25 mar 2013
'Yalla Shabab', New Initiative Launched by European, Palestinian Youths
The European Union and Young Entrepreneurs Palestine launched a new youth initiative "Yalla Shabab" that includes several activities in partnership with Palestinian youth in the West Bank and Gaza such as lectures at Palestinian universities about the current affairs, volunteer days, cultural activities, and a reporting competition on water issues for young Palestinian journalists, an EU press release said Monday.
On Friday, around 100 Palestinian and European young volunteers joined the youth of Beit Surik village southeast of Jerusalem in painting the elementary school at their village.
The volunteers painted classrooms inside the school and the walls of adjacent playground. This activity was the first in a series of activities that will be implemented in the next two months in other locations across the West Bank and Gaza.
"Yalla Shabab is an exciting initiative not only because it is planned, organised, and implemented by youth but also because Palestinian and European youth work together on voluntary activities in Palestine." said John Gatt-Rutter, the EU Representative.
"We are looking forward to the visits to Palestinian universities and to meeting with students to hear their concerns and explore their vision for the future."
Between March and June, "Yalla Shabab" initiative will organise volunteer days in a number of Palestinian rural communities and villages across the West Bank. The initiative will include the holding of political seminars at Palestinian universities and information days about studying in EU countries. A reporting competition will be launched at the beginning of April targeting media students and fresh graduates who will compete for the best written article and best short documentary about water in Palestine.
On Friday, around 100 Palestinian and European young volunteers joined the youth of Beit Surik village southeast of Jerusalem in painting the elementary school at their village.
The volunteers painted classrooms inside the school and the walls of adjacent playground. This activity was the first in a series of activities that will be implemented in the next two months in other locations across the West Bank and Gaza.
"Yalla Shabab is an exciting initiative not only because it is planned, organised, and implemented by youth but also because Palestinian and European youth work together on voluntary activities in Palestine." said John Gatt-Rutter, the EU Representative.
"We are looking forward to the visits to Palestinian universities and to meeting with students to hear their concerns and explore their vision for the future."
Between March and June, "Yalla Shabab" initiative will organise volunteer days in a number of Palestinian rural communities and villages across the West Bank. The initiative will include the holding of political seminars at Palestinian universities and information days about studying in EU countries. A reporting competition will be launched at the beginning of April targeting media students and fresh graduates who will compete for the best written article and best short documentary about water in Palestine.
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Rights Center Condemns Hamas Travel Ban on Fatah Members
the Gaza-based al-Mezan Human Rights Center condemned in a statement a Hamas ban on travel for several Fatah officials, including a member of Fatah Central Committee, Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.
The Hamas authorities in Gaza banned on Saturday three members of Fatah international relations department from travel across Rafah crossing with Egypt on their way to Belgium to attend meetings with European officials.
The three members, two men and one woman, were interrogated at the crossing about the reasons for their travel before they were told they cannot leave the Gaza Strip.
The Hamas authorities had also banned the day before Fatah Central Committee member Amal Hamad from leaving the Gaza Strip through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing with Israel on her way to Ramallah to attend a meeting for the Central Committee.
Hamad arrived at the crossing with three other Fatah officials, who were allowed to cross without her after she was told that she was banned from travel.
Al-Mezan condemned the Hamas travel ban against Fatah officials in the Gaza Strip and said that this was not the first time Fatah members have been banned from travel even if the travel was for medical reasons.
It said the Palestinian basic law allows freedom of travel unless there is a court order against it. It called on Hamas to respect the right of people to travel freely.
The Hamas authorities in Gaza banned on Saturday three members of Fatah international relations department from travel across Rafah crossing with Egypt on their way to Belgium to attend meetings with European officials.
The three members, two men and one woman, were interrogated at the crossing about the reasons for their travel before they were told they cannot leave the Gaza Strip.
The Hamas authorities had also banned the day before Fatah Central Committee member Amal Hamad from leaving the Gaza Strip through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing with Israel on her way to Ramallah to attend a meeting for the Central Committee.
Hamad arrived at the crossing with three other Fatah officials, who were allowed to cross without her after she was told that she was banned from travel.
Al-Mezan condemned the Hamas travel ban against Fatah officials in the Gaza Strip and said that this was not the first time Fatah members have been banned from travel even if the travel was for medical reasons.
It said the Palestinian basic law allows freedom of travel unless there is a court order against it. It called on Hamas to respect the right of people to travel freely.
24 mar 2013
The Nativity Church deportees call on PA to raise their case at ICJ
The Nativity Church deportees in Gaza and European countries called on PA to raise their case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after granting Palestine non-Member Observer State status in the United Nations. On the third anniversary of the deportee Abdullah Daoud's death, the Nativity Church deportees issued a statement condemning the continued PA indifference towards their issue after spending 12 years away from their families and homeland in light of the Israeli ban on their families to visit them in their exile since more than 10 years.
