17 mar 2013
Mashaal stresses Hamas's respect for Egypt's interests
Head of Hamas's political bureau Khaled Mashaal met on Saturday evening with General Guide of the Muslim brotherhood Mohamed Badie in Cairo. A press release issued by the Muslim brotherhood stated that the two parties tabled during their meeting some issues of mutual interest, most importantly, the Palestinian reconciliation, Jerusalem and the situation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Mashaal, for his part, reiterated his Movement's respect for Egypt's national security and interests and its keenness on not interfering in any way in its internal affairs.
He affirmed that Egypt has always been supportive of the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people are appreciative of the sacrifices made by its army for Palestine.
The Hamas official told Badie that he is in constant contact with the Egyptian leadership and there are channels of cooperation that serve the national security of both sides.
The meeting was also attended by Hamas officials Osama Hamdan and Mohamed Naser.
Mashaal, for his part, reiterated his Movement's respect for Egypt's national security and interests and its keenness on not interfering in any way in its internal affairs.
He affirmed that Egypt has always been supportive of the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people are appreciative of the sacrifices made by its army for Palestine.
The Hamas official told Badie that he is in constant contact with the Egyptian leadership and there are channels of cooperation that serve the national security of both sides.
The meeting was also attended by Hamas officials Osama Hamdan and Mohamed Naser.
Khansa of Palestine "MP Mariam Farahat" passes away
Palestinian lawmaker Mariam Farahat, known as Khansa of Palestine, passed away at dawn Sunday at age 64 after long struggle with illness. MP Farahat returned on Saturday evening to the Gaza Strip following a long treatment journey in Cairo, where doctors had affirmed her suffering from severe liver cirrhosis and intestinal inflammation.
At night, she was rushed to Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza after a sharp decline in her health status before she was declared dead at dawn Sunday.
According to the Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Gaza, Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya, deputy speaker of the legislative council Ahmed Baher and Hamas leader Mahmoud Al-Zahhar as well as hundreds of citizens flocked into the hospital to check on Farahat's health status before her death.
Farahat was a widow and a mother of six sons and four daughters and nicknamed "Khansa of Palestine" to honor her legendary steadfastness and endurance after she lost three of her sons in resistance activities against the Israeli occupation. Another son of hers was also jailed for 11 years in Israeli jails.
All her sons are members of the Hamas armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades.
As Khansa of Palestine, she was the spiritual mother of all young resistance fighters looking after them every night as they were in the front line, serving food and drink to them and supplicating God for them.
Her house was also bombed four times by Israeli warplanes and she was the first Arab mother who appeared in a video recording in 2002 showing her bidding farewell to her son Mohamed before he carried out a martyrdom operation in Atzmona settlement.
Farahat has been one of the prominent icons of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Hamas Movement and will definitely be missed by all.
At night, she was rushed to Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza after a sharp decline in her health status before she was declared dead at dawn Sunday.
According to the Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Gaza, Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya, deputy speaker of the legislative council Ahmed Baher and Hamas leader Mahmoud Al-Zahhar as well as hundreds of citizens flocked into the hospital to check on Farahat's health status before her death.
Farahat was a widow and a mother of six sons and four daughters and nicknamed "Khansa of Palestine" to honor her legendary steadfastness and endurance after she lost three of her sons in resistance activities against the Israeli occupation. Another son of hers was also jailed for 11 years in Israeli jails.
All her sons are members of the Hamas armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades.
As Khansa of Palestine, she was the spiritual mother of all young resistance fighters looking after them every night as they were in the front line, serving food and drink to them and supplicating God for them.
Her house was also bombed four times by Israeli warplanes and she was the first Arab mother who appeared in a video recording in 2002 showing her bidding farewell to her son Mohamed before he carried out a martyrdom operation in Atzmona settlement.
Farahat has been one of the prominent icons of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Hamas Movement and will definitely be missed by all.
Two rallies to commemorate Land Day
The central council of the higher Arab committee in 1948 occupied land decided to organize two rallies on the occasion of Land Day on 30th March in Sakhnin and Negev. It said in a press release on Saturday that a series of rallies and marches would be organized on the occasion that would focus this year on the Israeli authorities’ targeting of Negev land where hundreds of thousands of Dunums are threatened with confiscation and dozens of Arab villages threatened with obliteration with the subsequent dislocation of thousands of Arabs from their lands and villages.
The committee called for organizing various rallies and activities on the occasion and allocating teaching hours at Arab schools to remember the occasion in its capacity as a turning point in the Arab struggle in defense of their land.
The statement said that the occasion would be exploited to boost national unity in face of “Zionist schemes” that target the very existence, rights, and legitimacy of the Arab masses.
The committee called for organizing various rallies and activities on the occasion and allocating teaching hours at Arab schools to remember the occasion in its capacity as a turning point in the Arab struggle in defense of their land.
The statement said that the occasion would be exploited to boost national unity in face of “Zionist schemes” that target the very existence, rights, and legitimacy of the Arab masses.
