27 may 2015
The Israeli occupation Premier Benjamin Netanyahu announced during his government’s weekly meeting on Tuesday his decision to allot a one 100-million-shekel-batch (25 million dollars) to Judaization projects in the environs of the Buraq Wall, in Occupied Jerusalem.
Netanyahu claimed the transfer of such a cash-batch is primarily prompted by the upsurge in the numbers of Israelis popping in the Buraq wall over the past five years.
“The Western Wall is for all Israelis’” he said. “Today’s decision reflects the ministers’ and my own commitment to continue construction works in Jerusalem.”
The decision comes just a few hours after Israel’s notorious Netanyahu appointed a pro-illegal settlement activist residing in the West Bank as a Minister for Jerusalem Affairs.
Earlier, last week, Netanyahu threatened to prop up illegal settlement and Judaization projects in eastern Occupied Jerusalem, dubbing Jerusalem the eternal capital of the self-proclaimed Jewish state.
His standpoint as regards Occupied Jerusalem and attempt to wipe out the city’s typically Islamic idiosyncrasy have sparked rage across and outside the occupied Palestinian territories.
Netanyahu claimed the transfer of such a cash-batch is primarily prompted by the upsurge in the numbers of Israelis popping in the Buraq wall over the past five years.
“The Western Wall is for all Israelis’” he said. “Today’s decision reflects the ministers’ and my own commitment to continue construction works in Jerusalem.”
The decision comes just a few hours after Israel’s notorious Netanyahu appointed a pro-illegal settlement activist residing in the West Bank as a Minister for Jerusalem Affairs.
Earlier, last week, Netanyahu threatened to prop up illegal settlement and Judaization projects in eastern Occupied Jerusalem, dubbing Jerusalem the eternal capital of the self-proclaimed Jewish state.
His standpoint as regards Occupied Jerusalem and attempt to wipe out the city’s typically Islamic idiosyncrasy have sparked rage across and outside the occupied Palestinian territories.
26 may 2015
Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with EU foreign policy chief Mogherini
Western diplomat says PM told EU foreign policy chief talks should define West Bank areas in which Israel can continue building; another diplomat says this is just 'illusion of progress'.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed resuming peace negotiations with the Palestinians but with the initial focus on identifying those Jewish settlements that Israel would keep and be allowed to expand, an Israeli official said on Tuesday.
Peace talks collapsed in April 2014 over Israeli settlement-building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas Palestinians seek for a state, and after Abbas angered Israel by reaching a unity deal with the Islamist group Hamas in Gaza. Asked about Netanyahu's position, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said settlement activity had to stop altogether before peace talks resume and that all core issues of the conflict with Israel needed to be addressed simultaneously.
In a meeting in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Netanyahu told Federica Mogherini, the European Union's foreign policy chief, that some of the land Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War would remain in its hands while other parts would be left under Palestinian control, the Israeli official said. "Therefore negotiations should be resumed in order to define those areas in which we can build," the official said, quoting Netanyahu.
The remarks were first reported in the left-wing Israeli newspaper Haaretz. With the inauguration two weeks ago of his new right-wing government following March elections, Netanyahu faces US and EU calls to re-engage with the Palestinians and also the threat of stronger pressure to curb construction in settlements, which most countries regard as illegal.
Western diplomats have said Netanyahu - who raised international concern by saying on the eve of the election that no Palestinian state would be established on his watch - will now be closely scrutinized over his settlement policy. An understanding on settlements in peace talks would enable Israel to keep construction going without raising the wrath of its Western allies.
It could also appease hardliners in Netanyahu's government who want to see more construction. One Western diplomat familiar with what occurred at the meeting with Mogherini said Netanyahu's proposal showed some change in his position, but not enough to restart peace talks. "Up until now, Netanyahu has refused to put any maps on the table, so in that respect it was quite substantial. He was talking about borders in one way or another, even if it was based around the acceptance of existing settlement blocs," the official said. Another Western diplomat described Netanyahu's proposal as creating "the illusion of progress".
"Netanyahu was trying to show that he is committed to peace and ready for negotiations, but he knows the Palestinians would never agree to begin on this basis," the diplomat said.
Western diplomat says PM told EU foreign policy chief talks should define West Bank areas in which Israel can continue building; another diplomat says this is just 'illusion of progress'.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed resuming peace negotiations with the Palestinians but with the initial focus on identifying those Jewish settlements that Israel would keep and be allowed to expand, an Israeli official said on Tuesday.
Peace talks collapsed in April 2014 over Israeli settlement-building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas Palestinians seek for a state, and after Abbas angered Israel by reaching a unity deal with the Islamist group Hamas in Gaza. Asked about Netanyahu's position, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said settlement activity had to stop altogether before peace talks resume and that all core issues of the conflict with Israel needed to be addressed simultaneously.
