10 mar 2014
Israeli Apartheid Week, the IAW has kicked off in the besieged Gaza Strip. Local and international activists have attended.
The event focuses on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) of Israeli products, cultural and academic activities worldwide.
The Israeli Apartheid Week aims to draw attention to Tel Aviv’s aggressions against Palestinians in the past six decades.
The international event also sheds light on the similarities between the Palestinian struggle and that of the sovereignty struggle in South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. Videos depicting Israeli apartheid policies were played.
Also, video messages were shown from international activists who were unable to attend the event in Gaza due to Israel’s blockade of the territory.
Israeli officials have described the BDS movement as a great threat to Tel Aviv, as the campaign is expanding worldwide. The BDS movement started nearly nine years ago, with the stated goal of bringing an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
The event focuses on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) of Israeli products, cultural and academic activities worldwide.
The Israeli Apartheid Week aims to draw attention to Tel Aviv’s aggressions against Palestinians in the past six decades.
The international event also sheds light on the similarities between the Palestinian struggle and that of the sovereignty struggle in South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. Videos depicting Israeli apartheid policies were played.
Also, video messages were shown from international activists who were unable to attend the event in Gaza due to Israel’s blockade of the territory.
Israeli officials have described the BDS movement as a great threat to Tel Aviv, as the campaign is expanding worldwide. The BDS movement started nearly nine years ago, with the stated goal of bringing an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri praised the Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdel Aziz's recent statements in which he stressed that Palestine will remain the Arab Nation's central issue. Abu Zuhri said on Monday that Libyan Foreign Minister's remarks came to correct the imbalances spread among some parties who considered Israel as a friend and the Palestinian resistance as an enemy.
The Libyan Foreign Minister said during a meeting for the Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo on Sunday that Palestine will remain the Arab Nation's central issue.
The Libyan Foreign Minister said during a meeting for the Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo on Sunday that Palestine will remain the Arab Nation's central issue.
Famous Islamic education institution Nadwatul Ulama in India
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
Lucknow: Famous Islamic education institution Nadwatul Ulama cancelled a trip by a Saudi delegation to the historic institution that was supposed to take place on Sunday. The message issued by Nadwa authorities said the reason for the cancellation of their visit was due to Saudi Arabia declaring Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas terrorist organizations.
The message was posted on his Facebook page by Maulana Salman Nadwi who is the Dean of the Faculty of Shariah at Nadwatul Ulama in Lucknow. The message said that administration of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama decided to take this extreme step because of their “religious, community, and reformative responsibility.”
The statement termed Muslim Brotherhood as an international reformative social organization and Hamas an organization that fiercely resists Israel.
The statement comes just two days after Saudi Arabia declared Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. In February, Saudi Arabia implemented a new law that sanctions tough punishment for any Saudi who support or join organizations classified as terrorist organizations.
Nadwa in its statement said that this new Saudi law is as draconian as India’s TADA or POTA laws. Amnesty International has criticized the new Saudi law as it may be used to crackdown on legitimate political dissent.
In an interesting comparison, Nadwa called the Saudi Government as bigger “zaalim” than Narendra Modi, the controversial Gujarat chief minister who presided over a genocide in 2002.
Just last month, a delegation led by Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Saleh bin Abdul-Aziz Al ash-Sheikh had visited Darul Uloom Deoband.
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
Lucknow: Famous Islamic education institution Nadwatul Ulama cancelled a trip by a Saudi delegation to the historic institution that was supposed to take place on Sunday. The message issued by Nadwa authorities said the reason for the cancellation of their visit was due to Saudi Arabia declaring Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas terrorist organizations.
The message was posted on his Facebook page by Maulana Salman Nadwi who is the Dean of the Faculty of Shariah at Nadwatul Ulama in Lucknow. The message said that administration of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama decided to take this extreme step because of their “religious, community, and reformative responsibility.”
The statement termed Muslim Brotherhood as an international reformative social organization and Hamas an organization that fiercely resists Israel.
The statement comes just two days after Saudi Arabia declared Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. In February, Saudi Arabia implemented a new law that sanctions tough punishment for any Saudi who support or join organizations classified as terrorist organizations.
Nadwa in its statement said that this new Saudi law is as draconian as India’s TADA or POTA laws. Amnesty International has criticized the new Saudi law as it may be used to crackdown on legitimate political dissent.
In an interesting comparison, Nadwa called the Saudi Government as bigger “zaalim” than Narendra Modi, the controversial Gujarat chief minister who presided over a genocide in 2002.
Just last month, a delegation led by Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Saleh bin Abdul-Aziz Al ash-Sheikh had visited Darul Uloom Deoband.
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Firefighters managed to control a blaze late Sunday in a popular market east of Nablus.
Director of Nablus fire department, Muhannad Asqalan, told Ma'an that a team was dispatched immediately after a blaze broke out in a market. Two stores were completely destroyed and three other stores sustained minor damage. Initial investigations suggest the fire was started intentionally using flammable liquids. |
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By Inter Press Service Dep.
Like almost everyone else in Gaza, these six are angry about the Israeli-imposed blockade and the resulting misery. Except that they are expressing their anger through music without the music itself sounding angry. There’s much to say or sing if you prefer to say it that way. More than a million-and-a-half people in Gaza are living under a tight blockade. Poverty and widespread despair have radically increased as a result. Unemployment is reaching high levels, particularly among graduate students. Dreams of a better and secure future lie shattered in the impoverished territory. |
In these difficult circumstances, these six have chosen to sing through their Watar Band; Watar means tune in Arabic. The musical six mostly use Western instruments, and sing in Arabic, English and French.
Following the Israeli assault on Gaza in 2009 which led to the deaths of more than 1,400 people and massive destruction, Ala Shoublak, founder and leading member of the band, gathered musician friends to set up the band.
Everything was destroyed, including schools, roads and buildings, and the only theatre in Gaza that belongs to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society was bombed. We just decided to take our music instruments and sit on top of the destroyed theatre and sing for peace and freedom despite the ugly smell of death all around.
After that brave start five years back, the band developed further and became more structured. They bought new instruments and began to do public shows.
The group has gradually become well known and attracts many fans, especially among school and university students in Gaza Strip. This is not surprising, because they sing about the hopes and aspirations of youth for a better life, and for a peaceful future free of conflict and siege.
