13 nov 2017
Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Figari Casso has contacted Israel’s ambassador to Mexico, Yoni Peled, and told him that Mexico has decided to change its voting strategy in all the upcoming voting procedures related to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and will turn from voting in favor of Palestine to abstaining from doing so, or by voting to Israel, the Israeli news paper, Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
There are 10 out of 20 pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli resolutions which are proposed annually at the UN, on the eve of November 29, according to the PNN.
In the past, Mexico belonged to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and therefore voted as the movement, against Israel. Since April, Israel has observed a consistent change in Mexico’s voting patterns. In April, Mexico abstained from voting against Israel for a UNESCO decision regarding Israel’s status in al-Haram al-Sharif, in Jerusalem. Also, in the WHO vote on health in the Palestine, Mexico changed from voting against Israel to abstaining, and, last week, Mexico voted for Israel during a debate at UNESCO.
Netanyahu’s successful visit to Mexico, last September, and the Israeli Aid delegation sent there, during its earthquake, has reportedly helped to warm relations between the two countries.
There are 10 out of 20 pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli resolutions which are proposed annually at the UN, on the eve of November 29, according to the PNN.
In the past, Mexico belonged to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and therefore voted as the movement, against Israel. Since April, Israel has observed a consistent change in Mexico’s voting patterns. In April, Mexico abstained from voting against Israel for a UNESCO decision regarding Israel’s status in al-Haram al-Sharif, in Jerusalem. Also, in the WHO vote on health in the Palestine, Mexico changed from voting against Israel to abstaining, and, last week, Mexico voted for Israel during a debate at UNESCO.
Netanyahu’s successful visit to Mexico, last September, and the Israeli Aid delegation sent there, during its earthquake, has reportedly helped to warm relations between the two countries.
The Israeli Knesset is mobilizing to stop EU aid from reaching Palestinian prisoners or their families, under the pretext that they are “terrorists” or “families of terrorists,” Israel Hayom reported on Friday.
According to the online newspaper, Zionist Union MK Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin, a member of the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet, is gathering support for the project; she has received the blessing of Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein and six other MKs from various factions so far.
“Figures we have collected show that, every month, some €4.5 million in EU funds are divided among those who carried out terrorist attacks against Israel and the families of terrorists,” Nahmias-Verbin told Israel Hayom.
The Israeli MK, the newspaper said, had sent a letter to the new EU Ambassador to Israel, Emmanuel Joffre, briefing him about her project and its goals. She also asked for a meeting along with other MKs to discuss the issue.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously asked the Palestinian Authority to stop paying former prisoners and families of current prisoners, claiming that they are terrorists or families of terrorists.
Critics of the Israeli occupation have pointed out that while Israel calls Palestinian resistance fighters “terrorists” its government has recently rewarded an Israeli soldier who shot dead an already wounded, motionless Palestinian in Al-Khalil (Hebron), Days of Palestine reports.
According to the online newspaper, Zionist Union MK Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin, a member of the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet, is gathering support for the project; she has received the blessing of Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein and six other MKs from various factions so far.
“Figures we have collected show that, every month, some €4.5 million in EU funds are divided among those who carried out terrorist attacks against Israel and the families of terrorists,” Nahmias-Verbin told Israel Hayom.
The Israeli MK, the newspaper said, had sent a letter to the new EU Ambassador to Israel, Emmanuel Joffre, briefing him about her project and its goals. She also asked for a meeting along with other MKs to discuss the issue.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously asked the Palestinian Authority to stop paying former prisoners and families of current prisoners, claiming that they are terrorists or families of terrorists.
Critics of the Israeli occupation have pointed out that while Israel calls Palestinian resistance fighters “terrorists” its government has recently rewarded an Israeli soldier who shot dead an already wounded, motionless Palestinian in Al-Khalil (Hebron), Days of Palestine reports.
3 nov 2017
The two-day International Conference of Resistance Scholars which kicked off in Beirut on Wednesday slammed the British Government for its reluctance to apologize over the Balfour pledge, saying recognizing Israel is the most shameful of all acts of betrayal.
A statement issued at the end of the conference dubbed any attempt to recognize Israel as a legitimate state “an act of betrayal” refused by all Muslims across the globe.
The statement added that the Balfour centenary comes at a time when the Palestinian resistance has scored several goals against the Israeli occupation.
