2 june 2015
Palestinian Return Center says Israeli allegations that it had ties with Hamas had no credence, saying the accusations were 'dangerous, baseless and will have negative ramifications on our work and members'.
The British-based Palestinian Return Center on Tuesday threatened Israel's UN mission with legal action after the Jewish state accused it of having ties to the Palestinian militant group Hamas, an allegation the group said was false.
The Israeli accusations came after a United Nations committee that oversees non-governmental organizations voted to approve UN accreditation for the PRC, which Israel's mission said was not only linked to Hamas but promoted "anti-Israel propaganda in Europe."
"We announce that PRC is considering legal action against the Israeli delegation at the UN," the group said in a statement circulated to the 19-member UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations.
"We also hold them accountable for the safety and security of our members worldwide," the group said. "Such allegations and defamation where we are described as terrorist and affiliated to Hamas are dangerous, baseless and will have negative ramifications on our work and members." The statement offered no details on the type of legal action the group might take against the Israeli mission.
The Israeli mission did not have an immediate response to the PRC's threat. On Monday the mission said Israel had banned the PRC in 2010 because of its ties to Hamas, labeling it "an organizational and coordinating wing of Hamas in Europe" with members that include senior Hamas officials. The PRC operates as a legal entity in Britain. The British mission did not react to Monday's vote in the UN NGO committee.
The United States and European Union have designated Hamas, the de facto authority of the Gaza Strip, a terrorist organization. The internationally recognized Palestinian Authority controls the West Bank. The PRC statement said the Israeli allegations had no credence and were solely based on Israeli intelligence and other sources from within Israel. It added that there was no corroborating evidence from a third country.
The PRC said it would soon send an official letter of protest to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the 54 member states of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which has final say on NGO-related matters. On its website, the PRC describes itself as "an independent consultancy focusing on the historical, political and legal aspects of the Palestinian Refugees."
Official UN status as an NGO gives groups access to UN premises and opportunities to attend or observe many events and conferences at United Nations sites around the world.
The British-based Palestinian Return Center on Tuesday threatened Israel's UN mission with legal action after the Jewish state accused it of having ties to the Palestinian militant group Hamas, an allegation the group said was false.
The Israeli accusations came after a United Nations committee that oversees non-governmental organizations voted to approve UN accreditation for the PRC, which Israel's mission said was not only linked to Hamas but promoted "anti-Israel propaganda in Europe."
"We announce that PRC is considering legal action against the Israeli delegation at the UN," the group said in a statement circulated to the 19-member UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations.
"We also hold them accountable for the safety and security of our members worldwide," the group said. "Such allegations and defamation where we are described as terrorist and affiliated to Hamas are dangerous, baseless and will have negative ramifications on our work and members." The statement offered no details on the type of legal action the group might take against the Israeli mission.
The Israeli mission did not have an immediate response to the PRC's threat. On Monday the mission said Israel had banned the PRC in 2010 because of its ties to Hamas, labeling it "an organizational and coordinating wing of Hamas in Europe" with members that include senior Hamas officials. The PRC operates as a legal entity in Britain. The British mission did not react to Monday's vote in the UN NGO committee.
The United States and European Union have designated Hamas, the de facto authority of the Gaza Strip, a terrorist organization. The internationally recognized Palestinian Authority controls the West Bank. The PRC statement said the Israeli allegations had no credence and were solely based on Israeli intelligence and other sources from within Israel. It added that there was no corroborating evidence from a third country.
The PRC said it would soon send an official letter of protest to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the 54 member states of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which has final say on NGO-related matters. On its website, the PRC describes itself as "an independent consultancy focusing on the historical, political and legal aspects of the Palestinian Refugees."
Official UN status as an NGO gives groups access to UN premises and opportunities to attend or observe many events and conferences at United Nations sites around the world.
Israel has rebuked the United Nations for granting accreditation to a Palestinian non-governmental organization which Tel Aviv says is linked to the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas.
In a statement on Monday, Israel's mission to the United Nations condemned the move by the 19-member UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations to recognize the UK-based Palestinian Return Center (PRC).
The statement was issued after the UN committee on Monday voted 12 to 3 in favor, with three abstentions, of recognizing the PRC as a permanent NGO with access to many fora of the world body.
The Israeli mission claimed that the PRC "promotes anti-Israel propaganda in Europe" and that senior members of the Palestinian NGO have links to other organizations which transfer funds to Hamas.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor castigated the decision, saying, “The UN has gone one step further, giving Hamas a grand welcoming at its main gates, allowing it to be a full participant.”
Iran, Pakistan, Sudan, Turkey, China, Cuba and Venezuela were among the countries that supported the PRC application at the United Nations while the US, Uruguay and Israel voted against. India, Russia and Greece abstained, and Burundi was absent.
Israel has carried out a range of war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people only over the past several years.
During the latest Israeli 50-day war on the Gaza Strip, which ended in August 2014 under a truce, more than 2,200 Palestinians were killed and over 11,100 others were wounded.
In a statement on Monday, Israel's mission to the United Nations condemned the move by the 19-member UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations to recognize the UK-based Palestinian Return Center (PRC).
