21 may 2014
Former Fatah leader Mohammad Dahlan said on Wednesday that he was intent on taking part in upcoming elections despite a criminal conviction by a "secret court" the day before.
Dahlan, a former security chief who has lived outside of Palestine since he was ousted in 2011, was sentenced by a Ramallah court to two years in jail Tuesday for "libel, slander, and defamation."
Dahlan, however, said in a statement that he believes the trial took place in secret, arguing that the case represents a mockery of the law by the president and was politically motivated to exclude him from planned elections.
Dahlan said he was not "surprised" by Abbas's decision to hold a "secret trial" as it "utilizes the respected Palestinian judicial system, and turns it into a tool that serves his needs, concerns, and personal grudges."
Dahlan explained that he learned from "trusted sources" that Abbas "asked his people to arrange a court sentence" for him on April 3rd, and asked them "to leave the timing of the announcement to him personally."
Dahlan said that he took several legal steps to defend himself, pointing out that he has immunity because of his membership in the Palestinian legislative council.
The timing aims to impede his participation in the upcoming Fatah conference and his definite participation in the upcoming legislative and presidential elections, Dahlan argued.
He concluded that any rulings based on the exclusion of himself or any other leader from the Palestinian political scene would lead to a "distrustful dictatorship."
President Abbas dismissed Dahlan from Fatah's central committee in 2011, four years after Hamas accused him of engineering a coup with US support that led to a counter-coup by Hamas in the Gaza Strip in 2007. He had previously been in charge of the security forces in Gaza.
Dahlan, a former security chief who has lived outside of Palestine since he was ousted in 2011, was sentenced by a Ramallah court to two years in jail Tuesday for "libel, slander, and defamation."
Dahlan, however, said in a statement that he believes the trial took place in secret, arguing that the case represents a mockery of the law by the president and was politically motivated to exclude him from planned elections.
Dahlan said he was not "surprised" by Abbas's decision to hold a "secret trial" as it "utilizes the respected Palestinian judicial system, and turns it into a tool that serves his needs, concerns, and personal grudges."
Dahlan explained that he learned from "trusted sources" that Abbas "asked his people to arrange a court sentence" for him on April 3rd, and asked them "to leave the timing of the announcement to him personally."
Dahlan said that he took several legal steps to defend himself, pointing out that he has immunity because of his membership in the Palestinian legislative council.
The timing aims to impede his participation in the upcoming Fatah conference and his definite participation in the upcoming legislative and presidential elections, Dahlan argued.
He concluded that any rulings based on the exclusion of himself or any other leader from the Palestinian political scene would lead to a "distrustful dictatorship."
President Abbas dismissed Dahlan from Fatah's central committee in 2011, four years after Hamas accused him of engineering a coup with US support that led to a counter-coup by Hamas in the Gaza Strip in 2007. He had previously been in charge of the security forces in Gaza.
Faaborg Anderson
By Khalid Amayreh in Occupied Palestine
In statements reported Tuesday, European Union (EU) ambassador to Israel Faaborg Anderson once again displayed characteristic western bias toward Israel.
Apparently trying to appease his Israeli audience, Anderson demanded that Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Liberation group, recognize Israel, give up resistance to the brutal Israeli military occupation and accept vague and controversial agreements signed between Israel and the PLO.
Anderson totally ignored the fact that Israel doesn't recognize Palestine. In fact important components of the Israeli government don't even recognize the very existence of the Palestinian people, yet this doesn't prevent the Israeli government from embracing these parties and including them into the ruling coalition headed by Binyamin Netanyahu.
Hence, it is dishonest and unconscionable to demand the Palestinians, victims of Israeli aggression, apartheid and ethnic cleansing, to recognize an entity that not only refuses to recognize them but strives to wipe their national existence off the map.
Let no one argue that Israel would recognize Palestine if Hamas recognized Israel. This argument is naïve at best. We all know that the PLO recognized Israel, even unconditionally, in the context of the Oslo Agreement more than 20 year ago.
However, Israel refused adamantly to reciprocate by recognizing a Palestinian state on the basis of the1967 borders.
More to the point, Israel has ever since embarked on a frantic campaign of settlement building, effectively killing any realistic prospects for a peace deal based on the two-state solution strategy.
Besides, as a Palestinian who has been languishing under Jewish-Zionist oppression for 47 years, I would beg His Excellency the EU ambassador to tell us the borders of the state he is demanding the Palestinian people to recognize.
