23 mar 2014
Martin Indyk
Two US diplomats met with the Israeli minister of justice in Jerusalem on Saturday, according to Israeli media.
US Special Envoy Martin Indyk and Ambassador Dan Shapiro met with Tzipi Livni in a final attempt to prevent collapse of the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, the Hebrew-language news site Walla reported.
Other US officials met with chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat last week.
A Palestinian official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Walla that the US has been exerting heavy pressure on the PLO to extend peace negotiations.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the talks began.
Two US diplomats met with the Israeli minister of justice in Jerusalem on Saturday, according to Israeli media.
US Special Envoy Martin Indyk and Ambassador Dan Shapiro met with Tzipi Livni in a final attempt to prevent collapse of the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, the Hebrew-language news site Walla reported.
Other US officials met with chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat last week.
A Palestinian official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Walla that the US has been exerting heavy pressure on the PLO to extend peace negotiations.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the talks began.
Recent Israeli actions against the Palestinian people indicate that Israel has given priority to settlement expansion and the demands of settlers over peace and negotiations, a top PLO negotiator said Sunday.
Member of the PLO Executive Committee Saeb Erekat made his remarks during separate meetings with Luxembourg's foreign minister Jean Asselborn, UN envoy Robert Serry and US peace envoy Martin Indyk.
Erekat's remarks come only a day after Israeli forces three Palestinians during a raid on Jenin refugee camp and news that Israel had approved more than 2,000 new homes in six different Jewish settlements across the West Bank.
Erekat said that these practices, as well as the repeated raids on the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and the tightening of restrictions against Palestinian worshipers, constitute a "systemic" effort to foil US and international efforts to implement a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.
On Thursday, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry said in a statement that he was "gravely concerned" by Israel's new settlement plans.
He added: "Settlements are illegal under international law and cannot be reconciled with Israel's stated intention to pursue a two-state solution."
"This development is particularly unhelpful against the backdrop of a volatile situation on the ground and as US-led peace negotiations have reached a critical stage," he said.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the talks began.
Member of the PLO Executive Committee Saeb Erekat made his remarks during separate meetings with Luxembourg's foreign minister Jean Asselborn, UN envoy Robert Serry and US peace envoy Martin Indyk.
Erekat's remarks come only a day after Israeli forces three Palestinians during a raid on Jenin refugee camp and news that Israel had approved more than 2,000 new homes in six different Jewish settlements across the West Bank.
Erekat said that these practices, as well as the repeated raids on the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and the tightening of restrictions against Palestinian worshipers, constitute a "systemic" effort to foil US and international efforts to implement a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.
On Thursday, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry said in a statement that he was "gravely concerned" by Israel's new settlement plans.
He added: "Settlements are illegal under international law and cannot be reconciled with Israel's stated intention to pursue a two-state solution."
"This development is particularly unhelpful against the backdrop of a volatile situation on the ground and as US-led peace negotiations have reached a critical stage," he said.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the talks began.
As the 25th Arab League Summit to be held in Kuwait next week draws closer, Arab officials told Ma'an that they are considering withdrawing the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002.
The initiative -- which calls for two states on the 1967 borders and a "just settlement" of the refugee issue in exchange for full normalization between Israel and the Arab world -- was largely rejected by Israeli officials after it was approved at the 2002 Beirut summit.
An Arab official in Kuwait told Ma'an that the initiative "would not remain forever an exhibition for Israel to watch."
He also asserted that the summit would definitely oppose recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, a key Israel demand in ongoing negotiations.
The foreign ministers of Arab countries are scheduled to convene Sunday to discuss the summit's draft report.
The summit's subcommittees confirmed to the Palestine envoy to the Arab League Muhammad Subih and ambassador to Egypt Barakat al-Farra that the Palestinian issue would dominate the summit's agenda.
Reviewing the Arab Peace Initiative will be central on the agenda alongside peace talks with Israel, the status of the occupied Golan Heights, and means for supporting Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
Despite the ongoing dispute between the Gulf powers, the recent feud between Qatar and Saudi Arabia has not been mentioned in the backstage discussions, reportedly due to the intervention of the Emir of Kuwait.
The Syrian case remains a major point of contention, as both Iraq and Algeria opposed the attendance of the Syrian opposition as the representative of Syria at the summit.
It is still unclear, according to Kuwaiti media, how the Syrian opposition will be represented in the summit.
Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki arrived in Kuwait Sunday morning while Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to arrive Monday.
The initiative -- which calls for two states on the 1967 borders and a "just settlement" of the refugee issue in exchange for full normalization between Israel and the Arab world -- was largely rejected by Israeli officials after it was approved at the 2002 Beirut summit.
An Arab official in Kuwait told Ma'an that the initiative "would not remain forever an exhibition for Israel to watch."
He also asserted that the summit would definitely oppose recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, a key Israel demand in ongoing negotiations.
