2 june 2014
By JODI RUDOREN and ISABEL KERSHNER
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel called on the international community on Sunday “not to run to recognize” the new Palestinian government scheduled to be sworn in Monday, saying it “rests on Hamas,” the militant Islamic faction that Israel and much of the West deem a terrorist organization.
President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority has insisted that while the new government is the fruit of a reconciliation pact that his Palestine Liberation Organization signed six weeks ago with Hamas, the government will be made up of ministers who are not tied to political factions. He told Secretary of State John Kerry in a telephone call Sunday that it would “represent the political agenda of the president,” according to WAFA, Palestinian news agency, meaning it would recognize Israel and renounce violence — as Hamas refuses to do.
But Mr. Abbas said Saturday that Israel had nonetheless informed him that it would “boycott us,” and Ehab Bessaiso, a spokesman for the Palestinian government in Ramallah , said Sunday, “We are expecting some hard times to come in the next few weeks.”
Israeli officials said no decisions had yet been made regarding sanctions against the new government or how the change would affect day-to-day interactions with Palestinians. But Israel has already denied permits for the three nominated ministers who live in the Gaza Strip, which has been under Hamas rule since 2007, to travel through its territory to attend Monday’s ceremony in the West Bank, something a spokesman ascribed to “issues of politics.”
A senior Israeli official, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of getting ahead of the decision-makers, said, “We’re entering a new reality.”
“The question is what happens once the marriage is consummated — I think that’s a new ballgame,” he said. “In a situation that wasn’t too good to begin with, it makes the ice that much thinner.”
The reconciliation pact, intended to repair a fierce seven-year rift between Hamas and Mr. Abbas’s Fatah faction and to reunite the Palestinian geographic territories under one rule, prompted Israel to halt the stalemated American-brokered peace negotiations on April 24. Now the focus turns to whether the new government can deliver overdue Palestinian elections after six months as promised — and, in the shorter term, whether it can persuade Egypt to reopen Gaza’s southern Rafah crossing and address the fuel shortages and skyrocketing unemployment that have plagued the coastal strip for months.
And there may yet be disputes to resolve. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, issued a statement early Monday morning warning that the faction does not “accept the declaration of the government Monday” if, as reported in the local news media, it would not include a ministry for prisoner affairs, transferring that responsibility to the P.L.O.
Earlier on Sunday, Hamas officials had said that the ministers who had formed a shadow government in Gaza would immediately return to their posts within the political party or as university professors; Ismail Haniya, the Hamas prime minister, will be known simply as “deputy leader” of the movement.
The fate of more than 100,000 public-sector workers, generally two for every job, remains unclear. Similarly, uncertainty exists about the duplicate services, such as the two checkpoints — one run by Hamas and one by the Palestinian Authority — at the Erez crossing into Israel.
Among the other critical questions is how the new government will be regarded by Washington and the West.
The United States is scheduled to provide $440 million to the Palestinian Authority this year, but it is barred from funding any “government that includes Hamas as a member, or that results from an agreement with Hamas and over which Hamas exercises ‘undue influence,’ ” according to the Congressional Research Service [PDF], unless the president provides a waiver. The State Department — like the European Union — has indicated openness to dealing with the new government so long as it follows Mr. Abbas’s line.
Jen Psaki, a State Department spokeswoman, said Mr. Kerry had expressed concern to Mr. Abbas in their phone conversation Sunday about Hamas’s role. “The secretary stated that the United States would monitor the situation closely and judge any government based on its composition, policies and actions,” Ms. Psaki said.
But Mr. Netanyahu told his cabinet on Sunday that Hamas “is a terrorist organization that calls for the destruction of Israel, and the international community must not embrace it.”
The senior Israeli official noted that the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia all considered Hamas a terrorist organization and that “there are legal implications” as well as political ones “for passing money to a terrorist group.”
Though Israel has taken a hard line against the new government, it must strike a delicate balance, since the withdrawal of international aid could lead to a collapse of the Palestinian Authority. That would leave Israel responsible for the Palestinians’ education, health care and economy.
So far, the sanctions have been symbolic. Israel withheld some $6 million of the approximately $160 million in monthly taxes it collects on the Palestinians’ behalf after the reconciliation pact was signed. It declared that Israeli officials would no longer meet their Palestinian counterparts, but such tasks were simply transferred from individual ministries to the Civil Administration, which handles relations with the West Bank, according to the agency’s spokesman, Guy Inbar.
“No project is delayed or canceled,” said Mr. Inbar, noting that there had recently been joint meetings to discuss tourism and telecommunications.
Mr. Bessaiso, the Palestinian spokesman, said he expected more tax revenue to be withheld, and the cancellation of V.I.P. permits that allow top officials to travel more easily around the West Bank and into Jerusalem. There will be 16 ministers under Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, he said, some handling more than one portfolio.“Trying to portray this government as containing Hamas, and Hamas is a terrorist organization and so on, it’s not the situation on the ground,” Mr. Bessaiso said. “We call on the international community to recognize this government and to continue its support of the Palestinian people.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel called on the international community on Sunday “not to run to recognize” the new Palestinian government scheduled to be sworn in Monday, saying it “rests on Hamas,” the militant Islamic faction that Israel and much of the West deem a terrorist organization.
President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority has insisted that while the new government is the fruit of a reconciliation pact that his Palestine Liberation Organization signed six weeks ago with Hamas, the government will be made up of ministers who are not tied to political factions. He told Secretary of State John Kerry in a telephone call Sunday that it would “represent the political agenda of the president,” according to WAFA, Palestinian news agency, meaning it would recognize Israel and renounce violence — as Hamas refuses to do.
But Mr. Abbas said Saturday that Israel had nonetheless informed him that it would “boycott us,” and Ehab Bessaiso, a spokesman for the Palestinian government in Ramallah , said Sunday, “We are expecting some hard times to come in the next few weeks.”