In a meeting in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Netanyahu told Federica Mogherini, the European Union's foreign policy chief, that some of the land Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War would remain in its hands while other parts would be left under Palestinian control, the Israeli official said. "Therefore negotiations should be resumed in order to define those areas in which we can build," the official said, quoting Netanyahu.
The remarks were first reported in the left-wing Israeli newspaper Haaretz. With the inauguration two weeks ago of his new right-wing government following March elections, Netanyahu faces US and EU calls to re-engage with the Palestinians and also the threat of stronger pressure to curb construction in settlements, which most countries regard as illegal.
Western diplomats have said Netanyahu - who raised international concern by saying on the eve of the election that no Palestinian state would be established on his watch - will now be closely scrutinized over his settlement policy. An understanding on settlements in peace talks would enable Israel to keep construction going without raising the wrath of its Western allies.
It could also appease hardliners in Netanyahu's government who want to see more construction. One Western diplomat familiar with what occurred at the meeting with Mogherini said Netanyahu's proposal showed some change in his position, but not enough to restart peace talks. "Up until now, Netanyahu has refused to put any maps on the table, so in that respect it was quite substantial. He was talking about borders in one way or another, even if it was based around the acceptance of existing settlement blocs," the official said. Another Western diplomat described Netanyahu's proposal as creating "the illusion of progress".
"Netanyahu was trying to show that he is committed to peace and ready for negotiations, but he knows the Palestinians would never agree to begin on this basis," the diplomat said.
The coming period will be critical for the future of the peace process, with concerns growing about the lack of a horizon for the resumption of negotiations towards a two-state solution, according to the latest report issued by the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO). The report will be presented to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) at the twice annual meeting in Brussels on May 27, 2015.
The report warns that maintaining the current untenable status quo will "inexorably lead to the continued erosion of living conditions for Palestinians and for Israelis alike and will undermine the security and stability of all." It notes the call by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov during his recent briefing to the Security Council on both parties "to expend every effort to build upon existing agreements, including relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Roadmap and the Arab Peace Initiative, to gain momentum towards a final status agreement."
The report reiterates the call on the new Government of Israel to take credible steps to reaffirm its commitment to a two-state solution, including a freeze of settlement activity, to promote a resumption of meaningful negotiations. Continued security cooperation between Palestinian and Israeli authorities also remains a cornerstone of a peaceful resolution.
The political and security situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continues to deteriorate with heightened levels of violence and renewed settlement activities, the report states. On Area C, the report notes that "the United Nations continues to support local Palestinian authorities in developing adequate social infrastructure... but the programme faces challenges due to the slow pace of Israeli approvals." It also expresses concerns about recent moves to relocate Bedouin communities near Abu Nwar in the politically sensitive E1 area of the West Bank that may be linked to further settlement construction.
The report also highlights the considerable challenge in putting the Government of Palestine's finances on a stable footing. "While the recent release of outstanding tax revenues by Israel is welcome, it is essential that agreement on a sustainable solution on tax collection in line with the Paris Protocol of the Oslo Accords is reached," the report underscored.
Turning to the Gaza Strip, the report notes that the United Nations objective remains to see the lifting of all closures within the framework of Security Council resolution 1860 (2009) in a manner which addresses Israel's legitimate security concerns. In the absence of such a change, the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism (GRM) remains the only available option to facilitate the entry of "dual use" materials necessary for reconstruction. To date, close to 85,000 of the 100,000 households in need of construction materials to repair their partially destroyed homes have received materials. The report also highlights that out of the 168 projects submitted by the private sector and the international community, 85 projects are approved and eight are ongoing.
Turning to the challenges of intra-Palestinian reconciliation and unity, the report welcomes Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah's efforts towards finding a solution for public sector employees in Gaza and encourages all factions to support his initiative. "The United Nations also stands ready to work with all stakeholders and support the Government's efforts. A comprehensive reconciliation must include the GNC resuming control over the crossings into Israel and Egypt. The responsibility for addressing these issues lies first and foremost with the Palestinian authorities," the report adds.
The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) serves as the principal policy-level coordination mechanism for development assistance to the oPt. The AHLC is chaired by Norway and co-sponsored by the EU and the US. In addition, the United Nations participates together with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The AHLC seeks to promote dialogue between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel. The full report to the AHLC prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is attached to this release and includes an executive summary of its main conclusions.
