20 july 2015
A meeting of EU foreign ministers blasts Israel for what it says are actions that 'seriously threaten the two-state solution', while embracing a new international peace plan that would bring Israel and the Palestinians back to the negotiating table.
The foreign ministers of the European Union on Monday discussed a new plan to push Israeli-Palestinian peace, and did not hold back on listing what they perceived to be obstacles to peace, including what they termed "forced transfers", settlements, and the building of the "separation barrier" beyond the green line.
A list of decisions made at the meeting stated that among other things, the EU "calls on Israeli authorities to halt plans for forced transfer of population and demolition of Palestinian housing and infrastructure in the Susya and Abu Nwar communities."
The decision went on to state that the EU "reiterates its strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions taken in this context, such as building the separation barrier beyond the 1967 line, demolitions and confiscation – including of EU funded projects – evictions, forced transfers including of Bedouins, illegal outposts, settler violence and restrictions of movement and access."
The statement concluded that "these actions seriously threaten the two-state solution."
The ministers also condemned recent violence emanating from Gaza: "Recent rocket fire by militant groups is unacceptable and underlines again the danger of escalation," they warned.
Peace Proposal
The same meeting saw EU diplomats discuss the new push towards Israeli-Palestinian peace through international organizations.
"The EU, notably through the action of its recently appointed Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, will work actively on a renewed multilateral approach to the peace process in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including partners in the Quartet, notably the US, in the region and the United Nations Security Council," read the document.
Building on a French proposal, the EU foreign ministers agreed to create an "international support group" more than a year after the collapse of a US-brokered peace push envisaging a Palestinian state co-existing with Israel. The EU wants to open the door to more countries to get involved.
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.
France has said that if a two-state solution was not reached by the end of the allotted 18 month period of negotiations, France would announce its official recognition of the State of Palestine.
'Diplomacy works'
"This week tells us that diplomacy in the long run can deliver," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said, referring to the July 14 deal in which Iran agreed to curb its disputed nuclear program in return for an end to sanctions.
The EU foreign ministers' plan envisages obtaining formal approval for the so-called support group at the UN General Assembly in New York in September, then a UN Security Council resolution to set parameters for a peace deal. Deep internal divisions within the 28-nation EU over Middle East policy, which limit its ability to take an active role, are among the reasons for seeking an international coalition.
Participants in the Iran nuclear accord were world powers Russia, China, the United States, Britain, France and Germany. EU diplomats see a chance to involve many more countries than those in the Middle East Quartet – the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia – that has promoted Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking with little practical effect.
Under the EU proposal, the permanent members of the UN Security Council, the larger European economies including Spain and Italy, and Arab nations could play a bigger role.
Mogherini, who met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in May, sees a chance for EU diplomacy in the absence of a new diplomatic initiative from Washington as President Barack Obama approaches the end of his final term. While the central players in the nuclear negotiations were Iran and the United States, senior EU officials played a central role in mediating negotiations, becoming the unsung heroes of the deal and giving EU diplomats confidence to do more abroad.
"The (Israeli-Palestinian) peace process is at a standstill. The situation is bad. Europe should help both parties to take steps to overcome the impasse," French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said.
The foreign ministers of the European Union on Monday discussed a new plan to push Israeli-Palestinian peace, and did not hold back on listing what they perceived to be obstacles to peace, including what they termed "forced transfers", settlements, and the building of the "separation barrier" beyond the green line.
A list of decisions made at the meeting stated that among other things, the EU "calls on Israeli authorities to halt plans for forced transfer of population and demolition of Palestinian housing and infrastructure in the Susya and Abu Nwar communities."
The decision went on to state that the EU "reiterates its strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions taken in this context, such as building the separation barrier beyond the 1967 line, demolitions and confiscation – including of EU funded projects – evictions, forced transfers including of Bedouins, illegal outposts, settler violence and restrictions of movement and access."
The statement concluded that "these actions seriously threaten the two-state solution."
The ministers also condemned recent violence emanating from Gaza: "Recent rocket fire by militant groups is unacceptable and underlines again the danger of escalation," they warned.
Peace Proposal
The same meeting saw EU diplomats discuss the new push towards Israeli-Palestinian peace through international organizations.
"The EU, notably through the action of its recently appointed Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, will work actively on a renewed multilateral approach to the peace process in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including partners in the Quartet, notably the US, in the region and the United Nations Security Council," read the document.
Building on a French proposal, the EU foreign ministers agreed to create an "international support group" more than a year after the collapse of a US-brokered peace push envisaging a Palestinian state co-existing with Israel. The EU wants to open the door to more countries to get involved.
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.
France has said that if a two-state solution was not reached by the end of the allotted 18 month period of negotiations, France would announce its official recognition of the State of Palestine.
'Diplomacy works'
"This week tells us that diplomacy in the long run can deliver," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said, referring to the July 14 deal in which Iran agreed to curb its disputed nuclear program in return for an end to sanctions.
The EU foreign ministers' plan envisages obtaining formal approval for the so-called support group at the UN General Assembly in New York in September, then a UN Security Council resolution to set parameters for a peace deal. Deep internal divisions within the 28-nation EU over Middle East policy, which limit its ability to take an active role, are among the reasons for seeking an international coalition.
Participants in the Iran nuclear accord were world powers Russia, China, the United States, Britain, France and Germany. EU diplomats see a chance to involve many more countries than those in the Middle East Quartet – the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia – that has promoted Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking with little practical effect.
Under the EU proposal, the permanent members of the UN Security Council, the larger European economies including Spain and Italy, and Arab nations could play a bigger role.
Mogherini, who met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in May, sees a chance for EU diplomacy in the absence of a new diplomatic initiative from Washington as President Barack Obama approaches the end of his final term. While the central players in the nuclear negotiations were Iran and the United States, senior EU officials played a central role in mediating negotiations, becoming the unsung heroes of the deal and giving EU diplomats confidence to do more abroad.
"The (Israeli-Palestinian) peace process is at a standstill. The situation is bad. Europe should help both parties to take steps to overcome the impasse," French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said.
