10 aug 2015
Burials in Mamilla continued until 1948, when forces from the newly declared State of Israel occupied West Jerusalem.
A recently opened cafe in West Jerusalem, which is built on a park that Muslims say is the site of an ancient cemetery, is drawing outrage from religious leaders in the Holy City.
The Al-Aqsa Association, a group which advocates for protecting the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites in Jerusalem, released a statement after the cafe opened earlier this month, calling the move part of a "systematic scheme to destroy the landmarks of the cemetery".
"This is a sanctified location, a holy place for Muslims, and it's been a cemetery for 1,400 years. It's impossible to treat a holy place like this," Amir al-Khateeb, the director of the organisation, told Al Jazeera.
Al Ray further reports that representatives of the Landwar Coffee chain, to which the cafe belongs, were unavailable for comment.
Mamilla Cemetery is believed to date back to the seventh century, and it houses the remains of many important figures from the early days of Islam, including companions of the Prophet Mohammed.
It is also the resting place of many combatants from the Crusades, both Muslim and Christian. Burials in Mamilla continued until 1948, when forces from the newly declared State of Israel occupied West Jerusalem.
In 1986, the Israeli government told the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) that "no project exists for the deconsecration of the site and that, on the contrary, the site and its tombs are to be safeguarded", in response to a UNESCO investigation of Israel's development projects on Mamilla.
However, the current government seems to be taking a different stance. Khateeb asserts that of the 20 hectares of land that belong to the historical location, only two hectares are still visible as part of the cemetery. "They have built a hotel, a garden, a pool, and now the cafe - all on top of graves," Khateeb said.
Adding to the Al-Aqsa Association's outrage, the cafe also serves beer and wine, which is forbidden by the majority of Islamic adherents.
The Muslim community has been rallying for the continued respect of the site since 1948. But Khateeb said the boiling point came in 2005, when the Los Angeles-based Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) announced plans to build a "Museum of Tolerance", set to open in 2017, on top of the cemetery.
The museum will aim to combat racism and prejudice by examining historical examples of discrimination, with a strong emphasis on the sufferings of Ashkenazi Jews under Nazi Germany.
"Considering the toll [the Museum of Tolerance] has had on our cultural heritage, it is absurd that they would name the museum in such a way," Khateeb said. Since 2010, the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), a legal advocacy organisation based in New York that works on issues such as Muslim profiling and Israeli discrimination against Palestinians, has overseen a campaign to protect Mamilla.
CCR said the construction of the Museum of Tolerance "has resulted in the disinterment of hundreds of graves, and the whereabouts of the countless human remains that have been disposed of are unknown".
In response to an Al-Aqsa Association petition to halt construction of the museum, the Israeli Supreme Court decided in 2008 that the cemetery had been abandoned for decades, thereby losing its sanctity.
It also ruled that continued construction could be allowed because the site of the museum had been a car park for nearly 50 years. SWC cites this decision to combat criticism.
But CCR and Khateeb disagree. Both say that Mamilla was always important to the Muslim community, and Khateeb maintains they have been protesting against construction on the site for decades, to no avail. Neither SWC nor the Jerusalem municipality were available to comment by press time.
Nadim Nashif, the director of the Haifa-based Baladna Association for Arab Youth, told Al Jazeera that the Mamilla Cemetery issue resonates across all sectors of Israel's Palestinian community, who comprise 20 percent of the population.
"It doesn't matter where you go in this country, Israel is thoroughly trying to remove the historical evidence of Palestine, and broadly, [all Palestinian citizens of Israel] feel alienated," Nashif said.
Baladna endeavours to reinforce the national identity of Palestinian citizens of Israel by educating Palestinian youth on their culture and past.
Nashif feels that this work is growing more and more important, as Palestinian structures across present-day Israel continue to be demolished.
"The erasure of Palestine has been a tactic of the Israeli government from day one. It holds no respect for history, and what has been happening in the Mamilla Cemetery proves this," Nashif said.
Back at the cafe, located near the future Museum of Tolerance and across the road from some of the few gravestones still visible in the cemetery, Israeli patrons flocked on a recent afternoon to partake of the cafe's fare. Many told Al Jazeera they were unaware that they were dining on top of a contentious site.
Moshe Levin, a 22-year-old university student enjoying a beer and fried halloumi cheese, said he "didn't know Independence Park was a cemetery. It's always been a park for me".
When asked if this information changed his view of the space, he replied: "No, not really. The park is beautiful and if people can enjoy it, I don't see the problem."
Meanwhile, Khateeb has vowed to "arrange a demonstration with the relatives of those who are buried in the cemetery, to bring the world's attention to what is happening here".
