13 may 2014
Israeli Economy Minister Naftali Bennet asserted that the annexation of the West Bank to Israel will be discussed in the next session of the Knesset. He said in a statement Monday evening, “ after we have advanced a bill that blocks amnesty for Palestinian prisoners convicted of murdering Israelis, our goal of the next summer session of the Knesset will revolve on transferring the sovereignty over the West Bank to Israel.”
“ Israel woke up from its romantic vision of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas, who was seen as a figure that calls for peace, after he woos Hamas movement,” Bennet added.
Since the 1993 Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority officially controls a geographically non-contiguous territory comprising approx. 11% of the West Bank (known as Area A) which remains subject to Israeli incursions. Area B (approx. 28%) is subject to both Israeli occcupation forces and Palestinian civil control. Area C (approx. 61%) is under full Israeli control.
“ Israel woke up from its romantic vision of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas, who was seen as a figure that calls for peace, after he woos Hamas movement,” Bennet added.
Since the 1993 Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority officially controls a geographically non-contiguous territory comprising approx. 11% of the West Bank (known as Area A) which remains subject to Israeli incursions. Area B (approx. 28%) is subject to both Israeli occcupation forces and Palestinian civil control. Area C (approx. 61%) is under full Israeli control.
U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, will be holding a meeting, on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, with Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, in London, to discuss efforts meant to ensure the resumption of direct Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.
This would be the first meeting between Abbas and Kerry since direct talks with Tel Aviv tumbled a month ago due to Israel’s ongoing invasions, violations, and its illegitimate settlement construction and expansion activities.
Israel also refused to release the remaining veteran Palestinian political prisoners, held since before the first Oslo Agreement of 1993.
United States National Security Advisor, Susan Rice, stated the U.S is committed to the political process between Tel Aviv and Ramallah, and will continue to act to ensure the resumption of talks.
Her statements came last night, during an event marking “Israel’s Independence”. She called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume direct talks to advance towards peace in the region.
She said it is not too late to resume direct talks, and urged both parties to refrain from “unilateral moves” that obstruct talks instead of advancing them.
Speaking during the event, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Yuval Steinitz, said it is true differences and tension exist between Israel and the United States regarding the deadlock in direct Palestinian-Israel talks, but affirmed the strong ties between the two countries.
Israel was supposed to implement the fourth and final stage of releasing veteran detainees on March 28 as part of an American mediation that helped start direct talks nine months ago.
On Tuesday, at dawn, [December 31, 2013] Israel released 26 veteran Palestinian detainees, as part of the third phase of releasing all detained Palestinians held since before the first Oslo peace agreement in 1993.
During the first and second phases, Israel released, back in mid-August 26 veteran detainees (14 from Gaza and 12 from the West bank) and, in late October, it released 26 veteran detainees (21 from Gaza and 5 from the West Bank). 104 veteran detainees were supposed to be freed by March 28.
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.
This would be the first meeting between Abbas and Kerry since direct talks with Tel Aviv tumbled a month ago due to Israel’s ongoing invasions, violations, and its illegitimate settlement construction and expansion activities.
Israel also refused to release the remaining veteran Palestinian political prisoners, held since before the first Oslo Agreement of 1993.
United States National Security Advisor, Susan Rice, stated the U.S is committed to the political process between Tel Aviv and Ramallah, and will continue to act to ensure the resumption of talks.
Her statements came last night, during an event marking “Israel’s Independence”. She called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume direct talks to advance towards peace in the region.
She said it is not too late to resume direct talks, and urged both parties to refrain from “unilateral moves” that obstruct talks instead of advancing them.
Speaking during the event, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Yuval Steinitz, said it is true differences and tension exist between Israel and the United States regarding the deadlock in direct Palestinian-Israel talks, but affirmed the strong ties between the two countries.
Israel was supposed to implement the fourth and final stage of releasing veteran detainees on March 28 as part of an American mediation that helped start direct talks nine months ago.
On Tuesday, at dawn, [December 31, 2013] Israel released 26 veteran Palestinian detainees, as part of the third phase of releasing all detained Palestinians held since before the first Oslo peace agreement in 1993.
During the first and second phases, Israel released, back in mid-August 26 veteran detainees (14 from Gaza and 12 from the West bank) and, in late October, it released 26 veteran detainees (21 from Gaza and 5 from the West Bank). 104 veteran detainees were supposed to be freed by March 28.
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.
