11 dec 2013
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Heavy rains and very low temperatures have hit Gaza, leaving streets flooded and all schools and universities closed until Saturday.
Civil defense and medical crews declared a state of high alert due to the extremely dangerous situation in Gaza. |
The Slain Officer Nasser Daraweesh
The Palestinian Police in the West bank district of Bethlehem, has reported that an officer was shot and killed, on Tuesday [December 10 2013], after gunmen opened fire at a Police station in Teqoua’ town, east of Bethlehem.
The slain officer has been identified as Nasser Daraweesh, from Beit Kahel town, in the southern West Bank District of Hebron.
Medical sources at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Bethlehem said that Daraweesh died of a gunshot wound to the chest.
Bethlehem Governor, Abdul-Fattah Hamayel, stated that gunmen opened fire at the Police station, killing the officer, and fled the scene.
Hamayel added that the Police initiated an investigation into the attack, adding that the Police and security departments “will not allow this crime to pass unpunished”, and will not tolerate any criminal acts, and acts that aim at creating chaos and insecurity.
On December 9, a Palestinian man identified as Hasan Mubarak was shot and killed by Palestinian Police fire in a nearby village.
The Police said the man was wanted for criminal acts and that he was “accidentally hit by warning rounds”.
The Police added that Mubarak was armed, and was involved in a fight between two families. His family denied the claim and said the police ambushed him at a local school, and shot him dead.
The Palestinian Police in the West bank district of Bethlehem, has reported that an officer was shot and killed, on Tuesday [December 10 2013], after gunmen opened fire at a Police station in Teqoua’ town, east of Bethlehem.
The slain officer has been identified as Nasser Daraweesh, from Beit Kahel town, in the southern West Bank District of Hebron.
Medical sources at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Bethlehem said that Daraweesh died of a gunshot wound to the chest.
Bethlehem Governor, Abdul-Fattah Hamayel, stated that gunmen opened fire at the Police station, killing the officer, and fled the scene.
Hamayel added that the Police initiated an investigation into the attack, adding that the Police and security departments “will not allow this crime to pass unpunished”, and will not tolerate any criminal acts, and acts that aim at creating chaos and insecurity.
On December 9, a Palestinian man identified as Hasan Mubarak was shot and killed by Palestinian Police fire in a nearby village.
The Police said the man was wanted for criminal acts and that he was “accidentally hit by warning rounds”.
The Police added that Mubarak was armed, and was involved in a fight between two families. His family denied the claim and said the police ambushed him at a local school, and shot him dead.
10 dec 2013
Three people were injured on Tuesday evening in an ambiguous explosion east of Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip, medics said.
Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra told Ma’an that three injuries arrived at Kamal Adwan hospital in serious and moderate condition.
The cause of the blast was not immediately clear, and the injured were not identified.
Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra told Ma’an that three injuries arrived at Kamal Adwan hospital in serious and moderate condition.
The cause of the blast was not immediately clear, and the injured were not identified.
The Palestinian Meteorological Department expects a mountaintop snowstorm to hit parts of the country Tuesday evening and continue through Wednesday and Thursday.
Director of the Palestinian Meteorological Department Yousif Abu Asaad said in a news conference in Ramallah that the storm would hit hardest on Thursday, with snow falling in areas over 700 meters above Sea Level.
He added that winds will blow at about 70 km/hr during the storm.
Director of the Palestinian Civil Defense Services Mahmoud Issa said a meeting was held at offices of the Palestinian Ministry of Interior to discuss preparations for the storm.
He urged citizens to avoid leaving their homes except for emergencies.
Director of the Palestinian Meteorological Department Yousif Abu Asaad said in a news conference in Ramallah that the storm would hit hardest on Thursday, with snow falling in areas over 700 meters above Sea Level.
He added that winds will blow at about 70 km/hr during the storm.
Director of the Palestinian Civil Defense Services Mahmoud Issa said a meeting was held at offices of the Palestinian Ministry of Interior to discuss preparations for the storm.
He urged citizens to avoid leaving their homes except for emergencies.
The University College of Applied Sciences in the Gaza Strip has opened an exhibition of Palestinian antiquities and heritage, including embroidery and pottery as well as famous dishes. Put together in partnership with the Palestinian Government, the exhibition includes some items which date back thousands of years; some are dated to the Byzantine period, some are Canaanite and others are Mamluk and more recent periods.
According to the lead organiser, Hiyam Al-Betar, the aim of the exhibition is to show off some of the precious pieces of Palestinian history which explain where and how "our forefathers" lived. "Doing this establishes strong links between the present generations of Palestinians and their past," she added.
The great number of authentic antiquities, insisted Al-Betar, emphasises the fact that Palestine has been and remains the land of the Palestinian people, not other nations.
In reply to a question about the inclusion of well-known Palestinian dishes in the exhibition, Al-Betar said that the intention is to refute Israeli claims that such food is "Israeli". She denounced such claims as part of Israel's false narrative of current and past events in Palestine.
According to the lead organiser, Hiyam Al-Betar, the aim of the exhibition is to show off some of the precious pieces of Palestinian history which explain where and how "our forefathers" lived. "Doing this establishes strong links between the present generations of Palestinians and their past," she added.
The great number of authentic antiquities, insisted Al-Betar, emphasises the fact that Palestine has been and remains the land of the Palestinian people, not other nations.
In reply to a question about the inclusion of well-known Palestinian dishes in the exhibition, Al-Betar said that the intention is to refute Israeli claims that such food is "Israeli". She denounced such claims as part of Israel's false narrative of current and past events in Palestine.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation called on the international community to support an independent Palestinian state as it opened a conference on Monday also focusing on the crises in Syria and Mali.
Outgoing chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the Palestinian issue as the "central question" for the world's largest grouping of Muslim nations as he launched its three-day Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in the Guinean capital Conakry.
"It is incumbent upon us to continue our advocacy for the creation of a Palestinian state recognized by the United Nations," he said.
"To this end it is for the international community to take measures to put an end to the Israeli occupation, the continuation of settlements on Palestinian land and abuses committed against the Palestinian people."
He welcomed the return to democracy in Mali following presidential and parliamentary elections in the west African nation, which was upended by a coup and sweeping militant offensive before a French-led military intervention in January.
But he condemned the "failure of the international community" to end the bloodshed in Syria, wracked by conflict between forces loyal to the Ba'athist government of President Bashar al-Assad and rebels seeking to oust it.
"With over 100,000 dead and more than two million refugees and displaced persons, we call for an end to this fratricidal war through measures and actions to ensure a successful transition to the Syrian people's rights and freedoms," he said.
