28 aug 2013
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage said that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) nearly finished the building of a synagogue for Jewish women next to the western wall of the Aqsa Mosque in Al-Buraq wall square. The Aqsa foundation stated on Tuesday that the synagogue is composed of an elevated steel platform extending over an area of 450 square meters, noting that it would be used as a prayer place by a group of female Jews calling themselves the Women of the Wall.
It affirmed that the Israeli government decided to build this synagogue in response to the demands raised by some Jewish groups.
The foundation said that the building of this synagogue is aimed at entrenching the Judaization of Al-Buraq wall area and obliterating the ancient Islamic identity of Al-Maghariba neighborhood.
The Aqsa foundation also revealed that the financial committee of the Israeli municipal council approved in cooperation with the tourism ministry and the premier's office a budget of 20,000,000 shekels to Judaize Silwan district, south of the Aqsa Mosque, and expand the David city national park.
The foundation noted that this project is part of many plans that were tabled lately by the Israeli municipal council in occupied Jerusalem with the aim of accelerating the steps to Judaize all parts of the holy city at the pretext of carrying out tourist and development projects.
The foundation also affirmed that the financial committee of the Israeli municipal council approved a budget of 144,000 shekels to build a mikve (ritual bath) in the Arab quarter Jabal Mukkaber, which overlooks the Aqsa Mosque.
The foundation appealed to the Arab and Muslim worlds to urgently save Jerusalem and not to leave it up for grabs to the Israeli occupation.
It affirmed that the Israeli government decided to build this synagogue in response to the demands raised by some Jewish groups.
The foundation said that the building of this synagogue is aimed at entrenching the Judaization of Al-Buraq wall area and obliterating the ancient Islamic identity of Al-Maghariba neighborhood.
The Aqsa foundation also revealed that the financial committee of the Israeli municipal council approved in cooperation with the tourism ministry and the premier's office a budget of 20,000,000 shekels to Judaize Silwan district, south of the Aqsa Mosque, and expand the David city national park.
The foundation noted that this project is part of many plans that were tabled lately by the Israeli municipal council in occupied Jerusalem with the aim of accelerating the steps to Judaize all parts of the holy city at the pretext of carrying out tourist and development projects.
The foundation also affirmed that the financial committee of the Israeli municipal council approved a budget of 144,000 shekels to build a mikve (ritual bath) in the Arab quarter Jabal Mukkaber, which overlooks the Aqsa Mosque.
The foundation appealed to the Arab and Muslim worlds to urgently save Jerusalem and not to leave it up for grabs to the Israeli occupation.
27 aug 2013
The Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) have approved the establishment of 396 housing units in Beit Hanina village north of Jerusalem, aiming at expanding Ramat Shlomo settlement and link it with the second-largest settlement in Jerusalem. The expert on the settlement and maps, Khalil al-Tufkaji, said that this Israeli settlement scheme has been previously delayed to be presented again after talks’ resumption.
Beit Hanina lands, over 4,850 dunams, were confiscated in 1970 under the pretext of serving public interest, where Ramat settlement, which accommodates 42 thousand settlers, was built.
The Israeli authorities provocatively approved the establishment of settlement units in different parts of West Bank and Jerusalem regardless of the borders of June 1967, he said.
Tufkaji pointed to the construction of 1500 housing units in Ramat Shlomo and 396 new units in Ramot. Furthermore, the Israeli Housing and Construction Minister declared the establishment of a new settlement in the West Bank as part of Israeli expansion schemes.
The Israeli Housing Minister Uri Ariel of the Jewish Home Party declared Monday that settlement construction will continue in West Bank. “A two-state solution is an unrealistic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”, he said.
Beit Hanina lands, over 4,850 dunams, were confiscated in 1970 under the pretext of serving public interest, where Ramat settlement, which accommodates 42 thousand settlers, was built.
The Israeli authorities provocatively approved the establishment of settlement units in different parts of West Bank and Jerusalem regardless of the borders of June 1967, he said.
Tufkaji pointed to the construction of 1500 housing units in Ramat Shlomo and 396 new units in Ramot. Furthermore, the Israeli Housing and Construction Minister declared the establishment of a new settlement in the West Bank as part of Israeli expansion schemes.
The Israeli Housing Minister Uri Ariel of the Jewish Home Party declared Monday that settlement construction will continue in West Bank. “A two-state solution is an unrealistic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”, he said.
Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) officials have accused the Israeli regime of playing double-standards following Tel Aviv's plans for the expansion of settlements in East al-Quds (Jerusalem).
The officials said on Monday that the Israelis sit for talks, but at the same time they allocate more funds for the expansion of settlements. They also noted that Israel’s ethnic cleansing in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) is “a direct blow to the so-called talks.”
Moreover, PLO spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi said the move shows total disregard for the initiatives in the talks.
On Sunday, the Israeli regime approved the construction of 1,500 new illegal settler units in East al-Quds (Jerusalem), despite widespread international criticism of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The new housing units will expand a settlement known as Ramat Shlomo in the occupied territories to the vicinity of the Palestinian town of Shu’fat.