12 may 2014
The so-called Israeli Jordan Valley Regional Council has continued to implement its 10-year plan to triple its population to help impose a status quo so that the Jordan Valley won’t be handed over to the Palestinians in any future settlement, according to Hebrew media sources. Jerusalem Post newspaper said on Sunday that regional council head David Elhayani ordered to issue tenders for the Israeli advertising companies to attract the Israelis to reside in the Valley.
"Elhayani decided to embark on a massive campaign to physically build up his largely agrarian community and to publicize it among the Israeli public. He hired a public relations firm, Peer Levin, opened an internet campaign, created a song and a logo, and appointed people in each of his 21 settlements to come up with a plan to absorb new families," the newspaper added.
On Thursday, at the Jordan Valley Conference, the treasurer of his council, Orit Artsiely, told the audience that the valley’s population of 4,509 in 2013 would grow to 15,000 within 10 years, the newspaper continued.
The sources pointed out that "the council was in the midst of a two-year building plan for 825 new homes that had already been approved."
"Elhayani decided to embark on a massive campaign to physically build up his largely agrarian community and to publicize it among the Israeli public. He hired a public relations firm, Peer Levin, opened an internet campaign, created a song and a logo, and appointed people in each of his 21 settlements to come up with a plan to absorb new families," the newspaper added.
On Thursday, at the Jordan Valley Conference, the treasurer of his council, Orit Artsiely, told the audience that the valley’s population of 4,509 in 2013 would grow to 15,000 within 10 years, the newspaper continued.
The sources pointed out that "the council was in the midst of a two-year building plan for 825 new homes that had already been approved."
Palestinian and Israeli sources revealed, Sunday [May 11, 2014] that despite the collapse of direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, Israel and Palestinian negotiators are still holding “secret talks” in the Jordanian capital, Amman, and in occupied Jerusalem.
The sources said that several sessions were held between the two sides, and that direct negotiations are ongoing without any changes to agree upon time-frames.
They said that “negotiations are not restricted by a timetable”, and the two sides agreed to continue talks, mainly on the files of borders and security, especially since Jordan is directly involved in those files.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators agreed to continue the talks until reaching a final status agreement, despite the fact that the Palestinians resumed their international campaign aimed at joining more UN and international organizations and treaties.
Israeli media sources said that U.S Secretary of State, John Kerry, is expected in the region this week, to hold a series of talks with Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, and will be holding a meeting with Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas.
Kerry will attempt to reach an agreement on the main issues to be discussed during the second phase of direct talks that started, under American mediation, in July of last year.
Israel failed to release the final phase of veteran Palestinian political prisoners, held before the first Oslo Agreement of 1993, and continued its invasions and assaults, in addition to continuing its illegitimate settlement construction and expansion activities in occupied Palestine, in direct violation of International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Israel is also refusing to hold talks on the future of occupied Jerusalem, the anticipated capital of the Palestinian State, and refusing any withdrawal from the Jordan Valley, hills and areas of natural resources in the occupied West Bank.
Tel Aviv also refuses to recognize the internationally guaranteed Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees, and insists on keeping its illegitimate settlements in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem.
The Israeli army conducts daily invasions and arrests, targeting various Palestinian communities in different parts of the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, in addition to limited invasions into the Gaza Strip, and frequent attacks against fishermen in Gaza territorial waters and attacks against farmers and workers in Palestinian lands close to the border fence in the besieged coastal region.
The occupied West Bank is now fragment and isolated by Israeli illegitimate settlements, and by the annexation wall isolating entire Palestinian communities, and isolating villagers from their orchards and farmlands.
The sources said that several sessions were held between the two sides, and that direct negotiations are ongoing without any changes to agree upon time-frames.
They said that “negotiations are not restricted by a timetable”, and the two sides agreed to continue talks, mainly on the files of borders and security, especially since Jordan is directly involved in those files.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators agreed to continue the talks until reaching a final status agreement, despite the fact that the Palestinians resumed their international campaign aimed at joining more UN and international organizations and treaties.
Israeli media sources said that U.S Secretary of State, John Kerry, is expected in the region this week, to hold a series of talks with Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, and will be holding a meeting with Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas.
Kerry will attempt to reach an agreement on the main issues to be discussed during the second phase of direct talks that started, under American mediation, in July of last year.
Israel failed to release the final phase of veteran Palestinian political prisoners, held before the first Oslo Agreement of 1993, and continued its invasions and assaults, in addition to continuing its illegitimate settlement construction and expansion activities in occupied Palestine, in direct violation of International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Israel is also refusing to hold talks on the future of occupied Jerusalem, the anticipated capital of the Palestinian State, and refusing any withdrawal from the Jordan Valley, hills and areas of natural resources in the occupied West Bank.
