14 may 2014
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Hanneya stated that Fatah and Hamas movements have stepped forward to spearhead efforts to implement national reconciliation. “We are on the cusp of forming a unity government,” he said. On the 66th anniversary of Nakba, Hanneya said during a special session at the Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza that his movement signed the reconciliation agreement by its own will.
The current stage of national liberation requires shared coexistence between all parties, he said, stressing Hamas's adherence to its political constants.
Hanneya also stressed the need to unite national efforts for the implementation of reconciliation.
He pointed out that his government has overcome all obstacles before the implementation of national reconciliation including the release of political detainees and public freedoms, calling on the PA to step forward and allow political and public freedoms in the West Bank.
He expressed optimism about the next step in light of the current national momentum, saying that the Palestinian Legislative Council will work on supervising the next unity government after winning a vote of confidence.
For his part, MP for Jenin governorate Ibrahim Dahbour charged that the US administration still strongly opposes the Palestinian reconciliation agreement signed last month.
His statement came commenting on U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's meeting to be held in London on Thursday, considering the meeting as a last-minute attempt to resume PA-Israeli talks.
The MP said that US statements regarding the recent reconciliation agreement reflect its position not to deal with Hamas movement as long as it refuses to accept the Quartet's conditions.
In light of the US and Israeli positions, MP Dahbour called on Palestinian parties to accelerate the implementation of national reconciliation to meet with Palestinian people’s will.
He called on the PA to join all UN conventions and international institutions especially the International Criminal Court in order to prosecute and expose Israeli crimes and violations against Palestinian prisoners at international forums.
He stressed the need to take advantage of the administrative detainees' hunger strike to activate their issue and realize their legitimate demands.
The current stage of national liberation requires shared coexistence between all parties, he said, stressing Hamas's adherence to its political constants.
Hanneya also stressed the need to unite national efforts for the implementation of reconciliation.
He pointed out that his government has overcome all obstacles before the implementation of national reconciliation including the release of political detainees and public freedoms, calling on the PA to step forward and allow political and public freedoms in the West Bank.
He expressed optimism about the next step in light of the current national momentum, saying that the Palestinian Legislative Council will work on supervising the next unity government after winning a vote of confidence.
For his part, MP for Jenin governorate Ibrahim Dahbour charged that the US administration still strongly opposes the Palestinian reconciliation agreement signed last month.
His statement came commenting on U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's meeting to be held in London on Thursday, considering the meeting as a last-minute attempt to resume PA-Israeli talks.
The MP said that US statements regarding the recent reconciliation agreement reflect its position not to deal with Hamas movement as long as it refuses to accept the Quartet's conditions.
In light of the US and Israeli positions, MP Dahbour called on Palestinian parties to accelerate the implementation of national reconciliation to meet with Palestinian people’s will.
He called on the PA to join all UN conventions and international institutions especially the International Criminal Court in order to prosecute and expose Israeli crimes and violations against Palestinian prisoners at international forums.
He stressed the need to take advantage of the administrative detainees' hunger strike to activate their issue and realize their legitimate demands.
Gaza security forces on Wednesday began leaving President Mahmoud Abbas' house in Gaza City, witnesses said, evacuating the property in light of the recent national reconciliation deal between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Sources close to the issue in Gaza told Ma'an that the house, which is located in Tel al-Hawa in western Gaza, will be handed over to a committee representing the president.
Spokesman for the Gaza ministry of interior Iyad al-Bizim had told Ma'an last week that the Gaza government was ready to hand over the houses of president Abbas as well as late president Yasser Arafat.
The reconciliation deal, which was reached at the end of April, brought together the leading Palestinian political parties after nearly seven years of political division.
Sources close to the issue in Gaza told Ma'an that the house, which is located in Tel al-Hawa in western Gaza, will be handed over to a committee representing the president.
Spokesman for the Gaza ministry of interior Iyad al-Bizim had told Ma'an last week that the Gaza government was ready to hand over the houses of president Abbas as well as late president Yasser Arafat.
The reconciliation deal, which was reached at the end of April, brought together the leading Palestinian political parties after nearly seven years of political division.
Jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouthi gave his blessing to a Palestinian reconciliation deal, in a statement also marking the 66th memory of the Nakba.
Barghouthi saluted all Palestinian martyrs and emphasized that the right of return for Palestinians who have been displaced from their homes is a sacred, non-negotiable right. He said any solution for the Palestinian cause that does not include the right of return is not a legitimate solution.
Barghouthi highlighted that national unity as the key for freedom for repressed nations. He called for protecting the reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah and providing every opportunity to make it happen.
The jailed leader stressed the need for a national strategy for facing the challenges threatening the Palestinian cause, mainly the Israeli occupation as well as "Judaisation" of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian religious sites.
