20 feb 2014
Haaretz newspaper revealed Thursday an increase in home demolitions in Jerusalem since the beginning of this year. The Israeli occupation's jerusalem municipality demolished 12 populated buildings in just two months this year, compared to 25 buildings demolished through 2013.
Israeli officials attributed this rise in demolitions to the absence of he political pressure on the Israeli government since the beginning of negotiation with the Palestinian Authority .
"The calm in Jerusalem can lead to the demolition easily," They said.
Haaretz reported a testimony from a Jerusalem family that the Israeli bulldozers destroyed their home in Silwan neighborhood.
The family was evacuated from the house and they were not allowed to take their belongings and didn't even let the mother to dress her children in this cold weather.
Israeli police stormed a home belong to Mohamed sahur at 6:00 am along with sniffer dogs and frightened he children.
They added that the occupation police beat the family father when he was trying to calm his frightened children.
The mother, a Jew who converted to Islam after marrying Sawaher, said she has never thought that she would be treated in this brutal way, especially as she had served in the Israeli army in the past. Today, the family lives in a tent provided by the ICRC.
Israeli officials attributed this rise in demolitions to the absence of he political pressure on the Israeli government since the beginning of negotiation with the Palestinian Authority .
"The calm in Jerusalem can lead to the demolition easily," They said.
Haaretz reported a testimony from a Jerusalem family that the Israeli bulldozers destroyed their home in Silwan neighborhood.
The family was evacuated from the house and they were not allowed to take their belongings and didn't even let the mother to dress her children in this cold weather.
Israeli police stormed a home belong to Mohamed sahur at 6:00 am along with sniffer dogs and frightened he children.
They added that the occupation police beat the family father when he was trying to calm his frightened children.
The mother, a Jew who converted to Islam after marrying Sawaher, said she has never thought that she would be treated in this brutal way, especially as she had served in the Israeli army in the past. Today, the family lives in a tent provided by the ICRC.
Senior Hamas official Wasfi Qabha condemned de facto president Mahmoud Abbas' recent remarks on the right of return as "clear recognition of the Jewishness of the Israeli state" and approval to US secretary of state John Kerry's proposals.
On Sunday, Abbas stated during a meeting with 270 Israeli youths representing Israeli civil society in PA headquarters in Ramallah that he "did not want to flood Israel with millions of Palestinian refugees in order to change its social culture."
Qabha said that Abbas' statements came as a prelude to recognize the Jewishness of Israeli state, recalling Member of the advisory council Dr. Nabil Amr's remarks regarding PA recognition to the Jewishness of Israel.
Amr's statements, that reflect PA trends towards the right of return, were not spontaneous but it was a clear message that contradicts with the Palestinian national consensus, Hamas' official said.
Qabha condemned PA chairman's compromise on the right of return in order to satisfy and propitiate the Israeli society in total contradiction to the Palestinian national consensus.
He said that Abbas' remarks came as a pre-acceptance to Kerry's proposals that aim to liquidate the Palestinian refugees' right of return in line with Israeli demands.
He charged that Abbas will bear full responsibility over Palestinian refugees' suffering all over the world in case he accepts Kerry's proposals.
Qabha called on Palestinian factions and national and Islamic forces to discuss Abbas's recent comments and positions and to prepare a Palestinian charter of honor related to Palestinian constants and rights.
He also called to put pressures on Abbas to retreat from his positions that contradict with Palestinian people's aspirations and rights.
Qabha asked Fatah Central Committee as the highest decision-making body in the movement to stop negotiations with Israeli occupation and not to respond to Netanyahu and Kerry's pressures.
He stressed the need to achieve the national reconciliation and to build a Palestinian strategy in face of Israeli crimes and violations that reflects the Palestinian people's aspirations.
The Hamas official called to put an end to PA repression and oppression policy against Palestinian citizens.
On Sunday, Abbas stated during a meeting with 270 Israeli youths representing Israeli civil society in PA headquarters in Ramallah that he "did not want to flood Israel with millions of Palestinian refugees in order to change its social culture."
Qabha said that Abbas' statements came as a prelude to recognize the Jewishness of Israeli state, recalling Member of the advisory council Dr. Nabil Amr's remarks regarding PA recognition to the Jewishness of Israel.
Amr's statements, that reflect PA trends towards the right of return, were not spontaneous but it was a clear message that contradicts with the Palestinian national consensus, Hamas' official said.
Qabha condemned PA chairman's compromise on the right of return in order to satisfy and propitiate the Israeli society in total contradiction to the Palestinian national consensus.
He said that Abbas' remarks came as a pre-acceptance to Kerry's proposals that aim to liquidate the Palestinian refugees' right of return in line with Israeli demands.
He charged that Abbas will bear full responsibility over Palestinian refugees' suffering all over the world in case he accepts Kerry's proposals.
Qabha called on Palestinian factions and national and Islamic forces to discuss Abbas's recent comments and positions and to prepare a Palestinian charter of honor related to Palestinian constants and rights.
