2 oct 2017
The Palestinian Authority (PA) government's premier, Rami Hamdallah, on Monday announced that his government would start to assume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip.
In a speech he delivered at Bait Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip upon his arrival, Hamdallah said, "The government's success depends on its ability to make a positive impact on citizens' lives."
Hamdallah described Hamas's decision to dissolve the administrative committee as an "important step", affirming that alleviating the suffering of the Gazan people is a top priority for his government.
"We came at the orders of president Mahmoud Abbas to announce that the Palestinian state cannot be without geographic unity between the West Bank and Gaza", he added.
He continued that there will be a unified strategy for the reconstruction of Gaza, pointing out that all pending issues will be addressed, primarily the issue of the PA employees in Gaza.
Hamdallah praised the Egyptian efforts made to end the Palestinian division since the formation of the national consensus government in 2014 until this moment.
A delegation from the Ramallah-based PA government, led by Hamdallah, arrived in the Gaza Strip on Monday. A meeting with the head of Hamas's Political Bureau, Ismail Haneyya, is scheduled to be held later in the day, while the cabinet weekly meeting is set to be held in Gaza city on Tuesday.
This visit came after Hamas decided on 17th September to dissolve the Gaza Strip administrative committee and called on the PA government to come and assume its responsibilities in the coastal enclave in response to Egypt's efforts to achieve Palestinian reconciliation.
In a speech he delivered at Bait Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip upon his arrival, Hamdallah said, "The government's success depends on its ability to make a positive impact on citizens' lives."
Hamdallah described Hamas's decision to dissolve the administrative committee as an "important step", affirming that alleviating the suffering of the Gazan people is a top priority for his government.
"We came at the orders of president Mahmoud Abbas to announce that the Palestinian state cannot be without geographic unity between the West Bank and Gaza", he added.
He continued that there will be a unified strategy for the reconstruction of Gaza, pointing out that all pending issues will be addressed, primarily the issue of the PA employees in Gaza.
Hamdallah praised the Egyptian efforts made to end the Palestinian division since the formation of the national consensus government in 2014 until this moment.
A delegation from the Ramallah-based PA government, led by Hamdallah, arrived in the Gaza Strip on Monday. A meeting with the head of Hamas's Political Bureau, Ismail Haneyya, is scheduled to be held later in the day, while the cabinet weekly meeting is set to be held in Gaza city on Tuesday.
This visit came after Hamas decided on 17th September to dissolve the Gaza Strip administrative committee and called on the PA government to come and assume its responsibilities in the coastal enclave in response to Egypt's efforts to achieve Palestinian reconciliation.
The Palestinian consensus government’s premier, Rami Hamdallah, along with security officials arrived in Gaza on Monday in order to take over the government responsibilities in the first visit at this level since 2015.
The governmental delegation reached Gaza through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing at noon on Monday. The delegation was received and welcomed by official personalities and popular activists as well as representatives of different Palestinian factions.
It is expected that the unity government would assume its duties in Gaza Strip officially after holding the government’s weekly session in Gaza on Tuesday.
An Egyptian security delegation arrived earlier in Gaza in order to facilitate taking over the government responsibilities.
Besides, the UN peace envoy to the Middle East Nikolay Mladenov along with a UN delegation arrived in the coastal enclave on Monday morning in order to follow up the transition of government responsibilities.
According to the official media office in Gaza, Hamdallah is expected to hold a press conference as soon as he reaches Gaza.
The governmental delegation reached Gaza through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing at noon on Monday. The delegation was received and welcomed by official personalities and popular activists as well as representatives of different Palestinian factions.
It is expected that the unity government would assume its duties in Gaza Strip officially after holding the government’s weekly session in Gaza on Tuesday.
An Egyptian security delegation arrived earlier in Gaza in order to facilitate taking over the government responsibilities.
Besides, the UN peace envoy to the Middle East Nikolay Mladenov along with a UN delegation arrived in the coastal enclave on Monday morning in order to follow up the transition of government responsibilities.
According to the official media office in Gaza, Hamdallah is expected to hold a press conference as soon as he reaches Gaza.
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Hundreds of Palestinian citizens gathered at the Beit Hanoun (Erez) checkpoint in the northern Gaza Strip, to welcome the long-awaited visit of the head of the Palestinian National Government, Rami Hamdallah, marking the end of the 11-year-old Palestinian division and the start of the national reconciliation.
