24 dec 2016
A major American department store chain has been selling products imported from Bethlehem as products of Israel, despite Bethlehem being located in the occupied Palestinian territory, according to a report from a public radio station in Texas, US.
KETR reported last week that Bethlehem mayor Vera Baboun was “astonished” after she discovered that Neiman Marcus, which is based in the Texas city of Dallas, was selling nativity scenes that were crafted from olive wood in the occupied West Bank town, but labelled as products of Israel.
“This is illegal," Baboun told KETR. "It’s not Israel. Bethlehem is Palestine."
"It’s unacceptable ... From our side, from the olive wood store and from their side," she added. "God knows how much we are working in order to keep this a traditional and a national Bethlehemite product. And this is very important."
PLO official Xavier Abu Eid viewed the case as an attempt to "normalize" Israel's illegal annexation of Palestinian territory.
"To say that Bethlehem is part of Israel is not only an attempt to normalize the annexation of occupied territory. But it's also an attempt at fooling the consumers. The consumers have the right to know from where the product is coming. And this product in particular is coming from Bethlehem, Palestine," KETR quoted Abu Eid as saying.
A Neiman Marcus spokesperson did not directly respond to KETR’s request for comment, and only informed the radio station that their import division was "in charge of making sure all of our imported products, fashion, fur, home goods, etc. are properly labeled in accordance with all applicable laws."
However, Katrina Skinner, a spokeswoman for the US Customs and Border Protection, told KETR that origin labels bearing the name "Bethlehem, Israel" would not in fact be in compliance with federal regulations.
"With respect to the specific inquiry concerning the use of the marking 'Made in Bethlehem, Israel,' the language would be considered not legally marked in accordance with the policy stated in T.D. 97-16 because Bethlehem is within the West Bank," she said.
According to KETR's report, Neiman Marcus could face fines for not complying with the regulations, which increase “for egregious violations like undermining foreign sanctions, or for mislabeling products to indicate they were from areas subject to less taxes.”
US policy mandates that products made in in the occupied West Bank cannot bear the label “Made in Israel” -- guidelines established mainly to prevent Israeli settlers from using the label, as the US views Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem to be illegitimate.
However, the guidelines also apply to products made in the West Bank by Palestinians.
Regulations distinguishing Israel from the Palestinian territories date back to the 1990s. The Clinton administration issued the rules in 1995 and 1997 requiring unique origin labels for imports manufactured in Israel, as opposed to those produced in the West Bank or Gaza Strip.
According to the Palestinian Postal Services, demand from online shoppers for Palestinian products -- specifically olive wood handicrafts -- have noticeably increased over 2016.
Meanwhile, Palestinian policy network Al-Shabaka reported earlier this year that the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine has stifled Palestinian economic growth while producing billions of dollars in Israeli revenue.
KETR reported last week that Bethlehem mayor Vera Baboun was “astonished” after she discovered that Neiman Marcus, which is based in the Texas city of Dallas, was selling nativity scenes that were crafted from olive wood in the occupied West Bank town, but labelled as products of Israel.
“This is illegal," Baboun told KETR. "It’s not Israel. Bethlehem is Palestine."
"It’s unacceptable ... From our side, from the olive wood store and from their side," she added. "God knows how much we are working in order to keep this a traditional and a national Bethlehemite product. And this is very important."
PLO official Xavier Abu Eid viewed the case as an attempt to "normalize" Israel's illegal annexation of Palestinian territory.
"To say that Bethlehem is part of Israel is not only an attempt to normalize the annexation of occupied territory. But it's also an attempt at fooling the consumers. The consumers have the right to know from where the product is coming. And this product in particular is coming from Bethlehem, Palestine," KETR quoted Abu Eid as saying.
A Neiman Marcus spokesperson did not directly respond to KETR’s request for comment, and only informed the radio station that their import division was "in charge of making sure all of our imported products, fashion, fur, home goods, etc. are properly labeled in accordance with all applicable laws."
However, Katrina Skinner, a spokeswoman for the US Customs and Border Protection, told KETR that origin labels bearing the name "Bethlehem, Israel" would not in fact be in compliance with federal regulations.
"With respect to the specific inquiry concerning the use of the marking 'Made in Bethlehem, Israel,' the language would be considered not legally marked in accordance with the policy stated in T.D. 97-16 because Bethlehem is within the West Bank," she said.