He also plans to send letters of complaint to international and Israeli authorities, which he said are required by their own laws to respect holy sites. The Israeli government has laws in place, including the Protection of Holy Places Law and Section 170 of the Penal Law, which forbid the desecration or demolition of any place held sacred to any religion.
Khateeb added that it is not only a legal matter, but one of common decency.
"Today, Jewish cemeteries all over the world are well-maintained. If someone defaces even one of the graves, it's a huge matter that is quickly resolved," he said.
"We want the Israeli government to treat all holy places - whether Muslim, Christian, or Jewish - as equal."
A recently opened cafe in West Jerusalem, which is built on a park that Muslims say is the site of an ancient cemetery, is drawing outrage from religious leaders in the Holy City.
The Al-Aqsa Association, a group which advocates for protecting the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites in Jerusalem, released a statement after the cafe opened earlier this month, calling the move part of a "systematic scheme to destroy the landmarks of the cemetery".
"This is a sanctified location, a holy place for Muslims, and it's been a cemetery for 1,400 years. It's impossible to treat a holy place like this," Amir al-Khateeb, the director of the organisation, told Al Jazeera.
Al Ray further reports that representatives of the Landwar Coffee chain, to which the cafe belongs, were unavailable for comment.
Mamilla Cemetery is believed to date back to the seventh century, and it houses the remains of many important figures from the early days of Islam, including companions of the Prophet Mohammed.
It is also the resting place of many combatants from the Crusades, both Muslim and Christian. Burials in Mamilla continued until 1948, when forces from the newly declared State of Israel occupied West Jerusalem.
In 1986, the Israeli government told the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) that "no project exists for the deconsecration of the site and that, on the contrary, the site and its tombs are to be safeguarded", in response to a UNESCO investigation of Israel's development projects on Mamilla.
However, the current government seems to be taking a different stance. Khateeb asserts that of the 20 hectares of land that belong to the historical location, only two hectares are still visible as part of the cemetery. "They have built a hotel, a garden, a pool, and now the cafe - all on top of graves," Khateeb said.
Adding to the Al-Aqsa Association's outrage, the cafe also serves beer and wine, which is forbidden by the majority of Islamic adherents.
The Muslim community has been rallying for the continued respect of the site since 1948. But Khateeb said the boiling point came in 2005, when the Los Angeles-based Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) announced plans to build a "Museum of Tolerance", set to open in 2017, on top of the cemetery.
The museum will aim to combat racism and prejudice by examining historical examples of discrimination, with a strong emphasis on the sufferings of Ashkenazi Jews under Nazi Germany.
"Considering the toll [the Museum of Tolerance] has had on our cultural heritage, it is absurd that they would name the museum in such a way," Khateeb said. Since 2010, the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), a legal advocacy organisation based in New York that works on issues such as Muslim profiling and Israeli discrimination against Palestinians, has overseen a campaign to protect Mamilla.
CCR said the construction of the Museum of Tolerance "has resulted in the disinterment of hundreds of graves, and the whereabouts of the countless human remains that have been disposed of are unknown".
In response to an Al-Aqsa Association petition to halt construction of the museum, the Israeli Supreme Court decided in 2008 that the cemetery had been abandoned for decades, thereby losing its sanctity.
It also ruled that continued construction could be allowed because the site of the museum had been a car park for nearly 50 years. SWC cites this decision to combat criticism.
But CCR and Khateeb disagree. Both say that Mamilla was always important to the Muslim community, and Khateeb maintains they have been protesting against construction on the site for decades, to no avail. Neither SWC nor the Jerusalem municipality were available to comment by press time.
Nadim Nashif, the director of the Haifa-based Baladna Association for Arab Youth, told Al Jazeera that the Mamilla Cemetery issue resonates across all sectors of Israel's Palestinian community, who comprise 20 percent of the population.
"It doesn't matter where you go in this country, Israel is thoroughly trying to remove the historical evidence of Palestine, and broadly, [all Palestinian citizens of Israel] feel alienated," Nashif said.
Baladna endeavours to reinforce the national identity of Palestinian citizens of Israel by educating Palestinian youth on their culture and past.
Nashif feels that this work is growing more and more important, as Palestinian structures across present-day Israel continue to be demolished.
"The erasure of Palestine has been a tactic of the Israeli government from day one. It holds no respect for history, and what has been happening in the Mamilla Cemetery proves this," Nashif said.
Back at the cafe, located near the future Museum of Tolerance and across the road from some of the few gravestones still visible in the cemetery, Israeli patrons flocked on a recent afternoon to partake of the cafe's fare. Many told Al Jazeera they were unaware that they were dining on top of a contentious site.