Israel and PLO negotiators held the second round of talks in al-Quds (Jerusalem) last week. The first round of direct talks between the two sides was held in Washington last month after a three-year gap.
The last talks, in September 2010, halted over the Tel Aviv regime’s expansion of settlements.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds in 1967.
The UN and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands. (Video on the link)
The officials said on Monday that the Israelis sit for talks, but at the same time they allocate more funds for the expansion of settlements. They also noted that Israel’s ethnic cleansing in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) is “a direct blow to the so-called talks.”
Moreover, PLO spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi said the move shows total disregard for the initiatives in the talks.
On Sunday, the Israeli regime approved the construction of 1,500 new illegal settler units in East al-Quds (Jerusalem), despite widespread international criticism of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The new housing units will expand a settlement known as Ramat Shlomo in the occupied territories to the vicinity of the Palestinian town of Shu’fat.
Israel and PLO negotiators held the second round of talks in al-Quds (Jerusalem) last week. The first round of direct talks between the two sides was held in Washington last month after a three-year gap.
The last talks, in September 2010, halted over the Tel Aviv regime’s expansion of settlements.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds in 1967.
The UN and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands. (Video on the link)
26 aug 2013
The City of David Park, located in the primarily Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, will be infused with NIS 16 million in a plan that will increase Jewish annexation of East al-Quds.
Development of the park will be overseen by the Nature and Parks Authority and the Antiquities Authority. Half of the funding will come directly from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, and the remaining funds will be from the Jerusalem Municipality, private donations and Israel's Tourism Ministry.
The project will include “building wide walkways, archeological digging and other development,” according to a proposition that is expected to be approved in the city council’s upcoming financial committee meeting.
Meretz city councilman Dr, Meir Margalit has expressed concerns about the recent announcement. “The problem”, Margolit said Sunday, ”is that the right-wing is systematically taking ownership of this historical place and turning it into a settlement,” referring to the right-wing Ir David Foundation, which is behind the development plan.
Margolit continued, “This is a problematic process that can also be seen in other places, such as the Western Wall, where the Orthodox have increasingly taken ownership from the secular. The same process is happening in the City of David with Palestinian rights.”
The Israeli regime will allocate an additional NIS 150,000 to the construction of a mikve, or ritual bath, in the Jewish neighborhood of Nof Tzion, located in the Arab quarter Jebl Mukaber.
Development of the park will be overseen by the Nature and Parks Authority and the Antiquities Authority. Half of the funding will come directly from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, and the remaining funds will be from the Jerusalem Municipality, private donations and Israel's Tourism Ministry.
The project will include “building wide walkways, archeological digging and other development,” according to a proposition that is expected to be approved in the city council’s upcoming financial committee meeting.
Meretz city councilman Dr, Meir Margalit has expressed concerns about the recent announcement. “The problem”, Margolit said Sunday, ”is that the right-wing is systematically taking ownership of this historical place and turning it into a settlement,” referring to the right-wing Ir David Foundation, which is behind the development plan.
Margolit continued, “This is a problematic process that can also be seen in other places, such as the Western Wall, where the Orthodox have increasingly taken ownership from the secular. The same process is happening in the City of David with Palestinian rights.”
The Israeli regime will allocate an additional NIS 150,000 to the construction of a mikve, or ritual bath, in the Jewish neighborhood of Nof Tzion, located in the Arab quarter Jebl Mukaber.
Israeli Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel declared the establishment of new settlement, called Leshem, in West Bank consisting of 70 houses, in addition to 400 other houses to be built later, Maariv newspaper said. Ariel of the Jewish Home Party declared Monday that settlement construction will continue in West Bank. “A two-state solution is an unrealistic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”, he said.
“Those who are here understand why the vision of two states is unrealistic and will never happen. Those who think they can force us to build only within the Auschwitz borders are wrong,” Ariel said.
“I will say very clearly that I am here to build you an apartment, and we are doing this everywhere in Israel. We are building 300 homes in Leshem just like we are building thousands in Rosh Ha’ayin. We are building in Kedumim like we are building in Kiryat Gat and in Modi’in. We are building in Jerusalem like we are building in the Galilee,” the minister added.
In a related context, Ghassan Daghlas, a Palestinian official in charge of settlements file in the northern part of the West Bank, revealed a new Israeli plan to expand settlement construction in Nablus northern West Bank.
He said that the Israeli bulldozers started construction work in order to expand the settlement outpost known as “787” built on Aynabus village south of Nablus. Dozens of fruitful trees were uprooted in the process, he added.
“Those who are here understand why the vision of two states is unrealistic and will never happen. Those who think they can force us to build only within the Auschwitz borders are wrong,” Ariel said.
“I will say very clearly that I am here to build you an apartment, and we are doing this everywhere in Israel. We are building 300 homes in Leshem just like we are building thousands in Rosh Ha’ayin. We are building in Kedumim like we are building in Kiryat Gat and in Modi’in. We are building in Jerusalem like we are building in the Galilee,” the minister added.