Given notorious Israeli deception and prevarication, we Palestinians can no longer agree to buy fish in the sea. The PLO did make a huge blunder 22 years ago by recognizing Israel without receiving a reciprocal Israel recognition beforehand. Hence Hamas must never ever make the same blunder again.
Besides, it is really unethical, to say the very least, to hear European officials ask the rape victim to stop resisting her attacker. Indeed, according to what logic and by which standard of morality are people languishing under a nefarious military occupation asked to stop resisting their tormentors.
Were the peoples who came under the Nazi occupation in Europe in the middle of the last century asked to stop resisting the Wehrmacht, Gestapo and SS? We all know the answer. So why is it that the Palestinians of all people falling under a brutal foreign occupation are asked to submit to their oppressors?
I believe that Europe must not add insult to injury in connection to its historical betrayal of the Palestinian people. It was Europe, after all, that inserted the venomous snake into the child's bed.
Europe cannot claim innocence. It can't claim it didn't know the snake was so poisonous and would bite the child. In any court of law that respects itself, Europe would be declared guilty, guilty, and guilty for committing a crime against humanity by creating Israel and enabling it to carry history's greatest crime.
We are not asking Europe to undo a long history of treachery and betrayal against Arabs and Muslims, especially the Palestinian people.
But we are demanding that Europe try to atone for its past crimes against the Palestinian people by exercising some rectitude and fairness in dealing with the Palestinian plight.
Indeed, by making manifestly impossible demands on the Palestinians who have barely survived the Nazi-like Israeli blitz while utterly ignoring Israel's lebensraum policies in the West Bank, the EU is effectively disqualifying itself from acting as "honest mediator" in the Israeli-Palestinian strife.
This is the message that the Palestinian people and their political forces must communicate to the EU.
Yes, Europe is extending a helping hand to the Palestinians, although this assistance is by no means altruistic.
But Europe should never expect the Palestinian people to trade their future and that of their children for European (or for that matter American) money.
Khalid Amayreh is a veteran Palestinian journalist living in occupied Palestine
By Khalid Amayreh in Occupied Palestine
In statements reported Tuesday, European Union (EU) ambassador to Israel Faaborg Anderson once again displayed characteristic western bias toward Israel.
Apparently trying to appease his Israeli audience, Anderson demanded that Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Liberation group, recognize Israel, give up resistance to the brutal Israeli military occupation and accept vague and controversial agreements signed between Israel and the PLO.
Anderson totally ignored the fact that Israel doesn't recognize Palestine. In fact important components of the Israeli government don't even recognize the very existence of the Palestinian people, yet this doesn't prevent the Israeli government from embracing these parties and including them into the ruling coalition headed by Binyamin Netanyahu.
Hence, it is dishonest and unconscionable to demand the Palestinians, victims of Israeli aggression, apartheid and ethnic cleansing, to recognize an entity that not only refuses to recognize them but strives to wipe their national existence off the map.
Let no one argue that Israel would recognize Palestine if Hamas recognized Israel. This argument is naïve at best. We all know that the PLO recognized Israel, even unconditionally, in the context of the Oslo Agreement more than 20 year ago.
However, Israel refused adamantly to reciprocate by recognizing a Palestinian state on the basis of the1967 borders.
More to the point, Israel has ever since embarked on a frantic campaign of settlement building, effectively killing any realistic prospects for a peace deal based on the two-state solution strategy.
Besides, as a Palestinian who has been languishing under Jewish-Zionist oppression for 47 years, I would beg His Excellency the EU ambassador to tell us the borders of the state he is demanding the Palestinian people to recognize.
Given notorious Israeli deception and prevarication, we Palestinians can no longer agree to buy fish in the sea. The PLO did make a huge blunder 22 years ago by recognizing Israel without receiving a reciprocal Israel recognition beforehand. Hence Hamas must never ever make the same blunder again.
Besides, it is really unethical, to say the very least, to hear European officials ask the rape victim to stop resisting her attacker. Indeed, according to what logic and by which standard of morality are people languishing under a nefarious military occupation asked to stop resisting their tormentors.
Were the peoples who came under the Nazi occupation in Europe in the middle of the last century asked to stop resisting the Wehrmacht, Gestapo and SS? We all know the answer. So why is it that the Palestinians of all people falling under a brutal foreign occupation are asked to submit to their oppressors?