The Palestinian national government is scheduled to arrive in the Gaza Strip on Monday morning; about two weeks after the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas dissolved its administrative committee in the coastal enclave. The United Nations envoy to the Middle East peace process, Nikolay Mladenov, arrived in Gaza on Monday morning heading a UN delegation to follow up on the Palestinian government while assuming its duties in Gaza. According to the Government Information Office in Gaza, the Prime Minister of Palestine, Rami Hamdallah, will hold a press conference immediately after his arrival at the Beit Hanoun Crossing. The government delegation is expected to include more than 300 people, including the Prime Minister and his ministers, heads of government agencies and security forces. The Egyptian security delegation, which arrived in Gaza yesterday, and leaders of the Hamas Movement, will receive the delegation of the Palestinian government outside the crossing, and the security |
forces in Gaza are expected to hold an official reception for Hamdallah and his ministers.
After the press conference, the government delegation is due to visit Al-Shijaeya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, to inspect a house that was destroyed during the recent war on Gaza and was rebuilt near Al-Qubba clinic.
Following the completion of the inspection of the house, the Central Committee of Fatah member Ahmed Hillis will host the government delegation and a number of representatives of the Palestinian factions in his home for lunch before the delegation heads to Almashtal Hotel to rest. Following this, the ministers will meet with the staff of their ministries.
On Tuesday, the Palestinian government will hold its weekly meeting at the headquarters of the Council of Ministers in Gaza City (the former house of President Mahmoud Abbas). The Palestinian Prime Minister is expected to leave Gaza to Ramallah later, with some ministers remaining in the Gaza Strip.
The Minister of Public Work and Housing Mufid al-Hasayneh said that the visit of the delegation of the Palestinian government to Gaza “is not just about protocol,” stressing that Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah “will announce a lot during the visit.”
It is expected that the Palestinian factions will meet next week in Cairo, which sponsored the reconciliation agreement, to agree on the practical steps to apply what was agreed upon, and to solve issues that impeded the implementation of previous agreements such as the issues of the employees and security forces.
Dramatic developments in the Palestinian reconciliation took place after Hamas announced the dissolution of the administrative committee in Gaza on 17 September during talks with Egyptian officials in Cairo.
After the press conference, the government delegation is due to visit Al-Shijaeya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, to inspect a house that was destroyed during the recent war on Gaza and was rebuilt near Al-Qubba clinic.
Following the completion of the inspection of the house, the Central Committee of Fatah member Ahmed Hillis will host the government delegation and a number of representatives of the Palestinian factions in his home for lunch before the delegation heads to Almashtal Hotel to rest. Following this, the ministers will meet with the staff of their ministries.
On Tuesday, the Palestinian government will hold its weekly meeting at the headquarters of the Council of Ministers in Gaza City (the former house of President Mahmoud Abbas). The Palestinian Prime Minister is expected to leave Gaza to Ramallah later, with some ministers remaining in the Gaza Strip.
The Minister of Public Work and Housing Mufid al-Hasayneh said that the visit of the delegation of the Palestinian government to Gaza “is not just about protocol,” stressing that Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah “will announce a lot during the visit.”
It is expected that the Palestinian factions will meet next week in Cairo, which sponsored the reconciliation agreement, to agree on the practical steps to apply what was agreed upon, and to solve issues that impeded the implementation of previous agreements such as the issues of the employees and security forces.
Dramatic developments in the Palestinian reconciliation took place after Hamas announced the dissolution of the administrative committee in Gaza on 17 September during talks with Egyptian officials in Cairo.
Political Bureau Chairman of Hamas, Ismail Haneyya, spoke on Sunday to the Palestinian Authority (PA) President, Mahmoud Abbas, by phone, hours before a government visit to the blockaded Gaza Strip.
According to a statement by Haneyya’s office, Hamas chief reached out to Abbas shortly before a government delegation was expected to pop in the enclave.
Abbas and Haneyya discussed underway arrangements for the projected visit and the optimism felt by the Palestinians at such a momentous stage emerging on the reconciliation road.
Haneyya stressed the need to boost national reconciliation so as to make Palestinians’ dreams come true, most notably the establishment of an independent Palestinian state having Jerusalem as its capital.
Haneyya and Abbas hailed the Egyptian delegation that arrived in Gaza on Sunday via the Rafah border-crossing so as to broker current talks and efforts to prop up unity.