He also called to put pressures on Abbas to retreat from his positions that contradict with Palestinian people's aspirations and rights.
Qabha asked Fatah Central Committee as the highest decision-making body in the movement to stop negotiations with Israeli occupation and not to respond to Netanyahu and Kerry's pressures.
He stressed the need to achieve the national reconciliation and to build a Palestinian strategy in face of Israeli crimes and violations that reflects the Palestinian people's aspirations.
The Hamas official called to put an end to PA repression and oppression policy against Palestinian citizens.
Israel will not sign any deal with the Palestinians unless its security concerns are put to rest, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in an interview with Channel 2, and hinted that evacuation of Israeli settlers from the West Bank may not be necessary. In segments published Wednesday, Kerry dismissed criticism of him from right-wing Israeli politicians, particularly Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, who said the top US diplomat was “messianic and obsessive.”
“You know, those are judgments that other people may or may not have fun making in this process. I’m doing my job,” he said. Kerry said he was not insulted by Ya’alon’s remarks. “I think I am committed, and I’m determined.”
The full-length interview was set to be broadcast on Thursday.
The secretary of state declined to comment on his gut reaction in January to Yedioth Ahronoth’s publication of Ya’alon’s scathing criticism, which targeted the US’s mediation of the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
“People who know me know that when I sink my teeth into something, if I get the bit between my teeth, I try to get it done,” he said, dismissing the possibility of losing hope in a future peace deal between the two sides.
Kerry was in Paris Wednesday for talks aimed at reaching agreement on a framework for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. He met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. They are working to define the framework for negotiators as they seek to forge a comprehensive settlement to the conflict.
“We are at an important point in the negotiations where we are engaged with narrowing the gaps between the parties on a framework for negotiations and it was an appropriate time to spend a few hours meeting with President Abbas to talk about the core issues,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
The Israelis and Palestinians agreed to resume stalled talks that began last summer with a nine-month target for a peace deal. But there have been few tangible signs of progress as the May expiration of that period looms, and so the goal has been scaled back to getting consensus on an outline for negotiations.
Opening his meeting with Judeh, Kerry told reporters that he was “particularly grateful” for Jordan’s role in hosting more than 1.3 million Syrians who have fled the fighting in their country.
“It’s an extraordinary burden,” he said. “We’re proud that we are the number one donor to this crisis, but both of us want to stop having increased clients. We want an end to the refugee crisis, an end to the problem in Syria and we’re working hard to find ways forward on that.”
Kerry is in France on the last stop of an around-the-world journey that has already taken him to South Korea, China, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Tunisi.
“You know, those are judgments that other people may or may not have fun making in this process. I’m doing my job,” he said. Kerry said he was not insulted by Ya’alon’s remarks. “I think I am committed, and I’m determined.”
The full-length interview was set to be broadcast on Thursday.
The secretary of state declined to comment on his gut reaction in January to Yedioth Ahronoth’s publication of Ya’alon’s scathing criticism, which targeted the US’s mediation of the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
“People who know me know that when I sink my teeth into something, if I get the bit between my teeth, I try to get it done,” he said, dismissing the possibility of losing hope in a future peace deal between the two sides.
Kerry was in Paris Wednesday for talks aimed at reaching agreement on a framework for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. He met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. They are working to define the framework for negotiators as they seek to forge a comprehensive settlement to the conflict.
“We are at an important point in the negotiations where we are engaged with narrowing the gaps between the parties on a framework for negotiations and it was an appropriate time to spend a few hours meeting with President Abbas to talk about the core issues,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
The Israelis and Palestinians agreed to resume stalled talks that began last summer with a nine-month target for a peace deal. But there have been few tangible signs of progress as the May expiration of that period looms, and so the goal has been scaled back to getting consensus on an outline for negotiations.
Opening his meeting with Judeh, Kerry told reporters that he was “particularly grateful” for Jordan’s role in hosting more than 1.3 million Syrians who have fled the fighting in their country.
“It’s an extraordinary burden,” he said. “We’re proud that we are the number one donor to this crisis, but both of us want to stop having increased clients. We want an end to the refugee crisis, an end to the problem in Syria and we’re working hard to find ways forward on that.”
Kerry is in France on the last stop of an around-the-world journey that has already taken him to South Korea, China, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Tunisi.
Parliament speaker Cicek said Turkey supports Palestine politically and economically and provides humanitarian aid, adding "It is a common responsibil
Turkey's Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek has called for an immediate permanent solution for dispute over Palestine and the humanitarian crisis in the country. Cicek delivered a speech at the 9th Session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the Iranian capital of Tehran on Wednesday and said a temporary fix may cause new disputes in Palestine.
"Jerusalem will be the capital of Palestine. Borders prior to 1967 should be re-considered and the independence of Palestine should be recognized by everyone," said Cicek, adding solutions apart from these ones cannot be permanent.
"Israel's implementations that are contrary to international law, and its sincerity to the peace process should be questioned also," Cicek stated.