Israeli officials said no decisions had yet been made regarding sanctions against the new government or how the change would affect day-to-day interactions with Palestinians. But Israel has already denied permits for the three nominated ministers who live in the Gaza Strip, which has been under Hamas rule since 2007, to travel through its territory to attend Monday’s ceremony in the West Bank, something a spokesman ascribed to “issues of politics.”
A senior Israeli official, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of getting ahead of the decision-makers, said, “We’re entering a new reality.”
“The question is what happens once the marriage is consummated — I think that’s a new ballgame,” he said. “In a situation that wasn’t too good to begin with, it makes the ice that much thinner.”
The reconciliation pact, intended to repair a fierce seven-year rift between Hamas and Mr. Abbas’s Fatah faction and to reunite the Palestinian geographic territories under one rule, prompted Israel to halt the stalemated American-brokered peace negotiations on April 24. Now the focus turns to whether the new government can deliver overdue Palestinian elections after six months as promised — and, in the shorter term, whether it can persuade Egypt to reopen Gaza’s southern Rafah crossing and address the fuel shortages and skyrocketing unemployment that have plagued the coastal strip for months.
And there may yet be disputes to resolve. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, issued a statement early Monday morning warning that the faction does not “accept the declaration of the government Monday” if, as reported in the local news media, it would not include a ministry for prisoner affairs, transferring that responsibility to the P.L.O.
Earlier on Sunday, Hamas officials had said that the ministers who had formed a shadow government in Gaza would immediately return to their posts within the political party or as university professors; Ismail Haniya, the Hamas prime minister, will be known simply as “deputy leader” of the movement.
The fate of more than 100,000 public-sector workers, generally two for every job, remains unclear. Similarly, uncertainty exists about the duplicate services, such as the two checkpoints — one run by Hamas and one by the Palestinian Authority — at the Erez crossing into Israel.
Among the other critical questions is how the new government will be regarded by Washington and the West.
The United States is scheduled to provide $440 million to the Palestinian Authority this year, but it is barred from funding any “government that includes Hamas as a member, or that results from an agreement with Hamas and over which Hamas exercises ‘undue influence,’ ” according to the Congressional Research Service [PDF], unless the president provides a waiver. The State Department — like the European Union — has indicated openness to dealing with the new government so long as it follows Mr. Abbas’s line.
Jen Psaki, a State Department spokeswoman, said Mr. Kerry had expressed concern to Mr. Abbas in their phone conversation Sunday about Hamas’s role. “The secretary stated that the United States would monitor the situation closely and judge any government based on its composition, policies and actions,” Ms. Psaki said.
But Mr. Netanyahu told his cabinet on Sunday that Hamas “is a terrorist organization that calls for the destruction of Israel, and the international community must not embrace it.”
The senior Israeli official noted that the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia all considered Hamas a terrorist organization and that “there are legal implications” as well as political ones “for passing money to a terrorist group.”
Though Israel has taken a hard line against the new government, it must strike a delicate balance, since the withdrawal of international aid could lead to a collapse of the Palestinian Authority. That would leave Israel responsible for the Palestinians’ education, health care and economy.
So far, the sanctions have been symbolic. Israel withheld some $6 million of the approximately $160 million in monthly taxes it collects on the Palestinians’ behalf after the reconciliation pact was signed. It declared that Israeli officials would no longer meet their Palestinian counterparts, but such tasks were simply transferred from individual ministries to the Civil Administration, which handles relations with the West Bank, according to the agency’s spokesman, Guy Inbar.
“No project is delayed or canceled,” said Mr. Inbar, noting that there had recently been joint meetings to discuss tourism and telecommunications.
Mr. Bessaiso, the Palestinian spokesman, said he expected more tax revenue to be withheld, and the cancellation of V.I.P. permits that allow top officials to travel more easily around the West Bank and into Jerusalem. There will be 16 ministers under Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, he said, some handling more than one portfolio.“Trying to portray this government as containing Hamas, and Hamas is a terrorist organization and so on, it’s not the situation on the ground,” Mr. Bessaiso said. “We call on the international community to recognize this government and to continue its support of the Palestinian people.”
Palestinian Authority (PA) president Mahmoud Abbas on Monday swore in the Palestinian unity government at the PA headquarters in Ramallah after Hamas and Fatah resolved all contentious issues and agreed on giving the prisoners' affairs portfolio to premier Rami Al-Hamdallah. Abbas's insistence on dissolving the ministry of prisoners would have torpedoed the inter-Palestinian reconciliation agreement, but the last few hours have seen a breakthrough regarding this issue.
In this regard, member of Hamas's political bureau Sami Khater stated that the Palestinian consensus government represents the Palestinian people from all spectra, affirming that the ministry of prisoners would remain within the cabinet portfolios.
Khater told Quds Press that Abbas froze his edict to remove the position of minister of prisoners' affairs from the government and replace it with an independent committee until the Palestinian parties develop a consensus on the matter latter.
"Al-Hamdallah government, now, represents all Palestinians despite our reservations, along with the Fatah Movement, on assigning the foreign affairs portfolio to Riyadh Al-Maleki, but our desire to accomplish the reconciliation and end the division…, we decided to step over that so as not to make it an obstacle to the reconciliation," the Hamas official stated.
The new cabinet, which counts 17 ministers, are composed of political, technocratic independents.
In a related context, president Mahmoud Abbas on Monday afternoon talked over the phone with head of Hamas's political bureau Khaled Mishaal and former premier Ismail Haneyya and congratulated them on the achievement of the national unity.
President Abbas hailed, in particular, the great efforts that had been made by Haneyya to end the Palestinian division and form the unity government.
In this regard, member of Hamas's political bureau Sami Khater stated that the Palestinian consensus government represents the Palestinian people from all spectra, affirming that the ministry of prisoners would remain within the cabinet portfolios.