The report warns that maintaining the current untenable status quo will "inexorably lead to the continued erosion of living conditions for Palestinians and for Israelis alike and will undermine the security and stability of all." It notes the call by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov during his recent briefing to the Security Council on both parties "to expend every effort to build upon existing agreements, including relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Roadmap and the Arab Peace Initiative, to gain momentum towards a final status agreement."
The report reiterates the call on the new Government of Israel to take credible steps to reaffirm its commitment to a two-state solution, including a freeze of settlement activity, to promote a resumption of meaningful negotiations. Continued security cooperation between Palestinian and Israeli authorities also remains a cornerstone of a peaceful resolution.
The political and security situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continues to deteriorate with heightened levels of violence and renewed settlement activities, the report states. On Area C, the report notes that "the United Nations continues to support local Palestinian authorities in developing adequate social infrastructure... but the programme faces challenges due to the slow pace of Israeli approvals." It also expresses concerns about recent moves to relocate Bedouin communities near Abu Nwar in the politically sensitive E1 area of the West Bank that may be linked to further settlement construction.
The report also highlights the considerable challenge in putting the Government of Palestine's finances on a stable footing. "While the recent release of outstanding tax revenues by Israel is welcome, it is essential that agreement on a sustainable solution on tax collection in line with the Paris Protocol of the Oslo Accords is reached," the report underscored.
Turning to the Gaza Strip, the report notes that the United Nations objective remains to see the lifting of all closures within the framework of Security Council resolution 1860 (2009) in a manner which addresses Israel's legitimate security concerns. In the absence of such a change, the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism (GRM) remains the only available option to facilitate the entry of "dual use" materials necessary for reconstruction. To date, close to 85,000 of the 100,000 households in need of construction materials to repair their partially destroyed homes have received materials. The report also highlights that out of the 168 projects submitted by the private sector and the international community, 85 projects are approved and eight are ongoing.
Turning to the challenges of intra-Palestinian reconciliation and unity, the report welcomes Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah's efforts towards finding a solution for public sector employees in Gaza and encourages all factions to support his initiative. "The United Nations also stands ready to work with all stakeholders and support the Government's efforts. A comprehensive reconciliation must include the GNC resuming control over the crossings into Israel and Egypt. The responsibility for addressing these issues lies first and foremost with the Palestinian authorities," the report adds.
The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) serves as the principal policy-level coordination mechanism for development assistance to the oPt. The AHLC is chaired by Norway and co-sponsored by the EU and the US. In addition, the United Nations participates together with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The AHLC seeks to promote dialogue between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel. The full report to the AHLC prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is attached to this release and includes an executive summary of its main conclusions.
24 may 2015
Diplomatic western sources today said that France vowed to the US administration, to delay presenting its project to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which aims on relaunching the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and Palestinian statehood recognition.
The French draft was presented to both Israeli and Palestinian officials, in addition to the European Union, the Arab League and the US administration for observation and remarks.
The French projects suggests a UNSC issue resolution in September to relaunch the talks between Palestinians and Israelis, and puts an 18-month plan to recognize Palestinian statehood.
The project also suggests Jerusalem as a capital for two countries, Israel and Palestine. However, if the project fails to pass, France will recognize Palestinian state.
On the matter, Secretary General of The Palestinian National Initiative, Al-Mubadara, Dr. Mustafa AL-Barghouthi previously told PNN that the French initiate content will be studied for either approval or decline, voicing that there are issues that cannot be accepted in it, including considering Jerusalem a united capital for two states, which conceals an Israeli domination on Jerusalem, in addition to keeping the Israeli military in the Jordan valleys with no time frame, and letting go of the right of return for compensation.
The French draft was presented to both Israeli and Palestinian officials, in addition to the European Union, the Arab League and the US administration for observation and remarks.
The French projects suggests a UNSC issue resolution in September to relaunch the talks between Palestinians and Israelis, and puts an 18-month plan to recognize Palestinian statehood.
The project also suggests Jerusalem as a capital for two countries, Israel and Palestine. However, if the project fails to pass, France will recognize Palestinian state.
On the matter, Secretary General of The Palestinian National Initiative, Al-Mubadara, Dr. Mustafa AL-Barghouthi previously told PNN that the French initiate content will be studied for either approval or decline, voicing that there are issues that cannot be accepted in it, including considering Jerusalem a united capital for two states, which conceals an Israeli domination on Jerusalem, in addition to keeping the Israeli military in the Jordan valleys with no time frame, and letting go of the right of return for compensation.
22 may 2015
Palestinian president reiterates important of two states side by side; Peres: Majority of Israelis support two-state solution.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday said Israel is blocking peace by continuing to expand settlements on occupied territory, but reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 border.
"What prevents the achievement of this desire is Israel's continuation of its occupation and settlement activity and imposing realities on the ground," said Abbas, speaking at a regional World Economic Forum conference in Jordan.