"Turkey attributes great importance to a solution for this dispute and supports all efforts with this aim", he said.
Cicek also said Turkey supports Palestine politically and economically and provides humanitarian aid, adding "It is a common responsibility to assist the righteous case of Palestinians," and commented that it is the only way to empower solidarity and coordination between the two nations.
Turkey's Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek has called for an immediate permanent solution for dispute over Palestine and the humanitarian crisis in the country. Cicek delivered a speech at the 9th Session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the Iranian capital of Tehran on Wednesday and said a temporary fix may cause new disputes in Palestine.
"Jerusalem will be the capital of Palestine. Borders prior to 1967 should be re-considered and the independence of Palestine should be recognized by everyone," said Cicek, adding solutions apart from these ones cannot be permanent.
"Israel's implementations that are contrary to international law, and its sincerity to the peace process should be questioned also," Cicek stated.
"Turkey attributes great importance to a solution for this dispute and supports all efforts with this aim", he said.
Cicek also said Turkey supports Palestine politically and economically and provides humanitarian aid, adding "It is a common responsibility to assist the righteous case of Palestinians," and commented that it is the only way to empower solidarity and coordination between the two nations.
Israel is preparing to release a new coin featuring the hotly disputed Jordan River. Although Israel's Maariv newspaper claimed that the image of the Jordan River was chosen out of respect for it being mentioned in the Torah many times as a place of miracles, the image looks set to anger many Palestinians.
The Jordan River is a natural border between Jordan and Palestine, and was accepted as an official border in 1967.
However, as it lies in the east of the West Bank, which the Palestinians hope to establish as an internationally recognized independent country free from the Israeli occupation, the symbolization of the river on Israeli currency may be interpreted as a demonstration of sovereignty over it.
Israel demands full control over the Jordan River as a condition in the ongoing peace talks with the Palestinians.
The Jordan River is a natural border between Jordan and Palestine, and was accepted as an official border in 1967.
However, as it lies in the east of the West Bank, which the Palestinians hope to establish as an internationally recognized independent country free from the Israeli occupation, the symbolization of the river on Israeli currency may be interpreted as a demonstration of sovereignty over it.
Israel demands full control over the Jordan River as a condition in the ongoing peace talks with the Palestinians.
19 feb 2014
Israel Channel 7 reported that Israel's Justice Minister and head of the Israeli negotiating team Tzipi Livni stated that the isolated settlement blocs are not part of the Israeli national security.
Livni, according to the channel, had discussed the progress of the negotiations in a meeting held in America for the leaders of the Jewish Organizations, where she stressed that the settlements are considered a major obstacle in front the negotiations process, adding that the Palestinians must take decisive decisions.
Livni, according to the channel, had discussed the progress of the negotiations in a meeting held in America for the leaders of the Jewish Organizations, where she stressed that the settlements are considered a major obstacle in front the negotiations process, adding that the Palestinians must take decisive decisions.
Photo: Deutsche Bank said Hapoalim does not abide by ethical standards, and that the bank's work in settlements is no different from selling explosives or other acts that violate human rights.
Germany's largest bank, Deutsche Bank (DB), has included the Israeli Hapoalim bank in a blacklist of "unethical companies" reportedly because of its involvement in funding settlement activities in the West Bank.
Middle East Monitor -- Deutsche Bank said that Hapoalim does not abide by ethical standards, and that the bank's work in settlements is no different from selling explosives or other acts that violate human rights, Maariv newspaper reported.
Based on the same classification, DB blacklisted 16 international companies which it pledged not to deal with or invest in. The list includes 13 companies involved in arms and explosives sales. It also includes a mining company and the Japanese Nissan automobile company.
Germany's largest bank, Deutsche Bank (DB), has included the Israeli Hapoalim bank in a blacklist of "unethical companies" reportedly because of its involvement in funding settlement activities in the West Bank.
Middle East Monitor -- Deutsche Bank said that Hapoalim does not abide by ethical standards, and that the bank's work in settlements is no different from selling explosives or other acts that violate human rights, Maariv newspaper reported.
Based on the same classification, DB blacklisted 16 international companies which it pledged not to deal with or invest in. The list includes 13 companies involved in arms and explosives sales. It also includes a mining company and the Japanese Nissan automobile company.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday, denounced the Israeli prime minister’s campaign of intimidation against companies and organizations which boycott Israeli businesses involved in supporting settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian Territories.
It described the accusing of boycotters as “anti-Semitic” as racist and a demonstration that the Israeli government is determined to proceed with settlement construction, offering the settlers support and incentives and encouraging them to proceed with seizing Palestinian land, WAFA reports.
The ministry applauded the commitment of the European and international organizations and businesses to the boycott of the Israeli settlement products, as well as those involved and investing in settlement construction, which is in compliance with the relevant UN resolutions.
