3 june 2014
Secretary-General of the Arab League, Nabil El-Araby, called Tuesday on the international community to support the new Palestinian unity government. In a press statement, Araby congratulated the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister, Rami al-Hamdallah, on the announcement of the government.
He hoped the government to be able to continue the steps required to maintain the Palestinian national reconciliation.
The international community should help the government re-build the Palestinian institutions, remove the effects of the Palestinian division, and unify the Palestinian political he stated.
Araby condemned the Israeli government’s position on the consensus government, which, he said, undermines peace efforts, and prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with [occupied] East Jerusalem as its capital.
He hoped the government to be able to continue the steps required to maintain the Palestinian national reconciliation.
The international community should help the government re-build the Palestinian institutions, remove the effects of the Palestinian division, and unify the Palestinian political he stated.
Araby condemned the Israeli government’s position on the consensus government, which, he said, undermines peace efforts, and prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with [occupied] East Jerusalem as its capital.
Minister of Labour in the Palestinian consensus governmentMa’mon Abu Shahla
Minister of Labour Ma’mon Abu Shahla estimated the cost of the reconstruction of the war-torn coastal enclave at $20 billion. Abu Shahla's statement to Al Ray followed the first's consensus government’s first meeting, held Monday in Ramallah. The four Gaza ministers attended the meeting via video conferencing.
Israel’s ‘Cast Lead’ and ‘Pillar of Defense’ onslaughts on the besieged Gaza Strip, carried out in 2008-2009 and 2012, respectively, left surmountable damage to thousands of homes, offices and government buildings.
International donors failed to meet their aid pledges for the reconstruction of Gaza. In March 2009, 70 countries under the International Conference in support of the Palestinian economy for the reconstruction of Gaza pledged unmet five billion dollars for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Abu Shahla said that the Rafah crossing should be opened to commercial traffic and people, stressing the need to attract foreign investment on a scale commensurate to the aftermath [2008-2009 and 2012] wars on Gaza.
He added that his ministry will work hard to employ the graduates through starting a new business cycle, where they will be placed in the right positions.
The new Palestinian government has held its first meeting on Tuesday morning in the central West Bank city of Ramallah. Four ministers from Gaza attended the government meeting via video-conference after ‘Israel’ denied them access to the West Bank.
On April 23, Hamas and Fatah signed a unity pact agreement to end a seven-year-long division.
Around three weeks later on June 2, 2014, Palestinian President has sworn in a consensus government, headed by Rami Al-Hamdallah, the PM previous Ramallah government, with 13 ministers from the West Bank, and four from the Gaza Strip.
Minister of Labour Ma’mon Abu Shahla estimated the cost of the reconstruction of the war-torn coastal enclave at $20 billion. Abu Shahla's statement to Al Ray followed the first's consensus government’s first meeting, held Monday in Ramallah. The four Gaza ministers attended the meeting via video conferencing.
Israel’s ‘Cast Lead’ and ‘Pillar of Defense’ onslaughts on the besieged Gaza Strip, carried out in 2008-2009 and 2012, respectively, left surmountable damage to thousands of homes, offices and government buildings.
International donors failed to meet their aid pledges for the reconstruction of Gaza. In March 2009, 70 countries under the International Conference in support of the Palestinian economy for the reconstruction of Gaza pledged unmet five billion dollars for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Abu Shahla said that the Rafah crossing should be opened to commercial traffic and people, stressing the need to attract foreign investment on a scale commensurate to the aftermath [2008-2009 and 2012] wars on Gaza.
He added that his ministry will work hard to employ the graduates through starting a new business cycle, where they will be placed in the right positions.
The new Palestinian government has held its first meeting on Tuesday morning in the central West Bank city of Ramallah. Four ministers from Gaza attended the government meeting via video-conference after ‘Israel’ denied them access to the West Bank.
On April 23, Hamas and Fatah signed a unity pact agreement to end a seven-year-long division.
Around three weeks later on June 2, 2014, Palestinian President has sworn in a consensus government, headed by Rami Al-Hamdallah, the PM previous Ramallah government, with 13 ministers from the West Bank, and four from the Gaza Strip.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday welcomed the formation of a government of national consensus in Palestine. "The secretary-general welcomes, on the basis of assurances provided both publicly and to the United Nations, the announcement on June 2 by President Mahmoud Abbas of the formation of a government of national consensus headed by Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.
"The United Nations has long underscored the need for progress towards Palestinian unity in line with existing resolutions, within the framework of the Palestinian Authority and the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization," the statement said.
The long-awaited Palestinian unity government was sworn in before President Abbas on Monday after a landmark reconciliation deal with the Islamist group Hamas that has infuriated Israel.
