26 aug 2013
The City of David Park, located in the primarily Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, will be infused with NIS 16 million in a plan that will increase Jewish annexation of East al-Quds.
Development of the park will be overseen by the Nature and Parks Authority and the Antiquities Authority. Half of the funding will come directly from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, and the remaining funds will be from the Jerusalem Municipality, private donations and Israel's Tourism Ministry.
The project will include “building wide walkways, archeological digging and other development,” according to a proposition that is expected to be approved in the city council’s upcoming financial committee meeting.
Meretz city councilman Dr, Meir Margalit has expressed concerns about the recent announcement. “The problem”, Margolit said Sunday, ”is that the right-wing is systematically taking ownership of this historical place and turning it into a settlement,” referring to the right-wing Ir David Foundation, which is behind the development plan.
Margolit continued, “This is a problematic process that can also be seen in other places, such as the Western Wall, where the Orthodox have increasingly taken ownership from the secular. The same process is happening in the City of David with Palestinian rights.”
The Israeli regime will allocate an additional NIS 150,000 to the construction of a mikve, or ritual bath, in the Jewish neighborhood of Nof Tzion, located in the Arab quarter Jebl Mukaber.
Development of the park will be overseen by the Nature and Parks Authority and the Antiquities Authority. Half of the funding will come directly from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, and the remaining funds will be from the Jerusalem Municipality, private donations and Israel's Tourism Ministry.
The project will include “building wide walkways, archeological digging and other development,” according to a proposition that is expected to be approved in the city council’s upcoming financial committee meeting.
Meretz city councilman Dr, Meir Margalit has expressed concerns about the recent announcement. “The problem”, Margolit said Sunday, ”is that the right-wing is systematically taking ownership of this historical place and turning it into a settlement,” referring to the right-wing Ir David Foundation, which is behind the development plan.
Margolit continued, “This is a problematic process that can also be seen in other places, such as the Western Wall, where the Orthodox have increasingly taken ownership from the secular. The same process is happening in the City of David with Palestinian rights.”
The Israeli regime will allocate an additional NIS 150,000 to the construction of a mikve, or ritual bath, in the Jewish neighborhood of Nof Tzion, located in the Arab quarter Jebl Mukaber.
By Khalid Amayreh in occupied Palestine
During his meeting with Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Monday, the Sisi coup's foreign minister Nabil Fahmi reportedly condemned the murderous killing by the Israeli occupation army of three young Palestinians at the Qalandya refugee camp north of Jerusalem.
"We condemn the occupation forces' killing of three people from Qalandiya refugee camp," Nabil Fahmi told a joint news conference with his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Malki.
Fahmi, mainly tasked with explaining and justifying Egypt's bloody coup to the outside world, met Abbas at his headquarters in Ramallah just hours after Israeli occupation forces shot dead three Palestinians at the Qalandiya camp.
"The continuation of violence and settlement expansion decreases the chances of success for negotiations, which we hope will succeed," he said.
Fahmi also expressed Egypt's support for "Palestinian reconciliation, which the Palestinians must reach," describing the process as a "big challenge."
However, it was clear that Fahmi's remarks were conspicuously hypocritical, morally duplicitous and oblivious of cold facts in both Egypt and occupied Palestine.
It is true that the Israeli occupation army murdered three Palestinians in the West Bank while Fahmi was in Ramallah. Well. Israel has been murdering Palestinians since time immemorial. In a certain sense, it’s hardly news.
But in just three hours two weeks ago, the "heroic" Egyptian army and police showered peaceful Egyptian protesters with bullets from air, tanks, and high rooftops, killing more than 3000 people and maiming thousands others. Hundreds of bodies were burned beyond recognition, apparently to destroy evidence while victims' relatives were asked to sign official papers stating that the murdered victims actually committed suicide.
Israel is our existential enemy and ultimate tormentor, and we hardly need the foreign minister of a murderous junta to remind us of this fact.
Indeed, if Fahmi possessed an iota of morality or rectitude, he would at the very least resign his post and stop acting as cheap emissary for the murderers of his people.
Undoubtedly, he will go down in history as the public relations officer of the nefarious usurpers of freedom and democracy and murderers of innocent protesters.
Fahmi said the coup makers were still committed to achieving national reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas.
Well, Hamas is part of the Muslim Brotherhood, the very Islamic movement the criminal coup makers in Cairo insist on labeling "terrorist."!!
Hence, it is really hard to imagine that any reconciliation effort by the Sisi gang would be honest, evenhanded and fruitful. After all, if the Sisi gang can't treat its own people with minimal humanity and minimal respect, would it be expected to treat Palestinians any differently?
In short, we Palestinians don't want to have anything to do with murderers of their own people.
Mr. Fahmi you are persona non-grata in Palestine.
During his meeting with Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Monday, the Sisi coup's foreign minister Nabil Fahmi reportedly condemned the murderous killing by the Israeli occupation army of three young Palestinians at the Qalandya refugee camp north of Jerusalem.
"We condemn the occupation forces' killing of three people from Qalandiya refugee camp," Nabil Fahmi told a joint news conference with his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Malki.
Fahmi, mainly tasked with explaining and justifying Egypt's bloody coup to the outside world, met Abbas at his headquarters in Ramallah just hours after Israeli occupation forces shot dead three Palestinians at the Qalandiya camp.
"The continuation of violence and settlement expansion decreases the chances of success for negotiations, which we hope will succeed," he said.
Fahmi also expressed Egypt's support for "Palestinian reconciliation, which the Palestinians must reach," describing the process as a "big challenge."
However, it was clear that Fahmi's remarks were conspicuously hypocritical, morally duplicitous and oblivious of cold facts in both Egypt and occupied Palestine.
It is true that the Israeli occupation army murdered three Palestinians in the West Bank while Fahmi was in Ramallah. Well. Israel has been murdering Palestinians since time immemorial. In a certain sense, it’s hardly news.
But in just three hours two weeks ago, the "heroic" Egyptian army and police showered peaceful Egyptian protesters with bullets from air, tanks, and high rooftops, killing more than 3000 people and maiming thousands others. Hundreds of bodies were burned beyond recognition, apparently to destroy evidence while victims' relatives were asked to sign official papers stating that the murdered victims actually committed suicide.
Israel is our existential enemy and ultimate tormentor, and we hardly need the foreign minister of a murderous junta to remind us of this fact.
Indeed, if Fahmi possessed an iota of morality or rectitude, he would at the very least resign his post and stop acting as cheap emissary for the murderers of his people.
Undoubtedly, he will go down in history as the public relations officer of the nefarious usurpers of freedom and democracy and murderers of innocent protesters.
Fahmi said the coup makers were still committed to achieving national reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas.
Well, Hamas is part of the Muslim Brotherhood, the very Islamic movement the criminal coup makers in Cairo insist on labeling "terrorist."!!
Hence, it is really hard to imagine that any reconciliation effort by the Sisi gang would be honest, evenhanded and fruitful. After all, if the Sisi gang can't treat its own people with minimal humanity and minimal respect, would it be expected to treat Palestinians any differently?
In short, we Palestinians don't want to have anything to do with murderers of their own people.
Mr. Fahmi you are persona non-grata in Palestine.
The Palestinian Authority has canceled peace talks scheduled for Monday following the killing of three Palestinians by Israeli forces in Qalandia refugee camp.
"The meeting that was to take place in Jericho...today was cancelled because of the Israeli crime committed in Qalandia today," an official told AFP, referring to the refugee camp where the clashes erupted before dawn.
Palestinian sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, had said they expected the talks to be held Monday evening in the town of Jericho, but there was no official confirmation from either side.
Speaking in Amman on Saturday after talks with chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said he expected the next round to take place "a few days from now."
Israeli forces killed three people and injured over 15 during an overnight arrest raid in the Ramallah refugee camp.
Abbas' spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah strongly condemned the incident, calling it a crime against the Palestinian people.
PLO official Hanan Ashrawi strongly denounced Israel's incursion into the camp.
"Israel's use of excessive and indiscriminate violence and live ammunition in densely populated civilian areas represents a blatant violation of international and humanitarian law."
"We call on the members of the United Nations Security Council, the Quartet and the rest of the international community to take serious measures to bring an immediate end to the killing of innocent civilians and to terminate Israel’s impunity," she added.
Clashes Take Place In Different Parts Of West Bank
Thee Palestinains Killed By Army Fire, Dozens Injured And Kidnapped
Clashes took place in different parts of the occupied West Bank Monday [August 26, 2013] after Israeli soldiers invaded the Qalandia refugee camp earlier at dawn, north of Jerusalem, shot and killed three Palestinians, and injured dozens of residents, including at least 15 who were shot by live ammunition.
Clashes took place near the Qalandia terminal, while dozens of injuries have been reported as the soldiers fired live rounds, rubber-coated metal bullets, gas bombs and concussion grenades.
The Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) has reported that dozens of soldiers invaded the Aida refugee camp, in Bethlehem, and clashed with dozens of local youths who hurled stones and empty bottles at the invading soldiers.