The band has two clear objectives, Ala Shoublak tells IPS: To resist first the occupation and the blockade through music which delivers messages of peace and freedom, and second, to communicate the hopes of the youth amidst suffering in Gaza to the outside world. That why we use English and French in our songs as well.
The band has recently produced a song called Dawsha (meaning noise in Arabic) that has become very popular. Many youth come up to sing with the band through such songs.
Media student Mariam Abu-Amer joined the band during a project called Gaza Sings for Freedom and Peace was a unique and special experience to singe with Watar, she told IPS. My participation gave me the opportunity to express my dreams and hopes to my people and to the world as a young woman in Gaza. It also allowed me to encourage female participation in music bands in Gaza as it generally limited.
Despite success, the band lacks the funds and professional support it needs. It is unable to produce an album because of funding problems.
All along, the group face the fundamental problem that in the political and economic crisis, music is not a priority. The government focuses on urgent humanitarian needs.
Director-General of the Ministry of Culture Mohammed Alaraieer told IPS that the government is trying to deal with the cultural needs and situation in all forms and encourage artists and culturists to focus on the just cause of Palestine and Israeli occupation, but the ministry is not able to give much assistance because of the blockade and closure.
Groups like Watar band therefore seek support from international organisations and institutions that are based in Gaza. The French Cultural Centre has allowed the band to use its premises for workshops and to host concerts. It also has also connected them with European bands, and organised a cultural tour to France and other countries in Europe.
The Edward Said National Institute of Music is the only place in Gaza that teaches music and provides professional training. Until recently it had only a small a number of students attending classes, but the numbers increased following Watar's success in finding international audiences.
Director of the Institute Ibrahim Al-Najar told IPS that the Watar band’s education and good command of international languages and excellent use of social media allow them to develop their skills and present their work globally. They put on wonderful performances and deserve to be supported." But, he said, that success only represents individual efforts.
But the success is in part a result of the very difficulties Gazans face. The youth are generally ambitious and hopeful, and success comes also out of suffering, and this is what motivated Watar band to form and attempt to reach international audiences, especially given that the political circumstances here have cut the world off from the people of Gaza, Prof. Fadil Abu-Hein, who teaches psychology and sociology at Al-Aqsa University in Gaza told IPS.
Periodic instances of using the arts to express resistance and anguish have been arising in Gaza. Last year Mohammed Assaf from Gaza won the Arab Idol contest. Many who cannot fight the blockade fight it their own way through music and the arts.
Source: Independent European Daily Express
Following the Israeli assault on Gaza in 2009 which led to the deaths of more than 1,400 people and massive destruction, Ala Shoublak, founder and leading member of the band, gathered musician friends to set up the band.
Everything was destroyed, including schools, roads and buildings, and the only theatre in Gaza that belongs to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society was bombed. We just decided to take our music instruments and sit on top of the destroyed theatre and sing for peace and freedom despite the ugly smell of death all around.
After that brave start five years back, the band developed further and became more structured. They bought new instruments and began to do public shows.
The group has gradually become well known and attracts many fans, especially among school and university students in Gaza Strip. This is not surprising, because they sing about the hopes and aspirations of youth for a better life, and for a peaceful future free of conflict and siege.
The band has two clear objectives, Ala Shoublak tells IPS: To resist first the occupation and the blockade through music which delivers messages of peace and freedom, and second, to communicate the hopes of the youth amidst suffering in Gaza to the outside world. That why we use English and French in our songs as well.
The band has recently produced a song called Dawsha (meaning noise in Arabic) that has become very popular. Many youth come up to sing with the band through such songs.
Media student Mariam Abu-Amer joined the band during a project called Gaza Sings for Freedom and Peace was a unique and special experience to singe with Watar, she told IPS. My participation gave me the opportunity to express my dreams and hopes to my people and to the world as a young woman in Gaza. It also allowed me to encourage female participation in music bands in Gaza as it generally limited.
Despite success, the band lacks the funds and professional support it needs. It is unable to produce an album because of funding problems.
All along, the group face the fundamental problem that in the political and economic crisis, music is not a priority. The government focuses on urgent humanitarian needs.
Director-General of the Ministry of Culture Mohammed Alaraieer told IPS that the government is trying to deal with the cultural needs and situation in all forms and encourage artists and culturists to focus on the just cause of Palestine and Israeli occupation, but the ministry is not able to give much assistance because of the blockade and closure.
Groups like Watar band therefore seek support from international organisations and institutions that are based in Gaza. The French Cultural Centre has allowed the band to use its premises for workshops and to host concerts. It also has also connected them with European bands, and organised a cultural tour to France and other countries in Europe.
The Edward Said National Institute of Music is the only place in Gaza that teaches music and provides professional training. Until recently it had only a small a number of students attending classes, but the numbers increased following Watar's success in finding international audiences.
Director of the Institute Ibrahim Al-Najar told IPS that the Watar band’s education and good command of international languages and excellent use of social media allow them to develop their skills and present their work globally. They put on wonderful performances and deserve to be supported." But, he said, that success only represents individual efforts.
But the success is in part a result of the very difficulties Gazans face. The youth are generally ambitious and hopeful, and success comes also out of suffering, and this is what motivated Watar band to form and attempt to reach international audiences, especially given that the political circumstances here have cut the world off from the people of Gaza, Prof. Fadil Abu-Hein, who teaches psychology and sociology at Al-Aqsa University in Gaza told IPS.
Periodic instances of using the arts to express resistance and anguish have been arising in Gaza. Last year Mohammed Assaf from Gaza won the Arab Idol contest. Many who cannot fight the blockade fight it their own way through music and the arts.
Source: Independent European Daily Express
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya expressed his deep appreciation to the leadership of Qatar and its people for their ongoing support at all levels for the besieged Gaza Strip. This came during a telephone conversation on Sunday with Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Premier Haneyya hailed the leadership of Qatar for its noble positions towards and its generous support for the occupied Palestinian people in particular, and the Arab and Muslim nations in general.
The premier briefed Sheikh Tamim on the progress of the Qatari-funded construction projects in Gaza and the efforts made by his government to overcome the obstacles, imposed by the besieging parties, and finish them as soon as possible.
The premier stated over the phone that the Palestinian leadership in Gaza would remain upholding its inalienable national positions and continuing its battle against the Israeli occupation until the liberation of Palestine and its prisoners, and the return of all refugees to their homes.
For his part, Sheikh Tamim reassured Haneyya that Qatar would remain a strong supporter for Gaza and Palestine and never change its just positions towards the Palestinian cause and the besieged people in Gaza.
