9 feb 2015
Abu Ein's replacement detained during tree planting action
Extremist Israeli settlers cut down over 70 Palestinian olive trees in the Hebron district on Monday, according to locals. Meanwhile, some 3,740 dunams in areas of four West Bank settlements have been marked as "state lands" by Israeli authorities.
Witnesses told Ma'an News Agency that the settlers destroyed over 70 tree saplings near the town of Sair.
The trees had been planted a week ago in an area threatened with annexation, near the illegal settlement of Metzad, located in the Gush Etzion bloc west of Bethlehem.
Locals have organized a campaign to replant the trees.
Attacks on olive trees are a key way by which Palestinians are forced out of their homes and lands confiscated for settlement construction, as the loss of a year's crop can signal destitution for many.
The olive industry supports the livelihoods of roughly 80,000 families in the occupied West Bank.
Since 1967, approximately 800,000 West Bank olive trees have been uprooted, according to a joint report by the Palestinian Authority and the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem.
In a related vein, Israeli forces were reported to have detained the president of the Palestinian Authority's committee against the apartheid wall and settlements while he was planting trees near Ramallah.
Sources told Ma'an that Jamil al-Barghouthi was arrested while taking part in a tree planting demonstration on Silwad land that is under threat of Israeli confiscation.
Israeli forces reportedly assaulted al-Barghouthi and other participants in the activity before making the arrest.
The soldiers also detained the man's escort, Iyad al-Barghouthi.
In December, PA President Mahmoud Abbas appointed al-Barghouthi to replace Ziad Abu Ein as the head of the PA committee against the wall and settlements.
Abu Ein died after being assaulted by Israeli soldiers during a tree planting demonstration in the village of Turmusayya in the Ramallah district on December 10th.
PNN reports that Israeli Civil Administration, last year, prepared major expansions of four West Bank settlements; Kedumim, Vered Yericho, Neveh Tzuf and Emanuel. Some 3,740 dunams in the areas of the settlements were marked as state lands. More than 99% of "state lands" are allocated to settlements.
According to Haaretz, Preparations for submitting construction plans were carried out on 18 projects encompassing 12,840 dunams. This marked a significant decline from 2013 when preparations were made on 26,548 dunams. An examination of the work done in these areas demonstrates the government's intentions to expand settlements.
There has also been a change in settlements' areas of jurisdiction. Last year they increased by 1,162 dunams. Psagot received 155 dunams, Elkana 904 dunams, and Mevo Horon 600 dunams. On the other hand, the settlements Tzufim, Kfar Oranim and Halamish became smaller.
Last December Haaretz reported that the state had marked 35,000 dunams located in firing zones near the settlements as state lands. Although the government claims that the firing zones are used for army training exercises, they have in fact started to prepare them for transfer to the settlements.
Researcher Dror Etkes, who heads the Peace Now settlement tracking project, analyzed the data and told Haaretz: "These data prove that the Netanyahu government continued in 2014 to energetically promote the End of Days vision of an apartheid state, where settlements are built simultaneously all over the West Bank, and millions of Palestinians live as second-class citizens in the enclaves between them."
Extremist Israeli settlers cut down over 70 Palestinian olive trees in the Hebron district on Monday, according to locals. Meanwhile, some 3,740 dunams in areas of four West Bank settlements have been marked as "state lands" by Israeli authorities.
Witnesses told Ma'an News Agency that the settlers destroyed over 70 tree saplings near the town of Sair.
The trees had been planted a week ago in an area threatened with annexation, near the illegal settlement of Metzad, located in the Gush Etzion bloc west of Bethlehem.
Locals have organized a campaign to replant the trees.
Attacks on olive trees are a key way by which Palestinians are forced out of their homes and lands confiscated for settlement construction, as the loss of a year's crop can signal destitution for many.
The olive industry supports the livelihoods of roughly 80,000 families in the occupied West Bank.
Since 1967, approximately 800,000 West Bank olive trees have been uprooted, according to a joint report by the Palestinian Authority and the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem.
In a related vein, Israeli forces were reported to have detained the president of the Palestinian Authority's committee against the apartheid wall and settlements while he was planting trees near Ramallah.
Sources told Ma'an that Jamil al-Barghouthi was arrested while taking part in a tree planting demonstration on Silwad land that is under threat of Israeli confiscation.