Medical sources said that several Palestinians in the camp were shot by rubber-coated metal bullets, while dozens suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
Clashes also took place in Hebron, in the southern part of the occupied West Bank, especially in the Az-Zawiya area, and Be’er As-Sabe’ Street in the center of the city.
Soldiers fired rounds of live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and gas bombs, and kidnapped several Palestinians.
Local sources in the city have reported that scores of soldiers also broke into and searched dozens of homes, and occupied their rooftops using them as monitoring towers.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, said that the army kidnapped 30 Palestinians in Qalandia during clashes that took place after the Palestinians held the funeral ceremonies of the three slain Palestinians.
It said that the army started in “investigation” in what happened after undercover soldiers of the Israeli military infiltrated into the refugee camp to “arrest some wanted Palestinians”.
The army said that “it seems that soldiers did not expect the invasion to be turned into violent clashes”.
Amos Harel, a leading media expert on military affairs at Haaretz, questioned the motives of this infiltration and, invasion into the refugee camp, and why this invasion took place in the midst of the newly resumed fragile direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Nabil Abu Rodeina, spokesperson of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, strongly denounced the Israeli invasion and the killing of the three Palestinians, and said that the invasion “is part of a series of crimes carried out by Israel, and part of Israel’s ongoing violations and escalating settlement construction and expansion activities”.
Egyptian Foreign Minister, Nabil Fahmi, also denounced the Israeli crime in Qalandia, and the ongoing Israeli violations.
His statements came during a press conference held with Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad Al-Maliki, in the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
He said that the Israeli escalation and violations limit the chances of successful peace talks, and stated that a Palestinian State must be established next to Israel, with occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of this state.
"The meeting that was to take place in Jericho...today was cancelled because of the Israeli crime committed in Qalandia today," an official told AFP, referring to the refugee camp where the clashes erupted before dawn.
Palestinian sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, had said they expected the talks to be held Monday evening in the town of Jericho, but there was no official confirmation from either side.
Speaking in Amman on Saturday after talks with chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said he expected the next round to take place "a few days from now."
Israeli forces killed three people and injured over 15 during an overnight arrest raid in the Ramallah refugee camp.
Abbas' spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah strongly condemned the incident, calling it a crime against the Palestinian people.
PLO official Hanan Ashrawi strongly denounced Israel's incursion into the camp.
"Israel's use of excessive and indiscriminate violence and live ammunition in densely populated civilian areas represents a blatant violation of international and humanitarian law."
"We call on the members of the United Nations Security Council, the Quartet and the rest of the international community to take serious measures to bring an immediate end to the killing of innocent civilians and to terminate Israel’s impunity," she added.
Clashes Take Place In Different Parts Of West Bank
Thee Palestinains Killed By Army Fire, Dozens Injured And Kidnapped
Clashes took place in different parts of the occupied West Bank Monday [August 26, 2013] after Israeli soldiers invaded the Qalandia refugee camp earlier at dawn, north of Jerusalem, shot and killed three Palestinians, and injured dozens of residents, including at least 15 who were shot by live ammunition.
Clashes took place near the Qalandia terminal, while dozens of injuries have been reported as the soldiers fired live rounds, rubber-coated metal bullets, gas bombs and concussion grenades.
The Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) has reported that dozens of soldiers invaded the Aida refugee camp, in Bethlehem, and clashed with dozens of local youths who hurled stones and empty bottles at the invading soldiers.
Medical sources said that several Palestinians in the camp were shot by rubber-coated metal bullets, while dozens suffered the effects of teargas inhalation.
Clashes also took place in Hebron, in the southern part of the occupied West Bank, especially in the Az-Zawiya area, and Be’er As-Sabe’ Street in the center of the city.
Soldiers fired rounds of live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and gas bombs, and kidnapped several Palestinians.
Local sources in the city have reported that scores of soldiers also broke into and searched dozens of homes, and occupied their rooftops using them as monitoring towers.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, said that the army kidnapped 30 Palestinians in Qalandia during clashes that took place after the Palestinians held the funeral ceremonies of the three slain Palestinians.
It said that the army started in “investigation” in what happened after undercover soldiers of the Israeli military infiltrated into the refugee camp to “arrest some wanted Palestinians”.
The army said that “it seems that soldiers did not expect the invasion to be turned into violent clashes”.
Amos Harel, a leading media expert on military affairs at Haaretz, questioned the motives of this infiltration and, invasion into the refugee camp, and why this invasion took place in the midst of the newly resumed fragile direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Nabil Abu Rodeina, spokesperson of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, strongly denounced the Israeli invasion and the killing of the three Palestinians, and said that the invasion “is part of a series of crimes carried out by Israel, and part of Israel’s ongoing violations and escalating settlement construction and expansion activities”.
Egyptian Foreign Minister, Nabil Fahmi, also denounced the Israeli crime in Qalandia, and the ongoing Israeli violations.
His statements came during a press conference held with Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad Al-Maliki, in the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
He said that the Israeli escalation and violations limit the chances of successful peace talks, and stated that a Palestinian State must be established next to Israel, with occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of this state.
Israeli Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel declared the establishment of new settlement, called Leshem, in West Bank consisting of 70 houses, in addition to 400 other houses to be built later, Maariv newspaper said. Ariel of the Jewish Home Party declared Monday that settlement construction will continue in West Bank. “A two-state solution is an unrealistic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”, he said.
“Those who are here understand why the vision of two states is unrealistic and will never happen. Those who think they can force us to build only within the Auschwitz borders are wrong,” Ariel said.
“I will say very clearly that I am here to build you an apartment, and we are doing this everywhere in Israel. We are building 300 homes in Leshem just like we are building thousands in Rosh Ha’ayin. We are building in Kedumim like we are building in Kiryat Gat and in Modi’in. We are building in Jerusalem like we are building in the Galilee,” the minister added.
In a related context, Ghassan Daghlas, a Palestinian official in charge of settlements file in the northern part of the West Bank, revealed a new Israeli plan to expand settlement construction in Nablus northern West Bank.
He said that the Israeli bulldozers started construction work in order to expand the settlement outpost known as “787” built on Aynabus village south of Nablus. Dozens of fruitful trees were uprooted in the process, he added.
“Those who are here understand why the vision of two states is unrealistic and will never happen. Those who think they can force us to build only within the Auschwitz borders are wrong,” Ariel said.
“I will say very clearly that I am here to build you an apartment, and we are doing this everywhere in Israel. We are building 300 homes in Leshem just like we are building thousands in Rosh Ha’ayin. We are building in Kedumim like we are building in Kiryat Gat and in Modi’in. We are building in Jerusalem like we are building in the Galilee,” the minister added.
In a related context, Ghassan Daghlas, a Palestinian official in charge of settlements file in the northern part of the West Bank, revealed a new Israeli plan to expand settlement construction in Nablus northern West Bank.
He said that the Israeli bulldozers started construction work in order to expand the settlement outpost known as “787” built on Aynabus village south of Nablus. Dozens of fruitful trees were uprooted in the process, he added.
Finance Committee of the Jerusalem City Council approved Sunday a new budget for infrastructure aimed at adding 1,500 housing units in Ramat Shlomo settlement in occupied Jerusalem. Palestinian researcher, specialized in Israeli settlements affairs, Ahmad Son-Laban, stated that the units are meant for expanding Ramat Shlomo settlement towards the Palestinian town of Shu’fat and the Ramot settlement.
Sob-Laban said that this plan would lead to more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat, and will seriously limit any possibility of expanding Shu’fat and Beit Hanina from their western sides. Under the plan, Israel would be illegally confiscating 580 Dunams of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat.
He further stated that appeals have been filed against the plan, but the Israeli Constructions Committee rejected some of the appeal, and did not even look into the rest.
The move comes just after Israelis and Palestinians resumed talks after a five-year stalemate. Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem is one of the thorniest issues separating the two sides, Yediot Ahranot Hebrew newspaper said.
Sob-Laban said that this plan would lead to more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat, and will seriously limit any possibility of expanding Shu’fat and Beit Hanina from their western sides. Under the plan, Israel would be illegally confiscating 580 Dunams of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat.
He further stated that appeals have been filed against the plan, but the Israeli Constructions Committee rejected some of the appeal, and did not even look into the rest.
The move comes just after Israelis and Palestinians resumed talks after a five-year stalemate. Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem is one of the thorniest issues separating the two sides, Yediot Ahranot Hebrew newspaper said.
25 aug 2013
“The diplomatic agreement Israel reached with the Palestinians in Oslo 20 years ago and the concept of creating a Palestinian state are dead”, Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett wrote on his Facebook page. Bennett said that he does not believe anything will come out of the current Israeli-Palestinian talks, therefore he will remain in government.
He also said, “It is my duty to present the nation of Israel with the truth. I will do everything in my power to prevent this disaster.”
“The truth is that the idea of a Palestinian state within the State of Israel is dead. The idea that most Israeli citizens took a chance on during the 1990s has been proven as a killing machine. Contrary to what people say, there are quite a few alternatives to a Palestinian state,” Bennett said.
He also said, “It is my duty to present the nation of Israel with the truth. I will do everything in my power to prevent this disaster.”