16 july 2015
File photo of Benjamin Netanyahu at the groundbreaking ceremony of a new sea port in Ashdod last year
Israel Hayom newspaper said on Wednesday that Israel's ruling Likud Party has denied reports that the party's leader and prime minister made a pledge during its weekly caucus meeting to freeze the construction of settlements. According to the party, Benjamin Netanyahu did not rule out construction in Judea and Samaria (the Zionist term for the occupied West Bank), and even said that he will promote construction in the settlement of Beit El, north of Ramallah.
The Border Police camp in the settlement would be relocated to allow this to happen. The Israeli prime minister, it is claimed, has said that he will enhance the settlement project "with wisdom and responsibility" given the complex international situation.
"A government that does not build in Judea and Samaria loses its right to exist," insisted the Yesha Council, which promotes the expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, in a statement on Tuesday. "The claim that Prime Minister Netanyahu safeguards settlements through freezing construction has been refuted. The right way to safeguard the settlement project lies in development and construction."
Israel Hayom newspaper said on Wednesday that Israel's ruling Likud Party has denied reports that the party's leader and prime minister made a pledge during its weekly caucus meeting to freeze the construction of settlements. According to the party, Benjamin Netanyahu did not rule out construction in Judea and Samaria (the Zionist term for the occupied West Bank), and even said that he will promote construction in the settlement of Beit El, north of Ramallah.
The Border Police camp in the settlement would be relocated to allow this to happen. The Israeli prime minister, it is claimed, has said that he will enhance the settlement project "with wisdom and responsibility" given the complex international situation.
"A government that does not build in Judea and Samaria loses its right to exist," insisted the Yesha Council, which promotes the expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, in a statement on Tuesday. "The claim that Prime Minister Netanyahu safeguards settlements through freezing construction has been refuted. The right way to safeguard the settlement project lies in development and construction."
Mount Scopus
While Jerusalem Municipality officials say original location was simply 'unsuitable' for army, some claim plan to erect military colleges on Mount Scopus was cancelled as it was too close to Seam Zone. Meanwhile, city's residents launch battle against project's new location in Jerusalem Forest.
What made the Jerusalem Municipality drop a plan from 2005 to transfer the IDF's military colleges to an area on Mount Scopus, and move them instead to the Jerusalem Forest?
Municipality officials say the original location was simply "unsuitable," but some people claim the project was moved due to American pressure, as the Mount Scopus area is located on the East Jerusalem Seam Zone. The chairman of the Knesset's Internal Affairs Committee, Knesset Member David Amsalem of the Likud faction, has begun looking into this claim.
The Mount Scopus project, which was co-planned by the Jerusalem Municipality, the Defense Ministry and the IDF, was submitted to the District Planning and Construction Committee three years ago after being approved in 2005 by the government, which did not state an explicit location in Jerusalem.
The project would have brought to the capital the army's flagship institutions, where hundreds of senior officers are trained, and cover an area of about 2.7 acres. Hundreds of thousands of shekels have been invested in the planning of the impressive complex, measuring 42 square meters (452 square feet) in size, which was developed by architect Eli Ilan.
The District Planning and Construction Committee was slated to discuss the objections to the plan on March 7, 2013, but the issue was pulled from the agenda. Some say it had to do with US President Barack Obama's visit to Israel, which was slated to take place two weeks later.
The claims of foreign pressure were confirmed by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, who wrote on her Facebook page that the plan had got stuck because of American pressure and announced that the collages would be moved to the area of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem.
"It's no secret that all the planning bodies were concerned about an international reaction to the construction of a large base in the Seam Zone, near Palestinian neighborhoods," said a senior municipality source. "On the other hand, every time a plan is scrapped or delayed for fear of international reactions, you won't find a single official government source who will admit it."
'There was an order not to advance the plan'
About three months ago, Jerusalem's residents discovered that the municipality was advancing an alternative to erect the project in one of the only green areas near their neighborhoods: The Jerusalem Forest – the green symbol of West Jerusalem.
The news sparked a battle led by a coalition of environmental organizations, representatives of 12 neighborhoods and Knesset makers. The campaign, which has been gaining momentum, is being waged under the slogan, "Don't touch the Jerusalem Forest."
The issue was discussed Monday by the Knesset's Internal Affairs Committee. The debate raised a series of question on the authorities and army's planning of the project. The Jerusalem Municipality's chief engineer, Shlomo Eshkol, said he had no idea why the Mount Scopus plan was scrapped, but admitted that "there was an order not to advance it."
The army's representative, Lieutenant Colonel Avi Tenenbaum claimed, on the other hand, that the Mount Scopus plan was not dropped for diplomatic reasons, but because the construction area is too small. The committee members were surprised by this response, as the army had been an inseparable part of the planning and had accepted the launched outline.
Committee Chairman Amsalem said following the discussion that he intended on turning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and inquiring why the Mount Scopus plan had been scrapped and why the government's decision was not being implemented.
Meanwhile, the battle against the plan to erect the base in the Jerusalem Forest is at its very beginning. "The forest is in the heart of every Jerusalem citizen," says Yonatan Shaked, an architect and one of the campaign leaders. "We learned about it by chance from the newspapers. No one in the municipality informed the residents' representatives.
"Building in this area will critically harm the forest. The project includes a fenced base with watchtowers, which requires transportation and parking infrastructures – a two-way road, lighting on both sides. It will take up a huge chunk of the Jerusalem Forest, and there won't be any forest left."
Ephraim Shlain, an expert researcher on the Jerusalem Forest, says the forest's destruction will have destructive ramifications on the city itself. "Jerusalem's strong population lives in the neighborhoods adjacent to the forest. If you take people's oxygen and the corner they grew up in and love, they will leave," he warns.
KKL-JNF representative Inabl Zarhin clarified during the discussion that her organization was also against the Jerusalem Forest plan. The Jerusalem municipality's former legal advisor, Attorney Yossi Havilio, has been hired to represent the bodies opposing the plan. "We will file thousands of objections to the change," he told the committee members.
He found it difficult to accept the army's response that the Mount Scopus option was dropped because the area was too small. "The moment you submit a plan to the district committee, it means you have completed all the examinations," he told Lieutenant Colonel Tenenbaum. "If 2.7 acres are not enough today, what has happened since then?
"It's clear that the municipality will not initiate a plan that has not been accepted by the army. Did you mislead the committee? Or did you not understand what you signed on or changed your mind, or are you telling us an unrelated story?"