I believe that Europe must not add insult to injury in connection to its historical betrayal of the Palestinian people. It was Europe, after all, that inserted the venomous snake into the child's bed.
Europe cannot claim innocence. It can't claim it didn't know the snake was so poisonous and would bite the child. In any court of law that respects itself, Europe would be declared guilty, guilty, and guilty for committing a crime against humanity by creating Israel and enabling it to carry history's greatest crime.
We are not asking Europe to undo a long history of treachery and betrayal against Arabs and Muslims, especially the Palestinian people.
But we are demanding that Europe try to atone for its past crimes against the Palestinian people by exercising some rectitude and fairness in dealing with the Palestinian plight.
Indeed, by making manifestly impossible demands on the Palestinians who have barely survived the Nazi-like Israeli blitz while utterly ignoring Israel's lebensraum policies in the West Bank, the EU is effectively disqualifying itself from acting as "honest mediator" in the Israeli-Palestinian strife.
This is the message that the Palestinian people and their political forces must communicate to the EU.
Yes, Europe is extending a helping hand to the Palestinians, although this assistance is by no means altruistic.
But Europe should never expect the Palestinian people to trade their future and that of their children for European (or for that matter American) money.
Khalid Amayreh is a veteran Palestinian journalist living in occupied Palestine
President Mahmoud Abbas has received a list of suggested officials for the Palestinian unity government and will inaugurate the government by May 29, an official said late Tuesday.
Senior Hamas official Ahmad Yousef told Ma'an that Abbas is in "the final stages of selecting cabinet members for the technocratic government in which he will be prime minister."
The cabinet will be made up of "15 or 16" ministers, Yousef said.
He said three nonpartisan candidates have been suggested for each position and Abbas will choose one of the three.
One of the suggestions for foreign minister is Ziad Abu Amr, a Gaza-born politician who currently serves as deputy prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, Yousef told Ma'an.
The Hamas official added that various nonpartisan PA officials were likely candidates for unity government posts. However, none of the members of the current Gaza government are likely to be chosen, as they are affiliated to Hamas.
On Sunday, Hamas said that a "consensus government" would be named by the PLO and Hamas within days.
Hamas signed a reconciliation deal last month with the PLO in a surprise move which aims to overcome a years-long intra-Palestinian split.
Under their April 23 reconciliation deal, the two sides are to form an "independent government" of technocrats, headed by Abbas, paving the way for long-delayed elections.
Senior Hamas official Ahmad Yousef told Ma'an that Abbas is in "the final stages of selecting cabinet members for the technocratic government in which he will be prime minister."
The cabinet will be made up of "15 or 16" ministers, Yousef said.
He said three nonpartisan candidates have been suggested for each position and Abbas will choose one of the three.
One of the suggestions for foreign minister is Ziad Abu Amr, a Gaza-born politician who currently serves as deputy prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, Yousef told Ma'an.
The Hamas official added that various nonpartisan PA officials were likely candidates for unity government posts. However, none of the members of the current Gaza government are likely to be chosen, as they are affiliated to Hamas.
On Sunday, Hamas said that a "consensus government" would be named by the PLO and Hamas within days.
Hamas signed a reconciliation deal last month with the PLO in a surprise move which aims to overcome a years-long intra-Palestinian split.
Under their April 23 reconciliation deal, the two sides are to form an "independent government" of technocrats, headed by Abbas, paving the way for long-delayed elections.
Palestinian Prime Minister, Rami al-Hamdallah, stated there can be no peace with Israel, or even a truce, without the release of all Palestinian political prisoners held by the Israeli occupation.
His statements came while talking to protesters in front of the Red Cross office in al-Biereh town, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, the Watan News Agency has reported.
Hundreds of Palestinians held their weekly protest in front of the Red Cross, demanding the release of their detained family members, and demanding an end to the illegitimate Israeli occupation of Palestine.
He said that the Palestinian government is holding talks with various countries and international human rights groups to ensure the release of all detainees.
Head of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS), Qaddoura Fares, demanded all factions to meet, discuss the issue of the detainees, and to determine an agenda and a plan for supporting the detainees and their cause, locally, regionally and internationally.
On his part, Hasan Yousef, a political leader of Hamas, declared his movement's support of any agreement that would help and support the detainees, and that Palestinian unity plays an essential role in advancing their cause.