Khater told Quds Press that Abbas froze his edict to remove the position of minister of prisoners' affairs from the government and replace it with an independent committee until the Palestinian parties develop a consensus on the matter latter.
"Al-Hamdallah government, now, represents all Palestinians despite our reservations, along with the Fatah Movement, on assigning the foreign affairs portfolio to Riyadh Al-Maleki, but our desire to accomplish the reconciliation and end the division…, we decided to step over that so as not to make it an obstacle to the reconciliation," the Hamas official stated.
The new cabinet, which counts 17 ministers, are composed of political, technocratic independents.
In a related context, president Mahmoud Abbas on Monday afternoon talked over the phone with head of Hamas's political bureau Khaled Mishaal and former premier Ismail Haneyya and congratulated them on the achievement of the national unity.
President Abbas hailed, in particular, the great efforts that had been made by Haneyya to end the Palestinian division and form the unity government.
“We took it upon ourselves not only to rally round the new government but also to endow the ministers with all the basic underpinnings to carry out the mission,” said deputy head of Hamas’s political bureau Ismail Haneyya during a press conference on Monday afternoon. Haneyya called on the new government to lift the Gaza siege, reconstruct the Strip, pave the way for the legislative and presidential elections, and work out the social reconciliation file, all national missions that require the government’s commitment throughout.
Haneyya further urged the projected government to restructure the security apparatuses in the West Bank, declaring: “We want our people to savor the fruits of the reconciliation process and to see with their own eyes that it has ultimately been made real.”
In Haneyya’s words, the Gaza government has made proof of good wills and a promising flexibility and optimism to heal the rift, calling for a similar eagerness to be revealed in the West Bank.
“The formation of the consensus government is a historic breakthrough, wiping out the seven-year-old split, once and for all,” Haneyya maintained.
“We can’t wait to behold the birth of our unity government and see it grow before us so as to meet the national challenges lying ahead of our nation,” he added.
“We’ve stepped down of our own accord because we are quite alert to the national responsibilities that are in store. Unity, partnership, and resistance will have the lead all the way through the upcoming phase,” the Hamas leader further stated.
Haneyya acclaimed the achievements of the Gaza government most notably in its grit to uphold the Palestinian basics along with the Jerusalem file, prisoners’ affairs, and cooperation in terms of decision-making despite the brutal Israeli attacks and the blockade targeting the Strip.
According to Haneyya, the government scored a golden goal by having always backed up the Palestinian resistance and boosted its self-esteem at a time when everybody thought it would fall apart and throw in the towel sooner or later.
“Resistance still bodes well and cannot be broken down by any means. This shall forever be an eternal source of pride to us all, government and people. Our resistance has made many leaps forward and become a priority for the entire nation. We have won two battles against the Israeli occupation and restored freedom to scores of prisoners.”
Haneyya further pointed to the government’s achievements in education, health, administration, and security services besides of the ongoing reconstruction projects, despite the dire conditions prevailing in the Strip Gaza.
“Gaza has been shining, never giving up, in the midst of a dark maze. It is an archetype for the power of liberation, strength and resistance.”
In Haneyya’s view, the Palestinian cause has become a key-concern engaging each and every Arab home.
The premier of Gaza government further hailed the Freedom Flotilla martyrs who sacrificed their life and blood for Gaza.
Haneyya applauded the self-abnegation revealed by the martyrs and the prisoners throughout the Palestinians’ fight for freedom.
“Today we are stepping down from the chair but never from our national responsibilities. We will forever stand by our people. This is our duty, never a favor, to a people who has always gained everybody’s respect and appreciation,” Haneyya concluded.
Haneyya further urged the projected government to restructure the security apparatuses in the West Bank, declaring: “We want our people to savor the fruits of the reconciliation process and to see with their own eyes that it has ultimately been made real.”
In Haneyya’s words, the Gaza government has made proof of good wills and a promising flexibility and optimism to heal the rift, calling for a similar eagerness to be revealed in the West Bank.
“The formation of the consensus government is a historic breakthrough, wiping out the seven-year-old split, once and for all,” Haneyya maintained.
“We can’t wait to behold the birth of our unity government and see it grow before us so as to meet the national challenges lying ahead of our nation,” he added.
“We’ve stepped down of our own accord because we are quite alert to the national responsibilities that are in store. Unity, partnership, and resistance will have the lead all the way through the upcoming phase,” the Hamas leader further stated.
Haneyya acclaimed the achievements of the Gaza government most notably in its grit to uphold the Palestinian basics along with the Jerusalem file, prisoners’ affairs, and cooperation in terms of decision-making despite the brutal Israeli attacks and the blockade targeting the Strip.
According to Haneyya, the government scored a golden goal by having always backed up the Palestinian resistance and boosted its self-esteem at a time when everybody thought it would fall apart and throw in the towel sooner or later.
“Resistance still bodes well and cannot be broken down by any means. This shall forever be an eternal source of pride to us all, government and people. Our resistance has made many leaps forward and become a priority for the entire nation. We have won two battles against the Israeli occupation and restored freedom to scores of prisoners.”
Haneyya further pointed to the government’s achievements in education, health, administration, and security services besides of the ongoing reconstruction projects, despite the dire conditions prevailing in the Strip Gaza.
“Gaza has been shining, never giving up, in the midst of a dark maze. It is an archetype for the power of liberation, strength and resistance.”
In Haneyya’s view, the Palestinian cause has become a key-concern engaging each and every Arab home.
The premier of Gaza government further hailed the Freedom Flotilla martyrs who sacrificed their life and blood for Gaza.
Haneyya applauded the self-abnegation revealed by the martyrs and the prisoners throughout the Palestinians’ fight for freedom.
“Today we are stepping down from the chair but never from our national responsibilities. We will forever stand by our people. This is our duty, never a favor, to a people who has always gained everybody’s respect and appreciation,” Haneyya concluded.
Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the world to reject a Palestinian unity government, saying Hamas is a "terrorist" group bent on the destruction of his country.
The Israeli prime minister said on Sunday that an impending Hamas-Fatah deal to mend ties would strengthen "terrorism" in the Middle East, not bolster peace.
"I call on all responsible elements in the international community not to rush to recognise a Palestinian government which has Hamas as part of it and which is dependent on Hamas," he said.
"Hamas is a terrorist organisation that calls for the destruction of Israel and the international community must not embrace it. That would not bolster peace, it would strengthen terror."
Hamas has controlled the occupied Gaza Strip since 2007 when it kicked out Fatah after winning an election. Fatah controls areas of the West Bank.
The factions agreed in April to form a unity government, a move that led to Israel freezing US-brokered talks with Palestinian leaders.
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, said on Saturday that he would formally present the new government on Monday.
"Israel wants to punish us for agreeing with Hamas on this government," he said, adding that the Netanyahu administration would "boycott the government the moment it is announced".
Palestinian officials reported last-minute haggling on Sunday. Khalil al-Haya, a top Hamas official in Gaza, said there could be a delay due to a disagreement over the Palestinian ministry for prisoners held by Israel.
On Saturday, a Palestinian official said Israel had denied requests by three Gaza-based Palestinians expected to be named as ministers to attend the new government's swearing-in ceremony in the West Bank. Israel pulled its troops out of Gaza in 2005 in a "disengagement", but still controls the borders, sea and airspace.
The US and the EU, which are the largest donors to Palestinian agencies, have signalled that they are willing to give the new unity government a chance. The US, which considers Hama a "terrorist" group, has said it will not make any decision on support until it has seen who is in the government.
Abbas has promised the cabinet will accept international calls to renounce violence and recognise Israel's right to exist.
Source: Aljazeera
The Israeli prime minister said on Sunday that an impending Hamas-Fatah deal to mend ties would strengthen "terrorism" in the Middle East, not bolster peace.
"I call on all responsible elements in the international community not to rush to recognise a Palestinian government which has Hamas as part of it and which is dependent on Hamas," he said.
"Hamas is a terrorist organisation that calls for the destruction of Israel and the international community must not embrace it. That would not bolster peace, it would strengthen terror."
Hamas has controlled the occupied Gaza Strip since 2007 when it kicked out Fatah after winning an election. Fatah controls areas of the West Bank.
The factions agreed in April to form a unity government, a move that led to Israel freezing US-brokered talks with Palestinian leaders.
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, said on Saturday that he would formally present the new government on Monday.
"Israel wants to punish us for agreeing with Hamas on this government," he said, adding that the Netanyahu administration would "boycott the government the moment it is announced".
Palestinian officials reported last-minute haggling on Sunday. Khalil al-Haya, a top Hamas official in Gaza, said there could be a delay due to a disagreement over the Palestinian ministry for prisoners held by Israel.
On Saturday, a Palestinian official said Israel had denied requests by three Gaza-based Palestinians expected to be named as ministers to attend the new government's swearing-in ceremony in the West Bank. Israel pulled its troops out of Gaza in 2005 in a "disengagement", but still controls the borders, sea and airspace.
The US and the EU, which are the largest donors to Palestinian agencies, have signalled that they are willing to give the new unity government a chance. The US, which considers Hama a "terrorist" group, has said it will not make any decision on support until it has seen who is in the government.
Abbas has promised the cabinet will accept international calls to renounce violence and recognise Israel's right to exist.
Source: Aljazeera
Intention of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to dissolve the Ministry of Prisoners drew sharp criticism from many Palestinians, and has formed a major obstacle facing the completion of the consultations over the government of national reconciliation. A dispute broke out after Abbas announced his insistence on keeping his current ministers of foreign affairs and Awqaf in their posts, and his intention to replace the ministry of prisoners with an independent committee. This was rejected by Hamas and the announcement of the unity government which was expected on Thursday May 29 has been delayed.
The Minister of Prisoners in Gaza Atallah Abu Sabbah asserted that dissolving the ministry of prisoners would harm the detainees' interests as their file will no longer be addressed on the government table.
He added in statements to the PIC that changing the ministry to an independent body run directly by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) means that this body will recognize the Israeli occupation and will shun violence.
"The prisoners will be thus classified as terrorists by the occupation, according to its standards, and this will disrupt their interests and their salaries; as the supporting forces do not help terrorists", the minister said.
Meanwhile, the ex-captive Taysir al-Bardini, who was liberated in Wafaa al-Ahrar deal, condemned in statements to the PIC the decision to abolish the Ministry of Prisoners as dangerous, saying it would have a negative impact on the case of the prisoners.
The released prisoner Ahmed Fallit said the calls to eliminate the ministry of prisoners' affairs are neither justified, nor responsible and came at the wrong time.
Fallit noted in statements to the PIC that the abolition of the ministry will lead to a significant decline in the services provided for the Palestinian prisoners inside the Israeli occupation jails as well as the liberated prisoners.
For its part, Waed Society for prisoners strongly condemned the decision and the timing of its issuance, which coincides with the “Battle of the Empty Stomachs” waged by the captives for the 40th day Monday.
Spokesman for the association Abdullah Qandil in statements to the PIC said Abbas has turned his back to the prisoners instead of working on internationalizing their issue and exposing the violations of the occupation against them.
Qandil also accused the Palestinian Authority Chairman of capitulating to Israeli, American, and European pressures that aim to harm the prisoners, and added that all Palestinian parties, captives and leaders; including leaders from Fatah movement expressed their rejection of the move.
A state of anger has also prevailed among the prisoners in the occupation jails in protest at Abbas's decision, while nearly 1500 of them are waging an open hunger strike for the 40th day.
The Minister of Prisoners in Gaza Atallah Abu Sabbah asserted that dissolving the ministry of prisoners would harm the detainees' interests as their file will no longer be addressed on the government table.