"We were raised on such principles, which we will never deviate from and will raise our children upon them," the emir of Qatar stressed.
Premier Haneyya hailed the leadership of Qatar for its noble positions towards and its generous support for the occupied Palestinian people in particular, and the Arab and Muslim nations in general.
The premier briefed Sheikh Tamim on the progress of the Qatari-funded construction projects in Gaza and the efforts made by his government to overcome the obstacles, imposed by the besieging parties, and finish them as soon as possible.
The premier stated over the phone that the Palestinian leadership in Gaza would remain upholding its inalienable national positions and continuing its battle against the Israeli occupation until the liberation of Palestine and its prisoners, and the return of all refugees to their homes.
For his part, Sheikh Tamim reassured Haneyya that Qatar would remain a strong supporter for Gaza and Palestine and never change its just positions towards the Palestinian cause and the besieged people in Gaza.
"We were raised on such principles, which we will never deviate from and will raise our children upon them," the emir of Qatar stressed.
9 mar 2014
Over 100 people attended a major conference in Prague this weekend to discuss an economic initiative designed to bring about transformative change and substantial growth in the Palestinian economy and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
The Initiative for the Palestinian Economy (IPE) is an ambitious, multi-year plan drafted by a team of policy advisors, external economic analysts and international domain experts under the leadership of Quartet Representative Tony Blair in support of renewed Palestinian-Israeli political negotiations.
Quartet Representative Tony Blair and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright co-chaired the event. The conference was convened by the Aspen Institute, Partners for a New Beginning, the Office of the Quartet Representative, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Middle East Commercial Center, and UCLA's Center for Mideast Development.
Speaking at Saturday's opening event, Tony Blair said that the potential of the Palestinian economy is enormous. He explained that the initiative goes into "granular detail" that "sets out what we need from the private sector, the international financial institutions, and the governments" of Israel and the Palestinians. He added that what is now needed are measures that "improve not just the economy in the most basic sense, but also the economy in the sense that people feel that Palestinian statehood can become a reality because they see around them the developments within the Palestinian territories that are consistent with statehood." He explained that the initiative is "not just about improving GDP and jobs, but also about removing restrictions, giving businesses a greater ability to be entrepreneurial, and for the Palestinian Authority to be in a situation that it can run its own affairs."
Albright Stonebridge Group Chair Madeleine Albright told participants: "To give you all an idea of why we're here, less than a year ago, Partners for a New Beginning had a meeting with Secretary Kerry about our work and what we could do to support investment in the Palestinian private sector, given its priority. His message to us was clear: work with Blair and the Quartet, and work with the Palestinians. And so, in the past six months, PNB has redoubled its efforts to align priorities with Tony [Blair] and his team under the banner of the Initiative for the Palestinian Economy, working alongside the Palestinian public sector and business community to drive investment in high growth sectors outlined by the IPE."
Deputy Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammed Mustafa told participants: "The exercise today is first and foremost the story of the Palestinian economy, specifically about the unrealized potential of this economy. We have all the ingredients of a very successful and prosperous economy." He discussed the "difficult and challenging conditions on the ground in the absence of independence," and said the delegates had "our full commitment to work with you as a serious, committed partner, to make sure this vision is implemented and the economic benefits are realized."
Following welcome remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Norman Eisen, Aspen Institute President and CEO, Walter Isaacson, moderated a roundtable discussion between Dr Mustafa, Mr Blair and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Anne Patterson on the potential benefits of the IPE. Participants heard that the plan focuses on catalyzing private sector-led growth in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, and covers eight key economic sectors: construction, building materials, agriculture, tourism, information and communication technology, energy, water, and light manufacturing.
Blair explained that the initiative is a complementary process to the political negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), led by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and is not a substitute.
The Prague event brought together international businesspeople, investors, financiers, Palestinian Authority officials, and key figures in the Palestinian private sector for the first conference dedicated to this major international initiative to boost the Palestinian economy.
Among the international organizations present were Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Goldman Sachs, Honeywell, Morgan Stanley, General Electric, Cisco and OPIC, the U.S. Government's development finance institution.
Plenary sessions looked at cross-cutting issues such as investment challenges and opportunities, as well as risk mitigation. A session on the construction sector discussed critical infrastructure and urban development investments, as well as plans that will underpin and help sustain growth in the Palestinian economy. Focused breakout sessions brought together Palestinian businesses with potential international investors for in-depth discussions on sectors such as information and communications technologies, tourism and agriculture.
The Initiative for the Palestinian Economy (IPE) is an ambitious, multi-year plan drafted by a team of policy advisors, external economic analysts and international domain experts under the leadership of Quartet Representative Tony Blair in support of renewed Palestinian-Israeli political negotiations.
Quartet Representative Tony Blair and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright co-chaired the event. The conference was convened by the Aspen Institute, Partners for a New Beginning, the Office of the Quartet Representative, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Middle East Commercial Center, and UCLA's Center for Mideast Development.
Speaking at Saturday's opening event, Tony Blair said that the potential of the Palestinian economy is enormous. He explained that the initiative goes into "granular detail" that "sets out what we need from the private sector, the international financial institutions, and the governments" of Israel and the Palestinians. He added that what is now needed are measures that "improve not just the economy in the most basic sense, but also the economy in the sense that people feel that Palestinian statehood can become a reality because they see around them the developments within the Palestinian territories that are consistent with statehood." He explained that the initiative is "not just about improving GDP and jobs, but also about removing restrictions, giving businesses a greater ability to be entrepreneurial, and for the Palestinian Authority to be in a situation that it can run its own affairs."
Albright Stonebridge Group Chair Madeleine Albright told participants: "To give you all an idea of why we're here, less than a year ago, Partners for a New Beginning had a meeting with Secretary Kerry about our work and what we could do to support investment in the Palestinian private sector, given its priority. His message to us was clear: work with Blair and the Quartet, and work with the Palestinians. And so, in the past six months, PNB has redoubled its efforts to align priorities with Tony [Blair] and his team under the banner of the Initiative for the Palestinian Economy, working alongside the Palestinian public sector and business community to drive investment in high growth sectors outlined by the IPE."
Deputy Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammed Mustafa told participants: "The exercise today is first and foremost the story of the Palestinian economy, specifically about the unrealized potential of this economy. We have all the ingredients of a very successful and prosperous economy." He discussed the "difficult and challenging conditions on the ground in the absence of independence," and said the delegates had "our full commitment to work with you as a serious, committed partner, to make sure this vision is implemented and the economic benefits are realized."