Israeli forces reportedly assaulted al-Barghouthi and other participants in the activity before making the arrest.
The soldiers also detained the man's escort, Iyad al-Barghouthi.
In December, PA President Mahmoud Abbas appointed al-Barghouthi to replace Ziad Abu Ein as the head of the PA committee against the wall and settlements.
Abu Ein died after being assaulted by Israeli soldiers during a tree planting demonstration in the village of Turmusayya in the Ramallah district on December 10th.
PNN reports that Israeli Civil Administration, last year, prepared major expansions of four West Bank settlements; Kedumim, Vered Yericho, Neveh Tzuf and Emanuel. Some 3,740 dunams in the areas of the settlements were marked as state lands. More than 99% of "state lands" are allocated to settlements.
According to Haaretz, Preparations for submitting construction plans were carried out on 18 projects encompassing 12,840 dunams. This marked a significant decline from 2013 when preparations were made on 26,548 dunams. An examination of the work done in these areas demonstrates the government's intentions to expand settlements.
There has also been a change in settlements' areas of jurisdiction. Last year they increased by 1,162 dunams. Psagot received 155 dunams, Elkana 904 dunams, and Mevo Horon 600 dunams. On the other hand, the settlements Tzufim, Kfar Oranim and Halamish became smaller.
Last December Haaretz reported that the state had marked 35,000 dunams located in firing zones near the settlements as state lands. Although the government claims that the firing zones are used for army training exercises, they have in fact started to prepare them for transfer to the settlements.
Researcher Dror Etkes, who heads the Peace Now settlement tracking project, analyzed the data and told Haaretz: "These data prove that the Netanyahu government continued in 2014 to energetically promote the End of Days vision of an apartheid state, where settlements are built simultaneously all over the West Bank, and millions of Palestinians live as second-class citizens in the enclaves between them."
The Israeli Civil Administration is preparing for major settlement expansions in the West Bank, Haaretz Hebrew newspaper revealed Monday.
The projected bid aims at the annexation of some 3,740 dunums of Palestinian land lots so as to set the stage for marking them as state property and later expand four Israeli settlements making use of those annexed land lots.
The same source identified the to-be-expanded settlements as Kedumim, Vered Yericho, Halamish and Emanuel.
The projected bid aims at the annexation of some 3,740 dunums of Palestinian land lots so as to set the stage for marking them as state property and later expand four Israeli settlements making use of those annexed land lots.
The same source identified the to-be-expanded settlements as Kedumim, Vered Yericho, Halamish and Emanuel.
8 feb 2015
The Jerusalem Development Authority -which follows the Israeli occupation authorities in Jerusalem- in addition to the ministry of tourism and Jerusalem affairs, have recently declared project which contributes to the Judaization of New Gate area, south the old city wall, and consists of changing the historical tiles, maintenance of water pipes and electricity and lighting, in addition to the original reconstruction of shops and cafes in the area.
The project is taking place under the name of tourism maintenance and reconstruction, which will obliterate the original identity of the Gate.
It is set to be implemented within the next few weeks and end in 2016, with the cost of $2.5 million.
The New Gate will be turned into a tourist destination, and will be subjected to Judaization through Israeli occupation hanging the " Talmudic Mazozah" for blessing. According to rabbis, it is a piece of wood or iron that has signs and he ten biblical words, which will Judaize the gate, as happened in Al-Khalil, Magharba and David gates in the historical wall of Jerualem.
The New Gate counts as one of the most important gates of the old city. It is an entrance to the Christian neighborhood and the the Resurrection Church.
The gate was built in 1886 at the order of Sultan Abdul Hamid, to ease connection between the residents of the old and the new city, without having to turn around the wall through Al-Khalil or Al-Amoud gates.
Al-Aqsa foundation for Waqf and Islamic heritage said that this project is a danger, since it adds to the Judaiuzation projects which are forced on Jerusalem by Israeli occupation, changing its names and features against the international law, and obliterating the original identity of the gate for the purpose of Judaization and not only tourism.
The foundation added that occupation focused on this area because it was a very active and lively vein of the city, in addition to being close to the light trail, where settlements are severely growing and obliging their existence, enhancing ethnic cleansing of the Muslim and Christian Palestinians there.
Israeli occupation has dedicated about $90 million for Judaization projects and occupation control over the city of Jerusalem for the years within 2013- 2019 under the name of tourism reconstruction and maintenance.