The deportees called for activating their issue in all international forums to expose the Israeli crimes and to allow their families' visits to Gaza through Beit Hanoun crossing.
The statement called for putting an end to the ongoing deportations against Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, stressing the need to provide a decent life for the deportees and their families till their return.
The Israeli occupation has deported on May 10, 2002 about 39 Palestinians from the Nativity Church after storming the city of Bethlehem, where they were besieged inside the church for more than a month and then deported to the Gaza strip and some European countries for several years following a deal with the PA, but the Israeli authorities breached the agreement and refused to return them.
The deportees called for activating their issue in all international forums to expose the Israeli crimes and to allow their families' visits to Gaza through Beit Hanoun crossing.
The statement called for putting an end to the ongoing deportations against Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, stressing the need to provide a decent life for the deportees and their families till their return.
The Israeli occupation has deported on May 10, 2002 about 39 Palestinians from the Nativity Church after storming the city of Bethlehem, where they were besieged inside the church for more than a month and then deported to the Gaza strip and some European countries for several years following a deal with the PA, but the Israeli authorities breached the agreement and refused to return them.
Young man injured by a suspicious object
A young man was injured in Awarta town south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank as a suspicious object exploded in his hand on Saturday evening.
According to local sources Hamouda Walid Qawariq was injured in his village, where he saw a strange object, thought to be from the remnants of the Israeli occupation forces’ ammunition, and he picked up and the object exploded in his hand.
The sources added that Qawariq was hospitalized with moderate to serious injuries at Rafidia Hospital west of Nablus, where he lost his fingers.
According to local sources Hamouda Walid Qawariq was injured in his village, where he saw a strange object, thought to be from the remnants of the Israeli occupation forces’ ammunition, and he picked up and the object exploded in his hand.
The sources added that Qawariq was hospitalized with moderate to serious injuries at Rafidia Hospital west of Nablus, where he lost his fingers.
Martyrs' families: Obama's visit added insult to injury
A number of martyrs' families expressed their anger and dissatisfaction at Obama's visit to the region, saying that it his visit added insult to their already painful injury. Umm Rafiq Aqnebi, who sacrificed her son and house defending the Palestinian land and dignity, expressed her dissatisfaction towards the PA officials' warm reception of the US president "who contributed to the killing of the Palestinian people through his support of the Israeli entity."
Our children and brothers are killed by American weapons and decision, so does Obama deserve such a warm reception? Um Rafiq asked.
The martyr Abdullah Qawasmi's wife, Um Ayman, said that Obama's visit came to liquidate what remains of the Palestinian cause, stressing that the US continued to support the Israeli occupation since the establishment of the entity.
Um Ayman expressed her surprise at the warm reception the US president received from the PA officials, saying that they forgot about the Palestinian martyrs' blood and sacrifices. Obama's visit aimed to give support to the occupation and settlement, she added.
The mother of the two martyrs Jihad and Tariq Dofash, Um Jihad, considered Obama's visit as part of a conspiracy against the Palestinian martyrs' blood, stressing that the blood of her two sons will not go in vain.
I do not know what the PA officials expect from Obama who confirmed his continued support to the Israeli entity as a strategic ally? She asked, stressing that all of them are part of the plot on the Palestinian people.
Sheikh Abu Iyad, father of martyr Iyad Abu Hadid, confirmed that Obama's visit came in continuation of the old plot on the Palestinian people, saying that some Palestinian officials are part of this plot.
Obama's visit will bring nothing new, to the contrary it will reinforce Israeli occupation and settlement over our land, he explained.
Abu Iyad concluded by saying that the warm reception afforded to Obama is an unforgivable crime carried out by the PA officials who forgot about the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people under American full support.
Our children and brothers are killed by American weapons and decision, so does Obama deserve such a warm reception? Um Rafiq asked.
The martyr Abdullah Qawasmi's wife, Um Ayman, said that Obama's visit came to liquidate what remains of the Palestinian cause, stressing that the US continued to support the Israeli occupation since the establishment of the entity.
Um Ayman expressed her surprise at the warm reception the US president received from the PA officials, saying that they forgot about the Palestinian martyrs' blood and sacrifices. Obama's visit aimed to give support to the occupation and settlement, she added.
The mother of the two martyrs Jihad and Tariq Dofash, Um Jihad, considered Obama's visit as part of a conspiracy against the Palestinian martyrs' blood, stressing that the blood of her two sons will not go in vain.
I do not know what the PA officials expect from Obama who confirmed his continued support to the Israeli entity as a strategic ally? She asked, stressing that all of them are part of the plot on the Palestinian people.