It called on the Arab and Islamic states to stand by the Palestinian people throughout the anti-occupation struggle, speak up for holy al-Aqsa Mosque, and stand on guard to any attempts to normalize ties with Israel.
The conference expressed deep concern over underway schemes to Judaize Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque—the 3rd holiest site in Islam.
The concluding statement stressed that armed resistance is the key to ousting the Israeli occupation from Palestine.
A statement issued at the end of the conference dubbed any attempt to recognize Israel as a legitimate state “an act of betrayal” refused by all Muslims across the globe.
The statement added that the Balfour centenary comes at a time when the Palestinian resistance has scored several goals against the Israeli occupation.
It called on the Arab and Islamic states to stand by the Palestinian people throughout the anti-occupation struggle, speak up for holy al-Aqsa Mosque, and stand on guard to any attempts to normalize ties with Israel.
The conference expressed deep concern over underway schemes to Judaize Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque—the 3rd holiest site in Islam.
The concluding statement stressed that armed resistance is the key to ousting the Israeli occupation from Palestine.
2 nov 2017
Ramona Wadi is an independent researcher, freelance journalist, book reviewer and blogger. Her writing covers a range of themes in relation to Palestine, Chile and Latin America.
The writer traces remarks by the PA and Fatah president and found that he is faking Palestinians throughout his apparent involvement in the national reconciliation deal. In fact, he works for Israel.
The gradual release of the details of the proposed Palestinian unity government has reached its inevitable outcome. According to Israeli media, Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas will not include any Hamas ministers in the government unless they openly assert their recognition of Israel.
According to Aljazeera, Abbas denied making such statements through a very brief notification on social media: “The presidency denies the remarks attributed to the president by Haaretz.”
Nevertheless, both the Times of Israel and Israel National News reported that during a meeting in Ramallah with former members of the Israeli parliament, Abbas clarified the conditions for forming part of the unity government. Ex-Labour Chairman Amram Mitzna declared that Abbas “understands that it is in the Palestinian interest to ensure that his government has a clear pyramid of responsibility and authority and that there is one level of military and police system.”
Other remarks made by the former ministers include the usual adulation, describing Abbas as “a partner for peace” and praising him for his recognition of Israel. This is a condition which he has consistently attempted to force upon Hamas and which, if accepted, would constitute a complete betrayal of the resistance movement’s roots and its obligations towards the Palestinian people.
What’s more, Abbas’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has only succeeded in exposing the dynamics which support the PA’s existence. Quoted in the Times of Israel, Abbas stated, “Netanyahu doesn’t want to renew the peace process, he thinks I’m going to stay here and guard the occupation.”
The statement is revelatory; it is an admission by the internationally-recognised PA regarding its role in relation to colonial violence and territorial expansion. Any attempt to suggest otherwise will fail, not only due to Abbas’s manipulation but also because the PA has incessantly proved its dedication to working against Palestinian interests.
Over the years it has repeatedly exposed its loyalties to Israel, by prosecuting journalists; maintaining its “sacred” security coordination with the occupier; making shameful concessions to Israel during negotiations; and ridiculing Palestinian resistance in Gaza during Israel’s 2014 military offensive, Operation Protective Edge. It has also been seeking ways, in concordance with the US, to eliminate Hamas’s political authority in the besieged enclave and, more recently, exploiting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza to usurp power under the pretence of a reconciliation agreement and the formation of a unity government that eradicates the necessary space for legitimate armed resistance.
Moreover, if the reported statements are true,, Abbas’s statement regarding recognition of Israel on behalf of Hamas ministers is an example of bait for political gain. The resistance movement has experienced several evolutions, particularly due to its shift from resistance to politics and diplomacy. It has so far managed to retain its distinct character due to its reticence about traversing the path which the PA has embraced to ensure its survival. Political manoeuvres will, however, ensure that Hamas is faced with very limited options; non-recognition of Israel, despite Hamas having, on occasions, referenced the two-state paradigm, will result in the complete elimination of its influence in the unity government.
Hence, it is clear that Abbas’s rhetoric about reconciliation is nothing but a very transparent attempt enforce the PA’s authoritarian control over the enclave; his agenda is less about good governance for the benefit of the people, and more to do with a naked power grab. For Palestinians in Gaza, this political farce is another macabre chapter in their narratives, and one which will have severe consequences, including the extension of their humanitarian catastrophe.