Tel Aviv also refuses to recognize the internationally guaranteed Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees, and insists on keeping its illegitimate settlements in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem.
The Israeli army conducts daily invasions and arrests, targeting various Palestinian communities in different parts of the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, in addition to limited invasions into the Gaza Strip, and frequent attacks against fishermen in Gaza territorial waters and attacks against farmers and workers in Palestinian lands close to the border fence in the besieged coastal region.
The occupied West Bank is now fragment and isolated by Israeli illegitimate settlements, and by the annexation wall isolating entire Palestinian communities, and isolating villagers from their orchards and farmlands.
9 may 2014
US Secretary of State John Kerry believes drawing up the borders of a future Palestinian state and agreeing to security arrangements for Israel will be "essential" if peace talks resume, the top US negotiator has said.
In his most candid public comments since the nine-month negotiations collapsed last month, Martin Indyk described the behind-the-scenes atmosphere between Israelis and Palestinians and voiced hopes the talks would resume soon.
Speaking late Thursday at the Washington Institute think tank, Indyk said although the two sides both showed "flexibility" it was clear they "do not feel the pressing need to make the gut-wrenching compromises necessary to achieve peace."
In the end despite nine months of "serious and intensive negotiations," Indyk said it was "easier for the Palestinians to sign conventions and appeal to international bodies in their supposed pursuit of 'justice.'"
"It is easier for Israeli politicians to avoid tension in the governing coalition and for the Israeli people to maintain the current comfortable status quo," said Indyk, a former US ambassador to Israel.
"It is safe to say that if we the US are the only party that has a sense of urgency, these negotiations will not succeed."
Should the peace talks resume however, Kerry believes both sides must work on the future contours of a Palestinian state and security arrangements for Israel alongside the other core issues such as refugees and Jerusalem.
Indyk pointed to "unprecedented" work by General John Allen on how to secure Israel's security, as well as a willingness by the President Mahmoud Abbas to put the security of a future Palestinian state in US hands to overcome Israeli distrust.
"Once a border is agreed each party would be free to build in its own state," Indyk argued, highlighting the tensions caused during the past months by announcements of Israeli plans for more than 12,800 new settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The top US negotiator, who spent hours locked in rooms pouring over documents, voiced concern that the settlement movement could one day "drive Israel into an irreversible bi-national reality."
"Rampant settlement activity -– especially in the midst of negotiations -– doesn't just undermine Palestinian trust in the purpose of the negotiations; it can undermine Israel's Jewish future," Indyk warned.
"If this continues, it could mortally wound the idea of Israel as a Jewish state –- and that would be a tragedy of historic proportions."
But he insisted that despite moments of frustration and humiliation felt on either side, he had also witnessed "moments of genuine camaraderie and engagement in the negotiating room to find a settlement to these vexing challenges."
Recalling how the talks which led to the 1979 Israel-Egypt peace treaty broke down for five months, he voiced hope negotiations would resume soon.
"When they are ready, they will certainly find in Secretary Kerry and President (Barack) Obama willing partners in the effort to try again –- if they are prepared to do so in a serious way," he added.
In his most candid public comments since the nine-month negotiations collapsed last month, Martin Indyk described the behind-the-scenes atmosphere between Israelis and Palestinians and voiced hopes the talks would resume soon.
Speaking late Thursday at the Washington Institute think tank, Indyk said although the two sides both showed "flexibility" it was clear they "do not feel the pressing need to make the gut-wrenching compromises necessary to achieve peace."
In the end despite nine months of "serious and intensive negotiations," Indyk said it was "easier for the Palestinians to sign conventions and appeal to international bodies in their supposed pursuit of 'justice.'"
"It is easier for Israeli politicians to avoid tension in the governing coalition and for the Israeli people to maintain the current comfortable status quo," said Indyk, a former US ambassador to Israel.
"It is safe to say that if we the US are the only party that has a sense of urgency, these negotiations will not succeed."
Should the peace talks resume however, Kerry believes both sides must work on the future contours of a Palestinian state and security arrangements for Israel alongside the other core issues such as refugees and Jerusalem.
Indyk pointed to "unprecedented" work by General John Allen on how to secure Israel's security, as well as a willingness by the President Mahmoud Abbas to put the security of a future Palestinian state in US hands to overcome Israeli distrust.