The statement was issued after the UN committee on Monday voted 12 to 3 in favor, with three abstentions, of recognizing the PRC as a permanent NGO with access to many fora of the world body.
The Israeli mission claimed that the PRC "promotes anti-Israel propaganda in Europe" and that senior members of the Palestinian NGO have links to other organizations which transfer funds to Hamas.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor castigated the decision, saying, “The UN has gone one step further, giving Hamas a grand welcoming at its main gates, allowing it to be a full participant.”
Iran, Pakistan, Sudan, Turkey, China, Cuba and Venezuela were among the countries that supported the PRC application at the United Nations while the US, Uruguay and Israel voted against. India, Russia and Greece abstained, and Burundi was absent.
Israel has carried out a range of war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people only over the past several years.
During the latest Israeli 50-day war on the Gaza Strip, which ended in August 2014 under a truce, more than 2,200 Palestinians were killed and over 11,100 others were wounded.
1 june 2015
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority security apparatuses on Sunday launched a large-scale search for an Israeli truck driver after reporting his disappearance in Nablus.
According to Maariv newspaper, the driver left his home at four o'clock on Sunday morning in Yokneam city near Haifa, but he did not reach his destination, a settlement south of the West Bank
It said that the truck was found near one of the valleys in Nablus area.
Local sources said that the IOF closed the checkpoints of Hawara, south of Nablus, and Beit Furik to the east as well as the checkpoints of Badan in the north and Beit Iba in the West.
According to Maariv newspaper, the driver left his home at four o'clock on Sunday morning in Yokneam city near Haifa, but he did not reach his destination, a settlement south of the West Bank
It said that the truck was found near one of the valleys in Nablus area.
Local sources said that the IOF closed the checkpoints of Hawara, south of Nablus, and Beit Furik to the east as well as the checkpoints of Badan in the north and Beit Iba in the West.
Jewish state's UN mission accuses body of accepting organization it says is 'an organizational and a coordinating wing of Hamas in Europe'.
Israel on Monday accused the United Nations of granting "UN non-governmental organization status" to an association linked to militant Palestinian group Hamas that it said promotes "anti-Israel propaganda in Europe."
Israel's UN mission issued a statement condemning the decision, by the 19-member UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, to approve the application of the Palestinian Return Center (PRC), an organization based in Britain.
The statement said that in 2010 Israel banned the PRC because of its ties to Hamas, labeling it "an organizational and a coordinating wing of Hamas in Europe" with members that include senior Hamas officials.
"Until today, the UN has given Hamas discounts and let it strengthen its activities," Israel's UN ambassador, Ron Prosor, was quoted as saying in the statement. "Now, the UN went one step further, and gave Hamas a welcoming celebration at its main entrance, allowing it to be a full participant."
"According to this script, one day we may find Hezbollah sitting at the Security Council and ISIS (Islamic State) voting at the Human Rights Council," he added. "This is the peak season for the UN's Theater of the Absurd."
The Israeli statement said 12 countries voted in favor, including Iran, Pakistan, Sudan, Turkey, Venezuela, China and Cuba, and three voted against, the United States, Uruguay and Israel. India, Russia and Greece abstained, and Burundi was absent.
Official UN status as an NGO gives groups access to UN premises and opportunities to attend or observe many events and conferences at United Nations sites around the world.
Neither the PRC nor the British or US missions to the United Nations had an immediate response to Reuters requests for comment on the vote or the Israeli announcement. A UN spokesman said it would be up to member states to comment since it was their decision.
The United States and European Union have designated Hamas a terrorist organization.
Since Hamas, and not the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, is the de facto governing authority in the Gaza Strip, the United Nations maintains limited contact with it in terms of aid delivery, education and other activities.
The United Nations' principal Palestinian interlocutor is the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank.
Israel on Monday accused the United Nations of granting "UN non-governmental organization status" to an association linked to militant Palestinian group Hamas that it said promotes "anti-Israel propaganda in Europe."
Israel's UN mission issued a statement condemning the decision, by the 19-member UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, to approve the application of the Palestinian Return Center (PRC), an organization based in Britain.
The statement said that in 2010 Israel banned the PRC because of its ties to Hamas, labeling it "an organizational and a coordinating wing of Hamas in Europe" with members that include senior Hamas officials.
"Until today, the UN has given Hamas discounts and let it strengthen its activities," Israel's UN ambassador, Ron Prosor, was quoted as saying in the statement. "Now, the UN went one step further, and gave Hamas a welcoming celebration at its main entrance, allowing it to be a full participant."
"According to this script, one day we may find Hezbollah sitting at the Security Council and ISIS (Islamic State) voting at the Human Rights Council," he added. "This is the peak season for the UN's Theater of the Absurd."
The Israeli statement said 12 countries voted in favor, including Iran, Pakistan, Sudan, Turkey, Venezuela, China and Cuba, and three voted against, the United States, Uruguay and Israel. India, Russia and Greece abstained, and Burundi was absent.
Official UN status as an NGO gives groups access to UN premises and opportunities to attend or observe many events and conferences at United Nations sites around the world.
Neither the PRC nor the British or US missions to the United Nations had an immediate response to Reuters requests for comment on the vote or the Israeli announcement. A UN spokesman said it would be up to member states to comment since it was their decision.