Representatives of the Palestinian consensus government, led by Prime Minister Rami al-Hamdallah, are slated to reach Gaza on Monday following a round of Cairo-brokered reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas.
According to a statement by Haneyya’s office, Hamas chief reached out to Abbas shortly before a government delegation was expected to pop in the enclave.
Abbas and Haneyya discussed underway arrangements for the projected visit and the optimism felt by the Palestinians at such a momentous stage emerging on the reconciliation road.
Haneyya stressed the need to boost national reconciliation so as to make Palestinians’ dreams come true, most notably the establishment of an independent Palestinian state having Jerusalem as its capital.
Haneyya and Abbas hailed the Egyptian delegation that arrived in Gaza on Sunday via the Rafah border-crossing so as to broker current talks and efforts to prop up unity.
Representatives of the Palestinian consensus government, led by Prime Minister Rami al-Hamdallah, are slated to reach Gaza on Monday following a round of Cairo-brokered reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas.
1 oct 2017
An Egyptian security delegation arrived on Sunday in the Gaza Strip through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to pave the way for Hamas to hand over its control over the enclave to the Palestinian Authority (PA) government.
PIC reporter said that the delegation, led by Hazem Khairat, Egypt's ambassador to Israel, directly headed to Gaza city to meet with the head of Hamas's Political Bureau, Ismail Haneyya, and Hamas's chief in Gaza, Yahya al-Sinwar.
Hamas's spokesman, Fawzi Barhoum, welcomed the Egyptian delegation to Gaza and praised Egypt's ongoing efforts to ensure the success of Palestinian reconciliation.
Deputy Minister of Interior, Major General Tawfiq Abu Naim, said in a statement to the PIC that Gaza's Interior Ministry and its security services are fully prepared to host the delegations visiting Gaza, lauding Egypt's role in healing the Palestinian rift.
Abu Naim pointed out that efforts to secure the arrival of the PA government are in full swing in coordination between his Ministry and the Palestinian security delegation coming from Ramallah.
A Palestinian security delegation, accompanied by several media personalities coming from Ramallah in the West Bank, arrived in Gaza on Thursday to discuss arrangements related to the PA government's upcoming visit.
The PIC reporter said that the PA Minister of Culture, Ehab Bseiso, crossed Erez into the coastal enclave on Sunday afternoon, and added that it is scheduled for the rest of the PA government's delegation to arrive in Gaza on Monday.
PIC reporter said that the delegation, led by Hazem Khairat, Egypt's ambassador to Israel, directly headed to Gaza city to meet with the head of Hamas's Political Bureau, Ismail Haneyya, and Hamas's chief in Gaza, Yahya al-Sinwar.
Hamas's spokesman, Fawzi Barhoum, welcomed the Egyptian delegation to Gaza and praised Egypt's ongoing efforts to ensure the success of Palestinian reconciliation.
Deputy Minister of Interior, Major General Tawfiq Abu Naim, said in a statement to the PIC that Gaza's Interior Ministry and its security services are fully prepared to host the delegations visiting Gaza, lauding Egypt's role in healing the Palestinian rift.
Abu Naim pointed out that efforts to secure the arrival of the PA government are in full swing in coordination between his Ministry and the Palestinian security delegation coming from Ramallah.
A Palestinian security delegation, accompanied by several media personalities coming from Ramallah in the West Bank, arrived in Gaza on Thursday to discuss arrangements related to the PA government's upcoming visit.
The PIC reporter said that the PA Minister of Culture, Ehab Bseiso, crossed Erez into the coastal enclave on Sunday afternoon, and added that it is scheduled for the rest of the PA government's delegation to arrive in Gaza on Monday.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) government's premier, Rami Hamdallah, on Sunday said that his government will head to the Gaza Strip on Monday "with a positive spirit" to end the internal division.
This was voiced during a ministerial meeting held at Hamdallah's office in Ramallah in the presence of the head of the General Intelligence Service, Majid Faraj, and the head of the Civil Affairs Authority, Husein al-Sheikh, to prepare for the government's visit to the Gaza Strip.
Hamdallah affirmed that the visit comes within the framework of the practical steps made to achieve reconciliation, examine the conditions of the Gaza Strip institutions, and hold the weekly meeting of the Palestinian Council of Ministers in Gaza on Tuesday.