16 mar 2013
Haneyya: Gaza will remain a shield for Egyptian security
Palestinian premier in Gaza Strip Ismail Haneyya said that Gaza would continue to serve as a shield for the security and stability of Egypt. Haneyya, in a telephone conversation with Al-Sayyed Al-Badawi the leader of the Egyptian Wafd party, said that the Palestinian people appreciate the Egyptian army sacrifices in defense of Palestine.
Badawi, who reached Haneyya over the phone, apologized to Haneyya over the Egyptian media campaign against Hamas, which is trying to involve Hamas in Egyptian internal affairs.
He said that Hamas is a symbol of steadfastness and resistance and it is in the heart of all Egyptians.
Badawi hoped that the campaign would not affect the solid relationship between the Palestinian and Egyptian peoples and relations with Hamas in particular.
Badawi, who reached Haneyya over the phone, apologized to Haneyya over the Egyptian media campaign against Hamas, which is trying to involve Hamas in Egyptian internal affairs.
He said that Hamas is a symbol of steadfastness and resistance and it is in the heart of all Egyptians.
Badawi hoped that the campaign would not affect the solid relationship between the Palestinian and Egyptian peoples and relations with Hamas in particular.
Euro-mid welcomes putting key Palestinian issues on HRC's agenda
The Euro-mid observer for human rights welcomed the UN human rights council's intention to table key issues related to the Palestinian affairs during its 22nd round of meetings currently taking place in Geneva.
In a press release on Saturday, the Euro-mid observer said that the UN human rights council would table five draft resolutions pertaining to the human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel's violations against the Palestinians, especially with regard to the prisoners, the settlement activities and Goldstone report.
Amani Sinwar, the regional director of the observer, stated that the human rights groups and the Palestinian people look forward to the day of the vote on these resolutions and to see real international will ending Israel's injustice and suppression against the Palestinians.
In a press release on Saturday, the Euro-mid observer said that the UN human rights council would table five draft resolutions pertaining to the human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel's violations against the Palestinians, especially with regard to the prisoners, the settlement activities and Goldstone report.
Amani Sinwar, the regional director of the observer, stated that the human rights groups and the Palestinian people look forward to the day of the vote on these resolutions and to see real international will ending Israel's injustice and suppression against the Palestinians.
Egypt wary of scheme to assassinate Hamas leaders on its territory
Well informed Egyptian security sources have warned of a scheme to assassinate Hamas leaders on Egyptian soil in a bid to escalate tension between Egypt and Hamas.
The sources, who would not reveal their identity, told Quds Press on Saturday that Egyptian security agencies summoned a number of former PA security agents currently residing in Cairo over the past few weeks.
They explained that those agents were suspected of monitoring a number of Hamas leaders.
The sources said that Cairo would not accept any attempt to fuel tensions further in Egypt, but would not divulge the party masterminding such a scheme.
Around 4,000 former PA security elements, especially of the preventive security in Gaza, were currently residing in Egypt after fleeing the coastal enclave in the wake of Hamas’s takeover in 2006.
The sources, who would not reveal their identity, told Quds Press on Saturday that Egyptian security agencies summoned a number of former PA security agents currently residing in Cairo over the past few weeks.
They explained that those agents were suspected of monitoring a number of Hamas leaders.
The sources said that Cairo would not accept any attempt to fuel tensions further in Egypt, but would not divulge the party masterminding such a scheme.
Around 4,000 former PA security elements, especially of the preventive security in Gaza, were currently residing in Egypt after fleeing the coastal enclave in the wake of Hamas’s takeover in 2006.
14 mar 2013
Interior Ministry: Israeli accusations reflect an Israeli state of confusion
The Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza stated that the Israeli accusations against the Interior Minister Fathi Hamad reflect the Israeli state of turmoil and confusion as a result of the Ministry's campaign against collaborators with the occupation.
The occupation authorities have accused Hamad and a number of officials in the Gaza government of planning to carry out operations against occupation from the West Bank in a violation of the truce agreement in November, as they claimed.
The malicious Israeli accusations against Interior Minister Fathi Hamad came as a result of the Israeli state of confusion especially after the Ministry's campaign against the occupation's collaborators and the Ministry's success to undermine the Israeli Intelligence attempts in the strip, the Ministry declared in its statement.
Such Israeli accusations and threats would never succeed to deter the Minister Hamad to continue his national duty in protecting the Palestinian people and resistance, the Ministry declared in its statements.
The Palestinian Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip has launched a campaign to encourage collaborators to give themselves up on condition that they agree to undergo rehabilitation. Ministry spokesman Islam Shahwan told a press conference on Tuesday that the campaign is the final stage of the victory against Israel's November war on civilians in Gaza.
The occupation authorities have accused Hamad and a number of officials in the Gaza government of planning to carry out operations against occupation from the West Bank in a violation of the truce agreement in November, as they claimed.