Abbas did not refer to the changed circumstances created by the formation of a new hard-line Israeli government this month; key members of which oppose land concessions to the Palestinians. A US-led negotiation effort broke down about a year ago, and current prospects for resuming them are slim.
Israelis re-elected the hard-line Benjamin Netanyahu two months ago in part because they reject the Palestinians terms, which include not just a near-total pullout from the West Bank and a division of some sort in Jerusalem - but also because the regional chaos has them in a cautious frame of mind.
The prime minister has voiced support in recent years for a Palestinian state - but seems very far from the Palestinians' terms. During his campaign he said he did not expect a Palestinian state to soon arise, but later slightly back tracked.
Speaking at the same conference on the shores of the Dead Sea, former Israeli President Shimon Peres said most Israelis nonetheless supported the principle of a Palestinian state. Asked about the possibility that the world community would ratchet up the pressure on Israel, he insisted that more negotiations - despite decades of failure - were the answer.
"I'm convinced that there will be no better alternative (to) the two-state solution," said Peres, who is also a former prime minister. "I believe it is possible. I believe it is needed. I believe that peace negotiations can be resumed and the sooner the better."
Many moderate Israelis are concerned that the default outcome is a single state in which Jews will not be the majority - and which, if Jews continue to dominate it, would cease to be considered a democracy.
On Monday, Netanyahu handed responsibility for any future peace talks with the Palestinians to his new Interior Minister Silvan Shalom, a nomination denounced by Palestinians, who said Shalom did not believe in the two-state solution.
Meanwhile, international pressure to resume talks has increased. On Thursday, French magazine Le Figaro announced that France is pushing forward with its Middle East peace initiative, shortening the deadline for Israeli-Palestinian talks from two years to 18 months. If a two-state solution is not reached by the end of the 18 months of talks, France will announce it is officially recognizing the State of Palestine.
On Tuesday, the United Nations' new Middle East envoy, Nikolay Mladenov, said he and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon would engage Israel's government to explore "realistic options" for a return to talks with the Palestinians aimed at a two-state solution "within a reasonable timeframe."
And last week the Jordanian and German foreign ministers held a joint press conference in which they urged the resumption of talks.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday said Israel is blocking peace by continuing to expand settlements on occupied territory, but reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 border.
"What prevents the achievement of this desire is Israel's continuation of its occupation and settlement activity and imposing realities on the ground," said Abbas, speaking at a regional World Economic Forum conference in Jordan.
Abbas did not refer to the changed circumstances created by the formation of a new hard-line Israeli government this month; key members of which oppose land concessions to the Palestinians. A US-led negotiation effort broke down about a year ago, and current prospects for resuming them are slim.
Israelis re-elected the hard-line Benjamin Netanyahu two months ago in part because they reject the Palestinians terms, which include not just a near-total pullout from the West Bank and a division of some sort in Jerusalem - but also because the regional chaos has them in a cautious frame of mind.
The prime minister has voiced support in recent years for a Palestinian state - but seems very far from the Palestinians' terms. During his campaign he said he did not expect a Palestinian state to soon arise, but later slightly back tracked.
Speaking at the same conference on the shores of the Dead Sea, former Israeli President Shimon Peres said most Israelis nonetheless supported the principle of a Palestinian state. Asked about the possibility that the world community would ratchet up the pressure on Israel, he insisted that more negotiations - despite decades of failure - were the answer.
"I'm convinced that there will be no better alternative (to) the two-state solution," said Peres, who is also a former prime minister. "I believe it is possible. I believe it is needed. I believe that peace negotiations can be resumed and the sooner the better."
Many moderate Israelis are concerned that the default outcome is a single state in which Jews will not be the majority - and which, if Jews continue to dominate it, would cease to be considered a democracy.
On Monday, Netanyahu handed responsibility for any future peace talks with the Palestinians to his new Interior Minister Silvan Shalom, a nomination denounced by Palestinians, who said Shalom did not believe in the two-state solution.
Meanwhile, international pressure to resume talks has increased. On Thursday, French magazine Le Figaro announced that France is pushing forward with its Middle East peace initiative, shortening the deadline for Israeli-Palestinian talks from two years to 18 months. If a two-state solution is not reached by the end of the 18 months of talks, France will announce it is officially recognizing the State of Palestine.
On Tuesday, the United Nations' new Middle East envoy, Nikolay Mladenov, said he and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon would engage Israel's government to explore "realistic options" for a return to talks with the Palestinians aimed at a two-state solution "within a reasonable timeframe."
And last week the Jordanian and German foreign ministers held a joint press conference in which they urged the resumption of talks.