Following a ceremony at the Muqata presidential compound in Ramallah, West Bank, Abbas hailed "the end" of a bitter and sometimes bloody divide between his Fatah movement and the rival Hamas, which rules Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hamas also applauded the new government as representing "all Palestinians," saying it was a "turning point" in its formerly bitter relations with Fatah.
"The United Nations stands ready to lend its full support to the newly formed government in its effort to reunite the West Bank and Gaza, in line with the intra-Palestinian unity agreement of April 23, under one legitimate Palestinian authority, including by addressing the serious political, security, humanitarian and economic challenges in Gaza, and holding long overdue elections," it said.
Under the deal, the Fatah-led Palestine Liberation Organization agreed to work with Hamas to establish an interim government of independents that would organize long-delayed elections.
The surprise agreement sought to end years of rivalry that had seen the establishment of rival Palestinian administrations, with the West Bank ruled by the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority, and Gaza under Hamas authority.
UN Special Coordinator Robert Serry discussed those issues with Prime Minister Hamdallah in their meeting on Tuesday, the statement said.
"The secretary-general counts on a constructive approach by regional stakeholders, and hopes the international community will not relent in its support to the development of Palestinian economy and Israeli-Palestinian peace," said the statement.
Source: ShanghaiDaily.com
"The United Nations has long underscored the need for progress towards Palestinian unity in line with existing resolutions, within the framework of the Palestinian Authority and the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization," the statement said.
The long-awaited Palestinian unity government was sworn in before President Abbas on Monday after a landmark reconciliation deal with the Islamist group Hamas that has infuriated Israel.
Following a ceremony at the Muqata presidential compound in Ramallah, West Bank, Abbas hailed "the end" of a bitter and sometimes bloody divide between his Fatah movement and the rival Hamas, which rules Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hamas also applauded the new government as representing "all Palestinians," saying it was a "turning point" in its formerly bitter relations with Fatah.
"The United Nations stands ready to lend its full support to the newly formed government in its effort to reunite the West Bank and Gaza, in line with the intra-Palestinian unity agreement of April 23, under one legitimate Palestinian authority, including by addressing the serious political, security, humanitarian and economic challenges in Gaza, and holding long overdue elections," it said.
Under the deal, the Fatah-led Palestine Liberation Organization agreed to work with Hamas to establish an interim government of independents that would organize long-delayed elections.
The surprise agreement sought to end years of rivalry that had seen the establishment of rival Palestinian administrations, with the West Bank ruled by the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority, and Gaza under Hamas authority.
UN Special Coordinator Robert Serry discussed those issues with Prime Minister Hamdallah in their meeting on Tuesday, the statement said.
"The secretary-general counts on a constructive approach by regional stakeholders, and hopes the international community will not relent in its support to the development of Palestinian economy and Israeli-Palestinian peace," said the statement.
Source: ShanghaiDaily.com
Several Israeli ministers on Tuesday lashed out at Washington over its decision to work with the new Palestinian unity government which is backed by the Islamist movement Hamas.
"Unfortunately, American naiveté has broken all records. Any collaboration with Hamas which kills women and children is unacceptable," said Communications Minister Gilad Erdan, a security cabinet member considered close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel on Monday admitted it was "deeply disappointed" after Washington threw its support behind the new Palestinian government, saying it would judge the new lineup "by its actions."
"This American capitulation can only damage chances of resuming (peace) negotiations," Erdan said in remarks communicated by his bureau late on Monday.
US-led peace talks collapsed in late April after the Palestinian officials announced a surprise unity deal between leaders in the West Bank and the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, with Israel saying it would not negotiate with any government backed by Hamas.
Under terms of the agreement, Hamas and Fatah, which dominates the West Bank administration, worked together to formulate an interim government of independents which will prepare for elections within the next six months.
The government was sworn in on Monday in front of President Mahmoud Abbas, with Washington publicly offering its backing several hours later.
"At this point, it appears that president Abbas has formed an interim technocratic government that does not include ministers affiliated with Hamas," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.
"With what we know now, we will work with this government," she added.
To add to the embarrassment, Netanyahu told the security cabinet on Sunday that Kerry had promised Israel that Washington would not immediately recognize the new government, Haaretz reported, quoting two ministers present at the meeting.
"I have to say I do not understand this American announcement," said Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz, accusing Washington of saying one thing behind closed doors and another in public.
"You cannot present it as a Hamas government internally, then present it publicly as a government of technocrats," he told army radio.
"If these (ministers) are people who identify with Hamas, Hamas identifies with them and appointed them, then they are representatives of Hamas. This is a Hamas government, and Hamas is a terror organization," he said.
Responding to the US announcement late on Monday, an Israeli government source said Washington's actions were playing into the hands of Abbas.
"If the US administration wants to advance peace, it should be calling on Abbas to end his pact with Hamas and return to peace talks with Israel," he told AFP.