Following welcome remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Norman Eisen, Aspen Institute President and CEO, Walter Isaacson, moderated a roundtable discussion between Dr Mustafa, Mr Blair and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Anne Patterson on the potential benefits of the IPE. Participants heard that the plan focuses on catalyzing private sector-led growth in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, and covers eight key economic sectors: construction, building materials, agriculture, tourism, information and communication technology, energy, water, and light manufacturing.
Blair explained that the initiative is a complementary process to the political negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), led by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and is not a substitute.
The Prague event brought together international businesspeople, investors, financiers, Palestinian Authority officials, and key figures in the Palestinian private sector for the first conference dedicated to this major international initiative to boost the Palestinian economy.
Among the international organizations present were Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Goldman Sachs, Honeywell, Morgan Stanley, General Electric, Cisco and OPIC, the U.S. Government's development finance institution.
Plenary sessions looked at cross-cutting issues such as investment challenges and opportunities, as well as risk mitigation. A session on the construction sector discussed critical infrastructure and urban development investments, as well as plans that will underpin and help sustain growth in the Palestinian economy. Focused breakout sessions brought together Palestinian businesses with potential international investors for in-depth discussions on sectors such as information and communications technologies, tourism and agriculture.
A Palestinian man was found dead in his Gaza City apartment on Sunday, police said.
Gaza police spokesman Ayyub Abu Shaar told Ma'an that the 52-year-old man committed suicide.
Initial investigations suggested that the man was mentally ill, Shaar added, without elaborating.
Gaza police spokesman Ayyub Abu Shaar told Ma'an that the 52-year-old man committed suicide.
Initial investigations suggested that the man was mentally ill, Shaar added, without elaborating.
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A young man from the Gaza Strip is producing handmade art using the remains of spent Israeli ordnance, in the process seeking to disprove popular misconceptions that often portray Palestinians as terrorists.
Muhammad al-Zumar searches the ruins of Gaza buildings that have been destroyed during Israeli military offensives, collecting the remains of missiles and other spent ordnance to use as raw material for handicrafts which he has assembled into an exhibition in his home. "The idea of turning shells and missiles into works of art first crossed my mind when I saw Israeli children writing messages of death on missiles and shells" that were used "to kill innocent children," |
al-Zumar told Ma'an, referring to a series of images depicting Israeli children drawing on missiles in 2006 that caused worldwide outrage.
He only started his project after the Israeli military assault on Gaza in 2008/9, when around 1,400 Palestinians were killed and thousands more injured over the course of a three-week-long bombardment.
"After the war I started to collect shrapnel from shells and bombs, writing phrases on them calling for peace and love," al-Zumar explained.
In order to ensure that the spent munition does not pose any danger, al-Zumar has been regularly consulting munitions experts from the Gaza government, who have also helped provide him with more objects to use in his work.
Al-Zumar highlighted that he has so far produced 30 works of art using the remains of explosives.
Asked about costs of his work, he said all he needed was the remains of explosives which he receives for free, in addition to paints which he buys.
Like 40 percent of Gazans, al-Zumar is unemployed and as a result he often has difficulties buying the paints he needs for his work.
Despite this, al-Zumar perseveres in his work.
Al-Zumar told Ma'an that he hopes that his simple home exhibition will one day attract international solidarity activists who visit Gaza, helping them "see the human side of the Gaza population."
He only started his project after the Israeli military assault on Gaza in 2008/9, when around 1,400 Palestinians were killed and thousands more injured over the course of a three-week-long bombardment.
"After the war I started to collect shrapnel from shells and bombs, writing phrases on them calling for peace and love," al-Zumar explained.
In order to ensure that the spent munition does not pose any danger, al-Zumar has been regularly consulting munitions experts from the Gaza government, who have also helped provide him with more objects to use in his work.
Al-Zumar highlighted that he has so far produced 30 works of art using the remains of explosives.
Asked about costs of his work, he said all he needed was the remains of explosives which he receives for free, in addition to paints which he buys.
Like 40 percent of Gazans, al-Zumar is unemployed and as a result he often has difficulties buying the paints he needs for his work.
Despite this, al-Zumar perseveres in his work.
Al-Zumar told Ma'an that he hopes that his simple home exhibition will one day attract international solidarity activists who visit Gaza, helping them "see the human side of the Gaza population."
The Gaza Strip ministry of interior responded on Sunday to reports of police brutality against a Fatah event in the Hamas-run coastal enclave by accusing activists of holding the ceremony unlicensed, stressing that "nobody can be above the law."
"A group of Fatah supporters organized an activity in Khan Younis without contacting police for approval, and that is a breach of the law and obvious attempt to bring security chaos back," said Hamas official Iyad al-Buzm.
Al-Buzm highlighted that Fatah supporters had "attacked police officers who arrived to enforce the law."
The comments came in response to officials from the rival Fatah movement, who accused police of assaulting Fatah supporters during an activity in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday evening.
A spokesperson for the Fatah movement accused the Hamas-affiliated security services in Gaza of detaining dozens of Fatah supporters "for no reason" during the ceremony, which was held to commemorate "martyrs who fell during the Intifada."
Spokesman for the interior ministry Islam Shahwan, however, said that "around 20 people were detained and later released after signing a document not to take part in unauthorized meetings."
A public information officer in the ministry of interior said that event was organized without consulting police for approval.
The accusations signal a potential slow-down in the national reconciliation process between the two rival Palestinian political parties, who have been working publicly towards rapprochement in recent months.
The parties have been on cold terms since 2006, when Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections.
In the following year, clashes erupted between Fatah and Hamas, leaving Hamas in control of the Strip and Fatah in control of the West Bank.
The groups have made failed attempts at national reconciliation for years, most recently in 2012, when they signed two agreements -- one in Cairo and a subsequent one in Doha -- which have as of yet been entirely unimplemented.
"A group of Fatah supporters organized an activity in Khan Younis without contacting police for approval, and that is a breach of the law and obvious attempt to bring security chaos back," said Hamas official Iyad al-Buzm.
Al-Buzm highlighted that Fatah supporters had "attacked police officers who arrived to enforce the law."
The comments came in response to officials from the rival Fatah movement, who accused police of assaulting Fatah supporters during an activity in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday evening.