Tzipi Hotovely. 'We need to return to the basic truth of our right to this land.'
Quoting Rashi, the new deputy FM tells Israeli diplomats that, 'this country is ours, all of it. We didn’t come here to apologize for that.'
New Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely on Thursday told ministry employees that all of the Land of Israel belongs to the Jews, and that Israel had no need to apologize for that.
“Many times it seems that in our international relations, more than emphasizing the rightness of our cause, we are asked to use arguments that play well diplomatically,” she said in a speech broadcast to Israel’s 106 representations abroad. “But at a time when the very existence of Israel is being called into question, it is important to be right.”
Hotovely, who days ago told Ynet that her hawkish views would not get in the way of her work as Israel's most senior diplomat, said that Israel had no need to apologize for its stance.
“The international community deals with considerations of justice and morality,” she said. “We need to return to the basic truth of our right to this land...this country is ours, all of it. We didn’t come here to apologize for that.”
The deputy minister ended her comments by quoting from Rashi, the famed medieval Talmud commentator, on the first line of the Torah:
“Rashi says the Torah opens with the story of the creation of the world so that if the nations of the world come and tell you that you are occupiers, you must respond that all of the land belonged to the creator of world and when he wanted to, he took from them and gave to us,” she quoted from the commentary. She also quoted from Rabbi Yehuda Ashkenazi as saying. “If the Jews are convinced of the justice of their path vis-a-vis the world, they will already manage.”
Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman apologized Thursday after calling supporters of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict “autistic,” the Jewish Telegraphic Agency said.
Lieberman, who heads the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party, made his remarks earlier Thursday in an interview with Israel Radio. “Anyone who thinks going back to the 1967 lines will solve the conflict is autistic,” Liberman said.
Lieberman, who is not a part of the new Israeli government, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of zigzagging on the two-state issue, saying he supports it after indicating during the election that it was no longer an option.
Jay Ruderman, the head of the Ruderman Family Foundation, had demanded that Lieberman apologize. In a statement released later Thursday, he cited Lieberman as stating, "I didn't mean in any way to offend autistic people, but wanted to illustrate the unwillingness of some people to accept certain realities about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and I apologize if anyone was hurt."
"We hope this was a teaching moment for MK Lieberman that it is highly inappropriate to use a disability in a derogatory manner," said Ruderman, whose foundation is dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Israelis and American Jews, and to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the broader society. "We are gratified that he has publicly apologized and distanced himself from the remark."
Quoting Rashi, the new deputy FM tells Israeli diplomats that, 'this country is ours, all of it. We didn’t come here to apologize for that.'
New Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely on Thursday told ministry employees that all of the Land of Israel belongs to the Jews, and that Israel had no need to apologize for that.
“Many times it seems that in our international relations, more than emphasizing the rightness of our cause, we are asked to use arguments that play well diplomatically,” she said in a speech broadcast to Israel’s 106 representations abroad. “But at a time when the very existence of Israel is being called into question, it is important to be right.”
Hotovely, who days ago told Ynet that her hawkish views would not get in the way of her work as Israel's most senior diplomat, said that Israel had no need to apologize for its stance.
“The international community deals with considerations of justice and morality,” she said. “We need to return to the basic truth of our right to this land...this country is ours, all of it. We didn’t come here to apologize for that.”
The deputy minister ended her comments by quoting from Rashi, the famed medieval Talmud commentator, on the first line of the Torah:
“Rashi says the Torah opens with the story of the creation of the world so that if the nations of the world come and tell you that you are occupiers, you must respond that all of the land belonged to the creator of world and when he wanted to, he took from them and gave to us,” she quoted from the commentary. She also quoted from Rabbi Yehuda Ashkenazi as saying. “If the Jews are convinced of the justice of their path vis-a-vis the world, they will already manage.”
Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman apologized Thursday after calling supporters of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict “autistic,” the Jewish Telegraphic Agency said.
Lieberman, who heads the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party, made his remarks earlier Thursday in an interview with Israel Radio. “Anyone who thinks going back to the 1967 lines will solve the conflict is autistic,” Liberman said.
Lieberman, who is not a part of the new Israeli government, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of zigzagging on the two-state issue, saying he supports it after indicating during the election that it was no longer an option.
Jay Ruderman, the head of the Ruderman Family Foundation, had demanded that Lieberman apologize. In a statement released later Thursday, he cited Lieberman as stating, "I didn't mean in any way to offend autistic people, but wanted to illustrate the unwillingness of some people to accept certain realities about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and I apologize if anyone was hurt."