The malicious Israeli accusations against Interior Minister Fathi Hamad came as a result of the Israeli state of confusion especially after the Ministry's campaign against the occupation's collaborators and the Ministry's success to undermine the Israeli Intelligence attempts in the strip, the Ministry declared in its statement.
Such Israeli accusations and threats would never succeed to deter the Minister Hamad to continue his national duty in protecting the Palestinian people and resistance, the Ministry declared in its statements.
The Palestinian Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip has launched a campaign to encourage collaborators to give themselves up on condition that they agree to undergo rehabilitation. Ministry spokesman Islam Shahwan told a press conference on Tuesday that the campaign is the final stage of the victory against Israel's November war on civilians in Gaza.
Bardawil: Abbas suspends reconciliation due to Obama's upcoming visit
MP Dr. Salah Bardawil, a political leader in Hamas Movement, confirmed that the Palestinian reconciliation was suspended by the PA president Mahmoud Abbas, due to the upcoming U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to the region. During a political forum organized by the Islamic bloc at the Aqsa University in Khan Younis on Wednesday, MP Bardawil stressed the agreement on the major sticking points between Fatah and Hamas during Cairo talks, including the government, the elections, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), adding that there are still other problems in the security file that need some additional meetings to be resolved.
He stressed that the expected visit of the U.S. President to the region will not achieve anything for the Palestinians, considering it an American pressure on the PA to return to negotiations.
Bardawil confirmed that the PLO in its current shape needs to be restructured according to a Palestinian national vision that includes all political parties in the Palestinian arena to become a political authority for the Palestinian people.
Hamas does not interfere in the Egyptian affairs and we will not allow ourselves to interfere in them, he said concerning the Egyptian issue, accusing the suspicious media of tarnishing the movement's image among the Egyptian public.
Bardawil stressed that the entry of weapons into the Gaza Strip is not a crime, adding that nobody could prevent it.
He stressed that the expected visit of the U.S. President to the region will not achieve anything for the Palestinians, considering it an American pressure on the PA to return to negotiations.
Bardawil confirmed that the PLO in its current shape needs to be restructured according to a Palestinian national vision that includes all political parties in the Palestinian arena to become a political authority for the Palestinian people.
Hamas does not interfere in the Egyptian affairs and we will not allow ourselves to interfere in them, he said concerning the Egyptian issue, accusing the suspicious media of tarnishing the movement's image among the Egyptian public.
Bardawil stressed that the entry of weapons into the Gaza Strip is not a crime, adding that nobody could prevent it.
Abu Marzouk slams Al-Ahram newspaper as Israel's mouthpiece
Deputy head of Hamas's political bureau Moussa Abu Marzouk strongly denounced Al-Ahram Al-Arabi newspaper for accusing senior officials from the Movement of being responsible for the killing of 16 Egyptian soldiers six months ago. In a press statement to Quds Press, Abu Marzouk condemned what was reported recently by MBC Egypt about new accusations made by Al-Ahram newspaper in this regard, describing the newspaper as "Israel's mouthpiece."
"This newspaper is all the time trying to drive a wedge between the Palestinian and Egyptian peoples by fabricating such lies," Abu Marzouk said.
"These allegations are unfounded and such lies cannot be believed because Hamas have never targeted its enemy 'Israel' outside the Palestinian borders, so how would it be possible for it to target Egyptian soldiers outside its lands and to act militarily within the territory of beloved Egypt?, he stated.
The Hamas official affirmed that the Egyptian army did not accuse Hamas at all of being behind the incident, denying the newspaper's claims that Hamas figures were interrogated and that the Egyptian presidency received a report in this regard.
Bardawil calls for probe into PA forged letter sent to Egypt
Senior Hamas official Salah Al-Bardawil called on Mahmoud Abbas to investigate the involvement of some security apparatuses under his command in sending a fake document to the Egyptian media aimed at driving a wedge between Hamas and Egypt. In a press release, Bardawil affirmed that his Movement obtained a bogus document addressed by a Palestinian authority security agency to some Egyptian media outlets fabricating lies about the armed wing of Hamas Al-Qassam Brigades.
"We have a clear-cut forged document which the PA security in Ramallah has sent to some Egyptian media outlets, which in turn dealt with it extensively within an agenda targeting Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood," the Hamas official asserted.
"This letter went beyond the internal differences with the Hamas Movement because it worsens the Palestinian people's relations with Egypt and does not even serve partisan purposes," he stated.
"This forged document has exceeded the partisan machinations against Hamas and become a conspiracy against the Palestinian people, especially since it coincides with a similar Zionist smear campaign, which indicates that this dirty work is a Zionist intelligence intrigue," the official emphasized.
"This newspaper is all the time trying to drive a wedge between the Palestinian and Egyptian peoples by fabricating such lies," Abu Marzouk said.
"These allegations are unfounded and such lies cannot be believed because Hamas have never targeted its enemy 'Israel' outside the Palestinian borders, so how would it be possible for it to target Egyptian soldiers outside its lands and to act militarily within the territory of beloved Egypt?, he stated.