Sheikh Abu Iyad, father of martyr Iyad Abu Hadid, confirmed that Obama's visit came in continuation of the old plot on the Palestinian people, saying that some Palestinian officials are part of this plot.
Obama's visit will bring nothing new, to the contrary it will reinforce Israeli occupation and settlement over our land, he explained.
Abu Iyad concluded by saying that the warm reception afforded to Obama is an unforgivable crime carried out by the PA officials who forgot about the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people under American full support.
23 mar 2013
Abu Marzouk: Israel trying to foil Palestinian-Egyptian relations
Dr. Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of Hamas's political bureau, met a delegation of Egyptian Revolution's Initiative for Palestinian Reconciliation and Revolution Youth Coalition, to discuss issues related to Palestinian reconciliation and media accusations against Hamas. Dr. Moussa Abu Marzouk welcomed the members of the Revolution Youth Coalition and the initiative, hailing Egypt's important role in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
He stressed during the meeting on Thursday his movement's commitment to achieve reconciliation and to end division, in accordance with Palestinian constants.
Regarding the media accusations against Hamas, Abu Marzouk said that Israel has been publishing these tendentious rumors in order to create an imbalance and to drive wedges between Egyptian and Palestinian peoples.
He has also expressed his rejection to file lawsuits against any Egyptian media outlet, saying: "Our priorities lie in the liberation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."
The Hamas leader denounced the attempts to distort his movement's image and to drag it in the Egyptian internal situation, and stressed that Hamas appreciates the support offered by Egypt with all its different forces and movements to the Palestinian cause and resistance.
For his part, Ayman Amer, coordinator of the 25 January Revolution Youth Coalition and general coordinator of Egyptian Revolution's Initiative for Palestinian Reconciliation, called on Abu Marzouk to hold a meeting with Azzam al-Ahmad, the head of the Fatah delegation to the reconciliation file.
Amer criticized the offensive campaign waged against Hamas and accusing it of being involved in the Rafah incident without evidence, pointing out that this aims to affect the relationship between the two peoples.
He also stressed that "the Palestinian territories and the Gaza Strip are the eastern gate for the Egyptian national security", asserting that the Israeli Mossad is the one behind the incident in order to drive a wedge between the two peoples for the benefit of the occupation.
Osama Ezz El Arab, coordinator of the Revolutionary Front for the Protection of the Revolution and the political coordinator of the Initiative for Palestinian Reconciliation, has rejected the offences leveled against the Palestinian people and spreading rumors and false accusations against the Islamic resistance group Hamas.
The Egyptian poet Sayed Darwish, coordinator of Artists for Jerusalem, has also announced solidarity with the Palestinian resistance project against the Israeli-American orchestrated media attack.
He stressed during the meeting on Thursday his movement's commitment to achieve reconciliation and to end division, in accordance with Palestinian constants.
Regarding the media accusations against Hamas, Abu Marzouk said that Israel has been publishing these tendentious rumors in order to create an imbalance and to drive wedges between Egyptian and Palestinian peoples.
He has also expressed his rejection to file lawsuits against any Egyptian media outlet, saying: "Our priorities lie in the liberation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."
The Hamas leader denounced the attempts to distort his movement's image and to drag it in the Egyptian internal situation, and stressed that Hamas appreciates the support offered by Egypt with all its different forces and movements to the Palestinian cause and resistance.
For his part, Ayman Amer, coordinator of the 25 January Revolution Youth Coalition and general coordinator of Egyptian Revolution's Initiative for Palestinian Reconciliation, called on Abu Marzouk to hold a meeting with Azzam al-Ahmad, the head of the Fatah delegation to the reconciliation file.
Amer criticized the offensive campaign waged against Hamas and accusing it of being involved in the Rafah incident without evidence, pointing out that this aims to affect the relationship between the two peoples.
He also stressed that "the Palestinian territories and the Gaza Strip are the eastern gate for the Egyptian national security", asserting that the Israeli Mossad is the one behind the incident in order to drive a wedge between the two peoples for the benefit of the occupation.
Osama Ezz El Arab, coordinator of the Revolutionary Front for the Protection of the Revolution and the political coordinator of the Initiative for Palestinian Reconciliation, has rejected the offences leveled against the Palestinian people and spreading rumors and false accusations against the Islamic resistance group Hamas.
The Egyptian poet Sayed Darwish, coordinator of Artists for Jerusalem, has also announced solidarity with the Palestinian resistance project against the Israeli-American orchestrated media attack.
Haneyya: Erdogan to visit Gaza in mid April
Palestinian premier in Gaza Ismail Hanneya announced on Friday night that Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan is planning to visit Gaza by mid April. Haneyya, in a statement at a Hamas-organized rally west of Gaza, said that Erdogan had also phoned Khaled Mishaal, the political bureau chairman of Hamas, and told him of Israel’s acceptance to its demands of apology, compensation, and lifting Gaza blockade so as to restore relations after the Israeli deadly attack on Mavi Marmara aid ship.
