17 nov 2013
Hamas movement warned of the Israeli construction of a “National Park” on the Mount Scopus Slopes in occupied Jerusalem in its capacity as the latest series of Judaization projects of the occupied holy city. Hamas strongly condemned the building of this park on lands of Tur and Issawiya villages that would confiscate 740 dunums of their fertile land.
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) has been escalating violations against Jerusalemites including depriving them of building on their own land, Hamas said.
It charged that the accelerating Israeli Judaization schemes displayed the extent of international collusion and the Arab and Islamic weakness.
Hamas also lashed out at the Palestinian Authority for indulging in futile talks and security coordination with an “enemy that respects no agreements and is only concerned with its own interests”.
The movement stressed that the IOA’s ceaseless attempts to rob Palestinian land would not succeed in changing its landmarks and would not succeed in Judaizing it.
Hamas called for an urgent Arab-Islamic-international action to protect the Palestinian land in face of such settlement gobbling and to stand up to attempts to Judaize occupied Jerusalem’s landmarks.
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) has been escalating violations against Jerusalemites including depriving them of building on their own land, Hamas said.
It charged that the accelerating Israeli Judaization schemes displayed the extent of international collusion and the Arab and Islamic weakness.
Hamas also lashed out at the Palestinian Authority for indulging in futile talks and security coordination with an “enemy that respects no agreements and is only concerned with its own interests”.
The movement stressed that the IOA’s ceaseless attempts to rob Palestinian land would not succeed in changing its landmarks and would not succeed in Judaizing it.
Hamas called for an urgent Arab-Islamic-international action to protect the Palestinian land in face of such settlement gobbling and to stand up to attempts to Judaize occupied Jerusalem’s landmarks.
15 nov 2013
About 300 residents from Issawiyya objected on Thursday before the Israeli District Committee to a plan to create a national park for the settlers, on 741 dunums of citizens' lands in Issawiyya and Tur in occupied Jerusalem. Member of the Monitoring Committee in Issawiyya and Tur Mohammed Abu Hummus said in a press statement that the District Committee started at 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm hearing the objections of the residents of Isawiya and Tur, who are the owners of the lands threatened with confiscation, and who have been daily suffering from settlement projects in the region.
Abu Hummus confirmed that taking the decision to build the park on citizens' lands is a purely political decision, pointing out that the lawyers said during the hearing that the implementation of this plan has political dimensions and falls under the settlement expansion attack on the Palestinian land.
Meanwhile, dozens of Issawiyya and Tur residents, with the participation of children, protested in front of the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior in West Jerusalem, and waved banners stressing their right to protect their lands and condemning the policy of house demolitions.
The Israeli government issued in its weekly meeting instructions to accelerate the project for the national park, in addition to plans to build new settlement units in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Abu Hummus confirmed that taking the decision to build the park on citizens' lands is a purely political decision, pointing out that the lawyers said during the hearing that the implementation of this plan has political dimensions and falls under the settlement expansion attack on the Palestinian land.
Meanwhile, dozens of Issawiyya and Tur residents, with the participation of children, protested in front of the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior in West Jerusalem, and waved banners stressing their right to protect their lands and condemning the policy of house demolitions.
The Israeli government issued in its weekly meeting instructions to accelerate the project for the national park, in addition to plans to build new settlement units in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
13 nov 2013
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Israel intelligence minister says settlement building in the occupied West Bank must continue in a “coordinated manner.”
On Wednesday, Yuval Steinitz said Tel Aviv should continue the construction activities in “an intelligent and coordinated way." Steinitz made the comments one day after Tel Aviv announced plans for the construction of some 24,000 new settler units in the occupied Palestinian territories. The plans drew international condemnation, including from Israel's longtime ally, the United States. "We are deeply concerned by this latest report," said US State Department |
spokeswoman, Jennifer Psaki, on Tuesday, adding, "We were surprised by this announcement and are currently seeking further explanation from the government of Israel.... We do not accept the legitimacy of continued settlement activity."