The IDF representatives replied, "It was probably a misunderstanding."
'Colleges will strengthen Jerusalem's sovereignty'
MK Amsalem said he would check after the discussion whether the Mount Scopus plan was indeed dropped following American pressure.
"Hundreds of thousands of shekels, if not more, have been invested in the planning. It was accepted by all the systems, and received the approval of the professional and planning ranks. I believe someone issued an order which has nothing to do with the planning," he stated.
"Transferring the colleges to Mount Scopus is also in order to strengthen Jerusalem's sovereignty and security. The Tzipori Center (in the Jerusalem Forest) is not the right place. It's one of the only serene spots in Jerusalem. I can’t understand this delusional idea."
The Jerusalem Municipality offered the following response: "We see the arrival of IDF colleges in the city as a strategic step for the city's future and for strengthening its Zionist sector and young families. The Mount Scopus area was examined in the past and was found to be unsuitable for the IDF.
"The Municipality is conducting initial examinations of the Tzipori Center's suitability out of a clear understanding that there is no intention to harm the forest, the Tzipori pool or communal aspects in the area. The initial examinations are being conducted both vis-à-vis the IDF and vis-à-vis the residents' representatives and the communal administrations in the area which are involved and will continue to be involved in the examination processes."
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said: "The military colleges are a key component in developing the IDF's senior officers' class. The overall considerations, both from the economic and environmental aspects, led to a renewed examination of the colleges' location in the Jerusalem area vis-à-vis the Jerusalem Municipality."
While Jerusalem Municipality officials say original location was simply 'unsuitable' for army, some claim plan to erect military colleges on Mount Scopus was cancelled as it was too close to Seam Zone. Meanwhile, city's residents launch battle against project's new location in Jerusalem Forest.
What made the Jerusalem Municipality drop a plan from 2005 to transfer the IDF's military colleges to an area on Mount Scopus, and move them instead to the Jerusalem Forest?
Municipality officials say the original location was simply "unsuitable," but some people claim the project was moved due to American pressure, as the Mount Scopus area is located on the East Jerusalem Seam Zone. The chairman of the Knesset's Internal Affairs Committee, Knesset Member David Amsalem of the Likud faction, has begun looking into this claim.
The Mount Scopus project, which was co-planned by the Jerusalem Municipality, the Defense Ministry and the IDF, was submitted to the District Planning and Construction Committee three years ago after being approved in 2005 by the government, which did not state an explicit location in Jerusalem.
The project would have brought to the capital the army's flagship institutions, where hundreds of senior officers are trained, and cover an area of about 2.7 acres. Hundreds of thousands of shekels have been invested in the planning of the impressive complex, measuring 42 square meters (452 square feet) in size, which was developed by architect Eli Ilan.
The District Planning and Construction Committee was slated to discuss the objections to the plan on March 7, 2013, but the issue was pulled from the agenda. Some say it had to do with US President Barack Obama's visit to Israel, which was slated to take place two weeks later.
The claims of foreign pressure were confirmed by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, who wrote on her Facebook page that the plan had got stuck because of American pressure and announced that the collages would be moved to the area of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem.
"It's no secret that all the planning bodies were concerned about an international reaction to the construction of a large base in the Seam Zone, near Palestinian neighborhoods," said a senior municipality source. "On the other hand, every time a plan is scrapped or delayed for fear of international reactions, you won't find a single official government source who will admit it."
'There was an order not to advance the plan'
About three months ago, Jerusalem's residents discovered that the municipality was advancing an alternative to erect the project in one of the only green areas near their neighborhoods: The Jerusalem Forest – the green symbol of West Jerusalem.
The news sparked a battle led by a coalition of environmental organizations, representatives of 12 neighborhoods and Knesset makers. The campaign, which has been gaining momentum, is being waged under the slogan, "Don't touch the Jerusalem Forest."
The issue was discussed Monday by the Knesset's Internal Affairs Committee. The debate raised a series of question on the authorities and army's planning of the project. The Jerusalem Municipality's chief engineer, Shlomo Eshkol, said he had no idea why the Mount Scopus plan was scrapped, but admitted that "there was an order not to advance it."
The army's representative, Lieutenant Colonel Avi Tenenbaum claimed, on the other hand, that the Mount Scopus plan was not dropped for diplomatic reasons, but because the construction area is too small. The committee members were surprised by this response, as the army had been an inseparable part of the planning and had accepted the launched outline.
Committee Chairman Amsalem said following the discussion that he intended on turning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and inquiring why the Mount Scopus plan had been scrapped and why the government's decision was not being implemented.
Meanwhile, the battle against the plan to erect the base in the Jerusalem Forest is at its very beginning. "The forest is in the heart of every Jerusalem citizen," says Yonatan Shaked, an architect and one of the campaign leaders. "We learned about it by chance from the newspapers. No one in the municipality informed the residents' representatives.
"Building in this area will critically harm the forest. The project includes a fenced base with watchtowers, which requires transportation and parking infrastructures – a two-way road, lighting on both sides. It will take up a huge chunk of the Jerusalem Forest, and there won't be any forest left."
Ephraim Shlain, an expert researcher on the Jerusalem Forest, says the forest's destruction will have destructive ramifications on the city itself. "Jerusalem's strong population lives in the neighborhoods adjacent to the forest. If you take people's oxygen and the corner they grew up in and love, they will leave," he warns.
KKL-JNF representative Inabl Zarhin clarified during the discussion that her organization was also against the Jerusalem Forest plan. The Jerusalem municipality's former legal advisor, Attorney Yossi Havilio, has been hired to represent the bodies opposing the plan. "We will file thousands of objections to the change," he told the committee members.
He found it difficult to accept the army's response that the Mount Scopus option was dropped because the area was too small. "The moment you submit a plan to the district committee, it means you have completed all the examinations," he told Lieutenant Colonel Tenenbaum. "If 2.7 acres are not enough today, what has happened since then?
"It's clear that the municipality will not initiate a plan that has not been accepted by the army. Did you mislead the committee? Or did you not understand what you signed on or changed your mind, or are you telling us an unrelated story?"
The IDF representatives replied, "It was probably a misunderstanding."
'Colleges will strengthen Jerusalem's sovereignty'
MK Amsalem said he would check after the discussion whether the Mount Scopus plan was indeed dropped following American pressure.