"Instead, it is enabling Abbas to believe that it is acceptable to form a government with a terrorist organization."
Peace talks collapsed in April after Israel refused to release a final group of veteran Palestinian prisoners.
During the course of negotiations, the Israeli government announced plans for thousands of illegal settler homes, killed over 60 Palestinians, and demolished a total of 508 Palestinian structures, 312 of which were homes.
"Unfortunately, American naiveté has broken all records. Any collaboration with Hamas which kills women and children is unacceptable," said Communications Minister Gilad Erdan, a security cabinet member considered close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel on Monday admitted it was "deeply disappointed" after Washington threw its support behind the new Palestinian government, saying it would judge the new lineup "by its actions."
"This American capitulation can only damage chances of resuming (peace) negotiations," Erdan said in remarks communicated by his bureau late on Monday.
US-led peace talks collapsed in late April after the Palestinian officials announced a surprise unity deal between leaders in the West Bank and the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, with Israel saying it would not negotiate with any government backed by Hamas.
Under terms of the agreement, Hamas and Fatah, which dominates the West Bank administration, worked together to formulate an interim government of independents which will prepare for elections within the next six months.
The government was sworn in on Monday in front of President Mahmoud Abbas, with Washington publicly offering its backing several hours later.
"At this point, it appears that president Abbas has formed an interim technocratic government that does not include ministers affiliated with Hamas," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.
"With what we know now, we will work with this government," she added.
To add to the embarrassment, Netanyahu told the security cabinet on Sunday that Kerry had promised Israel that Washington would not immediately recognize the new government, Haaretz reported, quoting two ministers present at the meeting.
"I have to say I do not understand this American announcement," said Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz, accusing Washington of saying one thing behind closed doors and another in public.
"You cannot present it as a Hamas government internally, then present it publicly as a government of technocrats," he told army radio.
"If these (ministers) are people who identify with Hamas, Hamas identifies with them and appointed them, then they are representatives of Hamas. This is a Hamas government, and Hamas is a terror organization," he said.
Responding to the US announcement late on Monday, an Israeli government source said Washington's actions were playing into the hands of Abbas.
"If the US administration wants to advance peace, it should be calling on Abbas to end his pact with Hamas and return to peace talks with Israel," he told AFP.
"Instead, it is enabling Abbas to believe that it is acceptable to form a government with a terrorist organization."
Peace talks collapsed in April after Israel refused to release a final group of veteran Palestinian prisoners.
During the course of negotiations, the Israeli government announced plans for thousands of illegal settler homes, killed over 60 Palestinians, and demolished a total of 508 Palestinian structures, 312 of which were homes.
The new Palestinian government’s Gaza ministers may be forced to be sworn in through a video conference if Israel insists on refusing to allow them to travel the West Bank.
Minister of Women's Affairs Haifa al-Agha said that the Gaza ministers are yet to start in their position because they haven’t been sworn in in front of President Mahmoud Abbas.
They still await Israel’s approval to allow them into Ramallah, and if they do not receive it they will be sworn in via a video conference, she said.
Al-Agha, Minister of Public Works Mufeed al-Hasayneh, Minister of Economy Mamoun Abu Shahla, and Minister of Justice Salim al-Saqqa are the four ministers from Gaza.
They all met Tuesday for the first time, and they joined in a video conference call with the cabinet in Ramallah.
Minister of Women's Affairs Haifa al-Agha said that the Gaza ministers are yet to start in their position because they haven’t been sworn in in front of President Mahmoud Abbas.
They still await Israel’s approval to allow them into Ramallah, and if they do not receive it they will be sworn in via a video conference, she said.
Al-Agha, Minister of Public Works Mufeed al-Hasayneh, Minister of Economy Mamoun Abu Shahla, and Minister of Justice Salim al-Saqqa are the four ministers from Gaza.
They all met Tuesday for the first time, and they joined in a video conference call with the cabinet in Ramallah.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had failed to isolate the national unity government internationally.
The ministry said in a statement that Netanyahu faced the "first round" of the battle with the Palestinian leadership which the unity government won.
"Netanyahu employed the division to weaken the political stand of Palestine, and he used it to hide his negative attitudes toward the rights of the Palestinian people.
"He went through the battle of international acknowledgement of the unity government and stood against reconciliation because it achieves unity of the occupied Palestinian lands since 1967."
Earlier, the European Union and United Nations offered public backing for the Palestinian unity government sworn in a day earlier in Ramallah.
Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, said during a meeting with premier Rami Hamdallah that the UN backs the unity government and hopes it will meet the needs of Palestinians in the West Bank Gaza and East Jerusalem.
Hamdallah assured Serry that the government would commit to all previous agreements signed by the PLO.
The office of the EU High Representative said in a statement that the government was an "important step in the process of Palestinian reconciliation."