“The truth is that the idea of a Palestinian state within the State of Israel is dead. The idea that most Israeli citizens took a chance on during the 1990s has been proven as a killing machine. Contrary to what people say, there are quite a few alternatives to a Palestinian state,” Bennett said.
24 aug 2013
A successful outcome to the Israel-Palestinians negotiations would be like a "thunderbolt" for peace in the crisis-ridden Middle East, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Saturday.
"Even if we speak of other neighboring countries -- the dramatic conflict in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt -- the fact remains that the Israeli-Palestinian issue is one of the issues, perhaps the central one, for the region," he said in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after meeting president Mahmoud Abbas.
"In a particularly troubled regional environment, it is even more important that we advance towards peace here," Fabius said.
"If these negotiations are successful, it will be a thunderbolt for peace...a great stabilizing element."
"Our support is more necessary than ever," he added. "This is the moment when we must make a breakthrough for peace."
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators formally resumed direct peace talks earlier this month after a hiatus of nearly three years, thanks to an intense bout of shuttle diplomacy by US Secretary of State John Kerry.
They are expected to last about nine months.
Fabius arrived early Saturday on a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories aimed at encouraging the sides.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Fabius, Abbas said that his team entered the talks, about which no details have been revealed, in good faith.
"I should like to say that the Palestinians are negotiating with good intentions," he said. "We want to negotiate in a positive spirit."
"We hope that it is the same on the Israeli side, we want to create the proper climate for stopping settlement, which is illegal to us and to the world."
The talks have been overshadowed by Israeli plans to build more than 2,000 new homes for Jewish settlers on occupied Palestinian territory.
Fabius will meet in Jerusalem on Sunday with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, Israel's lead negotiator in the talks.
The Palestinians said Friday they have "serious doubts" about Israel's commitment to the peace talks, but they remain committed to taking part in the negotiations.
"We do not have high expectations of the negotiations so far because we know in advance the official position of the Israeli government," foreign minister Riyad al-Malki said on visit to Quito, Ecuador.
"Even if we speak of other neighboring countries -- the dramatic conflict in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt -- the fact remains that the Israeli-Palestinian issue is one of the issues, perhaps the central one, for the region," he said in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after meeting president Mahmoud Abbas.
"In a particularly troubled regional environment, it is even more important that we advance towards peace here," Fabius said.
"If these negotiations are successful, it will be a thunderbolt for peace...a great stabilizing element."
"Our support is more necessary than ever," he added. "This is the moment when we must make a breakthrough for peace."
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators formally resumed direct peace talks earlier this month after a hiatus of nearly three years, thanks to an intense bout of shuttle diplomacy by US Secretary of State John Kerry.
They are expected to last about nine months.
Fabius arrived early Saturday on a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories aimed at encouraging the sides.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Fabius, Abbas said that his team entered the talks, about which no details have been revealed, in good faith.
"I should like to say that the Palestinians are negotiating with good intentions," he said. "We want to negotiate in a positive spirit."
"We hope that it is the same on the Israeli side, we want to create the proper climate for stopping settlement, which is illegal to us and to the world."
The talks have been overshadowed by Israeli plans to build more than 2,000 new homes for Jewish settlers on occupied Palestinian territory.
Fabius will meet in Jerusalem on Sunday with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, Israel's lead negotiator in the talks.
The Palestinians said Friday they have "serious doubts" about Israel's commitment to the peace talks, but they remain committed to taking part in the negotiations.
"We do not have high expectations of the negotiations so far because we know in advance the official position of the Israeli government," foreign minister Riyad al-Malki said on visit to Quito, Ecuador.
President Abbas said Saturday that the Palestinian Authority is hopeful of achieving peace through negotiations.
"To us, when we have a chance of negotiating we will take advantage of it, without looking to our surroundings," Abbas said in a press conference after meeting with the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.
"We are now negotiating with the Israeli side, and we do not mind meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a time when such a meeting is needed.
I assure the Palestinian goodwill in negotiations, and we hope that Israelis share the same goodwill by stopping settlements and releasing prisoners," he added.
Palestinians must unite to achieve peace despite the turmoil in the region, and presidential and legislative elections must take place when the conditions are ready, Abbas said.
The president thanked the EU for its position on settlement products and a ban on funding for Israeli settlements, a move which helped the PA return to the negotiating table.
"In a particularly troubled regional environment, it is even more important that we advance towards peace here," Fabius said.
"If these negotiations are successful, it will be a thunderbolt for peace...a great stabilizing element."
Speaking in Amman on Saturday after talks with chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said he expected the next round to take place "in a few days from now."
"On all sides, particularly that of the United States, there are elements which are serious and encouraging regarding the success of the negotiations," official Jordanian news agency Petra quoted him as saying.
"We declare to anyone near or far that upon the instructions of President Mahmoud Abbas we will not inform the Israeli side of our position before it's approved by our brothers in Jordan," Erekat told Ma'an.
"No one in this world is as keen to have a Palestinian state as Jordan," he added.
Palestinian sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, say they expect the talks to be held early next week in the West Bank town of Jericho.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators formally resumed direct peace talks earlier this month after a hiatus of nearly three years, thanks to an intense bout of shuttle diplomacy by US Secretary of State John Kerry.
They are expected to last about nine months.
"To us, when we have a chance of negotiating we will take advantage of it, without looking to our surroundings," Abbas said in a press conference after meeting with the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.
"We are now negotiating with the Israeli side, and we do not mind meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a time when such a meeting is needed.
I assure the Palestinian goodwill in negotiations, and we hope that Israelis share the same goodwill by stopping settlements and releasing prisoners," he added.
Palestinians must unite to achieve peace despite the turmoil in the region, and presidential and legislative elections must take place when the conditions are ready, Abbas said.
The president thanked the EU for its position on settlement products and a ban on funding for Israeli settlements, a move which helped the PA return to the negotiating table.
"In a particularly troubled regional environment, it is even more important that we advance towards peace here," Fabius said.
"If these negotiations are successful, it will be a thunderbolt for peace...a great stabilizing element."
Speaking in Amman on Saturday after talks with chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said he expected the next round to take place "in a few days from now."
"On all sides, particularly that of the United States, there are elements which are serious and encouraging regarding the success of the negotiations," official Jordanian news agency Petra quoted him as saying.
"We declare to anyone near or far that upon the instructions of President Mahmoud Abbas we will not inform the Israeli side of our position before it's approved by our brothers in Jordan," Erekat told Ma'an.
"No one in this world is as keen to have a Palestinian state as Jordan," he added.
Palestinian sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, say they expect the talks to be held early next week in the West Bank town of Jericho.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators formally resumed direct peace talks earlier this month after a hiatus of nearly three years, thanks to an intense bout of shuttle diplomacy by US Secretary of State John Kerry.
They are expected to last about nine months.
Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza Strip have participated Friday in a rally, organized by Hamas and Jihad movements, against talks’ resumption and against the ongoing siege on the Strip. The participants, holding Palestinian flags and factions' banners, have taken to the streets of Gaza after Friday prayers to protest against negotiations and security coordination with the Israeli occupation.
During the rally, Minister of Awqaf Dr. Ismail Radwan stated that the national and Islamic factions stand against resumption of talks with the Israeli occupation, stressing their adherence to the national constants.
Resumption of talks contradicts with the Palestinian national consensus and represents a betrayal to the resistance option, martyrs' blood, and prisoners' sacrifices, he said.
He stressed that no one is entitled to make any concession on the Palestinian refugees' right of return, noting that negotiations have only led to an Israeli escalation in settlement and Judaization schemes.
Dr. Radwan emphasized that the Palestinian negotiator is not authorized to waive the right of return and prisoners' rights nor to internationalize Jerusalem issue or to exchange lands.
The leader in Hamas movement advocated national reconciliation as an option to end the internal division and restore national unity based on national constants topped by resistance.
He pointed out that resumption of talks deepens the internal division and Gaza siege, calling for adopting a Palestinian national strategy against negotiations.
During the rally, Minister of Awqaf Dr. Ismail Radwan stated that the national and Islamic factions stand against resumption of talks with the Israeli occupation, stressing their adherence to the national constants.
Resumption of talks contradicts with the Palestinian national consensus and represents a betrayal to the resistance option, martyrs' blood, and prisoners' sacrifices, he said.
He stressed that no one is entitled to make any concession on the Palestinian refugees' right of return, noting that negotiations have only led to an Israeli escalation in settlement and Judaization schemes.
Dr. Radwan emphasized that the Palestinian negotiator is not authorized to waive the right of return and prisoners' rights nor to internationalize Jerusalem issue or to exchange lands.
The leader in Hamas movement advocated national reconciliation as an option to end the internal division and restore national unity based on national constants topped by resistance.
He pointed out that resumption of talks deepens the internal division and Gaza siege, calling for adopting a Palestinian national strategy against negotiations.
PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki addresses a press conference in Prague.
Palestinians have "serious doubts" about Israel's commitment to recently resumed peace talks, but they remain committed to participating in the negotiations, the top Palestinian diplomat said Friday in Ecuador.