"Hundreds of thousands of shekels, if not more, have been invested in the planning. It was accepted by all the systems, and received the approval of the professional and planning ranks. I believe someone issued an order which has nothing to do with the planning," he stated.
"Transferring the colleges to Mount Scopus is also in order to strengthen Jerusalem's sovereignty and security. The Tzipori Center (in the Jerusalem Forest) is not the right place. It's one of the only serene spots in Jerusalem. I can’t understand this delusional idea."
The Jerusalem Municipality offered the following response: "We see the arrival of IDF colleges in the city as a strategic step for the city's future and for strengthening its Zionist sector and young families. The Mount Scopus area was examined in the past and was found to be unsuitable for the IDF.
"The Municipality is conducting initial examinations of the Tzipori Center's suitability out of a clear understanding that there is no intention to harm the forest, the Tzipori pool or communal aspects in the area. The initial examinations are being conducted both vis-à-vis the IDF and vis-à-vis the residents' representatives and the communal administrations in the area which are involved and will continue to be involved in the examination processes."
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said: "The military colleges are a key component in developing the IDF's senior officers' class. The overall considerations, both from the economic and environmental aspects, led to a renewed examination of the colleges' location in the Jerusalem area vis-à-vis the Jerusalem Municipality."
Photos taken recently by Q-Press media center have showed that the Israeli occupation authority in occupied Jerusalem turned an Islamic historic site beneath the western boundaries of the Aqsa Mosque into a hall for Jewish occasions.
According to Q-Press, the hall is located exactly in an area under the surface of Hammam al-Ein and al-Mathara Gate.
The photos, which republished by the Arabic website of the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) showed a refurbished ancient hall dating back to different Islamic eras equipped with furniture, lights, audio equipment and other stuff.
The hall will be used for the organization of Jewish cultural events and presentations to claim the place as a Hebrew historic site connected with the alleged temple mount.
According to Q-Press, the hall is located exactly in an area under the surface of Hammam al-Ein and al-Mathara Gate.
The photos, which republished by the Arabic website of the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) showed a refurbished ancient hall dating back to different Islamic eras equipped with furniture, lights, audio equipment and other stuff.
The hall will be used for the organization of Jewish cultural events and presentations to claim the place as a Hebrew historic site connected with the alleged temple mount.
14 july 2015
Israeli Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel approved by the end of last year the construction of 800 new housing units in Efrat settlement near Bethlehem, media reports said.
The new settlement scheme denies Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu’s previous claims of his intention to freeze the project.
900 thousand shekels (250 thousand dollars) were allocated for the implementation of the settlement project, the sources added.
The new housing units are expected to be built in an area called as Givat Haitam and known as "E2" due to its sensitive location.
Israeli radio considered the project as a strategic plan that would expand Gush Etizon settlement bloc and separate between Bethlehem and the West Bank.
Civil Administration Cover Up on Settlement Allocation
Israel's Civil Administration secretly allocated land for 800 housing units in an illegal settlement south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, a rights group said Tuesday.
Despite orders by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2013 to cancel planning tenders for housing units in the settlement of Givat Eitam, planning continued as the land reportedly belonged to a subsidiary of the Jewish National Fund, Israeli watchdog Peace Now reported.
According to Ma'an, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) is a non profit organization that works to "reclaim" and repurpose land for use by Jewish citizens, often at the expense of Palestinian right to land and control of resources.
The planned housing units for the Givat Eitam settlement are dependent on the revocation of land belonging to Palestinian residents of the village of Al-Nahla south of Bethlehem, and north-east of the Efrat settlement. Last week Israel responded to a petition by Al-Nahla residents against the deceleration of 1,300 dunams of their lands as state land.
A year and a half prior, Israel's Ministry of Housing and Construction had published the planning tenders for 20,000 housing units in settlements, among which was a tender for units in Al-Nahla, Peace Now reported, adding that following public criticism, Netanyahu ordered to cancel the tenders.
"Nevertheless, in a response submitted to court last week, the state exposed that the Civil Administration allocated approximately 300 dunams, owned by the JNF subsidiary Himanuta, to the Efrat Municipality for planning," Peace Now alleged, referring to the municipality of the nearby Efrat settlement.
Israel argued that: "the only contractual communication in Givat Eitam is the planning authorization given to the Efrat Municipal Council regarding the land registered to Himanuta," the group said.
The planned expansion of Givat Eitam onto land registered with the group would jut the settlement out into the central West Bank, bisecting the north and south and devastating the possibility for a continuous Palestinian state.
JNF is one of many groups that work throughout occupied East Jerusalem in the West Bank, where Jewish-only settlements have exponentially expanded over the decades in contravention to international law.
The new settlement scheme denies Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu’s previous claims of his intention to freeze the project.
900 thousand shekels (250 thousand dollars) were allocated for the implementation of the settlement project, the sources added.
The new housing units are expected to be built in an area called as Givat Haitam and known as "E2" due to its sensitive location.
Israeli radio considered the project as a strategic plan that would expand Gush Etizon settlement bloc and separate between Bethlehem and the West Bank.
Civil Administration Cover Up on Settlement Allocation
Israel's Civil Administration secretly allocated land for 800 housing units in an illegal settlement south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, a rights group said Tuesday.
Despite orders by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2013 to cancel planning tenders for housing units in the settlement of Givat Eitam, planning continued as the land reportedly belonged to a subsidiary of the Jewish National Fund, Israeli watchdog Peace Now reported.
According to Ma'an, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) is a non profit organization that works to "reclaim" and repurpose land for use by Jewish citizens, often at the expense of Palestinian right to land and control of resources.
The planned housing units for the Givat Eitam settlement are dependent on the revocation of land belonging to Palestinian residents of the village of Al-Nahla south of Bethlehem, and north-east of the Efrat settlement. Last week Israel responded to a petition by Al-Nahla residents against the deceleration of 1,300 dunams of their lands as state land.
A year and a half prior, Israel's Ministry of Housing and Construction had published the planning tenders for 20,000 housing units in settlements, among which was a tender for units in Al-Nahla, Peace Now reported, adding that following public criticism, Netanyahu ordered to cancel the tenders.
