15 apr 2016
Israeli settlement watchdog Peace Now has rejected Israeli government claims that more than 200 settler homes approved this week were already built, saying the approval will go toward new housing units.
The watchdog reported Wednesday that the Israeli government had given the green light to another 267 homes in Israel's Jewish-only settlements, bringing the total number of new units approved this year to 941.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Thursday denied the claims, saying in a statement the approval was for "upgrading" homes that were already built.
"Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon have not approved new construction as has been published," the statement said. "Almost all of the permits are for upgrading existing structures."
However, Peace New quickly rejected the government's claims, saying in a press release that aerial photographs taken in recent months "illustrate that this is not the case, and much of the planning is for new housing units."
The watchdog released photographs of the Israeli settlement of Bracha, where 54 new homes were recently approved, saying: "As can be seen in the aerial photo from September, the illegal construction there is in very early stages and could not have been completed by now."
The watchdog reported Wednesday that the Israeli government had given the green light to another 267 homes in Israel's Jewish-only settlements, bringing the total number of new units approved this year to 941.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Thursday denied the claims, saying in a statement the approval was for "upgrading" homes that were already built.
"Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon have not approved new construction as has been published," the statement said. "Almost all of the permits are for upgrading existing structures."
However, Peace New quickly rejected the government's claims, saying in a press release that aerial photographs taken in recent months "illustrate that this is not the case, and much of the planning is for new housing units."
The watchdog released photographs of the Israeli settlement of Bracha, where 54 new homes were recently approved, saying: "As can be seen in the aerial photo from September, the illegal construction there is in very early stages and could not have been completed by now."
Photos were also provided of the settlement of Nokdim, where 70 homes were recently approved, with aerial photos showing "a maximum of 20 existing mobile homes" on the construction site, according to Peace Now.
Netanyahu's office acknowledged that a "small proportion" of the permits were for new construction in the Israeli settlement of Ganei Modiin, although the statement seemed to justify this on the grounds the settlement "will be part of Israel in any future agreement."
There are now some 550,000 Israelis living in Jewish-only settlements across the occupied Palestinian territory in contravention of international law.
Over the past year and a half, Israel's government has professed to uphold a "planning freeze" on new construction across the settlements.
However, Peace Now has said the the government approved more than 600 new homes last year and retroactively legalised more than 1,000 units that had already been built without government permits.
The number of homes approved has continued to rise this year, with Peace Now reporting on Tuesday that the first quarter of 2016 had seen 250 percent more approvals than the same period last year.
Peace Now spokesperson Hagit Ofran told Ma'an earlier this year that even with the government slowing down the approval for new homes in Israel's settlements, construction has continued more or less unabated.
Even if there were to be a complete halt to new approvals, she said that previous approvals for as yet unbuilt units could allow for the construction of as many as 10,000 new homes in settlements across the occupied Palestinian territory.
Israeli rights group B'Tselem has said that the settlements' existence "leads to violations of many of the human rights of Palestinians, including the rights to property, equality, an adequate standard of living and freedom of movement."
Netanyahu's office acknowledged that a "small proportion" of the permits were for new construction in the Israeli settlement of Ganei Modiin, although the statement seemed to justify this on the grounds the settlement "will be part of Israel in any future agreement."
There are now some 550,000 Israelis living in Jewish-only settlements across the occupied Palestinian territory in contravention of international law.
Over the past year and a half, Israel's government has professed to uphold a "planning freeze" on new construction across the settlements.
However, Peace Now has said the the government approved more than 600 new homes last year and retroactively legalised more than 1,000 units that had already been built without government permits.
The number of homes approved has continued to rise this year, with Peace Now reporting on Tuesday that the first quarter of 2016 had seen 250 percent more approvals than the same period last year.
Peace Now spokesperson Hagit Ofran told Ma'an earlier this year that even with the government slowing down the approval for new homes in Israel's settlements, construction has continued more or less unabated.
Even if there were to be a complete halt to new approvals, she said that previous approvals for as yet unbuilt units could allow for the construction of as many as 10,000 new homes in settlements across the occupied Palestinian territory.
Israeli rights group B'Tselem has said that the settlements' existence "leads to violations of many of the human rights of Palestinians, including the rights to property, equality, an adequate standard of living and freedom of movement."