According to KETR's report, Neiman Marcus could face fines for not complying with the regulations, which increase “for egregious violations like undermining foreign sanctions, or for mislabeling products to indicate they were from areas subject to less taxes.”
US policy mandates that products made in in the occupied West Bank cannot bear the label “Made in Israel” -- guidelines established mainly to prevent Israeli settlers from using the label, as the US views Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem to be illegitimate.
However, the guidelines also apply to products made in the West Bank by Palestinians.
Regulations distinguishing Israel from the Palestinian territories date back to the 1990s. The Clinton administration issued the rules in 1995 and 1997 requiring unique origin labels for imports manufactured in Israel, as opposed to those produced in the West Bank or Gaza Strip.
According to the Palestinian Postal Services, demand from online shoppers for Palestinian products -- specifically olive wood handicrafts -- have noticeably increased over 2016.
Meanwhile, Palestinian policy network Al-Shabaka reported earlier this year that the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine has stifled Palestinian economic growth while producing billions of dollars in Israeli revenue.
21 dec 2016
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) on Tuesday threatened to seize Palestinian lands in Salfit’s village of Deir Balout, in the central West Bank.
Local sources said the IOA pasted the notifications on a fence surrounding the targeted land lots.
200 olive trees are planted on the land, which covers some 82 dunums.
Three years ago, an Israeli military court acknowledged Palestinians’ ownership of the land.
Recently, the Israeli occupation forces and authorities have been leveling the land lot, in what observers dubbed a sign of preplanned settlement expansion.
Local sources said the IOA pasted the notifications on a fence surrounding the targeted land lots.
200 olive trees are planted on the land, which covers some 82 dunums.
Three years ago, an Israeli military court acknowledged Palestinians’ ownership of the land.
Recently, the Israeli occupation forces and authorities have been leveling the land lot, in what observers dubbed a sign of preplanned settlement expansion.
20 nov 2016
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed at dawn Sunday Palestinian homes in West Bank provinces and summoned civilians to questioning.
Local activist Moemen Azem said Israeli army patrols rolled into Sebastiya town, to the north of Nablus, at around 2 a.m. and wreaked havoc on civilian homes.
According to the activist, the campaign gave the impression of a large-scale Israeli military maneuver.
The IOF sealed off all accessroads out of and into the area and closed off al-Magharem thoroughfare.
The Israeli soldiers reportedly lowered the Palestinian flag from a high building in the archeological area.
Wildfires burst out in an olive grove during the assault.
The IOF further stormed Qaryout town, to the south, and showered civilian homes with heavy spates of teargas canisters and acoustic bombs.
According to the locals, a newly-appointed Israeli officer carried out the campaign to curry favor in the occupation government by terrorizing civilians.
An Israeli military troop also broke into al-Khalil and closed off the main entrances to the city.
Local activist Moemen Azem said Israeli army patrols rolled into Sebastiya town, to the north of Nablus, at around 2 a.m. and wreaked havoc on civilian homes.
According to the activist, the campaign gave the impression of a large-scale Israeli military maneuver.
The IOF sealed off all accessroads out of and into the area and closed off al-Magharem thoroughfare.
The Israeli soldiers reportedly lowered the Palestinian flag from a high building in the archeological area.
Wildfires burst out in an olive grove during the assault.
The IOF further stormed Qaryout town, to the south, and showered civilian homes with heavy spates of teargas canisters and acoustic bombs.
According to the locals, a newly-appointed Israeli officer carried out the campaign to curry favor in the occupation government by terrorizing civilians.
An Israeli military troop also broke into al-Khalil and closed off the main entrances to the city.
7 nov 2016
Israeli settlers have reportedly stolen olive crops gathered from land belonging to farmers from the village of Deir Sharaf, to the northwest of Nablus, a Palestinian official said on Monday.
Ghassan Daghlas, the Palestinian Authority official in charge of the settlements file in the northern occupied West Bank, told WAFA that the farmers discovered, when they returned Monday morning, to their lands located inside the border fence of Shavi Shomron settlement, to continue with the olive harvest, that their crop from the night before was missing.
He said that the farmers had a permit from the Israeli government to harvest their olive crops on land located inside the settlement fence for a few days, and for certain hours a day.
However, they believe that settlers from Shavi Shomron came to their land during the night and stole the harvest.
The farmers normally leave their crop on the land and collect it at one time, at the end of the harvest period.