He encouraged Palestinian efforts for joining international treaties, agreements and organizations for the need of obtaining the Palestinian rights. He also encouraged the Palestinian, Arab and international economic, political and diplomatic boycott of Israel along with increasing public resistance.
Barghouthi said that for two decades negotiations with Israel have been unsuccessful because of the constant Israeli rejection of ending occupation and admitting Palestinian rights.
He also backed an ongoing hunger strike and called for all Palestinians and Palestinian parties to support their prisoners in Israeli jails.
In Gaza City on Wednesday, Hamas and Fatah officials held a three-hour meeting in what officials described as a "positive" atmosphere.
Head of Fatah's negotiation team Azzam al-Ahmad said after the meeting that talks will continue and officials will abide by a five-week deadline to form a unity government.
Mousa Abu Marzouq, head of the Hamas negotiating team, said the talks would be finalized next week and a unity government would be announced shortly afterwards.
The proposed candidates for the unity government are politically "impartial," Fatah official Fayez Abu Atiyeh told Ma'an, with Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri adding that the formation of a proposed unity cabinet is nearly complete.
Earlier, Gaza prime minister Ismail Haniyeh said that he believed the unity government would achieve its goals and "our mission is to make it succeed and to mobilize our people behind its national goals."
"We will clean the road to reconciliation from all obstacles and landmines, and I hereby call on our brothers in the West Bank to take the same path and to maintain freedoms," he said, while addressing Gaza members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
On April 23, the Fatah-led PLO and Hamas announced a national unity deal to end seven years of political division between the largest two Palestinian parties, with a national unity government to be set in place within five weeks.
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 unimplemented.
Barghouthi saluted all Palestinian martyrs and emphasized that the right of return for Palestinians who have been displaced from their homes is a sacred, non-negotiable right. He said any solution for the Palestinian cause that does not include the right of return is not a legitimate solution.
Barghouthi highlighted that national unity as the key for freedom for repressed nations. He called for protecting the reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah and providing every opportunity to make it happen.
The jailed leader stressed the need for a national strategy for facing the challenges threatening the Palestinian cause, mainly the Israeli occupation as well as "Judaisation" of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian religious sites.
He encouraged Palestinian efforts for joining international treaties, agreements and organizations for the need of obtaining the Palestinian rights. He also encouraged the Palestinian, Arab and international economic, political and diplomatic boycott of Israel along with increasing public resistance.
Barghouthi said that for two decades negotiations with Israel have been unsuccessful because of the constant Israeli rejection of ending occupation and admitting Palestinian rights.
He also backed an ongoing hunger strike and called for all Palestinians and Palestinian parties to support their prisoners in Israeli jails.
In Gaza City on Wednesday, Hamas and Fatah officials held a three-hour meeting in what officials described as a "positive" atmosphere.
Head of Fatah's negotiation team Azzam al-Ahmad said after the meeting that talks will continue and officials will abide by a five-week deadline to form a unity government.
Mousa Abu Marzouq, head of the Hamas negotiating team, said the talks would be finalized next week and a unity government would be announced shortly afterwards.
The proposed candidates for the unity government are politically "impartial," Fatah official Fayez Abu Atiyeh told Ma'an, with Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri adding that the formation of a proposed unity cabinet is nearly complete.
Earlier, Gaza prime minister Ismail Haniyeh said that he believed the unity government would achieve its goals and "our mission is to make it succeed and to mobilize our people behind its national goals."
"We will clean the road to reconciliation from all obstacles and landmines, and I hereby call on our brothers in the West Bank to take the same path and to maintain freedoms," he said, while addressing Gaza members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
On April 23, the Fatah-led PLO and Hamas announced a national unity deal to end seven years of political division between the largest two Palestinian parties, with a national unity government to be set in place within five weeks.
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 unimplemented.
Member of Hamas political bureau, Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, opined that the resistance project and the political negotiation process could be joined in one project based on national focal tenets. Abu Marzouk said in a statement on his Facebook page Tuesday that it is quite normal to have different approaches between national forces at such a critical stage of national liberation, “but our only way out of the dilemma is to reach an agreement over a set of national focal tenets through which we can stand our grounds and put up with discrepancies in projected visions”.
He said internal differences serve no party but Israeli occupation, adding that National Accord Document in 2006 is a good example for national consensus.
He stressed that Gaza crises and problems including the closure of Rafah crossing would be resolved with the end of internal division.
National reconciliation would reduce the internal gap, he said, adding that the next unity government would work on lifting the siege, reconstruct the Strip, and open the crossings.
Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his hope that Palestinian reconciliation agreement will collapse, saying that he will hold PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas responsible for every rocket fired on Israel from Gaza if he insists on the agreement.