The EU mission in the occupied West Bank on Friday said they were "deeply concerned" at Israel's renewed construction of the separation wall in Bethlehem's Cremisan Valley.
The mission said that once finished, the wall will severely restrict access by nearly 60 Palestinian families to their agricultural land, likely devastating their livelihoods.
EU representatives have on several occasions visited the site of Israel's planned wall in the Palestinian valley and on Friday reminded Israel of its concern over the construction of the wall, which is considered illegal under international law.
The mission reiterated the EU's "strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy," slamming Israel's construction of the wall beyond the 1967 line, demolitions and confiscations, evictions, forced transfers, illegal outposts, settler violence, and restrictions of movement and access.
Israel's High Court of Justice in January denied a petition filed against the wall's construction by the municipality of Beit Jala village, Beit Jala's landowners, and the Silesian women's monastery in Cremisan, according to Israeli rights group B'Tselem.
The ruling came after the Israeli Ministry Defense renewed construction work on the separation wall last August, effectively separating the villagers from their privately owned farmland in the Cremisan Valley.
This segment of the wall is intended to allow for Israel's illegal annexation of Har Gilo settlement south of Jerusalem in order to make way for its connection to Gilo settlement.
Israel began building the separation wall with concrete slabs, fences, and barbed-wire inside the occupied West Bank in 2002 at the height of the Second Intifada, claiming it was crucial for security.
Nearly 60 kilometers of the wall already cuts through Bethlehem district and is built on Palestinian land, according to the UN.
Local Christian landowners in Beit Jala told an EU delegation last year that construction of the wall could ultimately force them to emigrate and "cleanse" the area of its Christian residents.
The mission said that once finished, the wall will severely restrict access by nearly 60 Palestinian families to their agricultural land, likely devastating their livelihoods.
EU representatives have on several occasions visited the site of Israel's planned wall in the Palestinian valley and on Friday reminded Israel of its concern over the construction of the wall, which is considered illegal under international law.
The mission reiterated the EU's "strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy," slamming Israel's construction of the wall beyond the 1967 line, demolitions and confiscations, evictions, forced transfers, illegal outposts, settler violence, and restrictions of movement and access.
Israel's High Court of Justice in January denied a petition filed against the wall's construction by the municipality of Beit Jala village, Beit Jala's landowners, and the Silesian women's monastery in Cremisan, according to Israeli rights group B'Tselem.
The ruling came after the Israeli Ministry Defense renewed construction work on the separation wall last August, effectively separating the villagers from their privately owned farmland in the Cremisan Valley.
This segment of the wall is intended to allow for Israel's illegal annexation of Har Gilo settlement south of Jerusalem in order to make way for its connection to Gilo settlement.
Israel began building the separation wall with concrete slabs, fences, and barbed-wire inside the occupied West Bank in 2002 at the height of the Second Intifada, claiming it was crucial for security.
Nearly 60 kilometers of the wall already cuts through Bethlehem district and is built on Palestinian land, according to the UN.
Local Christian landowners in Beit Jala told an EU delegation last year that construction of the wall could ultimately force them to emigrate and "cleanse" the area of its Christian residents.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, stated Thursday that the Palestinian leadership is conducting all needed preparations to send Israel’s settlements file to the United Nations Security Council.
His statements came after Israeli media agencies claimed that the Palestinian leadership intends to retract it decision to submit a proposal to the Security Council in response to Israel’s ongoing and escalating colonialist activities in the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem.
“Our efforts and preparations are ongoing; we did not, and will not, back down,” he said, “We are also holding talks with Arab countries, through Egypt, and with representatives of various regional, and international countries.”
He also said that the “Arab Quartet Committee would be convening soon to grant a green light to all Arab missions in the United Nations, to conclude their deliberations and to ensure the largest representation within the Security Council and extended international support to put the file of Israel’s illegal colonies on the table.”
“Our move comes while Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government, continue to ignore the international community, International Law, and all condemnations of Tel Aviv’s violations,” al-Maliki said, “Israel is ongoing with its land theft polices, and is continuously building and expanding its illegal colonies in occupied Palestine.”