The Hamas official affirmed that the Egyptian army did not accuse Hamas at all of being behind the incident, denying the newspaper's claims that Hamas figures were interrogated and that the Egyptian presidency received a report in this regard.
Bardawil calls for probe into PA forged letter sent to Egypt
Senior Hamas official Salah Al-Bardawil called on Mahmoud Abbas to investigate the involvement of some security apparatuses under his command in sending a fake document to the Egyptian media aimed at driving a wedge between Hamas and Egypt. In a press release, Bardawil affirmed that his Movement obtained a bogus document addressed by a Palestinian authority security agency to some Egyptian media outlets fabricating lies about the armed wing of Hamas Al-Qassam Brigades.
"We have a clear-cut forged document which the PA security in Ramallah has sent to some Egyptian media outlets, which in turn dealt with it extensively within an agenda targeting Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood," the Hamas official asserted.
"This letter went beyond the internal differences with the Hamas Movement because it worsens the Palestinian people's relations with Egypt and does not even serve partisan purposes," he stated.
"This forged document has exceeded the partisan machinations against Hamas and become a conspiracy against the Palestinian people, especially since it coincides with a similar Zionist smear campaign, which indicates that this dirty work is a Zionist intelligence intrigue," the official emphasized.
13 mar 2013
Abu Marzouk: US warned PA against reconciling with Hamas
Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, the deputy political bureau chairman of Hamas, has said that his movement asked for postponing a meeting with Fatah that was slated for February 27 out of fear that differences might foil the meeting. He told Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai Al-Aam in an interview published on Wednesday that the US was threatening the Palestinian Authority that it would suspend its 450 million dollars aid if it went ahead in the reconciliation with Hamas.
He said that Washington was even threatening to pressure European countries to halt their aid for the same reason.
Responding to another question, Abu Marzouk said that opening Rafah terminal for goods as well as for passengers would terminate the need for tunnels.
US president Barack Obama is scheduled to visit the Middle East next week and would meet PA chief Mahmoud Abbas during his visit.
He said that Washington was even threatening to pressure European countries to halt their aid for the same reason.
Responding to another question, Abu Marzouk said that opening Rafah terminal for goods as well as for passengers would terminate the need for tunnels.
US president Barack Obama is scheduled to visit the Middle East next week and would meet PA chief Mahmoud Abbas during his visit.
12 mar 2013
Abu Zuhri hails Egyptian revolution coalition's initiative for reconciliation
Hamas spokesman Samir Abu Zuhri hailed the efforts being made by the Egyptian revolution youth coalition and their initiative for the Palestinian reconciliation. This came during a meeting between some Hamas officials and members from the coalition in Cairo on Monday.
Abu Zuhri stated that his Movement approves the Egyptian reconciliation initiative, noting that the initiative contained the same points which had been agreed upon between the Palestinian rivals in Cairo lately, but he said that Fatah faction always backtracks on the issues agreed upon.
He said the reconciliation process is at a stalemate, especially after the last meeting between the Palestinian factions in Cairo, explaining that Fatah retracted what had been agreed upon during its recent talks with Hamas, especially with regard to the formation of the national unity government and the electoral system.
For his part, Ayman Amer, coordinator of the 25 January revolution youth coalition, explained the efforts being made by the coalition to end the inter-Palestinian division and said Fatah accepted in principle its initiative in this regard.
Amer stated that the initiative calls for restructuring the Palestinian liberation organization (PLO), forming a transitional government of technocrats to run the affairs in the West Bank and Gaza and afterwards holding presidential, legislative and local elections so as for the Palestinian people to decide on their leadership, government, and parliament.
Abu Zuhri stated that his Movement approves the Egyptian reconciliation initiative, noting that the initiative contained the same points which had been agreed upon between the Palestinian rivals in Cairo lately, but he said that Fatah faction always backtracks on the issues agreed upon.
He said the reconciliation process is at a stalemate, especially after the last meeting between the Palestinian factions in Cairo, explaining that Fatah retracted what had been agreed upon during its recent talks with Hamas, especially with regard to the formation of the national unity government and the electoral system.
For his part, Ayman Amer, coordinator of the 25 January revolution youth coalition, explained the efforts being made by the coalition to end the inter-Palestinian division and said Fatah accepted in principle its initiative in this regard.
Amer stated that the initiative calls for restructuring the Palestinian liberation organization (PLO), forming a transitional government of technocrats to run the affairs in the West Bank and Gaza and afterwards holding presidential, legislative and local elections so as for the Palestinian people to decide on their leadership, government, and parliament.
Qasem: Dissolving the PA is the best solution to the Palestinian crisis
Palestinian political analyst Abdul-Sattar Qasem stated that the dissolution of the Palestinian authority (PA) would be the optimal solution to many crucial problems in the Palestinian arena. In a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC), Qasem affirmed that the solution lies in looking back on the roots of these problems, which are mainly caused by the PA and its security apparatuses.