Read More:
2014: Year of Israeli Judaization of Al-Aqsa Mosque
The project is taking place under the name of tourism maintenance and reconstruction, which will obliterate the original identity of the Gate.
It is set to be implemented within the next few weeks and end in 2016, with the cost of $2.5 million.
The New Gate will be turned into a tourist destination, and will be subjected to Judaization through Israeli occupation hanging the " Talmudic Mazozah" for blessing. According to rabbis, it is a piece of wood or iron that has signs and he ten biblical words, which will Judaize the gate, as happened in Al-Khalil, Magharba and David gates in the historical wall of Jerualem.
The New Gate counts as one of the most important gates of the old city. It is an entrance to the Christian neighborhood and the the Resurrection Church.
The gate was built in 1886 at the order of Sultan Abdul Hamid, to ease connection between the residents of the old and the new city, without having to turn around the wall through Al-Khalil or Al-Amoud gates.
Al-Aqsa foundation for Waqf and Islamic heritage said that this project is a danger, since it adds to the Judaiuzation projects which are forced on Jerusalem by Israeli occupation, changing its names and features against the international law, and obliterating the original identity of the gate for the purpose of Judaization and not only tourism.
The foundation added that occupation focused on this area because it was a very active and lively vein of the city, in addition to being close to the light trail, where settlements are severely growing and obliging their existence, enhancing ethnic cleansing of the Muslim and Christian Palestinians there.
Israeli occupation has dedicated about $90 million for Judaization projects and occupation control over the city of Jerusalem for the years within 2013- 2019 under the name of tourism reconstruction and maintenance.
Read More:
2014: Year of Israeli Judaization of Al-Aqsa Mosque
The so-called Israeli "Committee of Local Planning and Construction" of the Jerusalem Municipality approved, on Sunday, the construction of 64 new housing units in the illegal "Ramot" settlement of occupied East Jerusalem.
The announcement came during a meeting held, in the presence of committee members, at the municipality headquarters, according to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency.
A member of the Meretz party commented at the decision, saying that the municipality continues its practice of building off the Green Line, which will inhibit any chance of reaching a political agreement with Palestinians.
Israeli settlements in the Palestinan territories typically refer to the Jewish-designated civilian communities built on lands occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. Such settlements currently exist in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.
Settlements also existed in the Gaza Strip until Israel evacuated settlements in 2005, under a unilateral disengagement plan. Israel dismantled 21 settlements in the Gaza Strip and 4 in the West Bank that year, but continues to expand its settlements and claim new areas in the West Bank, in spite of the Oslo Accords, which specify in Article 31 that neither side would take any step which would change the status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, pending the outcome of the permanent status negotiations.
However, Israeli settlement expansion has continued unabated, despite official condemnation by almost all other nations and the UN.
The announcement came during a meeting held, in the presence of committee members, at the municipality headquarters, according to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency.
A member of the Meretz party commented at the decision, saying that the municipality continues its practice of building off the Green Line, which will inhibit any chance of reaching a political agreement with Palestinians.
Israeli settlements in the Palestinan territories typically refer to the Jewish-designated civilian communities built on lands occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. Such settlements currently exist in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.
Settlements also existed in the Gaza Strip until Israel evacuated settlements in 2005, under a unilateral disengagement plan. Israel dismantled 21 settlements in the Gaza Strip and 4 in the West Bank that year, but continues to expand its settlements and claim new areas in the West Bank, in spite of the Oslo Accords, which specify in Article 31 that neither side would take any step which would change the status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, pending the outcome of the permanent status negotiations.
However, Israeli settlement expansion has continued unabated, despite official condemnation by almost all other nations and the UN.
7 feb 2015
“Israel Lands Administration” published a tender for the construction of 580 hotel rooms in the High Commissioner’s Palace Hill overlooking the Mount of Olives in occupied Jerusalem.
The weekly Hebrew newspaper Kol Ha’ir stated that the tender is the first stage in marketing the compound project that will include in total 1,330 rooms.
The entire area of the settlement project measures about 129,000 square meters, with the majority of the area taken up by hotels and the rest by commercial stores and car parking, according to the newspaper.
The published tender includes three plots, divided into two compounds. The first plot is designed for a 9-story hotel which consists of 180 rooms and a commercial area. The second compound has two lots designed for the construction of a 400-room hotel and a commercial area in 10 stories.