His statements came after Israeli media agencies claimed that the Palestinian leadership intends to retract it decision to submit a proposal to the Security Council in response to Israel’s ongoing and escalating colonialist activities in the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem.
“Our efforts and preparations are ongoing; we did not, and will not, back down,” he said, “We are also holding talks with Arab countries, through Egypt, and with representatives of various regional, and international countries.”
He also said that the “Arab Quartet Committee would be convening soon to grant a green light to all Arab missions in the United Nations, to conclude their deliberations and to ensure the largest representation within the Security Council and extended international support to put the file of Israel’s illegal colonies on the table.”
“Our move comes while Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government, continue to ignore the international community, International Law, and all condemnations of Tel Aviv’s violations,” al-Maliki said, “Israel is ongoing with its land theft polices, and is continuously building and expanding its illegal colonies in occupied Palestine.”
14 apr 2016
Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu and his war minister Moshe Ya'alon endorsed, in the past few weeks, plans to build over 200 new housing units in settlements and outposts in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Haaretz newspaper said on Wednesday that a number of these housing units would be built in isolated outposts, noting that the move followed a period of a year-long low-key settlement construction freeze.
The newspaper added that the government instructed the civil administration's top planning board to approve the plans and promote new settlement construction projects in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Haaretz newspaper said on Wednesday that a number of these housing units would be built in isolated outposts, noting that the move followed a period of a year-long low-key settlement construction freeze.
The newspaper added that the government instructed the civil administration's top planning board to approve the plans and promote new settlement construction projects in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
13 apr 2016
Israeli settlement plans in occupied West Bank have been doubled three times in the first three months of 2016 in comparison with the same period of the previous year, an Israeli watchdog organization revealed Tuesday.
Peace Now said that from January to March this year, the Israeli government pushed forward plans for building 674 housing units in settlements in occupied Palestinian territory -- considered illegal under international law -- despite its declared "planning freeze."
This is compared to 194 homes in the first quarter of 2015, the watchdog added. Hagit Ofran of the Peace Now said that the numbers show that the supposed “freeze” in planning, was “not a freeze at all. Quietly and behind the scenes, West Bank construction is being promoted, including in isolated settlements.”
Ofran pointed out that settlement construction projects must pass through five administrative steps before receiving the final approval from the Israeli war minister Moshe Yaalon.
Such increase in settlement construction promoted by Netanyahu’s government makes achieving the two-state solution impossible, Ofran said. There are now some 550,000 Israeli settlers living in Jewish settlements across the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem.
Peace Now said that from January to March this year, the Israeli government pushed forward plans for building 674 housing units in settlements in occupied Palestinian territory -- considered illegal under international law -- despite its declared "planning freeze."
This is compared to 194 homes in the first quarter of 2015, the watchdog added. Hagit Ofran of the Peace Now said that the numbers show that the supposed “freeze” in planning, was “not a freeze at all. Quietly and behind the scenes, West Bank construction is being promoted, including in isolated settlements.”
Ofran pointed out that settlement construction projects must pass through five administrative steps before receiving the final approval from the Israeli war minister Moshe Yaalon.
Such increase in settlement construction promoted by Netanyahu’s government makes achieving the two-state solution impossible, Ofran said. There are now some 550,000 Israeli settlers living in Jewish settlements across the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem.
11 apr 2016
The Israeli permanent fund decided to establish 19 new settlements in the Occupied Syrian Golan Heights for 1,500 Israeli families within the next five years.
The new neighborhoods will contain temporary mobile homes for settlers who would like to live in the Golan and for those who come from far places until the construction of their permanent homes are finished.
It is decided to start the implementation of the construction project this summer. 10 temporary homes will be built in each neighborhood with an area ranging from 45 to 60 square meters.
The new neighborhoods will contain temporary mobile homes for settlers who would like to live in the Golan and for those who come from far places until the construction of their permanent homes are finished.
It is decided to start the implementation of the construction project this summer. 10 temporary homes will be built in each neighborhood with an area ranging from 45 to 60 square meters.
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) destroyed Palestinian cultivated lands in al-Khader town, in southern Bethlehem, in favor of illegal settlement expansion.
Anti-settlement activist Ahmad Salah said Israeli occupation bulldozers threw debris piled up from the Israeli illegal settlement of Daniel into Palestinian lands.