The United States and European Union have designated Hamas a terrorist organization.
Since Hamas, and not the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, is the de facto governing authority in the Gaza Strip, the United Nations maintains limited contact with it in terms of aid delivery, education and other activities.
The United Nations' principal Palestinian interlocutor is the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank.
The Palestinian foreign ministry said that a campaign of solidarity with the Palestinian people was organized on Sunday in the Ghanaian capital Accra.
In a press release, the ministry explained that the organizers of the campaign collected signatures for the support of the Palestinian struggle against the Israeli occupation.
It added that noted pro-Palestinian activists in Ghana participated in the event, which was held at Freedom Center in the capital.
The camping is aimed at pressuring Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian lands and respect international law.
In a press release, the ministry explained that the organizers of the campaign collected signatures for the support of the Palestinian struggle against the Israeli occupation.
It added that noted pro-Palestinian activists in Ghana participated in the event, which was held at Freedom Center in the capital.
The camping is aimed at pressuring Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian lands and respect international law.
A group claiming allegiance with ISIS issued a statement, Sunday, claiming responsibility for assassinating a senior Hamas commander in the Gaza Strip, by detonating his store in Khan Younis.
The group, calling itself Supporters of the Islamic State in Beit al-Maqdis, said it assassinated Saber Siam for what it claimed, “participating in the heretical war against the Mujahidin," and called on Hamas to “end its war on religion in Gaza, or face the consequences.”
It published a statement on its Twitter account saying it killed Siam approximately at 2:30 at dawn Sunday, by detonating his store, in Khan Younis in the southern part of the coastal region, for “participating in the war on the Mujahidin.”
The group also warned the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to stay away from government-run offices and facilities, and all Hamas-run security or military centers, in the coastal region. Hamas officials and Hamas-run websites did not comment on the attack.
Earlier the month, the group fired shells into a training center for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas in Khan Younis, Agence France Presse said.
The attack is believed to be related to an alleged attack by Hamas on a mosque, reportedly “frequented by ISIS supporters plotting against the government,” in Deir al-Balah.
The group is also responsible for numerous attacks against the Egyptian army, including recent bombings targeting army posts close to the border with Gaza.
The group, calling itself Supporters of the Islamic State in Beit al-Maqdis, said it assassinated Saber Siam for what it claimed, “participating in the heretical war against the Mujahidin," and called on Hamas to “end its war on religion in Gaza, or face the consequences.”
It published a statement on its Twitter account saying it killed Siam approximately at 2:30 at dawn Sunday, by detonating his store, in Khan Younis in the southern part of the coastal region, for “participating in the war on the Mujahidin.”
The group also warned the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to stay away from government-run offices and facilities, and all Hamas-run security or military centers, in the coastal region. Hamas officials and Hamas-run websites did not comment on the attack.
Earlier the month, the group fired shells into a training center for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas in Khan Younis, Agence France Presse said.
The attack is believed to be related to an alleged attack by Hamas on a mosque, reportedly “frequented by ISIS supporters plotting against the government,” in Deir al-Balah.
The group is also responsible for numerous attacks against the Egyptian army, including recent bombings targeting army posts close to the border with Gaza.
31 may 2015
Steinmeier will travel to Hamas-ruled territory on Monday, after a meeting on Sunday with Israeli leaders in which he stressed importance of rebuilding Gaza.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Sunday that he will visit the Gaza Strip — a rare trip to the Hamas-ruled territory by a Western leader.
Steinmeier said he would head to Gaza on Monday. No talks with Hamas are planned.
Steinmeier visited Israel on Sunday and appeared at a press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said the arrest of a Lebanese man in Cyprus accused of planning attacks on Israeli targets represented an example of Iranian terrorism. "There is no Hezbollah without Iran," he said.
Netanyahu also addressed the issue of peace talks with the Palestinians, saying that direct talks would be the only way forward. The Prime Minister continued, belittling the recent Palestinian attempt to have Israel expelled from FIFA, the world's soccer association. Netanyahu called the move an attempt to delegitimize Israel.
Israel, said Netanyahu, is ready to make concessions and compromise with the Palestinians. The issue, he said, is whether or not the Palestinian Authority would be ready to recognize the State of Israel. Steinmeier stressed the need for peace and concrete solutions. "We have to look for options with the Palestinians," he said.
"The situation in Gaza is very hard; we have to think about the reconstruction of Gaza. Israel's security is tied to the prosperity of Gaza because none of us want another war between Israel and Gaza."
President Reuben Rivlin also met with the Foreign Minister and said that, "We do not need to be pressured, the need to rebuild Gaza and the renewal of direct negotiations is very clear to us. The Palestinian's unilateral actions as we saw for example on Friday in Zurich are unnecessary and a bizarre twist on history - that the successors of those who murdered atheletes in Munich should now be promoting a boycott of Israel, goes against the ideas of humanity and justice."
Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely also met with Steinmeier. She said "Germany is one of our best friends. We deeply appreciate its unwavering stance against rising anti-Semitism in Europe, and hope it will continue to lead the struggle against this destructive phenomenon." She added that "Israel is facing a tough wave of boycotts coming from Europe and we expect Germany to lead the struggle against the labeling of products made in Judea and Samaria.