~Ramona Wadi, Days of Palestine
The writer traces remarks by the PA and Fatah president and found that he is faking Palestinians throughout his apparent involvement in the national reconciliation deal. In fact, he works for Israel.
The gradual release of the details of the proposed Palestinian unity government has reached its inevitable outcome. According to Israeli media, Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas will not include any Hamas ministers in the government unless they openly assert their recognition of Israel.
According to Aljazeera, Abbas denied making such statements through a very brief notification on social media: “The presidency denies the remarks attributed to the president by Haaretz.”
Nevertheless, both the Times of Israel and Israel National News reported that during a meeting in Ramallah with former members of the Israeli parliament, Abbas clarified the conditions for forming part of the unity government. Ex-Labour Chairman Amram Mitzna declared that Abbas “understands that it is in the Palestinian interest to ensure that his government has a clear pyramid of responsibility and authority and that there is one level of military and police system.”
Other remarks made by the former ministers include the usual adulation, describing Abbas as “a partner for peace” and praising him for his recognition of Israel. This is a condition which he has consistently attempted to force upon Hamas and which, if accepted, would constitute a complete betrayal of the resistance movement’s roots and its obligations towards the Palestinian people.
What’s more, Abbas’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has only succeeded in exposing the dynamics which support the PA’s existence. Quoted in the Times of Israel, Abbas stated, “Netanyahu doesn’t want to renew the peace process, he thinks I’m going to stay here and guard the occupation.”
The statement is revelatory; it is an admission by the internationally-recognised PA regarding its role in relation to colonial violence and territorial expansion. Any attempt to suggest otherwise will fail, not only due to Abbas’s manipulation but also because the PA has incessantly proved its dedication to working against Palestinian interests.
Over the years it has repeatedly exposed its loyalties to Israel, by prosecuting journalists; maintaining its “sacred” security coordination with the occupier; making shameful concessions to Israel during negotiations; and ridiculing Palestinian resistance in Gaza during Israel’s 2014 military offensive, Operation Protective Edge. It has also been seeking ways, in concordance with the US, to eliminate Hamas’s political authority in the besieged enclave and, more recently, exploiting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza to usurp power under the pretence of a reconciliation agreement and the formation of a unity government that eradicates the necessary space for legitimate armed resistance.
Moreover, if the reported statements are true,, Abbas’s statement regarding recognition of Israel on behalf of Hamas ministers is an example of bait for political gain. The resistance movement has experienced several evolutions, particularly due to its shift from resistance to politics and diplomacy. It has so far managed to retain its distinct character due to its reticence about traversing the path which the PA has embraced to ensure its survival. Political manoeuvres will, however, ensure that Hamas is faced with very limited options; non-recognition of Israel, despite Hamas having, on occasions, referenced the two-state paradigm, will result in the complete elimination of its influence in the unity government.
Hence, it is clear that Abbas’s rhetoric about reconciliation is nothing but a very transparent attempt enforce the PA’s authoritarian control over the enclave; his agenda is less about good governance for the benefit of the people, and more to do with a naked power grab. For Palestinians in Gaza, this political farce is another macabre chapter in their narratives, and one which will have severe consequences, including the extension of their humanitarian catastrophe.
~Ramona Wadi, Days of Palestine
The UK’s House of Lords debated whether Hamas should remain a designated terrorist organization yesterday afternoon, with several prominent figures advocating for the issue to be reconsidered.
According to the Palestine Chronicle, a question raised by Lord Raymond Hylton, a cross bencher and peer who has met with Hamas officials in both besieged Gaza and the occupied West Bank, pointed out that in light of the reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, the situation of the group had changed significantly since it was first listed as a terror group.
“Would delisting not help all sides to be rather less intransigent than they have been up to now? Would it not build confidence among all Palestinians and help support their new Government of Unity?” he queried.
The request was once again echoed by Lord Frank Judd, who argued that a distinction should be made between the military and political wings of Hamas, Palestine Chronicle added.
“Is it not important to recognize in political terms that Hamas is a pluralist organization? Is it not vital to strengthen the more moderate elements within Hamas, particularly at this time of reconciliation between the PLO and Hamas?”