"Hamas is committed to our destruction," he said during his meeting with the Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo. "We remain committed to advancing the peace, preferably a negotiated peace. But we can only negotiate with a government whose constituent parts are committed to peace," according to his claims.
Hamas and Fatah movements have reached on the 23rd of April an agreement, according to which a unity government is to be set up in five weeks, and legislative and presidential elections will be held six months later.
He said internal differences serve no party but Israeli occupation, adding that National Accord Document in 2006 is a good example for national consensus.
He stressed that Gaza crises and problems including the closure of Rafah crossing would be resolved with the end of internal division.
National reconciliation would reduce the internal gap, he said, adding that the next unity government would work on lifting the siege, reconstruct the Strip, and open the crossings.
Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his hope that Palestinian reconciliation agreement will collapse, saying that he will hold PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas responsible for every rocket fired on Israel from Gaza if he insists on the agreement.
"Hamas is committed to our destruction," he said during his meeting with the Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo. "We remain committed to advancing the peace, preferably a negotiated peace. But we can only negotiate with a government whose constituent parts are committed to peace," according to his claims.
Hamas and Fatah movements have reached on the 23rd of April an agreement, according to which a unity government is to be set up in five weeks, and legislative and presidential elections will be held six months later.
Member of Fatah Central Committee and PLO reconciliation envoy, Azzam Al-Ahmad, said Tuesday evening the Egyptian authorities vowed to open Rafah crossing unconditionally as soon as the Palestinian unity government is brought into being. Al-Ahmad, who arrived in Gaza Tuesday evening for meetings with Hamas over the projected Palestinian government, said in a press release: “I have been to Egypt two days ago. A promising eagerness was revealed by the Egyptian officials I met there.”
“Palestinians will certainly rejoice at the decision, which is the first fruit of our long-awaited unity government," Al-Ahmad added.
An eagerness to turn over the notorious seven-year-long division episode was revealed by Hamas and Fatah leaders who met in the Gaza Strip yesterday evening.
The Gaza Strip has been suffering numerous crises due to the closure of the Rafah crossing by the Egyptian authorities since the military coup d’état against President Mohamed Morsi, in July , 2013.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement that reconciliation negotiations will resume in another meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
According to PIC correspondent the programmed session, to be chaired by Hamas leader Dr. Moussa Abu Marzouk and PLO envoy Al-Ahmad, will consider proposals over minister-nominees.
According to head of the Gaza government Ismail Haneyya, Palestinian internal affairs are a joint national responsibility that has to be taken up by the Palestinian political leadership in an attempt to end the division.
Haneyya’s statement came during a meeting held by the Palestinian Businessmen Association under the slogan: "Promotion of the Palestinian reconciliation process.”
"Many challenges lie ahead. The onus is never an easy one. We shall all rally round our brothers and sisters in the projected unity government. The process has to be backed by Hamas, Fatah, and all other national factions alike,” Haneyya concluded.
“Palestinians will certainly rejoice at the decision, which is the first fruit of our long-awaited unity government," Al-Ahmad added.
An eagerness to turn over the notorious seven-year-long division episode was revealed by Hamas and Fatah leaders who met in the Gaza Strip yesterday evening.
The Gaza Strip has been suffering numerous crises due to the closure of the Rafah crossing by the Egyptian authorities since the military coup d’état against President Mohamed Morsi, in July , 2013.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement that reconciliation negotiations will resume in another meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
According to PIC correspondent the programmed session, to be chaired by Hamas leader Dr. Moussa Abu Marzouk and PLO envoy Al-Ahmad, will consider proposals over minister-nominees.
According to head of the Gaza government Ismail Haneyya, Palestinian internal affairs are a joint national responsibility that has to be taken up by the Palestinian political leadership in an attempt to end the division.
Haneyya’s statement came during a meeting held by the Palestinian Businessmen Association under the slogan: "Promotion of the Palestinian reconciliation process.”
"Many challenges lie ahead. The onus is never an easy one. We shall all rally round our brothers and sisters in the projected unity government. The process has to be backed by Hamas, Fatah, and all other national factions alike,” Haneyya concluded.
Interior Ministry of Gaza said on Wednesday the population number in the Gaza Strip is increasing steadily, pointing out that the number of males is greater than females. The ministry unveiled that the total number of Gaza population is 1,869,231 including 947,067 males and 922,164 females .
The most common male name is Mohammed, while Iman is the most common female name. Lian is the most common female name in 2013.
According to the issued statistics, Palestine population number comes second among the Arab countries in terms of area, while the 26th among the world countries in terms of fertility rate.