The boycott of products impairs the entire fabric of life in Judea and Samaria, both on the Palestinian side and the Israeli side.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Sunday that he will visit the Gaza Strip — a rare trip to the Hamas-ruled territory by a Western leader.
Steinmeier said he would head to Gaza on Monday. No talks with Hamas are planned.
Steinmeier visited Israel on Sunday and appeared at a press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said the arrest of a Lebanese man in Cyprus accused of planning attacks on Israeli targets represented an example of Iranian terrorism. "There is no Hezbollah without Iran," he said.
Netanyahu also addressed the issue of peace talks with the Palestinians, saying that direct talks would be the only way forward. The Prime Minister continued, belittling the recent Palestinian attempt to have Israel expelled from FIFA, the world's soccer association. Netanyahu called the move an attempt to delegitimize Israel.
Israel, said Netanyahu, is ready to make concessions and compromise with the Palestinians. The issue, he said, is whether or not the Palestinian Authority would be ready to recognize the State of Israel. Steinmeier stressed the need for peace and concrete solutions. "We have to look for options with the Palestinians," he said.
"The situation in Gaza is very hard; we have to think about the reconstruction of Gaza. Israel's security is tied to the prosperity of Gaza because none of us want another war between Israel and Gaza."
President Reuben Rivlin also met with the Foreign Minister and said that, "We do not need to be pressured, the need to rebuild Gaza and the renewal of direct negotiations is very clear to us. The Palestinian's unilateral actions as we saw for example on Friday in Zurich are unnecessary and a bizarre twist on history - that the successors of those who murdered atheletes in Munich should now be promoting a boycott of Israel, goes against the ideas of humanity and justice."
Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely also met with Steinmeier. She said "Germany is one of our best friends. We deeply appreciate its unwavering stance against rising anti-Semitism in Europe, and hope it will continue to lead the struggle against this destructive phenomenon." She added that "Israel is facing a tough wave of boycotts coming from Europe and we expect Germany to lead the struggle against the labeling of products made in Judea and Samaria.
The boycott of products impairs the entire fabric of life in Judea and Samaria, both on the Palestinian side and the Israeli side.
Hamas on Sunday slammed a report recently screened by al-Arabiya al-Hadath TV Channel on the group’s alleged involvement in financial corruption with Hezbollah and the Huthis of Yemen.
Hamas said in a statement the report propagated by al-Arabiya al-Hadath is counterfeit and makes part of an ad-hominem campaign aimed at defacing Hamas’ reputation and spoiling its fraternity ties with its Arab neighbors.
Earlier, on Friday, a report broadcast by al-Arabiya al-Hadath TV Channel accused Hamas of involvement in alleged financial corruption with Hezbollah and the Huthi parties.
“We feel disappointed that al-Arabiya al-Hadath channel has propagated a report based on lies and groundless data, which stands in sharp contrast to the ethics and rules of professional and credible journalism,” a senior Hamas official said as he urged al-Arabiya al-Hadath to redress such an “intolerable” mistake.
The resistance movement reiterated its policy of non-interference as regards the home affairs of other countries, no matter how close/far the geopolitical distance.
Hamas said in a statement the report propagated by al-Arabiya al-Hadath is counterfeit and makes part of an ad-hominem campaign aimed at defacing Hamas’ reputation and spoiling its fraternity ties with its Arab neighbors.
Earlier, on Friday, a report broadcast by al-Arabiya al-Hadath TV Channel accused Hamas of involvement in alleged financial corruption with Hezbollah and the Huthi parties.
“We feel disappointed that al-Arabiya al-Hadath channel has propagated a report based on lies and groundless data, which stands in sharp contrast to the ethics and rules of professional and credible journalism,” a senior Hamas official said as he urged al-Arabiya al-Hadath to redress such an “intolerable” mistake.
The resistance movement reiterated its policy of non-interference as regards the home affairs of other countries, no matter how close/far the geopolitical distance.
30 may 2015
For many observers, the fact that Sepp Blatter was re-elected as president of FIFA came as no surprise. As expected, he was determined to stay in office despite the arrests and corruption charges this week. That Israel, unlike the European countries, supported Blatter's candidacy is also not surprising; it is a state whose own political leaders have been tainted by corruption charges over the years.
The most shocking news from the FIFA congress in Zurich was actually the decision by Palestinian Football Association chief Jibril Rajoub to withdraw the resolution for a vote to suspend Israel from world football's governing body. Although the Palestinian Authority (PA) is notorious for its wanton squandering of international goodwill, this latest example is arguably the worst of all. It was a golden opportunity to take the international boycott of apartheid Israel to a new level.
Rajoub's claim that he was pressured by African and Asian countries is a lame and shameless excuse. His past history as head of the PA's preventive security agency and thus a willing collaborator with Israel on security issues demonstrates clearly where his loyalties lie on such matters.