Moreover, the criticism prompted Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reconsider the decision, noting that at a time when Tel Aviv is trying to persuade the West and Russia to take its interests into consideration, Israel must be coordinated in its actions.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts made to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in 1967.
The United Nations and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbid construction on occupied lands.
Moreover, the criticism prompted Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reconsider the decision, noting that at a time when Tel Aviv is trying to persuade the West and Russia to take its interests into consideration, Israel must be coordinated in its actions.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts made to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in 1967.
The United Nations and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbid construction on occupied lands.
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All influential bodies in the United States are supporting the continuation of illegal Jewish settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian lands, an analyst tells Press TV in an interview.
“All the centers of power in the United States are lined up behind Israel no matter what it does,” Henry Norr said on Wednesday. “The power of the pro-Israel forces in this country, the so-called Israel lobby, the power of the pro-Israel American media and the US Congress,” he added. Norr noted that it would be an “illusion” to think that the US “is somehow a disinterested broker, a neutral party to bring the two sides together.” |
“It’s the American government and the Israeli government lined up together against the poor powerless Palestinians. That’s the way it’ been since before the Oslo agreement and more so today,” he stated.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in 1967.
The United Nations and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.
“...The problem is the American government is Israel’s agent. They are acting and they’ve acted that way all along and through this so-called peace process,” said Norr.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in 1967.
The United Nations and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.
“...The problem is the American government is Israel’s agent. They are acting and they’ve acted that way all along and through this so-called peace process,” said Norr.
Israeli minister of foreign relations and strategic affairs Yuval Steinitz has affirmed that construction works in settlements in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank were ongoing. He said in a radio interview on Wednesday that the construction was progressing in complete coordination with premier Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Israeli minister’s statement followed Hebrew press reports claiming that Netanyahu had ordered his housing minister to stop construction of more than 20,000 housing units in those settlements following international pressures and Palestinian threats to withdraw from negotiations.
In a related context, the Israeli occupation authorities continued building 36 new housing units in Beit Hagai settlement in Al-Khalil.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC that the construction was ongoing in the southeastern area of the settlement on the land of Rihiya village, south of Al-Khalil.
The IOA had expanded the main entrance to that settlement a few months ago after seizing more Palestinian land in the area.
The IOA declared that more than 3,600 housing units would be built in the West Bank including 840 units in Al-Khalil.
The Israeli minister’s statement followed Hebrew press reports claiming that Netanyahu had ordered his housing minister to stop construction of more than 20,000 housing units in those settlements following international pressures and Palestinian threats to withdraw from negotiations.
In a related context, the Israeli occupation authorities continued building 36 new housing units in Beit Hagai settlement in Al-Khalil.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC that the construction was ongoing in the southeastern area of the settlement on the land of Rihiya village, south of Al-Khalil.
The IOA had expanded the main entrance to that settlement a few months ago after seizing more Palestinian land in the area.
The IOA declared that more than 3,600 housing units would be built in the West Bank including 840 units in Al-Khalil.
12 nov 2013
Israeli Municipal crews have started on Sunday distributing demolition orders in Wadi Hilweh neighborhood south of al-Aqsa mosque as a prelude to implement the project " Kdam complex - Ir David - the old town Basin ", in the courtyard of the Mughrabi Gate entrance to the town of Silwan. The publications show that the project aims to establish a touristic building, which includes a park at the expense of the "national park", and to reveal an archaeological site.
The Local Committee in the Israeli municipality has asked any person affected by the project to appeal against it within 60 days, according to the publication. The appeal will not be accepted unless provided with reasons and attached documents to confirm it has been built with permit.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center confirmed that the project is built on an agricultural land adjacent to al-Aqsa mosque belonging to Silwan town. The land was occupied in 1967 and then confiscated and used as a parking lot in 2003. Elad settlement association has then taken control over it aiming to turn it into a settlement project.