A spokesperson for the Fatah movement accused the Hamas-affiliated security services in Gaza of detaining dozens of Fatah supporters "for no reason" during the ceremony, which was held to commemorate "martyrs who fell during the Intifada."
Spokesman for the interior ministry Islam Shahwan, however, said that "around 20 people were detained and later released after signing a document not to take part in unauthorized meetings."
A public information officer in the ministry of interior said that event was organized without consulting police for approval.
The accusations signal a potential slow-down in the national reconciliation process between the two rival Palestinian political parties, who have been working publicly towards rapprochement in recent months.
The parties have been on cold terms since 2006, when Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections.
In the following year, clashes erupted between Fatah and Hamas, leaving Hamas in control of the Strip and Fatah in control of the West Bank.
The groups have made failed attempts at national reconciliation for years, most recently in 2012, when they signed two agreements -- one in Cairo and a subsequent one in Doha -- which have as of yet been entirely unimplemented.
We will not let our people die of hunger and blockade
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said that his Movement is aware of the enormity of the conspiracy being weaved against it and knows how to deal with this difficult phase wisely and efficiently. "Despite all the malicious intents against Hamas, Gaza and our brave resistance, and all attempts to drag us away into directions other than our real destination, which is the resistance of the occupation…Hamas is still a difficult number in all equations and much bigger than all plots," spokesman Barhoum stated in a press release on Saturday.
The spokesman emphasized that Hamas respects its responsibilities and commitments towards its people and their just national cause and would always be in the vanguard of the battle defending them and their rights.
He added that Hamas, no matter how big the challenge and the sacrifices facing it, would never forsake its people wherever they are and would not leave them die of hunger and blockade.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said that his Movement is aware of the enormity of the conspiracy being weaved against it and knows how to deal with this difficult phase wisely and efficiently. "Despite all the malicious intents against Hamas, Gaza and our brave resistance, and all attempts to drag us away into directions other than our real destination, which is the resistance of the occupation…Hamas is still a difficult number in all equations and much bigger than all plots," spokesman Barhoum stated in a press release on Saturday.
The spokesman emphasized that Hamas respects its responsibilities and commitments towards its people and their just national cause and would always be in the vanguard of the battle defending them and their rights.
He added that Hamas, no matter how big the challenge and the sacrifices facing it, would never forsake its people wherever they are and would not leave them die of hunger and blockade.
8 mar 2014
Youth Against Settlement took part in the twenty-fifth session of the UN Human Rights Council, which was held last Thursday in Geneva. Speaking on behalf of four hundred international institutions, the group coordinator Issa Amro, from the city of al-Khalil, delivered a speech during the session calling on the council to continue to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood by prompt and effective actions.
Amro stressed the commitment of the civil society in Palestine and the world with the United Nations resolutions and the international law and urged the UN to support all human rights defenders in order to put an end to the Israeli occupation's policy of racial discrimination and the deportation of the people in al-Khalil.
He also called on all the world countries to take serious actions and put pressure on Israel to end the occupation of the Palestinian land.
Youth against Settlement coordinator urged the council "to ensure the prompt and effective implementation of the conclusions of its international fact-finding mission on the settlements that are strangling the life blood from Palestine," he said.
Amro stressed the commitment of the civil society in Palestine and the world with the United Nations resolutions and the international law and urged the UN to support all human rights defenders in order to put an end to the Israeli occupation's policy of racial discrimination and the deportation of the people in al-Khalil.
He also called on all the world countries to take serious actions and put pressure on Israel to end the occupation of the Palestinian land.
Youth against Settlement coordinator urged the council "to ensure the prompt and effective implementation of the conclusions of its international fact-finding mission on the settlements that are strangling the life blood from Palestine," he said.
Ibrahim Nagib al-Ghoul, 30
The military wing of Hamas said on Saturday evening that a field commander was killed in an accidental "internal explosion" in the Hashashin neighborhood of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, while medical sources said that nine others were wounded.
The Qassam Brigades said that Ibrahim Nagib al-Ghoul, 30, was killed in the explosion.
A spokesman for the Gaza Strip Ministry of Health Ashraf al-Qidra said that the majority of the nine individuals wounded in the explosion were suffering from serious injuries.
Al-Qidra said that five of the wounded were taken to Abu Yousef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah, while the four others were transferred to the European Gaza Hospital.
No details of the cause of the explosion were released.
The military wing of Hamas said on Saturday evening that a field commander was killed in an accidental "internal explosion" in the Hashashin neighborhood of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, while medical sources said that nine others were wounded.
The Qassam Brigades said that Ibrahim Nagib al-Ghoul, 30, was killed in the explosion.
A spokesman for the Gaza Strip Ministry of Health Ashraf al-Qidra said that the majority of the nine individuals wounded in the explosion were suffering from serious injuries.
Al-Qidra said that five of the wounded were taken to Abu Yousef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah, while the four others were transferred to the European Gaza Hospital.
No details of the cause of the explosion were released.
A spokesman for a PLO faction on Saturday attempted suicide on a main street in Ramallah in the central West Bank, locals said.
Local sources told Ma'an that a spokesman for one of the PLO factions cut his neck with a knife, and that passersby and police officers came to his rescue, without elaborating.
The man was transferred to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah, where medics say his neck wound is serious.
Local sources told Ma'an that a spokesman for one of the PLO factions cut his neck with a knife, and that passersby and police officers came to his rescue, without elaborating.
The man was transferred to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah, where medics say his neck wound is serious.
7 mar 2014
Egypt's decision last week to ban the Hamas movement could lead to a new attack on Gaza by Israel's military, a Hamas official said Friday.
"We want calm, peace, and stability for Egypt, we want it's people to achieve the values of justice, freedom and equality and relinquish injustice. We don't want it to get involved in besieging Palestinians," Khalil al-Hayya said during a protest in front of the Egyptian embassy in Gaza.
Al-Hayya called on politicians and officials in Egypt to stop targeting Hamas and reiterated that the movement does not intervene in the internal affairs of any Arab nation.
"We are not ashamed of belonging to the (Muslim) Brotherhood school, but we are a Palestinian resistance movement and we did not interfere in any state.
"The profound relationship with Egypt cannot end by an unjust decision by a momentary court that did not take into account the depth of the relationship between the two peoples."
On Tuesday, an Egyptian court banned the activities of Hamas and ordered its assets seized.