The premier, who was speaking at the rally held on the 9th anniversary of Israel’s assassination of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, said that Israel had failed in its goal of assassinating Yassin mainly to wipe out his legacy, principles, and steadfastness amongst the Palestinian people.
The premier, who was speaking at the rally held on the 9th anniversary of Israel’s assassination of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, said that Israel had failed in its goal of assassinating Yassin mainly to wipe out his legacy, principles, and steadfastness amongst the Palestinian people.
Turkey’s Erdogan Briefs Abbas on Deal with Israel
Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan Friday called President Mahmoud Abbas to brief him on the agreement he has reached with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla incident. Erdogan told Abbas that all of Turkey’s demands for reconciliation were met.
President Abbas told the Turkish premier that he values his government’s support for the Palestinian cause and the peace process and the fact that Turkish nationals gave their lives on board of the Mavi Marmara in support of the Palestinian cause and the right of Palestinians to live freely and in dignity.
Abbas considered all who died on the flotilla as martyrs.
Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel following the Israeli navy attack on the flotilla, which was on its way to provide aid to the people of Gaza in light of the Israeli blockade on the coastal enclave. Nine Turkish nationals were killed in the Israeli takeover of the ship.
Netanyahu called Erdogan and apologized for the incident, which paved the way for return of the ambassadors to their posts.
President Abbas told the Turkish premier that he values his government’s support for the Palestinian cause and the peace process and the fact that Turkish nationals gave their lives on board of the Mavi Marmara in support of the Palestinian cause and the right of Palestinians to live freely and in dignity.
Abbas considered all who died on the flotilla as martyrs.
Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel following the Israeli navy attack on the flotilla, which was on its way to provide aid to the people of Gaza in light of the Israeli blockade on the coastal enclave. Nine Turkish nationals were killed in the Israeli takeover of the ship.
Netanyahu called Erdogan and apologized for the incident, which paved the way for return of the ambassadors to their posts.
Haneyya: We are approaching the liberation of Palestine
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneyya told the Friday congregation at al-Alami mosque in Gaza that the Palestinian people are on the threshold of a new phase in the conflict with the occupation and are approaching liberation. Haneyya said that the Gaza government and Hamas movement were not surprised by U.S. President Barack Obama's pro-Israel statements, for they know the strategic alliance between Israel and America.
He considered that Obama's remarks came to reassure the occupation in light of the victory achieved by the resistance and the changes taking place in the Arab region.
Haneyya said Obama's remarks came in support of the occupation of the Palestinian land and aimed to legitimize the settlement activity.
Gaza Premier demanded developing a Palestinian and Arab strategy that adheres to the constants and the right of return, and called for accelerating the achievement of national reconciliation.
He has also called on the Palestinian Authority to accelerate procedures of updating electoral register outside the occupied Palestinian territories, to release the political detainees, and to allow freedoms in the West Bank.
He considered that Obama's remarks came to reassure the occupation in light of the victory achieved by the resistance and the changes taking place in the Arab region.
Haneyya said Obama's remarks came in support of the occupation of the Palestinian land and aimed to legitimize the settlement activity.
Gaza Premier demanded developing a Palestinian and Arab strategy that adheres to the constants and the right of return, and called for accelerating the achievement of national reconciliation.
He has also called on the Palestinian Authority to accelerate procedures of updating electoral register outside the occupied Palestinian territories, to release the political detainees, and to allow freedoms in the West Bank.
22 mar 2013
Abbas' Speech in the news conference in Ramallah with President Obama
Below is the full text of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' speech in Ramallah in the press conference with US President Barack Obama on Thursday as interpreted.
In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
Mr. President Barack Obama, I wish to warmly welcome you and your accompanying delegation to Palestine.
Mr. President, during your visit to our country you will meet a people proud of their history, heritage, culture, and symbols — a young, creative and entrepreneurial people who have made the miracle and rose from the calamities of the Nakba, and continue the path of their ancestors, extending since the ancient times over this land — their land. A people who adhere to their rights and are in harmony, and keep abreast with the realities of the age, its language and methods. A people who build institutions of the state of Palestine, giving an exemplary model despite all hardships and hurdles.
The people of Palestine, Mr. President, who receive you today aspire to attain the simplest rights — the right to freedom, independence and peace, and look forward to that day to come in which they exercise normal and natural life over the land of the state of Palestine — the independent state of Palestine — along the borders of the 4th of June, 1967, with Jerusalem, the “Lady of the Cities,” as its capital, alongside the state of Israel.