Kdam complex is built on an area under which a number of Israeli tunnels have been dug between Ein Silwan and al-Buraq Wall, the center added.
In a related matter, Hamas movement has warned of implementing Kdam complex project, saying that it aims to confiscate more Palestinian lands adjacent to al-Aqsa mosque as a prelude to Judaize Islamic monuments in the area.
Hamas warned the occupation of implementing the Judaization project, considered it an attack on Islamic historical monuments dating back to the Mamluk and Abbasid era.
The movement stressed that the Israeli schemes will not succeed to blur Islamic monuments in occupied Jerusalem. It called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and UNESCO to immediately intervene to put an end to Israeli violations against Islamic historical monuments.
It also called on PA to halt security coordination and negotiations as a response to the continued Israeli siege, crimes and attacks against Islamic monuments and holy sites.
The Local Committee in the Israeli municipality has asked any person affected by the project to appeal against it within 60 days, according to the publication. The appeal will not be accepted unless provided with reasons and attached documents to confirm it has been built with permit.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center confirmed that the project is built on an agricultural land adjacent to al-Aqsa mosque belonging to Silwan town. The land was occupied in 1967 and then confiscated and used as a parking lot in 2003. Elad settlement association has then taken control over it aiming to turn it into a settlement project.
Kdam complex is built on an area under which a number of Israeli tunnels have been dug between Ein Silwan and al-Buraq Wall, the center added.
In a related matter, Hamas movement has warned of implementing Kdam complex project, saying that it aims to confiscate more Palestinian lands adjacent to al-Aqsa mosque as a prelude to Judaize Islamic monuments in the area.
Hamas warned the occupation of implementing the Judaization project, considered it an attack on Islamic historical monuments dating back to the Mamluk and Abbasid era.
The movement stressed that the Israeli schemes will not succeed to blur Islamic monuments in occupied Jerusalem. It called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and UNESCO to immediately intervene to put an end to Israeli violations against Islamic historical monuments.
It also called on PA to halt security coordination and negotiations as a response to the continued Israeli siege, crimes and attacks against Islamic monuments and holy sites.
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A rights organisation based in Israel has accused the government of promoting "racist" policies with its decision to establish a Jewish town in the place of a Bedouin village. The Israeli cabinet on Sunday approved the establishment of "two new communities in the Negev" desert in southern Israel, naming them as Kesif and Hiran.
According to Suhad Bishara, director of the land and planning unit at Israeli Arab rights group Adalah, "in order to build Hiran it will accelerate the demolition of the unrecognised Umm el-Hieran village in the Negev and evict its residents". Bishara charged that establishing new Jewish towns in the Negev while |
evicting the Bedouin residents showed that the government was motivated primarily by "racist policies" against Arab Bedouin citizens.
The Israeli housing and construction ministry, which is responsible for implementing the programme, said that the accusations were unfounded.
"So far their claims have been rejected by different court panels and by a number of building and planning committees, each and every one of which ruled that there is nothing to these claims or to (Bedouin) claims of ownership of the land on which Hiran is to be built," ministry spokesman Ariel Rosenberg said in a written response to AFP news agency.
"So any claim of racism should be dismissed out of hand - the law is equal for everyone," he said.
A bill calling for the relocation of 30,000-40,000 Bedouin, the demolition of about 40 villages and confiscation of more than 70,000 hectares of Negev land was approved by the government in January and by parliament in a first reading in June.
The bill has to pass two more readings in parliament before becoming law.
The Israeli housing and construction ministry, which is responsible for implementing the programme, said that the accusations were unfounded.
"So far their claims have been rejected by different court panels and by a number of building and planning committees, each and every one of which ruled that there is nothing to these claims or to (Bedouin) claims of ownership of the land on which Hiran is to be built," ministry spokesman Ariel Rosenberg said in a written response to AFP news agency.
"So any claim of racism should be dismissed out of hand - the law is equal for everyone," he said.