While much of what goes on at FIFA is often shrouded in secrecy, the universal support for the Palestinian case among the member federations was well known. If anyone doubts the level of international support that was there for the taking, just consider how petrified Israeli officials became in the days leading up to the Zurich meeting.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin described the imminent suspension from FIFA and popular calls for a cultural boycott as a "strategic threat" to his country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued the now customary volley of threats to the PA, to Jibril Rajoub (he claims) and FIFA itself. To his credit, the Israeli leader did, at least, stand up to protect his country's interests, which is more than can be said for the Palestinian leadership. Yet again, the PA proved that it desperately lacks the political will to do the same.
If nothing else, Rajoub's farcical performance in Zurich confirms that the Ramallah authority cannot be trusted. It has now made it standard practice to betray the collective will and expectations of the Palestinian people. In 2008, for example, the PA obstructed the passage of a UN resolution proposed by the State of Qatar calling for an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip. The following year, it abandoned a resolution for the Human Rights Council to forward Judge Richard Goldstone's report on war crimes in Gaza to the UN Security Council. The PA has thus acquired a unique record of putting Israel's interests before that of the Palestinians.
In a bizarre and theatrical manner, Rajoub took to the stage in Zurich carrying a red card - which he obviously had no intention of using - to announce that he was withdrawing the resolution because he was aware of the harm it would bring to Israel. His words amounted to an apology to the Israelis, as if their suspension from FIFA or a sporting boycott of the apartheid state was a crime.
Gideon Levy, the Israeli columnist for Haaretz newspaper, would have made a better representative for the Palestinians than Rajoub. "A soccer ban doesn't kill anyone," he wrote. "A boycott spills no blood. It is a legitimate weapon to establish justice and apply international law."
That said, there are others, including Rajoub, who claim that politics should be kept out of sports. Of course, they would say that wouldn't they, especially when it suits their interests to do so. But didn't the US lead an international boycott of the 1980 summer Olympics in Moscow after the former Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan? Didn't the Thatcher government in Britain as well as France and Australia support the boycott, leaving the decision about whether or not to compete to individual athletes? Similarly today, it is up to every individual citizen of the world to take a stand on Israeli apartheid. To advocate anything else would be sheer hypocrisy.
Whatever disappointment and outrage Palestinians and the thousands of people who had been campaigning vigorously for the ban may feel after Zurich, all is not lost. This latest encounter with apartheid Israel has placed the nuclear option of a sporting and cultural boycott of the rogue state well within the reach of the masses. They do not have to wait for the approval of FIFA or even the Palestinian Authority to set it in motion.
In retrospect, the failure of the PA to seek the suspension of Israel from FIFA has nothing to do with Israel's "international effort" as Netanyahu claimed triumphantly. It was all about the spinelessness of the Palestinian Authority and its utter dependency on Israeli and Western largesse. Forget about showing Israel the red card; it is high time for the PA to be sent for an early bath for its repeated failures to represent the people of Palestine and defend their national interests.
The most shocking news from the FIFA congress in Zurich was actually the decision by Palestinian Football Association chief Jibril Rajoub to withdraw the resolution for a vote to suspend Israel from world football's governing body. Although the Palestinian Authority (PA) is notorious for its wanton squandering of international goodwill, this latest example is arguably the worst of all. It was a golden opportunity to take the international boycott of apartheid Israel to a new level.
Rajoub's claim that he was pressured by African and Asian countries is a lame and shameless excuse. His past history as head of the PA's preventive security agency and thus a willing collaborator with Israel on security issues demonstrates clearly where his loyalties lie on such matters.
While much of what goes on at FIFA is often shrouded in secrecy, the universal support for the Palestinian case among the member federations was well known. If anyone doubts the level of international support that was there for the taking, just consider how petrified Israeli officials became in the days leading up to the Zurich meeting.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin described the imminent suspension from FIFA and popular calls for a cultural boycott as a "strategic threat" to his country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued the now customary volley of threats to the PA, to Jibril Rajoub (he claims) and FIFA itself. To his credit, the Israeli leader did, at least, stand up to protect his country's interests, which is more than can be said for the Palestinian leadership. Yet again, the PA proved that it desperately lacks the political will to do the same.
If nothing else, Rajoub's farcical performance in Zurich confirms that the Ramallah authority cannot be trusted. It has now made it standard practice to betray the collective will and expectations of the Palestinian people. In 2008, for example, the PA obstructed the passage of a UN resolution proposed by the State of Qatar calling for an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip. The following year, it abandoned a resolution for the Human Rights Council to forward Judge Richard Goldstone's report on war crimes in Gaza to the UN Security Council. The PA has thus acquired a unique record of putting Israel's interests before that of the Palestinians.
In a bizarre and theatrical manner, Rajoub took to the stage in Zurich carrying a red card - which he obviously had no intention of using - to announce that he was withdrawing the resolution because he was aware of the harm it would bring to Israel. His words amounted to an apology to the Israelis, as if their suspension from FIFA or a sporting boycott of the apartheid state was a crime.
Gideon Levy, the Israeli columnist for Haaretz newspaper, would have made a better representative for the Palestinians than Rajoub. "A soccer ban doesn't kill anyone," he wrote. "A boycott spills no blood. It is a legitimate weapon to establish justice and apply international law."