The foreign ministers of Arab countries are scheduled to convene Sunday to discuss the summit's draft report.
The summit's subcommittees confirmed to the Palestine envoy to the Arab League Muhammad Subih and ambassador to Egypt Barakat al-Farra that the Palestinian issue would dominate the summit's agenda.
Reviewing the Arab Peace Initiative will be central on the agenda alongside peace talks with Israel, the status of the occupied Golan Heights, and means for supporting Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
Despite the ongoing dispute between the Gulf powers, the recent feud between Qatar and Saudi Arabia has not been mentioned in the backstage discussions, reportedly due to the intervention of the Emir of Kuwait.
The Syrian case remains a major point of contention, as both Iraq and Algeria opposed the attendance of the Syrian opposition as the representative of Syria at the summit.
It is still unclear, according to Kuwaiti media, how the Syrian opposition will be represented in the summit.
Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki arrived in Kuwait Sunday morning while Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to arrive Monday.
Britain slammed Israel's recent plan to build more settlement units in the West Bank, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has announced. "I condemn the decisions taken by the Israeli authorities to advance a number of settlement plans in the occupied West Bank," said Hugh Robertson, British Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Since Wednesday, Israel has reportedly approved to build more than 1, 220 new housing units in its settlements in the West Bank, with local media reports saying the total figure could amount to 2,372 units.
"The UK's position on settlements is longstanding: they are illegal under international law, undermine trust and threaten the viability of the two-state solution," Robertson continued, emphasizing need for "just and lasting" settlement to the conflict.
The settlement issue tops the U.S.-brokered talks between Israel and the Palestinians, which restarted last summer after a three-year halt of Israel's construction in the West Bank.
The settlements are deemed by international law as illegal and are seen by the international community as an obstacle to peace.
Source: Xinhua
Since Wednesday, Israel has reportedly approved to build more than 1, 220 new housing units in its settlements in the West Bank, with local media reports saying the total figure could amount to 2,372 units.
"The UK's position on settlements is longstanding: they are illegal under international law, undermine trust and threaten the viability of the two-state solution," Robertson continued, emphasizing need for "just and lasting" settlement to the conflict.
The settlement issue tops the U.S.-brokered talks between Israel and the Palestinians, which restarted last summer after a three-year halt of Israel's construction in the West Bank.
The settlements are deemed by international law as illegal and are seen by the international community as an obstacle to peace.
Source: Xinhua
(Reuters) - Israel has promoted building plans for 2,372 homes in eight Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank in the past month, on land the Palestinians want for a future state, an anti-settlement watchdog has said.
The plans, the largest of which is for 839 homes in the Ariel settlement bloc, are at different stages of approval but none has yet been given the final green light needed from the Defence Ministry, Israeli Peace Now said.
Settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which with the Gaza Strip make up the territory of the Palestinians' planned independent state, is a major stumbling block in the already faltering peace talks between the sides.
An Israeli defense official said the plans were at the stage of "preliminary and basic discussions".
A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Nabil Abu Rdainah, said Israel was trying to derail the peace talks: "The Israelis are trying to push the talks to a dead end with this systematic escalation of continuing settlement activity."
Palestinians say settlements, built on land Israel seized in the 1967 Middle East war and deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice, bar them from establishing a viable and contiguous state.
Israel Peace Now said in a statement on Thursday the new building would "expand dramatically the settlements and ... pressure the Palestinians to resign from the current talks." It called on the government to stop "this wild behaviour."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this month his government would be prepared to give up "some settlements" in the West Bank to help secure a peace agreement but that he would limit as much as he could the number of enclaves removed.
An Israeli government report, however, showed this month that construction starts on new settler homes had more than doubled last year. More than 500,000 Israelis have settled in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas that are home to about 2.8 million Palestinians.
U.S.-brokered peace talks resumed in July, but the negotiations appear to be making no progress. Washington is struggling to formulate agreed principles that would extend the talks beyond an original April target date for a final deal.
The plans, the largest of which is for 839 homes in the Ariel settlement bloc, are at different stages of approval but none has yet been given the final green light needed from the Defence Ministry, Israeli Peace Now said.
Settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which with the Gaza Strip make up the territory of the Palestinians' planned independent state, is a major stumbling block in the already faltering peace talks between the sides.
An Israeli defense official said the plans were at the stage of "preliminary and basic discussions".
A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Nabil Abu Rdainah, said Israel was trying to derail the peace talks: "The Israelis are trying to push the talks to a dead end with this systematic escalation of continuing settlement activity."
Palestinians say settlements, built on land Israel seized in the 1967 Middle East war and deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice, bar them from establishing a viable and contiguous state.
Israel Peace Now said in a statement on Thursday the new building would "expand dramatically the settlements and ... pressure the Palestinians to resign from the current talks." It called on the government to stop "this wild behaviour."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this month his government would be prepared to give up "some settlements" in the West Bank to help secure a peace agreement but that he would limit as much as he could the number of enclaves removed.