He confirmed his government's full support for the Egyptian efforts to make the reconciliation succeed and for the agreements reached in the meetings between Hamas and Fatah in Cairo.
He pointed out that the PA government will gradually work to resolve the pending issues that had posed an obstacle to the previous reconciliation agreements between Fatah and Hamas, and announced the formation of three committees concerned with crossings, ministries and security.
An official meeting described as "positive" was held on Saturday for the first time since the Palestinian division started between a security delegation from Ramallah and Gaza's Ministry of Interior to secure the PA government's visit to Gaza.
The visit comes after Hamas Movement has showed high flexibility during the Cairo talks that led to the subsequent decision to dissolve the Gaza administrative committee.
This was voiced during a ministerial meeting held at Hamdallah's office in Ramallah in the presence of the head of the General Intelligence Service, Majid Faraj, and the head of the Civil Affairs Authority, Husein al-Sheikh, to prepare for the government's visit to the Gaza Strip.
Hamdallah affirmed that the visit comes within the framework of the practical steps made to achieve reconciliation, examine the conditions of the Gaza Strip institutions, and hold the weekly meeting of the Palestinian Council of Ministers in Gaza on Tuesday.
He confirmed his government's full support for the Egyptian efforts to make the reconciliation succeed and for the agreements reached in the meetings between Hamas and Fatah in Cairo.
He pointed out that the PA government will gradually work to resolve the pending issues that had posed an obstacle to the previous reconciliation agreements between Fatah and Hamas, and announced the formation of three committees concerned with crossings, ministries and security.
An official meeting described as "positive" was held on Saturday for the first time since the Palestinian division started between a security delegation from Ramallah and Gaza's Ministry of Interior to secure the PA government's visit to Gaza.
The visit comes after Hamas Movement has showed high flexibility during the Cairo talks that led to the subsequent decision to dissolve the Gaza administrative committee.
Security measures have been taken to secure a smooth and safe access of government representatives into the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Interior Ministry spokesman, Iyad al-Bozom, said Sunday.
Al-Bozom said policemen have been deployed in the streets, at crossroads, and around public buildings prior to a projected visit by a government delegation to the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Al-Bozom added that the Home Affairs Ministry has taken all precautions and steps to ensure that the consensus government carry out its mission in the enclave in the smoothest way possible.
“We are eager to turn the division page once and for all and make unity come true,” stated al-Bozom.
A meeting was held between security officials from the West Bank with their counterparts in Gaza on Saturday to discuss the security preparations for the reception of the government, in the first such step in years. Palestinian minister of Public Works and Housing, Mufid al-Hasayneh, was in attendance.
The measures dovetail efforts by Hamas to prop up national unity by enabling the Palestinian Authority and the national consensus government, led by Rami al-Hamdallah, to take up their responsibilities in the enclave.
Al-Bozom said policemen have been deployed in the streets, at crossroads, and around public buildings prior to a projected visit by a government delegation to the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Al-Bozom added that the Home Affairs Ministry has taken all precautions and steps to ensure that the consensus government carry out its mission in the enclave in the smoothest way possible.
“We are eager to turn the division page once and for all and make unity come true,” stated al-Bozom.
A meeting was held between security officials from the West Bank with their counterparts in Gaza on Saturday to discuss the security preparations for the reception of the government, in the first such step in years. Palestinian minister of Public Works and Housing, Mufid al-Hasayneh, was in attendance.
The measures dovetail efforts by Hamas to prop up national unity by enabling the Palestinian Authority and the national consensus government, led by Rami al-Hamdallah, to take up their responsibilities in the enclave.
30 sept 2017
Israel protested after Russia hosted a senior Hamas leader in Moscow, Saleh Arouri who was part of a Hamas delegation to Moscow. For several years, Arouri was based in Turkey, where he communicated instructions to Hamas. He then moved to Doha, Qatar, and now lives in Lebanon.
The Hamas delegation, headed by deputy head of the organization’s political bureau, Musa Abu Marzook, arrived in Moscow for talks with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister for Middle Eastern Affairs, Mikhail Bogdanov.
Minister of Environmental Protection Ze’ev Elkin, who met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday, complained and voiced to him Israel’s position that Arouri’s participation in the delegation was unacceptable.