"We hope this was a teaching moment for MK Lieberman that it is highly inappropriate to use a disability in a derogatory manner," said Ruderman, whose foundation is dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Israelis and American Jews, and to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the broader society. "We are gratified that he has publicly apologized and distanced himself from the remark."
21 may 2015
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) established a nightclub and café over an Islamic historic cemetery in Occupied Jerusalem within the Israeli accelerated moves to Judaize the Islamic landmarks in the city.
In a press statement, the Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage condemned the Israeli continuation of desecrating the cemetery.
The Foundation which visited the cemetery asked the Islamic and Arab countries as well as the Palestinian people to urgently work on confronting such desecration of the cemetery in which a number of the Sahaba (Prophet Mohammad’s friends) and many of the Islamic scientists were buried over 1400 years.
It added that the construction and equipment of the nightclub has been completed for a soon opening after confiscating the cemetery and turning it into a public park. The cemetery is the biggest and oldest graveyard in Palestine.
According to Israeli media sources, the facility will be opened in May. It lies on an area of 250 square meters over a land of an area of 450 square meters. It is equipped for public ceremonies with 110 chairs including a bar and a wide courtyard and will be run by an Israeli company.
In a press statement, the Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage condemned the Israeli continuation of desecrating the cemetery.
The Foundation which visited the cemetery asked the Islamic and Arab countries as well as the Palestinian people to urgently work on confronting such desecration of the cemetery in which a number of the Sahaba (Prophet Mohammad’s friends) and many of the Islamic scientists were buried over 1400 years.
It added that the construction and equipment of the nightclub has been completed for a soon opening after confiscating the cemetery and turning it into a public park. The cemetery is the biggest and oldest graveyard in Palestine.
According to Israeli media sources, the facility will be opened in May. It lies on an area of 250 square meters over a land of an area of 450 square meters. It is equipped for public ceremonies with 110 chairs including a bar and a wide courtyard and will be run by an Israeli company.
Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with French President Hollande in jerusalem
According to French initiative, if sides fail to reach agreement by deadline, Paris will officially recognize Palestine; plan includes demand for Palestinians to recognize Israel as Jewish state.
France is pushing forward with its Middle East peace initiative, shortening the deadline for Israeli-Palestinian talks from two years to 18 months, French magazine Le Figaro reported on Wednesday.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius recently presented the Arab League with a detailed plan to renew peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. The plan stipulates the formation of a Palestinian state in the pre-1967 lines, with swaps of mutually agreed upon lands similar in size, while taking into account Israel's security needs.
The French are seeking to achieve a "just, sustainable and global solution" to the conflict. If a two-state solution is not reached by the end of the 18 months of talks, France will announce it is officially recognizing the State of Palestine.
A French source explained that the timeframe for the talks has been shortened in light of the escalation of violence in the West Bank, and with the hopes of seeing the initiative begin to bear fruit before French President Francois Hollande leaves office.
The French plan determines that both sides would have to define parameters that ensure the security of both Israel and Palestine, which would efficiently and effectively protect the borders, stop terrorism, and thwart the smuggling of arms.
According to French initiative, if sides fail to reach agreement by deadline, Paris will officially recognize Palestine; plan includes demand for Palestinians to recognize Israel as Jewish state.
France is pushing forward with its Middle East peace initiative, shortening the deadline for Israeli-Palestinian talks from two years to 18 months, French magazine Le Figaro reported on Wednesday.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius recently presented the Arab League with a detailed plan to renew peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. The plan stipulates the formation of a Palestinian state in the pre-1967 lines, with swaps of mutually agreed upon lands similar in size, while taking into account Israel's security needs.
The French are seeking to achieve a "just, sustainable and global solution" to the conflict. If a two-state solution is not reached by the end of the 18 months of talks, France will announce it is officially recognizing the State of Palestine.
A French source explained that the timeframe for the talks has been shortened in light of the escalation of violence in the West Bank, and with the hopes of seeing the initiative begin to bear fruit before French President Francois Hollande leaves office.
The French plan determines that both sides would have to define parameters that ensure the security of both Israel and Palestine, which would efficiently and effectively protect the borders, stop terrorism, and thwart the smuggling of arms.
French President Hollande meets with Palestinian President Abbas in Ramallah
These parameters would have to honor Palestinian sovereignty and include a full withdrawal of the IDF from Palestinian territories in stages over an interim period agreed upon by the two sides. The French have stressed they were interested in reaching a final-status deal, and not another interim agreement that postpones the end of the conflict to an unknown date in the future.
Another issue the French initiative is one important to the Palestinians - the plan demands a "just, balanced and realistic solution to the issue of refugees," stressing the solution would have to be based on a "mechanism of compensation." The French initiative remains vague on the issue of Jerusalem and mentions the necessity of the city being the capital of both Israel and the future Palestinian state.