An Israeli government report, however, showed this month that construction starts on new settler homes had more than doubled last year. More than 500,000 Israelis have settled in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas that are home to about 2.8 million Palestinians.
U.S.-brokered peace talks resumed in July, but the negotiations appear to be making no progress. Washington is struggling to formulate agreed principles that would extend the talks beyond an original April target date for a final deal.
Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas warned Saturday of action if Israel failed to release the fourth and final batch of veteran prisoners as agreed under a US-backed deal.
"We are awaiting the release of the fourth batch of prisoners, as agreed upon with the Israelis through the United States," he told members of the central committee of his Fatah movement.
"We are saying, if they are not released, this is a violation of the agreement and allows us to act however we see fit within the norms of international agreements."
Israel agreed to release a total of 104 long-term prisoners when talks kick-started by US Secretary of State John Kerry began in July.
It has freed 78 so far, nearly all of them who had been imprisoned for over 20 years.
But Israeli ministers have warned that should the Palestinians not agree to extend talks beyond their April 29 deadline, they will not release the remaining detainees as scheduled on March 29.
Earlier this month, Abbas said Palestinians will not agree to extend peace talks with Israel unless it releases more prisoners beyond the final batch.
The US is fighting an uphill battle to get the two sides to agree to a framework proposal to extend the so far fruitless negotiations to the year's end.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the talks began.
"We are awaiting the release of the fourth batch of prisoners, as agreed upon with the Israelis through the United States," he told members of the central committee of his Fatah movement.
"We are saying, if they are not released, this is a violation of the agreement and allows us to act however we see fit within the norms of international agreements."
Israel agreed to release a total of 104 long-term prisoners when talks kick-started by US Secretary of State John Kerry began in July.
It has freed 78 so far, nearly all of them who had been imprisoned for over 20 years.
But Israeli ministers have warned that should the Palestinians not agree to extend talks beyond their April 29 deadline, they will not release the remaining detainees as scheduled on March 29.
Earlier this month, Abbas said Palestinians will not agree to extend peace talks with Israel unless it releases more prisoners beyond the final batch.
The US is fighting an uphill battle to get the two sides to agree to a framework proposal to extend the so far fruitless negotiations to the year's end.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the talks began.
As pressure mounts on Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas to extend US-brokered peace talks with Israel beyond the agreed end date of April 29, Palestinians, Israelis, and other observers eagerly to anticipate next move.
Israeli political analyst Audi Segal told Israel's Channel 2 on Friday that "negotiations are about to explode, as no breakthrough has been made."
Fatah official and Central Committee member Mahmoud al-Aloul told Ma'an that the Palestinian side is awaiting two very important dates.
Al-Aloul says that the first date is March 29, which is the day that Israel is supposed to free the last group of Palestinian prisoners who have been in custody since before the Oslo Accord of 1994.
So far, Israel has released three groups of these "veteran prisoners" as part of a trust-building measure. However, Israeli officials have hinted that release of the fourth group might be conditional on Abbas agreeing to extend talks.
The other date is April 29, the final day of a nine-month period agreed upon by the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Israel and the US brokers to reach an agreement in the ongoing peace talks.
"There is no room for talks about renewing negotiations," al-Aloul said, noting that "Israel has not put into effect any of the demands during the current round of negotiations."
However, the Fatah official says the remaining weeks will see intensive US efforts to try and bridge the gap between the Palestinians and Israel.
Asked about possible Israeli reluctance to free the last group of veteran Palestinian prisoners, al-Aloul said if Israeli breaks its commitment, the Palestinians have different choices and "will stop everything because such an Israeli move will mean a political dispute with the US."
An agreement to free Palestinian prisoners, he added, was made between Israel and the US the main sponsor of the peace process. Thus, if Israel breaches that agreement, its credibility will be tested, and the Palestinians will be obliged to seek recognition of a Palestinian state through international organizations.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the talks began.
Israeli political analyst Audi Segal told Israel's Channel 2 on Friday that "negotiations are about to explode, as no breakthrough has been made."
Fatah official and Central Committee member Mahmoud al-Aloul told Ma'an that the Palestinian side is awaiting two very important dates.
Al-Aloul says that the first date is March 29, which is the day that Israel is supposed to free the last group of Palestinian prisoners who have been in custody since before the Oslo Accord of 1994.
So far, Israel has released three groups of these "veteran prisoners" as part of a trust-building measure. However, Israeli officials have hinted that release of the fourth group might be conditional on Abbas agreeing to extend talks.
The other date is April 29, the final day of a nine-month period agreed upon by the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Israel and the US brokers to reach an agreement in the ongoing peace talks.
"There is no room for talks about renewing negotiations," al-Aloul said, noting that "Israel has not put into effect any of the demands during the current round of negotiations."