A bill calling for the relocation of 30,000-40,000 Bedouin, the demolition of about 40 villages and confiscation of more than 70,000 hectares of Negev land was approved by the government in January and by parliament in a first reading in June.
The bill has to pass two more readings in parliament before becoming law.
The Elders' group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007'
The Elders strongly opposed Israel’s newly announced construction plans for East Jerusalem, warning that they seriously undermine the current peace negotiations. Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chair of The Elders, Nobel Peace Laureate Kofi Annan stated:
“Continued settlement building is deeply unhelpful at this critical moment in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Such settlements are illegal under international law and pose a serious threat to the realisation of the two-state solution to the conflict, based on a viable and contiguous Palestinian territory.”
About The Elders
The Elders are independent leaders using their collective experience and influence for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007.
The Elders are Martti Ahtisaari, Kofi Annan (Chair), Ela Bhatt, Lakhdar Brahimi, Gro Harlem Brundtland (Deputy Chair), Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Jimmy Carter, Hina Jilani, Graça Machel, Mary Robinson and Ernesto Zedillo.
Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu are honorary Elders.
The Elders strongly opposed Israel’s newly announced construction plans for East Jerusalem, warning that they seriously undermine the current peace negotiations. Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chair of The Elders, Nobel Peace Laureate Kofi Annan stated:
“Continued settlement building is deeply unhelpful at this critical moment in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Such settlements are illegal under international law and pose a serious threat to the realisation of the two-state solution to the conflict, based on a viable and contiguous Palestinian territory.”
About The Elders
The Elders are independent leaders using their collective experience and influence for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007.
The Elders are Martti Ahtisaari, Kofi Annan (Chair), Ela Bhatt, Lakhdar Brahimi, Gro Harlem Brundtland (Deputy Chair), Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Jimmy Carter, Hina Jilani, Graça Machel, Mary Robinson and Ernesto Zedillo.
Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu are honorary Elders.
11 nov 2013
Israel has yet again approved the construction of more illegal settler units in East Jerusalem. During a cabinet session on Sunday, Tel Aviv gave the go-ahead to set up two new towns of Hiran and Kassif with 14,500 settler units in the southern Negev region, the Israeli daily Ha’aretz reported.
Hiran is set to be built with 2,500 settler units at the site of the Bedouin villages of Umm al-Hiran and Atir.
According to Israeli police, Bedouin villagers and environmental activists took to the streets in protest against the new expansionist plan.
Kassif, which is expected to be built with 12,000 housing units, will be settled mainly by ultra-Orthodox Israelis.
Israel has built more than 120 settlements in the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem since its occupation of the lands in 1967. Tel Aviv continues with expanding the settlement construction.
More than half a million Israelis live in the illegal settlements across the occupied Palestinian territories.
On November 3, Israel published tenders for the construction of more than 1,800 new settler units in the occupied West Bank and East Jrusalem.
Much of the international community regards the settlements as illegal because the territories were occupied by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbid construction on occupied lands.
Hiran is set to be built with 2,500 settler units at the site of the Bedouin villages of Umm al-Hiran and Atir.
According to Israeli police, Bedouin villagers and environmental activists took to the streets in protest against the new expansionist plan.
Kassif, which is expected to be built with 12,000 housing units, will be settled mainly by ultra-Orthodox Israelis.
Israel has built more than 120 settlements in the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem since its occupation of the lands in 1967. Tel Aviv continues with expanding the settlement construction.
More than half a million Israelis live in the illegal settlements across the occupied Palestinian territories.
On November 3, Israel published tenders for the construction of more than 1,800 new settler units in the occupied West Bank and East Jrusalem.
Much of the international community regards the settlements as illegal because the territories were occupied by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbid construction on occupied lands.
7 nov 2013
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, issued a statement on Thursday, condemning the latest announcement of Israeli settlement construction in East Jerusalem. She said, "Following the announcement on November 3rd by the Israeli authorities about tenders for 1,859 settlement units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, I must reiterate the EU's longstanding policy on settlements."