Elkin said that Arouri’s visit to Moscow was a central issue. He said that he told him that Israel and Russia have disagreed for years specifically regarding ties with Hamas, but that this case was an exceptionally crucial incident, that “even in contacts with Hamas there are limits that should not be crossed, and this is a classic case in which Israel believes the limit has been crossed”.
According to the PNN, Elkin also talked about a document from Israel’s Foreign Ministry regarding Arouri’s involvement in certain actions done by Hamas that are disapproved by Israel and have been considered to be attacks, throughout recent years.
Elkin, in his talks with the Russian Minister, tried his best to emphasize claims of violence done by Arouori, who he says is a dangerous person that cannot be treated as if he is not involved in many attacks. He even turned to some of his advisers present at the meeting and asked them how Arouri had even received a visa to enter Russia.
After being told that Arouri was part of an official Hamas delegation, the Russian Minster was reportedly surprised and instructed his advisers to open an investigation and ensure that the case would not be repeated.
According to Haaretz, Elkin added that Lavrov also denied reports that Hamas had opened an official office in Moscow.
The Hamas delegation, headed by deputy head of the organization’s political bureau, Musa Abu Marzook, arrived in Moscow for talks with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister for Middle Eastern Affairs, Mikhail Bogdanov.
Minister of Environmental Protection Ze’ev Elkin, who met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday, complained and voiced to him Israel’s position that Arouri’s participation in the delegation was unacceptable.
Elkin said that Arouri’s visit to Moscow was a central issue. He said that he told him that Israel and Russia have disagreed for years specifically regarding ties with Hamas, but that this case was an exceptionally crucial incident, that “even in contacts with Hamas there are limits that should not be crossed, and this is a classic case in which Israel believes the limit has been crossed”.
According to the PNN, Elkin also talked about a document from Israel’s Foreign Ministry regarding Arouri’s involvement in certain actions done by Hamas that are disapproved by Israel and have been considered to be attacks, throughout recent years.
Elkin, in his talks with the Russian Minister, tried his best to emphasize claims of violence done by Arouori, who he says is a dangerous person that cannot be treated as if he is not involved in many attacks. He even turned to some of his advisers present at the meeting and asked them how Arouri had even received a visa to enter Russia.
After being told that Arouri was part of an official Hamas delegation, the Russian Minster was reportedly surprised and instructed his advisers to open an investigation and ensure that the case would not be repeated.
According to Haaretz, Elkin added that Lavrov also denied reports that Hamas had opened an official office in Moscow.
28 sept 2017
The Hebrew channel Kan said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has initiated a plan with U.S. President Donald Trump along with other members in the Congress to pressure Palestinians in order to halt their unilateral steps at the international arena.
The Hebrew channel revealed on Thursday that Israel has been working with the cooperation of American Congress members on coming up with a plan to put an end to the Palestinians' activities at the International Criminal Court (ICC) as well as to close the the office of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Washington.
“Israel will not let continuous Palestinian diplomatic steps against Israel go without a response”, Netanyahu said on Wednesday evening in reaction to Interpol’s decision earlier in the day to admit the Palestinians as a member state.
Netanyahu’s comment came at a meeting in his office with US envoy Jason Greenblatt, US Ambassador David Friedman, and Israel’s Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer.
Netanyahu said at the meeting, "The actions of the Palestinian leadership are in violation of previous agreements with Israel and severely damage the chances of achieving peace".
The Hebrew channel revealed on Thursday that Israel has been working with the cooperation of American Congress members on coming up with a plan to put an end to the Palestinians' activities at the International Criminal Court (ICC) as well as to close the the office of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Washington.
“Israel will not let continuous Palestinian diplomatic steps against Israel go without a response”, Netanyahu said on Wednesday evening in reaction to Interpol’s decision earlier in the day to admit the Palestinians as a member state.
Netanyahu’s comment came at a meeting in his office with US envoy Jason Greenblatt, US Ambassador David Friedman, and Israel’s Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer.
Netanyahu said at the meeting, "The actions of the Palestinian leadership are in violation of previous agreements with Israel and severely damage the chances of achieving peace".
Israeli occupation soldiers on Wednesday intercepted a Palestinian Authority (PA) police vehicle in al-Khalil city and confiscated all the weapons in their possession.
An informed source told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that the Israeli raid on the Palestinian patrol car took place near the junction of Martyr Maysara Abu Hamdiya to the south of al-Khalil, which is under the supposed security and administrative control of the PA.