The 57-member OIC was founded in 1969 and describes itself on its website as the "collective voice of the Muslim world."
Outgoing chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the Palestinian issue as the "central question" for the world's largest grouping of Muslim nations as he launched its three-day Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in the Guinean capital Conakry.
"It is incumbent upon us to continue our advocacy for the creation of a Palestinian state recognized by the United Nations," he said.
"To this end it is for the international community to take measures to put an end to the Israeli occupation, the continuation of settlements on Palestinian land and abuses committed against the Palestinian people."
He welcomed the return to democracy in Mali following presidential and parliamentary elections in the west African nation, which was upended by a coup and sweeping militant offensive before a French-led military intervention in January.
But he condemned the "failure of the international community" to end the bloodshed in Syria, wracked by conflict between forces loyal to the Ba'athist government of President Bashar al-Assad and rebels seeking to oust it.
"With over 100,000 dead and more than two million refugees and displaced persons, we call for an end to this fratricidal war through measures and actions to ensure a successful transition to the Syrian people's rights and freedoms," he said.
The 57-member OIC was founded in 1969 and describes itself on its website as the "collective voice of the Muslim world."
Hasan Mahamid
Palestinian Authority’s security men shot at and killed a Palestinian man during an attempt to arrest him in Bethlehem city on Monday.
The PA police said in a statement that Hasan Mahamid was killed during the attempt to arrest him after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The statement said that PA policemen detained Mahamid in Asakra area and when he tried to escape they shot at him. It added that a bullet hit the man in his back and he was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injury.
Tension is running high in the city after the incident and PA security elements were seen deployed near the deceased’s family home.
Palestinian Authority’s security men shot at and killed a Palestinian man during an attempt to arrest him in Bethlehem city on Monday.
The PA police said in a statement that Hasan Mahamid was killed during the attempt to arrest him after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The statement said that PA policemen detained Mahamid in Asakra area and when he tried to escape they shot at him. It added that a bullet hit the man in his back and he was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injury.
Tension is running high in the city after the incident and PA security elements were seen deployed near the deceased’s family home.
7 dec 2013
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine has commemorated its 46th anniversary of its founding under the slogan “Our Choice: Unity, Resistance, Liberation,” with a rally on al-Katiba yard in Gaza City. According to the PFLP's website, the rally in Gaza is part of a series of events and activities in all areas of the homeland and exile marking the anniversary.
The PFLP confirmed in a statement issued on the occasion that "the resistance in all its forms is the way to maintain the unity of the Palestinian people and land, and to preserve the cause, and national constants,"
The statement said that "the so-called peace process and the two-state solution is in an absolute contrast to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with its capital as Jerusalem and the right of return of refugees,"
The Madrid and Oslo approach has been proven bankrupt, which requires [of the PA] to immediately end these futile negotiations, and to prevent the Israel's use of peace process as a cover to continue to grab land, slaughter people, Judaize the holy sites, the statement added.
It demanded the PA to join the United Nations organizations, including the International Criminal Court, and to convene an international conference in its framework to promote the execution of the relevant international resolutions.
It called for translating the UN resolution naming 2014 as a year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People into bring to account, boycott, and punish the Israeli occupation settlement in Palestine, which it considered a form of racism and terrorism that must be stopped.
The PFLP confirmed in a statement issued on the occasion that "the resistance in all its forms is the way to maintain the unity of the Palestinian people and land, and to preserve the cause, and national constants,"
The statement said that "the so-called peace process and the two-state solution is in an absolute contrast to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with its capital as Jerusalem and the right of return of refugees,"
The Madrid and Oslo approach has been proven bankrupt, which requires [of the PA] to immediately end these futile negotiations, and to prevent the Israel's use of peace process as a cover to continue to grab land, slaughter people, Judaize the holy sites, the statement added.
It demanded the PA to join the United Nations organizations, including the International Criminal Court, and to convene an international conference in its framework to promote the execution of the relevant international resolutions.
It called for translating the UN resolution naming 2014 as a year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People into bring to account, boycott, and punish the Israeli occupation settlement in Palestine, which it considered a form of racism and terrorism that must be stopped.
Member of Hamas's political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk deplored one of Fatah spokespersons for his persistence in making daily lies and fabrications against the Hamas Movement. "To one of the official spokesmen of Fatah, Hamas has turned into a core enemy instead of Israel, and not one day goes by without him making up a story or hurling different accusations," Abu Marzouk stated in remarks on his facebook page on Friday.
He affirmed that this Fatah spokesman sometimes claim that Hamas interferes in the Egyptian affairs and other times he portrays Hamas as being at war with Egypt or involved in the Syrian events.
"If some people have antagonized Hamas, it would not treat them the same way because it believes that the time and truth would address this, counting on God, the future and its indispensable depth," the Hamas official emphasized.
Abu Marzouk scoffed at the Fatah spokesman's claim that Hamas had left the resistance and focused on protecting its authority.
"This spokesman once again accused Hamas of abandoning the resistance and being keen on its authority as if we are the people who negotiate the Zionists, recognize them and the lands they have seized, or coordinate with them against the resistance," he underlined.
He affirmed that this Fatah spokesman sometimes claim that Hamas interferes in the Egyptian affairs and other times he portrays Hamas as being at war with Egypt or involved in the Syrian events.
"If some people have antagonized Hamas, it would not treat them the same way because it believes that the time and truth would address this, counting on God, the future and its indispensable depth," the Hamas official emphasized.
Abu Marzouk scoffed at the Fatah spokesman's claim that Hamas had left the resistance and focused on protecting its authority.
"This spokesman once again accused Hamas of abandoning the resistance and being keen on its authority as if we are the people who negotiate the Zionists, recognize them and the lands they have seized, or coordinate with them against the resistance," he underlined.
6 dec 2013
by Dr. Muhammad Shtayyeh
It's time to officially accept the reality: A nuclear occupying power like Israel is comfortable in the current setting of negotiations.
The decision to accept the two-state solution was not easy for the people of Palestine. Our declaration of independence in 1988 - the acceptance of a State of Palestine on the 1967 border - was a huge and painful concession for the sake of achieving peace with Israel. To this day, we have not seen any such process of compromise on the Israeli side - quite the opposite, in fact. And unfortunately we have seen little in the way of international intervention.
The historic Palestinian compromise has never been matched by any Israeli government. Since 1967, Israel's policy has been guided by one aim: to take as much Palestinian land with the lowest number of Palestinians, while making life so unbearable for Palestinians that they are directly or indirectly forced to leave. This colonization process, a war crime under international law, is the biggest obstacle to achieving the two-state solution, a solution born out of international consensus. The Israeli government is fully committed to this illegal enterprise, de facto rejecting the two-state solution.