"We welcome the appointment of a government of independent personalities and the declaration by President Abbas that this new government is committed to the principle of the two state solution based on the 1967 borders, to the recognition of Israel's legitimate right to exist, to non-violence and to the respect of previous agreements."
The EU's engagement with the new government will be dependent on whether it adheres to these principles, the statement added.
British Foreign Minister William Hague also welcomed the unity government, saying that "reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under a government committed to peace is a necessary condition for resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict."
Ahead of those announcements, the United States publicly offered its backing for the government.
"At this point, it appears that president Abbas has formed an interim technocratic government that does not include ministers affiliated with Hamas," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.
Israel on Monday admitted it was "deeply disappointed" after Washington threw its support behind the new Palestinian government.
To add to the embarrassment, Netanyahu told the security cabinet on Sunday that Kerry had promised Israel that Washington would not immediately recognize the new government, Haaretz reported, quoting two ministers present at the meeting.
Peace talks collapsed in April after Israel refused to release a final group of veteran Palestinian prisoners.
During the course of negotiations, the Israeli government announced plans for thousands of illegal settler homes, killed over 60 Palestinians, and demolished a total of 508 Palestinian structures, 312 of which were homes.
The ministry said in a statement that Netanyahu faced the "first round" of the battle with the Palestinian leadership which the unity government won.
"Netanyahu employed the division to weaken the political stand of Palestine, and he used it to hide his negative attitudes toward the rights of the Palestinian people.
"He went through the battle of international acknowledgement of the unity government and stood against reconciliation because it achieves unity of the occupied Palestinian lands since 1967."
Earlier, the European Union and United Nations offered public backing for the Palestinian unity government sworn in a day earlier in Ramallah.
Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, said during a meeting with premier Rami Hamdallah that the UN backs the unity government and hopes it will meet the needs of Palestinians in the West Bank Gaza and East Jerusalem.
Hamdallah assured Serry that the government would commit to all previous agreements signed by the PLO.
The office of the EU High Representative said in a statement that the government was an "important step in the process of Palestinian reconciliation."
"We welcome the appointment of a government of independent personalities and the declaration by President Abbas that this new government is committed to the principle of the two state solution based on the 1967 borders, to the recognition of Israel's legitimate right to exist, to non-violence and to the respect of previous agreements."
The EU's engagement with the new government will be dependent on whether it adheres to these principles, the statement added.
British Foreign Minister William Hague also welcomed the unity government, saying that "reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under a government committed to peace is a necessary condition for resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict."
Ahead of those announcements, the United States publicly offered its backing for the government.
"At this point, it appears that president Abbas has formed an interim technocratic government that does not include ministers affiliated with Hamas," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.
Israel on Monday admitted it was "deeply disappointed" after Washington threw its support behind the new Palestinian government.
To add to the embarrassment, Netanyahu told the security cabinet on Sunday that Kerry had promised Israel that Washington would not immediately recognize the new government, Haaretz reported, quoting two ministers present at the meeting.
Peace talks collapsed in April after Israel refused to release a final group of veteran Palestinian prisoners.
During the course of negotiations, the Israeli government announced plans for thousands of illegal settler homes, killed over 60 Palestinians, and demolished a total of 508 Palestinian structures, 312 of which were homes.
Israel officially notified the Palestinian Authority Monday that it put into effect sanctions against the Palestinians in response to the swearing in of a unity government including Hamas, a PLO official said.
Hanna Amirah, a member of the PLO Executive Committee, told Ma’an on Tuesday that sanctions included the invalidation of VIP cards of PA officials, reduction of tax revenues which Israel collects and delivers to the PA and prevention of visits between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Israel, he highlighted, denied three officials from the Gaza Strip entry to the West Bank Monday where they were supposed to be sworn in as ministers in the Palestinian unity government.
The Palestinian political echelon didn’t take interest in the Israeli decision to boycott the government which President Mahmoud Abbas considered a turning point marking the end of inter-Palestinian split.
However, Abbas warned that any Israeli procedures against the government would be met with Palestinian response through peaceful, legal and diplomatic channels.
Asked by Ma’an about security coordination between Israel and the PA, Amirah said that “in most meetings of the Executive Committee there were calls to stop security coordination, but President Abbas preferred to deal with issue leisurely.”
Hanna Amirah, a member of the PLO Executive Committee, told Ma’an on Tuesday that sanctions included the invalidation of VIP cards of PA officials, reduction of tax revenues which Israel collects and delivers to the PA and prevention of visits between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Israel, he highlighted, denied three officials from the Gaza Strip entry to the West Bank Monday where they were supposed to be sworn in as ministers in the Palestinian unity government.