We, Mr. President, believe that peace is necessary and inevitable, and we also believe that it is possible. We believe that peacemaking, as much as it requires political courage, also requires an expression of good faith, a recognition of people’s rights, respect for the other, and dissemination of a culture of peace and a commitment to international legitimacy and its resolutions. Certainly, peace shall not be made through violence, occupation, walls, settlements, arrests, siege and denial of refugee rights.
We are extremely in pleasure to receive you today in our country. Our people share with American people, and with you personally, the belief in the values and principles of freedom, equality, justice and respect for human rights. And we, together with the peoples of the world, are partners in the pursuit to achieve a just peace that ends occupation and war, and achieves security, stability and prosperity to all the peoples of our region.
Today, ladies and gentlemen, we have conducted a good and useful round of talks with His Excellency President Obama. It was an opportunity to focus, on our side, on the risks and the results that exists that a continuation of settlement activity represent on the two-state solution, and over the need to release prisoners.
I asserted to His Excellency the President that Palestine has taken long and additional steps for the sake of making peace. I hereby assert again that we are ready to implement all our commitments and obligations, and to respect the signed agreements and international legitimacy resolutions in order to provide for the requirements of launching the peace process and achieving the two-state solution — Palestine and Israel.
We are also serious in ending the division and achieve the Palestinian reconciliation, which constitutes an additional source of power for us to continue our march towards making peace, security and stability in the region.
I have renewed confidence that the United States, represented by his excellency President Obama and Mr. John Kerry, shall intensify its efforts to remove the obstacles ahead of the efforts to achieve a just peace, which the peoples of the region have long awaited.
Here I wish to thank the President for his continuous confirmation of the U.S. commitment to provide support to the Palestinian people, and to thank him and his administration for the support that has been provided during the past years — various forms of support — to the Palestinian treasury, to development projects, and to the UNRWA.
Mr. President, once again you are welcome in Palestine. Thank you.
In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
Mr. President Barack Obama, I wish to warmly welcome you and your accompanying delegation to Palestine.
Mr. President, during your visit to our country you will meet a people proud of their history, heritage, culture, and symbols — a young, creative and entrepreneurial people who have made the miracle and rose from the calamities of the Nakba, and continue the path of their ancestors, extending since the ancient times over this land — their land. A people who adhere to their rights and are in harmony, and keep abreast with the realities of the age, its language and methods. A people who build institutions of the state of Palestine, giving an exemplary model despite all hardships and hurdles.
The people of Palestine, Mr. President, who receive you today aspire to attain the simplest rights — the right to freedom, independence and peace, and look forward to that day to come in which they exercise normal and natural life over the land of the state of Palestine — the independent state of Palestine — along the borders of the 4th of June, 1967, with Jerusalem, the “Lady of the Cities,” as its capital, alongside the state of Israel.
We, Mr. President, believe that peace is necessary and inevitable, and we also believe that it is possible. We believe that peacemaking, as much as it requires political courage, also requires an expression of good faith, a recognition of people’s rights, respect for the other, and dissemination of a culture of peace and a commitment to international legitimacy and its resolutions. Certainly, peace shall not be made through violence, occupation, walls, settlements, arrests, siege and denial of refugee rights.
We are extremely in pleasure to receive you today in our country. Our people share with American people, and with you personally, the belief in the values and principles of freedom, equality, justice and respect for human rights. And we, together with the peoples of the world, are partners in the pursuit to achieve a just peace that ends occupation and war, and achieves security, stability and prosperity to all the peoples of our region.
Today, ladies and gentlemen, we have conducted a good and useful round of talks with His Excellency President Obama. It was an opportunity to focus, on our side, on the risks and the results that exists that a continuation of settlement activity represent on the two-state solution, and over the need to release prisoners.
I asserted to His Excellency the President that Palestine has taken long and additional steps for the sake of making peace. I hereby assert again that we are ready to implement all our commitments and obligations, and to respect the signed agreements and international legitimacy resolutions in order to provide for the requirements of launching the peace process and achieving the two-state solution — Palestine and Israel.
We are also serious in ending the division and achieve the Palestinian reconciliation, which constitutes an additional source of power for us to continue our march towards making peace, security and stability in the region.
I have renewed confidence that the United States, represented by his excellency President Obama and Mr. John Kerry, shall intensify its efforts to remove the obstacles ahead of the efforts to achieve a just peace, which the peoples of the region have long awaited.
Here I wish to thank the President for his continuous confirmation of the U.S. commitment to provide support to the Palestinian people, and to thank him and his administration for the support that has been provided during the past years — various forms of support — to the Palestinian treasury, to development projects, and to the UNRWA.
Mr. President, once again you are welcome in Palestine. Thank you.