"Once a border is agreed each party would be free to build in its own state," Indyk argued, highlighting the tensions caused during the past months by announcements of Israeli plans for more than 12,800 new settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The top US negotiator, who spent hours locked in rooms pouring over documents, voiced concern that the settlement movement could one day "drive Israel into an irreversible bi-national reality."
"Rampant settlement activity -– especially in the midst of negotiations -– doesn't just undermine Palestinian trust in the purpose of the negotiations; it can undermine Israel's Jewish future," Indyk warned.
"If this continues, it could mortally wound the idea of Israel as a Jewish state –- and that would be a tragedy of historic proportions."
But he insisted that despite moments of frustration and humiliation felt on either side, he had also witnessed "moments of genuine camaraderie and engagement in the negotiating room to find a settlement to these vexing challenges."
Recalling how the talks which led to the 1979 Israel-Egypt peace treaty broke down for five months, he voiced hope negotiations would resume soon.
"When they are ready, they will certainly find in Secretary Kerry and President (Barack) Obama willing partners in the effort to try again –- if they are prepared to do so in a serious way," he added.
US National Security Adviser Susan Rice assured Israel at high-level talks on Thursday that Washington remained determined to stop Iran developing nuclear arms, the White House said.
"The US delegation reaffirmed our commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon," said a White House statement released after talks in Jerusalem between Rice, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials from both sides.
"The delegations held thorough consultations on all aspects of the challenge posed by Iran, and pledged to continue the unprecedented coordination between the United States and Israel," it added.
Earlier, Netanyahu said the best defense against a nuclear Iran was to block it from developing such a weapon in the first place and he referred to a new round of talks between Tehran and world powers due to open next week in Vienna.
"The most important thing is that Iran does not attain the ability to develop a nuclear weapon, and that needs to be and must be the ultimate and most important goal of the current negotiations with Iran," he said.
"That needs to be the object of the talks, that is Israel's position, that needs to be the position of everyone who really wants to prevent the renewed threat of mass destruction by a radical regime," Netanyahu said at a ceremony marking the 69th anniversary of the allied defeat of Nazi Germany.
The White House statement said the Israeli-US talks Thursday also dealt with "other critical regional and bilateral issues," without elaborating.
"The delegations shared views candidly and intensively, in the spirit of the extraordinary and unprecedented security cooperation between our two countries," it said.
It was Rice's first trip to Israel since she took office last July and it came shortly after the collapse of US-brokered Middle East peace talks.
The White House is assessing whether to try to salvage its Middle East peace efforts after the collapse in late April of nine months of US-brokered negotiations vigorously promoted by Secretary of State John Kerry.
Netanyahu suspended negotiations after the Palestine Liberation Organisation, dominated by Abbas' Fatah movement, struck a reconciliation deal with Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
'Catch 22'
"Netanyahu is in a 'Catch 22' situation," senior Palestinian official Nabil Shaath told a convention of the Israeli leftist party Meretz in Tel Aviv on Thursday evening.
"Before the reconciliation with Hamas, (the Israelis) argued that Fatah had no control over Hamas and therefore didn't represent all of the Palestinian people," he said.
"After the agreement with Hamas, they say we made a deal with a terror organisation."
Rice met for dinner late Thursday with President Mahmoud Abbas at his headquarters in Ramallah and said that despite the halt in talks the US remained committed to the process.
"Ambassador Rice underscored that while we have come to a pause in the parties’ talks, the United States believes the only way to achieve lasting peace is through direct negotiations that lead to two viable, independent states living side-by-side in peace and security," another White House statement said after their meeting.
Referring to the Hamas rapprochement: "She reiterated US policy that any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognition of the State of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations between the parties," the statement said.
Abbas told his guest that the Palestinian people's interest was "to seek the unity of land and people through the implementation of the reconciliation agreement and the formation of a government of independents to prepare free and fair elections," his spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said in a statement.
"The US delegation reaffirmed our commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon," said a White House statement released after talks in Jerusalem between Rice, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials from both sides.
"The delegations held thorough consultations on all aspects of the challenge posed by Iran, and pledged to continue the unprecedented coordination between the United States and Israel," it added.
Earlier, Netanyahu said the best defense against a nuclear Iran was to block it from developing such a weapon in the first place and he referred to a new round of talks between Tehran and world powers due to open next week in Vienna.
"The most important thing is that Iran does not attain the ability to develop a nuclear weapon, and that needs to be and must be the ultimate and most important goal of the current negotiations with Iran," he said.