That said, there are others, including Rajoub, who claim that politics should be kept out of sports. Of course, they would say that wouldn't they, especially when it suits their interests to do so. But didn't the US lead an international boycott of the 1980 summer Olympics in Moscow after the former Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan? Didn't the Thatcher government in Britain as well as France and Australia support the boycott, leaving the decision about whether or not to compete to individual athletes? Similarly today, it is up to every individual citizen of the world to take a stand on Israeli apartheid. To advocate anything else would be sheer hypocrisy.
Whatever disappointment and outrage Palestinians and the thousands of people who had been campaigning vigorously for the ban may feel after Zurich, all is not lost. This latest encounter with apartheid Israel has placed the nuclear option of a sporting and cultural boycott of the rogue state well within the reach of the masses. They do not have to wait for the approval of FIFA or even the Palestinian Authority to set it in motion.
In retrospect, the failure of the PA to seek the suspension of Israel from FIFA has nothing to do with Israel's "international effort" as Netanyahu claimed triumphantly. It was all about the spinelessness of the Palestinian Authority and its utter dependency on Israeli and Western largesse. Forget about showing Israel the red card; it is high time for the PA to be sent for an early bath for its repeated failures to represent the people of Palestine and defend their national interests.
28 may 2015
MP Jamal al-Khudari, head of the popular committee against the siege, belittled the ability of donor countries convening in the Belgian capital Brussels to take concrete steps for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
In a press release on Wednesday, Khudari said that any decisions on Gaza taken by the conference of donor countries (AHLC) in Brussels would be useless without serious international pressure on Israel to end its blockade.
He expressed his belief that the decisions taken by the Brussels conference would be hostage to Israel's restrictions like the ones taken by the donor conference on Gaza reconstruction that had been held in Cairo last year.
He stressed that the homeless Gazans who live in shelters and makeshift homes are in dire need for real efforts to end their suffering.
In a press release on Wednesday, Khudari said that any decisions on Gaza taken by the conference of donor countries (AHLC) in Brussels would be useless without serious international pressure on Israel to end its blockade.
He expressed his belief that the decisions taken by the Brussels conference would be hostage to Israel's restrictions like the ones taken by the donor conference on Gaza reconstruction that had been held in Cairo last year.
He stressed that the homeless Gazans who live in shelters and makeshift homes are in dire need for real efforts to end their suffering.
26 may 2015
Palestinian medical sources in Hebron, in the southern part of the occupied West Bank, have reported that a man was seriously injured, after severely beaten and shot, by unknown gunmen, south of the city.
The sources said that the resident, in his thirties, was in the Tareq Bin Ziad area, south of Hebron, when he was attacked and beaten by unknown gunmen who proceeded to shoot him in the legs.
The wounded man was moved to Mohammad Ali al-Mohtaseb Hospital, before being transferred to the Hebron Governmental Hospital due to the seriousness of his condition.
The Palestinian Police and security services initiated an investigation into the attack.
The sources said that the resident, in his thirties, was in the Tareq Bin Ziad area, south of Hebron, when he was attacked and beaten by unknown gunmen who proceeded to shoot him in the legs.
The wounded man was moved to Mohammad Ali al-Mohtaseb Hospital, before being transferred to the Hebron Governmental Hospital due to the seriousness of his condition.
The Palestinian Police and security services initiated an investigation into the attack.
Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with EU foreign policy chief Mogherini
Western diplomat says PM told EU foreign policy chief talks should define West Bank areas in which Israel can continue building; another diplomat says this is just 'illusion of progress'.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed resuming peace negotiations with the Palestinians but with the initial focus on identifying those Jewish settlements that Israel would keep and be allowed to expand, an Israeli official said on Tuesday.
Peace talks collapsed in April 2014 over Israeli settlement-building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas Palestinians seek for a state, and after Abbas angered Israel by reaching a unity deal with the Islamist group Hamas in Gaza. Asked about Netanyahu's position, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said settlement activity had to stop altogether before peace talks resume and that all core issues of the conflict with Israel needed to be addressed simultaneously.
In a meeting in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Netanyahu told Federica Mogherini, the European Union's foreign policy chief, that some of the land Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War would remain in its hands while other parts would be left under Palestinian control, the Israeli official said. "Therefore negotiations should be resumed in order to define those areas in which we can build," the official said, quoting Netanyahu.
The remarks were first reported in the left-wing Israeli newspaper Haaretz. With the inauguration two weeks ago of his new right-wing government following March elections, Netanyahu faces US and EU calls to re-engage with the Palestinians and also the threat of stronger pressure to curb construction in settlements, which most countries regard as illegal.
Western diplomats have said Netanyahu - who raised international concern by saying on the eve of the election that no Palestinian state would be established on his watch - will now be closely scrutinized over his settlement policy. An understanding on settlements in peace talks would enable Israel to keep construction going without raising the wrath of its Western allies.
It could also appease hardliners in Netanyahu's government who want to see more construction. One Western diplomat familiar with what occurred at the meeting with Mogherini said Netanyahu's proposal showed some change in his position, but not enough to restart peace talks. "Up until now, Netanyahu has refused to put any maps on the table, so in that respect it was quite substantial. He was talking about borders in one way or another, even if it was based around the acceptance of existing settlement blocs," the official said. Another Western diplomat described Netanyahu's proposal as creating "the illusion of progress".