The Palestinian political echelon didn’t take interest in the Israeli decision to boycott the government which President Mahmoud Abbas considered a turning point marking the end of inter-Palestinian split.
However, Abbas warned that any Israeli procedures against the government would be met with Palestinian response through peaceful, legal and diplomatic channels.
Asked by Ma’an about security coordination between Israel and the PA, Amirah said that “in most meetings of the Executive Committee there were calls to stop security coordination, but President Abbas preferred to deal with issue leisurely.”
Catherine Ashton the EU High Representative welcomedin astatement the announcement of the formation of a Palestinian unity Government:"We take note of the news of the establishment of a Palestinian national consensus government headed by Prime Minister Hamdallah This is an important step in the process of Palestinian reconciliation.She said :"We welcome the appointment of a government of independent personalities and the declaration by President Abbas that this new government is committed to the principle of the two state solution based on the 1967 borders, to the recognition of Israel's legitimate right to exist, to non-violence and to the respect of previous agreements".
The EU's engagement with the new Palestinian government will be based on its adherence to these policies and commitments.
The process of Palestinian reconciliation faces many challenges but it also creates new opportunities for the peace process, for democratic renewal and for the Palestinian people in both Gaza and the West Bank.
The EU's engagement with the new Palestinian government will be based on its adherence to these policies and commitments.
The process of Palestinian reconciliation faces many challenges but it also creates new opportunities for the peace process, for democratic renewal and for the Palestinian people in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Prime Minister Dr. Rami Hamdallah received a telephone call from Mr. William Hague, the UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in which he greeted Dr. Hamdallah on the occasion of forming the Palestinian national consensus government, and reaffirmed the UK's support to the new government.
The Prime Minister thanked Mr. Hague, and congratulated the UK government and People on the occasion of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Dr. Hamdallah expressed the government's high regard for UK support and emphasized the importance of International support to the new government both politically and financially, in order to enable the government to sustain its duties to the Palestinian people.
The Prime Minister thanked Mr. Hague, and congratulated the UK government and People on the occasion of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Dr. Hamdallah expressed the government's high regard for UK support and emphasized the importance of International support to the new government both politically and financially, in order to enable the government to sustain its duties to the Palestinian people.
33% of Palestinian households had been subject to food insecurity over the course of 2013, a statement issued by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics and the UN World Food Program revealed on Monday. The percentage in the Gaza Strip has been thrice as much as that recorded in the West Bank, the report documented.
The survey further reported a rise in the percentage of food insecurity from 27% in 2012 to 33% in 2013 due to the swift upsurge in unemployment rates, the instability of the socio-political scene, and the rise in food prices and the standards of living.
The unemployment percentage in Palestine has gone up to 29.3% in 2013 due to the Israeli constraints imposed on movement, besides the escalating breakdowns rocking the Palestinian economy.
“Despite the sufficient amounts of food items in Palestinian markets, the prices are unbelievably high, generating a remarkable shortage in basic nutrients and leading to malnourishment among Palestinian families,” the statement further reported.
Economy experts held the Paris Convention, which charged Palestinian goods a tax rate of 16% to be shelled out to the Israeli occupation authorities, responsible for such setbacks. The Palestinian economy has been made quite impingent on the Israelis. Whenever Netanyahu’s government rules for lifting the tax-rate, Palestinians’ would automatically have to opt for the same.
The low monthly incomes among Palestinians have made the situation even worse. Though the minimum wage has been set down to 1450 shekels (around 410 US. dollars), more than 110 thousand workers and employees in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have not benefitted from that law, the Statistics Bureau further asserted.
The survey further reported a rise in the percentage of food insecurity from 27% in 2012 to 33% in 2013 due to the swift upsurge in unemployment rates, the instability of the socio-political scene, and the rise in food prices and the standards of living.
The unemployment percentage in Palestine has gone up to 29.3% in 2013 due to the Israeli constraints imposed on movement, besides the escalating breakdowns rocking the Palestinian economy.
“Despite the sufficient amounts of food items in Palestinian markets, the prices are unbelievably high, generating a remarkable shortage in basic nutrients and leading to malnourishment among Palestinian families,” the statement further reported.
Economy experts held the Paris Convention, which charged Palestinian goods a tax rate of 16% to be shelled out to the Israeli occupation authorities, responsible for such setbacks. The Palestinian economy has been made quite impingent on the Israelis. Whenever Netanyahu’s government rules for lifting the tax-rate, Palestinians’ would automatically have to opt for the same.
The low monthly incomes among Palestinians have made the situation even worse. Though the minimum wage has been set down to 1450 shekels (around 410 US. dollars), more than 110 thousand workers and employees in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have not benefitted from that law, the Statistics Bureau further asserted.