"That needs to be the object of the talks, that is Israel's position, that needs to be the position of everyone who really wants to prevent the renewed threat of mass destruction by a radical regime," Netanyahu said at a ceremony marking the 69th anniversary of the allied defeat of Nazi Germany.
The White House statement said the Israeli-US talks Thursday also dealt with "other critical regional and bilateral issues," without elaborating.
"The delegations shared views candidly and intensively, in the spirit of the extraordinary and unprecedented security cooperation between our two countries," it said.
It was Rice's first trip to Israel since she took office last July and it came shortly after the collapse of US-brokered Middle East peace talks.
The White House is assessing whether to try to salvage its Middle East peace efforts after the collapse in late April of nine months of US-brokered negotiations vigorously promoted by Secretary of State John Kerry.
Netanyahu suspended negotiations after the Palestine Liberation Organisation, dominated by Abbas' Fatah movement, struck a reconciliation deal with Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
'Catch 22'
"Netanyahu is in a 'Catch 22' situation," senior Palestinian official Nabil Shaath told a convention of the Israeli leftist party Meretz in Tel Aviv on Thursday evening.
"Before the reconciliation with Hamas, (the Israelis) argued that Fatah had no control over Hamas and therefore didn't represent all of the Palestinian people," he said.
"After the agreement with Hamas, they say we made a deal with a terror organisation."
Rice met for dinner late Thursday with President Mahmoud Abbas at his headquarters in Ramallah and said that despite the halt in talks the US remained committed to the process.
"Ambassador Rice underscored that while we have come to a pause in the parties’ talks, the United States believes the only way to achieve lasting peace is through direct negotiations that lead to two viable, independent states living side-by-side in peace and security," another White House statement said after their meeting.
Referring to the Hamas rapprochement: "She reiterated US policy that any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognition of the State of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations between the parties," the statement said.
Abbas told his guest that the Palestinian people's interest was "to seek the unity of land and people through the implementation of the reconciliation agreement and the formation of a government of independents to prepare free and fair elections," his spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said in a statement.
During his meeting with US National Security Adviser Susan Rice, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated that Tel Aviv must respect all signed agreements, release all detainees held since before the First Oslo Agreement, and must stop its settlement activities.
Abbas’s Spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rodeina, stated that the two leaders discussed the latest developments, including the setback in peace talks, and that Abbas told Rice that Israel obstructed direct talks by its ongoing violations and preconditions.
Abu Rodeina added that Abbas stressed all Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine are illegitimate under International Law, and that Israel should stop these activities, if it is interested in comprehensive peace.
Rice presented some ideas regarding the resumption of direct talks, without obliging Israel to stop its violations and settlement activities. Abbas told her that the Palestinians are committed to a serious peace process leading to the end of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and establishing an independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Referring to the National Unity Agreement, and reconciliation between the rival Fateh and Hamas parties, Abbas said that it is in the best interest of the Palestinian people to be a united nation, and a united land, adding that this can only be achieved through national unity, and forming a government of technocrats that prepare from comprehensive elections.
Abbas’s Spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rodeina, stated that the two leaders discussed the latest developments, including the setback in peace talks, and that Abbas told Rice that Israel obstructed direct talks by its ongoing violations and preconditions.
Abu Rodeina added that Abbas stressed all Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine are illegitimate under International Law, and that Israel should stop these activities, if it is interested in comprehensive peace.
Rice presented some ideas regarding the resumption of direct talks, without obliging Israel to stop its violations and settlement activities. Abbas told her that the Palestinians are committed to a serious peace process leading to the end of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and establishing an independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Referring to the National Unity Agreement, and reconciliation between the rival Fateh and Hamas parties, Abbas said that it is in the best interest of the Palestinian people to be a united nation, and a united land, adding that this can only be achieved through national unity, and forming a government of technocrats that prepare from comprehensive elections.
Erekat: door to peace talks not yet closed
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said, during a TV interview Thursday, that Palestinians are ready to resume negotiations, but under the condition that Israel releases the fourth batch of veteran Palestinian prisoners, as previously agreed, and halts settlement construction for three months.
These statements come only two weeks after Israel halted peace negotiations, following a unity deal between Hamas and Fatah, effectively ending months of unsuccessful talks.
Abbas said in the interview, Ma'an reports, that it was Israel who had ended the negotiations, not the other way around and, furthermore, that Israel had threatened to stop the transfer of funds to the PA, a threat which he labeled a form of "gangsterism."