"Netanyahu was trying to show that he is committed to peace and ready for negotiations, but he knows the Palestinians would never agree to begin on this basis," the diplomat said.
Western diplomat says PM told EU foreign policy chief talks should define West Bank areas in which Israel can continue building; another diplomat says this is just 'illusion of progress'.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed resuming peace negotiations with the Palestinians but with the initial focus on identifying those Jewish settlements that Israel would keep and be allowed to expand, an Israeli official said on Tuesday.
Peace talks collapsed in April 2014 over Israeli settlement-building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas Palestinians seek for a state, and after Abbas angered Israel by reaching a unity deal with the Islamist group Hamas in Gaza. Asked about Netanyahu's position, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said settlement activity had to stop altogether before peace talks resume and that all core issues of the conflict with Israel needed to be addressed simultaneously.
In a meeting in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Netanyahu told Federica Mogherini, the European Union's foreign policy chief, that some of the land Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War would remain in its hands while other parts would be left under Palestinian control, the Israeli official said. "Therefore negotiations should be resumed in order to define those areas in which we can build," the official said, quoting Netanyahu.
The remarks were first reported in the left-wing Israeli newspaper Haaretz. With the inauguration two weeks ago of his new right-wing government following March elections, Netanyahu faces US and EU calls to re-engage with the Palestinians and also the threat of stronger pressure to curb construction in settlements, which most countries regard as illegal.
Western diplomats have said Netanyahu - who raised international concern by saying on the eve of the election that no Palestinian state would be established on his watch - will now be closely scrutinized over his settlement policy. An understanding on settlements in peace talks would enable Israel to keep construction going without raising the wrath of its Western allies.
It could also appease hardliners in Netanyahu's government who want to see more construction. One Western diplomat familiar with what occurred at the meeting with Mogherini said Netanyahu's proposal showed some change in his position, but not enough to restart peace talks. "Up until now, Netanyahu has refused to put any maps on the table, so in that respect it was quite substantial. He was talking about borders in one way or another, even if it was based around the acceptance of existing settlement blocs," the official said. Another Western diplomat described Netanyahu's proposal as creating "the illusion of progress".
"Netanyahu was trying to show that he is committed to peace and ready for negotiations, but he knows the Palestinians would never agree to begin on this basis," the diplomat said.
The coming period will be critical for the future of the peace process, with concerns growing about the lack of a horizon for the resumption of negotiations towards a two-state solution, according to the latest report issued by the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO). The report will be presented to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) at the twice annual meeting in Brussels on May 27, 2015.
The report warns that maintaining the current untenable status quo will "inexorably lead to the continued erosion of living conditions for Palestinians and for Israelis alike and will undermine the security and stability of all." It notes the call by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov during his recent briefing to the Security Council on both parties "to expend every effort to build upon existing agreements, including relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Roadmap and the Arab Peace Initiative, to gain momentum towards a final status agreement."
The report reiterates the call on the new Government of Israel to take credible steps to reaffirm its commitment to a two-state solution, including a freeze of settlement activity, to promote a resumption of meaningful negotiations. Continued security cooperation between Palestinian and Israeli authorities also remains a cornerstone of a peaceful resolution.
The political and security situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continues to deteriorate with heightened levels of violence and renewed settlement activities, the report states. On Area C, the report notes that "the United Nations continues to support local Palestinian authorities in developing adequate social infrastructure... but the programme faces challenges due to the slow pace of Israeli approvals." It also expresses concerns about recent moves to relocate Bedouin communities near Abu Nwar in the politically sensitive E1 area of the West Bank that may be linked to further settlement construction.
The report also highlights the considerable challenge in putting the Government of Palestine's finances on a stable footing. "While the recent release of outstanding tax revenues by Israel is welcome, it is essential that agreement on a sustainable solution on tax collection in line with the Paris Protocol of the Oslo Accords is reached," the report underscored.
Turning to the Gaza Strip, the report notes that the United Nations objective remains to see the lifting of all closures within the framework of Security Council resolution 1860 (2009) in a manner which addresses Israel's legitimate security concerns. In the absence of such a change, the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism (GRM) remains the only available option to facilitate the entry of "dual use" materials necessary for reconstruction. To date, close to 85,000 of the 100,000 households in need of construction materials to repair their partially destroyed homes have received materials. The report also highlights that out of the 168 projects submitted by the private sector and the international community, 85 projects are approved and eight are ongoing.
Turning to the challenges of intra-Palestinian reconciliation and unity, the report welcomes Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah's efforts towards finding a solution for public sector employees in Gaza and encourages all factions to support his initiative. "The United Nations also stands ready to work with all stakeholders and support the Government's efforts. A comprehensive reconciliation must include the GNC resuming control over the crossings into Israel and Egypt. The responsibility for addressing these issues lies first and foremost with the Palestinian authorities," the report adds.
The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) serves as the principal policy-level coordination mechanism for development assistance to the oPt. The AHLC is chaired by Norway and co-sponsored by the EU and the US. In addition, the United Nations participates together with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The AHLC seeks to promote dialogue between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel. The full report to the AHLC prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is attached to this release and includes an executive summary of its main conclusions.