Employing empty rhetoric and diversionary tactics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offers negotiations without parameters and draws attention to Iran. These disingenuous statements continue while his cabinet is split between those promoting the expansion of settlements and those joining demonstrations against the release of Palestinian prisoners.
We are committed not to release details from the negotiating process, but I think my resignation betrays the lack of seriousness on the Israeli side. And it was not an easy decision. When I meet people I always remind them that no one stands to benefit more from peace than the Palestinians - we are the occupied people, after all.
My decision to leave the negotiating table would not have been necessary in the presence of a serious Israeli partner, one that was ready and able to make the decisions needed to prepare Israelis for a final-status agreement with Palestine. We challenge Netanyahu to hold a cabinet vote, with the parties he chose for his government, on ending the occupation that began in 1967 and accepting a sovereign Palestinian state. Netanyahu's inability to support the two-state solution rests not only on his ideological commitment to colonization but also the fact that, if his cabinet voted, it would show itself in favor of an apartheid regime against the Palestinian people.
Twenty years after the signing of the Oslo Accords, Israel's behavior has not changed. It's time to officially accept the reality: A nuclear occupying power like Israel is comfortable in the current setting of negotiations. The Israeli government is not pushed to move because of the huge disparity in power between Israel and Palestine and the Israeli lobby's strength with the majority of the U.S. Congress that fully backs the Israeli position.
The success of the Geneva talks over the Iran issue, and the possibility of success for the Syrian issue, makes us wonder why there is no talk about a Geneva–Palestine discussion. We would exchange the current bilateral situation for a multilateral forum where other powers, including Russia, China, the European Union, the Union of South American Nations and the BRICS countries can contribute to a just and lasting peace for Israel, Palestine and the rest of the region.
This proven process would mean the internationalization of the solution. The international community would not only play the role of donor, it would have to be active in implementing resolutions on Israel-Palestine.
To reach a final-status agreement, both Israelis and Palestinians must agree on the endgame. It cannot be denied: This most fundamental requirement for negotiations is missing. An active international role under the framework of a multilateral conference could set and implement requirements and obligations for peace rather than granting impunity to the stronger party so it can violate agreements without any sort of arbitration mechanism.
Everyone but Israel has accepted the formula of a two-state solution on the 1967 borders. All regional blocs agree that the basis for regional stability depends on the end of the Israeli occupation. But as long as Israel continues to be treated with impunity, it will have no incentive to accept the internationally recognized framework for peace.
Israeli policies on the ground continue to reject the historic Palestinian compromise. These policies clearly aim to undermine U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's efforts and put the nail in the coffin of the internationally endorsed two-state solution. This is no longer a secret but the official position voiced by the majority of the Israeli government.
To conclude, Israel is asked to decide whether it wants the two-state solution on the 1967 borders. At the same time, the world must realize that bilateral negotiations are not the answer. If the multilateral framework of the Geneva talks worked elsewhere, why not for Palestine?
Dr. Muhammad Shtayyeh is minister in charge of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction, a member of the Fatah Central Committee and a former negotiator in the talks with Israel.
This Op-Ed was originally published in Haaretz
It's time to officially accept the reality: A nuclear occupying power like Israel is comfortable in the current setting of negotiations.
The decision to accept the two-state solution was not easy for the people of Palestine. Our declaration of independence in 1988 - the acceptance of a State of Palestine on the 1967 border - was a huge and painful concession for the sake of achieving peace with Israel. To this day, we have not seen any such process of compromise on the Israeli side - quite the opposite, in fact. And unfortunately we have seen little in the way of international intervention.
The historic Palestinian compromise has never been matched by any Israeli government. Since 1967, Israel's policy has been guided by one aim: to take as much Palestinian land with the lowest number of Palestinians, while making life so unbearable for Palestinians that they are directly or indirectly forced to leave. This colonization process, a war crime under international law, is the biggest obstacle to achieving the two-state solution, a solution born out of international consensus. The Israeli government is fully committed to this illegal enterprise, de facto rejecting the two-state solution.
Employing empty rhetoric and diversionary tactics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offers negotiations without parameters and draws attention to Iran. These disingenuous statements continue while his cabinet is split between those promoting the expansion of settlements and those joining demonstrations against the release of Palestinian prisoners.
We are committed not to release details from the negotiating process, but I think my resignation betrays the lack of seriousness on the Israeli side. And it was not an easy decision. When I meet people I always remind them that no one stands to benefit more from peace than the Palestinians - we are the occupied people, after all.
My decision to leave the negotiating table would not have been necessary in the presence of a serious Israeli partner, one that was ready and able to make the decisions needed to prepare Israelis for a final-status agreement with Palestine. We challenge Netanyahu to hold a cabinet vote, with the parties he chose for his government, on ending the occupation that began in 1967 and accepting a sovereign Palestinian state. Netanyahu's inability to support the two-state solution rests not only on his ideological commitment to colonization but also the fact that, if his cabinet voted, it would show itself in favor of an apartheid regime against the Palestinian people.
Twenty years after the signing of the Oslo Accords, Israel's behavior has not changed. It's time to officially accept the reality: A nuclear occupying power like Israel is comfortable in the current setting of negotiations. The Israeli government is not pushed to move because of the huge disparity in power between Israel and Palestine and the Israeli lobby's strength with the majority of the U.S. Congress that fully backs the Israeli position.
The success of the Geneva talks over the Iran issue, and the possibility of success for the Syrian issue, makes us wonder why there is no talk about a Geneva–Palestine discussion. We would exchange the current bilateral situation for a multilateral forum where other powers, including Russia, China, the European Union, the Union of South American Nations and the BRICS countries can contribute to a just and lasting peace for Israel, Palestine and the rest of the region.
This proven process would mean the internationalization of the solution. The international community would not only play the role of donor, it would have to be active in implementing resolutions on Israel-Palestine.
To reach a final-status agreement, both Israelis and Palestinians must agree on the endgame. It cannot be denied: This most fundamental requirement for negotiations is missing. An active international role under the framework of a multilateral conference could set and implement requirements and obligations for peace rather than granting impunity to the stronger party so it can violate agreements without any sort of arbitration mechanism.
Everyone but Israel has accepted the formula of a two-state solution on the 1967 borders. All regional blocs agree that the basis for regional stability depends on the end of the Israeli occupation. But as long as Israel continues to be treated with impunity, it will have no incentive to accept the internationally recognized framework for peace.