Meanwhile, Palestinian detainees, held by Israel under arbitrary Administrative Detention policies without charges, are ongoing with their hunger strike they started 27 days ago, while a number of striking detainees are in very serious health conditions.
His statements came while talking to protesters in front of the Red Cross office in al-Biereh town, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, the Watan News Agency has reported.
Hundreds of Palestinians held their weekly protest in front of the Red Cross, demanding the release of their detained family members, and demanding an end to the illegitimate Israeli occupation of Palestine.
He said that the Palestinian government is holding talks with various countries and international human rights groups to ensure the release of all detainees.
Head of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS), Qaddoura Fares, demanded all factions to meet, discuss the issue of the detainees, and to determine an agenda and a plan for supporting the detainees and their cause, locally, regionally and internationally.
On his part, Hasan Yousef, a political leader of Hamas, declared his movement's support of any agreement that would help and support the detainees, and that Palestinian unity plays an essential role in advancing their cause.
Meanwhile, Palestinian detainees, held by Israel under arbitrary Administrative Detention policies without charges, are ongoing with their hunger strike they started 27 days ago, while a number of striking detainees are in very serious health conditions.
The Arabs48 news website has reported that unity and government formation talks between the Fateh and Hamas movement, as well as other factions, are advancing, and that the files of Interior and Finance Ministries could be resolved soon.
It said that talks are currently ongoing to determine the names of Palestinian figures who will be in charge of the two ministries.
Senior Palestinian sources told Arabs48 that there are no conflicts, or differences, that could obstruct the formation of the interim unity government, as the difference right now or on certain names, and that the two files could be agreed upon in the near future.
The sources added that the upcoming unity government would focus on preparing for new legislative, presidential and local councils elections, and on unifying the political leadership in Gaza and the West Bank.
The two tasks would be accompanied by ensuring all services are provided to the Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) would run political affairs.
On Monday, Secretary of the Revolutionary Council of the Fateh Movement, Amin Maqboul, stated that the final touches are being made before declaring the new government, and that President Mahmoud Abbas will be choosing 16 ministers of the interim government he would head.
It said that talks are currently ongoing to determine the names of Palestinian figures who will be in charge of the two ministries.
Senior Palestinian sources told Arabs48 that there are no conflicts, or differences, that could obstruct the formation of the interim unity government, as the difference right now or on certain names, and that the two files could be agreed upon in the near future.
The sources added that the upcoming unity government would focus on preparing for new legislative, presidential and local councils elections, and on unifying the political leadership in Gaza and the West Bank.
The two tasks would be accompanied by ensuring all services are provided to the Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) would run political affairs.
On Monday, Secretary of the Revolutionary Council of the Fateh Movement, Amin Maqboul, stated that the final touches are being made before declaring the new government, and that President Mahmoud Abbas will be choosing 16 ministers of the interim government he would head.
Khaled Mashal
Head of the Political Bureau of the Hamas movement, Khaled Mashal, stated that Palestinian reconciliation and national unity are not alternatives to the legitimate resistance against the Israeli occupation, but are meant to strengthen it.
His statements came in a speech he gave in Doha- Qatar, during a commemoration of the 66th Anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba, when Israel was created in the historic land of Palestine after destroying hundreds of villages and towns and displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
He said that Palestinian reconciliation is urgently needed, especially amidst the current developments, and that the Palestinians “need a unified Palestinian decision and leadership in order to achieve their aspirations of liberty and independence.”
Mashal added that the Palestinians managed to overcome the difficult era of internal divisions and conflicts, despite all obstacles and challenges, and that the Hamas movement has always been interested in reconciliation, but “its efforts were also struck by Israel and American obstacles”.
The Hamas leader also stated that this reconciliation agreement came after “Hamas provided concessions”, and “will always be willing to provide further concession for the sake of Palestinian unity.”
“When the Palestinians commemorate the Nakba, they also renew their commitment to resistance against the occupation, to their struggle for the Right of Return of the refugees and the liberation of their country,” Mashal added. “Politics and resistance are not at odds, the Palestinians will never accept a self-rule government, or a miniature state, they will continue to fight for independence.”
He also said that “Israel’s crimes are now exposed to the international community”, and that “the world sees Israel’s terrorism, its assassinations, murder, expulsion of the Palestinians from their homelands, and its ongoing violations of International law.”