He called for replacing the PA with a national panel administrating the daily life of the population in the West Bank, and creating a new national security system under the supervision of the Palestinian factions.
He also stated that the Palestinian reconciliation can never be achieved unless the roots of the national division have been addressed and the people who were responsible for it have been brought to justice.
"If the PA wanted to address the roots of the [inter-Palestinian] conflict, it would liquidate itself because if we wanted to prosecute those who caused it, a number of people would stand trial and the PA does not dare to do such thing, so the problem and the division will always be there, the analyst highlighted.
Commenting on the upcoming visit of the US president, Qasem opined that this visit would achieve nothing for the Palestinians and called on the PA not to pin hopes on it.
He said that the Palestinian cause would probably be the last thing on the agenda of the US president and the Israeli premier, adding that the number one issue to be discussed on their table would be related to Iran.
He called for replacing the PA with a national panel administrating the daily life of the population in the West Bank, and creating a new national security system under the supervision of the Palestinian factions.
He also stated that the Palestinian reconciliation can never be achieved unless the roots of the national division have been addressed and the people who were responsible for it have been brought to justice.
"If the PA wanted to address the roots of the [inter-Palestinian] conflict, it would liquidate itself because if we wanted to prosecute those who caused it, a number of people would stand trial and the PA does not dare to do such thing, so the problem and the division will always be there, the analyst highlighted.
Commenting on the upcoming visit of the US president, Qasem opined that this visit would achieve nothing for the Palestinians and called on the PA not to pin hopes on it.
He said that the Palestinian cause would probably be the last thing on the agenda of the US president and the Israeli premier, adding that the number one issue to be discussed on their table would be related to Iran.
11 mar 2013
Abu Zuhri: Media attempts to drive wedge between Hamas and Egypt will fail
Hamas affirmed on Monday that the media campaign of rumors and insults would not succeed in distorting the relationship between Hamas and Egypt. Describing such a relationship as deep and historic, Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, charged, in a statement to Quds Press, that Palestinian, Egyptian, Arab, and international parties were involved in this smear campaign.
He asked the Egyptian, Arab, and international media outlets to take news from the original sources and not to parrot media fabrications.
He regretted that a number of honest Egyptian media outlets had swum with the tide and published such fabrications, which he vehemently denied and affirmed that they would not affect the status of Hamas.
The spokesman renewed assertion that Hamas did not and would not interfere in any internal affair of any Arab country. “We would like to affirm that we are not involved in any internal Egyptian affair as we never were before involved in any internal Arab affair,” Abu Zuhri underlined.
He said that his movement was not preparing a counter media campaign, adding, “We could not care less about such (hostile) campaigns and we are confident that they would not besmirch the image of Hamas”.
Abu Zuhri said that Hamas is content with clarifying facts, pointing to his visit to Cairo last week where he was interviewed by a number of TV stations of various trends and explained his movement’s positions and refuted those rumors.
He asked the Egyptian, Arab, and international media outlets to take news from the original sources and not to parrot media fabrications.
He regretted that a number of honest Egyptian media outlets had swum with the tide and published such fabrications, which he vehemently denied and affirmed that they would not affect the status of Hamas.
The spokesman renewed assertion that Hamas did not and would not interfere in any internal affair of any Arab country. “We would like to affirm that we are not involved in any internal Egyptian affair as we never were before involved in any internal Arab affair,” Abu Zuhri underlined.
He said that his movement was not preparing a counter media campaign, adding, “We could not care less about such (hostile) campaigns and we are confident that they would not besmirch the image of Hamas”.
Abu Zuhri said that Hamas is content with clarifying facts, pointing to his visit to Cairo last week where he was interviewed by a number of TV stations of various trends and explained his movement’s positions and refuted those rumors.
UCI’s TABO Project Issues Title Deeds for 254 Dunums of Land in Palestine
UCI's TABO project marks a new compelling achievement after Mr. Khaled Al Sabawi, General Manager, has announced the completion of issuing 218 dunums worth of title deeds for TABO lands in the districts of Ramallah and Salfit. Mr. Al Sabawi explained that title deeds issued in the district of Ramallah were for 74 dunums in Kufr Ein and 25 dunums in Kobar. In Salfit district, an additional 119 dunums received title deeds in Farkha, after 36 title deeds were previously issued in Farkha and Broqeen. The title deeds issued by UCI's TABO project are the first ever title deeds to be in the history of these two towns. The accumulative number of titles issued through UCI's TABO project currently amount to 254 dunums of land.
UCI is currently completing all necessary procedures to finalize parcelizing the large title deeds into one dunum parcelized deeds, in order to transfer title deeds to customers' names. Mr. Al Sabawi stated: "Completing the issuance of title deeds for land parcels in these areas is considered a historical achievement for UCI, for our customers, and for Palestine. Additionally, UCI has realized the dream of hundreds of Palestinian families in Palestine and the Diaspora in owning a one dunum parcelized land with a title deed in their homeland, at an affordable price through easy interest-free financing plans directly with UCI."