Moshe Levin, a 22-year-old university student enjoying a beer and fried halloumi cheese, said he "didn't know Independence Park was a cemetery. It's always been a park for me".
When asked if this information changed his view of the space, he replied: "No, not really. The park is beautiful and if people can enjoy it, I don't see the problem."
Meanwhile, Khateeb has vowed to "arrange a demonstration with the relatives of those who are buried in the cemetery, to bring the world's attention to what is happening here".
He also plans to send letters of complaint to international and Israeli authorities, which he said are required by their own laws to respect holy sites. The Israeli government has laws in place, including the Protection of Holy Places Law and Section 170 of the Penal Law, which forbid the desecration or demolition of any place held sacred to any religion.
Khateeb added that it is not only a legal matter, but one of common decency.
"Today, Jewish cemeteries all over the world are well-maintained. If someone defaces even one of the graves, it's a huge matter that is quickly resolved," he said.
"We want the Israeli government to treat all holy places - whether Muslim, Christian, or Jewish - as equal."
9 aug 2015
The Israeli occupation is putting the final touches on a comprehensive scheme to complete the Judaization of al-Sharaf neighborhood, to the west of al-Aqsa Mosque.
150 million shekels (about 40 million dollars) were allocated to carry out concurrent Judaization projects in this neighborhood; these projects are sponsored by the so-called "The Company for the Reconstruction and Development of the Jewish Quarter (CRDJQ)".
The Israeli infrastructure minister Yoav Galant and the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Ze’ev Elkin support this malevolent scheme and give it utmost importance, according to Israeli media sources.
According to the scheme, which was reviewed by QPress, an underground parking lot that can accommodate about 600 cars will be established after carrying out diggings in the southeastern side of the 200-acre neighborhood, and an underground tunnel that runs through the historical wall of Jerusalem will be excavated in order to reach the parking lot.
25 million shekels were allocated for building commercial shops and enhancing the infrastructure of the middle area of the neighborhood and a building permit will be issued soon to implement a project for constructing two elevators that connect al-Sharaf neighborhood with al-Magharba neighborhood and the Wailing Wall area (the Israeli reference to al-Buraq Wall); so as to intensify the Jewish presence, encourage the foreign tourism, and facilitate access to al-Buraq Wall area which will cost about 26 million shekels.
A tender will be announced within the coming weeks to build a huge synagogue called the Jewel of Israel in the same neighborhood at a cost of about 45 million shekels.
The CRDJQ is planning to transfer the ownership of scores of Jerusalemite properties and turn them into Jewish properties that are officially registered in the Israel Land Registry (Tabu).
Al-Sharaf neighborhood, which is inhabited by about 6000 Jewish settlers, was occupied by Israel in 1967 and was turned into a settlement neighborhood under the name of "the Jewish neighborhood".
150 million shekels (about 40 million dollars) were allocated to carry out concurrent Judaization projects in this neighborhood; these projects are sponsored by the so-called "The Company for the Reconstruction and Development of the Jewish Quarter (CRDJQ)".
The Israeli infrastructure minister Yoav Galant and the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Ze’ev Elkin support this malevolent scheme and give it utmost importance, according to Israeli media sources.
According to the scheme, which was reviewed by QPress, an underground parking lot that can accommodate about 600 cars will be established after carrying out diggings in the southeastern side of the 200-acre neighborhood, and an underground tunnel that runs through the historical wall of Jerusalem will be excavated in order to reach the parking lot.
25 million shekels were allocated for building commercial shops and enhancing the infrastructure of the middle area of the neighborhood and a building permit will be issued soon to implement a project for constructing two elevators that connect al-Sharaf neighborhood with al-Magharba neighborhood and the Wailing Wall area (the Israeli reference to al-Buraq Wall); so as to intensify the Jewish presence, encourage the foreign tourism, and facilitate access to al-Buraq Wall area which will cost about 26 million shekels.
A tender will be announced within the coming weeks to build a huge synagogue called the Jewel of Israel in the same neighborhood at a cost of about 45 million shekels.
The CRDJQ is planning to transfer the ownership of scores of Jerusalemite properties and turn them into Jewish properties that are officially registered in the Israel Land Registry (Tabu).
Al-Sharaf neighborhood, which is inhabited by about 6000 Jewish settlers, was occupied by Israel in 1967 and was turned into a settlement neighborhood under the name of "the Jewish neighborhood".