The cultivated lands cover an area of eight dunums and are planted with olive trees and grapes.
Several crops were completely damaged in the process. The activist added that fauna and flora around the targeted lands sustained remarkable damage as a result of the IOA's leveling process carried out in favor of illegal settlement expansion.
Anti-settlement activist Ahmad Salah said Israeli occupation bulldozers threw debris piled up from the Israeli illegal settlement of Daniel into Palestinian lands.
The cultivated lands cover an area of eight dunums and are planted with olive trees and grapes.
Several crops were completely damaged in the process. The activist added that fauna and flora around the targeted lands sustained remarkable damage as a result of the IOA's leveling process carried out in favor of illegal settlement expansion.
9 apr 2016
The French foreign ministry called on Israel to halt construction of the Israeli separation wall in the southern occupied West Bank’s Cremisan Valley, according to a statement published on their website Friday.
“France is concerned by the Israeli authorities’ resumption of construction of the separation wall in the West Bank’s Cremisan Valley, which will affect several dozen Palestinian families in Beit Jala,” the statement read.
Beit Jala is a village west of Bethlehem city in the Bethlehem district. “This wall is a new obstacle to economic and social development in the town of Bethlehem.”
The French foreign ministry’s statement cited the 2004 International Court of Justice ruling that said that the separation wall was illegal and "tantamount to annexation."
“We consequently ask Israel to reverse this decision,” the statement concluded.
The Israeli Ministry Defense renewed construction work on the separation wall near Beit Jala in August 2015, effectively separating the villagers from their privately owned farmland in the Cremisan Valley.
This segment of the wall is designed for the annexation of the Har Gilo settlement south of Jerusalem, giving it contiguity with the illegal Israeli Gilo settlement.
Nearly 60 kilometers of Israel’s illegal separation wall already cuts through the Bethlehem district and is built on Palestinian land, according to UN figures.
Clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in Beit Jala broke out frequently in 2015 during protests against the renewed construction.
European Union missions to the West Bank in 2015 also expressed “concern” about the renewed construction work in Cremisan. Local Christian landowners in Beit Jala told a European Union delegation that construction of the wall could ultimately force them to emigrate and "cleanse" the area of its Christian residents.
Israel began building the separation wall with concrete slabs, fences, and barbed-wire inside the occupied West Bank in 2002 at the height of the Second Intifada, or uprising, claiming that it was crucial for security.
“France is concerned by the Israeli authorities’ resumption of construction of the separation wall in the West Bank’s Cremisan Valley, which will affect several dozen Palestinian families in Beit Jala,” the statement read.
Beit Jala is a village west of Bethlehem city in the Bethlehem district. “This wall is a new obstacle to economic and social development in the town of Bethlehem.”
The French foreign ministry’s statement cited the 2004 International Court of Justice ruling that said that the separation wall was illegal and "tantamount to annexation."
“We consequently ask Israel to reverse this decision,” the statement concluded.
The Israeli Ministry Defense renewed construction work on the separation wall near Beit Jala in August 2015, effectively separating the villagers from their privately owned farmland in the Cremisan Valley.
This segment of the wall is designed for the annexation of the Har Gilo settlement south of Jerusalem, giving it contiguity with the illegal Israeli Gilo settlement.
Nearly 60 kilometers of Israel’s illegal separation wall already cuts through the Bethlehem district and is built on Palestinian land, according to UN figures.
Clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in Beit Jala broke out frequently in 2015 during protests against the renewed construction.
European Union missions to the West Bank in 2015 also expressed “concern” about the renewed construction work in Cremisan. Local Christian landowners in Beit Jala told a European Union delegation that construction of the wall could ultimately force them to emigrate and "cleanse" the area of its Christian residents.
Israel began building the separation wall with concrete slabs, fences, and barbed-wire inside the occupied West Bank in 2002 at the height of the Second Intifada, or uprising, claiming that it was crucial for security.
Israeli occupation authorities have recently published four new tenders for the establishment of hotels, commercial offices, and park in Ma'aleh Adumim settlement illegally built in occupied east Jerusalem, Kol Ha'ir Hebrew newspaper revealed.