However, the Fatah official says the remaining weeks will see intensive US efforts to try and bridge the gap between the Palestinians and Israel.
Asked about possible Israeli reluctance to free the last group of veteran Palestinian prisoners, al-Aloul said if Israeli breaks its commitment, the Palestinians have different choices and "will stop everything because such an Israeli move will mean a political dispute with the US."
An agreement to free Palestinian prisoners, he added, was made between Israel and the US the main sponsor of the peace process. Thus, if Israel breaches that agreement, its credibility will be tested, and the Palestinians will be obliged to seek recognition of a Palestinian state through international organizations.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since the talks began.
22 mar 2014
Al-Shabaka is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and foster public debate on Palestinian human rights and self-determination within the framework of international law.
This policy brief is authored by Zachariah Sammour.
The latest round of US-driven negotiations has yet to engender a significant, organized response from Palestinians in the Diaspora.
Whereas some Palestinian civil society actors and organizations within the Occupied Palestinian Territory have made their views known through various forms of popular activism, Palestinians in the Diaspora seem surprisingly disengaged.
This lack of organized public engagement is particularly troubling when one considers the risks that these talks present for the Palestinian people generally, and for those in the Diaspora in particular.
Details have emerged in recent weeks as to the shape that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s "framework agreement" is likely to take, both in reports by Palestinian officials and in columns by US analysts: Not only would there be a truncated Palestinian state with significant Israeli controls remaining in some fashion, but the Palestinian right of return would be eliminated entirely.
Given the gravity of the decisions that could be made on behalf of Palestinians -- including an "end of claims" arising out of the conflict -- one would expect a more forceful response in responding to these proposals. It is possible that many believe that the limited political legitimacy of the Palestine Liberation Organization/Palestinian Authority directly diminishes its capacity to make politically effective decisions on behalf of all Palestinians.
But political legitimacy and political efficacy should not be conflated. In international law, and in international politics more generally, there is no necessary link between legitimacy and efficacy, or more specifically between representation and political agency.
One only has to look at the actions of Palestine’s neighbors. The regimes in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and a host of other Arab countries are hardly able to claim to represent the peoples of those respective states any more than the PLO/PA can currently claim to represent the Palestinians. Nonetheless, they are universally recognized as having the authority to make binding decisions on behalf of their citizens.
The simple point is that decision-making power, at least in the external arena of international politics, does not depend in any way upon the representative credentials of the decision maker.
If the PLO/PA was to come to a final settlement with Israel tomorrow, and, in doing so, purported to "end all claims" of the Palestinian people including the right of return, states and international bodies -- even those like the International Court of Justice -- could conceivably accept its decision as having been made on behalf of all Palestinians. That the decision would have been reached through an illegitimate exercise of political authority would not matter. And, without any mechanisms through which to assert otherwise, for all intents and purposes, the decision would be definitive.
It is clear that Palestinians are fast approaching a juncture at which decisions of extreme national importance may be taken. The possible grave implications of these decisions require an immediate and sustained response from all Palestinians, including those in the Diaspora who may stand to lose their historic claim of return to the homeland. While it is beyond the scope of this commentary to propose a concrete strategy for popular action, some initial steps could include:
- Organize locally and establish popular forums for Palestinians to discuss the likely terms of any agreement, their implications, and the extent to which such an agreement would be palatable.
- Establish and strengthen alliances and networks of Palestinians across the globe that are unified around common goals and demands.
- Establish and communicate to the PA/PLO and international stakeholders the red lines and basic demands that must respected in any agreement signed in the name of the Palestinian people must respect.
- Identify strategies to increase public pressure on Palestinian negotiators to hold to those red lines and to pursue national goals and aspirations.
- Continue to build up Palestinian sources of power to promote their rights, including through support to boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against Israel until it upholds international law, education and media outreach about Palestinian rights, and alliances with other people’s movements for human rights.
These are concrete and immediate steps that Palestinians may take to increase public pressure on the PLO/PA during the course of the negotiations. It is clear, however, that these actions cannot serve as a substitute for the far more difficult task of re-establishing a robust, popular, and effective national movement that can provide the Palestinians with a representative and accountable leadership.
It is essential, therefore, that any popular mobilization that Palestinians organize contributes to re-establishing a truly national movement that is inclusive and serves to connect Palestinians all over the world.
Originally published on Al-Shabaka's website on March 15, 2013.
The views expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect Ma'an News Agency's editorial policy.
This policy brief is authored by Zachariah Sammour.
The latest round of US-driven negotiations has yet to engender a significant, organized response from Palestinians in the Diaspora.
Whereas some Palestinian civil society actors and organizations within the Occupied Palestinian Territory have made their views known through various forms of popular activism, Palestinians in the Diaspora seem surprisingly disengaged.