It described the accusing of boycotters as “anti-Semitic” as racist and a demonstration that the Israeli government is determined to proceed with settlement construction, offering the settlers support and incentives and encouraging them to proceed with seizing Palestinian land, WAFA reports.
The ministry applauded the commitment of the European and international organizations and businesses to the boycott of the Israeli settlement products, as well as those involved and investing in settlement construction, which is in compliance with the relevant UN resolutions.
Army Radio says that after Kerry presents framework for extending peace talks, Washington will reportedly ask for construction freeze in isolated West Bank settlements.
Washington will demand Israel to implement a partial settlement freeze after US Secretary of State John Kerry presents his framework for extending peace talks, army radio reported on Wednesday.
Quoting US negotiators involved in the talks, the radio said the United States was hoping to obtain a freeze on construction in isolated settlements outside the major West Bank blocs, which Israel hopes to retain in any peace deal.
A settlement bloc is an area where clusters of settlements have been established in relatively close proximity to one another, in which the majority of the West Bank's 367,000 settlers currently live.
Kerry, who is to meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Paris on Wednesday night, is currently working on a framework that would allow the ongoing talks to be extended beyond an April 29 deadline until the end of the year.
Launched in July 2013, the talks have shown very little visible progress since they began, with both sides at loggerheads over a series of issues, including Israel's ongoing settlement construction on land which the Palestinians want for a future state.
The framework agreement is reportedly to be made public early next month when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Barack Obama at the White House.
The Palestinians have been infuriated by the ongoing construction, which has seen Israel advance plans for more than 11,700 new settler homes since the talks started, and they have baulked at any talk of extending the nine-month negotiating period.
They have also said that when the April deadline expires, they will resume moves to seek further international recognition, a step which they agreed to suspend for the duration of the talks.
Netanyahu's office refused to comment on the report.
"The Israeli side is well aware that the framework will not be enough to convince Abu Mazen (Abbas) to remain at the negotiating table without Israel giving him something else," the radio said.
Israel has insisted its settlement construction does not violate its commitments in line with the negotiations, and has until now rejected pressure to renew a one-time, 10-month partial freeze on new West Bank building, which expired in late 2010, contributing to the collapse of an earlier round of talks.
Washington will demand Israel to implement a partial settlement freeze after US Secretary of State John Kerry presents his framework for extending peace talks, army radio reported on Wednesday.
Quoting US negotiators involved in the talks, the radio said the United States was hoping to obtain a freeze on construction in isolated settlements outside the major West Bank blocs, which Israel hopes to retain in any peace deal.
A settlement bloc is an area where clusters of settlements have been established in relatively close proximity to one another, in which the majority of the West Bank's 367,000 settlers currently live.
Kerry, who is to meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Paris on Wednesday night, is currently working on a framework that would allow the ongoing talks to be extended beyond an April 29 deadline until the end of the year.
Launched in July 2013, the talks have shown very little visible progress since they began, with both sides at loggerheads over a series of issues, including Israel's ongoing settlement construction on land which the Palestinians want for a future state.
The framework agreement is reportedly to be made public early next month when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Barack Obama at the White House.
The Palestinians have been infuriated by the ongoing construction, which has seen Israel advance plans for more than 11,700 new settler homes since the talks started, and they have baulked at any talk of extending the nine-month negotiating period.
They have also said that when the April deadline expires, they will resume moves to seek further international recognition, a step which they agreed to suspend for the duration of the talks.
Netanyahu's office refused to comment on the report.
"The Israeli side is well aware that the framework will not be enough to convince Abu Mazen (Abbas) to remain at the negotiating table without Israel giving him something else," the radio said.
Israel has insisted its settlement construction does not violate its commitments in line with the negotiations, and has until now rejected pressure to renew a one-time, 10-month partial freeze on new West Bank building, which expired in late 2010, contributing to the collapse of an earlier round of talks.
The Israeli supreme court in occupied Jerusalem declined a petition filed by a Palestinian family from Al-Khalil city about their ownership of a 300-dunum land taken by force by Jewish settlers. According to Haaretz newspaper on Wednesday, the court justified its rejection by saying that the Palestinian-owned land had been seized long ago, so it would be impossible now to compel the Israeli army and its civil administration to take action against the settlers in question.
In another incident, the same newspaper said that Israeli minister of housing Uri Ariel prepared a plan to build a residential outpost consisting of 2,250 housing units in Ein Karem neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem.
It added that the ministry of housing intends to transfer the ownership of the Palestinian lands, which the project will be built on, to the Israeli government.
It noted that the Israel land authority would market for the building of these units.
Israel plans to build 2250 housing units in Jerusalem
Construction and Housing Minister Uri Areil plans to build a new settlement of 2250 housing units in Ein Karam in occupied east Jerusalem, Haaretz daily reported on Wednesday. The ministry intended to transfer lands to the Israeli government for marketing in order to be built via the so-called “Israeli territories”.