The issue of the recognition of Palestine was also briefly addressed, with Baroness Lindsey Northover, a Liberal Democrat politician, calling for the British Government to recognize the state of Palestine 100 years after the Balfour Declaration.
In an article published by The Sun daily on Wednesday, UK’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson reportedly refused to reveal whether or not Britain is holding secretive talks with Hamas.
During the final weeks of the election race, the Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn called for Hamas to be removed from Britain’s list of banned terror groups, according to the Telegraph.
As the centennial anniversary of the Balfour Declaration approaches this month, pro-Palestinian activists have asked Britain to apologize for its role in the creation of Israel, which led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. The request has been denied by senior British officials, and UK Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to celebrate the anniversary with pride.
According to the Palestine Chronicle, a question raised by Lord Raymond Hylton, a cross bencher and peer who has met with Hamas officials in both besieged Gaza and the occupied West Bank, pointed out that in light of the reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, the situation of the group had changed significantly since it was first listed as a terror group.
“Would delisting not help all sides to be rather less intransigent than they have been up to now? Would it not build confidence among all Palestinians and help support their new Government of Unity?” he queried.
The request was once again echoed by Lord Frank Judd, who argued that a distinction should be made between the military and political wings of Hamas, Palestine Chronicle added.
“Is it not important to recognize in political terms that Hamas is a pluralist organization? Is it not vital to strengthen the more moderate elements within Hamas, particularly at this time of reconciliation between the PLO and Hamas?”
The issue of the recognition of Palestine was also briefly addressed, with Baroness Lindsey Northover, a Liberal Democrat politician, calling for the British Government to recognize the state of Palestine 100 years after the Balfour Declaration.
In an article published by The Sun daily on Wednesday, UK’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson reportedly refused to reveal whether or not Britain is holding secretive talks with Hamas.
During the final weeks of the election race, the Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn called for Hamas to be removed from Britain’s list of banned terror groups, according to the Telegraph.
As the centennial anniversary of the Balfour Declaration approaches this month, pro-Palestinian activists have asked Britain to apologize for its role in the creation of Israel, which led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. The request has been denied by senior British officials, and UK Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to celebrate the anniversary with pride.
31 oct 2017
An Israeli parliamentarian has expressed his support for formal apartheid, backing annexation of entire West Bank, but without its Palestinian inhabitants being granted the right to vote.
MK Miki Zohar, who is chair of the Knesset’s Special Committee for Distributive Justice and Social Equality, expressed his views in an interview with Haaretz newspaper.
“When we say to the Palestinians, ‘We are giving you a state, let’s make peace’ – it’s deceiving them,” Zohar told the paper.
“No one is going to give them a state, not the left either. I am saying: Let’s cut this problem off before it begins and stop with the lies. We’ll tell them: ‘Guys, no state, live here with us, prosper, earn a living, educate your children’.”
Asked whether he meant that Palestinians in an annexed West Bank would not vote in the Knesset elections, Zohar replied in the affirmative.
“We must always maintain control over the mechanisms of the state, as the Jewish people that received this country by right and not by an act of charity.”
Over the years it is very possible the Arabs could become the majority here, and I cannot take this risk.
According to Zohar, such views are “not extreme” but “realistic.”
He continued: “In my opinion, he [the Palestinian] doesn’t have the right to national identity, because he does not own the land of this country.”
“I want him as a resident by virtue of my own sense of fairness – because he was born here and lives here, I will not tell him to leave. I’m sorry to say this, but they have one conspicuous liability: They weren’t born Jews.”
With respect to Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, Zohar said: “They will have to choose if they are loyal to the state”, based on three conditions: “national service; recognition of the Israeli flag, which would fly above every public institution; and recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”
“And this would not be the decision of an individual, but of a public authority. If they can’t meet these criteria, they would no longer be able to vote for the Knesset.”
MK Miki Zohar, who is chair of the Knesset’s Special Committee for Distributive Justice and Social Equality, expressed his views in an interview with Haaretz newspaper.
“When we say to the Palestinians, ‘We are giving you a state, let’s make peace’ – it’s deceiving them,” Zohar told the paper.
“No one is going to give them a state, not the left either. I am saying: Let’s cut this problem off before it begins and stop with the lies. We’ll tell them: ‘Guys, no state, live here with us, prosper, earn a living, educate your children’.”