"The EU has repeatedly stated that settlements are illegal under international law and that bold and decisive leadership is needed for the current peace negotiations to succeed," she stressed.
Ashton concluded, "The EU deplores the latest settlement announcement and calls on the Israeli government to reverse its decision. Any actions that could hamper or undermine the on-going negotiations must be avoided."
"The EU has repeatedly stated that settlements are illegal under international law and that bold and decisive leadership is needed for the current peace negotiations to succeed," she stressed.
Ashton concluded, "The EU deplores the latest settlement announcement and calls on the Israeli government to reverse its decision. Any actions that could hamper or undermine the on-going negotiations must be avoided."
US Secretary of State John Kerry has stated that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are “illegitimate,” and are proving to be an obstacle to the negotiations between Palestinian and Israeli officials, Al Jazeera reports.
"Let me emphasize,” Kerry reportedly said following a meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem on Wednesday, “that the position of the United States is that we consider now, and have always considered, the settlements to be illegitimate.”
He also confirmed that there was no deal in which Palestinians agreed to recognize the illegal settlements as part of the negotiations process.
"I want to make it extremely clear,” he said, “that at no time did the Palestinians in any way agree, as a matter of going back to the talks, that they could somehow condone or accept the settlements.”
Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna said Kerry's statement was strong for a US politician. "In the past the phrase has been that the Israeli settlements are 'not helpful',” he said, according to Al Jazeera.
The Israeli settlements are considered illegal by most countries and under international law because they have been and are being built on lands captured in the war of 1967. Under the Geneva Convention it is illegal for an occupying power to build on the lands it occupies.
"Let me emphasize,” Kerry reportedly said following a meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem on Wednesday, “that the position of the United States is that we consider now, and have always considered, the settlements to be illegitimate.”
He also confirmed that there was no deal in which Palestinians agreed to recognize the illegal settlements as part of the negotiations process.
"I want to make it extremely clear,” he said, “that at no time did the Palestinians in any way agree, as a matter of going back to the talks, that they could somehow condone or accept the settlements.”
Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna said Kerry's statement was strong for a US politician. "In the past the phrase has been that the Israeli settlements are 'not helpful',” he said, according to Al Jazeera.
The Israeli settlements are considered illegal by most countries and under international law because they have been and are being built on lands captured in the war of 1967. Under the Geneva Convention it is illegal for an occupying power to build on the lands it occupies.
6 nov 2013
The Secretary General of the Islamic-Christian Commission in Jerusalem and the expert on international law, Hanna Issa, said that Israel continued to persecute Jerusalemites since 1948 in order to grab their land. They have been earlier displaced, while today they are subjected to a systematic repressive policy to confiscate their land under various pretexts as part of the Israeli Judaization schemes, he said.
He stressed that all Israeli parties and successive governments adopt confiscation policy, considering the confiscation of Palestinian lands a flagrant violation of the Palestinian people's rights.
Israeli authorities confiscated Palestinian lands under various justifications including declaring it military zones. However, the lands are used in favor of settlement construction plans, Issa clarified.
The expert in International Law stressed that the political process and peace agreements did not stop Israeli confiscation schemes and settlement activities, by contrast Israeli confiscation policy has been intensified.
The Israeli successive governments have escalated confiscation policy since Oslo Accords at the expense of Palestinian lands and in favor of settlement projects in occupied Jerusalem and West Bank in violation to international humanitarian law topped by Hague Convention and the Fourth Geneva Convention, he added.
He stressed that all Israeli parties and successive governments adopt confiscation policy, considering the confiscation of Palestinian lands a flagrant violation of the Palestinian people's rights.
Israeli authorities confiscated Palestinian lands under various justifications including declaring it military zones. However, the lands are used in favor of settlement construction plans, Issa clarified.