Palestinian premier Rami Al-Hamdallah said that reconstructing Gaza and ending its blockade are top priorities for the Palestinian interim unity government. Hamdallah categorically denied, in a news conference held following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, media reports claiming that he decided to dissolve the ministry of prisoners.
He asserted that the prisoners' affairs portfolio would not be removed from the government.
The premier also held the Israeli occupation regime fully responsible for the lives of the hunger striking prisoners in its jails.
The national unity government on Tuesday convened its first cabinet meeting chaired by Rami Al-Hamdallah in both Ramallah and Gaza.
Informed sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the four ministers in Gaza participated in the cabinet meeting using a video conferencing system after the Israeli occupation authority refused to allow them to leave for Ramallah.
In a related context, member of Hamas's political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk said that the success of the unity government is a national task par excellence and described the Israeli objection to it as an expected reaction.
He stated on his facebook page that his Movement would start immediately to follow up the other files of the reconciliation agreement.
He asserted that the prisoners' affairs portfolio would not be removed from the government.
The premier also held the Israeli occupation regime fully responsible for the lives of the hunger striking prisoners in its jails.
The national unity government on Tuesday convened its first cabinet meeting chaired by Rami Al-Hamdallah in both Ramallah and Gaza.
Informed sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the four ministers in Gaza participated in the cabinet meeting using a video conferencing system after the Israeli occupation authority refused to allow them to leave for Ramallah.
In a related context, member of Hamas's political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk said that the success of the unity government is a national task par excellence and described the Israeli objection to it as an expected reaction.
He stated on his facebook page that his Movement would start immediately to follow up the other files of the reconciliation agreement.
PA Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah has confirmed that the Ministry of Prisoner Affairs will be replaced by a committee which will be headed by Shawqi al-Ayasa, also minister of agriculture and social affairs.
This particular point of debate has been a major holdup in the announcing of a new Palestinian government.
According to Ma'an, Hamas officials have called it a "stab in the back" for Palestinian prisoners and hunger strikers.
The Electronic Intifada's Abdel Bari Atwan reports that four Gaza ministers, all of them independents, were not permitted to travel to Ramallah for the swearing-in ceremony, except for Ziad Abu Amra, the minister of culture who was already in Ramallah.
Furthermore, the process of selecting a cabinet has officiated the relinquishing of three major ministerial portfolios -- the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and, finally, the Ministry of Prisoner Affairs, which Abbas abolished under Israeli and American pressure.
Palestinian officials said, this week, that the US could withdraw financial support for the Palestinian Authority if the ministry was not dissolved.
So far, three Palestinian associations have called on Abbas to cancel his decision to abolish the ministry.
Al Ray reports that a number of Palestinian figures, ex-prisoners and children participated in a march organized by Palestinian Prisoners Committee, Prisoners’ Union and Waed Association for Prisoners Ex-prisoners at al-Saraya crossroad, in central Gaza city, this past Sunday evening, where demonstrators raised banners demanding the Palestinian President to reverse his decision.
Head of Waed Association Tawfiq abu Naim said, “The Palestinian prisoners inside the Israeli prisons will not remain silent,” adding that the suffering of the prisoners has now increased by the decision.
Dozens of the administrative detainees continue their indefinite hunger strike for 39 days in a row, now, according to Al Ray, in demand of an end to Israel's administrative detention policy, in which Palestinians are held indefinitely under severe conditions without charge or trial.
The Israeli prison administration recently distributed leaflets to Palestinian prisoners held in their jails, in an official renege on a previous agreement reached in 2012, under Egyptian auspices.
Under that agreement, 2,000 Palestinian prisoners ended their hunger strike with a promise by Israel to end the policy itself but, as of March 1, 183 Palestinians were still being held under administrative detention.
The current strike was launched April 24, by 80 detainees, and many have since joined.
This particular point of debate has been a major holdup in the announcing of a new Palestinian government.
According to Ma'an, Hamas officials have called it a "stab in the back" for Palestinian prisoners and hunger strikers.
The Electronic Intifada's Abdel Bari Atwan reports that four Gaza ministers, all of them independents, were not permitted to travel to Ramallah for the swearing-in ceremony, except for Ziad Abu Amra, the minister of culture who was already in Ramallah.
Furthermore, the process of selecting a cabinet has officiated the relinquishing of three major ministerial portfolios -- the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and, finally, the Ministry of Prisoner Affairs, which Abbas abolished under Israeli and American pressure.
Palestinian officials said, this week, that the US could withdraw financial support for the Palestinian Authority if the ministry was not dissolved.
So far, three Palestinian associations have called on Abbas to cancel his decision to abolish the ministry.
Al Ray reports that a number of Palestinian figures, ex-prisoners and children participated in a march organized by Palestinian Prisoners Committee, Prisoners’ Union and Waed Association for Prisoners Ex-prisoners at al-Saraya crossroad, in central Gaza city, this past Sunday evening, where demonstrators raised banners demanding the Palestinian President to reverse his decision.