According to the weekly newspaper, a hotel will be established on an area of 2.2 acres near the municipality headquarters.
The 6-story hotel will be the first of its kind to be built in Ma'aleh Adumim illegal settlement. Commercial shops and offices will be also established in the industrial zone in Mishor Adumim.
Israeli municipality said that the tenders include leasing lands for the establishment of commercial shops and offices for 49 years with the possibility of expending the leasing period for another 49 years.
The tenders also include two other pieces of lands estimated at 45 dunums near Rami Levy area. A park is scheduled to be built on an area of 100 acres east of the industrial zone.
According to the weekly newspaper, a hotel will be established on an area of 2.2 acres near the municipality headquarters.
The 6-story hotel will be the first of its kind to be built in Ma'aleh Adumim illegal settlement. Commercial shops and offices will be also established in the industrial zone in Mishor Adumim.
Israeli municipality said that the tenders include leasing lands for the establishment of commercial shops and offices for 49 years with the possibility of expending the leasing period for another 49 years.
The tenders also include two other pieces of lands estimated at 45 dunums near Rami Levy area. A park is scheduled to be built on an area of 100 acres east of the industrial zone.
8 apr 2016
The Israeli Government, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is set to approve more than 45 Million Israeli Shekels in aid to Jewish colonies, in the occupied West Bank, under the pretext of “helping families impacted by terrorism.”
The government will be holding its weekly cabinet meeting this Sunday, and is set to approve a comprehensive plan that would funnel nearly 45 million to the illegal colonies, built in direct violation of International Law and the Fourth Geneva Conventions, in different parts of the occupied West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem.
Formulated by the office of Netanyahu, the plan includes 15 Million Shekels from the Finance Ministry, 5 million from the Tourism Ministry, and 6 million from the Welfare Ministry.
Commenting on the latest decision, head of the Meretz leftist party Zahava Gal-On said the plan has nothing to do with “aiding bereaved families” as Netanyahu claims, and is merely a plan to funnel funds to construction contractors, who are acting in direction coordination with the Jewish Home Party, its leader Naftali Bennett and Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel (Jewish Home Party).
Arab Member of Knesset of the Meretz Party Issawi Freij, said the Netanyahu-led government does not need excuses “to continue spoiling the settlers with more money,” and added that “taxpayers in Israel became ATM machines for the settlers.”
Meretz party Member of Knesset Michal Rozen said the Israeli government, within a week, allocated dozens of millions for settlements under the pretext of “urgent aid.”
Rozen added, “the Netanyahu-led government coalition is using the current tension to pass laws and channel funds for settlements, and for the annexation of more Palestinian lands.”
Related Report By Middle East Eye: Israel Pouring Money Into West Bank Settlements
The government will be holding its weekly cabinet meeting this Sunday, and is set to approve a comprehensive plan that would funnel nearly 45 million to the illegal colonies, built in direct violation of International Law and the Fourth Geneva Conventions, in different parts of the occupied West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem.
Formulated by the office of Netanyahu, the plan includes 15 Million Shekels from the Finance Ministry, 5 million from the Tourism Ministry, and 6 million from the Welfare Ministry.
Commenting on the latest decision, head of the Meretz leftist party Zahava Gal-On said the plan has nothing to do with “aiding bereaved families” as Netanyahu claims, and is merely a plan to funnel funds to construction contractors, who are acting in direction coordination with the Jewish Home Party, its leader Naftali Bennett and Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel (Jewish Home Party).
Arab Member of Knesset of the Meretz Party Issawi Freij, said the Netanyahu-led government does not need excuses “to continue spoiling the settlers with more money,” and added that “taxpayers in Israel became ATM machines for the settlers.”
Meretz party Member of Knesset Michal Rozen said the Israeli government, within a week, allocated dozens of millions for settlements under the pretext of “urgent aid.”
Rozen added, “the Netanyahu-led government coalition is using the current tension to pass laws and channel funds for settlements, and for the annexation of more Palestinian lands.”
Related Report By Middle East Eye: Israel Pouring Money Into West Bank Settlements
5 apr 2016
The Israeli human rights group, Yesh Din, has revealed that Israel is embarking on a new master plan for the Ma’aleh Michmash area of settlements east of Ramallah city.