"Nevertheless, in a response submitted to court last week, the state exposed that the Civil Administration allocated approximately 300 dunams, owned by the JNF subsidiary Himanuta, to the Efrat Municipality for planning," Peace Now alleged, referring to the municipality of the nearby Efrat settlement.
Israel argued that: "the only contractual communication in Givat Eitam is the planning authorization given to the Efrat Municipal Council regarding the land registered to Himanuta," the group said.
The planned expansion of Givat Eitam onto land registered with the group would jut the settlement out into the central West Bank, bisecting the north and south and devastating the possibility for a continuous Palestinian state.
JNF is one of many groups that work throughout occupied East Jerusalem in the West Bank, where Jewish-only settlements have exponentially expanded over the decades in contravention to international law.
Netanyahu allegedly says 'we cannot develop the settlements further,' angering settlement leaders; Likud denies freezing of construction in West Bank.
West Bank Regional Council heads publically questioned Benjamin Netanyahu's legitimacy as Prime Minister on Tuesday, over his alleged remarks during a closed meeting that hinted at the possibility of a settlement construction freeze.
"We cannot develop the settlements further, but rather need to preserve what we have," Netanyahu allegedly told the council heads.
The Yesha council (an umbrella organization of West Bank municipal councils) released a furious statement saying, "A government that does not build in Judea and Samaria loses its right to exist. The claim that a settlement freeze will protect the settlements has been proving wrong a long time ago."
The Likud party subsequently denied the comments and said, "The Prime Minister did not say he would stop building in Judea and Samaria.
"In contrast to what was claimed, the prime minister has not disqualified any building in Judea and Samaria, and has said that he is advancing the settlement expansion responsibly and with understanding, in the face of a difficult international reality."
"I was present today at a meeting in which the Prime Minister stated his intention to stop settlement expansion," said the head of the Har Hebron regional council, Yochai Damari. "The ramifications of deciding to freeze settlement planning and building in Samaria will hurt communities that are already facing difficult challenges. Preventing the watering of a plant is similar to uprooting it."
"Building settlements is the only useful way to combat terror not a death penalty, nor arrest raids," said Damari. "I call on the government ministers to challenge this dangerous decision and to act according to the voter's mandate, which clearly supports us." The meeting focused on several issues, including the matter of the Drinof towers in Beit El, which according to a recent High Court of Justice ruling, where built illegally on private Palestinian land, and as such must be razed by the end of the month.
If Netanyahu did in fact make the attributed statement, there will most likely be a strong reaction from the head of the Bayit Yehudi party, Education Minister Naftali Bennet. Bennet placed a series of related demands on the PM's desk, in the wake of the recent wave of terror.
West Bank Regional Council heads publically questioned Benjamin Netanyahu's legitimacy as Prime Minister on Tuesday, over his alleged remarks during a closed meeting that hinted at the possibility of a settlement construction freeze.
"We cannot develop the settlements further, but rather need to preserve what we have," Netanyahu allegedly told the council heads.
The Yesha council (an umbrella organization of West Bank municipal councils) released a furious statement saying, "A government that does not build in Judea and Samaria loses its right to exist. The claim that a settlement freeze will protect the settlements has been proving wrong a long time ago."
The Likud party subsequently denied the comments and said, "The Prime Minister did not say he would stop building in Judea and Samaria.
"In contrast to what was claimed, the prime minister has not disqualified any building in Judea and Samaria, and has said that he is advancing the settlement expansion responsibly and with understanding, in the face of a difficult international reality."
"I was present today at a meeting in which the Prime Minister stated his intention to stop settlement expansion," said the head of the Har Hebron regional council, Yochai Damari. "The ramifications of deciding to freeze settlement planning and building in Samaria will hurt communities that are already facing difficult challenges. Preventing the watering of a plant is similar to uprooting it."
"Building settlements is the only useful way to combat terror not a death penalty, nor arrest raids," said Damari. "I call on the government ministers to challenge this dangerous decision and to act according to the voter's mandate, which clearly supports us." The meeting focused on several issues, including the matter of the Drinof towers in Beit El, which according to a recent High Court of Justice ruling, where built illegally on private Palestinian land, and as such must be razed by the end of the month.
If Netanyahu did in fact make the attributed statement, there will most likely be a strong reaction from the head of the Bayit Yehudi party, Education Minister Naftali Bennet. Bennet placed a series of related demands on the PM's desk, in the wake of the recent wave of terror.
Q-Press media center for Jerusalem and al-Aqsa affairs today said that the planning and construction committee in occupied Jerusalem, last week, has approved the construction of a huge project on land for the Ma’man Allah historic Islamic cemetery, on which an Israeli school was already built. The land will also be used for settlement housing, a hotel and a shopping center.
Haaretz newspaper said, according to the PNN, that Israeli occupation authorities pushed to execute the project on the land even though it is Islamic Waqf (property) that cannot be seized.
Israeli occupation is still going on with the project with complete knowledge that there are existing graves underneath the land.
The newspaper added that the Israeli plan includes building 192 settlement units, a hotel and a shopping center. The project was initiated by Eiden company, which follows the Israeli Jerusalem municipality.
To its part, Al-Aqsa foundation for Waqf and heritage said that the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem, through this project, was continuing to Judaize the Islamic cemetery, violating all the laws and conventions which ban desecrating sanctuaries under any occupation.
Israeli authorities have targeted the cemetery for years. They have established different projects including parks, hotels, schools and shopping centers on the land, violating even the rights of the dead.
Haaretz newspaper said, according to the PNN, that Israeli occupation authorities pushed to execute the project on the land even though it is Islamic Waqf (property) that cannot be seized.
Israeli occupation is still going on with the project with complete knowledge that there are existing graves underneath the land.
The newspaper added that the Israeli plan includes building 192 settlement units, a hotel and a shopping center. The project was initiated by Eiden company, which follows the Israeli Jerusalem municipality.
To its part, Al-Aqsa foundation for Waqf and heritage said that the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem, through this project, was continuing to Judaize the Islamic cemetery, violating all the laws and conventions which ban desecrating sanctuaries under any occupation.
Israeli authorities have targeted the cemetery for years. They have established different projects including parks, hotels, schools and shopping centers on the land, violating even the rights of the dead.