Head of Waed Association Tawfiq abu Naim said, “The Palestinian prisoners inside the Israeli prisons will not remain silent,” adding that the suffering of the prisoners has now increased by the decision.
Dozens of the administrative detainees continue their indefinite hunger strike for 39 days in a row, now, according to Al Ray, in demand of an end to Israel's administrative detention policy, in which Palestinians are held indefinitely under severe conditions without charge or trial.
The Israeli prison administration recently distributed leaflets to Palestinian prisoners held in their jails, in an official renege on a previous agreement reached in 2012, under Egyptian auspices.
Under that agreement, 2,000 Palestinian prisoners ended their hunger strike with a promise by Israel to end the policy itself but, as of March 1, 183 Palestinians were still being held under administrative detention.
The current strike was launched April 24, by 80 detainees, and many have since joined.
Washington determined to help the Palestinian new-formed government which ended up 7 years of rivalry between Fatah and Hamas parties, US department of state declared . A few hours after the new government swore-in, the US State Department Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the states will pursuit help to the Palestinian Authority.
At the same statement, however, she warned that Washington "will point-blank observe" to guarantee that the new government respects the nonviolence principle, assuring that the US will assess the policies and performance of the new government then determine their situation toward it.
On the Israeli side, the security cabinet meeting decided to authorize prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, “imposing extra sanctions on the Palestinian Authority”
Following a meeting to discuss the formation of a new Palestinian government, Netanyahu said, " agreement with Hamas directly makes President Abbas responsible of any terror action from Gaza "
Egypt welcomed the new Palestinian consensus government, considering it an essential step to regain the Palestinian unity and Palestinian legitimate rights.
Under terms of a deal signed on April 23, the main Palestinian rivals, Fatah and Hamas, agreed to establish a unity cabinet of 17 independent ministers that would organize long-delayed elections.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a unity government on Monday after overcoming a last-minute dispute with the Hamas.
Ministers in the new administration took the oath of office in a televised ceremony in Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Three ministers from the Gaza Strip were denied entry to the West Bank via Israel.
At the same statement, however, she warned that Washington "will point-blank observe" to guarantee that the new government respects the nonviolence principle, assuring that the US will assess the policies and performance of the new government then determine their situation toward it.
On the Israeli side, the security cabinet meeting decided to authorize prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, “imposing extra sanctions on the Palestinian Authority”
Following a meeting to discuss the formation of a new Palestinian government, Netanyahu said, " agreement with Hamas directly makes President Abbas responsible of any terror action from Gaza "
Egypt welcomed the new Palestinian consensus government, considering it an essential step to regain the Palestinian unity and Palestinian legitimate rights.
Under terms of a deal signed on April 23, the main Palestinian rivals, Fatah and Hamas, agreed to establish a unity cabinet of 17 independent ministers that would organize long-delayed elections.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a unity government on Monday after overcoming a last-minute dispute with the Hamas.
Ministers in the new administration took the oath of office in a televised ceremony in Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Three ministers from the Gaza Strip were denied entry to the West Bank via Israel.
PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh
PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh said yesterday that the American decision to work with the reconciliation government was an important decision and was a message to the Israeli government and the international community.
The speaker, Abu Rudeineh, emphasized that Israel must realize that the world is changing and should cease its current actions in order to create a suitable atmosphere to preserve what was left of the peace process.
Under terms of a deal signed on April 23, the main Palestinian rivals, Fatah and Hamas, agreed to establish a unity cabinet of 17 independent ministers that would organize long-delayed elections. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a unity government on Monday after overcoming a last-minute dispute with the Hamas. Ministers in the new administration took the oath of office in a televised ceremony in Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Three ministers from the Gaza Strip were denied entry to the West Bank via Israel.
PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh said yesterday that the American decision to work with the reconciliation government was an important decision and was a message to the Israeli government and the international community.
The speaker, Abu Rudeineh, emphasized that Israel must realize that the world is changing and should cease its current actions in order to create a suitable atmosphere to preserve what was left of the peace process.
Under terms of a deal signed on April 23, the main Palestinian rivals, Fatah and Hamas, agreed to establish a unity cabinet of 17 independent ministers that would organize long-delayed elections. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a unity government on Monday after overcoming a last-minute dispute with the Hamas. Ministers in the new administration took the oath of office in a televised ceremony in Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Three ministers from the Gaza Strip were denied entry to the West Bank via Israel.
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The new Palestinian government has held its first meeting on Tuesday morning . Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah, said during the meeting that the Ministry of Prisoners is still existed and run by Minister Al Aiysa.