This lack of organized public engagement is particularly troubling when one considers the risks that these talks present for the Palestinian people generally, and for those in the Diaspora in particular.
Details have emerged in recent weeks as to the shape that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s "framework agreement" is likely to take, both in reports by Palestinian officials and in columns by US analysts: Not only would there be a truncated Palestinian state with significant Israeli controls remaining in some fashion, but the Palestinian right of return would be eliminated entirely.
Given the gravity of the decisions that could be made on behalf of Palestinians -- including an "end of claims" arising out of the conflict -- one would expect a more forceful response in responding to these proposals. It is possible that many believe that the limited political legitimacy of the Palestine Liberation Organization/Palestinian Authority directly diminishes its capacity to make politically effective decisions on behalf of all Palestinians.
But political legitimacy and political efficacy should not be conflated. In international law, and in international politics more generally, there is no necessary link between legitimacy and efficacy, or more specifically between representation and political agency.
One only has to look at the actions of Palestine’s neighbors. The regimes in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and a host of other Arab countries are hardly able to claim to represent the peoples of those respective states any more than the PLO/PA can currently claim to represent the Palestinians. Nonetheless, they are universally recognized as having the authority to make binding decisions on behalf of their citizens.
The simple point is that decision-making power, at least in the external arena of international politics, does not depend in any way upon the representative credentials of the decision maker.
If the PLO/PA was to come to a final settlement with Israel tomorrow, and, in doing so, purported to "end all claims" of the Palestinian people including the right of return, states and international bodies -- even those like the International Court of Justice -- could conceivably accept its decision as having been made on behalf of all Palestinians. That the decision would have been reached through an illegitimate exercise of political authority would not matter. And, without any mechanisms through which to assert otherwise, for all intents and purposes, the decision would be definitive.
It is clear that Palestinians are fast approaching a juncture at which decisions of extreme national importance may be taken. The possible grave implications of these decisions require an immediate and sustained response from all Palestinians, including those in the Diaspora who may stand to lose their historic claim of return to the homeland. While it is beyond the scope of this commentary to propose a concrete strategy for popular action, some initial steps could include:
- Organize locally and establish popular forums for Palestinians to discuss the likely terms of any agreement, their implications, and the extent to which such an agreement would be palatable.
- Establish and strengthen alliances and networks of Palestinians across the globe that are unified around common goals and demands.
- Establish and communicate to the PA/PLO and international stakeholders the red lines and basic demands that must respected in any agreement signed in the name of the Palestinian people must respect.
- Identify strategies to increase public pressure on Palestinian negotiators to hold to those red lines and to pursue national goals and aspirations.
- Continue to build up Palestinian sources of power to promote their rights, including through support to boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against Israel until it upholds international law, education and media outreach about Palestinian rights, and alliances with other people’s movements for human rights.
These are concrete and immediate steps that Palestinians may take to increase public pressure on the PLO/PA during the course of the negotiations. It is clear, however, that these actions cannot serve as a substitute for the far more difficult task of re-establishing a robust, popular, and effective national movement that can provide the Palestinians with a representative and accountable leadership.
It is essential, therefore, that any popular mobilization that Palestinians organize contributes to re-establishing a truly national movement that is inclusive and serves to connect Palestinians all over the world.
Originally published on Al-Shabaka's website on March 15, 2013.
The views expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect Ma'an News Agency's editorial policy.
Hamas movement mourned in a press statement on Saturday the three martyrs in Jenin and hailed the Jenin refugee camp residents and all its factions and military wings for confronting the Israeli occupation forces (IOF). The movement urged the PA and its security forces to halt security coordination with the Israeli occupation, and to release all the political prisoners immediately.
It also called on the Palestinian people and factions to unite their ranks and to adhere to resistance as the only option to liberate Palestine and to respond to the occupation’s crimes and abuses.
For his part, spokesman for the movement Fawzi Barhoum said: "What happened today in the Jenin refugee camp represents a heinous crime," and held the occupation government responsible for its repercussions and consequences.
He also accused the Palestinian Authority of complicity in the killings.
Three Palestinians were killed and seven others were injured early Saturday during armed clashes with Israeli troops in Jenin refugee camp, in the north of the occupied West Bank.
The three martyrs were identified as Hamza Abul Haija, 22, from al-Qassam Brigades and son of detained Hamas leader Sheikh Jamal Abul Haija, Mahmoud Abu Zeina, 24, from Al-Quds Brigades, and 22-year-old Yazan Jabarin.
PIC's reporter said seven men were injured and were moved to a hospital in Jenin. One of them Qassam Jabarin, aged 25, was seriously wounded and is in critical condition, the correspondent added. He later succumbed to his wounds.
He said a large number of Israeli troops surrounded a house, since the early morning hours, in the camp where Abul Haija and several Palestinian resistance fighters barricaded themselves.