The expert in International Law stressed that the political process and peace agreements did not stop Israeli confiscation schemes and settlement activities, by contrast Israeli confiscation policy has been intensified.
The Israeli successive governments have escalated confiscation policy since Oslo Accords at the expense of Palestinian lands and in favor of settlement projects in occupied Jerusalem and West Bank in violation to international humanitarian law topped by Hague Convention and the Fourth Geneva Convention, he added.
4 nov 2013
Israeli Peace Now Movement issued a press release denouncing a new Israeli decision of the Israeli Government of Benjamin Netanyahu, to build additional 1889 units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, and in occupied Jerusalem.
Peace Now said that the tenders include 1.061 units in the West Bank, and 828 units in occupied East Jerusalem.
It added that the new tenders are the last stage before the actual implementation and construction of these illegal units starts.
The Movement further stated that only a few months after the tenders are published, winning bids are selected, and the contractors who won the bids may apply for construction permits and begin the actual construction just a few weeks, or a few months, later.
This is part of the serious and rapidly escalating construction and expansion of illegal Jewish settlements in occupied Palestine, to preclude any future outcome of direct peace talks with the Palestinians.
Illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory, settlements are also largely built on private Palestinian property, leading to the massive illegal annexation of Palestinian lands and orchards for the construction itself, and further illegal annexation of lands for “security zones” and settler-only roads.
Israel’s illegitimate settlements, and its Annexation Wall, have turned the West Bank into isolated cantons, divided from each other, making the villagers separated from most of their lands, and have transformed several villages into open-air prisons after becoming completely isolated.
Commenting on the new Israeli decision, Peace Now said, “Whenever Netanyahu makes one small step towards peace, he makes two larger steps to make it harder to get peace”.
Furthermore, Peace Now also said that the Settlement Division of the World Zionist Organization published, last week, a tender for the construction of 30 units in Beit El settlement, near Ramallah.
--- The new tenders as published by Israel’s Peace Now Movement;
Elkana – 283 units
Maale Adumim – 114 units (112 of them in neighborhood 06, and another two in neighborhood 07)
Karnei Shomron – 196 units – the settlement is located east of the built route of the Barrier
Givat Zeev – 102 units – at the Banana Hill neighborhood
Ariel – 18 units – in the eastern part of the settlement – east of the built route of the Barrier.
Adam (AKA Geva Binyamin) – 80 units – east of the Separation Barrier. The plan and the infrastructure were prepared for the evicted settlers of Migron who have chosen a different location, and now it is marketed for the general public.
Beitar Illit – 238 units – in neighborhood B2.
In addition, the Settlement Division of the World Zionist Organization published last week a tender to build 30 units in Beit El.
This is not a regular tender offering the rights to build and sell a construction project, but a special tender where the Government is funding the construction and will grant the buildings to a private body dedicated in advance.
This construction is part of the compensation deal that the Government signed with the settlers of the Ulpana Hill that was built on private Palestinian land and evicted following a court order.
In East Jerusalem:
Gilo – 311 units – in Western Gilo Slopes
Ramat Shlomo – 387 units – it is part of the plan for 1,500 units that became published during the visit of Vice President Biden in 2010.
Har Homa B – 130 units for the elderly – this tender was first published in 2008 and then again in 2011 and 2012 – but no bids were awarded.
Peace Now said that the tenders include 1.061 units in the West Bank, and 828 units in occupied East Jerusalem.
It added that the new tenders are the last stage before the actual implementation and construction of these illegal units starts.
The Movement further stated that only a few months after the tenders are published, winning bids are selected, and the contractors who won the bids may apply for construction permits and begin the actual construction just a few weeks, or a few months, later.
This is part of the serious and rapidly escalating construction and expansion of illegal Jewish settlements in occupied Palestine, to preclude any future outcome of direct peace talks with the Palestinians.
Illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory, settlements are also largely built on private Palestinian property, leading to the massive illegal annexation of Palestinian lands and orchards for the construction itself, and further illegal annexation of lands for “security zones” and settler-only roads.
Israel’s illegitimate settlements, and its Annexation Wall, have turned the West Bank into isolated cantons, divided from each other, making the villagers separated from most of their lands, and have transformed several villages into open-air prisons after becoming completely isolated.
Commenting on the new Israeli decision, Peace Now said, “Whenever Netanyahu makes one small step towards peace, he makes two larger steps to make it harder to get peace”.
Furthermore, Peace Now also said that the Settlement Division of the World Zionist Organization published, last week, a tender for the construction of 30 units in Beit El settlement, near Ramallah.
--- The new tenders as published by Israel’s Peace Now Movement;
Elkana – 283 units
Maale Adumim – 114 units (112 of them in neighborhood 06, and another two in neighborhood 07)
Karnei Shomron – 196 units – the settlement is located east of the built route of the Barrier
Givat Zeev – 102 units – at the Banana Hill neighborhood
Ariel – 18 units – in the eastern part of the settlement – east of the built route of the Barrier.
Adam (AKA Geva Binyamin) – 80 units – east of the Separation Barrier. The plan and the infrastructure were prepared for the evicted settlers of Migron who have chosen a different location, and now it is marketed for the general public.
Beitar Illit – 238 units – in neighborhood B2.
In addition, the Settlement Division of the World Zionist Organization published last week a tender to build 30 units in Beit El.
This is not a regular tender offering the rights to build and sell a construction project, but a special tender where the Government is funding the construction and will grant the buildings to a private body dedicated in advance.
This construction is part of the compensation deal that the Government signed with the settlers of the Ulpana Hill that was built on private Palestinian land and evicted following a court order.
In East Jerusalem:
Gilo – 311 units – in Western Gilo Slopes
Ramat Shlomo – 387 units – it is part of the plan for 1,500 units that became published during the visit of Vice President Biden in 2010.
Har Homa B – 130 units for the elderly – this tender was first published in 2008 and then again in 2011 and 2012 – but no bids were awarded.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the PA position regarding settlement construction that considered settlement activities in the West Bank a violation of the peace negotiations conditions. Netanyahu said in a meeting with Likud bloc that the PA led by Mahmoud Abbas is trying to create a crisis in the negotiations, adding that Palestinians "were aware on the eve of the negotiations, that Israel "will not be subjected to any restrictions concerning settlement."
For his part, Wasfi Qabaha, the former minister of the prisoners, stated that the absurd negotiations provide a cover to the Israeli schemes to divide al-Aqsa mosque.
He accused the PA of making unilateral decisions regardless of all national calls for achieving reconciliation and unity.
The release of 26 Palestinian prisoners is twenty years late, he said, condemning security coordination between Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
He pointed out to the resistance activities that escalated recently in West Bank as a response to the negotiation failure over 20 years in addition to the difficult economic and social conditions and Israeli attacks on al-Aqsa mosque.
For his part, Wasfi Qabaha, the former minister of the prisoners, stated that the absurd negotiations provide a cover to the Israeli schemes to divide al-Aqsa mosque.
He accused the PA of making unilateral decisions regardless of all national calls for achieving reconciliation and unity.
The release of 26 Palestinian prisoners is twenty years late, he said, condemning security coordination between Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
He pointed out to the resistance activities that escalated recently in West Bank as a response to the negotiation failure over 20 years in addition to the difficult economic and social conditions and Israeli attacks on al-Aqsa mosque.
3 nov 2013
Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu has given instructions for the building of a wall along the borders with Jordan in the Jordan Valley, Hebrew press reported on Sunday. Maariv daily said that the instructions were given for planning that wall, which would entail full Israeli control of the area.
The decision was taken despite the ongoing negotiations between Israel and the PA with the Jordan Valley being one of the negotiated issues.