He added in statements to the PIC that changing the ministry to an independent body run directly by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) means that this body will recognize the Israeli occupation and will shun violence.
"The prisoners will be thus classified as terrorists by the occupation, according to its standards, and this will disrupt their interests and their salaries; as the supporting forces do not help terrorists", the minister said.
Meanwhile, the ex-captive Taysir al-Bardini, who was liberated in Wafaa al-Ahrar deal, condemned in statements to the PIC the decision to abolish the Ministry of Prisoners as dangerous, saying it would have a negative impact on the case of the prisoners.
The released prisoner Ahmed Fallit said the calls to eliminate the ministry of prisoners' affairs are neither justified, nor responsible and came at the wrong time.
Fallit noted in statements to the PIC that the abolition of the ministry will lead to a significant decline in the services provided for the Palestinian prisoners inside the Israeli occupation jails as well as the liberated prisoners.
For its part, Waed Society for prisoners strongly condemned the decision and the timing of its issuance, which coincides with the “Battle of the Empty Stomachs” waged by the captives for the 40th day Monday.
Spokesman for the association Abdullah Qandil in statements to the PIC said Abbas has turned his back to the prisoners instead of working on internationalizing their issue and exposing the violations of the occupation against them.
Qandil also accused the Palestinian Authority Chairman of capitulating to Israeli, American, and European pressures that aim to harm the prisoners, and added that all Palestinian parties, captives and leaders; including leaders from Fatah movement expressed their rejection of the move.
A state of anger has also prevailed among the prisoners in the occupation jails in protest at Abbas's decision, while nearly 1500 of them are waging an open hunger strike for the 40th day.
1 june 2014
The hunger striking administrative detainees entered on Sunday the 39th day of their open-ended hunger strike as their health conditions started to decline seriously. Several human rights groups expressed their fears that the hunger strikers, some of them have medical conditions, became vulnerable to sudden death after their health status reached a life-threatening stage.
The hunger strikers aim to pressure their jailers to improve their incarceration conditions, halt the policy of extending their administrative detention, and release them.
In another context, Palestinian lawmaker Fathi Qaraawi condemned what he described as the current attempts by the Palestinian Authority leadership to dissolve the ministry of prisoners.
Qaraawi stated in press remarks that the PA dealt a blow to all national efforts to support the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and debunked its claims about advocating the issue of the prisoners.
The lawmaker expressed his belief that there is a conspiracy to undermine the protest step of the hunger strikers in Israeli jails, especially since they are mostly from the Hamas Movement.
For his part, Hamas official Housam Badran said that the hunger striking prisoners demonstrated an exemplary steadfastness in the face of the occupation, and called for more popular support for their protest step.
He also demanded the PA to adopt a concrete position in support of the prisoners' hunger strike.
The hunger strikers aim to pressure their jailers to improve their incarceration conditions, halt the policy of extending their administrative detention, and release them.
In another context, Palestinian lawmaker Fathi Qaraawi condemned what he described as the current attempts by the Palestinian Authority leadership to dissolve the ministry of prisoners.
Qaraawi stated in press remarks that the PA dealt a blow to all national efforts to support the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and debunked its claims about advocating the issue of the prisoners.
The lawmaker expressed his belief that there is a conspiracy to undermine the protest step of the hunger strikers in Israeli jails, especially since they are mostly from the Hamas Movement.
For his part, Hamas official Housam Badran said that the hunger striking prisoners demonstrated an exemplary steadfastness in the face of the occupation, and called for more popular support for their protest step.
He also demanded the PA to adopt a concrete position in support of the prisoners' hunger strike.
Director of Hamas's foreign relations Osama Hamdan said the ongoing pressures on the Palestinian resistance to dissuade it from upholding the national constants would never succeed in ending its armed struggle for liberation or changing its positions towards the national cause. Hamdan made his remarks to Quds Press on Sunday to dispel stated Arab and Islamic fears that the Palestinian resistance started to get affected by the repercussions of the regional upheavals and the mounting international pressures.
"I appreciate everyone voicing fears of the pressures which the Palestinian resistance are exposed to and the attempts to liquidate it, but I want to say that the resistance had exceeded the stage of threats, won wars and succeeded in making touchable achievements on the ground," the Hamas official said.
"We understand all causes for concern over the resistance, and the leadership of the resistance is aware of everything being plotted against it and will stay adherent to its positions, rights and constants," he added.
"I appreciate everyone voicing fears of the pressures which the Palestinian resistance are exposed to and the attempts to liquidate it, but I want to say that the resistance had exceeded the stage of threats, won wars and succeeded in making touchable achievements on the ground," the Hamas official said.
"We understand all causes for concern over the resistance, and the leadership of the resistance is aware of everything being plotted against it and will stay adherent to its positions, rights and constants," he added.
31 may 2014
The US administration addressed an official invitation to Palestinian premier-elect Rami al-Hamdullah to visit Washington. Hebrew daily Yediot Ahronot quoted a Palestinian official as saying that the invitation, which was addressed shortly after Hamdullah’s appointment as the premier of the national unity government, constituted an American recognition of that government.
The paper pointed out that Washington had declared that its recognition of the new Palestinian government was hinged on its approval of the international quartet committee’s conditions that stipulate recognizing Israel, shunning violence, and endorsing past agreements with Israel.
The paper pointed out that Washington had declared that its recognition of the new Palestinian government was hinged on its approval of the international quartet committee’s conditions that stipulate recognizing Israel, shunning violence, and endorsing past agreements with Israel.
30 may 2014
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Mahmoud Abbas, the de facto leader of the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank, has told Israeli journalists and business people that his collaboration with Israeli occupation forces is “sacred” and would continue even if the PA forms a “government” backed by the Palestinian military resistance organization Hamas.