Armed clashes erupted for hours between Israeli troops and Abul Haija, after he and his friends refused to surrender, and the Israeli soldiers showered the house with gunshots.
PIC's correspondent added that other confrontations erupted between the Israeli soldiers and many Palestinians youths who rushed to the house and tried to end the Israeli siege, which led to dozens of cases of suffocation.
The Israeli radio confirmed that a number of Israeli soldiers were injured, while the residents in the Jenin camp asserted that an Israeli soldier was killed during the armed clashes.
When Israeli troops withdrew from the camp, dozens of its inhabitants headed to the hospital, urging Palestinian resistance factions to take revenge and calling on the Palestinian Authority to immediately end peace negotiations with Israel.
It also called on the Palestinian people and factions to unite their ranks and to adhere to resistance as the only option to liberate Palestine and to respond to the occupation’s crimes and abuses.
For his part, spokesman for the movement Fawzi Barhoum said: "What happened today in the Jenin refugee camp represents a heinous crime," and held the occupation government responsible for its repercussions and consequences.
He also accused the Palestinian Authority of complicity in the killings.
Three Palestinians were killed and seven others were injured early Saturday during armed clashes with Israeli troops in Jenin refugee camp, in the north of the occupied West Bank.
The three martyrs were identified as Hamza Abul Haija, 22, from al-Qassam Brigades and son of detained Hamas leader Sheikh Jamal Abul Haija, Mahmoud Abu Zeina, 24, from Al-Quds Brigades, and 22-year-old Yazan Jabarin.
PIC's reporter said seven men were injured and were moved to a hospital in Jenin. One of them Qassam Jabarin, aged 25, was seriously wounded and is in critical condition, the correspondent added. He later succumbed to his wounds.
He said a large number of Israeli troops surrounded a house, since the early morning hours, in the camp where Abul Haija and several Palestinian resistance fighters barricaded themselves.
Armed clashes erupted for hours between Israeli troops and Abul Haija, after he and his friends refused to surrender, and the Israeli soldiers showered the house with gunshots.
PIC's correspondent added that other confrontations erupted between the Israeli soldiers and many Palestinians youths who rushed to the house and tried to end the Israeli siege, which led to dozens of cases of suffocation.
The Israeli radio confirmed that a number of Israeli soldiers were injured, while the residents in the Jenin camp asserted that an Israeli soldier was killed during the armed clashes.
When Israeli troops withdrew from the camp, dozens of its inhabitants headed to the hospital, urging Palestinian resistance factions to take revenge and calling on the Palestinian Authority to immediately end peace negotiations with Israel.
Upon returning to the West Bank Thursday after his latest visit to Washington, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas assured crowds he was holding fast to Palestinian ideals.
"It is impossible for the Palestinian leadership to abandon inalienable rights," Abbas told thousands gathered near his office in Ramallah.
"We traveled and came back still holding fast to our promise. Be assured that we will triumph. We will never breach the trust."
Analysts remain skeptical of the hopes for a lasting solution, however, nine months into the latest round of US-sponsored Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
In a statement issued by the Institute for Middle East Understanding Monday, critics expressed pessimism over the chances for peace.
"Chances of success are as slim as predicted," said Yousef Munayyer, executive director of the Jerusalem Fund and the Palestine Center in Washington.
"The best Washington seems to be hoping for now is an extension of talks. This serves nothing more than the Israeli interest of continuing to occupy and colonize Palestinian territory," Munayyer said.
"The predictable failure is a product of an American policy that fails to hold Israel accountable and makes perpetual occupation a viable policy option in Israel. Until this changes, little else will."
Director of Palestinian think tank Al-Shabaka Nadia Hijab questioned Abbas' choice to participate in US-brokered peace talks while vowing not to make moves at the international level.
"As Mahmoud Abbas left his meeting with US president Barack Obama today, did he reflect on the lessons of seeking peace without power?" Hijab asked while Abbas was in Washington.
"Did he regret securing Palestine's upgraded status as a non-member observer state of the United Nations but then freezing its moves to join other UN organizations or the International Criminal Court in favor of yet more US-mediated negotiations that only result in increased pressure for Palestinian concessions?"
Sam Bahour, a Palestinian-American business consultant in Ramallah, warned observers against misunderstanding the US role in the peace talks.
"President Obama's meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the White House, which comes on the heels of a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, may give the impression that the US is an even-handed mediator in this never-ending Middle East peace process," Bahour said.
"Such a reading would be a strategic misunderstanding. There is not an iota of symmetry between a military occupying power and a supposedly protected occupied people. When the US stops putting Israel's interests before its own and starts holding it accountable in proportion to the severity of its violations of international law, then maybe peace will have a chance."
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units since the talks began, and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since talks began.
"It is impossible for the Palestinian leadership to abandon inalienable rights," Abbas told thousands gathered near his office in Ramallah.
"We traveled and came back still holding fast to our promise. Be assured that we will triumph. We will never breach the trust."
