agreement.”
On June 6, Hamdallah replaced Salam Fayyad, who resigned in April after a weeks-long row with Fatah party, led by Abbas, over the issue of economic policies.
Abbas Accepts Resignation of Prime Minister Hamdallah
President Mahmoud Abbas accepted the resignation of newly-appointed prime minister Rami Hamdallah, who has been in office for less than a month, and asked him to stay on as a caretaker government until a new one is formed, presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said Sunday. President Mahmoud Abbas has asked Rami Hamdallah, president of Najah National University, on June third to form a new government following the resignation of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad
“The president accepted the resignation of the prime minister and designated him to head an interim government,” Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdaineh said on Sunday.
A senior Palestinian Authority source also said that Abbas had made the decision “after he refused to work with two deputies.”
Two weeks after taking office, Hamdallah on June 20 submitted his resignation to Abbas due to a “dispute over his powers” and “outside interferences in his powers and duties.”
Hamdallah is a UK-educated professor of linguistics who has been president of Al-Najah University in the occupied West Bank since 1998.
Analysts believe that Hamdallah’s offer to resign signals disarray within the Palestinian Authority.
Following the announcement, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said, “Hamdallah’s resignation indicates that unilateral steps remain weak, are useless and do not resolve the internal Palestinian problem… The solution is not in having many governments. It is in the implementing the reconciliation agreement.”
On June 6, Hamdallah replaced Salam Fayyad, who resigned in April after a weeks-long row with Fatah party, led by Abbas, over the issue of economic policies.
Abbas Accepts Resignation of Prime Minister Hamdallah
President Mahmoud Abbas accepted the resignation of newly-appointed prime minister Rami Hamdallah, who has been in office for less than a month, and asked him to stay on as a caretaker government until a new one is formed, presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said Sunday. President Mahmoud Abbas has asked Rami Hamdallah, president of Najah National University, on June third to form a new government following the resignation of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad
Mohammad Assaf, the first Palestinian to win the popular Arab Idol TV singing contest, will also become the UN's first Palestinian goodwill ambassador.
A diplomatic source in Beirut, where MBC's Arab Idol is filmed, told Ma'an the agreement was signed days ago to make Assaf the first-ever Palestinian refugee to become a goodwill UN ambassador, becoming the Palestine refugee agency UNRWA's first-ever regional youth ambassador, the source said Saturday.
"A man with a golden voice is going to take the Palestinians' voice to the universe. At long last, a fantastic story out of Gaza that will touch the hearts of the world," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the ambassadorship had not yet been announced.
"It is is a wonderful day for Palestine and for the UN."
Thousands of Palestinians across the West Bank and Gaza celebrated in the streets late Saturday after the judges announced this year's winner. They also launched fireworks.
Assaf, a 23-year-old from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, has become a household name in Palestine.
In an interview as he prepared for the final stages of the show, he thanked his fans in Palestine for their support.
"If I keep thanking you forever it is never enough," Assaf said, promising to do his best to keep entertaining his fans.
He also thanked Palestinian leaders for their encouragement, particularly those who came to Beirut to watch him perform in the show.
"Their presence gave me more energy to move on and sing better and represent Palestine in its beautiful image," he said.
As he succeeded in the final stages of the show, Assaf received phone calls from President Mahmoud Abbas and former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
The president urged Palestinian communities across the world to vote for Assaf, and instructed the PA Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact embassies to mobilize support for the Arab Idol star.
Assaf said he would first return to his home in the Gaza Strip after the competition and later perform three shows in West Bank cities.
Hamas MP praises Arab Idol winner's 'thankfulness to God'
A Hamas MP praised Muhammad Assaf for becoming the first Palestinian to win the popular TV competition Arab Idol on Saturday night via Facebook.
MP Yahya Mousa posted on his Facebook page that he welcomed Assaf’s thanks to God and his kneeling to the ground as though in prayer when he was announced the winner.
Assaf won Arab Idol and dedicated his winning to the Palestinian people.
Later it was announced that he was to be made the first Palestinian refugee ambassador for UNRWA, the UN agency tasked with providing services to Palestinian refugees in Palestine and the Middle East.
Assaf, a 23-year-old from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, has become a household name in Palestine.
A diplomatic source in Beirut, where MBC's Arab Idol is filmed, told Ma'an the agreement was signed days ago to make Assaf the first-ever Palestinian refugee to become a goodwill UN ambassador, becoming the Palestine refugee agency UNRWA's first-ever regional youth ambassador, the source said Saturday.
"A man with a golden voice is going to take the Palestinians' voice to the universe. At long last, a fantastic story out of Gaza that will touch the hearts of the world," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the ambassadorship had not yet been announced.
"It is is a wonderful day for Palestine and for the UN."