According to the source, the soldiers forced the Palestinian police officers to leave the car they were aboard and seized two Kalashnikov rifles and three pistols.
The Palestinian officers were also warned not to enter or patrol the same area once again.
An informed source told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that the Israeli raid on the Palestinian patrol car took place near the junction of Martyr Maysara Abu Hamdiya to the south of al-Khalil, which is under the supposed security and administrative control of the PA.
According to the source, the soldiers forced the Palestinian police officers to leave the car they were aboard and seized two Kalashnikov rifles and three pistols.
The Palestinian officers were also warned not to enter or patrol the same area once again.
27 sept 2017
Palestine joined Interpol as a member state on Wednesday, a move opposed by Israel, in a vote at the international police organization’s general assembly in Beijing.
“The State of Palestine and the Solomon Islands are now INTERPOL member countries,” a tweet by Interpol read.
At Interpol’s annual General Assembly in Beijing, the Palestinians’ membership bid was accepted with 75 counties voting yes, 24 voting no, and 34 abstaining.
Observers said the move represents a stinging diplomatic defeat for Israel. Israel fiercely objected to the Palestinians joining Interpol, arguing that they could hinder rather than aid Interpol’s efforts. The US administration, too, objected to Ramallah’s membership bid and helped Israel lobby against it.
Minutes after the vote, Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs, Riyad al-Malki, celebrated the move, saying the overwhelming vote in support of Palestine's membership is "a vote of confidence in Palestine's law enforcement capabilities and commitment to the core values of the organization. Palestine's admission to INTERPOL is a victory for law enforcement and global cooperation.”
According to al-Malki, the victory was made possible “because of the principled position of the majority of INTERPOL members. Palestine's membership is the outcome of members defending this organization's raison d'etre and advancing its core values, and a clear rejection of attempts at cynical manipulation and political bullying.”
“Today, facts and merits overcame all other considerations. That is a cause of our collective celebration. On behalf of the Palestinian people, I extend our thanks and sincere gratitude to all members who made this happen,” he added.
On this occasion, the Foreign Minister reiterated the commitment of the State of Palestine to upholding its obligations and contributing to fighting crime and furthering the rule of law. He said, “Palestine will work with all members to advance the standing and role of INTERPOL. We will be a constructive and cooperative partner in this global endeavor that affects the lives and future of all our citizens.”
Interpol, the world’s biggest international organization after the United Nations, enables member states to exchange intelligence and to work together to find ways to cope with international crime, from terrorism to human trafficking.
“The State of Palestine and the Solomon Islands are now INTERPOL member countries,” a tweet by Interpol read.
At Interpol’s annual General Assembly in Beijing, the Palestinians’ membership bid was accepted with 75 counties voting yes, 24 voting no, and 34 abstaining.
Observers said the move represents a stinging diplomatic defeat for Israel. Israel fiercely objected to the Palestinians joining Interpol, arguing that they could hinder rather than aid Interpol’s efforts. The US administration, too, objected to Ramallah’s membership bid and helped Israel lobby against it.
Minutes after the vote, Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs, Riyad al-Malki, celebrated the move, saying the overwhelming vote in support of Palestine's membership is "a vote of confidence in Palestine's law enforcement capabilities and commitment to the core values of the organization. Palestine's admission to INTERPOL is a victory for law enforcement and global cooperation.”
According to al-Malki, the victory was made possible “because of the principled position of the majority of INTERPOL members. Palestine's membership is the outcome of members defending this organization's raison d'etre and advancing its core values, and a clear rejection of attempts at cynical manipulation and political bullying.”
“Today, facts and merits overcame all other considerations. That is a cause of our collective celebration. On behalf of the Palestinian people, I extend our thanks and sincere gratitude to all members who made this happen,” he added.
On this occasion, the Foreign Minister reiterated the commitment of the State of Palestine to upholding its obligations and contributing to fighting crime and furthering the rule of law. He said, “Palestine will work with all members to advance the standing and role of INTERPOL. We will be a constructive and cooperative partner in this global endeavor that affects the lives and future of all our citizens.”
Interpol, the world’s biggest international organization after the United Nations, enables member states to exchange intelligence and to work together to find ways to cope with international crime, from terrorism to human trafficking.
24 sept 2017
Israel has launched diplomatic efforts to obstruct the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) renewed attempt to join the International Police Organization, Interpol.