Analysts remain skeptical of the hopes for a lasting solution, however, nine months into the latest round of US-sponsored Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
In a statement issued by the Institute for Middle East Understanding Monday, critics expressed pessimism over the chances for peace.
"Chances of success are as slim as predicted," said Yousef Munayyer, executive director of the Jerusalem Fund and the Palestine Center in Washington.
"The best Washington seems to be hoping for now is an extension of talks. This serves nothing more than the Israeli interest of continuing to occupy and colonize Palestinian territory," Munayyer said.
"The predictable failure is a product of an American policy that fails to hold Israel accountable and makes perpetual occupation a viable policy option in Israel. Until this changes, little else will."
Director of Palestinian think tank Al-Shabaka Nadia Hijab questioned Abbas' choice to participate in US-brokered peace talks while vowing not to make moves at the international level.
"As Mahmoud Abbas left his meeting with US president Barack Obama today, did he reflect on the lessons of seeking peace without power?" Hijab asked while Abbas was in Washington.
"Did he regret securing Palestine's upgraded status as a non-member observer state of the United Nations but then freezing its moves to join other UN organizations or the International Criminal Court in favor of yet more US-mediated negotiations that only result in increased pressure for Palestinian concessions?"
Sam Bahour, a Palestinian-American business consultant in Ramallah, warned observers against misunderstanding the US role in the peace talks.
"President Obama's meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the White House, which comes on the heels of a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, may give the impression that the US is an even-handed mediator in this never-ending Middle East peace process," Bahour said.
"Such a reading would be a strategic misunderstanding. There is not an iota of symmetry between a military occupying power and a supposedly protected occupied people. When the US stops putting Israel's interests before its own and starts holding it accountable in proportion to the severity of its violations of international law, then maybe peace will have a chance."
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were relaunched in July under the auspices of the US after nearly three years of impasse.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of settler housing units since the talks began, and its army has killed 60 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since talks began.
Palestinians carry the body of Arafat Jaradat, likely died under torture in Israel prison, during his funeral in the West Bank village of Saeer
An European Union parliamentary delegation on Thursday urged Israel to release long-term Palestinian prisoners. "We believe that the release of prisoners... is central to the peace process," said Emer Costello, who headed the EU delegation on a three-day fact-finding mission on Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The visit of four EU MPs came as Israel was mulling whether or not to release a final batch of long-term Palestinian prisoners under its commitments to US-brokered peace talks.
Israel agreed to release a total of 104 prisoners when talks kick-started by US Secretary of State John Kerry began in July.
It has freed 78 so far, but Israeli ministers have implicitly warned that should the Palestinians not agree to extend talks beyond their April 29 deadline, they will not release the remaining inmates as scheduled on March 29.
"We would certainly hope that those prisoner releases would continue and would take place. It is important as well that there are people in custody who are actually pre-Oslo," Costello said, referring to inmates who were supposed to be released under the 1993 Oslo peace accords.
"From the EU parliament's perspective... we (have) expressed major concern about the fact that there are currently 11 members of the PLC (Palestinian parliament) being held in custody... We would be seeking their release," she added.
Costello said Israel had barred the delegation from visiting the prisons, confining the trip to meetings with Israeli MPs and local rights groups.
Israel holds more than 5,000 Palestinians in its prisons, most of them on security grounds. Around 150 of these are held under administrative detention, without charge or trial, and another 150 are minors.
An European Union parliamentary delegation on Thursday urged Israel to release long-term Palestinian prisoners. "We believe that the release of prisoners... is central to the peace process," said Emer Costello, who headed the EU delegation on a three-day fact-finding mission on Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The visit of four EU MPs came as Israel was mulling whether or not to release a final batch of long-term Palestinian prisoners under its commitments to US-brokered peace talks.
Israel agreed to release a total of 104 prisoners when talks kick-started by US Secretary of State John Kerry began in July.
It has freed 78 so far, but Israeli ministers have implicitly warned that should the Palestinians not agree to extend talks beyond their April 29 deadline, they will not release the remaining inmates as scheduled on March 29.
"We would certainly hope that those prisoner releases would continue and would take place. It is important as well that there are people in custody who are actually pre-Oslo," Costello said, referring to inmates who were supposed to be released under the 1993 Oslo peace accords.
"From the EU parliament's perspective... we (have) expressed major concern about the fact that there are currently 11 members of the PLC (Palestinian parliament) being held in custody... We would be seeking their release," she added.
Costello said Israel had barred the delegation from visiting the prisons, confining the trip to meetings with Israeli MPs and local rights groups.
Israel holds more than 5,000 Palestinians in its prisons, most of them on security grounds. Around 150 of these are held under administrative detention, without charge or trial, and another 150 are minors.