According to a report by the group on Monday, the plan aims to transform a number of settlements including Ma’aleh Michmash, Rimonim, Kochav Hashahar, and Psagot in eastern Ramallah into a residential suburb.
Under the plan, about 77,000 Jewish settlers will be brought to live in this suburb until 2040, and two outposts, including Mitzpeh Danny, in the area will be retroactively recognized and regularized.
According to a report by the group on Monday, the plan aims to transform a number of settlements including Ma’aleh Michmash, Rimonim, Kochav Hashahar, and Psagot in eastern Ramallah into a residential suburb.
Under the plan, about 77,000 Jewish settlers will be brought to live in this suburb until 2040, and two outposts, including Mitzpeh Danny, in the area will be retroactively recognized and regularized.
4 apr 2016
Head of the Islamic Movement in 1948 Occupied Palestine, Sheikh Raed Salah, warned of secret Israeli excavations beneath the holy al-Aqsa Mosque as part of intents to hold sway over the site.
Q-Press Media Center quoted Sheikh Salah as saying that many Israeli excavations are being carried out beneath the al-Aqsa Mosque.
“Such excavations are crimes against the al-Aqsa and they can only be stopped by ousting the Israeli occupation,” said Salah. He warned of an Israeli shift from a secret phase as regards excavations to a public and unabated stage.
“I’m most worried that the Israeli occupation authority would announce its intents publicly and think the moment has come to start the construction of the alleged temple mount on the ruins of the al-Aqsa place of worship,” Salah said.
“Never ever shall such a sacrilegious scheme see the day,” he further vowed. Israeli archaeologist Gideon Sulemani from Emek Shaveh organization also said as he commented on a documentary movie entitled “Beneath al-Aqsa” that excavations are carried out along the Wadi Helweh underground tunnel and underneath al-Aqsa western wall.
“Excavations are political. Nobody knows what they have been up to there. Nobody talks about it either. They are just doing what they see is fit for them,” the archaeologist added. “
The situation is alarming ... for the site is very old and there is a possibility that new excavations will lead to the underground corners of the al-Aqsa Mosque,” Sulemani warned. A so-called “Beneath al-Aqsa” movie kept record of the striking surge in Israeli excavations beneath and near al-Aqsa, Muslims’ third holiest site.
Q-Press Media Center quoted Sheikh Salah as saying that many Israeli excavations are being carried out beneath the al-Aqsa Mosque.
“Such excavations are crimes against the al-Aqsa and they can only be stopped by ousting the Israeli occupation,” said Salah. He warned of an Israeli shift from a secret phase as regards excavations to a public and unabated stage.
“I’m most worried that the Israeli occupation authority would announce its intents publicly and think the moment has come to start the construction of the alleged temple mount on the ruins of the al-Aqsa place of worship,” Salah said.
“Never ever shall such a sacrilegious scheme see the day,” he further vowed. Israeli archaeologist Gideon Sulemani from Emek Shaveh organization also said as he commented on a documentary movie entitled “Beneath al-Aqsa” that excavations are carried out along the Wadi Helweh underground tunnel and underneath al-Aqsa western wall.
“Excavations are political. Nobody knows what they have been up to there. Nobody talks about it either. They are just doing what they see is fit for them,” the archaeologist added. “
The situation is alarming ... for the site is very old and there is a possibility that new excavations will lead to the underground corners of the al-Aqsa Mosque,” Sulemani warned. A so-called “Beneath al-Aqsa” movie kept record of the striking surge in Israeli excavations beneath and near al-Aqsa, Muslims’ third holiest site.
3 apr 2016
Head of the Palestinian National Initiative Mustafa al-Barghouthi has accused Israel of using the negotiations with the Palestinians as a cover to expand its settlements.
In remarks during his meeting on Saturday with a delegation of German lawmakers, Barghouthi said that Israel's settlement activities escalate following any agreement it signs with Palestinian or Arab parties.
He underlined that Israel's persistent settlement expansion in the West Bank and Jerusalem is aimed at killing the idea of establishing an independent Palestinian state.
He also emphasized the importance of healing the rift in the Palestinian arena and restoring the role of the legislative council as a prelude to holding democratic elections in order to get the Palestinian political life back on course.