The French plan calls for the two-state for two-peoples solution, but includes the demand for the Palestinians to recognize the Jewish nature of Israel. This demand has so far been rejected out of hand by the Palestinians. French paper Le Figaro reported that the initiative's draft has been unofficially presented to London and Madrid as well.
In any case, the French peace initiative will not be officially submitted to the UN Security Council before June 30, the deadline for negotiations with Iran on its nuclear program. French sources said the US asked France to postpone the plan's submission so as to not raise difficulties in talks with Iran. Paris, however, was not willing to wait forever, the French sources said.
These parameters would have to honor Palestinian sovereignty and include a full withdrawal of the IDF from Palestinian territories in stages over an interim period agreed upon by the two sides. The French have stressed they were interested in reaching a final-status deal, and not another interim agreement that postpones the end of the conflict to an unknown date in the future.
Another issue the French initiative is one important to the Palestinians - the plan demands a "just, balanced and realistic solution to the issue of refugees," stressing the solution would have to be based on a "mechanism of compensation." The French initiative remains vague on the issue of Jerusalem and mentions the necessity of the city being the capital of both Israel and the future Palestinian state.
The French plan calls for the two-state for two-peoples solution, but includes the demand for the Palestinians to recognize the Jewish nature of Israel. This demand has so far been rejected out of hand by the Palestinians. French paper Le Figaro reported that the initiative's draft has been unofficially presented to London and Madrid as well.
In any case, the French peace initiative will not be officially submitted to the UN Security Council before June 30, the deadline for negotiations with Iran on its nuclear program. French sources said the US asked France to postpone the plan's submission so as to not raise difficulties in talks with Iran. Paris, however, was not willing to wait forever, the French sources said.
20 may 2015
The Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee approved on Wednesday the construction of 90 settlement units in the Har Homa outpost in southern Occupied Jerusalem.
Israeli sources revealed that Jerusalem municipality along with Israeli government have decided to continue settlement construction in the neighborhoods of East Jerusalem.
The sources underlined that Israeli government is continuing the establishment of settlements in Har Homa outpost in particular regardless of the opposition of the international community.
"This means that Israel is going into confrontation rather than political agreement to end the conflict,” the sources added.
Israeli sources revealed that Jerusalem municipality along with Israeli government have decided to continue settlement construction in the neighborhoods of East Jerusalem.
The sources underlined that Israeli government is continuing the establishment of settlements in Har Homa outpost in particular regardless of the opposition of the international community.
"This means that Israel is going into confrontation rather than political agreement to end the conflict,” the sources added.
Arab League
A meeting was recently held between representatives of Arab countries that do not have diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv, and a number of Israeli officials, to discuss what they called “security cooperation” in the region.
The official Israeli Radio has reported that the meeting took place between Arab officials, Israeli security officials, and diplomats representing both the United States and the European Union.
The Radio quoted Arab officials allegedly stating that all countries in the region “must be prepared for a security situation where the United States has less influence.”
It also stated that the Arab officials “expressed willingness to advance security cooperation between all Arab Sunni states, and Tel Aviv,” but also expressed their concern that the “current stalemate in Palestinian-Israeli political talks impedes such a cooperation.”
In 2002, all Arab states in the region presented the “Arab Peace Initiative," during their summit in Beirut – Lebanon, offering full recognition and normalization with Israel should it withdraw from all the Arab and Palestinian territories it captured in the aftermath of the June 4 1967 six-day war.
The initiative was re-endorsed during the Arab Summit in Riyadh – Saudi Arabia, in 2007; however, Israel rejected it, and said it needs various amendments.
The initiative also called for a “just settlement” to the issue of Palestinian refugees, based on UN Resolution #194, by offering them their legitimate Right of Return “to live in peace with the neighbors,” and to compensate those who “do not wish to return.”
The then Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon rejected the entire initiative, and claimed, “It replaces UN resolutions 242 and 338, which call for negotiations,” although Israel never officially recognized any resolution regarding its illegal occupation of Palestine.
The official Israeli stance rejects any full withdrawal from the occupied territories, including occupied Jerusalem, the Right of Return, and an independent sovereign Palestinian State.
Israel also still insists on what it calls “its right” to build and expand its illegal colonies in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem, in direct violation of International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Tel Aviv is a signatory.
A meeting was recently held between representatives of Arab countries that do not have diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv, and a number of Israeli officials, to discuss what they called “security cooperation” in the region.
The official Israeli Radio has reported that the meeting took place between Arab officials, Israeli security officials, and diplomats representing both the United States and the European Union.