“Commemorating the Nakba is not about renewing the suffering, the pain,” Mashal stated. “It is about renewing and boosting resistance against the occupation, to liberate Palestine, and ensure the return of the refugees.”
Head of the Political Bureau of the Hamas movement, Khaled Mashal, stated that Palestinian reconciliation and national unity are not alternatives to the legitimate resistance against the Israeli occupation, but are meant to strengthen it.
His statements came in a speech he gave in Doha- Qatar, during a commemoration of the 66th Anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba, when Israel was created in the historic land of Palestine after destroying hundreds of villages and towns and displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
He said that Palestinian reconciliation is urgently needed, especially amidst the current developments, and that the Palestinians “need a unified Palestinian decision and leadership in order to achieve their aspirations of liberty and independence.”
Mashal added that the Palestinians managed to overcome the difficult era of internal divisions and conflicts, despite all obstacles and challenges, and that the Hamas movement has always been interested in reconciliation, but “its efforts were also struck by Israel and American obstacles”.
The Hamas leader also stated that this reconciliation agreement came after “Hamas provided concessions”, and “will always be willing to provide further concession for the sake of Palestinian unity.”
“When the Palestinians commemorate the Nakba, they also renew their commitment to resistance against the occupation, to their struggle for the Right of Return of the refugees and the liberation of their country,” Mashal added. “Politics and resistance are not at odds, the Palestinians will never accept a self-rule government, or a miniature state, they will continue to fight for independence.”
He also said that “Israel’s crimes are now exposed to the international community”, and that “the world sees Israel’s terrorism, its assassinations, murder, expulsion of the Palestinians from their homelands, and its ongoing violations of International law.”
“Commemorating the Nakba is not about renewing the suffering, the pain,” Mashal stated. “It is about renewing and boosting resistance against the occupation, to liberate Palestine, and ensure the return of the refugees.”
20 may 2014
Leftist Palestinian factions say they are seriously concerned about the latest unity deal as Fatah and Hamas have not involved them in ongoing consultations to form a government.
The expected national consensus government could become “a government for managing the Hamas-Fatah disagreement,” according to leftist officials.
Speaking to Ma’an, an official in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said that Palestinian nationalist factions were not consulted at all, but asked only to submit names of candidates for portfolios in the upcoming unity government.
They were told that President Mahmoud Abbas would select the cabinet ministers from the suggested names, added Kayid al-Ghoul.
“There is a difference between consultations in the sense of maintaining national partnership and between submitting names of candidates,” he added.
Similarly, Talal Abu Tharifa, a senior official in the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said consultations to form a unity government weren’t based on principles of partnership.
“Consultations are still restricted to Fatah and Hamas just like previous bilateral agreements which led both parties to nothing but conflicts,” Abu Tharifa said.
The DFLP, added Abu Tharifa, has submitted a list of independent technocrats hoping they will be taken into account.
The expected national consensus government could become “a government for managing the Hamas-Fatah disagreement,” according to leftist officials.
Speaking to Ma’an, an official in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said that Palestinian nationalist factions were not consulted at all, but asked only to submit names of candidates for portfolios in the upcoming unity government.
They were told that President Mahmoud Abbas would select the cabinet ministers from the suggested names, added Kayid al-Ghoul.
“There is a difference between consultations in the sense of maintaining national partnership and between submitting names of candidates,” he added.
Similarly, Talal Abu Tharifa, a senior official in the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said consultations to form a unity government weren’t based on principles of partnership.
“Consultations are still restricted to Fatah and Hamas just like previous bilateral agreements which led both parties to nothing but conflicts,” Abu Tharifa said.
The DFLP, added Abu Tharifa, has submitted a list of independent technocrats hoping they will be taken into account.
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya said that the Hamas Movement would keep providing services for the Palestinian people after the Palestinian unity government initiates its work next week. Premier Haneyya made his remarks during the opening ceremony of the new headquarters of the Palestinian ministry of religious affairs in Gaza on Tuesday.
Haneyya stated that such infrastructure achievements in Gaza happen despite eight years of tight blockade.
The premier also placed today the foundation stone of Al-Hassaina mosque in Gaza and hailed the ministry of religious affairs for its efforts to promote Islamic values through establishing mosques.
Haneyya stated that such infrastructure achievements in Gaza happen despite eight years of tight blockade.