Additionally, Barghouthi briefed the German delegation on the human rights violations which Israel and its security and military forces commit against the Palestinians.
In remarks during his meeting on Saturday with a delegation of German lawmakers, Barghouthi said that Israel's settlement activities escalate following any agreement it signs with Palestinian or Arab parties.
He underlined that Israel's persistent settlement expansion in the West Bank and Jerusalem is aimed at killing the idea of establishing an independent Palestinian state.
He also emphasized the importance of healing the rift in the Palestinian arena and restoring the role of the legislative council as a prelude to holding democratic elections in order to get the Palestinian political life back on course.
Additionally, Barghouthi briefed the German delegation on the human rights violations which Israel and its security and military forces commit against the Palestinians.
2 apr 2016
The Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) started implementing a new settlement plan that includes building 1,800 housing units in four illegal settlements east of occupied Jerusalem, Iroshalim weekly newspaper revealed Friday.
The paper said that the Israeli municipality allocated nine million shekels for the construction of 1,600 new housing units in clear challenge to the US administration that declared its rejection of the settlement plan nearly six years ago.
US Vice President Joe Biden visited Tel Aviv in 2010 to activate the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis.
During his visit, the Planning and Construction Committee in occupied Jerusalem announced plans to build 1,600 housing units. Biden had expressed then his country’s rejection of the settlement plan causing a media and diplomatic row over the issue.
The plan was frozen over the past six years to be revived recently as “a political reaction to the ongoing Jerusalem Intifada,” according to the paper.
On the other hand, the Israeli Kol Ha'ir newspaper revealed that Euro Israel Company has sold, during February, 12 housing units under construction in Nabi Yacob settlement north of occupied Jerusalem.
Nabi Yacob settlement project includes the reconstruction of four nine-storey buildings which consist of 78 new housing units, according to the paper.
Iroshalim also revealed that the Israeli municipality’s Finance Committee allocated last week 17 million shekels to develop the industrial zone of Atarot northeast of the occupied city.
The paper said that the Israeli municipality allocated nine million shekels for the construction of 1,600 new housing units in clear challenge to the US administration that declared its rejection of the settlement plan nearly six years ago.
US Vice President Joe Biden visited Tel Aviv in 2010 to activate the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis.
During his visit, the Planning and Construction Committee in occupied Jerusalem announced plans to build 1,600 housing units. Biden had expressed then his country’s rejection of the settlement plan causing a media and diplomatic row over the issue.
The plan was frozen over the past six years to be revived recently as “a political reaction to the ongoing Jerusalem Intifada,” according to the paper.
On the other hand, the Israeli Kol Ha'ir newspaper revealed that Euro Israel Company has sold, during February, 12 housing units under construction in Nabi Yacob settlement north of occupied Jerusalem.
Nabi Yacob settlement project includes the reconstruction of four nine-storey buildings which consist of 78 new housing units, according to the paper.
Iroshalim also revealed that the Israeli municipality’s Finance Committee allocated last week 17 million shekels to develop the industrial zone of Atarot northeast of the occupied city.
31 mar 2016
The Local Planning and Construction committee at Jerusalem municipality endorsed on Wednesday the construction of 18 settlement units for Jewish families in Mount Scopus in Occupied Jerusalem.
The website of Voice of Israel reported that the settlement project plan will be submitted to the district committee of planning and construction in Occupied Jerusalem.
The website quoted municipality of Jerusalem officials as saying that the construction plan, which includes new additional housing units, was presented by the Israeli right-wing Elad society.
The website of Voice of Israel reported that the settlement project plan will be submitted to the district committee of planning and construction in Occupied Jerusalem.
The website quoted municipality of Jerusalem officials as saying that the construction plan, which includes new additional housing units, was presented by the Israeli right-wing Elad society.
Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) approved a new settlement plan to build 1435 housing units in occupied Jerusalem.
The 1435 housing units are scheduled to be built in the hill adjacent to Ramot settlement.
The settlement plan will affect the hill’s peculiar natural environment after turning it into a park and housing units.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli Committee for Planning and Building has approved the plan which includes housing units, a park, and commercial shops.