Israeli policies on the ground continue to reject the historic Palestinian compromise. These policies clearly aim to undermine U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's efforts and put the nail in the coffin of the internationally endorsed two-state solution. This is no longer a secret but the official position voiced by the majority of the Israeli government.
To conclude, Israel is asked to decide whether it wants the two-state solution on the 1967 borders. At the same time, the world must realize that bilateral negotiations are not the answer. If the multilateral framework of the Geneva talks worked elsewhere, why not for Palestine?
Dr. Muhammad Shtayyeh is minister in charge of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction, a member of the Fatah Central Committee and a former negotiator in the talks with Israel.
This Op-Ed was originally published in Haaretz
A man was shot dead by unknown gunmen on Friday in al-Marj area north of Qalqiliya.
Raed Tawfik Ibrahim Dauwood, 33, was shot and taken to Darwish Nazzal hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An investigation was opened in the matter.
Raed Tawfik Ibrahim Dauwood, 33, was shot and taken to Darwish Nazzal hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An investigation was opened in the matter.
5 dec 2013
A new Israeli plan was announced Wednesday to allocate around 5,000 acres (20,000 dunams) of occupied Palestinian land in Area C (under full Israeli military and civil control) to the Palestinian Authority, according to Hebrew daily Ma’ariv.
The transfer is part of a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) initiative to fund and facilitate Palestinian agricultural and commercial development, according to the report. The Israeli Defense Ministry reportedly announced they would issue the appropriate permits within the next three months.
The exact location of the land was not confirmed, but the report clarified that it was not close to the Apartheid Wall or any illegal Israeli settlements. This plan would be the first land transfer of its kind to occur since the Oslo Accords.
A report from October estimated that the Israeli control of Area C in the West Bank deprives the Palestinian economy of some $3.4 billion, annually.
The transfer is part of a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) initiative to fund and facilitate Palestinian agricultural and commercial development, according to the report. The Israeli Defense Ministry reportedly announced they would issue the appropriate permits within the next three months.
The exact location of the land was not confirmed, but the report clarified that it was not close to the Apartheid Wall or any illegal Israeli settlements. This plan would be the first land transfer of its kind to occur since the Oslo Accords.
A report from October estimated that the Israeli control of Area C in the West Bank deprives the Palestinian economy of some $3.4 billion, annually.
Head of Hamas's political bureau Khaled Mishaal said that the liberation of Palestine cannot be achieved through peace negotiations with the Israeli occupation but through struggle and resistance. In a speech before students and teachers at the international Islamic university in Kuala Lumpur, Mishaal said that the solution to the Palestinian cause cannot be found in the peace process, which the Palestinian people had tried for many years.
He stated that during the long years of the peace process, the Judaization of Palestine and the suffering of its occupied people increased.
"Let's use some logic to compare between what has been achieved by the negotiations and the resistance. The outcome of the negotiations is zero, whereas the resistance option led to the liberation of Gaza, the prisoners, and southern Lebanon. Egypt as well liberated its land during the October war," Mishaal stated.
Mishaal also highlighted the blockade on Gaza and accused Israel of being behind the involvement of some Arab countries in Gaza siege.
He hailed Malaysian premier Najib Razaq for his solidarity visit last year to Gaza and said that his visit had reflected the commitment of Malaysia to breaking the Gaza siege and supporting the Palestinian people's struggle for freedom and independence.
The Hamas official called on friends of the Palestinian people to keep sending aid and solidarity convoys to Gaza to break the ongoing blockade imposed on its population. A high-level Hamas delegation led by Mishaal had arrived in Malaysia last Sunday to attend the annual congress of the united Malays national organization (UMNO), the ruling party in the country.
He stated that during the long years of the peace process, the Judaization of Palestine and the suffering of its occupied people increased.
"Let's use some logic to compare between what has been achieved by the negotiations and the resistance. The outcome of the negotiations is zero, whereas the resistance option led to the liberation of Gaza, the prisoners, and southern Lebanon. Egypt as well liberated its land during the October war," Mishaal stated.
Mishaal also highlighted the blockade on Gaza and accused Israel of being behind the involvement of some Arab countries in Gaza siege.
He hailed Malaysian premier Najib Razaq for his solidarity visit last year to Gaza and said that his visit had reflected the commitment of Malaysia to breaking the Gaza siege and supporting the Palestinian people's struggle for freedom and independence.
The Hamas official called on friends of the Palestinian people to keep sending aid and solidarity convoys to Gaza to break the ongoing blockade imposed on its population. A high-level Hamas delegation led by Mishaal had arrived in Malaysia last Sunday to attend the annual congress of the united Malays national organization (UMNO), the ruling party in the country.
Political bureau member of Hamas Ezzet Al-Resheq has warned of new security arrangements being prepared by the American administration for the expected PA-Israeli settlement. Resheq said in a press release on Wednesday commenting on US secretary of state John Kerry’s visit to the region that the American administration had proven on more than one occasion its unwavering bias in support of Israel.
Kerry’s repeated visits to the region only target pressuring the Palestinian negotiator into surrendering more concessions and acquiescing to Israeli schemes, he added.
He said that such a security plan within what the Hebrew press called “permanent settlement” would only be harmful to the Palestinian people’s interests and would serve the “Zionist enemy’s agenda”.
Resheq affirmed that the Palestinian masses would never accept any agreement concluded away from national consensus and any settlement that would surrender national rights and constants.
The Hamas leader urged the Palestinian Authority not to bow to American pressures, asking leaders of Fatah faction, the main component of the PA in Ramallah, to immediately end the negotiations process and return to the national reconciliation process.
Kerry’s repeated visits to the region only target pressuring the Palestinian negotiator into surrendering more concessions and acquiescing to Israeli schemes, he added.
He said that such a security plan within what the Hebrew press called “permanent settlement” would only be harmful to the Palestinian people’s interests and would serve the “Zionist enemy’s agenda”.
Resheq affirmed that the Palestinian masses would never accept any agreement concluded away from national consensus and any settlement that would surrender national rights and constants.
The Hamas leader urged the Palestinian Authority not to bow to American pressures, asking leaders of Fatah faction, the main component of the PA in Ramallah, to immediately end the negotiations process and return to the national reconciliation process.
4 dec 2013
Kerry hopes that if he comes to an understanding with Netanyahu on the security issue, the premier will be obliged to present a clear position on borders.
The United States has developed a plan for security arrangements in theWest Bank following the establishment of a Palestinian state. Retired U.S. Gen. John Allen, who developed the security concept, will present it during a meeting in Jerusalem on Thursday between Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, according to informed sources.