The weekly Hebrew newspaper Kol Ha’ir stated that the tender is the first stage in marketing the compound project that will include in total 1,330 rooms.
The entire area of the settlement project measures about 129,000 square meters, with the majority of the area taken up by hotels and the rest by commercial stores and car parking, according to the newspaper.
The published tender includes three plots, divided into two compounds. The first plot is designed for a 9-story hotel which consists of 180 rooms and a commercial area. The second compound has two lots designed for the construction of a 400-room hotel and a commercial area in 10 stories.
A ministerial delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) arrived in Norway as part of a series of visits the ministerial team will embark upon to several influential capital cities to mobilize support for the Palestinian cause.
The delegation, headed by the Egyptian foreign minister Samih Shukry and comprising foreign ministers of Palestine, Guinea, a special envoy from the Azerbaijan foreign ministry, and the Secretary General of the OIC, met Thursday with the Norwegian foreign minister Borge Brende, according to OIC's statement on Friday.
The OIC delegation briefed the Norwegian foreign minister on the Israeli violations and practices that foiled nearly a quarter of a century of peace talks.
The delegation pointed to Israel's successive settlement and separation wall construction, systematic Judaization plans, and doubling the number of illegal settlers in the West Bank to 600,000.
The ministerial delegation stressed the need that any future peace negotiations must be based on a specific time-frame and international guarantees.
The delegation had praised the close links and excellent relations between the Kingdom of Norway and the Muslim world. The delegates expressed appreciation for Norway’s historic stances and earnest efforts in support of Palestinians’ rights and its participation in the international efforts towards a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question.
The OIC ministerial delegation shed light on Israeli violations to Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, warning in the meantime that any Israeli attempt to target al-Aqsa Mosque could ignite a religious war in the area.
For his part, the Norwegian foreign minister expressed his country’s readiness to continue its historic role in support of peace and stability in the region.
He stressed Norway’s support for the two-state solution and the Arab peace initiative, saying that Israeli illegal settlement expansion would never be acceptable and would remain an obstacle to peace.
The delegation’s visit to Norway is part of the plan of action adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on the cause of Palestine at the international arena.
The delegation, headed by the Egyptian foreign minister Samih Shukry and comprising foreign ministers of Palestine, Guinea, a special envoy from the Azerbaijan foreign ministry, and the Secretary General of the OIC, met Thursday with the Norwegian foreign minister Borge Brende, according to OIC's statement on Friday.
The OIC delegation briefed the Norwegian foreign minister on the Israeli violations and practices that foiled nearly a quarter of a century of peace talks.
The delegation pointed to Israel's successive settlement and separation wall construction, systematic Judaization plans, and doubling the number of illegal settlers in the West Bank to 600,000.
The ministerial delegation stressed the need that any future peace negotiations must be based on a specific time-frame and international guarantees.
The delegation had praised the close links and excellent relations between the Kingdom of Norway and the Muslim world. The delegates expressed appreciation for Norway’s historic stances and earnest efforts in support of Palestinians’ rights and its participation in the international efforts towards a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question.
The OIC ministerial delegation shed light on Israeli violations to Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, warning in the meantime that any Israeli attempt to target al-Aqsa Mosque could ignite a religious war in the area.
For his part, the Norwegian foreign minister expressed his country’s readiness to continue its historic role in support of peace and stability in the region.
He stressed Norway’s support for the two-state solution and the Arab peace initiative, saying that Israeli illegal settlement expansion would never be acceptable and would remain an obstacle to peace.
The delegation’s visit to Norway is part of the plan of action adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on the cause of Palestine at the international arena.
6 feb 2015
Brussels has officially condemned the Israeli regime's announcement of 450 new housing units to be built in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders released a statement of condemnation this past Wednesday.
The statement said, according to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency: "These decisions may exacerbate the tense situation on the ground, and also undermines the possibility of reaching a two-state solution."
It also noted that Belgium considers these settlements to be illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace, calling on Israel to reconsider these decisions and to end settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
An Israeli NGO specialized in following up on settlements reported that the government of Benjamin Netanyahu issued, last Friday, tenders for the construction of 450 new housing units in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Settlements in occupied Palestine are Jewish civilian communities built on lands occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. Such settlements currently exist in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and in the Golan Heights.