"We do not have high expectations of the negotiations so far because we know in advance the official position of the Israeli government," PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki told reporters during a visit to Quito.
Al-Maliki stressed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has not "agreed to cease illegal settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian territories," which has fueled skepticism of the peace talks.
"We have serious doubts about Israel's participation and the desire and faith that Israel shows in the negotiations, but that should not stop us from participating with our full faith and desire as Palestinians," he added.
The parties resumed long-stalled direct peace negotiations last months after a three-year hiatus, but the talks have been overshadowed by Israeli plans to build more than 2,000 new homes for Jewish settlers on occupied Palestinian territory.
Al-Maliki expressed hope that Israel would adopt a "different view" and "surprise" Palestinian negotiators.
The Palestinian foreign minister also condemned the wave of violence engulfing Egypt, Syria and Lebanon, where 42 people were killed and hundreds wounded earlier in car bombs in the port city of Tripoli.
The violence marked the single worst attack in Lebanon since the 1975-1990 civil war.
Despite the spiraling bloodshed across the region, "we are totally against any foreign intervention in any country," al-Maliki said.
Palestinians have "serious doubts" about Israel's commitment to recently resumed peace talks, but they remain committed to participating in the negotiations, the top Palestinian diplomat said Friday in Ecuador.
"We do not have high expectations of the negotiations so far because we know in advance the official position of the Israeli government," PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki told reporters during a visit to Quito.
Al-Maliki stressed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has not "agreed to cease illegal settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian territories," which has fueled skepticism of the peace talks.
"We have serious doubts about Israel's participation and the desire and faith that Israel shows in the negotiations, but that should not stop us from participating with our full faith and desire as Palestinians," he added.
The parties resumed long-stalled direct peace negotiations last months after a three-year hiatus, but the talks have been overshadowed by Israeli plans to build more than 2,000 new homes for Jewish settlers on occupied Palestinian territory.
Al-Maliki expressed hope that Israel would adopt a "different view" and "surprise" Palestinian negotiators.
The Palestinian foreign minister also condemned the wave of violence engulfing Egypt, Syria and Lebanon, where 42 people were killed and hundreds wounded earlier in car bombs in the port city of Tripoli.
The violence marked the single worst attack in Lebanon since the 1975-1990 civil war.
Despite the spiraling bloodshed across the region, "we are totally against any foreign intervention in any country," al-Maliki said.
The French Foreign Ministry has reported that Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, will be visiting the Israel and the Palestinian territories to encourage the recently resumes peace talks between Ramallah and Tel Aviv.
Fabius will be meeting Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, and Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah, in the central West bank city of Ramallah on Saturday.
He also intends to hold a meeting with Israeli President, Shimon Peres, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Israeli justice Minister (Chief Negotiator) Yzipi Livni, on Sunday.
The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement revealing that the visit comes to boost direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
It added that Fabius would also be discussing regional issues, including Syria, Egypt and Iran.
Fabius will be meeting Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, and Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah, in the central West bank city of Ramallah on Saturday.
He also intends to hold a meeting with Israeli President, Shimon Peres, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Israeli justice Minister (Chief Negotiator) Yzipi Livni, on Sunday.
The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement revealing that the visit comes to boost direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
It added that Fabius would also be discussing regional issues, including Syria, Egypt and Iran.
23 aug 2013
Hundreds of people in the Gaza Strip protested on Friday against Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, in marches organized by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Marchers set off from mosques across the coastal strip before converging on a square in the middle of Gaza City, with protesters brandishing signs saying "No to negotiations" and slamming West Bank-based President Mahmoud Abbas's "political failure."
Hamas' religious affairs minister Ismail Radwan addressed the group's arch-rival Abbas in a speech during the protests.
"All the Palestinian factions say you don't have the right to relinquish any piece of our land, or to give up Palestinian rights," he said.
Hamas says Abbas' decision to return to the negotiating table with Israel is not representative of the will of the Palestinian people.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators held another round of US-brokered talks on Tuesday in Jerusalem.
"Returning to talks is a blow to the jihad and to the sacrifices of our people, the blood of our martyrs and to our prisoners behind bars in Israel," Radwan said.
Israeli plans to build another 2,129 settlement units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, announced days before the latest talks started, angered Palestinian officials, who have said the plans threatened to bring a premature and "disastrous" end to negotiations.
Marchers set off from mosques across the coastal strip before converging on a square in the middle of Gaza City, with protesters brandishing signs saying "No to negotiations" and slamming West Bank-based President Mahmoud Abbas's "political failure."
Hamas' religious affairs minister Ismail Radwan addressed the group's arch-rival Abbas in a speech during the protests.
"All the Palestinian factions say you don't have the right to relinquish any piece of our land, or to give up Palestinian rights," he said.
Hamas says Abbas' decision to return to the negotiating table with Israel is not representative of the will of the Palestinian people.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators held another round of US-brokered talks on Tuesday in Jerusalem.
"Returning to talks is a blow to the jihad and to the sacrifices of our people, the blood of our martyrs and to our prisoners behind bars in Israel," Radwan said.
Israeli plans to build another 2,129 settlement units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, announced days before the latest talks started, angered Palestinian officials, who have said the plans threatened to bring a premature and "disastrous" end to negotiations.
Member of the political bureau of Hamas, Izzar al-Resheq, said that the PA’s insistence on negotiations and secret meetings with the occupation, along with its disavowal of the requirements for national reconciliation harms the Palestinian cause and its future. He warned of the dangers of taking unilateral decisions without national consensus. In a statement to Quds Press on Thursday, Resheq strongly disapproved the insistence of the PA’s negotiations team on continuing with the secret negotiations with the occupation despite the escalation of Israeli attacks against Palestinian lands and holy places.
The latest such attack is plans to build a synagogue above the Marwani prayer hall at the Aqsa Mosque. Another Judaization plan is the so called renovation of old buildings in the old city. This is in addition to daily demolition of Palestinian homes, ethnic cleansing and murder of Palestinians.
“All unilateral decisions [taken by the PA] that lead to the liquidation of the Palestinian cause are rejected by all Palestinian factions, along with the Palestinian masses who refuse to give up their rights and national fundamentals and will stand against all attempts to concede or squander those rights,” he told Quds Press.
The latest such attack is plans to build a synagogue above the Marwani prayer hall at the Aqsa Mosque. Another Judaization plan is the so called renovation of old buildings in the old city. This is in addition to daily demolition of Palestinian homes, ethnic cleansing and murder of Palestinians.
“All unilateral decisions [taken by the PA] that lead to the liquidation of the Palestinian cause are rejected by all Palestinian factions, along with the Palestinian masses who refuse to give up their rights and national fundamentals and will stand against all attempts to concede or squander those rights,” he told Quds Press.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that there has been no progress made, whatsoever, in the first four meetings since diplomatic talks resumed between Israeli and Palestinian delegations.
Abbas' statements came during a meeting with representatives from the Israeli Meretz party, headed by its chairwoman, Zahava Gal-On, in his Ramallah headquarters.
Several Palestinian leaders expressed a lack of optimism concerning the peace talk. The President said he "hopes they are not a waste of time" and that an agreement will be reached between Israelis and the Palestinians over the next six months.
Abbas reiterated his commitment to achieving a comprehensive and just peace agreement based on the two-state solution, in order to establish the independent state of Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital.
He asserted that the two sides are not meeting often enough and said the delegations should be meeting every day, and that he wants to meet with Netanyahu directly.
The President also told the group that Israel's ongoing construction in the settlements and east Jerusalem neighborhoods does not create the appropriate atmosphere for the current peace talks. Additionally he stressed that the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails was unrelated to the launching of the peace talks.
He said that the third round of negotiations will be held in Jericho and Jerusalem on Tuesday and expressed great dissatisfaction with the absence of a US representative in the talks. Israel remains opposed to the presence of a US official.
In a statement issued Thursday, the PA's Foreign Ministry called on Palestinian and regional parties to "document Israeli violations regarding settlement activities in preparation for pursuing legal measures against Israel in international forums and courts."
The ministry urged the Quartet members, especially the US, to take immediate action to stop all forms of construction. It said that Israel's actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and the Geneva Convention and will lead to the destruction of the peace process.
Abbas' statements came during a meeting with representatives from the Israeli Meretz party, headed by its chairwoman, Zahava Gal-On, in his Ramallah headquarters.
Several Palestinian leaders expressed a lack of optimism concerning the peace talk. The President said he "hopes they are not a waste of time" and that an agreement will be reached between Israelis and the Palestinians over the next six months.
Abbas reiterated his commitment to achieving a comprehensive and just peace agreement based on the two-state solution, in order to establish the independent state of Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital.
He asserted that the two sides are not meeting often enough and said the delegations should be meeting every day, and that he wants to meet with Netanyahu directly.
The President also told the group that Israel's ongoing construction in the settlements and east Jerusalem neighborhoods does not create the appropriate atmosphere for the current peace talks. Additionally he stressed that the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails was unrelated to the launching of the peace talks.