Israel has not responded in regard to the resumption of talks, according to Abbas, but Palestinians will continue anchoring themselves in the international community, should Israel not agree to the conditions.
Abbas: "Since 1948 Israel does not recognize the Palestinian people, and since 1967 it does not recognize the Palestinian people, and those who gave them the Balfour Declaration and the Mandate do not recognize the Palestinian people, and Israel believes that they live by chance in this country."
"In response to Israel's request to recognize the 'Jewish state' we said that we did not hear about the 'Jewish state' three years ago," he went on to say. "We told them that we recognize the state of Israel," noting that Israel had "signed a peace accord with Jordan and Egypt and did not make this request, and (Israel) can go to the UN and change the name of the state" as it suits them.
Also giving voice to his thoughts concerning continued negotiations with Israel, in recent days, is chief negotiator and member of the PLO's Executive Committee, Saeb Erekat, who declared that the door to continuing negotiations is not completely closed, but that the lines of communication are still, in fact, open with the American administration, as they attempt to revive the talks.
According to the PNN, Erakat also denied the comments made in the 'Asharq Al-Awsat' newspaper of London, which affirmed the existence of secret talks with Israel. Furthermore, he blamed them for obstructing the peace process.
The official negotiation period formally ended on April 29, 2014.
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said, during a TV interview Thursday, that Palestinians are ready to resume negotiations, but under the condition that Israel releases the fourth batch of veteran Palestinian prisoners, as previously agreed, and halts settlement construction for three months.
These statements come only two weeks after Israel halted peace negotiations, following a unity deal between Hamas and Fatah, effectively ending months of unsuccessful talks.
Abbas said in the interview, Ma'an reports, that it was Israel who had ended the negotiations, not the other way around and, furthermore, that Israel had threatened to stop the transfer of funds to the PA, a threat which he labeled a form of "gangsterism."
Israel has not responded in regard to the resumption of talks, according to Abbas, but Palestinians will continue anchoring themselves in the international community, should Israel not agree to the conditions.
Abbas: "Since 1948 Israel does not recognize the Palestinian people, and since 1967 it does not recognize the Palestinian people, and those who gave them the Balfour Declaration and the Mandate do not recognize the Palestinian people, and Israel believes that they live by chance in this country."
"In response to Israel's request to recognize the 'Jewish state' we said that we did not hear about the 'Jewish state' three years ago," he went on to say. "We told them that we recognize the state of Israel," noting that Israel had "signed a peace accord with Jordan and Egypt and did not make this request, and (Israel) can go to the UN and change the name of the state" as it suits them.
Also giving voice to his thoughts concerning continued negotiations with Israel, in recent days, is chief negotiator and member of the PLO's Executive Committee, Saeb Erekat, who declared that the door to continuing negotiations is not completely closed, but that the lines of communication are still, in fact, open with the American administration, as they attempt to revive the talks.
According to the PNN, Erakat also denied the comments made in the 'Asharq Al-Awsat' newspaper of London, which affirmed the existence of secret talks with Israel. Furthermore, he blamed them for obstructing the peace process.
The official negotiation period formally ended on April 29, 2014.
8 may 2014
63 organizations have refused to recognize Israel, calling on all concerned parties to press ahead with Palestinian refugees’ right of return to their native homes. The declaration was issued following a press conference in Gaza on Wednesday afternoon on the occasion of the inaugurating ceremony of the coordination committee to commemorate 66th Nakba anniversary.
Several committee members and representatives of the signatories partook in the conference.
We will never ever recognize Israel
The committee declared, in its statement’s outset, "the Zionist entity is an invading, racist, terrorist, criminal, extremist, and illegitimate colonizing force that crept over Palestinian and Arab lands and displaced their natives by force”.
“Palestine has and will always be Arab and Islamic and we will never surrender a single inch of it. We take it upon ourselves to liberate the land. This is our responsibility and that of all free people across the globe.”
The statement further stressed Palestinian refugees’ right of return, with no statute of limitations for the compensations.
The statement further called on the UN and UNRWA to assume their human and legal responsibilities vis-à-vis Palestinian refugees and the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip.
Different events, including political seminars, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances covering the entire Gaza Strip will be taking place so as to promote the right of return, among many other legitimate rights, and condemn Israeli crimes committed during the Nakba years.
The closing statement called on Gazans to rally round all the projected events and partake in the commemoration, en masse, as a means to confirm Palestinians’ steadfastness and unyielding commitment to the right of return, freedom and self-determination.