The project, costs NIS 800 million, will solve problems of Hadasa Hospital which suffers from budget deficit. Ariel said justifying the offer that “Hadasa Hospital is considered one of the main pillars of life in the city. It provides several services to thousands of Israelis, so the Israeli government should help in its improvement and solve its crises through some fruitful projects.”
Meanwhile, the project was rejected by residents of the adjacent neighborhoods who fear damage of the natural areas there. Hadasa hospital is the oldest and largest Israeli hospitals. It is suffering from a severe financial crisis for several weeks, and Israel exerts efforts to prevent its collapse.
In another incident, the same newspaper said that Israeli minister of housing Uri Ariel prepared a plan to build a residential outpost consisting of 2,250 housing units in Ein Karem neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem.
It added that the ministry of housing intends to transfer the ownership of the Palestinian lands, which the project will be built on, to the Israeli government.
It noted that the Israel land authority would market for the building of these units.
Israel plans to build 2250 housing units in Jerusalem
Construction and Housing Minister Uri Areil plans to build a new settlement of 2250 housing units in Ein Karam in occupied east Jerusalem, Haaretz daily reported on Wednesday. The ministry intended to transfer lands to the Israeli government for marketing in order to be built via the so-called “Israeli territories”.
The project, costs NIS 800 million, will solve problems of Hadasa Hospital which suffers from budget deficit. Ariel said justifying the offer that “Hadasa Hospital is considered one of the main pillars of life in the city. It provides several services to thousands of Israelis, so the Israeli government should help in its improvement and solve its crises through some fruitful projects.”
Meanwhile, the project was rejected by residents of the adjacent neighborhoods who fear damage of the natural areas there. Hadasa hospital is the oldest and largest Israeli hospitals. It is suffering from a severe financial crisis for several weeks, and Israel exerts efforts to prevent its collapse.
18 feb 2014
Haifa port
Three leading international companies have decided to drop out of an Israeli bidding to build private seaports, due to concerns over political repercussions, and as a result of the increased boycott pressure on Israel, Haaretz has reported.
(PNN/Haaretz) The Israeli government published, last week, an international bid to build new seaports in Haifa and Ashdod. According to Haaretz, several companies submitted a proposal for the bid, but dropped out shortly thereafter.
The newspaper said that the Royal Boskalis Westminster, a Dutch operator of ports has first dropped out from the bidding and was, then, followed by Italy's Condote de Agua and Jan De Nul from Belgium.
Israel Finance Minister Yair Lapid said, in regard to the boycott issue, Monday, that if current peace talks with the Palestinians collapse, it will be "nothing less than devastating" to the welfare of Israeli citizens.
Three leading international companies have decided to drop out of an Israeli bidding to build private seaports, due to concerns over political repercussions, and as a result of the increased boycott pressure on Israel, Haaretz has reported.
(PNN/Haaretz) The Israeli government published, last week, an international bid to build new seaports in Haifa and Ashdod. According to Haaretz, several companies submitted a proposal for the bid, but dropped out shortly thereafter.
The newspaper said that the Royal Boskalis Westminster, a Dutch operator of ports has first dropped out from the bidding and was, then, followed by Italy's Condote de Agua and Jan De Nul from Belgium.
Israel Finance Minister Yair Lapid said, in regard to the boycott issue, Monday, that if current peace talks with the Palestinians collapse, it will be "nothing less than devastating" to the welfare of Israeli citizens.
Israel plans to build a Jewish tourist center in East Jerusalem on private Palestinian land, a local information center said Tuesday.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center said in a statement that the new center would be built east of the Silwan neighborhood and south of the Al-Aqsa mosque, without specifying when.
The building and the land surrounding it will feature a "museum of Jewish history" and a "Jewish national park," the statement said.
The government-led project is sponsored by the Ir David Foundation, an organization that promotes a Jewish connection to parts of the Silwan neighborhood, including the "City of David" archaeological site.
According to the Information Center, the tourist center will be built on 1,200 square meters of Palestinian land in the al-Ain area.
Municipality crews have already issued notices to seven families in the al-Ain area, informing them that the project will be implemented on their lands, the statement said.
The families were given 60 days to appeal the decision to Israeli courts. All appeals will need to include various legal documents, such as building permits, according to the statement.
Twenty-two houses on five dunams (1.2 acres), holding members of the al-Abbassi, Abu Mayala, Abu Subeih, and Abu Sneineh families, are threatened by the decision.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center condemned the project, saying it threatened "the Arab and Muslim makeup of a neighborhood adjacent to the southern wall of Al-Aqsa."
Lawyer Sami Irsheed, whose privately-owned land could be affected by the project, will appeal on behalf of the residents, the statement said.
According to the UN, 33 percent of all Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem lack Israeli-issued building permits, potentially placing at least 93,100 residents at risk of displacement.
Figures from Israeli NGO Bimkom show that 95 percent of Palestinian applications for a building permit are rejected.
Since 1967, the Israeli authorities have demolished some 2,000 houses in East Jerusalem. Over 1,630 Palestinians were made homeless in house demolitions carried out by Israel between 2004-2012, B'Tselem says.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center said in a statement that the new center would be built east of the Silwan neighborhood and south of the Al-Aqsa mosque, without specifying when.