Based on estimates prepared by PCBS according to the results of the Population, Housing and Establishment Census of 2007, the total population of Palestine at mid 2013 was about 4.42 million; 2.24 million males and 2.18 million females. The estimated population of West Bank was 2.72 million of which 1.38 million males and 1.34 million females. While the estimated population of Gaza Strip totaled 1.70 million of which 864 thousand males and 837 thousand females. The percentage of urban population in mid-year 2013 was 73.8%, while the percentage of population in rural and camps areas was 16.8% and 9.4% respectively.
Data revealed that the population of Palestine is a young population; the percentage of individuals aged (0-14) constituted 40.1% of the total population at mid 2013 of which 38.0% in the West Bank and 43.4% in Gaza Strip. The elderly population aged (65 years and over ) constituted 2.9% of the total population of which 3.2% in the West Bank and 2.4% in Gaza Strip of mid 2013.
Population density of Palestine is generally high at 734 persons/ Km2 , particularly in Gaza Strip is 4,661 persons/km2 compared to lower population density in the West Bank at 481 persons/Km2 at mid 2013.
The most common male name is Mohammed, while Iman is the most common female name. Lian is the most common female name in 2013.
According to the issued statistics, Palestine population number comes second among the Arab countries in terms of area, while the 26th among the world countries in terms of fertility rate.
Based on estimates prepared by PCBS according to the results of the Population, Housing and Establishment Census of 2007, the total population of Palestine at mid 2013 was about 4.42 million; 2.24 million males and 2.18 million females. The estimated population of West Bank was 2.72 million of which 1.38 million males and 1.34 million females. While the estimated population of Gaza Strip totaled 1.70 million of which 864 thousand males and 837 thousand females. The percentage of urban population in mid-year 2013 was 73.8%, while the percentage of population in rural and camps areas was 16.8% and 9.4% respectively.
Data revealed that the population of Palestine is a young population; the percentage of individuals aged (0-14) constituted 40.1% of the total population at mid 2013 of which 38.0% in the West Bank and 43.4% in Gaza Strip. The elderly population aged (65 years and over ) constituted 2.9% of the total population of which 3.2% in the West Bank and 2.4% in Gaza Strip of mid 2013.
Population density of Palestine is generally high at 734 persons/ Km2 , particularly in Gaza Strip is 4,661 persons/km2 compared to lower population density in the West Bank at 481 persons/Km2 at mid 2013.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed on Tuesday his frustration over the Palestinian Authority reconciliation agreement with Hamas. “If Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas insists on the reconciliation agreement with Hamas, we will blame him on every rocket fired from the Gaza Strip,” he threatened.
He added during a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kashia in Tokyo, “ we have seen negative changes since the Palestinian Authority signed agreement with Hamas that aims to destroy us.”
“We will remain committed to push the peace process forward; peace can be achieved only through negotiations,” He added.
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, for his part, said, “Abbas is not interested in reaching an agreement with Israel.”
On April 23, the Fatah-led PLO and Hamas announced a national unity deal to end seven years of political division between the largest two Palestinian parties, with a national unity government to be set in place within five weeks.
The division between Fatah and Hamas began in 2006, when Hamas won 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 parts of the occupied 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 unimplemented.
He added during a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kashia in Tokyo, “ we have seen negative changes since the Palestinian Authority signed agreement with Hamas that aims to destroy us.”
“We will remain committed to push the peace process forward; peace can be achieved only through negotiations,” He added.
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, for his part, said, “Abbas is not interested in reaching an agreement with Israel.”
On April 23, the Fatah-led PLO and Hamas announced a national unity deal to end seven years of political division between the largest two Palestinian parties, with a national unity government to be set in place within five weeks.
The division between Fatah and Hamas began in 2006, when Hamas won 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 parts of the occupied 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 unimplemented.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter adjusts his glasses as he addresses a news conference after a meeting of the FIFA executive committee in Zurich March 21, 2014
Palestine will urge delegates at next month's FIFA Congress to take sanctions against Israel while it continues to act "like the neighbourhood bully", FA president Jibril Rajoub told Reuters on Tuesday.
Rajoub, speaking at the Soccerex Asian Forum being held on the banks of the Dead Sea, said the relationship between the two Middle East neighbours had seriously deteriorated following the recent arrest of a Palestine footballer and the shooting of two other players.
He said a Task Force established by FIFA president Sepp Blatter last year that included both nations and representatives from UEFA, Israel's European confederation and the AFC, Palestine's Asian confederation, had failed to implement any real change or improvement on the main issues of freedom of movement and access for Palestinian athletes.
There was no immediate comment from any Israeli source.
Rajoub, who is also head of the Palestine Olympic Committee, said: "Since the Mauritius Congress when president Blatter formed the Task Force we tried to change.
"So far the Israelis are not co-operating. I hope Blatter and all those who have good intentions can still solve the problem before the Congress otherwise I am going for sanctions against the Israelis.