Days later, Egypt's Day Seven news website reported that Egyptian authorities were planning to revoke the citizenship of 13,757 Hamas members for being "affiliated to an offshoot of the terrorist group the Muslim Brotherhood."
Ties between Cairo and Hamas flourished during president Mohamed Morsi's year in power but have drastically deteriorated since a military coup in July last year which saw the Muslim Brotherhood leader ousted from power.
Cairo's new military-installed authorities launched a deadly crackdown on protests by supporters of Morsi, killing in excess of 1,400 people.
"We want calm, peace, and stability for Egypt, we want it's people to achieve the values of justice, freedom and equality and relinquish injustice. We don't want it to get involved in besieging Palestinians," Khalil al-Hayya said during a protest in front of the Egyptian embassy in Gaza.
Al-Hayya called on politicians and officials in Egypt to stop targeting Hamas and reiterated that the movement does not intervene in the internal affairs of any Arab nation.
"We are not ashamed of belonging to the (Muslim) Brotherhood school, but we are a Palestinian resistance movement and we did not interfere in any state.
"The profound relationship with Egypt cannot end by an unjust decision by a momentary court that did not take into account the depth of the relationship between the two peoples."
On Tuesday, an Egyptian court banned the activities of Hamas and ordered its assets seized.
Days later, Egypt's Day Seven news website reported that Egyptian authorities were planning to revoke the citizenship of 13,757 Hamas members for being "affiliated to an offshoot of the terrorist group the Muslim Brotherhood."
Ties between Cairo and Hamas flourished during president Mohamed Morsi's year in power but have drastically deteriorated since a military coup in July last year which saw the Muslim Brotherhood leader ousted from power.
Cairo's new military-installed authorities launched a deadly crackdown on protests by supporters of Morsi, killing in excess of 1,400 people.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) decided to conduct voter registry update in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip from March 16th till March 20th. The registry drive will target secondary school students who turned 17 years old since last update whose number is estimated at 68,000. Mobile registration drive will be conducted in 839 governmental and private schools in the WB and GS.
Prior to registration, the CEC will conduct training workshops for registration staff on registration procedures.
It should be indicated that the registry update is a regular technical activity that is conducted on an annual basis to update the data of registered voters and include new eligible registrants.
Prior to registration, the CEC will conduct training workshops for registration staff on registration procedures.
It should be indicated that the registry update is a regular technical activity that is conducted on an annual basis to update the data of registered voters and include new eligible registrants.
A Jordanian anti-normalization group expressed its deep concern over news reports talking about the readiness of some Arab and Palestinian regimes to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. The higher executive committee for homeland protection and anti-normalization stated on Thursday that recognizing Israel as a Jewish state means waiving the right of return and threatening the Palestinian Arabs' presence on their occupied territory.
The committee warned that everyone giving up the Palestinian people's national rights and holy sites would be held accountable by the Muslim nation and its future generations.
It saluted the Jordanian parliament for voting to expel the Israeli ambassador in Amman and recall his Jordanian counterpart in the occupied city of Tel Aviv, and for preparing a bill abolishing the Jordanian peace treaty with the Israeli occupation.
It said that theses parliamentary verdicts responded to the pulse of the Jordanian street and called for turning them from words into action.
"Any reluctance to execute these decisions is considered a betrayal of the Jordanian people who have welcomed them and of the Palestinian people who stand alone in defense of the [Muslim] nation's holy sites," the higher anti-normalization committee underscored.
The committee warned that everyone giving up the Palestinian people's national rights and holy sites would be held accountable by the Muslim nation and its future generations.
It saluted the Jordanian parliament for voting to expel the Israeli ambassador in Amman and recall his Jordanian counterpart in the occupied city of Tel Aviv, and for preparing a bill abolishing the Jordanian peace treaty with the Israeli occupation.
It said that theses parliamentary verdicts responded to the pulse of the Jordanian street and called for turning them from words into action.
"Any reluctance to execute these decisions is considered a betrayal of the Jordanian people who have welcomed them and of the Palestinian people who stand alone in defense of the [Muslim] nation's holy sites," the higher anti-normalization committee underscored.
6 mar 2014
by Huda Julie Webb-Pullman
What the? Israel carries out ANOTHER blatant act of piracy in international waters? And expects the world to believe the fiction they were headed for Gaza? A country under Israeli naval blockade for the last seven years???
Even the BB boys Bush and Blair managed better Words of Mass Deception than THAT!
Of course it is AIPAC week, so we can expect a series of attention-seeking missiles across the bows to distract the public from the spectacle of servility and sycophancy assaulting our senses from Washington. But a freaking great shipload of M302’s to go where even Gaza’s fishermen fear to row?!! I don’t think so.
Such nonsense is surpassed only by Netanyahu’s AIPAC-aired demand for Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, which is neither part of the agreed negotiating terms nor even part of any recognised approach to international diplomacy. Does EVERY country have to recognise Israel as such? When and where can we all join the “Israel is a Jewish state” club? At the same time as we join the “Egypt and the Ukraine are democracies” clubs, perhaps?
Not only is it AIPAC week, but also Ukraine week, where the self-proclaimed government in Kiev just appointed dual Israeli-Ukranian citizen Igor Kolomoysky as governor of Dnepropetrovsk. He also happens to be the third richest man in the Ukraine, which may help overcome the difficulty of governing a Ukranian region from his home in Switzerland…
And Cairo week was also a bit of a coup, with a court managingto ban the activities of Palestinian political party Hamas in Egypt. Who cares about legal niceties such as presenting evidence, or the right to mount a defence when you have enough kangaroos jumping around to keep all eyes off who is filling their pouches?
And Gaza week – well, that is every week. Forget the truce – that is only for the Palestinians. Israel assassinated two young men this week in a drone strike, in a blatant breach. And militants aren’t their only targets. From the scrap collector shot in the head to the middle-aged woman shot in the stomach, the football players shot in the legs and feet to end their potential careers, civilians are being killed and maimed daily. Since 20 December 2013, 55 Gazan civilians have been injured ON THEIR OWN SIDE OF THE BORDER by Israeli soldiers – 43 by live fire, 10 by rubber-coated metal bullets, and two hit in the head by canisters.
But that’s Israel. That’s Egypt. That’s Gaza.
Gaza, the elephant at the so-called peace talks.
Gaza, already reeling from seven years of siege and the theft of its water by Israel, now facing certain strangulation from the south.
Gaza, the Yarmouk about to happen, but from which everyone turns away.