The building and the land surrounding it will feature a "museum of Jewish history" and a "Jewish national park," the statement said.
The government-led project is sponsored by the Ir David Foundation, an organization that promotes a Jewish connection to parts of the Silwan neighborhood, including the "City of David" archaeological site.
According to the Information Center, the tourist center will be built on 1,200 square meters of Palestinian land in the al-Ain area.
Municipality crews have already issued notices to seven families in the al-Ain area, informing them that the project will be implemented on their lands, the statement said.
The families were given 60 days to appeal the decision to Israeli courts. All appeals will need to include various legal documents, such as building permits, according to the statement.
Twenty-two houses on five dunams (1.2 acres), holding members of the al-Abbassi, Abu Mayala, Abu Subeih, and Abu Sneineh families, are threatened by the decision.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center condemned the project, saying it threatened "the Arab and Muslim makeup of a neighborhood adjacent to the southern wall of Al-Aqsa."
Lawyer Sami Irsheed, whose privately-owned land could be affected by the project, will appeal on behalf of the residents, the statement said.
According to the UN, 33 percent of all Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem lack Israeli-issued building permits, potentially placing at least 93,100 residents at risk of displacement.
Figures from Israeli NGO Bimkom show that 95 percent of Palestinian applications for a building permit are rejected.
Since 1967, the Israeli authorities have demolished some 2,000 houses in East Jerusalem. Over 1,630 Palestinians were made homeless in house demolitions carried out by Israel between 2004-2012, B'Tselem says.
Israel's Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz said in statements that "Israel will never agree to recognize the right of return of Palestinian refugees."
The Israeli minister said during a radio interview on Tuesday afternoon that the aim of the two-state solution is to make way for the absorption of refugees in the independent Palestinian state.
He said "if Israel recognizes the right of return and allows a symbolic number of refugees to enter Israel, the Palestinians will try to persuade the international community to exert pressure on Israel to absorb tens of thousands of refugees each year."
For his part, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is capable of defending itself without any help from Western forces.
He warned, in a speech delivered on Monday evening before the Conference of heads of American Jewish Organizations in occupied Jerusalem, that in case of security collapse, the peace and the Palestinian Authority in the region will collapse as well.
The Israeli minister said during a radio interview on Tuesday afternoon that the aim of the two-state solution is to make way for the absorption of refugees in the independent Palestinian state.
He said "if Israel recognizes the right of return and allows a symbolic number of refugees to enter Israel, the Palestinians will try to persuade the international community to exert pressure on Israel to absorb tens of thousands of refugees each year."
For his part, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is capable of defending itself without any help from Western forces.
He warned, in a speech delivered on Monday evening before the Conference of heads of American Jewish Organizations in occupied Jerusalem, that in case of security collapse, the peace and the Palestinian Authority in the region will collapse as well.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday morning that his government is scheduled to discuss the release of the fourth batch of Palestinian detainees as part of Israeli-Palestinian talks.
Netnayahu's declaration came after receiving a new letter through the lawyers of the parents of the Israeli soldier Moshe Tamam, who was “kidnapped and murdered by Palestinian cell from the Green Line before Oslo Accords”, according to Hebrew media claims.
The letter asked Netanyahu to "prevent the release of the soldier's murderers, members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and respond to the unanswered requests to this end from both the Palestinian Authority and the US State Department," the Israeli Seventh Channel added.
The lawyer expressed wish not to approve the release of Palestinian detainees from the Green Line, saying that they are still affiliated to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
The release of Palestinian detainees from the Green Line has been postponed for the last batch that is scheduled to take place next March.
Netnayahu's declaration came after receiving a new letter through the lawyers of the parents of the Israeli soldier Moshe Tamam, who was “kidnapped and murdered by Palestinian cell from the Green Line before Oslo Accords”, according to Hebrew media claims.
The letter asked Netanyahu to "prevent the release of the soldier's murderers, members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and respond to the unanswered requests to this end from both the Palestinian Authority and the US State Department," the Israeli Seventh Channel added.
The lawyer expressed wish not to approve the release of Palestinian detainees from the Green Line, saying that they are still affiliated to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
The release of Palestinian detainees from the Green Line has been postponed for the last batch that is scheduled to take place next March.
If the Palestinians take Israel to the International Criminal Court, it will fundamentally alter the relationship with Jerusalem and likely “suck the air” out of the diplomatic process, the Foreign Ministry’s deputy legal adviser said Monday.
Tal Becker, speaking at the annual meeting in Jerusalem of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, said the challenge of the Palestinians joining the ICC and then taking Israel before the court is “potentially very significant.”
“One of the main problems with the ICC is the attempt to put Israel in the chair of the accused,” he said, adding that this would give a huge boost to the delegitimizers and the Boycott and Divestment (BDS) movement. Becker is considered a confidant of Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, and was closely involved with her in the negotiations with the Palestinians that followed the Annapolis Conference in 2007.