Several committee members and representatives of the signatories partook in the conference.
We will never ever recognize Israel
The committee declared, in its statement’s outset, "the Zionist entity is an invading, racist, terrorist, criminal, extremist, and illegitimate colonizing force that crept over Palestinian and Arab lands and displaced their natives by force”.
“Palestine has and will always be Arab and Islamic and we will never surrender a single inch of it. We take it upon ourselves to liberate the land. This is our responsibility and that of all free people across the globe.”
The statement further stressed Palestinian refugees’ right of return, with no statute of limitations for the compensations.
The statement further called on the UN and UNRWA to assume their human and legal responsibilities vis-à-vis Palestinian refugees and the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip.
Different events, including political seminars, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances covering the entire Gaza Strip will be taking place so as to promote the right of return, among many other legitimate rights, and condemn Israeli crimes committed during the Nakba years.
The closing statement called on Gazans to rally round all the projected events and partake in the commemoration, en masse, as a means to confirm Palestinians’ steadfastness and unyielding commitment to the right of return, freedom and self-determination.
68% of Israelis support the decision of Israeli occupation government to halt peace talks with Palestinian Authority following its unity pact with Hamas, a poll revealed Wednesday. The Guttman Center and Evens Program for Conflict Resolution at Tel Aviv University (TAU) conducted the poll, a monthly "Peace Index" part of the Israel Democracy Institute.
According to the poll [PDF], 68% of Israelis supported the Israel's decision to curtail talks with the PA, but the results were heavily polarized by political affiliation. Of respondents who answered that they supported the move, 82% identified as "right-wing," 59% identified as "moderates" and only 26% identified themselves as "left-wing."
Israelis are also heavily divided on what stalled peace talks mean for Israel's future. Of respondents, 63% to 41% believed that the talks could be harmful to Israel in the short-term rather than in the long term.
57.5% of them believed that the Hamas-Fatah reconciliation pact endangers Israel security - the same percentage of people who disagree with the EU's notion that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's involvement makes the agreement more inclusive and, therefore, more legitimate.
56% of Israelis believe US President Barack Obama is "incorrect" for assigning blame to both Israel and the PA for the failure of talks, according to the survey. However, of those, respondents are widely polarized by political affiliation; 70.5% of self-identified "left-wing" respondents agreed with Obama's assessment, compared to 54% of "centrists" and just 27.5% of "nationalists."
According to the poll [PDF], 68% of Israelis supported the Israel's decision to curtail talks with the PA, but the results were heavily polarized by political affiliation. Of respondents who answered that they supported the move, 82% identified as "right-wing," 59% identified as "moderates" and only 26% identified themselves as "left-wing."
Israelis are also heavily divided on what stalled peace talks mean for Israel's future. Of respondents, 63% to 41% believed that the talks could be harmful to Israel in the short-term rather than in the long term.
57.5% of them believed that the Hamas-Fatah reconciliation pact endangers Israel security - the same percentage of people who disagree with the EU's notion that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's involvement makes the agreement more inclusive and, therefore, more legitimate.
56% of Israelis believe US President Barack Obama is "incorrect" for assigning blame to both Israel and the PA for the failure of talks, according to the survey. However, of those, respondents are widely polarized by political affiliation; 70.5% of self-identified "left-wing" respondents agreed with Obama's assessment, compared to 54% of "centrists" and just 27.5% of "nationalists."
7 may 2014
Saeb Erekat, member of the Executive Committe of the Palestine Liberation Organization, of the Central Committe of Fatah and chief Palestinian negotiator, has declared that the door to continuing the negotiations with Israel is not completely closed. He has stressed that they are still in contact with the American administration, as they are trying to revive the peace process.
Erakat also denied the comments made in the 'Asharq Al-Awsat' newspaper of London where they affirm the existence of secret talks with Israel, and he blamed them of obstructing the negotiations.
Erakat also denied the comments made in the 'Asharq Al-Awsat' newspaper of London where they affirm the existence of secret talks with Israel, and he blamed them of obstructing the negotiations.
Israeli President Shimon Peres said Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blocked a 2011 peace agreement he had secretly negotiated with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Peres said he and Abbas had finalized a draft agreement in a series of secret meetings in neighboring Jordan but the draft was rejected by Netanyahu's right-leaning government.
"We had gone through all of the points and the agreement was ready," Peres told Israel's Channel Two television in an interview on the occasion of Israel's independence day.