5 aug 2015
The occupation authorities began drilling operations to implement the project of religious pools in a land near the settlement of Maale Ha-Zeitim established in the neighborhood of Ras Al-Amoud in Silwan south of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center explained that the occupation authorities have been carrying out wide operations of digging and drilling near the settlement of Maale Ha-Zeitim to build religious pools for settlers on a 2.5 Dunoms lands that was allocated for public use.
The center added that the settlers’ committee in the settlement of Maale Ha-Zeitim headed by Aryeh King, member of Municipal Council, submitted nearly two years ago the project for building religious pools near the settlement to be used by the settlers for practicing their religious rituals (Purity). The project was ratified by the committees and the competent authorities; the municipality funded the project with nearly 1.5 million NIS.
The center pointed out that one pool will be built for males and another for females and there is a possibility to build a third pool which will be all directly connected to the settlement.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center also explained that the “Religious buildings” department in the occupation municipality is the sponsor of the project and the land has been allocated for the use of settlers only despite that it was classified as public use and therefore neglecting the needs of the residents; the land will be added to the settlement.
The center added that the occupation authorities built a 4-meter supporting wall three months ago and placed an 8-meter high fence around it (land remaining after building the religious pools), and therefore the locals of the area will be prevented from submitting any future projects for public use in the area.
The information center denounced in its statement the municipality’s ratifying and funding of the project and and considered it an image of racism as the municipality allocates millions of NIS for the implementation of settlement projects while any development in the infrastructure or any building is prohibited in Silwan.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center explained that the occupation authorities have been carrying out wide operations of digging and drilling near the settlement of Maale Ha-Zeitim to build religious pools for settlers on a 2.5 Dunoms lands that was allocated for public use.
The center added that the settlers’ committee in the settlement of Maale Ha-Zeitim headed by Aryeh King, member of Municipal Council, submitted nearly two years ago the project for building religious pools near the settlement to be used by the settlers for practicing their religious rituals (Purity). The project was ratified by the committees and the competent authorities; the municipality funded the project with nearly 1.5 million NIS.
The center pointed out that one pool will be built for males and another for females and there is a possibility to build a third pool which will be all directly connected to the settlement.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center also explained that the “Religious buildings” department in the occupation municipality is the sponsor of the project and the land has been allocated for the use of settlers only despite that it was classified as public use and therefore neglecting the needs of the residents; the land will be added to the settlement.
The center added that the occupation authorities built a 4-meter supporting wall three months ago and placed an 8-meter high fence around it (land remaining after building the religious pools), and therefore the locals of the area will be prevented from submitting any future projects for public use in the area.
The information center denounced in its statement the municipality’s ratifying and funding of the project and and considered it an image of racism as the municipality allocates millions of NIS for the implementation of settlement projects while any development in the infrastructure or any building is prohibited in Silwan.
3 aug 2015
Jewish settlers have recently taken over an area of Palestinian lands near Ramallah and established a settlement outpost on it. The Israeli army funded the new settlement’s water and electricity services.
Haaretz Hebrew newspaper revealed on Monday that a group of settlers have lately managed to take over an abandoned military camp of the Israeli army close to Shilo settlement in northern Ramallah city. A settlement called Malachi Shalom has recently been established on the location.
The newspaper slammed the Israeli army for funding the new settlement’s electricity and water services while it called taking over the abandoned part of the camp by settlers as an illegal invasion of a military zone.
According to Haaretz, the Israeli army attempted to evacuate the settlers one month ago from the new settlement, but they returned back to it and ran electricity and water services by Israeli army funding.
It pointed out that the outposts in “Shilo valley” location were established in the nineties within a comprehensive settlement plan aiming at guaranteeing the establishment of settlements in the area located between Ariel and southern Nablus city until the Jordan valley.
Haaretz Hebrew newspaper revealed on Monday that a group of settlers have lately managed to take over an abandoned military camp of the Israeli army close to Shilo settlement in northern Ramallah city. A settlement called Malachi Shalom has recently been established on the location.
The newspaper slammed the Israeli army for funding the new settlement’s electricity and water services while it called taking over the abandoned part of the camp by settlers as an illegal invasion of a military zone.
According to Haaretz, the Israeli army attempted to evacuate the settlers one month ago from the new settlement, but they returned back to it and ran electricity and water services by Israeli army funding.
It pointed out that the outposts in “Shilo valley” location were established in the nineties within a comprehensive settlement plan aiming at guaranteeing the establishment of settlements in the area located between Ariel and southern Nablus city until the Jordan valley.
2 aug 2015
Israeli municipality in Jerusalem opened a café over Mamilla Muslim historical cemetery in Occupied Jerusalem after a delay that lasted for a few weeks.