Asked whether he meant that Palestinians in an annexed West Bank would not vote in the Knesset elections, Zohar replied in the affirmative.
“We must always maintain control over the mechanisms of the state, as the Jewish people that received this country by right and not by an act of charity.”
Over the years it is very possible the Arabs could become the majority here, and I cannot take this risk.
According to Zohar, such views are “not extreme” but “realistic.”
He continued: “In my opinion, he [the Palestinian] doesn’t have the right to national identity, because he does not own the land of this country.”
“I want him as a resident by virtue of my own sense of fairness – because he was born here and lives here, I will not tell him to leave. I’m sorry to say this, but they have one conspicuous liability: They weren’t born Jews.”
With respect to Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, Zohar said: “They will have to choose if they are loyal to the state”, based on three conditions: “national service; recognition of the Israeli flag, which would fly above every public institution; and recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”
“And this would not be the decision of an individual, but of a public authority. If they can’t meet these criteria, they would no longer be able to vote for the Knesset.”
29 oct 2017
Member of Fatah’s central committee Azzam al-Ahmed said the failed attempt to assassinate senior Hamas official Tawfiq Abu Naim in Gaza was aimed at “reshuffling the cards in the Palestinian arena, stirring up chaos and tension, and disrupting the reconciliation.”
Azzam made his remarks during a recent phone call with head of Hamas’s political bureau Ismail Haneyya, according to the Ramallah-based Voice of Palestine Radio.
The Fatah official stressed, during his conversation with Haneyya, “the need for all parties to be vigilant at this delicate stage and not to give a chance for malicious hands to sabotage the efforts to end the division.”
Azzam made his remarks during a recent phone call with head of Hamas’s political bureau Ismail Haneyya, according to the Ramallah-based Voice of Palestine Radio.
The Fatah official stressed, during his conversation with Haneyya, “the need for all parties to be vigilant at this delicate stage and not to give a chance for malicious hands to sabotage the efforts to end the division.”
28 oct 2017
The most interesting thing to notice at the Shahwan museum is the smell coming from historical items, which reveals thousands of years of history, which belongs to the Roman, Greek, Pharaonic and Islamic Eras, gathered in one place.
For the last 35 years, Marwan Shahwan has developed a hobby of collecting artifacts from Gaza and historical Palestine until he managed to start a small museum with thousands of historical pieces.
The Shahwan Museum is home for nearly 10,000 pieces of artifacts from various eras, as well as traditional Palestinian artifacts and utensils from different periods of time.
The story of Marwan, 50, began when he was 15 years old, when he was surprised to see an old piece of copper at the market, then he began collecting antiques, and old objects.
Carpenter and artist
For dozens of years, the Shahwan family in the city of Khan Younis, has been working in the carpentry craft as their father inherited it from his father and began making and selling furniture in Israel and the Gaza Strip.
Shahwan visited many houses in the south and north of the Gaza Strip during the installation of his furniture. He listened to the stories of the elderly about the theft of the Israeli occupation’s officers of the antiques of the Gaza Strip. Since then, he would not leave these houses without asking people there to tell him about any antique they know of or possess.
“I used to ask them about antiques and I found rare pieces with some of them. I used to buy antiques from people, and some people used to give me what they found for free, in recognition of my interest,” Shahwan told the PIC reporter.
Shahwan gets out of his seat and takes a tour in the place moving between the sections of the museum, which has pieces from the Greek, Byzantine, Islamic, Pharaonic, the Mamluk and Ottoman Eras, but most of what he collected in Gaza belongs to the Roman and Byzantine Eras.
His passion for antiques made him drive to all parts of Gaza. He drove to the area of Al-Qarara, east of Khan Younis, the Al-Balakhiya area to the north of the Gaza, to Rafah and Gaza cities, and even to the Shati refugee camp where the Mediterranean Sea threw some antiques out.
"I have many pieces of pottery from different eras, a lamp of fire, catapult balls, large coins and statues, and Palestinian heritage items such as coffee kettles and clothes.”
Various memories
Marwan is proud of all the artifacts and keeps a memory for each of them; but he is proud of a certain copper item belonging to the Mamluk Era, which bears the name (The kettle of the Prophet), which is the size of kettles during the Prophet’s time, peace be upon him.