“The security relationship … and I say it on air, security coordination is sacred, is sacred. And we’ll continue it whether we disagree or agree over policy,” Abbas told about 300 visiting Israelis at his headquarters in Ramallah this week. Abbas can be seen making his remarks in the video, published by Al-Quds newspaper. |
Known euphemistically as “security coordination,” US-financed PA intelligence and security forces work closely with Israeli occupation forces and Shin Bet secret police to suppress any Palestinian resistance to occupation.
This close collaboration between occupier and occupied was recently praised by Martin Indyk, the career Israel lobbyist put in charge of the “peace process” by US President Barack Obama.
The “IDF [Israel Defense Forces] and the Shin Bet now highly appreciate” Abbas’ ongoing work with them, Indyk said at an Israel lobby think tank in Washington earlier this month.
This is not the first time Abbas has publicly committed himself to fighting against Palestinians.
In 2012, he pleaded with a visiting Israel lobby delegation to help him secure weapons from Israel to stop resistance, which, using Israeli and American terminology, he termed “terrorism.”
“If they help me to get weapons, I’m helping them because I’m promoting security,” Abbas said of the Israelis.
His latest remarks about “security coordination” are likely to be an embarrassment even to members of his Fatah faction.
In an apparent attempt to dissociate the movement from Abbas’ comments, Omar Hroub, a member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council, told Arabs 48 that Abbas was speaking in his capacity as “president” of the “State of Palestine.”
Oslo In his remarks this week, Abbas also praised the 1993 Oslo accords, now widely viewed by Palestinians as a catastrophe that turned the Palestine Liberation Organization into a security subcontractor for the occupation while Israel has continued to relentlessly colonize Palestinian land.
“Some attacked Oslo from the start and opposed it… and I don’t know why,” Abbas said. “It was a good starting point. It was the first time we had dialogue, we sat together. It was the first time I saw my friend Shimon Peres in the White House garden.”
Abbas has caused consternation among Palestinians on a number of recent occasions, as when he renounced the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and declared his opposition to the boycott of Israel.
Resistance or collaboration? Abbas’ refreshed commitment to working with the occupation throws into sharp relief the deep and long-standing differences and contradictions between Fatah and Hamas, which are currently negotiating over the formation of a “national unity government.”
Earlier this week, Hamas’ Ismail Haniyeh, de facto head of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, and the last person to be lawfully appointed as PA prime minister, told a rally in the city of Rafah that joining forces with Abbas did not mean an abandonment of resistance.
“Palestinian reconciliation aims to unite the Palestinian people against the prime enemy, the Zionist enemy,” Haniyeh said. “It aims to pursue the choice of resistance and steadfastness.”
This will undoubtedly be news to Abbas who sees uniting with the “Zionist enemy” to crush Palestinian resistance as his “sacred” duty.
Abbas’ insistence on “security coordination” with Israel has now reportedly emerged as a major last-minute stumbling block in the negotiations over the government.
Haniyeh has announced that he will step down and hand over the Gaza administration to a prime minister appointed by Abbas and a cabinet backed by Fatah and Hamas, though supposedly independent of both movements.
This close collaboration between occupier and occupied was recently praised by Martin Indyk, the career Israel lobbyist put in charge of the “peace process” by US President Barack Obama.
The “IDF [Israel Defense Forces] and the Shin Bet now highly appreciate” Abbas’ ongoing work with them, Indyk said at an Israel lobby think tank in Washington earlier this month.
This is not the first time Abbas has publicly committed himself to fighting against Palestinians.
In 2012, he pleaded with a visiting Israel lobby delegation to help him secure weapons from Israel to stop resistance, which, using Israeli and American terminology, he termed “terrorism.”
“If they help me to get weapons, I’m helping them because I’m promoting security,” Abbas said of the Israelis.
His latest remarks about “security coordination” are likely to be an embarrassment even to members of his Fatah faction.
In an apparent attempt to dissociate the movement from Abbas’ comments, Omar Hroub, a member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council, told Arabs 48 that Abbas was speaking in his capacity as “president” of the “State of Palestine.”
Oslo In his remarks this week, Abbas also praised the 1993 Oslo accords, now widely viewed by Palestinians as a catastrophe that turned the Palestine Liberation Organization into a security subcontractor for the occupation while Israel has continued to relentlessly colonize Palestinian land.
“Some attacked Oslo from the start and opposed it… and I don’t know why,” Abbas said. “It was a good starting point. It was the first time we had dialogue, we sat together. It was the first time I saw my friend Shimon Peres in the White House garden.”
Abbas has caused consternation among Palestinians on a number of recent occasions, as when he renounced the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and declared his opposition to the boycott of Israel.
Resistance or collaboration? Abbas’ refreshed commitment to working with the occupation throws into sharp relief the deep and long-standing differences and contradictions between Fatah and Hamas, which are currently negotiating over the formation of a “national unity government.”
Earlier this week, Hamas’ Ismail Haniyeh, de facto head of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, and the last person to be lawfully appointed as PA prime minister, told a rally in the city of Rafah that joining forces with Abbas did not mean an abandonment of resistance.
“Palestinian reconciliation aims to unite the Palestinian people against the prime enemy, the Zionist enemy,” Haniyeh said. “It aims to pursue the choice of resistance and steadfastness.”
This will undoubtedly be news to Abbas who sees uniting with the “Zionist enemy” to crush Palestinian resistance as his “sacred” duty.
Abbas’ insistence on “security coordination” with Israel has now reportedly emerged as a major last-minute stumbling block in the negotiations over the government.
Haniyeh has announced that he will step down and hand over the Gaza administration to a prime minister appointed by Abbas and a cabinet backed by Fatah and Hamas, though supposedly independent of both movements.
Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said on Friday that disputes about the formation of the unity government are "under control," a day after a Hamas spokesperson warned that the process could still take days.