Exiled Jerusalem MP addresses meeting in House of Lords
On Wednesday night, a meeting in the House of Lords, heard testimony, via phone, from a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) on his exile from Jerusalem to the West Bank city of Ramallah. Mahmud Abu Tier, MP, is one of four Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) members persecuted by the Israeli authorities for refusing to pledge allegiance to the occupation or give up their right to their Jerusalem identity.
A demand that is illegal under international law. 62 year old Abu Tier described the ‘extreme pain’ both physical and psychological, he suffers as a result of years of Israeli incarceration and due to his current enforced exile to Ramallah, where he remains, separated from his family
Gerald Kaufman MP, said that whilst Israel is ‘hysterical’ over the human rights of its citizens, it has no respect for the rights of the Palestinians. Baroness Jenny Tonge who hosted the meeting asserted that people were ‘sick of the response of the British government’ who whilst in the past has been critical of continued Israeli settlement building, has consistently failed to apply any meaningful sanctions in response.
The meeting was held to launch a new report by the Arab Organisation for Human Rights, UK. ‘Demand Justice’ is a detailed account of the ongoing Israeli authority campaign of persecution against PLC members; Abu Teir, Ahmed Atoun, Mohammed Totah and the former Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Khaled Abu Arafah.
A demand that is illegal under international law. 62 year old Abu Tier described the ‘extreme pain’ both physical and psychological, he suffers as a result of years of Israeli incarceration and due to his current enforced exile to Ramallah, where he remains, separated from his family
Gerald Kaufman MP, said that whilst Israel is ‘hysterical’ over the human rights of its citizens, it has no respect for the rights of the Palestinians. Baroness Jenny Tonge who hosted the meeting asserted that people were ‘sick of the response of the British government’ who whilst in the past has been critical of continued Israeli settlement building, has consistently failed to apply any meaningful sanctions in response.
The meeting was held to launch a new report by the Arab Organisation for Human Rights, UK. ‘Demand Justice’ is a detailed account of the ongoing Israeli authority campaign of persecution against PLC members; Abu Teir, Ahmed Atoun, Mohammed Totah and the former Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Khaled Abu Arafah.
21 mar 2013
Abbas Receives Obama in Ramallah
President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday received United States President Barack Obama in the presidential headquarters in Ramallah.
Obama received an official welcome by Palestinian officals, and will also meet Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and later young Palestinians at al-Bireh Youth Center.
Obama started a three-day visit to Israel and Palestine on Wednesday, which is the first of its kind, and he is expected to address the peace process.
Obama received an official welcome by Palestinian officals, and will also meet Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and later young Palestinians at al-Bireh Youth Center.
Obama started a three-day visit to Israel and Palestine on Wednesday, which is the first of its kind, and he is expected to address the peace process.
Abbas Condemns Violence, including Rocket Firing
President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday condemned violence of all kinds, including the firing of rockets earlier on Sderot, an Israeli town bordering the Gaza Strip.
Presidential political advisor Nimmer Hammad said that the president condemns all kinds of violence against civilians, including rocket firing, and that Abbas supports the mutual and comprehensive truce in the Gaza strip.
He added that Abbas endorsed the truce agreement reached through Egyptian mediation in November.
Presidential political advisor Nimmer Hammad said that the president condemns all kinds of violence against civilians, including rocket firing, and that Abbas supports the mutual and comprehensive truce in the Gaza strip.
He added that Abbas endorsed the truce agreement reached through Egyptian mediation in November.
Sharawne’s mother arrives in Gaza
The mother of released hunger striker Ayman Al-Sharawne and two of his brothers arrived in Gaza via Rafah crossing on Thursday. Sharawne arrived in the Gaza Strip last Sunday after signing a deal with the Israeli prison service by which he ended his 250 days hunger strike and was exiled to Gaza for ten years.
Tawfik Abu Naim, the head of the prisoners and liberated prisoners society, said that the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) refused to allow the travel of Sharawne family from Al-Khalil to Gaza via the Beit Hanun (Erez) crossing, which only takes half an hour by car.
He said that the family members were forced to travel to Jordan then to Cairo and finally to Gaza via Rafah border terminal.
Abu Naim said that the IOA was having its revenge on Sharawne by exacerbating the suffering of his family’s travel.
Sharawne, from Doura in Al-Khalil, is married and have nine children. The IOA only allowed his mother and two of his brothers to travel to Gaza to meet him.
Tawfik Abu Naim, the head of the prisoners and liberated prisoners society, said that the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) refused to allow the travel of Sharawne family from Al-Khalil to Gaza via the Beit Hanun (Erez) crossing, which only takes half an hour by car.
He said that the family members were forced to travel to Jordan then to Cairo and finally to Gaza via Rafah border terminal.