Moreover, Mr. Al Sabawi spoke about the social dimensions of TABO, as it contributes to protecting Palestinian land from illegal Israeli confiscation and settlement expansion. Mr. Al Sabawi stated: "70% of land in the West Bank has no title deed, making it an easy target for illegal Israeli confiscation. Our TABO project works to issue official title deeds for our lands in the West Bank, thereby contributing in protecting the rights of their owners and preventing illegal settlement expansion." Mr. Al Sabawi also added: " The total number of title deeds issued for each parcel is only a portion of TABO's main plan and objective. It is expected that TABO will witness rapid expansion in the near future."
Due to increasing demand on TABO lands, UCI has recently offered a new master plan in Farkha and is simultaneously working on finalizing title deed issuance for all of its master plans in the governorates of Ramallah and Salfit. UCI's master plans now include infrastructure services including paving roads, street lighting and electricity for each parcel. Moreover, customers have the option of building homes or planting gardens through benefiting from these service packages offered by UCI.
This accomplishment reflects UCI's commitment to fulfilling the promises made to its customers and its perseverance in achieving its ultimate goal which is to elevate the Palestinian economy through expanding property rights and offering importance social projects.
Finally, Union Construction and Investment (UCI) is a leading Palestinian company in the field of real estate development. Established in 2005, UCI has changed the culture of Palestine's residential and commercial development. UCI has constructed landmark buildings including the environmentally friendly UCI Headquarters Building in the Masyoun Heights of Ramallah, the Arcadia Residential Complex, and the first residential housing project in the West Bank, the Etihad Villas.
UCI was selected by the Palestine Exchange as one of the four companies to reflect Jerusalem's indicator for the year 2012, for the real estate investment sector.
Additionally, UCI is the largest investor in sustainable urban development and the use of renewable energy. Through its award winning subsidiary, MENA Geothermal, UCI has installed energy saving geothermal heating & cooling systems in each of its residential and commercial projects. MENA Geothermal has been awarded the international prestigious Energy Globe Award for the year 2009 and 2012, and has been selected by Arabia 500 as one of the 500 most dynamic and fastest growing companies in the Middle East and North Africa.
UCI is currently completing all necessary procedures to finalize parcelizing the large title deeds into one dunum parcelized deeds, in order to transfer title deeds to customers' names. Mr. Al Sabawi stated: "Completing the issuance of title deeds for land parcels in these areas is considered a historical achievement for UCI, for our customers, and for Palestine. Additionally, UCI has realized the dream of hundreds of Palestinian families in Palestine and the Diaspora in owning a one dunum parcelized land with a title deed in their homeland, at an affordable price through easy interest-free financing plans directly with UCI."
Moreover, Mr. Al Sabawi spoke about the social dimensions of TABO, as it contributes to protecting Palestinian land from illegal Israeli confiscation and settlement expansion. Mr. Al Sabawi stated: "70% of land in the West Bank has no title deed, making it an easy target for illegal Israeli confiscation. Our TABO project works to issue official title deeds for our lands in the West Bank, thereby contributing in protecting the rights of their owners and preventing illegal settlement expansion." Mr. Al Sabawi also added: " The total number of title deeds issued for each parcel is only a portion of TABO's main plan and objective. It is expected that TABO will witness rapid expansion in the near future."
Due to increasing demand on TABO lands, UCI has recently offered a new master plan in Farkha and is simultaneously working on finalizing title deed issuance for all of its master plans in the governorates of Ramallah and Salfit. UCI's master plans now include infrastructure services including paving roads, street lighting and electricity for each parcel. Moreover, customers have the option of building homes or planting gardens through benefiting from these service packages offered by UCI.
This accomplishment reflects UCI's commitment to fulfilling the promises made to its customers and its perseverance in achieving its ultimate goal which is to elevate the Palestinian economy through expanding property rights and offering importance social projects.
Finally, Union Construction and Investment (UCI) is a leading Palestinian company in the field of real estate development. Established in 2005, UCI has changed the culture of Palestine's residential and commercial development. UCI has constructed landmark buildings including the environmentally friendly UCI Headquarters Building in the Masyoun Heights of Ramallah, the Arcadia Residential Complex, and the first residential housing project in the West Bank, the Etihad Villas.
UCI was selected by the Palestine Exchange as one of the four companies to reflect Jerusalem's indicator for the year 2012, for the real estate investment sector.
Additionally, UCI is the largest investor in sustainable urban development and the use of renewable energy. Through its award winning subsidiary, MENA Geothermal, UCI has installed energy saving geothermal heating & cooling systems in each of its residential and commercial projects. MENA Geothermal has been awarded the international prestigious Energy Globe Award for the year 2009 and 2012, and has been selected by Arabia 500 as one of the 500 most dynamic and fastest growing companies in the Middle East and North Africa.