13 july 2015
The ” Planning Commission and local construction” at the occupations Municipality ratified recently a new route for the Metro (Light Train) that splits the North of the city to the South and connects between the settlement of Gilo in the south and Mount Scopus north of Jerusalem, it also passes through settlement neighborhoods in occupied Jerusalem with a length of 19.6 Km.
The commission also ratified a sub route with a length of 3km that reaches to the Industrial area the settlement of “Talpiot”, with the presence of a study to add another sub route that reaches Al-Malha settlement located in south west Jerusalem.
The plan was given to the District Committee for approval and to end this project in the year 2021.
The new route was given the name “The Green Route”, it begins from the students dormitory at the Hebrew University – Mount Scopus, where it passes from its junction there and the side of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood then “Bar Elan” road passing through the cities western entrance to the governmental ministries area in the middle of the city and then “Givat Rum” the Hebrew University, it also passes through the town of Bait Safafa and then a sub route is attached to make it reach to the industrial area of “Talpiot settlement”, the new route ends at Gilo settlement south of the city of Jerusalem.
It is noted that the Metro rail route was opened before four years after constructional works that lasted for more than 10 years, and it is the route that was given the name “The Red Route” that connects between the settlements north of Jerusalem – “Navi Yaqoub” and “Pisgat Ze’ev” settlements and with Jerusalem, it passes near the historical old city walls of occupied Jerusalem and reaches to the area of the displaced village of Ein Karem in the year 1948.
The Metro project connected the Israeli settlements together and confiscated large areas of Palestinian lands.
The commission also ratified a sub route with a length of 3km that reaches to the Industrial area the settlement of “Talpiot”, with the presence of a study to add another sub route that reaches Al-Malha settlement located in south west Jerusalem.
The plan was given to the District Committee for approval and to end this project in the year 2021.
The new route was given the name “The Green Route”, it begins from the students dormitory at the Hebrew University – Mount Scopus, where it passes from its junction there and the side of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood then “Bar Elan” road passing through the cities western entrance to the governmental ministries area in the middle of the city and then “Givat Rum” the Hebrew University, it also passes through the town of Bait Safafa and then a sub route is attached to make it reach to the industrial area of “Talpiot settlement”, the new route ends at Gilo settlement south of the city of Jerusalem.
It is noted that the Metro rail route was opened before four years after constructional works that lasted for more than 10 years, and it is the route that was given the name “The Red Route” that connects between the settlements north of Jerusalem – “Navi Yaqoub” and “Pisgat Ze’ev” settlements and with Jerusalem, it passes near the historical old city walls of occupied Jerusalem and reaches to the area of the displaced village of Ein Karem in the year 1948.
The Metro project connected the Israeli settlements together and confiscated large areas of Palestinian lands.
The Presidential Committee for Christian Affairs, in Palestine, issued a statement condemning the Israeli High Court decision granting a green light for starting the construction of the Annexation wall in the Cremisan monastery valley, in Beit Jala, in the West Bank district of Bethlehem.
The Committee stated that the Israeli decision is “just a racist means used by Israel to pass resolutions and rulings that violate International Law, and aim at more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands.”
“The ruling will cause excessive harm to the owners, the inhabitants on the area, to the church and monastery,” the committee added, “The court asked the army not to harm the rights of the Palestinians, but this wall would split the Monastery, and isolate large swaths of lands.”
Committee head Hanna ‘Amira called on the International Community, and all churches around the world, especially the Vatican, to denounce the Israeli violations, and act on stopping them, as Israel continues to violate the Palestinian rights, including their freedom of worship, ownership, and freedom of movement.
He also called on the International Community to be aware of the outrageous Israeli military interpretations of court rulings, and the allegations that the wall is built for security considerations, and to act on ensuring International Law and international humanitarian law, are fully applied without any exceptions.
“This wall, in the Cremisan Monastery, as well as in every part of the occupied West Bank is illegal, and violates International Law,” he said, “The Palestinians, as any other nation, have the right to establish their state in their homeland, and live in peace, security and stability.”
The Committee also stated that the construction of the Wall “is an assassination of the two-state solution.”
The Israeli ruling allows the army to confiscate large areas of privately owned Palestinian lands, and what Israel considers state lands, in the occupied territories.
The Annexation wall isolates the Palestinians from their orchards and lands, and has led to the illegal annexation of large areas, paving the way for Israel to build and expand its illegal Jewish-only colonies in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied Jerusalem.
Several Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank have been turned into isolated ghettoes after being surrounded by colonies, and isolated by the Annexation Wall. Villagers are largely denied access to what is left of their lands on the other side of the Wall.
The Wall is also built deep in Palestinian lands; to enable the expansion of illegal colonies, while the Palestinians remain denied the basic right to expand their communities, in their homeland.
The Committee stated that the Israeli decision is “just a racist means used by Israel to pass resolutions and rulings that violate International Law, and aim at more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands.”
“The ruling will cause excessive harm to the owners, the inhabitants on the area, to the church and monastery,” the committee added, “The court asked the army not to harm the rights of the Palestinians, but this wall would split the Monastery, and isolate large swaths of lands.”
Committee head Hanna ‘Amira called on the International Community, and all churches around the world, especially the Vatican, to denounce the Israeli violations, and act on stopping them, as Israel continues to violate the Palestinian rights, including their freedom of worship, ownership, and freedom of movement.
He also called on the International Community to be aware of the outrageous Israeli military interpretations of court rulings, and the allegations that the wall is built for security considerations, and to act on ensuring International Law and international humanitarian law, are fully applied without any exceptions.
“This wall, in the Cremisan Monastery, as well as in every part of the occupied West Bank is illegal, and violates International Law,” he said, “The Palestinians, as any other nation, have the right to establish their state in their homeland, and live in peace, security and stability.”
The Committee also stated that the construction of the Wall “is an assassination of the two-state solution.”
The Israeli ruling allows the army to confiscate large areas of privately owned Palestinian lands, and what Israel considers state lands, in the occupied territories.
The Annexation wall isolates the Palestinians from their orchards and lands, and has led to the illegal annexation of large areas, paving the way for Israel to build and expand its illegal Jewish-only colonies in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied Jerusalem.
Several Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank have been turned into isolated ghettoes after being surrounded by colonies, and isolated by the Annexation Wall. Villagers are largely denied access to what is left of their lands on the other side of the Wall.