He said that the third round of negotiations will be held in Jericho and Jerusalem on Tuesday and expressed great dissatisfaction with the absence of a US representative in the talks. Israel remains opposed to the presence of a US official.
In a statement issued Thursday, the PA's Foreign Ministry called on Palestinian and regional parties to "document Israeli violations regarding settlement activities in preparation for pursuing legal measures against Israel in international forums and courts."
The ministry urged the Quartet members, especially the US, to take immediate action to stop all forms of construction. It said that Israel's actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and the Geneva Convention and will lead to the destruction of the peace process.
Hanan Ashrawi, member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and participant in the US brokered peace negotiations, announced on Wednesday, that if Israel continues settlement expansion, the PLO will have to turn to international bodies such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) or the International Court of Justice.
“At the last meeting of the executive committee we decided that if the US and the international community does not stop Israel from pursuing such a policy, we will have to resort, and have recourse to international judicial venues in order to put an end to such Israeli measures, which are designed, as I said, to destroy the chances of peace.”
Several news agencies are wrongly claiming that Ashrawi’s statement conflicts with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abba’s earlier promise to postpone reaching out the United Nations (UN). Ashrawi directly addressed this issue, saying, “When president Mahmoud Abbas said we will postpone going to the UN, this was as part of the agreement on the release of all Palestinian prisoners. It has nothing to do with the (peace) talks themselves.”
71 homes were demolished in Jerusalem since the beginning of the year. 25 of those were destroyed following the recent resumption of peace negotiations. Dr. Ashrawi said, “This is a deliberate affront to Kerry’s initiatives to start talks,” and later continued, “we believe if there are to be talks based on international law, with meaning, with validity, with integrity, and with the chance of leading us to peace, then Israel has to stop all encroachments into Palestinian land, including the illegal apartheid wall of annexation and separation, and including its stepped up settlement expansion everywhere, particularly in and around Jerusalem, but also throughout the West Bank.”
“At the last meeting of the executive committee we decided that if the US and the international community does not stop Israel from pursuing such a policy, we will have to resort, and have recourse to international judicial venues in order to put an end to such Israeli measures, which are designed, as I said, to destroy the chances of peace.”
Several news agencies are wrongly claiming that Ashrawi’s statement conflicts with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abba’s earlier promise to postpone reaching out the United Nations (UN). Ashrawi directly addressed this issue, saying, “When president Mahmoud Abbas said we will postpone going to the UN, this was as part of the agreement on the release of all Palestinian prisoners. It has nothing to do with the (peace) talks themselves.”
71 homes were demolished in Jerusalem since the beginning of the year. 25 of those were destroyed following the recent resumption of peace negotiations. Dr. Ashrawi said, “This is a deliberate affront to Kerry’s initiatives to start talks,” and later continued, “we believe if there are to be talks based on international law, with meaning, with validity, with integrity, and with the chance of leading us to peace, then Israel has to stop all encroachments into Palestinian land, including the illegal apartheid wall of annexation and separation, and including its stepped up settlement expansion everywhere, particularly in and around Jerusalem, but also throughout the West Bank.”
During a meeting with members of the Israeli Meretz opposition Party, who visited him Thursday in the central West Bank city of Ramallah, Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, stated that the Palestinian Authority will not demand the Palestinian return to Jaffa, Akka (Akko) and Safad.
He was referring to the internationally guaranteed Right of Return of the refugees displaced during the creating of Israel in historic Palestine.
“I know how concerned you (the Israelis) are, therefore I want to make some issues clear”, Abbas said, “I assure you that following the end of successful peace talks, the conflict will be resolved, we will not demand to return to Jaffa, Akka and Safad”.
The statements of Abbas, who comes from a family of refugees displaced by the Israeli forces from Safad during the Nakba of 1948, received extensive Israeli media coverage.
Ohad Hamo of Israel’s TV Channel 2 stated that Abu Mazin (Abbas) “is a courageous man who wanted to put the Israelis at ease”.
Hamo said that Abbas’ statements are meant to boost direct peace talks with Israel in order to achieve a final status agreement.
Hamo further stated that, during his meeting with six Meretz members who visited him at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, Abbas said that he is not optimistic, but added that the Middle East “is burning, this is our only chance”, and that he [Abbas] believes a peace agreement within six months is possible.
President Abbas also criticized the Israeli Government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that Israel is wasting time, and is rejecting an “effective American mediation in the direct talks”.
“We only have six to nine months of talks, I wanted the two sides to meet every day, or every other day so that we can reach an agreement in time”, Abbas said, “But Israel rejected the entire idea; it also rejected any effective American intervention and mediation”.
On his part, Hamo said that Abbas received a promise from Meretz’ head Zahava Gal-On to support any agreement reached between Israel and the Palestinians, despite the fact that her party is not part of the government coalition.
It is worth mentioning that Meretz only has six seats at the Israeli Knesset.
According to figures by the United Nations, there are currently 7.1 Million Palestinian refugees; 6.6 Million Palestinians living in refugee camps in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and other countries, and around 427.000 internally displaced Palestinians (refugees who live in refugee camps in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip”.
He was referring to the internationally guaranteed Right of Return of the refugees displaced during the creating of Israel in historic Palestine.
“I know how concerned you (the Israelis) are, therefore I want to make some issues clear”, Abbas said, “I assure you that following the end of successful peace talks, the conflict will be resolved, we will not demand to return to Jaffa, Akka and Safad”.
The statements of Abbas, who comes from a family of refugees displaced by the Israeli forces from Safad during the Nakba of 1948, received extensive Israeli media coverage.
Ohad Hamo of Israel’s TV Channel 2 stated that Abu Mazin (Abbas) “is a courageous man who wanted to put the Israelis at ease”.
Hamo said that Abbas’ statements are meant to boost direct peace talks with Israel in order to achieve a final status agreement.
Hamo further stated that, during his meeting with six Meretz members who visited him at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, Abbas said that he is not optimistic, but added that the Middle East “is burning, this is our only chance”, and that he [Abbas] believes a peace agreement within six months is possible.
President Abbas also criticized the Israeli Government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that Israel is wasting time, and is rejecting an “effective American mediation in the direct talks”.
“We only have six to nine months of talks, I wanted the two sides to meet every day, or every other day so that we can reach an agreement in time”, Abbas said, “But Israel rejected the entire idea; it also rejected any effective American intervention and mediation”.
On his part, Hamo said that Abbas received a promise from Meretz’ head Zahava Gal-On to support any agreement reached between Israel and the Palestinians, despite the fact that her party is not part of the government coalition.
It is worth mentioning that Meretz only has six seats at the Israeli Knesset.
According to figures by the United Nations, there are currently 7.1 Million Palestinian refugees; 6.6 Million Palestinians living in refugee camps in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and other countries, and around 427.000 internally displaced Palestinians (refugees who live in refugee camps in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip”.
Israeli sources have reported that the Finance Committee of the Jerusalem City Council will be convening this coming Sunday to approve a new budget for infrastructure aiming at adding 1500 units for Israeli settlers in occupied Jerusalem.
Palestinian Researcher, specialized in Israeli settlements affairs, Ahmad Son-Lban, stated that the units are meant for expanding Ramat Shlomo settlement towards the Palestinian town of Shu’fat and the Ramot settlement.
He added that Regional Construction and Planning Committee initially approved the plan back in February of last year.
The researcher said that Israel approved the plan as a punishment to the Palestinians after they were voted in a nonmember observer state at the United Nations in 2012, and added that the plan was originally presented for appeals in March of 2010, as U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden, was visiting the region.
The issue that “angered” the United States, especially as it came as Biden was touring the area trying to get Tel Aviv and Ramallah back on the negotiations table.
Sob-Laban said that this plan would lead to more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat, and will seriously limit any possibility of expanding Shu’fat and Beit Hanina from their western sides. Under the plan, Israel would be illegally confiscating 580 Dunams of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat.
He further stated that appeals have been against the plan, but the Israeli Constructions Committee rejected some of the appeal, and did not even look into the rest.
The original structural plan includes the construction of 1680 units, but the constructions committee trimmed the number down to 1500 after some settlers of the Ramat Shlomo settlement filed appeals claiming that the constructions would affect the general view in front of their homes.
Sob-Laban stated that one of the main issues behind speeding the approval and starting the actual construction is related to settler road #21 that would add two new roads that lead to Ramat Shlomo, and that the Regional Committee requires plans for new roads before approving new units.
Israel has recently approved thousands of units for Jewish settlers in occupied East Jerusalem, and in the West Bank.
Various countries around the world denounced the new Israeli plans, stated that Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank and in occupied East Jerusalem are illegal under international law, and urged both sides to “refrain from unilateral moves that would jeopardize direct peace talks”.
Palestinian Researcher, specialized in Israeli settlements affairs, Ahmad Son-Lban, stated that the units are meant for expanding Ramat Shlomo settlement towards the Palestinian town of Shu’fat and the Ramot settlement.
He added that Regional Construction and Planning Committee initially approved the plan back in February of last year.
The researcher said that Israel approved the plan as a punishment to the Palestinians after they were voted in a nonmember observer state at the United Nations in 2012, and added that the plan was originally presented for appeals in March of 2010, as U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden, was visiting the region.