A delegation of al-Aqsa Foundation for endowment and Heritage who visited the cemetery on Sunday revealed that the café fits for over one hundred persons and sells food and drinks including wines during day and night and it officially started its work on Sunday.
Nir Barakat, Mayor of Jerusalem, opined that establishing the café over the Muslim Mamilla cemetery is one of the most important achievements of the municipality in recent years.
The café is built over the lands of the cemetery in the part which was transformed into a park given the name “Independence Park” within the policy of Judaization of the cemetery.
The Aqsa Foundation strongly condemned the news, perceiving it as a violation against the sanctity of the Muslim cemetery.
It disclosed that the area of the cemetery exceeds two hundred dunums and that it is a historic cemetery that dates back to more than 1400 years. It also revealed that a number of the companions of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) were buried in Mamilla cemetery.
The historical cemetery has been subjected to Israeli violations as large parts of its area were used for the establishment of hotels and public parks.
The Foundation also revealed that opening the café is a new offensive action following the establishment of what is called “Forgiveness Museum” over Muslims' tombs. An area of 20 dunums has only remained as a Muslim cemetery. However, it is also being violated by Israeli daily offensive practices.
A delegation of al-Aqsa Foundation for endowment and Heritage who visited the cemetery on Sunday revealed that the café fits for over one hundred persons and sells food and drinks including wines during day and night and it officially started its work on Sunday.
Nir Barakat, Mayor of Jerusalem, opined that establishing the café over the Muslim Mamilla cemetery is one of the most important achievements of the municipality in recent years.
The café is built over the lands of the cemetery in the part which was transformed into a park given the name “Independence Park” within the policy of Judaization of the cemetery.
The Aqsa Foundation strongly condemned the news, perceiving it as a violation against the sanctity of the Muslim cemetery.
It disclosed that the area of the cemetery exceeds two hundred dunums and that it is a historic cemetery that dates back to more than 1400 years. It also revealed that a number of the companions of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) were buried in Mamilla cemetery.
The historical cemetery has been subjected to Israeli violations as large parts of its area were used for the establishment of hotels and public parks.
The Foundation also revealed that opening the café is a new offensive action following the establishment of what is called “Forgiveness Museum” over Muslims' tombs. An area of 20 dunums has only remained as a Muslim cemetery. However, it is also being violated by Israeli daily offensive practices.
30 july 2015
The Secretary General of the Islamic-Christian Commission in support of Jerusalem and holy sites, Dr. Hanna Issa, condemned the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s urging for the construction of 300 new settlement units in Bait El outpost and 500 others in Occupied Jerusalem.
In a press statement on his Facebook page, Dr. Issa warned of the increasing number of settlements in the West Bank at the expense of the Palestinian lands. He revealed that the number of the outposts in the West Bank has reached 474 until mid of 2015.
Dr. Issa disclosed that the area of the West Bank is 5844 square kilometers. Despite the small size, Israel established so many settlements on its lands for the sake of taking over all of the Palestinian territories.
He also stressed that the Israeli Occupation breached the international laws and regulations especially the Geneva Fourth Convention, the international humanitarian law, Hague regulations which all stipulate on protecting the original inhabitants, and the prohibition of transferring them and confiscating their private properties.
In a press statement on his Facebook page, Dr. Issa warned of the increasing number of settlements in the West Bank at the expense of the Palestinian lands. He revealed that the number of the outposts in the West Bank has reached 474 until mid of 2015.
Dr. Issa disclosed that the area of the West Bank is 5844 square kilometers. Despite the small size, Israel established so many settlements on its lands for the sake of taking over all of the Palestinian territories.
He also stressed that the Israeli Occupation breached the international laws and regulations especially the Geneva Fourth Convention, the international humanitarian law, Hague regulations which all stipulate on protecting the original inhabitants, and the prohibition of transferring them and confiscating their private properties.
On Wednesday afternoon, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and young Palestinians who entered the demolition site in the Beit El settlement, as it is originally private Palestinian property taken over by Israeli authorities.
The youths said, according to the PNN, that the land was Palestinian property, insisting that the Israeli high court commit to the demolition order of the Draynoff buildings.
Soldiers suppressed the angry Palestinians with tear gas, rubber-coated metal bullets and stun grenades.
On Tuesday, violent clashes erupted between Israeli police and hundreds of settlers trying to stop the army from demolishing two illegal buildings.
The demolition of these buildings followed a High Court of Justice rejection of an appeal from the Beit El seeking to prevent the demolition.
In response to the order, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced approval for immediate construction of 300 more housing units in Beit El.
Following the approval for immediate construction, a senior official from the Palestine Liberation Organisation on Wednesday denounced the decision as a “war crime”.