The statements came a day after the PLO and Hamas said they were close to clinching a deal on the shape of the national coalition government that they had promised to form within 5 weeks of an April 23 unity deal.
The only two remaining points of contention are the ministry of detainees, which president Abbas wants to dissolve but Hamas refuses to, and the choice of the appointment for the foreign minister.
Haniyeh said during a Friday prayer sermon in Gaza that the most important steps had already been taken in forming the unity government and that negotiations are ongoing to reach an agreement on the points of disagreement.
Haniyeh added that "there is no turning back in regards to achieving reconciliation."
Haniyeh said that the ministry of detainees is "unwavering," and is important to keep, especially in light of the ongoing open hunger strike launched for 37 days by more than 100 Palestinian administrative detainees.
"We do not want to deal a blow to their morale by removing the ministry of detainees," he added, saying: "This cause must remain a priority, and we hope to reach a point of agreement on this with our brothers in Ramallah, so we can overcome this."
When the national unity government is formed, it will bring an end to seven years of Palestinian political division.
The statements came a day after the PLO and Hamas said they were close to clinching a deal on the shape of the national coalition government that they had promised to form within 5 weeks of an April 23 unity deal.
The only two remaining points of contention are the ministry of detainees, which president Abbas wants to dissolve but Hamas refuses to, and the choice of the appointment for the foreign minister.
Haniyeh said during a Friday prayer sermon in Gaza that the most important steps had already been taken in forming the unity government and that negotiations are ongoing to reach an agreement on the points of disagreement.
Haniyeh added that "there is no turning back in regards to achieving reconciliation."
Haniyeh said that the ministry of detainees is "unwavering," and is important to keep, especially in light of the ongoing open hunger strike launched for 37 days by more than 100 Palestinian administrative detainees.
"We do not want to deal a blow to their morale by removing the ministry of detainees," he added, saying: "This cause must remain a priority, and we hope to reach a point of agreement on this with our brothers in Ramallah, so we can overcome this."
When the national unity government is formed, it will bring an end to seven years of Palestinian political division.
Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Aziz Dweik said the Palestinian interim unity government could be announced next week, most probably on Sunday. Dweik told Al-Ray news agency that Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya would deliver a speech before the swearing-in of the new cabinet ministers. Dweik further pointed out that deliberations over government nominees are still ongoing.
According to Dweik, the disagreement over giving the foreign affairs portfolio to Riad Malki could be resolved soon after the Hamas Movement showed flexibility in this regard.
Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas has delegated Rami Hamdallah to form the unity government.
According to Dweik, the disagreement over giving the foreign affairs portfolio to Riad Malki could be resolved soon after the Hamas Movement showed flexibility in this regard.
Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas has delegated Rami Hamdallah to form the unity government.
Senior Hamas official Hasan Yousuf said that because of national considerations, his Movement rejects the proposal to dissolve the Palestinian ministry of prisoners' affairs. In remarks to Al-Quds satellite channel on Thursday, Yousuf stated that there were disagreements over the ministries of foreign affairs, awqaf and prisoners.
According to informed sources, Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas' insistence on keeping his current ministers of foreign affairs and awqaf in their posts, and his intention to replace the ministry of prisoners with an independent committee delayed the announcement of the interim unity government.
According to informed sources, Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas' insistence on keeping his current ministers of foreign affairs and awqaf in their posts, and his intention to replace the ministry of prisoners with an independent committee delayed the announcement of the interim unity government.
29 may 2014
Obama affirms U.S. commitment to Palestinian statehood
According to a statement by a senior Fatah official, Faisal Abu Shahla, on Thursday afternoon, a government of national consensus would be decided upon and made public in the coming hours, as negotiators attempt to work out the last of disagreements from both sides. However, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said on Thursday, as well, that ongoing negotiations could potentially need "several days" to be finalized.
Additionally, U.S. President Barrack Obama has also made a recent statement, in regard to American support of a Palestinian state.
Earlier Thursday, Ma'an reports that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced that current premier Rami Hamdallah would officially serve as the prime minister in the national unity government.
When announced, it will mark a reconciliation which aims to end seven years of political division between the largest Palestinian parties.
Palestinian officials said that the announcement of the lineup was held up over the foreign affairs portfolio, according to Ma'an.
In related news, U.S. president Barrack Obama, in a letter sent to Abbas, appears to affirm a U.S. commitment for the establishment of a Palestinian state which coexists in peace alongside the state of Israel.
“It was a pleasure to welcome you to the white house in March, and I send my thanks for your kind gifts,” said Obama, according to WAFA Palestinian News & Info Agency.
“As I emphasized during our meeting, the United States remains deeply committed to a negotiated outcome between Palestinians and Israelis that result in an independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian state living in peace alongside the state of Israel,” he stressed.
The letter concluded: “I am hopeful we can continue to work closely together to achieve this goal and further strengthen the bonds between our two people.”
According to a statement by a senior Fatah official, Faisal Abu Shahla, on Thursday afternoon, a government of national consensus would be decided upon and made public in the coming hours, as negotiators attempt to work out the last of disagreements from both sides. However, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said on Thursday, as well, that ongoing negotiations could potentially need "several days" to be finalized.
Additionally, U.S. President Barrack Obama has also made a recent statement, in regard to American support of a Palestinian state.
Earlier Thursday, Ma'an reports that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced that current premier Rami Hamdallah would officially serve as the prime minister in the national unity government.
When announced, it will mark a reconciliation which aims to end seven years of political division between the largest Palestinian parties.
Palestinian officials said that the announcement of the lineup was held up over the foreign affairs portfolio, according to Ma'an.
In related news, U.S. president Barrack Obama, in a letter sent to Abbas, appears to affirm a U.S. commitment for the establishment of a Palestinian state which coexists in peace alongside the state of Israel.
“It was a pleasure to welcome you to the white house in March, and I send my thanks for your kind gifts,” said Obama, according to WAFA Palestinian News & Info Agency.