Abu Naim said that the IOA was having its revenge on Sharawne by exacerbating the suffering of his family’s travel.
Sharawne, from Doura in Al-Khalil, is married and have nine children. The IOA only allowed his mother and two of his brothers to travel to Gaza to meet him.
20 mar 2013
Abu Marzouk denies arranging meeting between Meshaal and Sisi
Dr. Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of the political bureau of Hamas, has strongly denied published news claiming that the movement has demanded to meet with Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Abu Marzouk told PIC: "This is not true. There are no arrangements or requests for holding meetings between Hamas delegation, headed by Khaled Meshaal, and Defense Minister Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi."
He stressed that Hamas meets only with the officials who have relation with the Palestinian file.
Concerning the reasons behind the publication of such reports, the Hamas leader said: "These news represent a continuation for the media campaign waged against Hamas, and the source of which is often the Israeli press or intelligence sites."
He pointed out that this campaign aims to drag Hamas in the case of Rafah and in other issues such as the constant talk about the tunnels.
Deputy Head of Hamas's Political Bureau confirmed that his movement has been cooperating with the Egyptian security apparatuses to reach the reality of things, "We always provide the information we collect to the Egyptian side without delay, and just like the Egyptian side we were surprised by the Rafah events and the killing of the Egyptian soldiers."
He added that Israeli aircraft hastened to bomb the car which carried the assailants [who killed the Egyptian soldiers] with incendiary bombs to erase the identity of those assailants.
He stressed that Hamas meets only with the officials who have relation with the Palestinian file.
Concerning the reasons behind the publication of such reports, the Hamas leader said: "These news represent a continuation for the media campaign waged against Hamas, and the source of which is often the Israeli press or intelligence sites."
He pointed out that this campaign aims to drag Hamas in the case of Rafah and in other issues such as the constant talk about the tunnels.
Deputy Head of Hamas's Political Bureau confirmed that his movement has been cooperating with the Egyptian security apparatuses to reach the reality of things, "We always provide the information we collect to the Egyptian side without delay, and just like the Egyptian side we were surprised by the Rafah events and the killing of the Egyptian soldiers."
He added that Israeli aircraft hastened to bomb the car which carried the assailants [who killed the Egyptian soldiers] with incendiary bombs to erase the identity of those assailants.
Gaza government: Obama's visit reinforces occupation
The Palestinian government in Gaza warned against expecting too much from President Obama's visit to the region, stressing that it came to reinforce the Israeli occupation and to strengthen the American-Israeli relations.
The government has warned, in a statement on Tuesday evening, against Obama's visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque under Israeli control, considering it an attempt to legitimize the occupation and control of Al-Aqsa Mosque and to provoke Muslims' feelings in Palestine and around the world.
Furthermore, the government denounced the removal of Palestine historical map in Bethlehem by PA municipality as a prelude to Obama's visit to the city, arguing that this shameful act carries serious implications aiming to waive the Palestinian right of return.
Concerning the Israeli new government, Gaza government confirmed that it is "an extension of the right-wing governments", pointing out that it is based on settlement expansion, land confiscation and arbitrary practices against the Palestinian people.
It congratulated Sharawna for his release and his victory over the Israeli jailer, denouncing the Israeli brutal decision to deport him from his family and home.
The government stressed its support to the Palestinian prisoners' struggle till gaining their legitimate rights.
The statement expressed the government's condolences to the Palestinian people over the death of Umm Nidhal and the pilgrims in an accident in Jordan.
In another matter, the government strongly condemned the continued Egyptian media campaign against Hamas movement and the Palestinian resistance under various pretexts.
The Palestinian government stressed that Hamas movement and the resistance cannot harm the Egyptian security, stressing that the Egyptian people will discover the falsehood of the claims made in this campaign sooner or later.
The government has warned, in a statement on Tuesday evening, against Obama's visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque under Israeli control, considering it an attempt to legitimize the occupation and control of Al-Aqsa Mosque and to provoke Muslims' feelings in Palestine and around the world.
Furthermore, the government denounced the removal of Palestine historical map in Bethlehem by PA municipality as a prelude to Obama's visit to the city, arguing that this shameful act carries serious implications aiming to waive the Palestinian right of return.
Concerning the Israeli new government, Gaza government confirmed that it is "an extension of the right-wing governments", pointing out that it is based on settlement expansion, land confiscation and arbitrary practices against the Palestinian people.
It congratulated Sharawna for his release and his victory over the Israeli jailer, denouncing the Israeli brutal decision to deport him from his family and home.
The government stressed its support to the Palestinian prisoners' struggle till gaining their legitimate rights.
The statement expressed the government's condolences to the Palestinian people over the death of Umm Nidhal and the pilgrims in an accident in Jordan.