The Wall is also built deep in Palestinian lands; to enable the expansion of illegal colonies, while the Palestinians remain denied the basic right to expand their communities, in their homeland.
12 july 2015
Hebrew sources revealed that the Israeli Occupation Authority (IOA) plans to expand two Jewish outposts on Palestinian lands to the north of Ramallah.
The Israeli supreme planning committee endorsed housing plans in Shilo and Shvut Rachel based on an order by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Maariv newspaper revealed that the planning committee endorsed an order of issuing 12 construction permits for 12 housing units last Wednesday.
It said that the decision is associated with the resistance operation carried out in northern Ramallah one week ago where a settler was killed and three others were injured.
The Israeli Ministry of Housing issued permits to all buildings constructed in Shilo outpost.
The newspaper said the new decision means resuming building in settlements after it has been frozen for a long time.
The Israeli supreme planning committee endorsed housing plans in Shilo and Shvut Rachel based on an order by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Maariv newspaper revealed that the planning committee endorsed an order of issuing 12 construction permits for 12 housing units last Wednesday.
It said that the decision is associated with the resistance operation carried out in northern Ramallah one week ago where a settler was killed and three others were injured.
The Israeli Ministry of Housing issued permits to all buildings constructed in Shilo outpost.
The newspaper said the new decision means resuming building in settlements after it has been frozen for a long time.
11 july 2015
A group of colonialist Israeli settlers, driving a number of bulldozers, invaded earlier Saturday Palestinian orchards belonging to residents of Deir Estia village, northwest of the central West Bank district of Salfit, and uprooted more than 80 olive trees.
Local villagers said the settlers uprooted the olive trees in order to expand a bypass road, leading to illegal Israeli settlements, built on Palestinian lands.
Head of the Deir Estia Village Council Amal Kokash said Israel is ongoing with the expansion of its illegal colonies in the Salfit district, especially the eight settlement overlooking Qana Valley.
She added that Israel aims at controlling all natural resources in Salfit, and the rest of the occupied West Bank, and that the fanatic settlers repeatedly bulldoze and uproot olive orchards, and farmlands.
Palestinian researcher Khaled Ma’aly said Israel is trying to expand all of its 24 colonies in the Salfit district, and is ongoing with bulldozing and uprooting farmlands and olive orchards to achieve this goal.
Ma’aly added that Israel is also expanding all four Industrial Zones, in its illegal settlements in Salfit, and is working on building several factories.
Local villagers said the settlers uprooted the olive trees in order to expand a bypass road, leading to illegal Israeli settlements, built on Palestinian lands.
Head of the Deir Estia Village Council Amal Kokash said Israel is ongoing with the expansion of its illegal colonies in the Salfit district, especially the eight settlement overlooking Qana Valley.
She added that Israel aims at controlling all natural resources in Salfit, and the rest of the occupied West Bank, and that the fanatic settlers repeatedly bulldoze and uproot olive orchards, and farmlands.
Palestinian researcher Khaled Ma’aly said Israel is trying to expand all of its 24 colonies in the Salfit district, and is ongoing with bulldozing and uprooting farmlands and olive orchards to achieve this goal.
Ma’aly added that Israel is also expanding all four Industrial Zones, in its illegal settlements in Salfit, and is working on building several factories.
9 july 2015
A secret deal between Likud party and Yisrael Beiteinu party in the Knesset was today exposed. The deal, agreed between Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu and Yisrael Beiteinu President Avigdor Lieberman, would enable both parties to object to the appointment of any judge in the so-called Supreme Court.
This comes after the Likud block agreed with the president of Yisrael Beiteinu to support Robert Ilatov (Yisrael Beiteinu) in his election campaign to become a member of the Committee which runs the selection process of judges, as opposed to a Yisrael Beitenu block vote (6 Knesset members) in secret elections on the nomination of a member of the Likud bloc, Nurit Corinne, the same committee.
In the case of Ilatov’s election, the two parties could prevent the appointment of any judge, as the appointment requires a majority of 7 out of the total 9. If he were elected, there would be 3 right-wing representatives in the Committee: Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked, as well as Corrine and Ilatov.
It is expected the elections will be held in two weeks time on August 22.
The Supreme Court is Israel’s highest court and point of recourse.
On Tuesday, it issued a decision giving the Ministry of Defense and Israeli army the green light to being building a new section of the separation wall in Cremisan valley near Beit Jala, despite multiple appeals made by the families whose land the wall will destroy.
This comes after the Likud block agreed with the president of Yisrael Beiteinu to support Robert Ilatov (Yisrael Beiteinu) in his election campaign to become a member of the Committee which runs the selection process of judges, as opposed to a Yisrael Beitenu block vote (6 Knesset members) in secret elections on the nomination of a member of the Likud bloc, Nurit Corinne, the same committee.
In the case of Ilatov’s election, the two parties could prevent the appointment of any judge, as the appointment requires a majority of 7 out of the total 9. If he were elected, there would be 3 right-wing representatives in the Committee: Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked, as well as Corrine and Ilatov.
It is expected the elections will be held in two weeks time on August 22.
The Supreme Court is Israel’s highest court and point of recourse.
On Tuesday, it issued a decision giving the Ministry of Defense and Israeli army the green light to being building a new section of the separation wall in Cremisan valley near Beit Jala, despite multiple appeals made by the families whose land the wall will destroy.
8 july 2015
Israel’s Supreme Court yesterday issued a decision giving the Ministry of Defense and Israeli army the green light to being building a new section of the separation wall in Cremisan valley near Beit Jala.
The Court overturned its previous decision to halt the construction of the wall in Cremisan and its surroundings, including Alszayan nunnery (represented by Yves Saint Foundation) and the monastery (represented by lawyer Nihad Irsheid), in addition to the monastery’s lands. The army will begin building the wall on family lands in Beit Jala, leaving just a small piece undeveloped at the current time along the edges of the monastery’s lands.
This decision comes after the Israeli Ministry in May notified all concerned parties of its intention to begin building the eastern section of the wall on the lands of Beit Jala families. The Ministry of Defense alleged that the Supreme Court’s decision would make sure that the wall was to be built on unclaimed lands and that it would not separate the monastery from its lands and sheep.