Gaza, bordered by the magnificent Mediterranean – but which they can barely enter. Gaza, Bordered by Egypt, whose enmity has now been slammed on the tabletop, and by Israel, whose ongoing crimes speak for themselves – to a deaf world.
Gaza, land of life and love, and love of life and Allah, whatever the faction.
Gaza, between the devils and the deep blue sea.
Huda Julie Webb-Pullman is a New Zealand activist and writer who lived in Gaza for over three years. She has written on social and political justice issues for New Zealand Independent News website SCOOP since 2003, as well as for websites in Australia, Canada, the US, and Latin America, and participated in several human rights observation missions. She contributed this article to ALRAY.
What the? Israel carries out ANOTHER blatant act of piracy in international waters? And expects the world to believe the fiction they were headed for Gaza? A country under Israeli naval blockade for the last seven years???
Even the BB boys Bush and Blair managed better Words of Mass Deception than THAT!
Of course it is AIPAC week, so we can expect a series of attention-seeking missiles across the bows to distract the public from the spectacle of servility and sycophancy assaulting our senses from Washington. But a freaking great shipload of M302’s to go where even Gaza’s fishermen fear to row?!! I don’t think so.
Such nonsense is surpassed only by Netanyahu’s AIPAC-aired demand for Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, which is neither part of the agreed negotiating terms nor even part of any recognised approach to international diplomacy. Does EVERY country have to recognise Israel as such? When and where can we all join the “Israel is a Jewish state” club? At the same time as we join the “Egypt and the Ukraine are democracies” clubs, perhaps?
Not only is it AIPAC week, but also Ukraine week, where the self-proclaimed government in Kiev just appointed dual Israeli-Ukranian citizen Igor Kolomoysky as governor of Dnepropetrovsk. He also happens to be the third richest man in the Ukraine, which may help overcome the difficulty of governing a Ukranian region from his home in Switzerland…
And Cairo week was also a bit of a coup, with a court managingto ban the activities of Palestinian political party Hamas in Egypt. Who cares about legal niceties such as presenting evidence, or the right to mount a defence when you have enough kangaroos jumping around to keep all eyes off who is filling their pouches?
And Gaza week – well, that is every week. Forget the truce – that is only for the Palestinians. Israel assassinated two young men this week in a drone strike, in a blatant breach. And militants aren’t their only targets. From the scrap collector shot in the head to the middle-aged woman shot in the stomach, the football players shot in the legs and feet to end their potential careers, civilians are being killed and maimed daily. Since 20 December 2013, 55 Gazan civilians have been injured ON THEIR OWN SIDE OF THE BORDER by Israeli soldiers – 43 by live fire, 10 by rubber-coated metal bullets, and two hit in the head by canisters.
But that’s Israel. That’s Egypt. That’s Gaza.
Gaza, the elephant at the so-called peace talks.
Gaza, already reeling from seven years of siege and the theft of its water by Israel, now facing certain strangulation from the south.
Gaza, the Yarmouk about to happen, but from which everyone turns away.
Gaza, bordered by the magnificent Mediterranean – but which they can barely enter. Gaza, Bordered by Egypt, whose enmity has now been slammed on the tabletop, and by Israel, whose ongoing crimes speak for themselves – to a deaf world.
Gaza, land of life and love, and love of life and Allah, whatever the faction.
Gaza, between the devils and the deep blue sea.
Huda Julie Webb-Pullman is a New Zealand activist and writer who lived in Gaza for over three years. She has written on social and political justice issues for New Zealand Independent News website SCOOP since 2003, as well as for websites in Australia, Canada, the US, and Latin America, and participated in several human rights observation missions. She contributed this article to ALRAY.
The Cairo Court for Urgent Matters has slated March 26 for the first hearing of a lawsuit demanding the banning of Israeli activities in Egypt. Egyptian legal expert Hamed Seddiq filed a lawsuit at the Court of Urgent Matters, which banned Hamas this week, requesting that Egyptian authorities ban all "Israeli activity" in Egypt and declare Israel a "terrorist state."
The ban, Seddiq said, would include shutting down Tel Aviv's diplomatic offices in Egypt, including its Cairo embassy.
On Tuesday, the same Cairo court that will preside over the case released a verdict banning the activities of Palestinian resistance faction Hamas in Egypt and ordering all of the movement's offices closed.
The decision has raised angry reactions in Egypt, and was seen as a support for the Israeli occupation.
The Egyptian thinker and writer Fahmi Howeidi strongly condemned the Cairo Court's decision, and said "Egypt has joined the side of Israel by considering the Islamic resistance movement as a terrorist organization."
He stressed that Hamas movement has not interfered in the affairs of Egypt neither before nor after the revolution, while Israel has been proven to have "espionage" activities against Egypt.
Fahmi pointed out that the Fatah movement is involved in the conspiracy against Hamas.
The ban, Seddiq said, would include shutting down Tel Aviv's diplomatic offices in Egypt, including its Cairo embassy.
On Tuesday, the same Cairo court that will preside over the case released a verdict banning the activities of Palestinian resistance faction Hamas in Egypt and ordering all of the movement's offices closed.
The decision has raised angry reactions in Egypt, and was seen as a support for the Israeli occupation.
The Egyptian thinker and writer Fahmi Howeidi strongly condemned the Cairo Court's decision, and said "Egypt has joined the side of Israel by considering the Islamic resistance movement as a terrorist organization."
He stressed that Hamas movement has not interfered in the affairs of Egypt neither before nor after the revolution, while Israel has been proven to have "espionage" activities against Egypt.
Fahmi pointed out that the Fatah movement is involved in the conspiracy against Hamas.
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In the framework of the Israeli Apartheid Week 2014, the Alternative Information Center (AIC) invites you on Saturday and Sunday 15th-16th March, 2014 for a field visit in the Jordan Valley, one of the main targets of the Israeli occupation and apartheid system.
The Jordan Valley is the most fertile area in the West Bank and since 1967 Israeli authorities have implemented apartheid policies in order to transfer the Palestinian communities living there. Nowadays just 56.000 of the 320.000 original Palestinian residents are still living in the Jordan Valley, in few agricultural communities under the threat of eviction. Israelis apartheid policies in the Jordan Valley |
include demolition of houses and agricultural structures, confiscation of land, expansion of Israeli settlements and total control of water resources.