“The risk of criminal process would fundamentally alter the relationship and suck the air out of the political process,” he said. “No Israeli government would engage in the process with that threat over its head.”
One of the dangers of the Palestinians seeking admission to the ICC, he claimed, “was that they would attempt to draw Israeli militarysoldiers into “impossible” situations where they would have no choice but to take actions that could be criticized internationally.”
Regarding the threat of boycotts, Becker said that the boycott and divestment movement presents Israel with the challenge of not giving it too much significance, while at the same time not being dismissive of it. There is no better gift to someone engaged in the BDS efforts than to describe it as a “great threat” facing Israel, he said.
Yossi Kuperwasser, director- general of the Intelligence Ministry, alleged that the boycott efforts were part of the actions by “a formidable group of organizations” who aim to weaken Israel’s ability to defend itself by weakening its legitimacy in international forums. His ministry is involved in drawing up plans to combat these efforts.
“Israel is not going to change policies on the peace process because of threats of economic pressures,” Kuperwasser said. “If the purpose of establishing Israel was to have a prosperous economy, we would not have come here. We came here because this is our ancestral homeland,” He claimed
Kuperwasser said he did not expect “significant economic pressure” from the European Union or individual states as entities, but only sporadic “events” from various institutions.
Kuperwasser, who has been active in Israel’s campaign to get support for its demand that the Palestinians recognize Israel as the Jewish state, said that while it was difficult to convince the US of this at first, “they have adopted the idea and now understand that it is very critical.”
Tal Becker, speaking at the annual meeting in Jerusalem of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, said the challenge of the Palestinians joining the ICC and then taking Israel before the court is “potentially very significant.”
“One of the main problems with the ICC is the attempt to put Israel in the chair of the accused,” he said, adding that this would give a huge boost to the delegitimizers and the Boycott and Divestment (BDS) movement. Becker is considered a confidant of Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, and was closely involved with her in the negotiations with the Palestinians that followed the Annapolis Conference in 2007.
“The risk of criminal process would fundamentally alter the relationship and suck the air out of the political process,” he said. “No Israeli government would engage in the process with that threat over its head.”
One of the dangers of the Palestinians seeking admission to the ICC, he claimed, “was that they would attempt to draw Israeli militarysoldiers into “impossible” situations where they would have no choice but to take actions that could be criticized internationally.”
Regarding the threat of boycotts, Becker said that the boycott and divestment movement presents Israel with the challenge of not giving it too much significance, while at the same time not being dismissive of it. There is no better gift to someone engaged in the BDS efforts than to describe it as a “great threat” facing Israel, he said.
Yossi Kuperwasser, director- general of the Intelligence Ministry, alleged that the boycott efforts were part of the actions by “a formidable group of organizations” who aim to weaken Israel’s ability to defend itself by weakening its legitimacy in international forums. His ministry is involved in drawing up plans to combat these efforts.
“Israel is not going to change policies on the peace process because of threats of economic pressures,” Kuperwasser said. “If the purpose of establishing Israel was to have a prosperous economy, we would not have come here. We came here because this is our ancestral homeland,” He claimed
Kuperwasser said he did not expect “significant economic pressure” from the European Union or individual states as entities, but only sporadic “events” from various institutions.
Kuperwasser, who has been active in Israel’s campaign to get support for its demand that the Palestinians recognize Israel as the Jewish state, said that while it was difficult to convince the US of this at first, “they have adopted the idea and now understand that it is very critical.”
MK Yuli Edelstin canceled on Tuesday the discussion on the proposal introduced by MK Mosh Feiglin to impose Israeli oversight on al-Aqsa mosque. Israeli media reported that the session was cancelled over the Jordanian dissatisfaction with the proposal, pointing out that the decision came without coordination with Feiglin.
A plenary session was due to be held on Tuesday in the presence of MKs to discuss the so-called “ Israeli sovereignty on al-Aqsa” instead of the Jordanian government.
In response to this proposal, the Jordanian government threatened to take actions in case the law approved.
By this proposal, Felgin claimed that he wanted to end what he called “ Muslims racism” which “prevents religious Jewish people from entering al-Aqsa”. He meant to legitimize the Jewish attacks on al-Aqsa and apply a scheme of dividing it between Muslims and JewsTemporally and spatially.
Since the 1950s, Jordan has administered and overseen all Muslim and Christian religious sites in Jerusalem's Old City.
A 1994 peace treaty between Jordan and Israel recognizes Jordan's special supervisory role over the holy sites in the historical city.
Jordanian lawmakers on Sunday asked their government to expel the Israeli ambassador and revoke the 1994 peace agreement in protest.
Jerusalem was captured by Israel during the 1967 war. In 1980, Israel annexed the city in a move that was never recognized by the international community.
A plenary session was due to be held on Tuesday in the presence of MKs to discuss the so-called “ Israeli sovereignty on al-Aqsa” instead of the Jordanian government.