"They cannot keep behaving like the neighbourhood bully, violating all the statutes of FIFA and the Olympic charter and rejecting any good intention either from UEFA, FIFA, the AFC, Palestinian FA or any other interested third party," added Rajoub.
World soccer's ruling body FIFA has carried mainly optimistic reports of the Task Force's work on its website over the last year but Rajoub painted a far bleaker view of the situation.
He also gave little hope for improvement between now and the June 9-10 Congress in Sao Paulo that will be held just before the start of the World Cup in Brazil.
The plan was for a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed between the countries before Congress but that now seems inconceivable.
While Rajoub did not specify the sanctions that could be taken against Israel, he explained why he felt they were necessary.
DISASTROUS EVENTS
"There have been two disastrous events. Last week our national team was in Qatar in camp preparing for the Asian Cup and when they came back the Israelis arrested one of the players and now he is in jail with no reason," he said.
"I am sure they will release him in a week or two so why arrest him in the first place?
"The other event was the famous story that they shot and injured two athletes who had to go to Jordan for treatment for three months. Then they came back and arrested them," Rajoub added.
"I don't think that such a policy should pass without sanctions, without being punished.
"Last year at Congress in Mauritius I said I hoped next year I could come with a solution but if there is no solution I will come back for sanctions.
"Now, this is what we are going to do although I am still optimistic that maybe something could happen before Congress," said Rajoub.
"According to my own experience as a Palestinian and also as president of the FA, the Israelis never agree to anything without being pressured.
"I think UEFA president Michel Platini could say either you do this or do that.
"He did that once when the Israelis prevented the Jordanian and Iraqi teams from coming to Palestine and he said either/or. Immediately everything changed and all the teams were allowed in."
Rajoub is also upset the Israelis recently sent a letter to Blatter which said: "We are ready to develop sport in Palestine but this should be done through our channels".
It was the final straw for Rajoub who told Reuters: "That implies we were affiliated to Israel.
"It means they are not recognising the very existence of Palestinian sporting entity. This is the substance of the problem and for us I don't think anything will happen.
"It's what happened in South Africa in the 1980s and 1990s. It means this is an excuse and I think this is enough for us to ask for sanctions," said Rajoub.
Kirsten Nematandani, former president of the South African FA, said he fully backed Palestine's complaint.
"As a country we appreciate what Palestine is experiencing. We went through much the same thing ourselves for decades.
"I just hope, by the time we go to Congress, there will be something that is laid on the table that gives us a better way forward."
Palestine will urge delegates at next month's FIFA Congress to take sanctions against Israel while it continues to act "like the neighbourhood bully", FA president Jibril Rajoub told Reuters on Tuesday.
Rajoub, speaking at the Soccerex Asian Forum being held on the banks of the Dead Sea, said the relationship between the two Middle East neighbours had seriously deteriorated following the recent arrest of a Palestine footballer and the shooting of two other players.
He said a Task Force established by FIFA president Sepp Blatter last year that included both nations and representatives from UEFA, Israel's European confederation and the AFC, Palestine's Asian confederation, had failed to implement any real change or improvement on the main issues of freedom of movement and access for Palestinian athletes.
There was no immediate comment from any Israeli source.
Rajoub, who is also head of the Palestine Olympic Committee, said: "Since the Mauritius Congress when president Blatter formed the Task Force we tried to change.
"So far the Israelis are not co-operating. I hope Blatter and all those who have good intentions can still solve the problem before the Congress otherwise I am going for sanctions against the Israelis.
"They cannot keep behaving like the neighbourhood bully, violating all the statutes of FIFA and the Olympic charter and rejecting any good intention either from UEFA, FIFA, the AFC, Palestinian FA or any other interested third party," added Rajoub.
World soccer's ruling body FIFA has carried mainly optimistic reports of the Task Force's work on its website over the last year but Rajoub painted a far bleaker view of the situation.
He also gave little hope for improvement between now and the June 9-10 Congress in Sao Paulo that will be held just before the start of the World Cup in Brazil.
The plan was for a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed between the countries before Congress but that now seems inconceivable.
While Rajoub did not specify the sanctions that could be taken against Israel, he explained why he felt they were necessary.
DISASTROUS EVENTS
"There have been two disastrous events. Last week our national team was in Qatar in camp preparing for the Asian Cup and when they came back the Israelis arrested one of the players and now he is in jail with no reason," he said.
"I am sure they will release him in a week or two so why arrest him in the first place?
"The other event was the famous story that they shot and injured two athletes who had to go to Jordan for treatment for three months. Then they came back and arrested them," Rajoub added.
"I don't think that such a policy should pass without sanctions, without being punished.
"Last year at Congress in Mauritius I said I hoped next year I could come with a solution but if there is no solution I will come back for sanctions.