“As I emphasized during our meeting, the United States remains deeply committed to a negotiated outcome between Palestinians and Israelis that result in an independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian state living in peace alongside the state of Israel,” he stressed.
The letter concluded: “I am hopeful we can continue to work closely together to achieve this goal and further strengthen the bonds between our two people.”
Overnight talks between Gaza premier Ismail Haneyya and Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas have put the finishing touches to the formation of the new Palestinian unity government, according to SAFA news agency. The news agency said that Haneyya and Abbas discussed last night the final stages of forming the interim unity government to be announced within the coming days.
It added that members of Hamas and Fatah delegations participated in the deliberations between Haneyya and Abbas.
The Palestinian Movements of Hamas and Fatah announced yesterday their completion of all talks and consultations over the unity government and said they would refer the suggested names of the ministers to Abbas for approval.
In a related context, press sources expected that the cabinet line-up of the Palestinian interim government would be announced next Saturday instead of Thursday because of a dispute over the foreign affairs portfolio.
The sources said that Mahmoud Abbas insists on Riyadh Al-Maliki staying as a foreign minister, while Hamas and some Fatah officials oppose that.
Earlier, member of Hamas's political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk had said that before the announcement of the government line-up on Thursday, premier Ismail Haneyya would deliver a keynote speech to the Palestinian people.
It added that members of Hamas and Fatah delegations participated in the deliberations between Haneyya and Abbas.
The Palestinian Movements of Hamas and Fatah announced yesterday their completion of all talks and consultations over the unity government and said they would refer the suggested names of the ministers to Abbas for approval.
In a related context, press sources expected that the cabinet line-up of the Palestinian interim government would be announced next Saturday instead of Thursday because of a dispute over the foreign affairs portfolio.
The sources said that Mahmoud Abbas insists on Riyadh Al-Maliki staying as a foreign minister, while Hamas and some Fatah officials oppose that.
Earlier, member of Hamas's political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk had said that before the announcement of the government line-up on Thursday, premier Ismail Haneyya would deliver a keynote speech to the Palestinian people.
A Palestinian teenager from the northern Gaza Strip died on Thursday after a gun his brother was playing with went off and shot him.
The unidentified 15-year-old died after a gun his brother was playing with accidentally discharged, shooting him dead.
His body was taken to the Kamal Udwan hospital in Jabalia.
Gaza police are investigating the incident.
The unidentified 15-year-old died after a gun his brother was playing with accidentally discharged, shooting him dead.
His body was taken to the Kamal Udwan hospital in Jabalia.
Gaza police are investigating the incident.
28 may 2014
Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) prevented on Wednesday printing or distribution of Gaza-based Palestine newspaper in the West Bank. Israeli occupation forces stormed at dawn Wednesday al-Ayam newspaper headquarters in Ramallah and ordered its managers not to print or distribute Gaza-based Palestine newspaper in the West Bank, after the confiscation of its edition.
For its part, Palestine newspaper administration vowed to continue the distribution of its editions in the West Bank by different means despite Israeli threats.
The newspaper's director-general Iyad Qarra told PIC reporter on Wednesday morning that al-Ayam publishing house's managers had received "clear threats" that the IOA would take firm action to prevent the printing and distribution of Gaza-based newspapers in the West Bank.
“In case al-Ayam publishing house refused to print our newspaper, we will be forced to look for other publishing houses”, Qarra added.
Under a recent reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas movements, Gaza-based newspapers were allowed to be distributed in the West Bank last month and vice versa.
For its part, Palestine newspaper administration vowed to continue the distribution of its editions in the West Bank by different means despite Israeli threats.
The newspaper's director-general Iyad Qarra told PIC reporter on Wednesday morning that al-Ayam publishing house's managers had received "clear threats" that the IOA would take firm action to prevent the printing and distribution of Gaza-based newspapers in the West Bank.
“In case al-Ayam publishing house refused to print our newspaper, we will be forced to look for other publishing houses”, Qarra added.
Under a recent reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas movements, Gaza-based newspapers were allowed to be distributed in the West Bank last month and vice versa.
FIFA chief Sepp Blatter declared his intention to visit Gaza Strip in the near future. During his meeting with head of Palestinian Football Association Jibril Rajoub on Tuesday in Ramallah, Blatter stated that he is going to visit Gaza to check on Palestinian Football conditions in the besieged Strip after witnessing several difficulties along the past years.
Blatter has asked FIFA Senior Development Manager (Asia) David Borja to immediately visit Gaza in order to support and develop Palestinian Football in the besieged enclave.
For his part, Jibril Rajoub, the head of the Palestine Football Association, has complained to Blatter about Israeli travel restrictions on some of Palestinian football players in the West Bank as well as in the Gaza Strip.
Rajoub said if travel restrictions aren't lifted then he would call on FIFA to impose sanctions on the Israeli Football Association.
Rajoub said Gaza players are particularly affected by travel restrictions, and added that there are also delays in getting Israeli entry permits for foreign delegations and visitors.
Palestinian recent reconciliation agreement would help to achieve progress and success in Palestinian Football, Rajoub said.
Blatter has asked FIFA Senior Development Manager (Asia) David Borja to immediately visit Gaza in order to support and develop Palestinian Football in the besieged enclave.
For his part, Jibril Rajoub, the head of the Palestine Football Association, has complained to Blatter about Israeli travel restrictions on some of Palestinian football players in the West Bank as well as in the Gaza Strip.
Rajoub said if travel restrictions aren't lifted then he would call on FIFA to impose sanctions on the Israeli Football Association.
Rajoub said Gaza players are particularly affected by travel restrictions, and added that there are also delays in getting Israeli entry permits for foreign delegations and visitors.
Palestinian recent reconciliation agreement would help to achieve progress and success in Palestinian Football, Rajoub said.