"Netanyahu told me to wait a few days because he thought that Tony Blair could get a better offer," Peres said, referring to the former British prime minister who is the envoy of the Middle East peacemaking quartet of the EU, Russia, the UN and the US.
"The days passed and there was no better offer."
It was not the first time that the secret talks between Peres and the Palestinian leader had been revealed.
In August 2011, Abbas told a meeting of his ruling Fatah movement that he had held four rounds of talks with the Israeli president, who was one of the architects of the Oslo accords of 1993 that established the Palestinian Authority.
"After the first four meetings, a fifth meeting was planned in Amman but Shimon Peres made his excuses and told me: 'I'm sorry but the government doesn't accept what we have negotiated and there's nothing more I can do'," he said.
In Israel, the post of president is largely ceremonial and executive power rests with the prime minister. Peres is to retire next month at the age of 90.
His comments come with the peace process in tatters after the collapse in late April of nine months of US-brokered peace talks between negotiators for Abbas and Netanyahu.
Peres said he and Abbas had finalized a draft agreement in a series of secret meetings in neighboring Jordan but the draft was rejected by Netanyahu's right-leaning government.
"We had gone through all of the points and the agreement was ready," Peres told Israel's Channel Two television in an interview on the occasion of Israel's independence day.
"Netanyahu told me to wait a few days because he thought that Tony Blair could get a better offer," Peres said, referring to the former British prime minister who is the envoy of the Middle East peacemaking quartet of the EU, Russia, the UN and the US.
"The days passed and there was no better offer."
It was not the first time that the secret talks between Peres and the Palestinian leader had been revealed.
In August 2011, Abbas told a meeting of his ruling Fatah movement that he had held four rounds of talks with the Israeli president, who was one of the architects of the Oslo accords of 1993 that established the Palestinian Authority.
"After the first four meetings, a fifth meeting was planned in Amman but Shimon Peres made his excuses and told me: 'I'm sorry but the government doesn't accept what we have negotiated and there's nothing more I can do'," he said.
In Israel, the post of president is largely ceremonial and executive power rests with the prime minister. Peres is to retire next month at the age of 90.
His comments come with the peace process in tatters after the collapse in late April of nine months of US-brokered peace talks between negotiators for Abbas and Netanyahu.
Bank of Palestine, Ramallah
Palestinian public sector workers received their salaries, on Tuesday, signaling the backing down of Israel from a threat to impose sanctions as peace talks began to collapse, last month.
Palestinian public sector workers received their salaries on Tuesday, signaling the backing down of Israel from a threat to impose sanctions as peace talks began to collapse last month.
Israel had said on April 10 that it would withhold funds after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas signed a series of international human rights as the U.S.-backed peace negotiations were ending with no breakthrough, and as Israel refused to release political prisoners as previously agreed.
Palestinian officials said the payment reflected Israel’s decision to transfer more than $100 million in customs duties it collects on goods headed to Palestinian-run areas through the border crossings it controls.
The money accounts for approximately two-thirds of the Palestinian budget and is key to keeping its public sector functioning and maintaining stability in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Israel had said it would dock payment of over $100 million, a figure which it said the Palestinian government owed Israel in utility bills.
Speaking last week, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah told reporters that Israel would be paying the near-usual monthly amount of 450 million shekels ($130.3 million) and only deducting 20 million shekels ($5.8 million) as part of a loan taken out by a previous Palestinian government.
Palestinian public sector workers received their salaries, on Tuesday, signaling the backing down of Israel from a threat to impose sanctions as peace talks began to collapse, last month.
Palestinian public sector workers received their salaries on Tuesday, signaling the backing down of Israel from a threat to impose sanctions as peace talks began to collapse last month.
Israel had said on April 10 that it would withhold funds after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas signed a series of international human rights as the U.S.-backed peace negotiations were ending with no breakthrough, and as Israel refused to release political prisoners as previously agreed.
Palestinian officials said the payment reflected Israel’s decision to transfer more than $100 million in customs duties it collects on goods headed to Palestinian-run areas through the border crossings it controls.
The money accounts for approximately two-thirds of the Palestinian budget and is key to keeping its public sector functioning and maintaining stability in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Israel had said it would dock payment of over $100 million, a figure which it said the Palestinian government owed Israel in utility bills.
Speaking last week, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah told reporters that Israel would be paying the near-usual monthly amount of 450 million shekels ($130.3 million) and only deducting 20 million shekels ($5.8 million) as part of a loan taken out by a previous Palestinian government.