Against the backdrop of tension between Israel and the United States over the Iranian nuclear issue, Netanyahu will try to focus the talks with Kerry on the nuclear issue and preparations for permanent agreement negotiations between Iran and the major powers. Kerry, who will land in Israel on Wednesday evening, will attempt to focus his visit to Jerusalem and Ramallah on the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.
Negotiating teams for the two sides are in fact continuing to meet twice a week, with the special American envoy, Martin Indyk, also in attendance. The talks are not making progress, however, and the sides are engaged primarily in mutual accusations over construction in West Bank settlements by Israel and incitement by the Palestinians.
Kerry, who is scheduled to have separate lengthy meetings Thursday with Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, will try to take advantage of his visit to the region to "shake up" the two leaders and demand that they return to serious negotiations and refrain from a blame game.
Kerry's talks with Netanyahu and Abbas will focus this time on security issues. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who is in charge of the negotiations with the Palestinians on behalf of the government, are also expected to participate.
In talks with Netanyahu before the start of the current negotiations last July, Kerry understood that the security issue would be critical for the Israeli prime minister. Without an understanding on the security issue, the Americans concluded, Netanyahu would not agree to move forward on other issues, such as the borders of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu's stance on the security issue has only hardened, following the interim agreement between the major powers and Iran.
Gen. Allen's briefing on the proposed American security concept will represent the first United States contribution of its own ideas on the core issues involved in a final peace arrangement since the latest round of talks began.
Allen, who until half-a-year ago was commander of American forces in Afghanistan, was appointed special adviser to Kerry and to American Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in May. As part of his role, Allen is a special U.S. administration envoy to the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians on security arrangements.
Since his appointment, Allen, with the assistance of a team of American military officers and security experts, has made efforts to develop a U.S. plan for security arrangements that would accompany the establishment of a Palestinian state. The American idea was to develop a proposal in consultation with the two sides, in an effort to balance Israel's security needs and the Palestinian demand for maximum sovereignty over the territory of the future Palestinian state.
Allen has visited the region several times in recent months. Most of his meetings have been conducted with the Israeli side, but he has also met with senior Palestinian Authority officials in Ramallah. Allen's contact people in Israel have been Defense Minister Ya'alon, the head of the political-security division at the Defense Ministry, Amos Gilad, Maj. Gen Nimrod Sheffer, who heads the General Staff's planning division and the head of strategic planning, Brig. Gen. Assaf Orion.
In the course of the discussions, the Israeli side presented Allen with its security requirements for a future final peace agreement with the Palestinians. Israel underlined the need to leave military forces along the length of the Jordan River for an extended period, as well as the need for an Israeli presence at the border crossing at the Jordan River, continued Israeli control of the air space over the West Bank, the stationing of Israeli early-warning stations at several strategic points in the West Bank and an extensive series of other security demands.
According to a knowledgeable source, Allen's plan will include provisions that individually address the security needs that Israel has presented. Allen is expected to present American ideas for solutions that combine physical security arrangements in the territory of the West Bank with American security guarantees for Israel and proposed American military aid to the Israel Defense Forces.
The Americans hope that, if they come to an understanding with Netanyahu on the security issue, they can demand that the Israeli premier begin to present clear positions on the borders of the future Palestinian state. It's not a take-it-or-leave-it proposition, a knowledgeable source said, adding that the concept that Allen will present will be a basis for discussion and he will want to hear Israel's reaction. "The security arrangements," the source added,"are the key vis-a-vis Netanyahu that can open a lot of doors on other issues such as the borders of the Palestinian state. If an understanding is reached with Netanyahu on security arrangements, it would be significant," the source said.
Source: Haaretz
The United States has developed a plan for security arrangements in theWest Bank following the establishment of a Palestinian state. Retired U.S. Gen. John Allen, who developed the security concept, will present it during a meeting in Jerusalem on Thursday between Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, according to informed sources.
Against the backdrop of tension between Israel and the United States over the Iranian nuclear issue, Netanyahu will try to focus the talks with Kerry on the nuclear issue and preparations for permanent agreement negotiations between Iran and the major powers. Kerry, who will land in Israel on Wednesday evening, will attempt to focus his visit to Jerusalem and Ramallah on the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.
Negotiating teams for the two sides are in fact continuing to meet twice a week, with the special American envoy, Martin Indyk, also in attendance. The talks are not making progress, however, and the sides are engaged primarily in mutual accusations over construction in West Bank settlements by Israel and incitement by the Palestinians.
Kerry, who is scheduled to have separate lengthy meetings Thursday with Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, will try to take advantage of his visit to the region to "shake up" the two leaders and demand that they return to serious negotiations and refrain from a blame game.
Kerry's talks with Netanyahu and Abbas will focus this time on security issues. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who is in charge of the negotiations with the Palestinians on behalf of the government, are also expected to participate.
In talks with Netanyahu before the start of the current negotiations last July, Kerry understood that the security issue would be critical for the Israeli prime minister. Without an understanding on the security issue, the Americans concluded, Netanyahu would not agree to move forward on other issues, such as the borders of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu's stance on the security issue has only hardened, following the interim agreement between the major powers and Iran.
Gen. Allen's briefing on the proposed American security concept will represent the first United States contribution of its own ideas on the core issues involved in a final peace arrangement since the latest round of talks began.
Allen, who until half-a-year ago was commander of American forces in Afghanistan, was appointed special adviser to Kerry and to American Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in May. As part of his role, Allen is a special U.S. administration envoy to the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians on security arrangements.
Since his appointment, Allen, with the assistance of a team of American military officers and security experts, has made efforts to develop a U.S. plan for security arrangements that would accompany the establishment of a Palestinian state. The American idea was to develop a proposal in consultation with the two sides, in an effort to balance Israel's security needs and the Palestinian demand for maximum sovereignty over the territory of the future Palestinian state.
Allen has visited the region several times in recent months. Most of his meetings have been conducted with the Israeli side, but he has also met with senior Palestinian Authority officials in Ramallah. Allen's contact people in Israel have been Defense Minister Ya'alon, the head of the political-security division at the Defense Ministry, Amos Gilad, Maj. Gen Nimrod Sheffer, who heads the General Staff's planning division and the head of strategic planning, Brig. Gen. Assaf Orion.
In the course of the discussions, the Israeli side presented Allen with its security requirements for a future final peace agreement with the Palestinians. Israel underlined the need to leave military forces along the length of the Jordan River for an extended period, as well as the need for an Israeli presence at the border crossing at the Jordan River, continued Israeli control of the air space over the West Bank, the stationing of Israeli early-warning stations at several strategic points in the West Bank and an extensive series of other security demands.