Israeli authorities usually confiscate Palestinian lands to turn them into parks and green areas as a prelude to establish new settlements.
The 1435 housing units are scheduled to be built in the hill adjacent to Ramot settlement.
The settlement plan will affect the hill’s peculiar natural environment after turning it into a park and housing units.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli Committee for Planning and Building has approved the plan which includes housing units, a park, and commercial shops.
Israeli authorities usually confiscate Palestinian lands to turn them into parks and green areas as a prelude to establish new settlements.
27 mar 2016
Hundreds of Palestinians rallied in the 1948 occupied lands on Saturday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Palestine's Land Day and to express their rejection of an Israeli plan to build a city for Arabs in Jadeidi-Makr town in the Galilee.
Addressing the participants in the rally, head of the follow-up committee for Arab citizens Mohamed Barakeh condemned Israeli plans aimed at tightening the noose around the Palestinians in the 1948 occupied lands and called for standing united against all conspiracies.
For his part, Arab Knesset member Ayman Odeh criticized, in his speech, Israel's intention to build a city on lands belonging to Palestinians from Jadeidi-Makr town "We need such city, but the establishment of a city requires partnership and vast lands, and not establishing a misshapen one at the expense of people's lands," Odeh stated, warning that such Israeli plan would prevent the development of Jadeidi-Makr."
The Israeli government has recently approved a plan to build a city for Arabs, for the first time since 1948, on lands belonging to Palestinian citizens from Jadeidi-Makr town.
Addressing the participants in the rally, head of the follow-up committee for Arab citizens Mohamed Barakeh condemned Israeli plans aimed at tightening the noose around the Palestinians in the 1948 occupied lands and called for standing united against all conspiracies.
For his part, Arab Knesset member Ayman Odeh criticized, in his speech, Israel's intention to build a city on lands belonging to Palestinians from Jadeidi-Makr town "We need such city, but the establishment of a city requires partnership and vast lands, and not establishing a misshapen one at the expense of people's lands," Odeh stated, warning that such Israeli plan would prevent the development of Jadeidi-Makr."
The Israeli government has recently approved a plan to build a city for Arabs, for the first time since 1948, on lands belonging to Palestinian citizens from Jadeidi-Makr town.
Sheikh Taysir al-Tamimi, secretary-general of the Supreme Muslim Council in Jerusalem, has warned that Israel's plan to build a complex called "Kedem – City of David," will be the most dangerous Judaization project threatening Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque.
In a statement to Quds Press, Sheikh Tamimi said that Israel's approval of this project is part of its schemes aimed at Judaizing the entirety of Jerusalem and obliterating its Arab and Islamic landmarks, pointing out that Israel started to prepare for the building of Kedem complex years ago.
He expressed his belief that the absence of any Arab or Islamic role in carrying out projects in Jerusalem encouraged Israel to launch its project Kedem. The Israeli national council for planning and building recently approved a plan, which had been submitted by the settler group Elad, to build a complex called "the Kedem project- City of David- Old City of Jerusalem" at the main entrances of Wadi Hilweh neighborhood in Silwan district near the Aqsa Mosque.
Elad's Kedem center will become the largest Jewish tourist center in the holy city, marketing its religious and nationalist ideology to hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. The project will include Elad's offices, stores, a museum named the "shrine of the bible," a stop for cable cars and parking lots.
In a statement to Quds Press, Sheikh Tamimi said that Israel's approval of this project is part of its schemes aimed at Judaizing the entirety of Jerusalem and obliterating its Arab and Islamic landmarks, pointing out that Israel started to prepare for the building of Kedem complex years ago.
He expressed his belief that the absence of any Arab or Islamic role in carrying out projects in Jerusalem encouraged Israel to launch its project Kedem. The Israeli national council for planning and building recently approved a plan, which had been submitted by the settler group Elad, to build a complex called "the Kedem project- City of David- Old City of Jerusalem" at the main entrances of Wadi Hilweh neighborhood in Silwan district near the Aqsa Mosque.
Elad's Kedem center will become the largest Jewish tourist center in the holy city, marketing its religious and nationalist ideology to hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. The project will include Elad's offices, stores, a museum named the "shrine of the bible," a stop for cable cars and parking lots.