The new government will work hard to life the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip and reconstruct it, PM Hamdallah added After being denied entry to the West Bank by the Israeli occupation, Palestinian ministers from Gaza attended the governmental meeting today via video-conference. |
Under terms of a deal signed on April 23, the main Palestinian rivals, Fatah and Hamas, agreed to establish a unity cabinet of 17 independent ministers that would organize long-delayed elections.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a unity government on last Monday after overcoming a last-minute dispute with the Hamas.
Ministers in the new administration took the oath of office in a televised ceremony in Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Three ministers from the Gaza Strip were denied entry to the West Bank via Israel.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a unity government on last Monday after overcoming a last-minute dispute with the Hamas.
Ministers in the new administration took the oath of office in a televised ceremony in Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Three ministers from the Gaza Strip were denied entry to the West Bank via Israel.
Hamas politburo chief, Khaled Meshaal
Hamas politburo chief, Khaled Meshaal is to visit Moscow during June 2014, spokesperson of Hamas Hossam Badran said on Monday. Badran said that Russian officials invited Meshaal to visit Russia to discuss the relations between Hamas and Russia.
The visit would discuss the developments of the Palestinian cause and Israeli occupation measures against the Palestinian people, Badran added.
Badran did not mention the names of the Russian officials that Meshaal would meet.
Senior leaders of Hamas conducted last May a meeting in Qatar with the Russian deputy minister of foreign affairs, Mikhail Bogdanov, Badran pointed out.
Hamas politburo chief, Khaled Meshaal is to visit Moscow during June 2014, spokesperson of Hamas Hossam Badran said on Monday. Badran said that Russian officials invited Meshaal to visit Russia to discuss the relations between Hamas and Russia.
The visit would discuss the developments of the Palestinian cause and Israeli occupation measures against the Palestinian people, Badran added.
Badran did not mention the names of the Russian officials that Meshaal would meet.
Senior leaders of Hamas conducted last May a meeting in Qatar with the Russian deputy minister of foreign affairs, Mikhail Bogdanov, Badran pointed out.
Turkey congratulated the new unified government line-up of "brother" Palestine on Monday. "The unity of the Palestinian people is essential for permanent peace in the region. Therefore, we call on the international community to support the new government in Palestine," said a statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
Outgoing Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has welcomed the announcement of a new Palestinian government, pledging Monday to cooperate with the new government.
"Today we turn over the reins of government with the Palestinian resistance in good shape," Haniyeh said in a televised address from the Gaza Strip.
A short time earlier, a new cabinet was sworn in by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. The move came following the recent reconciliation agreement between Abbas' Fatah movement and rival Palestinian faction Hamas.
Outgoing Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has welcomed the announcement of a new Palestinian government, pledging Monday to cooperate with the new government.
"Today we turn over the reins of government with the Palestinian resistance in good shape," Haniyeh said in a televised address from the Gaza Strip.
A short time earlier, a new cabinet was sworn in by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. The move came following the recent reconciliation agreement between Abbas' Fatah movement and rival Palestinian faction Hamas.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that no one could stop the progress of the national reconciliation and the new unity government will work effortlessly to end the suffering of the people in the Gaza Strip and improve their standard of living. During the swearing-in ceremony of the new Palestinian unity government in Ramallah on Monday, The President said that he will be in Gaza “the land of heroes” soon indicating that the new government has a lot to do to cement the unity of Palestinian institutions.
“Any punitive measures and threats by Israel against the national reconciliation will make us even stronger in keeping our accomplishments. We will have a suitable response for such measures.” Abbas added.
Under terms of a deal signed on April 23, the main Palestinian rivals, Fatah and Hamas, agreed to establish a unity cabinet of 17 independent ministers that would organize long-delayed elections.
Abbas stated that the new government will be transitional and its mission is to prepare for the presidential and public elections. He appreciated all countries that contributed and supported achieving the national reconciliation.
President Abbas dedicated this achievement to the souls of the Palestinian martyrs and the hero prisoners who are on continuous hunger strikes.
He insisted that the prisoners’ issue will be prioritized and promoted through the media, diplomatic and legal campaigns in all over the world and through protecting their families and rights.
“Any punitive measures and threats by Israel against the national reconciliation will make us even stronger in keeping our accomplishments. We will have a suitable response for such measures.” Abbas added.
Under terms of a deal signed on April 23, the main Palestinian rivals, Fatah and Hamas, agreed to establish a unity cabinet of 17 independent ministers that would organize long-delayed elections.
Abbas stated that the new government will be transitional and its mission is to prepare for the presidential and public elections. He appreciated all countries that contributed and supported achieving the national reconciliation.
President Abbas dedicated this achievement to the souls of the Palestinian martyrs and the hero prisoners who are on continuous hunger strikes.
He insisted that the prisoners’ issue will be prioritized and promoted through the media, diplomatic and legal campaigns in all over the world and through protecting their families and rights.