Ghassan Daghlas, the Palestinian Authority official in charge of the settlements file in the northern occupied West Bank, told WAFA that the farmers discovered, when they returned Monday morning, to their lands located inside the border fence of Shavi Shomron settlement, to continue with the olive harvest, that their crop from the night before was missing.
He said that the farmers had a permit from the Israeli government to harvest their olive crops on land located inside the settlement fence for a few days, and for certain hours a day.
However, they believe that settlers from Shavi Shomron came to their land during the night and stole the harvest.
The farmers normally leave their crop on the land and collect it at one time, at the end of the harvest period.
6 nov 2016
Israeli soldiers, on Sunday, attacked and wounded two Palestinians who were picking olives in the village of Kafr Qaddoum, east of Qalqilia, according to local WAFA sources.
Witnesses said that the soldiers attacked two farmers, identified as Abdul-Mahdi Hekmat, 16, and Qusai Aqel, 20, and also verbally assaulted them while they were tending their olive trees.
The soldiers also verbally assaulted Hekmat’s wife, and threatened her, her husband and Aqel with death, should they approach their land once again.
Witnesses said that the soldiers attacked two farmers, identified as Abdul-Mahdi Hekmat, 16, and Qusai Aqel, 20, and also verbally assaulted them while they were tending their olive trees.
The soldiers also verbally assaulted Hekmat’s wife, and threatened her, her husband and Aqel with death, should they approach their land once again.
31 oct 2016
Several Palestinian civilians were kidnapped by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Monday in a mass abduction sweep launched across the West Bank.
Ex-prisoners Ribhi Khazana, Ibrahim Nasser Hamad, and Malek Hamed, along with citizen Tayseer Maher Shaker and Luay Fares, a nurse, were kidnapped by the IOF from Ramallah’s town of Silwad.
Another Palestinian civilian, identified as Jihad Nidhal Alyan, was kidnapped by the IOF from Al-Jalazoun camp, in Ramallah.
The campaign also targeted Mootaz and Abdul Fatah Nayef Muslameh from Al-Khalil’s town of Beit Awa.
The occupation troops further kidnapped Hani Maher Kayed and Malek Midhat Kayed from Sebastiya, in Nablus.
At predawn time, over seven IOF jeeps rolled into Merka town, in southern Jenin, and cordoned off residential alleys before they closed off the main entrance to the town for hours.
The IOF sealed off the Merka-Qabatiya access-road and the Jenin-Nablus thoroughfare with two military checkpoints, blocking Palestinians’ movement inside and out.
The IOF wreaked havoc on civilian homes in Merka’s outer edges and subjected the inhabitants to intensive questioning, before they backtracked on the daybreak.
Overnight, the Israeli military forces also stormed Qalqilya’s eastern town of Azzoun, in the northern West Bank, and showered the area with sound bombs and stun grenades. Fire broke out across olive groves as a result. Civil defense crews showed up at the scene and put out the fire.
The IOF rummaged into the home of Nassar Mohamed Nassar in the town and cracked down on the family members before they locked them up in one room and ravaged the house.
The occupation troops reportedly closed off all access roads out of and into the camp, resulting in traffic jam.
Ex-prisoners Ribhi Khazana, Ibrahim Nasser Hamad, and Malek Hamed, along with citizen Tayseer Maher Shaker and Luay Fares, a nurse, were kidnapped by the IOF from Ramallah’s town of Silwad.
Another Palestinian civilian, identified as Jihad Nidhal Alyan, was kidnapped by the IOF from Al-Jalazoun camp, in Ramallah.
The campaign also targeted Mootaz and Abdul Fatah Nayef Muslameh from Al-Khalil’s town of Beit Awa.
The occupation troops further kidnapped Hani Maher Kayed and Malek Midhat Kayed from Sebastiya, in Nablus.
At predawn time, over seven IOF jeeps rolled into Merka town, in southern Jenin, and cordoned off residential alleys before they closed off the main entrance to the town for hours.
The IOF sealed off the Merka-Qabatiya access-road and the Jenin-Nablus thoroughfare with two military checkpoints, blocking Palestinians’ movement inside and out.
The IOF wreaked havoc on civilian homes in Merka’s outer edges and subjected the inhabitants to intensive questioning, before they backtracked on the daybreak.
Overnight, the Israeli military forces also stormed Qalqilya’s eastern town of Azzoun, in the northern West Bank, and showered the area with sound bombs and stun grenades. Fire broke out across olive groves as a result. Civil defense crews showed up at the scene and put out the fire.