The premier also placed today the foundation stone of Al-Hassaina mosque in Gaza and hailed the ministry of religious affairs for its efforts to promote Islamic values through establishing mosques.
Fawzi Barhoum, Hamas spokesman, has slammed the arbitrary political arrests carried out by the Palestinian Authority (PA) amid large-scale support of the reconciliation process. Barhoum called on PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas, in his capacity as the commander-in-chief of the security apparatuses in the West Bank, to issue an official decree ruling for the immediate halt of political arrests, once and for all.
Barhoum said in an exclusive statement to the PIC: “Despite the fact that we have made many leaps forward toward the reconciliation process, inadequate security policies are still being implemented.”
Barhoum spoke against the escalation of political arrests and summonses in the West Bank, declaring that Hamas cannot tolerate such misdemeanors.
“But there is still hope that the projected consensus government will handle the file in the very best way possible,” Barhoum maintains.
"The Palestinian unity government should assume its responsibility vis-à-vis the affair and restructure the current security apparatuses, which have been maintaining strong security links with the Israeli occupation, on a national basis that preserves the dignity of our Palestinian citizens," Barhoum concludes.
Barhoum said in an exclusive statement to the PIC: “Despite the fact that we have made many leaps forward toward the reconciliation process, inadequate security policies are still being implemented.”
Barhoum spoke against the escalation of political arrests and summonses in the West Bank, declaring that Hamas cannot tolerate such misdemeanors.
“But there is still hope that the projected consensus government will handle the file in the very best way possible,” Barhoum maintains.
"The Palestinian unity government should assume its responsibility vis-à-vis the affair and restructure the current security apparatuses, which have been maintaining strong security links with the Israeli occupation, on a national basis that preserves the dignity of our Palestinian citizens," Barhoum concludes.
Member of Hamas's political bureau Mahmoud Al-Zahhar said that there is no estrangement with Egypt and contacts with its intelligence agency are still ongoing. In televised remarks on Al-Jazeera satellite channel on Monday, Zahhar stated that his Movement is waiting for the political situation to stabilize in Egypt following the presidential elections in order to establish good relations with the new Egyptian leadership.
He noted that the recent remarks of former army chief Abdul-Fattah Al-Sisi, a shoo-in candidate for his country's presidency, was taken positively by Hamas, affirming that the shape of the political relationship between his Movement and Egypt would be decided by the positions of the upcoming Egyptian leadership.
The Hamas official denied that Hamas has headquarters or any type of activity in Egypt and challenged anyone to prove its involvement in Sinai events, noting that the Egyptian security authorities had admitted that the group of Ansar Bayt Al-Maqdis had nothing to do with Hamas.
He also said that the Egyptian authorities started lately to facilitate the travel of pilgrims through the Rafah border crossing better than before, asserting that the government in Gaza is always against the use of tunnels, but the crossing should be opened on a permanent basis before movement of goods and individuals.
He noted that the recent remarks of former army chief Abdul-Fattah Al-Sisi, a shoo-in candidate for his country's presidency, was taken positively by Hamas, affirming that the shape of the political relationship between his Movement and Egypt would be decided by the positions of the upcoming Egyptian leadership.
The Hamas official denied that Hamas has headquarters or any type of activity in Egypt and challenged anyone to prove its involvement in Sinai events, noting that the Egyptian security authorities had admitted that the group of Ansar Bayt Al-Maqdis had nothing to do with Hamas.
He also said that the Egyptian authorities started lately to facilitate the travel of pilgrims through the Rafah border crossing better than before, asserting that the government in Gaza is always against the use of tunnels, but the crossing should be opened on a permanent basis before movement of goods and individuals.
19 may 2014
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has amended Article 98 of the Palestinian Criminal Law no. 12 of 1960, abolishing the ease in punishment against crimes of honor killing committed against women.
According to WAFA, Abbas’ legal advisor Hassan al-Uri said that the amendment aims at abolishing reduced penalties when legally dealing with cases of so-called ‘honor killings’.
Under the amendment, judiciary has no authority to seek a lighter sentence against the defendant if the victim is a female who was murdered on archaic ‘honor killing’ grounds.
Of note, the courts have often granted clemency in such cases.
In a recent statement, UN Women in Palestine have expressed concern over 14 reported cases of femicide in the West Bank and Gaza Strip since the beginning of 2014.
See link for details.