Thousands of Palestinians across the West Bank and Gaza celebrated in the streets late Saturday after the judges announced this year's winner. They also launched fireworks.
Assaf, a 23-year-old from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, has become a household name in Palestine.
In an interview as he prepared for the final stages of the show, he thanked his fans in Palestine for their support.
"If I keep thanking you forever it is never enough," Assaf said, promising to do his best to keep entertaining his fans.
He also thanked Palestinian leaders for their encouragement, particularly those who came to Beirut to watch him perform in the show.
"Their presence gave me more energy to move on and sing better and represent Palestine in its beautiful image," he said.
As he succeeded in the final stages of the show, Assaf received phone calls from President Mahmoud Abbas and former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
The president urged Palestinian communities across the world to vote for Assaf, and instructed the PA Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact embassies to mobilize support for the Arab Idol star.
Assaf said he would first return to his home in the Gaza Strip after the competition and later perform three shows in West Bank cities.
Hamas MP praises Arab Idol winner's 'thankfulness to God'
A Hamas MP praised Muhammad Assaf for becoming the first Palestinian to win the popular TV competition Arab Idol on Saturday night via Facebook.
MP Yahya Mousa posted on his Facebook page that he welcomed Assaf’s thanks to God and his kneeling to the ground as though in prayer when he was announced the winner.
Assaf won Arab Idol and dedicated his winning to the Palestinian people.
Later it was announced that he was to be made the first Palestinian refugee ambassador for UNRWA, the UN agency tasked with providing services to Palestinian refugees in Palestine and the Middle East.
Assaf, a 23-year-old from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, has become a household name in Palestine.
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Jubilant Palestinians took to the streets in their thousands early Sunday after singer Mohammed Assaf won a pan-Arab singing contest that has had millions of viewers fixed to their TV screens since March.
Saturday's televised victory was the first such success for a Palestinian entertainer and sparked an unprecedented response in the occupied territories. Assaf, winner of the Arab Idol contest in Beirut, dedicated the win to "the Palestinian people, who have been suffering for more than 60 years from (Israeli) occupation". "Mohammed Assaf is the Arab Idol!" called out the presenter of the show, modeled on the |
Western Pop Idol contest, as colored confetti rained down on the cheering audience.
Immediately after his win, Assaf was named Youth Ambassador for UNRWA, the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees and named Palestinian goodwill ambassador by president Mahmud Abbas.
The handsome, tuxedo-clad Assaf, 23, won after weeks of anticipation from his army of followers, who had been glued to big screens in cafes and restaurants across Gaza and the occupied West Bank, listening as his powerful voice propelled him through the competition every weekend.
His mother, wearing a traditional Palestinian embroidered dress, wept as she wrapped the Palestinian black, green, white and red flag around her shoulders.
Spontaneous celebrations broke out in Gaza, Assaf's home, and in the West Bank, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets.
Huge posters of the Gaza singer have festooned the streets, the singer becoming a source of pride for Palestinians everywhere in recent months.
Each edition of the twice-weekly show, aired by the pan-Arab MBC channel in Beirut, has been followed with increasing anticipation, with social networks mobilizing to boost the number of votes for their favored candidate.
In the West Bank town of Ramallah the celebrations after the final results were announced spread to the tomb of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
"The mood is indescribable. Everyone is celebrating. Thank you, Mohammed Assaf, for bringing joy to our hearts. We haven't felt this joy in a long time," Gaza resident Mohammad Dahman told AFP via the Internet.
In Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, celebrations turned sour as young Palestinians clashed with Israeli police. Several people were arrested.
In northern Lebanon, Palestinian refugees in the Beddawi camp fired gunshots into the air and took to the streets, honking their car horns to celebrate Assaf's win.
Across the southern city of Sidon, there were celebrations too, said an AFP journalist.
Born in Misrata, Libya, Assaf grew up in the overcrowded Khan Yunis refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, one of the world's poorest and most densely-populated places where Israel severely restricts the movement of people, goods and financial aid.
The Islamist Hamas movement, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, disapproves of what it considers un-Islamic shows, such as Arab Idol, but has not officially clamped down on support for Arab Idol or Assaf.
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas phoned Assaf during the contest to offer him encouragement, the official Wafa agency said.
In a previous episode of the programme, popular Lebanese singer and jury member Ragheb Alama had described Assaf as "the best rocket" to have come out of Gaza, and as "a rocket of peace, not war".
Announcing Assaf's nomination as regional ambassador for youth minutes after his win, the agency's chief Filippo Grandi said: "All Palestinians share in his success. Mohammed's music is a universal language and speaks to all of us. How fantastic that a Palestine refugee from Gaza should bring us all together in this way."
On the Israeli side, army spokesman Avichai Adraee congratulated the young Palestinian singer in a tweet in Arabic.