The issue that “angered” the United States, especially as it came as Biden was touring the area trying to get Tel Aviv and Ramallah back on the negotiations table.
Sob-Laban said that this plan would lead to more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat, and will seriously limit any possibility of expanding Shu’fat and Beit Hanina from their western sides. Under the plan, Israel would be illegally confiscating 580 Dunams of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat.
He further stated that appeals have been against the plan, but the Israeli Constructions Committee rejected some of the appeal, and did not even look into the rest.
The original structural plan includes the construction of 1680 units, but the constructions committee trimmed the number down to 1500 after some settlers of the Ramat Shlomo settlement filed appeals claiming that the constructions would affect the general view in front of their homes.
Sob-Laban stated that one of the main issues behind speeding the approval and starting the actual construction is related to settler road #21 that would add two new roads that lead to Ramat Shlomo, and that the Regional Committee requires plans for new roads before approving new units.
Israel has recently approved thousands of units for Jewish settlers in occupied East Jerusalem, and in the West Bank.
Various countries around the world denounced the new Israeli plans, stated that Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank and in occupied East Jerusalem are illegal under international law, and urged both sides to “refrain from unilateral moves that would jeopardize direct peace talks”.
22 aug 2013
The Palestinian Authority’s ministry of foreign affairs on Thursday urged the international Quartet to immediately bring to an end all illegal Israeli settlement activities.
In a statement, the ministry called upon local, regional and international bodies to document Israel’s settlement expansion “which is against international law and the Geneva conventions.”
Documentation, added the statement, will be used in possible legal procedures against Israel at international level.
The statement pointed out that settlement expansion would eventually foil peace efforts, and it urged the United States, which is sponsoring peace negotiations, to take a firm position.
The statement came in response to Israel’s intensification of settlement expansion shortly after the Palestinian leadership agreed to resume peace talks with Israel under US pressure on both sides.
Israel has put into effect an absentee property law on Jerusalem which Palestinians call an indirect way to confiscate lands under the pretext that its direct owners are living outside Jerusalem.
Other draft laws such as a so-called earthquake law have been recently approved.
On the ground, meanwhile, the Israeli government announced bids to build more than 2,000 settlement units in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Simultaneously, Israeli forces have been demolishing dozens of Palestinian houses in East Jerusalem and in the Jordan Valley and evacuated hundreds of Palestinians.
Peace talks broke down in 2010 over Israel's refusal to stop building settlements on Palestinian land.
Under US pressure, Israel and the Palestinians resumed peace talks in August after Israel agreed to release long-term prisoners, but it did not agree to pause settlement construction in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
In a statement, the ministry called upon local, regional and international bodies to document Israel’s settlement expansion “which is against international law and the Geneva conventions.”
Documentation, added the statement, will be used in possible legal procedures against Israel at international level.
The statement pointed out that settlement expansion would eventually foil peace efforts, and it urged the United States, which is sponsoring peace negotiations, to take a firm position.
The statement came in response to Israel’s intensification of settlement expansion shortly after the Palestinian leadership agreed to resume peace talks with Israel under US pressure on both sides.
Israel has put into effect an absentee property law on Jerusalem which Palestinians call an indirect way to confiscate lands under the pretext that its direct owners are living outside Jerusalem.
Other draft laws such as a so-called earthquake law have been recently approved.
On the ground, meanwhile, the Israeli government announced bids to build more than 2,000 settlement units in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Simultaneously, Israeli forces have been demolishing dozens of Palestinian houses in East Jerusalem and in the Jordan Valley and evacuated hundreds of Palestinians.
Peace talks broke down in 2010 over Israel's refusal to stop building settlements on Palestinian land.
Under US pressure, Israel and the Palestinians resumed peace talks in August after Israel agreed to release long-term prisoners, but it did not agree to pause settlement construction in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Islamic Jihad Movement denounced the organization of a normalizing conference by the Palestinian Authority with the participation of a delegation from the Israeli police, in Jericho east of the occupied West Bank. The movement said in a statement on Thursday that the aim of holding the conference of "Law Enforcement" in Jericho is the "direct normalization with the Israeli occupation."
It added that these normalization activities represent the direct result of negotiations, from which the occupation seeks to expand its settlements in all directions.
The activities of the Middle East third conference of Law Enforcement were concluded on Wednesday evening in the city of Jericho. The conference was organized by the Palestinian police in the Intercontinental hotel for three days, with the participation of American and Jordanian delegations and Israeli police leaders.
It added that these normalization activities represent the direct result of negotiations, from which the occupation seeks to expand its settlements in all directions.
The activities of the Middle East third conference of Law Enforcement were concluded on Wednesday evening in the city of Jericho. The conference was organized by the Palestinian police in the Intercontinental hotel for three days, with the participation of American and Jordanian delegations and Israeli police leaders.
PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi had a briefing for journalists in the illegal Israeli settlement of Gilo, on Beit Jala's land, followed by a field tour to the settlement and the Cremisan Valley, PLO's Negotiations Affairs Department reported Wednesday. The briefing took place one week after Israel announced 942 new units for the illegal settlement of Gilo.
On the occasion, Dr. Ashrawi briefed reporters about the Palestinian position regarding Israeli settlements, particularly on Gilo: "Gilo is an illegal settlement built on Palestinian land by force of occupier's power and not by any legal or political agreement. It is a violation not only of international law and Palestinian rights, but it is also an attempt to destroy the very foundations of peace and prevent the implementation of the two-state solution."
Dr. Ashrawi continued: "Gilo and other settlements are specifically designed to prevent a Palestinian state that is territorially contiguous and that is territorially and economically viable. So all those statements saying that 'everyone knows that the major settlements will stay with Israel' are simply not true. Such statements are designed to deliberately mislead by misrepresenting our negotiation's positions. Our position is based on an international recognition of the 1967 border as the border of the State of Palestine, including East Jerusalem."
Dr. Ashrawi concluded: "If Israel persists in such policies we will have no other option but to seek recourse to international law and international agencies. In the last meeting of the PLO Executive Committee we decided that if the international community does not stop Israel from pursuing such a policy, we'll have to go to international judicial venues in order to put an end to such Israeli measures that are designed to destroy the chances of peace, and this is perfectly within our rights."
PLO threatens action over Israel settlements
A top PLO official threatened Wednesday to sue Israel through international bodies if it continues expanding settlements in the occupied territories, warning it was an issue that could torpedo fledgling peace talks.
"These are not just dots on a map," PLO executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi said of more than 2,000 new settler homes which were approved for construction ahead of a resumption of peace negotiations late last month.
"These are wilful and destructive measures to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.
"If Israel carries out these plans ... we will be forced to (have) recourse to international judicial processes through international institutions," she told reporters near the settlement neighborhood of Gilo, south of Jerusalem, where many of the new units are to be built.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators held a new round of peace talks in Jerusalem on Tuesday, their second since the resumption of direct negotiations in Washington late last month which ended a nearly three-year gap.
The last talks, in September 2010, broke down over the issue of settlement expansion.
"There has been no breakthrough and no agreement. Discussions have not been on specifics," Ashrawi said of the resumed talks.
Details of the discussions have not been revealed at the request of US mediators, who asked last week for a strict news blackout.
Ashrawi warned that Israeli settlement building threatened once again to torpedo peace efforts.
"We are not prepared to make the same mistakes and to have talks for their own sake as Israel continues ... unilateral measures" such as further settlement building, she said.
She urged the United States to take a firm stance against settlements, following the example of the EU.
"The EU guidelines are just the beginning of holding Israel accountable (for settlement building). We call on all other countries to persist in holding Israel and the settlers accountable," Ashrawi said.
The EU published guidelines last month that forbid its institutions from dealing with or funding any West Bank settlements.
In the last significant attempt to work through international bodies, the Palestinians gained upgraded status at the UN in November, with an overwhelming majority of countries voting in favor of their becoming a non-member observer state.
The US and Israel voted against the motion.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday played down the settlements issue.
"The root cause (of the conflict) was and remains the persistent refusal to recognize the Jewish state in any boundary," he said.
"It doesn't have to do with the settlements -- that's an issue that has to be resolved -- but this is not the reason that we have a continual conflict."
On the occasion, Dr. Ashrawi briefed reporters about the Palestinian position regarding Israeli settlements, particularly on Gilo: "Gilo is an illegal settlement built on Palestinian land by force of occupier's power and not by any legal or political agreement. It is a violation not only of international law and Palestinian rights, but it is also an attempt to destroy the very foundations of peace and prevent the implementation of the two-state solution."
Dr. Ashrawi continued: "Gilo and other settlements are specifically designed to prevent a Palestinian state that is territorially contiguous and that is territorially and economically viable. So all those statements saying that 'everyone knows that the major settlements will stay with Israel' are simply not true. Such statements are designed to deliberately mislead by misrepresenting our negotiation's positions. Our position is based on an international recognition of the 1967 border as the border of the State of Palestine, including East Jerusalem."