According to a knowledgeable source, Allen's plan will include provisions that individually address the security needs that Israel has presented. Allen is expected to present American ideas for solutions that combine physical security arrangements in the territory of the West Bank with American security guarantees for Israel and proposed American military aid to the Israel Defense Forces.
The Americans hope that, if they come to an understanding with Netanyahu on the security issue, they can demand that the Israeli premier begin to present clear positions on the borders of the future Palestinian state. It's not a take-it-or-leave-it proposition, a knowledgeable source said, adding that the concept that Allen will present will be a basis for discussion and he will want to hear Israel's reaction. "The security arrangements," the source added,"are the key vis-a-vis Netanyahu that can open a lot of doors on other issues such as the borders of the Palestinian state. If an understanding is reached with Netanyahu on security arrangements, it would be significant," the source said.
Source: Haaretz
3 dec 2013
Palestinian political analyst and writer Ibrahim Al-Madhoun said that the Hamas delegation's visit to Malaysia clearly reflected the Movement's weight in the international arena. "Hamas is an influential Movement and a key factor in the most important international issue, which is, the Palestinian cause, and despite its resistance and defiance of the American will, the Movement has never been confined or isolated and it has its relations and its own institutions," Madhoun said in a statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC).
"The Hamas Movement still enjoys a presence in the international work arena and acquires new arenas, although the situation may appear differently as a result of the adverse changes in the Syrian and Egyptian files," the political analyst stressed.
"What makes Hamas distinguished is its adherence to an obvious resistance approach and its rejection of the conciliatory approach. It also won the confidence of many regional and international powers, especially after its successful experience in the government of Gaza and its relative victory during the Ḥijarat Assajil battle as well as its ability to address challenges," he stated.
"The Hamas Movement still enjoys a presence in the international work arena and acquires new arenas, although the situation may appear differently as a result of the adverse changes in the Syrian and Egyptian files," the political analyst stressed.
"What makes Hamas distinguished is its adherence to an obvious resistance approach and its rejection of the conciliatory approach. It also won the confidence of many regional and international powers, especially after its successful experience in the government of Gaza and its relative victory during the Ḥijarat Assajil battle as well as its ability to address challenges," he stated.
The Palestinian embassy in Ankara stated on Monday that the Palestinian leadership and the Palestinian people extend their thanks and appreciation to all the countries that backed, supported and voted for this historic resolution, with special thanks to the Turkish Republic. Today is the celebrating day of the first anniversary of the recognition of the State of Palestine as a non-member state by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
The Palestinian embassy stated that this event comes of great importance as it symbolized a long-awaited step and an overdue commitment by the international community toward the struggle and the rights of the Palestinian people.
"For the first time in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the state of Palestine was recognized as a state, and the number of the countries that voted in favor of this resolution reflected their acknowledgment of such historic struggle," the statement said.
Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu had played an important role for the recognition of the State of Palestine as a non-member state by the General Assembly of the UN.
The Palestinian embassy conveyed their thanks to the pivotal role that Turkey and Turkish FM Davutoglu played in this event adding, "as he (Davutoglu) put all the capabilities of the Turkish Foreign Ministry and Turkish embassies all over the world for that purpose."
The Palestinian embassy stated that this event comes of great importance as it symbolized a long-awaited step and an overdue commitment by the international community toward the struggle and the rights of the Palestinian people.
"For the first time in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the state of Palestine was recognized as a state, and the number of the countries that voted in favor of this resolution reflected their acknowledgment of such historic struggle," the statement said.
Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu had played an important role for the recognition of the State of Palestine as a non-member state by the General Assembly of the UN.
The Palestinian embassy conveyed their thanks to the pivotal role that Turkey and Turkish FM Davutoglu played in this event adding, "as he (Davutoglu) put all the capabilities of the Turkish Foreign Ministry and Turkish embassies all over the world for that purpose."
Israel's Minister of Economy Naftali Bennett
Israel's Minister of Economy Naftali Bennett said that he is against the establishment of a Palestinian state, or even giving the Palestinians any land, Israel's Channel 2 reported.
During an interview with Israel's Channel 2 television Bennett, who is the leader of the right-wing "The Jewish Home" party, was confronted for his extreme stances. The presenter explicitly asked him to leave the Israeli government since he does not adhere to its policies, and only serves his own interests.
Bennett responded by warning that the Palestinians are trying to kill the Israelis and Abu Mazen does not want to sign any peace agreement. " When I joined the government I said that I respect the previous agreements but this does not mean that I will agree to any future agreements. The more land we give to the Palestinians, the more they kill us. You have to understand that, " he said.
He explained that the solution is to divide the West Bank into areas A, B and C. " I'm against the establishment of a Palestinian state and against our withdrawal from any lands. I will not allow granting any piece of land to the Palestinians in the next thirty years. Israel will only find terrorism from the Palestinians."
Meanwhile, Israel's chief negotiator Tzipi Livni suggested that the only way to solve the Palestinian-Israel conflict is through negotiations, and Saeb Erekat, the Palestinian chief negotiator, stressed that the negotiations could even reach a peace agreement within the next five months.
Israel's Minister of Economy Naftali Bennett said that he is against the establishment of a Palestinian state, or even giving the Palestinians any land, Israel's Channel 2 reported.
During an interview with Israel's Channel 2 television Bennett, who is the leader of the right-wing "The Jewish Home" party, was confronted for his extreme stances. The presenter explicitly asked him to leave the Israeli government since he does not adhere to its policies, and only serves his own interests.
Bennett responded by warning that the Palestinians are trying to kill the Israelis and Abu Mazen does not want to sign any peace agreement. " When I joined the government I said that I respect the previous agreements but this does not mean that I will agree to any future agreements. The more land we give to the Palestinians, the more they kill us. You have to understand that, " he said.
He explained that the solution is to divide the West Bank into areas A, B and C. " I'm against the establishment of a Palestinian state and against our withdrawal from any lands. I will not allow granting any piece of land to the Palestinians in the next thirty years. Israel will only find terrorism from the Palestinians."
Meanwhile, Israel's chief negotiator Tzipi Livni suggested that the only way to solve the Palestinian-Israel conflict is through negotiations, and Saeb Erekat, the Palestinian chief negotiator, stressed that the negotiations could even reach a peace agreement within the next five months.
2 dec 2013
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya stressed the need for developing the Palestinian position to deal more effectively with all issues in the Palestinian arena and end the stalemate in the national reconciliation process. This came in a closed-door meeting held by premier Haneyya on Saturday evening with academics, political figures and civil society activists. The meeting is considered the second of its kind after a similar one was held last Wednesday.
Spokesman for the government Taher Al-Nunu told a news conference following the meeting that Haneyya discussed with the attendees a number of important national issues, most importantly, the Palestinian reconciliation, the consolidation of the internal front and the relations with neighboring countries.