Israel imposed a land, sea and air blockade on Gaza in 2006 after militants there seized an Israeli soldier.
It was further tightened in mid-2007 when the Islamist Hamas movement took control of Gaza, then eased somewhat following the international outcry after Israel's botched raid on a humanitarian flotilla bound the enclave.
Immediately after his win, Assaf was named Youth Ambassador for UNRWA, the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees and named Palestinian goodwill ambassador by president Mahmud Abbas.
The handsome, tuxedo-clad Assaf, 23, won after weeks of anticipation from his army of followers, who had been glued to big screens in cafes and restaurants across Gaza and the occupied West Bank, listening as his powerful voice propelled him through the competition every weekend.
His mother, wearing a traditional Palestinian embroidered dress, wept as she wrapped the Palestinian black, green, white and red flag around her shoulders.
Spontaneous celebrations broke out in Gaza, Assaf's home, and in the West Bank, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets.
Huge posters of the Gaza singer have festooned the streets, the singer becoming a source of pride for Palestinians everywhere in recent months.
Each edition of the twice-weekly show, aired by the pan-Arab MBC channel in Beirut, has been followed with increasing anticipation, with social networks mobilizing to boost the number of votes for their favored candidate.
In the West Bank town of Ramallah the celebrations after the final results were announced spread to the tomb of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
"The mood is indescribable. Everyone is celebrating. Thank you, Mohammed Assaf, for bringing joy to our hearts. We haven't felt this joy in a long time," Gaza resident Mohammad Dahman told AFP via the Internet.
In Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, celebrations turned sour as young Palestinians clashed with Israeli police. Several people were arrested.
In northern Lebanon, Palestinian refugees in the Beddawi camp fired gunshots into the air and took to the streets, honking their car horns to celebrate Assaf's win.
Across the southern city of Sidon, there were celebrations too, said an AFP journalist.
Born in Misrata, Libya, Assaf grew up in the overcrowded Khan Yunis refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, one of the world's poorest and most densely-populated places where Israel severely restricts the movement of people, goods and financial aid.
The Islamist Hamas movement, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, disapproves of what it considers un-Islamic shows, such as Arab Idol, but has not officially clamped down on support for Arab Idol or Assaf.
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas phoned Assaf during the contest to offer him encouragement, the official Wafa agency said.
In a previous episode of the programme, popular Lebanese singer and jury member Ragheb Alama had described Assaf as "the best rocket" to have come out of Gaza, and as "a rocket of peace, not war".
Announcing Assaf's nomination as regional ambassador for youth minutes after his win, the agency's chief Filippo Grandi said: "All Palestinians share in his success. Mohammed's music is a universal language and speaks to all of us. How fantastic that a Palestine refugee from Gaza should bring us all together in this way."
On the Israeli side, army spokesman Avichai Adraee congratulated the young Palestinian singer in a tweet in Arabic.
Israel imposed a land, sea and air blockade on Gaza in 2006 after militants there seized an Israeli soldier.
It was further tightened in mid-2007 when the Islamist Hamas movement took control of Gaza, then eased somewhat following the international outcry after Israel's botched raid on a humanitarian flotilla bound the enclave.
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The 23-year-old Palestinian Mohammad Assaf, from a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, has won Saturday night, the Arab Idol TV singing contest, that was broadcasted on MBC channel.
Assaf dedicated his winning to the Palestinian people, from Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem, who has been suffering for 60 years in the historic Palestine. Assaf thanked everyone who supported and voted for him and also thanked his parents, who continued to support and pray for him. The UNRWA, the Palestine refugee agency, made Assaf the UN's first Palestinian goodwill ambassador for peace. The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Assaf through MBC and offered him a position of "diplomatic standing." Thousands of people across Palestine and the Arab world celebrated in the streets after Assaf was announced this year's Arab Idol winner. They launched fireworks and raised Palestinian flags and Kuffiyeh and they were all happy, proud, and united. It's worth noting that Assaf will perform three shows in West Bank cities as soon as he returns to the Gaza Strip after the competition. |
Abbas: Assaf’s Winning of Arab Idol Title Example of Palestinian Uniqueness
President Mahmoud Abbas Sunday described Mohammad Assaf’s winning of the Arab Idol title on Saturday as an example of Palestinian youth’s creativity and distinguished abilities when they are given the chance to express their people’s suffering. During a meeting with Abbas and Algerian novelist and critic Wasini al-Araj in the presidential head quarters in Ramallah, Abbas stressed that culture and art are the true measures of the progress and advancement of the nations and a proof of the extent of love and peace among humans.
Abbas assured his ultimate support to culture and art, which transferred the suffering of the Palestinian people under the Israeli occupation to the world as well as gave hope of a better future and of an independent Palestinian state for the Palestinian people.