European Union Foreign Policy Chief, Catherine Ashton, expressed deep disappointment over the Israeli plans to expand settlements, advancing the construction of over 2300 housing units, according to a statement published on Saturday. Any unilateral action prejudging final status issues threatens the current peace negotiations and, as a consequence, the two-state solution, said the statement.
This has been repeatedly stressed by the international community. The 28 Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the European Union unanimously warned against actions that undermine the current negotiations and deplored Israel's continuous expansion of settlements.
I urge the Israeli authorities to reconsider their plans and to reverse their decision, the statement concluded.
FCO Minister Condemns Israeli Settlement Plans
British Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East, Hugh Robertson, condemned Israeli government's plans for 2,372 settlement units in West Bank and emphasized the need for just and lasting settlement, Saturday said an FCO press release. Commenting on decisions taken by the Government of Israel on 19 March to advance plans for 2372 new settlement units in the West Bank, Minister for the Middle East Hugh Robertson, said “I condemn the decisions taken by the Israeli authorities to advance a number of settlement plans in the occupied West Bank. The UK’s position on settlements is longstanding: they are illegal under international law, undermine trust and threaten the viability of the two-state solution,' he said.
'Nothing must detract from international efforts to secure a lasting, just and final settlement to the conflict,' Robertson concluded.
Serry Expresses Concern over New Israeli Settlement Construction Plans
The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, expressed Saturday his grave concern over the Israeli government's reported plans to advance over 2,300 settlement units, many of which deep inside the West Bank. Serry stressed that settlements are illegal under international law and cannot be reconciled with Israel's stated intention to pursue a two-state solution.
'This development is particularly unhelpful against the backdrop of a volatile situation on the ground and as US-led peace negotiations have reached a critical stage,' he concluded.
Luxembourg Minister Supports Palestinian Statehood, Calls Israel to Halt all Settlement Activities
Luxembourg Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean Asselborn, stressed on Saturday his country's support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital and the complete halt of all settlement activities.
Asselborn made this statement during a press conference jointly held with Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Malki, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ramallah.
He added: “It is necessary to offer a genuine opportunity for making peace through the US-sponsored Palestinian-Israeli negotiations in order to have two states living side by side in security and safety.”
Commenting on the Israeli settlement activitiy, Asselborn noted: “Israel has to completely cease the settlement policy as the ]Israeli[ settlements are illegal according to the international law as well as give a genuine opportunity for the peace process in order to achieve a genuine two-state solution.”
Asselborn called for Israel to lift the siege (blockage) imposed on the Gaza Strip and reopen border crossings given the dire humanitarian conditions that he himself first-hand experienced when he visited the besieged strip.
This has been repeatedly stressed by the international community. The 28 Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the European Union unanimously warned against actions that undermine the current negotiations and deplored Israel's continuous expansion of settlements.
I urge the Israeli authorities to reconsider their plans and to reverse their decision, the statement concluded.
FCO Minister Condemns Israeli Settlement Plans
British Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East, Hugh Robertson, condemned Israeli government's plans for 2,372 settlement units in West Bank and emphasized the need for just and lasting settlement, Saturday said an FCO press release. Commenting on decisions taken by the Government of Israel on 19 March to advance plans for 2372 new settlement units in the West Bank, Minister for the Middle East Hugh Robertson, said “I condemn the decisions taken by the Israeli authorities to advance a number of settlement plans in the occupied West Bank. The UK’s position on settlements is longstanding: they are illegal under international law, undermine trust and threaten the viability of the two-state solution,' he said.
'Nothing must detract from international efforts to secure a lasting, just and final settlement to the conflict,' Robertson concluded.
Serry Expresses Concern over New Israeli Settlement Construction Plans
The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, expressed Saturday his grave concern over the Israeli government's reported plans to advance over 2,300 settlement units, many of which deep inside the West Bank. Serry stressed that settlements are illegal under international law and cannot be reconciled with Israel's stated intention to pursue a two-state solution.
'This development is particularly unhelpful against the backdrop of a volatile situation on the ground and as US-led peace negotiations have reached a critical stage,' he concluded.
Luxembourg Minister Supports Palestinian Statehood, Calls Israel to Halt all Settlement Activities
Luxembourg Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean Asselborn, stressed on Saturday his country's support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital and the complete halt of all settlement activities.
Asselborn made this statement during a press conference jointly held with Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Malki, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ramallah.
He added: “It is necessary to offer a genuine opportunity for making peace through the US-sponsored Palestinian-Israeli negotiations in order to have two states living side by side in security and safety.”
Commenting on the Israeli settlement activitiy, Asselborn noted: “Israel has to completely cease the settlement policy as the ]Israeli[ settlements are illegal according to the international law as well as give a genuine opportunity for the peace process in order to achieve a genuine two-state solution.”
Asselborn called for Israel to lift the siege (blockage) imposed on the Gaza Strip and reopen border crossings given the dire humanitarian conditions that he himself first-hand experienced when he visited the besieged strip.