An Israeli diplomatic campaign has been underway for weeks to convince member states to vote against a Palestinian request to join the Interpol during its upcoming meeting in Beijing.
According to the Jerusalem Post, a Palestinian bid to join the organization, which represents police forces from some 190 countries, failed last year at the annual meeting in Indonesia, along with bids by Kosovo and Solomon Islands.
At the time, all the three bids were considered on the same ballot, with 62 countries voting to suspend the bid until this year, 56 voting to deal with the issue and 37 abstaining.
Israel is adamantly opposed to Palestinian admission to all international organizations, arguing that a state of Palestine does not exist, but regarding the Interpol, it has fears that if the PA becomes a member, it will push for arrest warrants against Israeli officials and citizens, who committed violations and war crimes against Palestinians.
Israel also fears that the PA could have access to sensitive security information it shares with the organization.
An Israeli diplomatic campaign has been underway for weeks to convince member states to vote against a Palestinian request to join the Interpol during its upcoming meeting in Beijing.
According to the Jerusalem Post, a Palestinian bid to join the organization, which represents police forces from some 190 countries, failed last year at the annual meeting in Indonesia, along with bids by Kosovo and Solomon Islands.
At the time, all the three bids were considered on the same ballot, with 62 countries voting to suspend the bid until this year, 56 voting to deal with the issue and 37 abstaining.
Israel is adamantly opposed to Palestinian admission to all international organizations, arguing that a state of Palestine does not exist, but regarding the Interpol, it has fears that if the PA becomes a member, it will push for arrest warrants against Israeli officials and citizens, who committed violations and war crimes against Palestinians.
Israel also fears that the PA could have access to sensitive security information it shares with the organization.
The UK-based Arab Organization for Human Rights (AOHR) called on authorities in the blockaded Gaza Strip to immediately cease leveling an archaeological site in Tel al-Sakan.
In a Sunday statement, AOHR urged Gaza’s attorney general to launch a criminal probe into the destruction of an archaeological site in Gaza and to hold those responsible for the damage to account.
AOHR said archaeological sites are Palestinians’ weapon to preserve their identity in the midst of the unending Israeli efforts to grab their land and holy sites.
According to AOHR, the most dangerous of such archaeological theft crimes occurs in Occupied Jerusalem and in the vicinity of holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
The organization pointed the finger at Palestinian Authority officials, whom it said have been rummaging around for material gains at the expense of Palestinians’ archaeological legacy.
The targeted site, located in al-Zahraa city, in Gaza, covers an area of 100 dunums and dates back to the Bronze and Canaanite eras.
In a Sunday statement, AOHR urged Gaza’s attorney general to launch a criminal probe into the destruction of an archaeological site in Gaza and to hold those responsible for the damage to account.
AOHR said archaeological sites are Palestinians’ weapon to preserve their identity in the midst of the unending Israeli efforts to grab their land and holy sites.
According to AOHR, the most dangerous of such archaeological theft crimes occurs in Occupied Jerusalem and in the vicinity of holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
The organization pointed the finger at Palestinian Authority officials, whom it said have been rummaging around for material gains at the expense of Palestinians’ archaeological legacy.
The targeted site, located in al-Zahraa city, in Gaza, covers an area of 100 dunums and dates back to the Bronze and Canaanite eras.
21 sept 2017
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Abdussattar Qasem, professor of political science, said that Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas’s speech at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), on Wednesday evening, reiterated the same old mistakes and did not come up with new information.
His speech would not impact the international community, he opined. In an interview with the PIC, Qasem said that the speech was mere begging that diminishes the importance of the Palestinian people and unveils Abbas’s weakness. Abbas did not mention the right to resistance in contrary to the International Law which admits the right to resistance of any people languishing under occupation, Qasem elaborated. |
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The Palestinian ministry of foreign affairs has strongly criticized the speech Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu delivered recently at the UN General Assembly, describing it as “misleading and full of nonsense talk.”
In a press release, the ministry said that Netanyahu’s address reflected malicious and latent intents towards the peace process and would not help create a positive atmosphere for launching talks between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly during its 72nd session that was held on Tuesday in New York City. |
The peace talks between the Palestinian Authority and Israel came to a halt in 2014 after Netanyahu refused to stop settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories and accept the establishment of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders.