“These settlement measures and war crimes are part of a plan by Israeli leaders to impose a ‘Greater Israel’ on historic Palestine and destroy the two-state solution and the chance for peace,” said Hanan Ashrawi in a statement from her office.
The youths said, according to the PNN, that the land was Palestinian property, insisting that the Israeli high court commit to the demolition order of the Draynoff buildings.
Soldiers suppressed the angry Palestinians with tear gas, rubber-coated metal bullets and stun grenades.
On Tuesday, violent clashes erupted between Israeli police and hundreds of settlers trying to stop the army from demolishing two illegal buildings.
The demolition of these buildings followed a High Court of Justice rejection of an appeal from the Beit El seeking to prevent the demolition.
In response to the order, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced approval for immediate construction of 300 more housing units in Beit El.
Following the approval for immediate construction, a senior official from the Palestine Liberation Organisation on Wednesday denounced the decision as a “war crime”.
“These settlement measures and war crimes are part of a plan by Israeli leaders to impose a ‘Greater Israel’ on historic Palestine and destroy the two-state solution and the chance for peace,” said Hanan Ashrawi in a statement from her office.
The United States Department of State as well as the Egyptian Foreign Ministry condemned Thursday the Israeli government’s approval of plans to construct 300 housing units in the illegal settlement of Beit El, built on Palestinians’ property near the city of Ramallah.
Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department, Mark Toner, said he is deeply concerned about the Israeli government's announcement to build some 300 new housing units in the West Bank settlement of Beit El, as well as hundreds [500] of new housing units in East Jerusalem.
WAFA reports that Toner reiterated the United States’ position against settlements construction and expansion in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
He said, “Settlement expansion threatens the two-state solution and calls into question Israel's commitment to a negotiated resolution to the conflict. We continue to urge the Israeli government to refrain from unhelpful actions that undercut the possibility of a two-state solution.”
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said such a decision obstructs international efforts to revive peace talks based on the two-state solution and the international terms of reference.
Bader Abdul-Ati, spokesman of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, warned that Israel’s decision goes in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention and the relevant United Nations’ treaties, which prohibit the occupying power from conducting geographic or demographic changes in the territories it occupies.
Though it has been Israel’s strongest ally worldwide, the United States’ firm position was that settlement activity in the West Bank handicaps efforts made to revive peace talks with the Palestinians and undermines peace based on a two-state solution. It has continuously expressed concern over Israel’s settlement construction and expansion.
The Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and the International Court of Justice have all confirmed that the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements and other settlement-related activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory are illegal under international law.
See also: 04/25/15 New Pro-Settlement Legislation Pending in US Congress
Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department, Mark Toner, said he is deeply concerned about the Israeli government's announcement to build some 300 new housing units in the West Bank settlement of Beit El, as well as hundreds [500] of new housing units in East Jerusalem.
WAFA reports that Toner reiterated the United States’ position against settlements construction and expansion in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
He said, “Settlement expansion threatens the two-state solution and calls into question Israel's commitment to a negotiated resolution to the conflict. We continue to urge the Israeli government to refrain from unhelpful actions that undercut the possibility of a two-state solution.”
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said such a decision obstructs international efforts to revive peace talks based on the two-state solution and the international terms of reference.
Bader Abdul-Ati, spokesman of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, warned that Israel’s decision goes in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention and the relevant United Nations’ treaties, which prohibit the occupying power from conducting geographic or demographic changes in the territories it occupies.
Though it has been Israel’s strongest ally worldwide, the United States’ firm position was that settlement activity in the West Bank handicaps efforts made to revive peace talks with the Palestinians and undermines peace based on a two-state solution. It has continuously expressed concern over Israel’s settlement construction and expansion.
The Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and the International Court of Justice have all confirmed that the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements and other settlement-related activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory are illegal under international law.
See also: 04/25/15 New Pro-Settlement Legislation Pending in US Congress
PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi has strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval of 300 units in the illegal settlement of Beit El and plans to construct additional units in and around Jerusalem, including 115 units in the settlement of Pisgat Ze’ev, 300 units in the settlement of Ramot, 70 units in the settlement of Gilo, and 19 in the settlement of Har Homa (Jabal Abu Ghneim):
“Israel is deliberately and willfully defying international consensus to create ‘Greater Israel’ on historical Palestine. With its rapid, intensive and overwhelming violations, Israel has gone completely out of control, and it is quantitatively making it impossible for the international community to pursue these violations systematically.”
These comments were made following a meeting Dr. Ashrawi had with French Consul General Hervé Magro earlier today at the PLO Headquarters in Ramallah.