For his part, al-Araj told WAFA that Assaf’s winning of the Arab Idol title proves the Palestinian desire to co-exist and compete.
He said that Assaf’s winning also proves the Palestinian people’s ability to achieve unity despite all the difficult circumstances they are going through, “Which I clearly saw during my current visit to Palestine,” he said.
Mohammed Assaf, who is a Palestinian refugee of Khan Yunis camp in the Gaza Strip, is a singer well known for being the winner of Arab Idol, a Beirut, Lebanon-based talent show hosted on the MBC network.
He was given the nickname Asaroukh (The Rocket) by Lebanese singer and Arab Idol judge Ragheb Alama.
Assaf was named a goodwill ambassador for youth by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He was also offered a position of Palestine goodwill ambassador with diplomatic standing by Abbas.
President Mahmoud Abbas Sunday described Mohammad Assaf’s winning of the Arab Idol title on Saturday as an example of Palestinian youth’s creativity and distinguished abilities when they are given the chance to express their people’s suffering. During a meeting with Abbas and Algerian novelist and critic Wasini al-Araj in the presidential head quarters in Ramallah, Abbas stressed that culture and art are the true measures of the progress and advancement of the nations and a proof of the extent of love and peace among humans.
Abbas assured his ultimate support to culture and art, which transferred the suffering of the Palestinian people under the Israeli occupation to the world as well as gave hope of a better future and of an independent Palestinian state for the Palestinian people.
For his part, al-Araj told WAFA that Assaf’s winning of the Arab Idol title proves the Palestinian desire to co-exist and compete.
He said that Assaf’s winning also proves the Palestinian people’s ability to achieve unity despite all the difficult circumstances they are going through, “Which I clearly saw during my current visit to Palestine,” he said.
Mohammed Assaf, who is a Palestinian refugee of Khan Yunis camp in the Gaza Strip, is a singer well known for being the winner of Arab Idol, a Beirut, Lebanon-based talent show hosted on the MBC network.
He was given the nickname Asaroukh (The Rocket) by Lebanese singer and Arab Idol judge Ragheb Alama.
Assaf was named a goodwill ambassador for youth by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He was also offered a position of Palestine goodwill ambassador with diplomatic standing by Abbas.
22 june 2013
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya said that Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi intends to convene an international conference soon on occupied Jerusalem in Cairo.
Premier Haneyya made his remarks in a graduation ceremony held on Friday evening by the nursing faculty at the Islamic university in the Gaza Strip. Haneyya stated that the issue of Jerusalem and its exposure to Israeli violations were tabled extensively during the meetings that were held recently by a delegation from Hamas with the Egyptian president and the Turkish premier during their visits to Cairo and Ankara.
The Palestinian premier, who was among the delegation that visited some regional countries, said that Morsi promised them to convene a conference in support of Jerusalem in Cairo, noting that the issue of Jerusalem was also addressed during their meeting with the Turkish premier.
He affirmed that Turkish premier Recep Erdogan, in turn, pledged to support the Islamic study sessions that are held at the Aqsa Mosque and raise the number of participating students.
The Palestinian premier also reviewed some of the Israeli Judaization activities which he said are aimed at erasing the Arab-Palestinian culture of the holy city and defiling the Aqsa Mosque.
Premier Haneyya made his remarks in a graduation ceremony held on Friday evening by the nursing faculty at the Islamic university in the Gaza Strip. Haneyya stated that the issue of Jerusalem and its exposure to Israeli violations were tabled extensively during the meetings that were held recently by a delegation from Hamas with the Egyptian president and the Turkish premier during their visits to Cairo and Ankara.
The Palestinian premier, who was among the delegation that visited some regional countries, said that Morsi promised them to convene a conference in support of Jerusalem in Cairo, noting that the issue of Jerusalem was also addressed during their meeting with the Turkish premier.
He affirmed that Turkish premier Recep Erdogan, in turn, pledged to support the Islamic study sessions that are held at the Aqsa Mosque and raise the number of participating students.
The Palestinian premier also reviewed some of the Israeli Judaization activities which he said are aimed at erasing the Arab-Palestinian culture of the holy city and defiling the Aqsa Mosque.
Palestinian premier in Gaza Ismail Haneyya received Dr. Mustafa Al-Barghouthi, the secretary general of the Mubadara (initiative) party, on Friday evening. Haneyya discussed with Barghouthi, who is also coordinator of freedoms committee in the West Bank, a number of Palestinian issues.
The discussion focused on Palestinian reconciliation and means of pushing it forward. Hanneya congratulated Barghouthi on the occasion of the Mubadara inception anniversary.
The discussion focused on Palestinian reconciliation and means of pushing it forward. Hanneya congratulated Barghouthi on the occasion of the Mubadara inception anniversary.