The report warns that maintaining the current untenable status quo will "inexorably lead to the continued erosion of living conditions for Palestinians and for Israelis alike and will undermine the security and stability of all." It notes the call by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov during his recent briefing to the Security Council on both parties "to expend every effort to build upon existing agreements, including relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Roadmap and the Arab Peace Initiative, to gain momentum towards a final status agreement."
The report reiterates the call on the new Government of Israel to take credible steps to reaffirm its commitment to a two-state solution, including a freeze of settlement activity, to promote a resumption of meaningful negotiations. Continued security cooperation between Palestinian and Israeli authorities also remains a cornerstone of a peaceful resolution.
The political and security situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continues to deteriorate with heightened levels of violence and renewed settlement activities, the report states. On Area C, the report notes that "the United Nations continues to support local Palestinian authorities in developing adequate social infrastructure... but the programme faces challenges due to the slow pace of Israeli approvals." It also expresses concerns about recent moves to relocate Bedouin communities near Abu Nwar in the politically sensitive E1 area of the West Bank that may be linked to further settlement construction.
The report also highlights the considerable challenge in putting the Government of Palestine's finances on a stable footing. "While the recent release of outstanding tax revenues by Israel is welcome, it is essential that agreement on a sustainable solution on tax collection in line with the Paris Protocol of the Oslo Accords is reached," the report underscored.
Turning to the Gaza Strip, the report notes that the United Nations objective remains to see the lifting of all closures within the framework of Security Council resolution 1860 (2009) in a manner which addresses Israel's legitimate security concerns. In the absence of such a change, the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism (GRM) remains the only available option to facilitate the entry of "dual use" materials necessary for reconstruction. To date, close to 85,000 of the 100,000 households in need of construction materials to repair their partially destroyed homes have received materials. The report also highlights that out of the 168 projects submitted by the private sector and the international community, 85 projects are approved and eight are ongoing.
Turning to the challenges of intra-Palestinian reconciliation and unity, the report welcomes Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah's efforts towards finding a solution for public sector employees in Gaza and encourages all factions to support his initiative. "The United Nations also stands ready to work with all stakeholders and support the Government's efforts. A comprehensive reconciliation must include the GNC resuming control over the crossings into Israel and Egypt. The responsibility for addressing these issues lies first and foremost with the Palestinian authorities," the report adds.
The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) serves as the principal policy-level coordination mechanism for development assistance to the oPt. The AHLC is chaired by Norway and co-sponsored by the EU and the US. In addition, the United Nations participates together with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The AHLC seeks to promote dialogue between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel. The full report to the AHLC prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is attached to this release and includes an executive summary of its main conclusions.
25 may 2015
A Palestinian boy was reported killed on Monday morning at the village of Taluza near the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
Ahmad Hasayika, 16, was stabbed to death by two attackers during a family feud in his village, local sources reported.
Medical sources said that Ahmad was moved to Nablus city hospital after sustaining fatal wounds to his chest and died shortly after.
According to Maan news agency, the two attacker are members of the Palestinian Authority security forces.
Maan said that the two officers surrendered to the police who opened an investigation into the attack.
Ahmad Hasayika, 16, was stabbed to death by two attackers during a family feud in his village, local sources reported.
Medical sources said that Ahmad was moved to Nablus city hospital after sustaining fatal wounds to his chest and died shortly after.
According to Maan news agency, the two attacker are members of the Palestinian Authority security forces.
Maan said that the two officers surrendered to the police who opened an investigation into the attack.
24 may 2015
Hamas's representative in Lebanon Ali Baraka said that the Palestinian people is only specialized in confronting the Israeli occupation and has nothing to do with any regional conflicts.
During a political meeting organized by Hamas in Beddawi refugee camp in Lebanon, Baraka urged the Arab countries to stand by the Palestinian cause.
He emphasized that the Palestinian people would never be involved in any sectarian strife and would not allow their camps in Lebanon to be arenas for fights between others.
"We are people who seek to live with dignity and enjoy our civil rights in Lebanon," he stressed.
During a political meeting organized by Hamas in Beddawi refugee camp in Lebanon, Baraka urged the Arab countries to stand by the Palestinian cause.
He emphasized that the Palestinian people would never be involved in any sectarian strife and would not allow their camps in Lebanon to be arenas for fights between others.
"We are people who seek to live with dignity and enjoy our civil rights in Lebanon," he stressed.
Palestinian security sources in Gaza have reported that unknown gunmen shot and injured, on Saturday at dawn, the principal of an UNRWA school in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
The sources said Ali al-Kashef was shot while heading back home following dawn prayers in a local mosque, and was moved to a local hospital suffering several gunshot injuries to his legs.
The Police in Gaza said it is conducting an investigation into the attack.
UNRWA is the United Nations Agency that works with Palestinian refugees in Gaza and around the world. The Agency operates many of the schools in the Gaza Strip.
The sources said Ali al-Kashef was shot while heading back home following dawn prayers in a local mosque, and was moved to a local hospital suffering several gunshot injuries to his legs.
The Police in Gaza said it is conducting an investigation into the attack.
UNRWA is the United Nations Agency that works with Palestinian refugees in Gaza and around the world. The Agency operates many of the schools in the Gaza Strip.