PNN reports that both parties addressed current French ideas and initiatives and the gravity of the situation in Palestine, both in terms of Israel’s violations and escalations and the internal rift and the need for serious reconciliation. Given the current deteriorating situation on the ground, Dr. Ashrawi stressed the need for serious international commitments and steps.
In addition to discussing issues of mutual concern and cooperation, Dr. Ashrawi and Mr. Magro reviewed Dr. Ashrawi’s recent participation in a meeting in Paris. Sponsored by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UN Department of Political Affairs and UNESCO, the meeting dealt with regional issues.
On a separate note, Ashrawi addressed the UNRWA crisis as a global responsibility, since the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is experiencing the worst financial crisis in its sixty-five year history.
“Such a crisis is the result of grave financial burdens exacerbated by Israel’s inhumane acts of aggression and siege on Gaza and the tragic circumstances that have befallen the Palestinian refugees in Syria,” Ashrawi said.
“UNRWA’s ability to provide basic services to the refugees is greatly threatened and the start of the school year is in grave jeopardy, affecting roughly half a million students in 700 schools in the West Bank and Gaza Strip,” she added.
Ashrawi confirmed that the crisis requires the immediate attention of the international community, and we call on the donor states and all members of the UN to shoulder their responsibilities towards Palestinian refugees and provide the necessary support and financial assistance to UNRWA.
UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution 302 (IV) of December 8, 1949 in the aftermath of al-Nakba to deal with the major humanitarian disaster as a result of the uprooting and expulsion of the Palestinian people at the creation of the State of Israel. Launching its operations on May 1, 1950, UNRWA was the sole institution established to deal with Palestinian refugees only.
Sixty-five years later, it counts as a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees residing in Occupied Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, providing them with vital services, support and opportunities for work, growth and development.
Ashrawi also expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to UNRWA’s international employees and its Palestinian national staff members.
“UNRWA has given the refugees a sense of hope and has contributed effectively to regional stability. Any developments that threaten the continuity and scope of UNRWA’s mandate and responsibilities threaten to destabilize the whole region,” said Ashrawi.
“Palestinian refugees have suffered for far too long, and it is time that their plight is recognized by the international community and resolved in accordance with international law and conventions, particularly by implementing UNGA resolution 194. Until then, it is crucial that UNRWA is provided with the support it needs to fulfill its mandate,” she concluded.
“Israel is deliberately and willfully defying international consensus to create ‘Greater Israel’ on historical Palestine. With its rapid, intensive and overwhelming violations, Israel has gone completely out of control, and it is quantitatively making it impossible for the international community to pursue these violations systematically.”
These comments were made following a meeting Dr. Ashrawi had with French Consul General Hervé Magro earlier today at the PLO Headquarters in Ramallah.
PNN reports that both parties addressed current French ideas and initiatives and the gravity of the situation in Palestine, both in terms of Israel’s violations and escalations and the internal rift and the need for serious reconciliation. Given the current deteriorating situation on the ground, Dr. Ashrawi stressed the need for serious international commitments and steps.
In addition to discussing issues of mutual concern and cooperation, Dr. Ashrawi and Mr. Magro reviewed Dr. Ashrawi’s recent participation in a meeting in Paris. Sponsored by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UN Department of Political Affairs and UNESCO, the meeting dealt with regional issues.
On a separate note, Ashrawi addressed the UNRWA crisis as a global responsibility, since the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is experiencing the worst financial crisis in its sixty-five year history.
“Such a crisis is the result of grave financial burdens exacerbated by Israel’s inhumane acts of aggression and siege on Gaza and the tragic circumstances that have befallen the Palestinian refugees in Syria,” Ashrawi said.
“UNRWA’s ability to provide basic services to the refugees is greatly threatened and the start of the school year is in grave jeopardy, affecting roughly half a million students in 700 schools in the West Bank and Gaza Strip,” she added.
Ashrawi confirmed that the crisis requires the immediate attention of the international community, and we call on the donor states and all members of the UN to shoulder their responsibilities towards Palestinian refugees and provide the necessary support and financial assistance to UNRWA.
UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution 302 (IV) of December 8, 1949 in the aftermath of al-Nakba to deal with the major humanitarian disaster as a result of the uprooting and expulsion of the Palestinian people at the creation of the State of Israel. Launching its operations on May 1, 1950, UNRWA was the sole institution established to deal with Palestinian refugees only.
Sixty-five years later, it counts as a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees residing in Occupied Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, providing them with vital services, support and opportunities for work, growth and development.