Following this notification, lawyer Gheyath Nasser and his clients from Beit Jala families submitted an appeal to the Israeli Supreme Court to prevent this decision from being adopted, demanding that they reinstate their previous resolution to bar the building of a new section of wall in Cremisan valley. Yves Saint Foundation and the other parties joined together to support Nasser’s appeal, however the Court took the same position as the Ministry of Defense and rejected the appeal. The Court indicated that the main point was that the wall would leave the areas surrounding the monastery untouched.
The Israeli Supreme Court had in May issued a resolution rejecting the proposed path of the wall in Cremisan valley due to concerns for the huge impact on the residents’ lives. It demanded that the Ministry of Defense make adjustments to the proposal in order to minimize that impact, stressing that the most important thing was to protect the monastery and its lands, as well as preserve territorial contiguity between the monastery and the residents of the surrounding areas.
Saint Yves Foundation condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to give the green light to the army and Ministry of Defense to build the wall, saying that the decision would lead to Palestinian loss of land and livelihood, and have a long and severe effect on the population’s quality of life despite the amendments made by the Ministry of Defense.
Gheyath Nasser clarified that the Supreme Court’s decision would not end his clients’ appeals in the legal struggle of this cause. He said that if the Court would not reinstate its previous decision in a final manner, his clients would be badly affected by the proposed route of the wall.
Although the Israeli army insists on building the wall, it is the citizens’ right to appeal again to the Court in order to assert their claim. Nasser stressed that they will appeal again in the coming days to the Supreme Court, and will demand that the Court listen to the citizens’ concerns as well as those of the Ministry of Defense.
The Court overturned its previous decision to halt the construction of the wall in Cremisan and its surroundings, including Alszayan nunnery (represented by Yves Saint Foundation) and the monastery (represented by lawyer Nihad Irsheid), in addition to the monastery’s lands. The army will begin building the wall on family lands in Beit Jala, leaving just a small piece undeveloped at the current time along the edges of the monastery’s lands.
This decision comes after the Israeli Ministry in May notified all concerned parties of its intention to begin building the eastern section of the wall on the lands of Beit Jala families. The Ministry of Defense alleged that the Supreme Court’s decision would make sure that the wall was to be built on unclaimed lands and that it would not separate the monastery from its lands and sheep.
Following this notification, lawyer Gheyath Nasser and his clients from Beit Jala families submitted an appeal to the Israeli Supreme Court to prevent this decision from being adopted, demanding that they reinstate their previous resolution to bar the building of a new section of wall in Cremisan valley. Yves Saint Foundation and the other parties joined together to support Nasser’s appeal, however the Court took the same position as the Ministry of Defense and rejected the appeal. The Court indicated that the main point was that the wall would leave the areas surrounding the monastery untouched.
The Israeli Supreme Court had in May issued a resolution rejecting the proposed path of the wall in Cremisan valley due to concerns for the huge impact on the residents’ lives. It demanded that the Ministry of Defense make adjustments to the proposal in order to minimize that impact, stressing that the most important thing was to protect the monastery and its lands, as well as preserve territorial contiguity between the monastery and the residents of the surrounding areas.
Saint Yves Foundation condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to give the green light to the army and Ministry of Defense to build the wall, saying that the decision would lead to Palestinian loss of land and livelihood, and have a long and severe effect on the population’s quality of life despite the amendments made by the Ministry of Defense.
Gheyath Nasser clarified that the Supreme Court’s decision would not end his clients’ appeals in the legal struggle of this cause. He said that if the Court would not reinstate its previous decision in a final manner, his clients would be badly affected by the proposed route of the wall.
Although the Israeli army insists on building the wall, it is the citizens’ right to appeal again to the Court in order to assert their claim. Nasser stressed that they will appeal again in the coming days to the Supreme Court, and will demand that the Court listen to the citizens’ concerns as well as those of the Ministry of Defense.
The Regional Planning and Construction Committee of the Jerusalem City Council approved, Tuesday, a plan to expand the French Hill colony by illegally confiscating large areas of Palestinian lands belonging to al-‘Eesawiyya and Shu’fat towns, in occupied Jerusalem.
Palestinian Researcher, specialized in Settlements' Affairs, Ahmad Sob Laban, said the Regional Committee has approved the illegal annexation of 25 Dunams (6.17 Acres) of lands, belonging to Shu’fat residents, north of Jerusalem.
Israel is planning the construction of a commercial zone on lands that were slated only for residential purposes under the Regional Plan of the Jerusalem City Council for the year 2020.
Sob Laban added that the decision falls under a new structural plan, approved by the Regional Committee, to expand the French Hill colony, and to set aside lands that would be used for the construction of additional units.
The Palestinian researcher also said that the residents in Shu’fat have repeatedly applied for construction permits on the lands in question, but Israel kept delaying the applications, and alleged that the construction plan for 2020 “has not been approved yet.”
The lands are in the Sahl neighborhood in Silwan, one of many Palestinian areas severely impacted by Israel’s illegal colonies.
Son Laban also stated that, under the new structural plan of the French Hill settlement, the Palestinians in the al-‘Eesawiyya town would lose nearly 30 Dunams (7.41 Acres) near the main entrance of the town.
Palestinian Researcher, specialized in Settlements' Affairs, Ahmad Sob Laban, said the Regional Committee has approved the illegal annexation of 25 Dunams (6.17 Acres) of lands, belonging to Shu’fat residents, north of Jerusalem.
Israel is planning the construction of a commercial zone on lands that were slated only for residential purposes under the Regional Plan of the Jerusalem City Council for the year 2020.
Sob Laban added that the decision falls under a new structural plan, approved by the Regional Committee, to expand the French Hill colony, and to set aside lands that would be used for the construction of additional units.
The Palestinian researcher also said that the residents in Shu’fat have repeatedly applied for construction permits on the lands in question, but Israel kept delaying the applications, and alleged that the construction plan for 2020 “has not been approved yet.”
The lands are in the Sahl neighborhood in Silwan, one of many Palestinian areas severely impacted by Israel’s illegal colonies.
Son Laban also stated that, under the new structural plan of the French Hill settlement, the Palestinians in the al-‘Eesawiyya town would lose nearly 30 Dunams (7.41 Acres) near the main entrance of the town.