“Farmers used to plough their lands and they used to find antiques in Rafah, as well as ancient tombs and stones. In other areas, there were scouts, hunting for gold and silver, and in the Shati camp I watched divers diving into the sea and taking out pieces of Greek and Roman antiquities.”
The Shahwan Museum was visited by ambassadors and researchers from Norway, the Netherlands, the United States of America and Egypt, and they were amazed at the collection of such a huge amount of rare historical pieces to the extent that the museum became a destination for researchers and media outlets.
He added, “As you see, I rented this narrow tomb under the house of my relatives to put these monuments and historical pieces, but I need an area of about 2,000 square meters, and my ambition is for the world to get to know our heritage and past civilization.”
He hopes that someone or some institution will sponsor his museum and establish a convenient place to display dozens of antiques that he spent a lot of money to buy from different regions, which now are covered by dust.
For the last 35 years, Marwan Shahwan has developed a hobby of collecting artifacts from Gaza and historical Palestine until he managed to start a small museum with thousands of historical pieces.
The Shahwan Museum is home for nearly 10,000 pieces of artifacts from various eras, as well as traditional Palestinian artifacts and utensils from different periods of time.
The story of Marwan, 50, began when he was 15 years old, when he was surprised to see an old piece of copper at the market, then he began collecting antiques, and old objects.
Carpenter and artist
For dozens of years, the Shahwan family in the city of Khan Younis, has been working in the carpentry craft as their father inherited it from his father and began making and selling furniture in Israel and the Gaza Strip.
Shahwan visited many houses in the south and north of the Gaza Strip during the installation of his furniture. He listened to the stories of the elderly about the theft of the Israeli occupation’s officers of the antiques of the Gaza Strip. Since then, he would not leave these houses without asking people there to tell him about any antique they know of or possess.
“I used to ask them about antiques and I found rare pieces with some of them. I used to buy antiques from people, and some people used to give me what they found for free, in recognition of my interest,” Shahwan told the PIC reporter.
Shahwan gets out of his seat and takes a tour in the place moving between the sections of the museum, which has pieces from the Greek, Byzantine, Islamic, Pharaonic, the Mamluk and Ottoman Eras, but most of what he collected in Gaza belongs to the Roman and Byzantine Eras.
His passion for antiques made him drive to all parts of Gaza. He drove to the area of Al-Qarara, east of Khan Younis, the Al-Balakhiya area to the north of the Gaza, to Rafah and Gaza cities, and even to the Shati refugee camp where the Mediterranean Sea threw some antiques out.
"I have many pieces of pottery from different eras, a lamp of fire, catapult balls, large coins and statues, and Palestinian heritage items such as coffee kettles and clothes.”
Various memories
Marwan is proud of all the artifacts and keeps a memory for each of them; but he is proud of a certain copper item belonging to the Mamluk Era, which bears the name (The kettle of the Prophet), which is the size of kettles during the Prophet’s time, peace be upon him.
“Farmers used to plough their lands and they used to find antiques in Rafah, as well as ancient tombs and stones. In other areas, there were scouts, hunting for gold and silver, and in the Shati camp I watched divers diving into the sea and taking out pieces of Greek and Roman antiquities.”
The Shahwan Museum was visited by ambassadors and researchers from Norway, the Netherlands, the United States of America and Egypt, and they were amazed at the collection of such a huge amount of rare historical pieces to the extent that the museum became a destination for researchers and media outlets.
He added, “As you see, I rented this narrow tomb under the house of my relatives to put these monuments and historical pieces, but I need an area of about 2,000 square meters, and my ambition is for the world to get to know our heritage and past civilization.”
He hopes that someone or some institution will sponsor his museum and establish a convenient place to display dozens of antiques that he spent a lot of money to buy from different regions, which now are covered by dust.
27 oct 2017
The General Director of the Internal Security Forces in Gaza, survived an assassination attempt, Friday, with mild wounds, after an explosive device, which was apparently embedded in his car, detonated as he opened its door.
Security sources in Gaza said Lieutenant Tawfiq Abu Na’im, survived the explosion which targeted him after Friday noon prayers, at a local mosque in the Nusseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza. The blast also mildly injured a few other Palestinians.