In another matter, the government strongly condemned the continued Egyptian media campaign against Hamas movement and the Palestinian resistance under various pretexts.
The Palestinian government stressed that Hamas movement and the resistance cannot harm the Egyptian security, stressing that the Egyptian people will discover the falsehood of the claims made in this campaign sooner or later.
Taher al-Nunu denounces removing Palestine map from Bethlehem entrance
Taher al-Nunu, spokesman for the Palestinian government in Gaza, described the removal of Palestine historical map from the entrance to Bethlehem as a prelude to the U.S. President Obama's visit as a "shameful act."
The removal of Palestine map from the entrance to Bethlehem in preparation for Obama's visit is a shameful act and political recklessness, al-Nunu stated on his Facebook page on Tuesday, adding that this act proved the PA policy of concession and compromise.
Bethlehem Municipality have proceeded to remove a plaque depicting the map of Palestine at the entrance of the city of Bethlehem to replace it by another depicting a "dove of peace", in preparation for President Obama's visit to the city, but Palestinian activists opposed the municipality's step and returned the first palque.
Palestinian activists have confirmed that the municipality tried to remove Palestine historical map in order not to be seen by President Obama during his visit to the city.
The activists have returned Palestine map and prevented the municipality workers from removing it.
The removal of Palestine map from the entrance to Bethlehem in preparation for Obama's visit is a shameful act and political recklessness, al-Nunu stated on his Facebook page on Tuesday, adding that this act proved the PA policy of concession and compromise.
Bethlehem Municipality have proceeded to remove a plaque depicting the map of Palestine at the entrance of the city of Bethlehem to replace it by another depicting a "dove of peace", in preparation for President Obama's visit to the city, but Palestinian activists opposed the municipality's step and returned the first palque.
Palestinian activists have confirmed that the municipality tried to remove Palestine historical map in order not to be seen by President Obama during his visit to the city.
The activists have returned Palestine map and prevented the municipality workers from removing it.
19 mar 2013
Exhibition explores ancient ruins in Rafah
Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and municipality of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip have opened on Monday an exhibition of ancient ruins which were explored in Tal Zo'rob archaeological site.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities in Gaza, members of the ministry, the mayor of the Rafah province, members of the municipal council, and researchers and specialists in monuments field.
The exhibition contained dozens of artifacts, including household crockery and cooking utensils, in addition to several pieces of silver coins, and wood tools.
The artifacts dated back mostly to the Iron Age, and Greek, Byzantine, and Roman times.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities in Gaza, members of the ministry, the mayor of the Rafah province, members of the municipal council, and researchers and specialists in monuments field.
The exhibition contained dozens of artifacts, including household crockery and cooking utensils, in addition to several pieces of silver coins, and wood tools.
The artifacts dated back mostly to the Iron Age, and Greek, Byzantine, and Roman times.
Mishaal concludes Cairo visit
Khaled Mishaal, the political bureau chairman of Hamas, and an accompanying delegation concluded a Cairo visit and left Egypt on Tuesday.
A Hamas statement said that Mishaal met with Egyptian intelligence chief Rafat Shehata and a number of Egyptian officials.
The discussion tackled Palestine cause developments and a number of related issues in addition to cooperation and coordination concerning a number of issues that would serve Egypt’s interests and national security and the Palestinian question, the statement said.
It pointed out that Mishaal also met with the supreme leader of the Muslim Brotherhood Mohammed Badie for a discussion of similar issues.
A Hamas statement said that Mishaal met with Egyptian intelligence chief Rafat Shehata and a number of Egyptian officials.
The discussion tackled Palestine cause developments and a number of related issues in addition to cooperation and coordination concerning a number of issues that would serve Egypt’s interests and national security and the Palestinian question, the statement said.
It pointed out that Mishaal also met with the supreme leader of the Muslim Brotherhood Mohammed Badie for a discussion of similar issues.
IOF installs new monitoring cameras in Al-Khalil
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) installed new monitoring cameras in the Old City of Al-Khalil and Shuhada street.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC on Tuesday that the IOF renewed the old cameras to monitor movement of Palestinians in the alleys and streets of the Old City and installed new ones in areas that witnessed confrontations between the troops and inhabitants.
They said that four cameras were installed in Beit Hadassah and Shuhada street and near the roadblock in Zawiya area. IOF undercover agents arrested 15 Palestinians in Zawiya area after monitoring them through those cameras.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC on Tuesday that the IOF renewed the old cameras to monitor movement of Palestinians in the alleys and streets of the Old City and installed new ones in areas that witnessed confrontations between the troops and inhabitants.
They said that four cameras were installed in Beit Hadassah and Shuhada street and near the roadblock in Zawiya area. IOF undercover agents arrested 15 Palestinians in Zawiya area after monitoring them through those cameras.