The paper quoted Netanyahu as saying that one of the reasons for building the wall was fears of alleged influx of Syrian refugees from Jordan in addition to sending a message to the Palestinians who object to the presence of Israel on the Jordan Valley mainly that Israel does not intend to withdraw from the Jordan Valley in any future settlement.
The decision was taken despite the ongoing negotiations between Israel and the PA with the Jordan Valley being one of the negotiated issues.
The paper quoted Netanyahu as saying that one of the reasons for building the wall was fears of alleged influx of Syrian refugees from Jordan in addition to sending a message to the Palestinians who object to the presence of Israel on the Jordan Valley mainly that Israel does not intend to withdraw from the Jordan Valley in any future settlement.
1 nov 2013
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Palestinian Authority (PA) Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki has condemned the Israeli regime's plan to build 1,500 new illegal settler units in East al-Quds (Jerusalem), threatening to sue Israel.
Malki said on Thursday that the PA is planning to pursue international legal action in order to stop the settlement activities, AFP reported. “The Foreign Ministry is seriously looking at turning immediately to international courts and organizations, and filing the necessary complaints in order to stop settlement building," he said. The foreign minister condemned "plans approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu |
for settlement building, and Netanyahu's attempts to link the settlement issue with the prisoners issue."
On Wednesday, the Israeli regime released 26 Palestinian prisoners, out of thousands locked up in Israeli jails, as part of a deal for the resumption of so-called peace talks with the PA.
An Israeli official claimed last week that the move was linked to a deal with the PA in exchange for continued settlement construction in the occupied territories. The PA, however, has vehemently denied the allegation, saying the construction activities seriously threaten the talks that resumed in July after a three-year halt.
According to an Israeli Army Radio report early on Wednesday, Netanyahu and Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar have approved the expansion of the illegal settler units in a settlement known as Ramat Shlomo in East al-Quds.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon "deplored" the Israeli regime's plan, while UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said, “Settlement activity is contrary to international law and constitutes an obstacle to peace.”
Meanwhile, UN special Rapporteur Richard Falk said if renewed talks between the PA and the Israeli regime fails, the United Nations General Assembly should seek an opinion from the International Court of Justice on “the legal consequences of Israel's occupation” of Palestinian lands.
He also stated that the Israeli regime should end “its unlawful discriminatory policies and practices which deny Palestinians their rightful share of water resources in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.”
The Israeli regime has been under fire from the international community, including its own allies, over its expansionist policies.
However, the Tel Aviv regime defies calls to abandon its illegal settlement activities.
Over half a million Israelis live in more than 120 settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds in 1967.
The UN and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are thus subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.
On Wednesday, the Israeli regime released 26 Palestinian prisoners, out of thousands locked up in Israeli jails, as part of a deal for the resumption of so-called peace talks with the PA.
An Israeli official claimed last week that the move was linked to a deal with the PA in exchange for continued settlement construction in the occupied territories. The PA, however, has vehemently denied the allegation, saying the construction activities seriously threaten the talks that resumed in July after a three-year halt.
According to an Israeli Army Radio report early on Wednesday, Netanyahu and Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar have approved the expansion of the illegal settler units in a settlement known as Ramat Shlomo in East al-Quds.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon "deplored" the Israeli regime's plan, while UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said, “Settlement activity is contrary to international law and constitutes an obstacle to peace.”
Meanwhile, UN special Rapporteur Richard Falk said if renewed talks between the PA and the Israeli regime fails, the United Nations General Assembly should seek an opinion from the International Court of Justice on “the legal consequences of Israel's occupation” of Palestinian lands.
He also stated that the Israeli regime should end “its unlawful discriminatory policies and practices which deny Palestinians their rightful share of water resources in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.”
The Israeli regime has been under fire from the international community, including its own allies, over its expansionist policies.
However, the Tel Aviv regime defies calls to abandon its illegal settlement activities.
Over half a million Israelis live in more than 120 settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds in 1967.
The UN and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are thus subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.