He was rushed to the Shifa hospital, in Gaza, after suffering minor injuries, and is expected to be released the same day.
Following the blast, Palestinian police and security officers rushed to the scene, and initiated an investigation into the incident.
It is worth mentioning that Na’im was a former political prisoner, held by Israel, and was released in 2011, as part of the Shalit Swap agreement.
Ismail Haniyya, the head of Hamas Political Bureau, visited the wounded Lieutenant, and held Israel, and its collaborators, responsible for the assassination attempt.
Haniyya added that Israel is trying to sabotage the reconciliation between Hamas and Fateh movements, and called on all factions, and President Mahmoud Abbas, to speed up all measures aiming at implementing all sections of the unity agreement, to enable a strong and united internal front.
Security sources in Gaza said Lieutenant Tawfiq Abu Na’im, survived the explosion which targeted him after Friday noon prayers, at a local mosque in the Nusseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza. The blast also mildly injured a few other Palestinians.
He was rushed to the Shifa hospital, in Gaza, after suffering minor injuries, and is expected to be released the same day.
Following the blast, Palestinian police and security officers rushed to the scene, and initiated an investigation into the incident.
It is worth mentioning that Na’im was a former political prisoner, held by Israel, and was released in 2011, as part of the Shalit Swap agreement.
Ismail Haniyya, the head of Hamas Political Bureau, visited the wounded Lieutenant, and held Israel, and its collaborators, responsible for the assassination attempt.
Haniyya added that Israel is trying to sabotage the reconciliation between Hamas and Fateh movements, and called on all factions, and President Mahmoud Abbas, to speed up all measures aiming at implementing all sections of the unity agreement, to enable a strong and united internal front.
25 oct 2017
A 12-member European delegation arrived on Wednesday in the Gaza Strip through Erez (Beit Hanoun) crossing to check up the Egyptian-run Rafah border crossing with Gaza.
Spokesman for the Crossings Department Hesham Udan told PIC that the visit dovetails routine stopovers made by the delegation to follow up on the situation in the terminal.
Rafah crossing is the main exit gate for Gaza’s two million population. Egypt opens the crossing for few days every three or four months, making travel for Gazans almost impossible.
Spokesman for the Crossings Department Hesham Udan told PIC that the visit dovetails routine stopovers made by the delegation to follow up on the situation in the terminal.
Rafah crossing is the main exit gate for Gaza’s two million population. Egypt opens the crossing for few days every three or four months, making travel for Gazans almost impossible.
24 oct 2017
Celtic, a Scottish football club known for receiving multiple fines over its fans carrying Palestinian flags during matches, has won the 2017 FIFA award for best fans in London.
Celtic supporters won the award of best fans for their tribute to the Lisbon Lions in May, for the 50th anniversary of the club winning the European Cup, following voting from other clubs' supporters on FIFA’s website.
Celtic beat Borussia Dortmund and FC Copenhagen to this award.
Celtic has been financially penalized nine times in five seasons by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for its supporters' practices, including £8,615 over fans’ support of Palestine in a 2016 victory against Israel's Hapoel Beer Sheva and a fine of around £16,000 a few years ago after a Palestine flag was displayed at a Champions League qualifier against KR Reykjavik.
Supporters of Celtic, known as the Green Brigade, have donated £176,000 (US$220,000) to two Palestinian charities in the West Bank. The donation was crowdfunded in reaction to the 2016 UEFA fine for carrying and flying Palestinian flags during a match against Israel.
Celtic supporters won the award of best fans for their tribute to the Lisbon Lions in May, for the 50th anniversary of the club winning the European Cup, following voting from other clubs' supporters on FIFA’s website.
Celtic beat Borussia Dortmund and FC Copenhagen to this award.
Celtic has been financially penalized nine times in five seasons by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for its supporters' practices, including £8,615 over fans’ support of Palestine in a 2016 victory against Israel's Hapoel Beer Sheva and a fine of around £16,000 a few years ago after a Palestine flag was displayed at a Champions League qualifier against KR Reykjavik.
Supporters of Celtic, known as the Green Brigade, have donated £176,000 (US$220,000) to two Palestinian charities in the West Bank. The donation was crowdfunded in reaction to the 2016 UEFA fine for carrying and flying Palestinian flags during a match against Israel.