According to WAFA, Abbas’ legal advisor Hassan al-Uri said that the amendment aims at abolishing reduced penalties when legally dealing with cases of so-called ‘honor killings’.
Under the amendment, judiciary has no authority to seek a lighter sentence against the defendant if the victim is a female who was murdered on archaic ‘honor killing’ grounds.
Of note, the courts have often granted clemency in such cases.
In a recent statement, UN Women in Palestine have expressed concern over 14 reported cases of femicide in the West Bank and Gaza Strip since the beginning of 2014.
See link for details.
Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior member of the Hamas political bureau, says all Palestinians, regardless of religious diversities, are sailing on the same boat.
Abu Marzouk, making a visit to the Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza, on Monday, said that all Palestinians, including Muslims and Christians, are in the target square of the Israeli occupation, noting the unacceptabilty of exclusion to anyone based on religious belief, according to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency.
Bishop Alexius said, in turn, that all prophets and apostles, over time, emphasized the oneness of the message and respect for all religions, stressing that: “We as Palestinians are on this land to live in co-existence.”
Furthermore, Al Ray reports that Alexius has said the church will support the forthcoming Palestinian concensus government, in order to achieve unity and meet the interests of the people.
At the end of his visit, Bishop Alexius accompanied Abu Marzouk in a tour around the church, and spoke of its place in a rich history going back 2,000 years.
Abu Marzouk, making a visit to the Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza, on Monday, said that all Palestinians, including Muslims and Christians, are in the target square of the Israeli occupation, noting the unacceptabilty of exclusion to anyone based on religious belief, according to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency.
Bishop Alexius said, in turn, that all prophets and apostles, over time, emphasized the oneness of the message and respect for all religions, stressing that: “We as Palestinians are on this land to live in co-existence.”
Furthermore, Al Ray reports that Alexius has said the church will support the forthcoming Palestinian concensus government, in order to achieve unity and meet the interests of the people.
At the end of his visit, Bishop Alexius accompanied Abu Marzouk in a tour around the church, and spoke of its place in a rich history going back 2,000 years.
Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, political bureau member of Hamas and head of its reconciliation delegation, is to leave the Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning heading back to Cairo. Dr. Basem Naim, the advisor to Gaza premier Ismail Haneyya for foreign affairs, told the government news agency Ray on Monday that preparations were being made for the travel of Dr. Abu Marzouk to the Egyptian capital. He did not give reasons for the departure.
An official Palestinian source had earlier revealed to the PIC that PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas has delayed formation of the unity government till after the Egyptian presidential elections.
He did not disclose further details about this issue.
Meanwhile, political analyst Adnan Abu Amer told the PIC that he expected declaration of the new government after the Egyptian presidential elections.
He said that the PA wished to accord the new Egyptian regime an important regional accomplishment at the onset of its rule namely achieving Palestinian reconciliation and hosting the declaration of the new government in Cairo.
An official Palestinian source had earlier revealed to the PIC that PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas has delayed formation of the unity government till after the Egyptian presidential elections.
He did not disclose further details about this issue.
Meanwhile, political analyst Adnan Abu Amer told the PIC that he expected declaration of the new government after the Egyptian presidential elections.
He said that the PA wished to accord the new Egyptian regime an important regional accomplishment at the onset of its rule namely achieving Palestinian reconciliation and hosting the declaration of the new government in Cairo.
Khaled Mishaal, the political bureau chairman of Hamas Movement, is to address the Palestinian people on Tuesday from his residence in Doha, Qatar. The Movement said in an invitation to the media posted on its official website that Mishaal’s speech coincides with the 66th Nakba anniversary.
It said that the speech would re-affirm the Palestinian people’s insistence on their national constants and rights.
The statement said that Mishaal would deliver the speech in the presence of Qatari and Palestinian officials in addition to a number of ambassadors.
The speech further coincides with the signing of the reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah and with the ongoing Palestinian administrative detainees’ hunger strike in Israeli jails.
Abbas met with PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas two weeks ago in Doha for a discussion on Palestinian developments with special focus on the reconciliation process.
It said that the speech would re-affirm the Palestinian people’s insistence on their national constants and rights.
The statement said that Mishaal would deliver the speech in the presence of Qatari and Palestinian officials in addition to a number of ambassadors.
The speech further coincides with the signing of the reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah and with the ongoing Palestinian administrative detainees’ hunger strike in Israeli jails.