The IOF rummaged into the home of Nassar Mohamed Nassar in the town and cracked down on the family members before they locked them up in one room and ravaged the house.
The occupation troops reportedly closed off all access roads out of and into the camp, resulting in traffic jam.
30 oct 2016
A Palestinian child suffered several injuries on Saturday evening after Israeli soldiers physically assaulted him in Beitunia town, west of Ramallah.
The Red Crescent said that one of its ambulance crews evacuated 13-year-old Ameer Farrukh from an area near the bypass road in Beitunia after his exposure to severe beating by soldiers.
It added that the child suffered leg fractures and bruises in different parts of his body.
Local sources asserted the boy was assaulted on Idrees farm near the Israeli-controlled bypass road, noting that he was alone in the area.
In a separate incident, a group of Palestinian farmers from Huwara town in Nablus survived a possible attack by Jewish settlers from Yitzhar settlement after an Israeli security guard premeditatedly prevented them from harvesting olives from their grove.
According to Huwara municipal chief Naser Hawari, a security guard from Yitzhar settlement intercepted the farmers upon their arrival at their olive fields in al-Lahf area, west of the town, and told them that they could not collect olives, claiming that their coordination with the Israeli authorities to enter their land had been cancelled.
As a result, the farmers had to go back and as they were walking, they saw a horde of settlers blocking the main road waiting to assault them, so they took another route to avoid them.
The farmers had already been permitted by the Israeli authorities to enter their fields to harvest olives for three days.
The Red Crescent said that one of its ambulance crews evacuated 13-year-old Ameer Farrukh from an area near the bypass road in Beitunia after his exposure to severe beating by soldiers.
It added that the child suffered leg fractures and bruises in different parts of his body.
Local sources asserted the boy was assaulted on Idrees farm near the Israeli-controlled bypass road, noting that he was alone in the area.
In a separate incident, a group of Palestinian farmers from Huwara town in Nablus survived a possible attack by Jewish settlers from Yitzhar settlement after an Israeli security guard premeditatedly prevented them from harvesting olives from their grove.
According to Huwara municipal chief Naser Hawari, a security guard from Yitzhar settlement intercepted the farmers upon their arrival at their olive fields in al-Lahf area, west of the town, and told them that they could not collect olives, claiming that their coordination with the Israeli authorities to enter their land had been cancelled.
As a result, the farmers had to go back and as they were walking, they saw a horde of settlers blocking the main road waiting to assault them, so they took another route to avoid them.
The farmers had already been permitted by the Israeli authorities to enter their fields to harvest olives for three days.
29 oct 2016
A group of extremist Israeli colonists invaded, earlier Saturday, a Palestinian olive orchard in Wad al-Harayeq area, south of Nahhalin town, west of Bethlehem, and cut more than 18 large olive trees.
The assailants apparently tried to cut more trees, but a fence that was around large areas of the orchard foiled their attempts.
Journalist Hani Fannoun told the Maan News Agency that the lands, owned by his family, are located close to the Gush Etzion settlement block, especially Beit Ayin colonialist outpost.
Fannoun added that the orchard, and the lands around it, were illegally confiscated by Israel, but the family managed to regain control over their orchards more than twenty years ago, after heading to the Israeli Supreme Court.
Fannoun also stated that the land in question is more than ten Dunams (2.47 Acres), and that the lands around it have been illegally confiscated by Israel and became part of Israeli colonies in the area.
It is worth mentioning that various orchards in the area have been subject to frequent similar attacks by groups of extremist Israeli colonizers, especially before and during the olive harvest season.
The assailants apparently tried to cut more trees, but a fence that was around large areas of the orchard foiled their attempts.
Journalist Hani Fannoun told the Maan News Agency that the lands, owned by his family, are located close to the Gush Etzion settlement block, especially Beit Ayin colonialist outpost.
Fannoun added that the orchard, and the lands around it, were illegally confiscated by Israel, but the family managed to regain control over their orchards more than twenty years ago, after heading to the Israeli Supreme Court.
Fannoun also stated that the land in question is more than ten Dunams (2.47 Acres), and that the lands around it have been illegally confiscated by Israel and became part of Israeli colonies in the area.
It is worth mentioning that various orchards in the area have been subject to frequent similar attacks by groups of extremist Israeli colonizers, especially before and during the olive harvest season.