"Now, this is what we are going to do although I am still optimistic that maybe something could happen before Congress," said Rajoub.
"According to my own experience as a Palestinian and also as president of the FA, the Israelis never agree to anything without being pressured.
"I think UEFA president Michel Platini could say either you do this or do that.
"He did that once when the Israelis prevented the Jordanian and Iraqi teams from coming to Palestine and he said either/or. Immediately everything changed and all the teams were allowed in."
Rajoub is also upset the Israelis recently sent a letter to Blatter which said: "We are ready to develop sport in Palestine but this should be done through our channels".
It was the final straw for Rajoub who told Reuters: "That implies we were affiliated to Israel.
"It means they are not recognising the very existence of Palestinian sporting entity. This is the substance of the problem and for us I don't think anything will happen.
"It's what happened in South Africa in the 1980s and 1990s. It means this is an excuse and I think this is enough for us to ask for sanctions," said Rajoub.
Kirsten Nematandani, former president of the South African FA, said he fully backed Palestine's complaint.
"As a country we appreciate what Palestine is experiencing. We went through much the same thing ourselves for decades.
"I just hope, by the time we go to Congress, there will be something that is laid on the table that gives us a better way forward."
Rami Hamdallah
According to the Ma'an News Agency, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not be the head of the upcoming unity government, and that the new president will not have a deputy president.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior source told Ma'an that Rami Hamdallah is the most likely person to head the new government, and that talks to determine the configuration of this government are nearly concluded, especially since all suggested names are ready.
The source added that Mousa Abu Marzouq, deputy head of the Hamas Political Bureau, in addition to Khalil al-Hayya and Imad al-Alamy, represent the Hamas movement in government formation talks.
On Tuesday evening, Fateh official Azzam al-Ahmad arrived in Gaza for final talks with Hamas officials, and officials of various political groups in Gaza.
The outcome of government formation talks will be revealed during a press conference in Gaza, on Wednesday.
Once formed, the new government will also start preparations for holding new general and presidential elections in the occupied territories.
According to the Ma'an News Agency, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not be the head of the upcoming unity government, and that the new president will not have a deputy president.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior source told Ma'an that Rami Hamdallah is the most likely person to head the new government, and that talks to determine the configuration of this government are nearly concluded, especially since all suggested names are ready.
The source added that Mousa Abu Marzouq, deputy head of the Hamas Political Bureau, in addition to Khalil al-Hayya and Imad al-Alamy, represent the Hamas movement in government formation talks.
On Tuesday evening, Fateh official Azzam al-Ahmad arrived in Gaza for final talks with Hamas officials, and officials of various political groups in Gaza.
The outcome of government formation talks will be revealed during a press conference in Gaza, on Wednesday.
Once formed, the new government will also start preparations for holding new general and presidential elections in the occupied territories.
Al-Ahmad in a previous meeting with Gaza PM Ismail Haniyeh and Second Speaker of Palestinian Parliament Ahmed Bahar
Senior member of Fatah and reconciliation officiator Azzam al-Ahmad arrived in Gaza, Tuesday evening, via Erez Beit Hanoun crossing, to discuss the formation of a unity government with Hamas.
Fatah spokesman Fayez Abu Atiyeh told Ma'an News Agency that al-Ahmad's visit to Gaza is a part of ongoing efforts to implement the April reconciliation deal that was signed between Hamas and the PLO.
Senior Hamas official Salah Al-Bardaweel said, in a statement to Al Ray, that Azzam al-Ahmad came to discuss general issues with Hamas, with a focus on the formation of a national unity government.
The division between Fatah and Hamas began in 2006, with Hamas' victory in Palestinian legislative elections.
The following year, clashes erupted between the parties, leaving Hamas in control of the Gaza Strip and Fatah of parts of the occupied West Bank.
On April 23, Hamas and Fatah signed a deal in Gaza, with the aim of repairing relations that have been dysfunctional since 2007, and future hopes based on legislative and presidential elections to be held in both the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Senior member of Fatah and reconciliation officiator Azzam al-Ahmad arrived in Gaza, Tuesday evening, via Erez Beit Hanoun crossing, to discuss the formation of a unity government with Hamas.
Fatah spokesman Fayez Abu Atiyeh told Ma'an News Agency that al-Ahmad's visit to Gaza is a part of ongoing efforts to implement the April reconciliation deal that was signed between Hamas and the PLO.
Senior Hamas official Salah Al-Bardaweel said, in a statement to Al Ray, that Azzam al-Ahmad came to discuss general issues with Hamas, with a focus on the formation of a national unity government.
The division between Fatah and Hamas began in 2006, with Hamas' victory in Palestinian legislative elections.
The following year, clashes erupted between the parties, leaving Hamas in control of the Gaza Strip and Fatah of parts of the occupied West Bank.