Settlements also existed in the Gaza Strip until Israel evacuated settlements in 2005, under a unilateral disengagement plan. Israel dismantled 21 settlements in the Gaza Strip and 4 in the West Bank in 2005, but continues to expand its settlements in addition to confiscating new areas of the West Bank and in spite of the Oslo Accords, which specify in article 31 that neither side would take any step which would change the status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, pending the outcome of the permanent status negotiations.
However, Israeli settlement expansion has continued unabated, despite official condemnation and what would appear to be little more than routine denuciatory rhetoric by almost all other nations, including the UN.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders released a statement of condemnation this past Wednesday.
The statement said, according to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency: "These decisions may exacerbate the tense situation on the ground, and also undermines the possibility of reaching a two-state solution."
It also noted that Belgium considers these settlements to be illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace, calling on Israel to reconsider these decisions and to end settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
An Israeli NGO specialized in following up on settlements reported that the government of Benjamin Netanyahu issued, last Friday, tenders for the construction of 450 new housing units in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Settlements in occupied Palestine are Jewish civilian communities built on lands occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. Such settlements currently exist in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and in the Golan Heights.
Settlements also existed in the Gaza Strip until Israel evacuated settlements in 2005, under a unilateral disengagement plan. Israel dismantled 21 settlements in the Gaza Strip and 4 in the West Bank in 2005, but continues to expand its settlements in addition to confiscating new areas of the West Bank and in spite of the Oslo Accords, which specify in article 31 that neither side would take any step which would change the status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, pending the outcome of the permanent status negotiations.
However, Israeli settlement expansion has continued unabated, despite official condemnation and what would appear to be little more than routine denuciatory rhetoric by almost all other nations, including the UN.
5 feb 2015
Construction works for Israeli settlement expansion purposes have been progressing in Palestinian lands in northern al-Khalil.
Local sources said on Thursday the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) are working on expanding Kharsina settlement in al-Khalil. More than 15 new units will be established to the north of the settlement, they added.
Meanwhile, the IOF prevents the Palestinians from approaching their lands in the area.
The IOF ordered the transfer of more than 35 thousand dunums confiscated for military purposes for the sake of expanding settlements in the West Bank.
Local sources said on Thursday the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) are working on expanding Kharsina settlement in al-Khalil. More than 15 new units will be established to the north of the settlement, they added.
Meanwhile, the IOF prevents the Palestinians from approaching their lands in the area.
The IOF ordered the transfer of more than 35 thousand dunums confiscated for military purposes for the sake of expanding settlements in the West Bank.
Belgian minister of foreign affairs Didier Reynders strongly denounced Israel for its plans to expand settlement in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
"The deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs Didier Reynders condemns the Israeli authorities' decision of 30 January 2015 to launch tenders for the construction of 450 new units in the West Bank settlements of Kiryat Arba, Adam, Elkkana, Maale Adumim and Afei Monashe," a statement released by the foreign ministry on Wednesday said.
"The minister also condemns the announcement of the construction of 93 new housing units in the settlement of Gilo, in the occupied part of Jerusalem."
"These decisions may exacerbate the extremely tense situation on the ground. They also further undermine the possibility of a two-state solution," the statement underlined.
The foreign ministry also stressed that Israel's settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace, and called on Israel to reconsider its settlement decisions and activities in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.
"Belgium will not recognize any change to the 1967 borders, except those that would be agreed by both parties. This new development emphasizes, once again, the urgent need of a resumption of negotiations in order to allow for the emergence of an independent, sovereign, democratic and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security," the statement concluded.
"The deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs Didier Reynders condemns the Israeli authorities' decision of 30 January 2015 to launch tenders for the construction of 450 new units in the West Bank settlements of Kiryat Arba, Adam, Elkkana, Maale Adumim and Afei Monashe," a statement released by the foreign ministry on Wednesday said.
"The minister also condemns the announcement of the construction of 93 new housing units in the settlement of Gilo, in the occupied part of Jerusalem."
"These decisions may exacerbate the extremely tense situation on the ground. They also further undermine the possibility of a two-state solution," the statement underlined.
The foreign ministry also stressed that Israel's settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace, and called on Israel to reconsider its settlement decisions and activities in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.