10 mar 2013
Hamad: We continue efforts to remove 'Hamas' from terrorism list
Dr. Ghazi Hamad, Undersecretary of Gaza's Foreign Ministry, said that the image of the Palestinian government in Gaza and Hamas has changed, in the positive direction, in the minds of Arab and Western societies. Hamad stressed during TV program "Meeting with an official", organized by the Government Information Office on Sunday, that the international public opinion became convinced that the policies of blockade and political isolation imposed on the Gaza Strip are wrong and useless policies.
He explained that there are a number of obstacles facing strengthening the relationship with some European countries on the official level, as the internal Palestinian division, stressing that Gaza government has succeeded in attracting a number of countries.
Hamad said: "We are facing a big challenge represented in how to exploit the great wealth of financial and human resources in the Arab and Muslim world, in order to open up to the whole world."
He added: "We are currently working to put pressure on the major countries to remove 'Hamas movement' from the terrorism list," noting that this belief has been the reason behind isolating and politically boycotting the Gaza Strip for several years.
The Hamas official pointed out that the delegations visiting Gaza aim to unite the nation, and to support the Palestinian cause, the Palestinian legitimate rights and the national reconciliation. He expressed surprise at remarks by officials in Ramallah Authority, who are saying that these visits deepen the internal Palestinian division.
Gaza has become a destination for the solidarity delegations of parliamentarians, politicians, media professionals and athletes, as 240 delegations, comprising 6500 peace activists, have entered the Strip after the recent aggression, said Hamad, pointing that Gaza was visited by 913 solidarity activists in the past month.
He explained that there are a number of obstacles facing strengthening the relationship with some European countries on the official level, as the internal Palestinian division, stressing that Gaza government has succeeded in attracting a number of countries.
Hamad said: "We are facing a big challenge represented in how to exploit the great wealth of financial and human resources in the Arab and Muslim world, in order to open up to the whole world."
He added: "We are currently working to put pressure on the major countries to remove 'Hamas movement' from the terrorism list," noting that this belief has been the reason behind isolating and politically boycotting the Gaza Strip for several years.
The Hamas official pointed out that the delegations visiting Gaza aim to unite the nation, and to support the Palestinian cause, the Palestinian legitimate rights and the national reconciliation. He expressed surprise at remarks by officials in Ramallah Authority, who are saying that these visits deepen the internal Palestinian division.
Gaza has become a destination for the solidarity delegations of parliamentarians, politicians, media professionals and athletes, as 240 delegations, comprising 6500 peace activists, have entered the Strip after the recent aggression, said Hamad, pointing that Gaza was visited by 913 solidarity activists in the past month.
Radwan: Islamic Nation should unite in support of Palestine cause
Minister of Awqaf and religious affairs in Gaza Dr. Ismail Radwan has called for unity of the Islamic Nation in support of the Palestine cause and in defense of holy places in Palestine.
During a meeting in Gaza with Egyptian Salafi party leader, Radwan said that Palestine is the central cause for all Islamic countries, pointing to the dangers engulfing the Aqsa mosque and occupied Jerusalem as a result of Israel’s feverish Judaization efforts.
The minister also reviewed the suffering of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails and called for backing them with all means possible.
For his part, the Salafi leader Saeed Abdulazeem said that differences should not impede the Islamic Nation from supporting Palestine.
Liberating Palestine, Jerusalem, and the holy Aqsa mosque is the religious and national duty of all Muslims, he underlined.
During a meeting in Gaza with Egyptian Salafi party leader, Radwan said that Palestine is the central cause for all Islamic countries, pointing to the dangers engulfing the Aqsa mosque and occupied Jerusalem as a result of Israel’s feverish Judaization efforts.
The minister also reviewed the suffering of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails and called for backing them with all means possible.
For his part, the Salafi leader Saeed Abdulazeem said that differences should not impede the Islamic Nation from supporting Palestine.
Liberating Palestine, Jerusalem, and the holy Aqsa mosque is the religious and national duty of all Muslims, he underlined.
9 mar 2013
Zahhar: Third intifada inevitable
Political bureau member of Hamas Dr. Mahmoud Al-Zahhar has opined that a third Palestinian intifada against Israeli occupation was inevitable.
He said in a statement to Voice of the Aqsa radio station on Saturday that the new intifada would take place in all Palestinian cities and villages and would continue until defeat of occupation.
The Hamas leader said that the intifada would be similar to Gaza resistance in 2005 that ended occupation of the coastal enclave.
The Palestinian people would never give up its constants, Zahhar said, adding that this time the new intifada would pave the way for the liberation of Palestine.
He said in a statement to Voice of the Aqsa radio station on Saturday that the new intifada would take place in all Palestinian cities and villages and would continue until defeat of occupation.
The Hamas leader said that the intifada would be similar to Gaza resistance in 2005 that ended occupation of the coastal enclave.
The Palestinian people would never give up its constants, Zahhar said, adding that this time the new intifada would pave the way for the liberation of Palestine.