On April 23, Hamas and Fatah signed a deal in Gaza, with the aim of repairing relations that have been dysfunctional since 2007, and future hopes based on legislative and presidential elections to be held in both the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
13 may 2014
Member of Hamas's political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk said that from the moment the Palestinian rivals signed the Palestinian reconciliation agreement, the US veto was present. Abu Marzouk made his remarks during his meeting on Monday with a galaxy of academics and intellectuals at the "House of Wisdom" in Gaza.
The Hamas official asserted that his Movement and Fatah faction were able to overcome many obstacles that had prevented the signing of the reconciliation agreement.
He expressed his belief that the elections would not solve all the problems in the Palestinian arena, and instead could lead to more complications, noting that the Palestinian state is under occupation and there is need for forming a constituent assembly entitled to restructure the Palestinian institutions and write a new constitution.
For his part, senior Hamas official Imad Al-Alami said that his Movement's decision to achieve the national reconciliation is irreversible, stressing that the Palestinian parties are able to overcome any disruptive pressures.
During a conference on the Palestinian reconciliation held in Gaza on Monday, Alami asserted that there were external pressures to obstruct the execution of the reconciliation agreement, but Hamas and Fatah managed to confront them.
He stated that dealing with the reconciliation agreement as a package deal would guarantee that all problems that caused the Palestinian division would be gone.
He also highlighted the importance of the popular rallying around the reconciliation agreement and pooling the national efforts in order to confront the challenges.
The Hamas official asserted that his Movement and Fatah faction were able to overcome many obstacles that had prevented the signing of the reconciliation agreement.
He expressed his belief that the elections would not solve all the problems in the Palestinian arena, and instead could lead to more complications, noting that the Palestinian state is under occupation and there is need for forming a constituent assembly entitled to restructure the Palestinian institutions and write a new constitution.
For his part, senior Hamas official Imad Al-Alami said that his Movement's decision to achieve the national reconciliation is irreversible, stressing that the Palestinian parties are able to overcome any disruptive pressures.
During a conference on the Palestinian reconciliation held in Gaza on Monday, Alami asserted that there were external pressures to obstruct the execution of the reconciliation agreement, but Hamas and Fatah managed to confront them.
He stated that dealing with the reconciliation agreement as a package deal would guarantee that all problems that caused the Palestinian division would be gone.
He also highlighted the importance of the popular rallying around the reconciliation agreement and pooling the national efforts in order to confront the challenges.
Head of Fatah delegation for reconciliation talks, Azzam Al-Ahmad, is to arrive in Gaza on Tuesday evening for negotiations over the projected reconciliation government to be formed according to the terms of the Shati Declaration at a time when Hamas’s calls to press ahead with a unity government have been voiced. Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, said in an exclusive statement to PIC that Al-Ahmad will arrive in Gaza Tuesday evening to attend a round of talks to be held later today.
Hamas and Fatah envoys have agreed on 23 April to the terms of the Shati Declaration, stipulating among other things the formation of a consensus government within five weeks to be followed presidential and legislative elections after six months.
In the same context, Hamas has called on PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to press ahead with the consensus government in keeping with the terms of the reconciliation agreement so as to reinforce the Palestinian national unity.
Hamas leader Salah Bardawil reiterated, in a press release, Hamas’s firm commitment to turn over the division chapter and make the reconciliation project come true.
“We believe that reconciliation is Palestinians’ only way out. None of us should lay down his/her arms before ongoing pressures to force PA to resume peace talks,” declares Bardawil.
Hamas and Fatah envoys have agreed on 23 April to the terms of the Shati Declaration, stipulating among other things the formation of a consensus government within five weeks to be followed presidential and legislative elections after six months.
In the same context, Hamas has called on PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to press ahead with the consensus government in keeping with the terms of the reconciliation agreement so as to reinforce the Palestinian national unity.
Hamas leader Salah Bardawil reiterated, in a press release, Hamas’s firm commitment to turn over the division chapter and make the reconciliation project come true.
“We believe that reconciliation is Palestinians’ only way out. None of us should lay down his/her arms before ongoing pressures to force PA to resume peace talks,” declares Bardawil.
"Jerusalem is Palestinian land and I hope Palestine will be a member of United Nations. It is the UN's obligation to do so," said Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu at the "International Meeting on the Question of Jerusalem" in Ankara.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said those people who do not understand the importance of Jerusalem and Palestinian rights there are "attacking the conscience of humanity."
Speaking in the opening ceremony of "International Meeting on the Question of Jerusalem" in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on Monday as part of the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Davutoglu said there are three steps to be aware of when discussing Jerusalem.
"We should be aware of the areas of ethical and ontological, cultural and political responsibility for Jerusalem," said Davutoglu.