Dr. Ashrawi concluded: "If Israel persists in such policies we will have no other option but to seek recourse to international law and international agencies. In the last meeting of the PLO Executive Committee we decided that if the international community does not stop Israel from pursuing such a policy, we'll have to go to international judicial venues in order to put an end to such Israeli measures that are designed to destroy the chances of peace, and this is perfectly within our rights."
PLO threatens action over Israel settlements
A top PLO official threatened Wednesday to sue Israel through international bodies if it continues expanding settlements in the occupied territories, warning it was an issue that could torpedo fledgling peace talks.
"These are not just dots on a map," PLO executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi said of more than 2,000 new settler homes which were approved for construction ahead of a resumption of peace negotiations late last month.
"These are wilful and destructive measures to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.
"If Israel carries out these plans ... we will be forced to (have) recourse to international judicial processes through international institutions," she told reporters near the settlement neighborhood of Gilo, south of Jerusalem, where many of the new units are to be built.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators held a new round of peace talks in Jerusalem on Tuesday, their second since the resumption of direct negotiations in Washington late last month which ended a nearly three-year gap.
The last talks, in September 2010, broke down over the issue of settlement expansion.
"There has been no breakthrough and no agreement. Discussions have not been on specifics," Ashrawi said of the resumed talks.
Details of the discussions have not been revealed at the request of US mediators, who asked last week for a strict news blackout.
Ashrawi warned that Israeli settlement building threatened once again to torpedo peace efforts.
"We are not prepared to make the same mistakes and to have talks for their own sake as Israel continues ... unilateral measures" such as further settlement building, she said.
She urged the United States to take a firm stance against settlements, following the example of the EU.
"The EU guidelines are just the beginning of holding Israel accountable (for settlement building). We call on all other countries to persist in holding Israel and the settlers accountable," Ashrawi said.
The EU published guidelines last month that forbid its institutions from dealing with or funding any West Bank settlements.
In the last significant attempt to work through international bodies, the Palestinians gained upgraded status at the UN in November, with an overwhelming majority of countries voting in favor of their becoming a non-member observer state.
The US and Israel voted against the motion.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday played down the settlements issue.
"The root cause (of the conflict) was and remains the persistent refusal to recognize the Jewish state in any boundary," he said.
"It doesn't have to do with the settlements -- that's an issue that has to be resolved -- but this is not the reason that we have a continual conflict."
Palestinian officials involved in direct talks with the Israeli side, stated that the Palestinian Authority (P.A) in the West Bank would resume its international campaign at UN bodies should Israel insist on continuing its illegal violations, mainly its settlement construction and expansion activities.
The statements came after Israel announced a new illegal plan to build more than 3000 units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem.
Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, who was involved in direct talks with Israel since the beginning of peace talks in the early 1990’s, stated that the Palestinian Authority could turn to the United Nations and other international agencies.
Ashrawi visited areas in occupied Jerusalem where Israel intends to build hundreds of units for Jewish settlers, and said that the Palestinian stance is clear, “should Israel fail to halt its violations, we will head to the UN”.
She told reporters who accompanied her in the tour that Tel Aviv built thousands of units for Jewish settlers, and that the ongoing Israel settlement activities jeopardize the two-state solution as they isolate Jerusalem from the West Bank, and that Israel’s settlements and its Annexation Wall would render the establishment of a sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state impossible
Israeli Ynet News has reported that Tel Aviv is concerned that resuming international moves by the Palestinian side could deepen Israel’s international isolation, especially since the Palestinians managed to garner enormous international support when then won the United Nations General Assembly vote, last year, and garnered international recognition of a Palestinian State in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Ynet added that a source at the office of Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Palestinians vowed not to make any “unilateral move” during the nine months of direct peace talks, and that “should they make any move, they will be breaking their vows, and their international commitments.”
On her part, Dr. Ashrawi said that U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, had requested the Palestinians not to make any international move, including applications to join different United Nations agencies, such as the International Criminal court.
She added that President Mahmoud Abbas linked halting international moves with the release of 104 Palestinian political prisoners, not with the resumption of direct talks, Israeli Ynet said.
It is worth mentioning that Tel Aviv has so far released only 26 detainees of the 104 detainees held since before the first Oslo Peace agreement of 1993. Israel said it will be freeing the rest depending on the progress of talks.
The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank has demanded that peace talks should only be resumed when Israel stops all of its illegal settlement activities, and officially recognizes the Palestinian right to statehood, and independence, including East Jerusalem as the capital of this state.
The legitimate demand calls on Israel to withdraw to the lines of the 1976 six-day war, in compliance with numerous UN resolutions, and to recognize the internationally guaranteed Right of Return of the Palestinian Refugees.
However, Israel refused the Palestinian demands, and never made any recognition of the legitimate Palestinian rights.
President Mahmoud Abbas was assured by the United States that it would push Israel to halt its settlement activities, and to work with the Palestinians on establishing their state.
Immediately after the resumption of direct talks, Israel announced construction plans for more than 3100 units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, including hundreds of units in occupied East Jerusalem, in direct violation of International Law.
The move was seen as provocative, and as an attempt to kill the newly resumed talks in their track. Israel also continued its invasions and violations in the occupied territories.
On Monday [August 20], Israeli soldiers shot and killed one Palestinian, and injured several others in the northern West Bank city of Jenin.
On Wednesday [August 21, 2013[ Israeli bulldozers uprooted and leveled large areas of Palestinian lands located between the Mount of Olives and At-Tour, overlooking the Old City of occupied Jerusalem.
Palestinian Researcher, Ahmad Sob-Laban, stated that the violation was focused in a land owned by the Gheith family who lost their home nine months ago after Israel demolished it.
He added that the destruction of the land and property in the area is part of the illegal Israeli plan that aims at constructing “National Gardens”, by illegally confiscating privately owned Palestinian lands.
The statements came after Israel announced a new illegal plan to build more than 3000 units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem.
Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, who was involved in direct talks with Israel since the beginning of peace talks in the early 1990’s, stated that the Palestinian Authority could turn to the United Nations and other international agencies.
Ashrawi visited areas in occupied Jerusalem where Israel intends to build hundreds of units for Jewish settlers, and said that the Palestinian stance is clear, “should Israel fail to halt its violations, we will head to the UN”.
She told reporters who accompanied her in the tour that Tel Aviv built thousands of units for Jewish settlers, and that the ongoing Israel settlement activities jeopardize the two-state solution as they isolate Jerusalem from the West Bank, and that Israel’s settlements and its Annexation Wall would render the establishment of a sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state impossible
Israeli Ynet News has reported that Tel Aviv is concerned that resuming international moves by the Palestinian side could deepen Israel’s international isolation, especially since the Palestinians managed to garner enormous international support when then won the United Nations General Assembly vote, last year, and garnered international recognition of a Palestinian State in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Ynet added that a source at the office of Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Palestinians vowed not to make any “unilateral move” during the nine months of direct peace talks, and that “should they make any move, they will be breaking their vows, and their international commitments.”
On her part, Dr. Ashrawi said that U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, had requested the Palestinians not to make any international move, including applications to join different United Nations agencies, such as the International Criminal court.
She added that President Mahmoud Abbas linked halting international moves with the release of 104 Palestinian political prisoners, not with the resumption of direct talks, Israeli Ynet said.
It is worth mentioning that Tel Aviv has so far released only 26 detainees of the 104 detainees held since before the first Oslo Peace agreement of 1993. Israel said it will be freeing the rest depending on the progress of talks.
The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank has demanded that peace talks should only be resumed when Israel stops all of its illegal settlement activities, and officially recognizes the Palestinian right to statehood, and independence, including East Jerusalem as the capital of this state.
The legitimate demand calls on Israel to withdraw to the lines of the 1976 six-day war, in compliance with numerous UN resolutions, and to recognize the internationally guaranteed Right of Return of the Palestinian Refugees.
However, Israel refused the Palestinian demands, and never made any recognition of the legitimate Palestinian rights.
President Mahmoud Abbas was assured by the United States that it would push Israel to halt its settlement activities, and to work with the Palestinians on establishing their state.
Immediately after the resumption of direct talks, Israel announced construction plans for more than 3100 units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, including hundreds of units in occupied East Jerusalem, in direct violation of International Law.
The move was seen as provocative, and as an attempt to kill the newly resumed talks in their track. Israel also continued its invasions and violations in the occupied territories.
On Monday [August 20], Israeli soldiers shot and killed one Palestinian, and injured several others in the northern West Bank city of Jenin.
On Wednesday [August 21, 2013[ Israeli bulldozers uprooted and leveled large areas of Palestinian lands located between the Mount of Olives and At-Tour, overlooking the Old City of occupied Jerusalem.
Palestinian Researcher, Ahmad Sob-Laban, stated that the violation was focused in a land owned by the Gheith family who lost their home nine months ago after Israel demolished it.
He added that the destruction of the land and property in the area is part of the illegal Israeli plan that aims at constructing “National Gardens”, by illegally confiscating privately owned Palestinian lands.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators held on Wednesday [August 21, 2013] the third round of direct political talks in an undisclosed location in Jerusalem. The Palestinians demanded involving the Quartet Committee in the direct talks, but Tel Aviv and Washington, the mediator, expressed reservations.