Swarms of locusts invade Mawasi area in Khan Younis
Palestinian eyewitnesses reported that swarms of locusts crossed into Khan Younis south of the Gaza Strip from Egypt. They added that the locusts invaded Al-Mawasi area west of Khan Younis.
Al-Mawasi area has the most fertile land in the Gaza Strip and is considered the agricultural basket of south Gaza.
The residents in the area appealed to the Palestinian authorities in Gaza to take action to save their agricultural lands from the locust plague.
For its part, the Palestinian ministry of agriculture said it stands ready to control any locust plague in Gaza.
Swarms of locusts had landed a few days ago in the east of Khan Younis, but it was not long before they left eastwards for the Negev desert region.
Al-Mawasi area has the most fertile land in the Gaza Strip and is considered the agricultural basket of south Gaza.
The residents in the area appealed to the Palestinian authorities in Gaza to take action to save their agricultural lands from the locust plague.
For its part, the Palestinian ministry of agriculture said it stands ready to control any locust plague in Gaza.
Swarms of locusts had landed a few days ago in the east of Khan Younis, but it was not long before they left eastwards for the Negev desert region.
8 mar 2013
Bardawil denies Egyptian President calling on Hamas to abandon resistance
Dr. Salah Bardawil, a Hamas leader, denied any Egyptian call on Hamas to abandon the armed resistance, stressing that these allegations aim to drive a wedge between Egypt and Hamas. Bardawil stressed in a press statement on Thursday that his movement would not give up its resistance option, adding that no one could think to call on the movement to abandon its resistance.
"Our Egyptian brothers respect and appreciate Palestinian resistance because resistance, in all its forms, is the legitimate right, so they did not make or think to make such a request," he added, pointing out that his movement does not interfere in any state's internal affairs, neither does it accept external interference in its affairs.
Yediot Ahronot, the Hebrew newspaper has claimed on Thursday that Egypt asked Hamas movement to abandon its armed resistance in order to gain international recognition.
"Our Egyptian brothers respect and appreciate Palestinian resistance because resistance, in all its forms, is the legitimate right, so they did not make or think to make such a request," he added, pointing out that his movement does not interfere in any state's internal affairs, neither does it accept external interference in its affairs.
Yediot Ahronot, the Hebrew newspaper has claimed on Thursday that Egypt asked Hamas movement to abandon its armed resistance in order to gain international recognition.
7 mar 2013
Abu Zuhri: Hamas respects Egypt, regardless of the ruling regime
Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for Hamas movement, declared that the movement's policy is based on resistance against the Israeli occupation in Palestine and not to intervene in the internal affairs of any Arab country, stressing Hamas's keenness to keep the Egyptian national security. Abu Zuhri, denied, during an interview with Egyptian Dream TV Channel on Thursday, the allegations that have proliferated recently about Hamas and its interference in internal Egyptian affairs.
Hamas was and still is adopting a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of States, as well as not to conduct resistance activities in other areas, Abu Zahri said, recalling that the 2008 war on Gaza was declared from Egypt during the Egyptian previous regime, saying that although the Egyptian former regime has besieged Hamas and the Palestinian people, the movement did not violate the Egyptian sovereignty.
He stressed that Hamas respects Egypt as a country, regardless of ruling regime, strongly denying that the movement or any of its leaders called on the Egyptian President to oppress the Egyptian opposition.
He stressed that it is a distortion campaign targeting the Palestinian resistance, revealing the involvement of an officer in the Preventive Security Service of the Fatah movement, named Ahmed Abdel Halim Abu Shawqa, from Ramallah, in publishing a false document attributed to al-Qassam Brigades, saying that it sent a number of its members to Egypt.
He strongly denied that Hamas sent 7 thousand members of al-Qassam Brigades to protect the Egyptian president. This statement has no basis... We are a Palestinian movement and will not interfere in the Egyptian affairs, said Abu Zahri.
Hamas was and still is adopting a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of States, as well as not to conduct resistance activities in other areas, Abu Zahri said, recalling that the 2008 war on Gaza was declared from Egypt during the Egyptian previous regime, saying that although the Egyptian former regime has besieged Hamas and the Palestinian people, the movement did not violate the Egyptian sovereignty.
He stressed that Hamas respects Egypt as a country, regardless of ruling regime, strongly denying that the movement or any of its leaders called on the Egyptian President to oppress the Egyptian opposition.
He stressed that it is a distortion campaign targeting the Palestinian resistance, revealing the involvement of an officer in the Preventive Security Service of the Fatah movement, named Ahmed Abdel Halim Abu Shawqa, from Ramallah, in publishing a false document attributed to al-Qassam Brigades, saying that it sent a number of its members to Egypt.
He strongly denied that Hamas sent 7 thousand members of al-Qassam Brigades to protect the Egyptian president. This statement has no basis... We are a Palestinian movement and will not interfere in the Egyptian affairs, said Abu Zahri.