"Belgium will not recognize any change to the 1967 borders, except those that would be agreed by both parties. This new development emphasizes, once again, the urgent need of a resumption of negotiations in order to allow for the emergence of an independent, sovereign, democratic and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security," the statement concluded.
3 feb 2015
The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, met with the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, in Cairo Monday to discuss the latest crises rocking the occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza.
“The meeting tackled the Palestinian issue in light of latest updates including the new West Bank settlements,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Badr Abdelatty.
He added that both parties discussed potential ideas to resume the peace talks between the Palestinians and the Israeli occupation based on the mutually agreed upon international treaties and pledges to stop illegal settlement construction.
The conveners exchanged talks on the humanitarian crises rocking the Gaza Strip and possible ways to implement the recommendations previously discussed at the Gaza reconstruction conference.
The meeting further pointed out the role of the UN-run organizations, most notably the UNRWA, in ensuring that the pledged funds be dispatched to the blockaded Gaza Strip at the soonest time possible.
“The meeting tackled the Palestinian issue in light of latest updates including the new West Bank settlements,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Badr Abdelatty.
He added that both parties discussed potential ideas to resume the peace talks between the Palestinians and the Israeli occupation based on the mutually agreed upon international treaties and pledges to stop illegal settlement construction.
The conveners exchanged talks on the humanitarian crises rocking the Gaza Strip and possible ways to implement the recommendations previously discussed at the Gaza reconstruction conference.
The meeting further pointed out the role of the UN-run organizations, most notably the UNRWA, in ensuring that the pledged funds be dispatched to the blockaded Gaza Strip at the soonest time possible.
2 feb 2015
Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, said settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem on one hand and the siege on Gaza on the other are two facets of the Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people.
Barghouthi said, in a statement on Monday, Israel is planning and actually constructing 14,523 new settlement units in occupied Jerusalem and all over the West Bank.
At the same time, it keeps on the crippling siege on Gaza and hinders the reconstruction of the enclave, he said, adding that thousands of displaced Gazans have been suffering from miserable health and environmental conditions.
Dr. Barghouthi said that the conference on Gaza reconstruction was a “big deception” just like the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. It aims to cover the crimes of the Israeli occupation as well as the expansion of settlements and the attempt to liquidate the Palestinian question, according to Barghouthi.
He opined that the real deterrent to Israeli crimes requires speeding up the unification of the Palestinian people under a unified leadership, to hold Israel accountable before international courts, and to escalate the popular resistance and boycott of Israel.
Barghouthi said, in a statement on Monday, Israel is planning and actually constructing 14,523 new settlement units in occupied Jerusalem and all over the West Bank.
At the same time, it keeps on the crippling siege on Gaza and hinders the reconstruction of the enclave, he said, adding that thousands of displaced Gazans have been suffering from miserable health and environmental conditions.
Dr. Barghouthi said that the conference on Gaza reconstruction was a “big deception” just like the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. It aims to cover the crimes of the Israeli occupation as well as the expansion of settlements and the attempt to liquidate the Palestinian question, according to Barghouthi.
He opined that the real deterrent to Israeli crimes requires speeding up the unification of the Palestinian people under a unified leadership, to hold Israel accountable before international courts, and to escalate the popular resistance and boycott of Israel.
1 feb 2015
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The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) condemned Israel's plan to build 450 housing units in the West Bank and Jerusalem as a new war crime that must be officially reported to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a press release on Saturday, the PFLP stated that the Israeli occupation's persistence in building more housing units in settlements on the lands of the West Bank and Jerusalem is an Israeli systematic policy aimed at ending any possibility for the Palestinians to have sovereignty over their territories. The PFLP emphasized that the Palestinian response to such Israeli policy should be through adopting and supporting the comprehensive resistance |
option against the Israeli occupation, especially the armed resistance that has proven success and efficacy in deterring the occupation.
It added that the Palestinians should also respond to the settlement expansion policy by renouncing the peace process and resisting any international attempts to pressure them to return to the negotiation path.
The Israeli occupation authority announced a few days ago tenders for the construction of 450 housing units in three settlement blocs in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
It added that the Palestinians should also respond to the settlement expansion policy by renouncing the peace process and resisting any international attempts to pressure them to return to the negotiation path.
The Israeli occupation authority announced a few days ago tenders for the construction of 450 housing units in three settlement blocs in the West Bank and Jerusalem.