Ashrawi also expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to UNRWA’s international employees and its Palestinian national staff members.
“UNRWA has given the refugees a sense of hope and has contributed effectively to regional stability. Any developments that threaten the continuity and scope of UNRWA’s mandate and responsibilities threaten to destabilize the whole region,” said Ashrawi.
“Palestinian refugees have suffered for far too long, and it is time that their plight is recognized by the international community and resolved in accordance with international law and conventions, particularly by implementing UNGA resolution 194. Until then, it is crucial that UNRWA is provided with the support it needs to fulfill its mandate,” she concluded.
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned in a statement issued Wednesday the Israeli approval of the construction of some 300 housing units in the West Bank, as well as the planning and construction of nearly 500 others in eastern Jerusalem.
"We condemn the announcement today that Israel has approved construction of some 300 housing units in the West Bank settlement of Beit El, as well as the planning and construction of nearly 500 housing units in a number of settlements in East Jerusalem," the statement said.
He reiterated that settlements are illegal under international law, an impediment to peace, and cannot be reconciled with the government of Israel’s stated intention to pursue a two-state solution.
The Secretary-General urged the government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions in the interest of peace and a just final status agreement.
In the same context, the Secretary-General expressed concern about the imminent threat of demolitions in the Palestinian village of Susiya in Area C of the West Bank ahead of a 3 August court hearing on a directly related planning petition.
The destruction of private property in occupied territory is prohibited under international humanitarian law, and for which actions there must be accountability, according to the statement.
EU calls on Israel to halt settlement expansion
In the wake of the Israeli government's announcement that it is going to build more than 800 new housing units in settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, the EU has called on Israel to halt all such expansion. The Europeans believe that an increase in the size of the illegal settlements, reported Qudsnet, undermines the prospects for an end to the conflict based on a two-state solution.
"The latest decision of the Israeli authorities to expand settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem puts the Israeli obligation to the two-state solution and talks for the peace process in question," an EU statement said. "The plans of the Israeli government to approve illegal settlements in the West Bank undermine any possibility for the two-state solution."
The EU expects the Israeli government to prove its commitment to the two-state solution by action, not only by words. It reiterated that all settlements are illegal based on international law and renewed Europe's position that being committed to uphold the law is the basis for peace and stability.
The Europeans also stressed their objections to Israel's settlement policy and all related measures, such as building the Separation (Apartheid) Wall behind the 1967 borders, destroying crops, the forcible displacement of Palestinians, settlers' violence and restrictions of movement for the Palestinians.
Norway Criticizes Israel's Latest Settlement Expansion Plans
Japan Regrets Israel’s Plan to Construct 800 Units in Illegal West Bank, Jerusalem Settlements
"We condemn the announcement today that Israel has approved construction of some 300 housing units in the West Bank settlement of Beit El, as well as the planning and construction of nearly 500 housing units in a number of settlements in East Jerusalem," the statement said.
He reiterated that settlements are illegal under international law, an impediment to peace, and cannot be reconciled with the government of Israel’s stated intention to pursue a two-state solution.
The Secretary-General urged the government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions in the interest of peace and a just final status agreement.
In the same context, the Secretary-General expressed concern about the imminent threat of demolitions in the Palestinian village of Susiya in Area C of the West Bank ahead of a 3 August court hearing on a directly related planning petition.
The destruction of private property in occupied territory is prohibited under international humanitarian law, and for which actions there must be accountability, according to the statement.
EU calls on Israel to halt settlement expansion
In the wake of the Israeli government's announcement that it is going to build more than 800 new housing units in settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, the EU has called on Israel to halt all such expansion. The Europeans believe that an increase in the size of the illegal settlements, reported Qudsnet, undermines the prospects for an end to the conflict based on a two-state solution.
"The latest decision of the Israeli authorities to expand settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem puts the Israeli obligation to the two-state solution and talks for the peace process in question," an EU statement said. "The plans of the Israeli government to approve illegal settlements in the West Bank undermine any possibility for the two-state solution."
The EU expects the Israeli government to prove its commitment to the two-state solution by action, not only by words. It reiterated that all settlements are illegal based on international law and renewed Europe's position that being committed to uphold the law is the basis for peace and stability.
The Europeans also stressed their objections to Israel's settlement policy and all related measures, such as building the Separation (Apartheid) Wall behind the 1967 borders, destroying crops, the forcible displacement of Palestinians, settlers' violence and restrictions of movement for the Palestinians.
Norway Criticizes Israel's Latest Settlement Expansion Plans
Japan Regrets Israel’s Plan to Construct 800 Units in Illegal West Bank, Jerusalem Settlements