Nunu added that it was an in-depth meeting, during which the premier keenly listened to the views and suggestions tabled by the participants about various national files.
Spokesman for the government Taher Al-Nunu told a news conference following the meeting that Haneyya discussed with the attendees a number of important national issues, most importantly, the Palestinian reconciliation, the consolidation of the internal front and the relations with neighboring countries.
Nunu added that it was an in-depth meeting, during which the premier keenly listened to the views and suggestions tabled by the participants about various national files.
Head of the Palestinian cultural organization in Malaysia Muslim Abu Omar said that the official visit by a high-level delegation from the Hamas Movement to Kuala Lumpur comes to further strengthen the relations with the Malaysian government. Al-Jazeera Net quoted Abu Omar as saying that the Malaysian government sees the reception of top Hamas officials representing a resistance Movement as an important step to confirm the regional role it intends to play soon.
Abu Omar added that the visit is a chance to encourage Malaysia to expand its diplomacy at the regional and international levels in support of the Palestinian cause.
A high-level delegation from Hamas led by head of its political bureau Khaled Mashaal arrived on Sunday in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to attend the annual congress of the ruling party, the united Malays national organization (UMNO).
The Hamas delegation is expected to meet with Malaysian premier Najib Razak and secretary-general of UMNO Tengku Adnan in addition to a number of senior political figures in the country.
Khaled Mashaal is scheduled to deliver a speech on Tuesday at the international forum to be held by the ruling party ahead of the opening session of its annual congress.
Mashaal will also give another speech at the international Islamic university before thousands of multinational students, including Palestinians.
Abu Omar added that the visit is a chance to encourage Malaysia to expand its diplomacy at the regional and international levels in support of the Palestinian cause.
A high-level delegation from Hamas led by head of its political bureau Khaled Mashaal arrived on Sunday in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to attend the annual congress of the ruling party, the united Malays national organization (UMNO).
The Hamas delegation is expected to meet with Malaysian premier Najib Razak and secretary-general of UMNO Tengku Adnan in addition to a number of senior political figures in the country.
Khaled Mashaal is scheduled to deliver a speech on Tuesday at the international forum to be held by the ruling party ahead of the opening session of its annual congress.
Mashaal will also give another speech at the international Islamic university before thousands of multinational students, including Palestinians.
1 dec 2013
Ihab Al-Ghussain, the spokesman for Gaza government, said that office of PA chief Mahmoud Abbas was trying to foil efforts to solve the Gaza power crisis. He said in a TV interview with Aqsa satellite station on Saturday night that official efforts were being made by Abbas’s office to abort any solution to the power crisis that has been plaguing Gaza for weeks due to the lack of fuel to operate Gaza’s sole power station.
Ghussain said that “conspiracies” were being hatched to tighten the siege on Gaza Strip.
Efforts are ongoing with other countries such as Turkey and Qatar and even the UN to find a solution, the spokesman said, hoping that a solution would be reached in the near future.
Ghussain did not give a timeframe for ending the Gaza power crisis, pointing to Turkey’s grant of necessary fuel to operate hospitals and municipality services to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in those fields.
Ghussain said that “conspiracies” were being hatched to tighten the siege on Gaza Strip.
Efforts are ongoing with other countries such as Turkey and Qatar and even the UN to find a solution, the spokesman said, hoping that a solution would be reached in the near future.
Ghussain did not give a timeframe for ending the Gaza power crisis, pointing to Turkey’s grant of necessary fuel to operate hospitals and municipality services to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in those fields.
Khaled Mishaal, the political bureau chairman of Hamas, arrived in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur on Sunday to attend the general conference of the ruling party “UMNO”. A senior source in Hamas told the PIC that Mishaal, who is heading a delegation comprising political bureau members Mohammed Nasr and Sami Khater along with Osama Hamdan, the head of the movement’s foreign relations department, is scheduled to meet Malaysian premier Dato Seri Najib Razak.
He added that Mishaal is also scheduled to confer with UMNO secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and a number of other political leaders in the country.
The sources pointed out that Mishaal would deliver a speech at the international forum hosted by the ruling party before the inaugural session of its general annual conference.
He is also expected to deliver another speech at the International Islamic University in Malaysia, which groups students from 100 nationalities including Palestinians.
This is the first official visit for the Hamas supreme leader to Malaysia in an indication to the growing relations between both parties.
The Malaysian premier had visited Gaza Strip in January this year to break the siege on Gaza.
He added that Mishaal is also scheduled to confer with UMNO secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and a number of other political leaders in the country.
The sources pointed out that Mishaal would deliver a speech at the international forum hosted by the ruling party before the inaugural session of its general annual conference.
He is also expected to deliver another speech at the International Islamic University in Malaysia, which groups students from 100 nationalities including Palestinians.
This is the first official visit for the Hamas supreme leader to Malaysia in an indication to the growing relations between both parties.
The Malaysian premier had visited Gaza Strip in January this year to break the siege on Gaza.
30 nov 2013
Palestinian government in Gaza Strip has accused the bloc of western countries at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) of providing legal protection to Israeli occupation and covering its past and ongoing crimes against Palestinian people and properties. The bloc of western countries group had invited Israel to join the UN Human Rights Council, based in Geneva.
Israel had decided a month ago to rejoin HRC and to attend its meetings without being formally admitted into that council.
Israel severed relations with the council a year and a half ago to protest the HRC alleged bias against it after the council passed a decision to investigate the impact of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories on the Palestinian population.
Dr. Yousef Rizqa, political adviser to the Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneyya, charged that the western countries' decision to admit Israel into the HRC was protecting it in face prosecution for its crimes and violations of international institutions and human rights.
The western countries have historic responsibility towards the colonization of Palestine, he said, pointing to UN resolutions of 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, 2008, and 2012.
Such decisions prevent Israeli's prosecution and treat it as a state above the law regardless of its illegal settlement projects and violations, he added.
UN International institutions and councils have condemned more than once Israeli practices and violations against the Palestinian people, lands and properties, however no serious actions were taken, he continued.
He accused those countries of adopting double standards policy towards Israeli racist practices and violations in total disregard to human rights laws.
Israel had decided a month ago to rejoin HRC and to attend its meetings without being formally admitted into that council.
Israel severed relations with the council a year and a half ago to protest the HRC alleged bias against it after the council passed a decision to investigate the impact of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories on the Palestinian population.
Dr. Yousef Rizqa, political adviser to the Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneyya, charged that the western countries' decision to admit Israel into the HRC was protecting it in face prosecution for its crimes and violations of international institutions and human rights.