Israeli Justice Minister, Tzipi Livni, stated that direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks would lead to what she called “fundamental decisions” that would lead to ending the conflict.
Livni did not explain the nature of the “fundamental decisions”, and stated that she is facing some issues with extremist members of the coalition government, especially religious parties that reject the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, the Arabs48 news website said.
She also demanded the Labor Party in Israel to show more support to peace talks, and to help in achieving a peace agreement based on the “Land for Peace” principle.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiations teams also never reveal details on what took place during the first and second rounds of direct talks, held following three years of impasse due to Israel’s ongoing violations, including its ongoing settlement activities in the occupied West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem.
Livni and Personal envoy of Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yitzhak Molho, represented the Israeli side, while Chief Palestinian negotiator, Dr. Saeb Erekat, and Personal Advisor to President Mahmoud Abbas, Mohammad Eshtayya, represented the Palestinian side.
Although details of issues discussed were never made public, but it is believed that the talks focused on a number of issues including borders, security, Jerusalem, the Palestinian Refugees, and settlements.
Furthermore, Israeli sources said that the Palestinian side demanded that representatives of the Quartet Committee (The United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia) be involved in the direct talks.
The sources added that although Livni did not express rejection to the Palestinian demand, but the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu, and the United States, expressed reservations.
Israeli Justice Minister, Tzipi Livni, stated that direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks would lead to what she called “fundamental decisions” that would lead to ending the conflict.
Livni did not explain the nature of the “fundamental decisions”, and stated that she is facing some issues with extremist members of the coalition government, especially religious parties that reject the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, the Arabs48 news website said.
She also demanded the Labor Party in Israel to show more support to peace talks, and to help in achieving a peace agreement based on the “Land for Peace” principle.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiations teams also never reveal details on what took place during the first and second rounds of direct talks, held following three years of impasse due to Israel’s ongoing violations, including its ongoing settlement activities in the occupied West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem.
Livni and Personal envoy of Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yitzhak Molho, represented the Israeli side, while Chief Palestinian negotiator, Dr. Saeb Erekat, and Personal Advisor to President Mahmoud Abbas, Mohammad Eshtayya, represented the Palestinian side.
Although details of issues discussed were never made public, but it is believed that the talks focused on a number of issues including borders, security, Jerusalem, the Palestinian Refugees, and settlements.
Furthermore, Israeli sources said that the Palestinian side demanded that representatives of the Quartet Committee (The United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia) be involved in the direct talks.
The sources added that although Livni did not express rejection to the Palestinian demand, but the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu, and the United States, expressed reservations.
21 aug 2013
Member of Hamas political bureau Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk said that the Palestinian institutions' crisis, which Abbas spoke about, is caused by the failure of the political settlement project which started with secret bilateral negotiations. Abu Marzouk said in remarks on Wednesday on his Facebook page that the solution to this crisis is through implementing a national project, and rehabilitating the Palestinian Liberation Organization and its institutions.
He condemned the return to negotiations in light of the Israeli escalations on the ground, pointing to the unprecedented escalation in the settlement activity, the recent demolitions of houses in Silwan in Jerusalem, and the killings in Jenin refugee camp.
He condemned the return to negotiations in light of the Israeli escalations on the ground, pointing to the unprecedented escalation in the settlement activity, the recent demolitions of houses in Silwan in Jerusalem, and the killings in Jenin refugee camp.
During a special session on the US-sponsored negotiations
The Palestinian legislative council (PLC) convened on Tuesday to discuss the decision taken by the Palestinian authority (PA) to resume its talks with the Israeli occupation regime. The session was chaired by first deputy speaker of the PLC Ahmed Baher and attended by Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya and lawmakers.
Baher started the session with a speech condemning the shocking massacres that were committed against peaceful protestors and detainees by army soldiers and policemen in Egypt.
He stated that the persistence of the Egyptian army and police in their barbaric killing of civilians violate all divine and worldly laws and called on the international community to move to end the bloodshed in Egypt.
As for the Palestinian situation, Baher demanded the PA to withdraw immediately from its frivolous talks with the Israeli occupation, affirming that the peace process had proved over more than 20 years to be detrimental to the Palestinian cause.
Baher also urged the PA to give a free rein to the Palestinian resistance fighters to defend their people and confront Israel's growing Judaization and settlement plans in the occupied territories.
He also called for executing the latest reconciliation understandings reached between the Palestinian rivals in Egypt in order to end the rift in the Palestinian arena and strengthen its internal front.
For his part, MP Mahmoud Al-Zahhar, head of the PLC's political committee, read the report that was prepared by his committee about the resumed talks with the Israeli occupation regime.
Zahhar stated that the political committee of the PLC rejects any form of negotiations with the Israelis held outside the national consensus by de facto president Mahmoud Abbas.
He also highlighted the committee's disapproval of what had been agreed upon between Abbas and US secretary of state John Kerry, and held the PA, Fatah and their leaders fully responsible for the consequences that would result from the concessions they intend to make on the Palestinian rights.
The Palestinian legislative council (PLC) convened on Tuesday to discuss the decision taken by the Palestinian authority (PA) to resume its talks with the Israeli occupation regime. The session was chaired by first deputy speaker of the PLC Ahmed Baher and attended by Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya and lawmakers.
Baher started the session with a speech condemning the shocking massacres that were committed against peaceful protestors and detainees by army soldiers and policemen in Egypt.
He stated that the persistence of the Egyptian army and police in their barbaric killing of civilians violate all divine and worldly laws and called on the international community to move to end the bloodshed in Egypt.
As for the Palestinian situation, Baher demanded the PA to withdraw immediately from its frivolous talks with the Israeli occupation, affirming that the peace process had proved over more than 20 years to be detrimental to the Palestinian cause.
Baher also urged the PA to give a free rein to the Palestinian resistance fighters to defend their people and confront Israel's growing Judaization and settlement plans in the occupied territories.
He also called for executing the latest reconciliation understandings reached between the Palestinian rivals in Egypt in order to end the rift in the Palestinian arena and strengthen its internal front.
For his part, MP Mahmoud Al-Zahhar, head of the PLC's political committee, read the report that was prepared by his committee about the resumed talks with the Israeli occupation regime.
Zahhar stated that the political committee of the PLC rejects any form of negotiations with the Israelis held outside the national consensus by de facto president Mahmoud Abbas.
He also highlighted the committee's disapproval of what had been agreed upon between Abbas and US secretary of state John Kerry, and held the PA, Fatah and their leaders fully responsible for the consequences that would result from the concessions they intend to make on the Palestinian rights.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday said that Israel is placing "obstacles" on the way to the continuation of the peace talks by pursuing construction in settlements "in a provocative manner." He also said that Israel's actions were in violation of "sincere intentions to achieve peace and end occupation."
Abbas's comments came during a meeting in his office with representatives of the Front For Democracy and Equality (Hadash) party, headed by MK Mohammad Barakei.
Barakei quoted Abbas as saying that progress had been achieved during the previous rounds of talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He also quoted Abbas as saying that solutions could be reached regarding the core issues.
Abbas's comments came during a meeting in his office with representatives of the Front For Democracy and Equality (Hadash) party, headed by MK Mohammad Barakei.
Barakei quoted Abbas as saying that progress had been achieved during the previous rounds of talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He also quoted Abbas as saying that solutions could be reached regarding the core issues.
Ahmad Salah, an activist against Israel’s illegal settlements and its apartheid wall in Al-Khader town, south of Bethlehem, stated Tuesday [August 20, 2013] that a number of settlers installed mobile homes on lands that belong to residents of the town.
He said that the settlers came from Eliezer illegal settlement, built on lands that belong to Al-Khader residents, the Al-Quds Newspaper reported.
Salah added that the settlers also installed a shed, and built a large home, adding that the area is question is 150 Dunams (37 Acres) of privately owned Palestinian lands.
The Israeli government recently approved hundreds of units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem.
The approvals came despite the resumption of direct peace talks between Tel Aviv and Ramallah, and were seen as a provocative move that is meant to kill the negotiations in their track.
Settlements are illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
During his recent meeting with UN Secretary General, Ban ki-moon, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue to build and expand settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.
Netanyahu also said that all of Israel’s settlements, and what he described as “new neighborhoods”, would always remain under Israeli sovereignty.
He said that the settlers came from Eliezer illegal settlement, built on lands that belong to Al-Khader residents, the Al-Quds Newspaper reported.
Salah added that the settlers also installed a shed, and built a large home, adding that the area is question is 150 Dunams (37 Acres) of privately owned Palestinian lands.
The Israeli government recently approved hundreds of units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem.
The approvals came despite the resumption of direct peace talks between Tel Aviv and Ramallah, and were seen as a provocative move that is meant to kill the negotiations in their track.
Settlements are illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
During his recent meeting with UN Secretary General, Ban ki-moon, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue to build and expand settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.
Netanyahu also said that all of Israel’s settlements, and what he described as “new neighborhoods”, would always remain under Israeli sovereignty.