Davutoglu recalled that under the terms of international law, the city of Jerusalem is regarded as under occupation, and there were two major problems to consider under this framework, those being refugees and Jerusalem's legal status.
"We are witnessing occupation of Palestinian lands since 1948, as well as Al-Aqsa Mosque. The international community should ensure justice and the rule of law through different platforms," said Davutoglu. "If the UN decisions are not being implemented, then why they were taken in the first place?"
The tensions ongoing between Arabs and Israelis since WWI erupted in November 1947, when war broke out between Israel and a military coalition of Arab states and Palestinian forces.
The UN General Assembly's offered a Partition Plan to divide the area into an Arab state, a Jewish state and the Special International Regime for the City of Jerusalem -- this led to another war, commonly known as the 1948 war for Palestine. Israel took control of 60 percent of the Palestine lands, defended by a UN resolution.
The city of Jerusalem has been the object of conflicting claims by Jews and Palestinian Arabs, as both peoples consider it an irreplaceable part of their national essence.
Israel, which annexed East Jerusalem in 1980, says that the entire city is the capital of Israel and must remain under Israeli sovereignty. This claim is not recognized by the international community.
Davutoglu also recalled that Al-Aqsa Mosque is a sacred site for Muslims and cannot be occupied.
"Nobody can take sole authority over Jerusalem, peace in the Middle East is impossible without it," said Davutoglu. "Jerusalem is Palestinian land and I hope Palestine will be a member of United Nations. It is the UN's obligation to do so."
Davutoglu called on the international community to form a charity campaign for the Palestinian people who are "in deep sorrow."
The Ankara meeting is jointly organized by the UN's Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Turkey.
Speaking after Davutoglu, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Iyad bin Amin Madani thanked Turkey for its efforts towards protecting the rights of Palestinian people.
"The incidents in 1948 were effective in forming the Islamic Cooperation Council. We see ourselves as the protectors of the Palestinian people," said Iyad. "The city should be given to Palestine. Islamic Cooperation Council is worried over the implementation by Israel on Jerusalem. They are trying to erase the city's Arab identity and erase religious history."
Mehmet Gormez, Head of the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs, was also present in the meeting.
Source: World Bulletin
Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said those people who do not understand the importance of Jerusalem and Palestinian rights there are "attacking the conscience of humanity."
Speaking in the opening ceremony of "International Meeting on the Question of Jerusalem" in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on Monday as part of the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Davutoglu said there are three steps to be aware of when discussing Jerusalem.
"We should be aware of the areas of ethical and ontological, cultural and political responsibility for Jerusalem," said Davutoglu.
Davutoglu recalled that under the terms of international law, the city of Jerusalem is regarded as under occupation, and there were two major problems to consider under this framework, those being refugees and Jerusalem's legal status.
"We are witnessing occupation of Palestinian lands since 1948, as well as Al-Aqsa Mosque. The international community should ensure justice and the rule of law through different platforms," said Davutoglu. "If the UN decisions are not being implemented, then why they were taken in the first place?"
The tensions ongoing between Arabs and Israelis since WWI erupted in November 1947, when war broke out between Israel and a military coalition of Arab states and Palestinian forces.
The UN General Assembly's offered a Partition Plan to divide the area into an Arab state, a Jewish state and the Special International Regime for the City of Jerusalem -- this led to another war, commonly known as the 1948 war for Palestine. Israel took control of 60 percent of the Palestine lands, defended by a UN resolution.
The city of Jerusalem has been the object of conflicting claims by Jews and Palestinian Arabs, as both peoples consider it an irreplaceable part of their national essence.
Israel, which annexed East Jerusalem in 1980, says that the entire city is the capital of Israel and must remain under Israeli sovereignty. This claim is not recognized by the international community.
Davutoglu also recalled that Al-Aqsa Mosque is a sacred site for Muslims and cannot be occupied.
"Nobody can take sole authority over Jerusalem, peace in the Middle East is impossible without it," said Davutoglu. "Jerusalem is Palestinian land and I hope Palestine will be a member of United Nations. It is the UN's obligation to do so."
Davutoglu called on the international community to form a charity campaign for the Palestinian people who are "in deep sorrow."
The Ankara meeting is jointly organized by the UN's Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Turkey.
Speaking after Davutoglu, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Iyad bin Amin Madani thanked Turkey for its efforts towards protecting the rights of Palestinian people.
"The incidents in 1948 were effective in forming the Islamic Cooperation Council. We see ourselves as the protectors of the Palestinian people," said Iyad. "The city should be given to Palestine. Islamic Cooperation Council is worried over the implementation by Israel on Jerusalem. They are trying to erase the city's Arab identity and erase religious history."
Mehmet Gormez, Head of the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs, was also present in the meeting.
Source: World Bulletin