The western countries have historic responsibility towards the colonization of Palestine, he said, pointing to UN resolutions of 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, 2008, and 2012.
Such decisions prevent Israeli's prosecution and treat it as a state above the law regardless of its illegal settlement projects and violations, he added.
UN International institutions and councils have condemned more than once Israeli practices and violations against the Palestinian people, lands and properties, however no serious actions were taken, he continued.
He accused those countries of adopting double standards policy towards Israeli racist practices and violations in total disregard to human rights laws.
Algerian Foreign Affairs Minister Ramtane Lamamra has called on international community to bear its " historic responsibility " towards the Palestinian people and to achieve peace and justice in the Middle East . During a seminar organized by the Algerian Foreign Affairs Ministry on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Lamamra considered Israeli continued settlement and Judaization schemes and Gaza siege as an Israeli serious escalation to liquidate the Palestinian cause.
The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. It is held on November 29 each year to mark the anniversary of resolution 181.
Meanwhile, several Tunisian civil society institutions organized on Friday a march marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The march was organized after Friday prayers starting from Fath Mosque in Tunis to Municipal Theater in Avenue Habib Bourguiba .
Dozens of Tunisian organizations interested in the Palestinian cause participated in the event, including Ansar Palestine, the Maghreb Center for Development of Jerusalem, and other institutions.
The participants chanted slogans in solidarity with the Palestinian people and Gaza Strip and against normalization.
The event came to mark the closing of Palestine Solidarity Week organized by the General Union of Tunisian Students in collaboration with the mentioned associations.
The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. It is held on November 29 each year to mark the anniversary of resolution 181.
Meanwhile, several Tunisian civil society institutions organized on Friday a march marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The march was organized after Friday prayers starting from Fath Mosque in Tunis to Municipal Theater in Avenue Habib Bourguiba .
Dozens of Tunisian organizations interested in the Palestinian cause participated in the event, including Ansar Palestine, the Maghreb Center for Development of Jerusalem, and other institutions.
The participants chanted slogans in solidarity with the Palestinian people and Gaza Strip and against normalization.
The event came to mark the closing of Palestine Solidarity Week organized by the General Union of Tunisian Students in collaboration with the mentioned associations.
29 nov 2013
Hamas movement called on all Palestinian factions, leaders, intellectuals and students and all the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank and in the Diaspora to sign a document that stresses the adherence to the constants.
This came during a press conference held by Hamas's Department of Refugee Affairs on Thursday in Gaza City to announce a campaign to collect signatures on a document that stresses on the adherence to Palestinian national rights, on the 66th anniversary of the decision to partition Palestine (Resolution 181) issued by the General Assembly of the United Nations, and which falls on Friday November 29.
Head of the department Dr. Essam Adwan explained during the conference that a group of academics, intellectuals and politicians oversaw the drafting of the document, noting that they have been able to collect nearly 250 thousands signatures in the Gaza Strip.
Adwan confirmed that this campaign will continue and stressed on Hamas's adherence to Palestinian rights and its rejection of the decision to partition Palestine.
The document asserts that Palestine has an area of 27,027 km2, and that no one has the right to waiver any part of it. It also stresses that liberating Palestine is a duty of all Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and the free world people.
The document stressed that all Palestinian refugees have the right to return to their original homes in Palestine from which they were forcibly displaced without conditions, and that it is their right to get compensations for their suffering and their damaged properties.
It also stressed that Jerusalem is part of Palestine, and that no one has the right to give it up, and considered that the Israeli occupation is the only enemy of the Palestinian people, and that resisting it with every means is a national duty until the liberation of all the Palestinian territories.
This came during a press conference held by Hamas's Department of Refugee Affairs on Thursday in Gaza City to announce a campaign to collect signatures on a document that stresses on the adherence to Palestinian national rights, on the 66th anniversary of the decision to partition Palestine (Resolution 181) issued by the General Assembly of the United Nations, and which falls on Friday November 29.
Head of the department Dr. Essam Adwan explained during the conference that a group of academics, intellectuals and politicians oversaw the drafting of the document, noting that they have been able to collect nearly 250 thousands signatures in the Gaza Strip.
Adwan confirmed that this campaign will continue and stressed on Hamas's adherence to Palestinian rights and its rejection of the decision to partition Palestine.
The document asserts that Palestine has an area of 27,027 km2, and that no one has the right to waiver any part of it. It also stresses that liberating Palestine is a duty of all Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and the free world people.
The document stressed that all Palestinian refugees have the right to return to their original homes in Palestine from which they were forcibly displaced without conditions, and that it is their right to get compensations for their suffering and their damaged properties.
It also stressed that Jerusalem is part of Palestine, and that no one has the right to give it up, and considered that the Israeli occupation is the only enemy of the Palestinian people, and that resisting it with every means is a national duty until the liberation of all the Palestinian territories.
28 nov 2013
MP Samira Halaiqa stated that the PA was responsible for the assassination of three Palestinian activists in al-Khalil on Tuesday night by Israeli soldiers, saying that security coordination with occupation has led to this crime. The three martyrs were chased by PA security forces three weeks before being killed by Israeli forces, she added.
She considered the claims saying that the three martyrs were affiliated with an extremist Jihadist group as a kind of misinformation to cover up for the security coordination crime between PA and Israeli forces.
PA uses these claims to justify its security coordination policy with the occupation authorities and to justify its arrest and summons campaigns against citizens in the occupied West Bank, she continued.
Change and Reform bloc MP Halaiqa stated that the PA is unable to prevent Israeli forces from carrying out crimes and arrests against Palestinians in West Bank.
For its part, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine renewed its call on the PA to stop concessions and negotiations with the occupation, saying that such negotiation give cover to Israeli crimes.
The PFLP said that the killing of three Palestinians in al-Khalil came as part of the Israeli war crimes committed against Palestinian land, rights and holy sites.
She considered the claims saying that the three martyrs were affiliated with an extremist Jihadist group as a kind of misinformation to cover up for the security coordination crime between PA and Israeli forces.
PA uses these claims to justify its security coordination policy with the occupation authorities and to justify its arrest and summons campaigns against citizens in the occupied West Bank, she continued.
Change and Reform bloc MP Halaiqa stated that the PA is unable to prevent Israeli forces from carrying out crimes and arrests against Palestinians in West Bank.
For its part, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine renewed its call on the PA to stop concessions and negotiations with the occupation, saying that such negotiation give cover to Israeli crimes.
The PFLP said that the killing of three Palestinians in al-Khalil came as part of the Israeli war crimes committed against Palestinian land, rights and holy sites.