In response to this proposal, the Jordanian government threatened to take actions in case the law approved.
By this proposal, Felgin claimed that he wanted to end what he called “ Muslims racism” which “prevents religious Jewish people from entering al-Aqsa”. He meant to legitimize the Jewish attacks on al-Aqsa and apply a scheme of dividing it between Muslims and JewsTemporally and spatially.
Since the 1950s, Jordan has administered and overseen all Muslim and Christian religious sites in Jerusalem's Old City.
A 1994 peace treaty between Jordan and Israel recognizes Jordan's special supervisory role over the holy sites in the historical city.
Jordanian lawmakers on Sunday asked their government to expel the Israeli ambassador and revoke the 1994 peace agreement in protest.
Jerusalem was captured by Israel during the 1967 war. In 1980, Israel annexed the city in a move that was never recognized by the international community.
Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said on Monday that US Secretary of State John Kerry’s economic initiative coupled with political progress will decrease the unemployment rate.
Hamdallah’s comments came after a meeting with US senators Tim Kaine and Angus King, and he briefed them on developments in the peace talks.
During the meeting Hamdallah discussed the importance of investing in Area C, supporting tourism, creating employment oppurtonities for recent graduates, and lifting the Israeli siege on Gaza.
Kerry announced an initiative to allocate $4 billion to revive the Palestinian economy last year.
Last summer, Kerry said business experts had been working to make the project "real, tangible and shovel-ready," adding an initial analysis had predicted "stunning" results.
These included boosting the Palestinian GDP by as much as 50 percent over three years and cutting unemployment from 21 percent to eight percent.
But similarly ambitious US-led plans by past administrations have faltered, and a blanket of secrecy has been thrown up as Quartet special envoy Tony Blair and his team hammer out the details with the aid of international experts.
Critics say the vague details may signal a lack of substance. But others believe the need for secrecy is in part due to concerns on the Palestinian side that any so-called "economic peace" would sideline efforts to seal a two-state peace deal with Israel.
Hamdallah’s comments came after a meeting with US senators Tim Kaine and Angus King, and he briefed them on developments in the peace talks.
During the meeting Hamdallah discussed the importance of investing in Area C, supporting tourism, creating employment oppurtonities for recent graduates, and lifting the Israeli siege on Gaza.
Kerry announced an initiative to allocate $4 billion to revive the Palestinian economy last year.
Last summer, Kerry said business experts had been working to make the project "real, tangible and shovel-ready," adding an initial analysis had predicted "stunning" results.
These included boosting the Palestinian GDP by as much as 50 percent over three years and cutting unemployment from 21 percent to eight percent.
But similarly ambitious US-led plans by past administrations have faltered, and a blanket of secrecy has been thrown up as Quartet special envoy Tony Blair and his team hammer out the details with the aid of international experts.
Critics say the vague details may signal a lack of substance. But others believe the need for secrecy is in part due to concerns on the Palestinian side that any so-called "economic peace" would sideline efforts to seal a two-state peace deal with Israel.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Paris on Wednesday to persuade him to respond positively toKerry’s framework agreement which the basis for continued Israeli-Palestinian talks, Haaretz newspaper reported. The meeting with Abbas wasn’t originally on Kerry’s schedule. The secretary of state just ended a visit to Southeast Asia, and on Monday, he arrived in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, for a round of talks there.
The State Department and senior Palestinian officials announced the unscheduled meeting Monday evening.
Kerry’s meeting with Abbas will start afeter weeks in which the two maintained telephone contact only. The secretary of state hasn’t visited the region for some time now aiming to avoid raising expectations and political pressure and allow the framework agreement to be finalized in as calm an atmosphere as possible.
But U.S. envoy Martin Indyk has held talks about the document with both Palestinians and Israelis in recent weeks, while Kerry himself met with both parties’ negotiating teams in Washington, as well as at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month.
Kerry’s meeting with Abbas will take place about two weeks before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned trip to Washington, which will include a White House meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama. The Americans, who are interested in finalizing the framework agreement by the end of March, are thus putting last-minute pressure on both leaders to agree to continue negotiating on the basis of the American document.
The State Department and senior Palestinian officials announced the unscheduled meeting Monday evening.
Kerry’s meeting with Abbas will start afeter weeks in which the two maintained telephone contact only. The secretary of state hasn’t visited the region for some time now aiming to avoid raising expectations and political pressure and allow the framework agreement to be finalized in as calm an atmosphere as possible.
But U.S. envoy Martin Indyk has held talks about the document with both Palestinians and Israelis in recent weeks, while Kerry himself met with both parties’ negotiating teams in Washington, as well as at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month.
Kerry’s meeting with Abbas will take place about two weeks before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned trip to Washington, which will include a White House meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama. The Americans, who are interested in finalizing the framework agreement by the end of March, are thus putting last-minute pressure on both leaders to agree to continue negotiating on the basis of the American document.