During the visit, the first day –Saturday, 15 March - the participants will go to various Palestinian communities in the Jordan Valley with the organization Jordan Valley Solidarity (JVS):
Saturday 15 March
- Arrival at 9.00 in the Al Fasayel village where we will meet Rasheed Sawafata, coordinator of the Jordan Valley Solidarity campaign: he will conduct an in-depth explanation about the situation in the Jordan Valley, the reasons why the Jordan Valley Solidarity campaign was launched and the initiatives of the campaign; then we will visit the village, which is divided intoArea B and C.
JVS:http://www.jordanvalleysolidarity.org/
Around 12.00 we will go to the village of Al Jiftlik to visit the community and meet with the Zoba'a family, whol ive on top of a hill close to the Hamra checkpoint, in constant threat of Israeli confiscation of their land and demolition of their home.
- Lunch 13.30
- Around 14.30 we will visit communities in the northernJordan Valley: El-Beda and Ib-Ziq, to see JVS projects, which aim to build schools and houses with brick mud.
- Around 18.00 we will go back to Fasayel where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Sunday 16 March
The second day will be dedicated to voluntary work in Fasayel, helping the community to prepare mud bricks for rebuilding homes demolished by Israeli authorities. We will have lunch in Fasayel and around 5pm we will leave to Bethlehem.
-Breakfast at 8.30
-Around 9.00 Beginning of volunteer work
Around 12.30 Lunch
-Around 13:30 We will continue voluntary work
-Around 15:00 We will leave Fasayel and on the way back to Bethlehem we will stop in Al Auja to see one of the strongest water springs in the Jordan Valley and the effects of Israeli confiscation of water in the area.
LOGISTICS:
LEAVING from BeitSahour'sSuqAshab at 7.30am on Saturday 15 March. If you are coming from Ramallah, meet us at 8.00 am at the gas station outside the Ma'aleAdumim settlement (in front of the Ramallah-Jerico Junction).
COST: NIS 320, which includes accommodation in Fasayel (bring a sleeping bag); lunch and dinner on Saturday; breakfast and lunch on Sunday; transportation and guides.
REGISTRATION: Please send an email to info.aicafe@gmail.com with the number of people attending and a telephone number at which we can contact you. You must pass by the AIC office in BeitSahour and pay a deposit of NIS 100 to ensure your spot. Deadline for registration and payment deposit is Thursday 13th of March at 6pm.
During the visit, the first day –Saturday, 15 March - the participants will go to various Palestinian communities in the Jordan Valley with the organization Jordan Valley Solidarity (JVS):
Saturday 15 March
- Arrival at 9.00 in the Al Fasayel village where we will meet Rasheed Sawafata, coordinator of the Jordan Valley Solidarity campaign: he will conduct an in-depth explanation about the situation in the Jordan Valley, the reasons why the Jordan Valley Solidarity campaign was launched and the initiatives of the campaign; then we will visit the village, which is divided intoArea B and C.
JVS:http://www.jordanvalleysolidarity.org/
Around 12.00 we will go to the village of Al Jiftlik to visit the community and meet with the Zoba'a family, whol ive on top of a hill close to the Hamra checkpoint, in constant threat of Israeli confiscation of their land and demolition of their home.
- Lunch 13.30
- Around 14.30 we will visit communities in the northernJordan Valley: El-Beda and Ib-Ziq, to see JVS projects, which aim to build schools and houses with brick mud.
- Around 18.00 we will go back to Fasayel where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Sunday 16 March
The second day will be dedicated to voluntary work in Fasayel, helping the community to prepare mud bricks for rebuilding homes demolished by Israeli authorities. We will have lunch in Fasayel and around 5pm we will leave to Bethlehem.
-Breakfast at 8.30
-Around 9.00 Beginning of volunteer work
Around 12.30 Lunch
-Around 13:30 We will continue voluntary work
-Around 15:00 We will leave Fasayel and on the way back to Bethlehem we will stop in Al Auja to see one of the strongest water springs in the Jordan Valley and the effects of Israeli confiscation of water in the area.
LOGISTICS:
LEAVING from BeitSahour'sSuqAshab at 7.30am on Saturday 15 March. If you are coming from Ramallah, meet us at 8.00 am at the gas station outside the Ma'aleAdumim settlement (in front of the Ramallah-Jerico Junction).
COST: NIS 320, which includes accommodation in Fasayel (bring a sleeping bag); lunch and dinner on Saturday; breakfast and lunch on Sunday; transportation and guides.
REGISTRATION: Please send an email to info.aicafe@gmail.com with the number of people attending and a telephone number at which we can contact you. You must pass by the AIC office in BeitSahour and pay a deposit of NIS 100 to ensure your spot. Deadline for registration and payment deposit is Thursday 13th of March at 6pm.
4 mar 2014
The citizen Marwan Shahwan established a personal museum at an area of two hundred meters in the basement of one of the houses in the city of Khan Younis, to the south of the Gaza Strip. Shawan told PIC’s reporter that for over 30 years, he has collected more than ten thousands of artifacts and mummified animals and birds, and then arranged them in the basement to turn it into a museum.
The museum includes a wide variety of pottery vessels from different historical periods, and various forms of agricultural tools as well as baskets, different handcuffs, saddles, and locks.
Part of the museum was allocated to the old means of combat; including the war drums, shells of catapult, spears, swords and shields, as well as weapons and pencil boxes that date back to the British mandate.
Marwan Shahwan has also included in his museum an area for the Palestinian heritage in which he arranged old Palestinian clothing, utensils and furniture, in addition to musical instruments used in popular events and weddings.
Shahwan said he had participated in several local exhibitions organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and had received many certificates of honor for his commitment to save the Palestinian heritage from disappearing.
He expressed his hope that his museum will find the support and will be moved to somewhere else more suitable.
The museum includes a wide variety of pottery vessels from different historical periods, and various forms of agricultural tools as well as baskets, different handcuffs, saddles, and locks.
Part of the museum was allocated to the old means of combat; including the war drums, shells of catapult, spears, swords and shields, as well as weapons and pencil boxes that date back to the British mandate.
Marwan Shahwan has also included in his museum an area for the Palestinian heritage in which he arranged old Palestinian clothing, utensils and furniture, in addition to musical instruments used in popular events and weddings.
Shahwan said he had participated in several local exhibitions organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and had received many certificates of honor for his commitment to save the Palestinian heritage from disappearing.
He expressed his hope that his museum will find the support and will be moved to somewhere else more suitable.