Abbas met with PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas two weeks ago in Doha for a discussion on Palestinian developments with special focus on the reconciliation process.
Secretary-general of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine said Monday that the upcoming Palestinian unity government will not last long as it will only contain Fatah and Hamas officials.
Nayef Hawatmeh told the Jordanian Al-Ghad newspaper that all potential candidates for the upcoming unity government will either be officially affiliated to Fatah and Hamas, or be supporters of the political factions.
"There are currently disputes over the two (candidates) who will become vice presidents as well as some influential portfolios such as interior and finance," Hawatmeh said.
Fatah and Hamas officials have also clashed over security arrangements, with Hamas opposing moves for its fighters to hand over their weapons, the DFLP leader said.
"If a unity government is to be announced, it would be far from reflecting national consensus or national unity or being technocratic. This government will be based on sharing sovereignty between two parties keeping away other nationalistic factions," he added.
The leader of the Palestinian leftist faction said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is using negotiations to buy time and is uninterested in the two state solution.
According the Hawatmeh, the final group of pre-Oslo Palestinian prisoners will also not be released.
On Sunday, Hamas said that a "consensus government" would be named by the PLO and Hamas within days.
Hamas signed a reconciliation deal last month with the PLO in a surprise move which aims to overcome a years-long intra-Palestinian split.
Under their April 23 reconciliation deal, the two sides are to form an "independent government" of technocrats, headed by Abbas, paving the way for long-delayed elections.
Nayef Hawatmeh told the Jordanian Al-Ghad newspaper that all potential candidates for the upcoming unity government will either be officially affiliated to Fatah and Hamas, or be supporters of the political factions.
"There are currently disputes over the two (candidates) who will become vice presidents as well as some influential portfolios such as interior and finance," Hawatmeh said.
Fatah and Hamas officials have also clashed over security arrangements, with Hamas opposing moves for its fighters to hand over their weapons, the DFLP leader said.
"If a unity government is to be announced, it would be far from reflecting national consensus or national unity or being technocratic. This government will be based on sharing sovereignty between two parties keeping away other nationalistic factions," he added.
The leader of the Palestinian leftist faction said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is using negotiations to buy time and is uninterested in the two state solution.
According the Hawatmeh, the final group of pre-Oslo Palestinian prisoners will also not be released.
On Sunday, Hamas said that a "consensus government" would be named by the PLO and Hamas within days.
Hamas signed a reconciliation deal last month with the PLO in a surprise move which aims to overcome a years-long intra-Palestinian split.
Under their April 23 reconciliation deal, the two sides are to form an "independent government" of technocrats, headed by Abbas, paving the way for long-delayed elections.
An adviser for the Gaza prime minister said the governments in the coastal enclave as well as the West Bank will offer their resignations once a unity government is agreed upon.
Issam al-Daalis told Ma’an that “the Gaza and West Bank governments will offer their resignations to the president at the moment of agreeing on the unity government.”
“The legal period for announcing the government is nearing the end. There are five weeks of which three have passed and two remain. And the president can present his government,” he said.
Al-Daalis added that he hoped the unity government would be announced from Cairo, as it sponsored the reconciliation.
Issam al-Daalis told Ma’an that “the Gaza and West Bank governments will offer their resignations to the president at the moment of agreeing on the unity government.”
“The legal period for announcing the government is nearing the end. There are five weeks of which three have passed and two remain. And the president can present his government,” he said.
Al-Daalis added that he hoped the unity government would be announced from Cairo, as it sponsored the reconciliation.
18 may 2014
The Middle East Quartet is to recognize the upcoming Palestinian national unity government in case Hamas doesn’t participate directly in it, Israeli political sources said Sunday. According to Israeli National Radio the Middle East Quartet is to issue a statement soon aims "to put obstacles in front of Israel as it tries to persuade the international community to boycott this new Palestinian government."
The sources also predicted that the Quartet would demand this government to recognize Israel and the agreements signed with it previously.
On 24th ,April , after four years of conflict and division, the two main rival Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah, signed a reconciliation agreement and committed to forming a technocratic government prior to elections.
The sources also predicted that the Quartet would demand this government to recognize Israel and the agreements signed with it previously.
On 24th ,April , after four years of conflict and division, the two main rival Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah, signed a reconciliation agreement and committed to forming a technocratic government prior to elections.