The Radio quoted Arab officials allegedly stating that all countries in the region “must be prepared for a security situation where the United States has less influence.”
It also stated that the Arab officials “expressed willingness to advance security cooperation between all Arab Sunni states, and Tel Aviv,” but also expressed their concern that the “current stalemate in Palestinian-Israeli political talks impedes such a cooperation.”
In 2002, all Arab states in the region presented the “Arab Peace Initiative," during their summit in Beirut – Lebanon, offering full recognition and normalization with Israel should it withdraw from all the Arab and Palestinian territories it captured in the aftermath of the June 4 1967 six-day war.
The initiative was re-endorsed during the Arab Summit in Riyadh – Saudi Arabia, in 2007; however, Israel rejected it, and said it needs various amendments.
The initiative also called for a “just settlement” to the issue of Palestinian refugees, based on UN Resolution #194, by offering them their legitimate Right of Return “to live in peace with the neighbors,” and to compensate those who “do not wish to return.”
The then Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon rejected the entire initiative, and claimed, “It replaces UN resolutions 242 and 338, which call for negotiations,” although Israel never officially recognized any resolution regarding its illegal occupation of Palestine.
The official Israeli stance rejects any full withdrawal from the occupied territories, including occupied Jerusalem, the Right of Return, and an independent sovereign Palestinian State.
Israel also still insists on what it calls “its right” to build and expand its illegal colonies in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem, in direct violation of International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Tel Aviv is a signatory.
18 may 2015
Palestinians denounce appointment of new interior minister, saying Shalom did not believe in the two-state solution.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has handed responsibility for any future peace talks with the Palestinians to his new Interior Minister Silvan Shalom, an official said Monday.
"The prime minister has charged Silvan Shalom with conducting in his name the negotiations with the Palestinians," the official said on condition of anonymity.
Shalom, a veteran member of Netanyahu's rightwing Likud party, will also be in charge of strategic dialogue with the United States, public radio said.
The nomination was denounced by the Palestinians who said Shalom did not believe in the two-state solution.
"He does not believe in a Palestinian state. He's against a two-state solution," an official from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) told AFP, asking not to be named.
"It's not an issue of names. It's an issue of policy."
Shalom served as foreign minister in 2003-2006, a period which covered the second Palestinian intifada and Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
The last Israeli minister in charge of negotiations was Tzipi Livni, the co-leader of the joint Zionist Union party, who served as justice minister until she and former finance minister Yair Lapid were fired by Netanyahu in December, triggering snap elections.
The position of foreign minister is now held by Netanyahu himself after the previous incumbent, Avigdor Lieberman, bolted coalition talks at the 11th hour, relinquishing the portfolio.
Netanyahu's new government, which was sworn in late last week, marks a shift to the right by giving increased prominence to Naftali Bennett's far-right Bayit Yehudi, which opposes a Palestinian state and strongly backs settlement activity.
The move looks likely to complicate Israel's already damaged relationship with the Palestinians and further strain ties with the international community.
Indirect US-led peace talks collapsed in April last year, with the relationship between the two sides severely strained, prompting the Palestinians to step up efforts on the international stage to seek their promised state.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has handed responsibility for any future peace talks with the Palestinians to his new Interior Minister Silvan Shalom, an official said Monday.
"The prime minister has charged Silvan Shalom with conducting in his name the negotiations with the Palestinians," the official said on condition of anonymity.
Shalom, a veteran member of Netanyahu's rightwing Likud party, will also be in charge of strategic dialogue with the United States, public radio said.
The nomination was denounced by the Palestinians who said Shalom did not believe in the two-state solution.
"He does not believe in a Palestinian state. He's against a two-state solution," an official from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) told AFP, asking not to be named.
"It's not an issue of names. It's an issue of policy."
Shalom served as foreign minister in 2003-2006, a period which covered the second Palestinian intifada and Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
The last Israeli minister in charge of negotiations was Tzipi Livni, the co-leader of the joint Zionist Union party, who served as justice minister until she and former finance minister Yair Lapid were fired by Netanyahu in December, triggering snap elections.
The position of foreign minister is now held by Netanyahu himself after the previous incumbent, Avigdor Lieberman, bolted coalition talks at the 11th hour, relinquishing the portfolio.
Netanyahu's new government, which was sworn in late last week, marks a shift to the right by giving increased prominence to Naftali Bennett's far-right Bayit Yehudi, which opposes a Palestinian state and strongly backs settlement activity.
The move looks likely to complicate Israel's already damaged relationship with the Palestinians and further strain ties with the international community.
Indirect US-led peace talks collapsed in April last year, with the relationship between the two sides severely strained, prompting the Palestinians to step up efforts on the international stage to seek their promised state.