In a related context, Ghassan Daghlas, a Palestinian official in charge of settlements file in the northern part of the West Bank, revealed a new Israeli plan to expand settlement construction in Nablus northern West Bank.
He said that the Israeli bulldozers started construction work in order to expand the settlement outpost known as “787” built on Aynabus village south of Nablus. Dozens of fruitful trees were uprooted in the process, he added.
Finance Committee of the Jerusalem City Council approved Sunday a new budget for infrastructure aimed at adding 1,500 housing units in Ramat Shlomo settlement in occupied Jerusalem. Palestinian researcher, specialized in Israeli settlements affairs, Ahmad Son-Laban, stated that the units are meant for expanding Ramat Shlomo settlement towards the Palestinian town of Shu’fat and the Ramot settlement.
Sob-Laban said that this plan would lead to more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat, and will seriously limit any possibility of expanding Shu’fat and Beit Hanina from their western sides. Under the plan, Israel would be illegally confiscating 580 Dunams of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat.
He further stated that appeals have been filed against the plan, but the Israeli Constructions Committee rejected some of the appeal, and did not even look into the rest.
The move comes just after Israelis and Palestinians resumed talks after a five-year stalemate. Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem is one of the thorniest issues separating the two sides, Yediot Ahranot Hebrew newspaper said.
Sob-Laban said that this plan would lead to more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat, and will seriously limit any possibility of expanding Shu’fat and Beit Hanina from their western sides. Under the plan, Israel would be illegally confiscating 580 Dunams of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat.
He further stated that appeals have been filed against the plan, but the Israeli Constructions Committee rejected some of the appeal, and did not even look into the rest.
The move comes just after Israelis and Palestinians resumed talks after a five-year stalemate. Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem is one of the thorniest issues separating the two sides, Yediot Ahranot Hebrew newspaper said.
25 aug 2013
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) intends to install a gas pipeline running from the Palestinian towns of Tur'an and Kafr Kanna to Mashhad town in the lower Galilee, according to an informed source. Specialist in settlement affairs Radwan Hasan said on Saturday that the instalment of this gas pipeline across Palestinian-owned areas is part of the Israeli policy aimed at displacing the Palestinian people from their own land and seizing their property.
Hasan explained that the pipeline would be used to transfer gas to Phoenicia glassware factory, which was built on Palestinian lands in Kafr Kanna and Mashhad towns.
He affirmed that this pipeline would deprive many Palestinian farmers from cultivating or using their own lands, which were seized for this project.
Hasan explained that the pipeline would be used to transfer gas to Phoenicia glassware factory, which was built on Palestinian lands in Kafr Kanna and Mashhad towns.
He affirmed that this pipeline would deprive many Palestinian farmers from cultivating or using their own lands, which were seized for this project.
At least five European states have recently warned companies and businessmen against engaging in business activities in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian lands as they risk breaking the European Union's ban in this regard, according to reports sent by Israeli ambassadors to their foreign ministry. The countries mentioned by Israeli ambassadors include Britain, Germany, Denmark, Holland and Sweden, according to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.
According to one of these reports, one European country's foreign office told a company involved in trade with an Israeli settlement inside the occupied Palestinian borders that its actions violate local and international laws which stipulates that settlements are illegal.
The newspaper said that the company considered dropping out of the project but is also under pressure from Israel to stay on board.
The newspaper quoted an official source from the Israeli foreign ministry as saying that other European Union (EU) countries, as well as the EU commission, are considering issuing warnings advising businessmen to avoid financial activities in the Israeli illegal settlements.
However, the Israeli official belittled these European warnings as having no legal significance and politically-motivated.
According to one of these reports, one European country's foreign office told a company involved in trade with an Israeli settlement inside the occupied Palestinian borders that its actions violate local and international laws which stipulates that settlements are illegal.
The newspaper said that the company considered dropping out of the project but is also under pressure from Israel to stay on board.
The newspaper quoted an official source from the Israeli foreign ministry as saying that other European Union (EU) countries, as well as the EU commission, are considering issuing warnings advising businessmen to avoid financial activities in the Israeli illegal settlements.
However, the Israeli official belittled these European warnings as having no legal significance and politically-motivated.
23 aug 2013
Hanan Ashrawi, member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and participant in the US brokered peace negotiations, announced on Wednesday, that if Israel continues settlement expansion, the PLO will have to turn to international bodies such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) or the International Court of Justice.
“At the last meeting of the executive committee we decided that if the US and the international community does not stop Israel from pursuing such a policy, we will have to resort, and have recourse to international judicial venues in order to put an end to such Israeli measures, which are designed, as I said, to destroy the chances of peace.”
Several news agencies are wrongly claiming that Ashrawi’s statement conflicts with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abba’s earlier promise to postpone reaching out the United Nations (UN). Ashrawi directly addressed this issue, saying, “When president Mahmoud Abbas said we will postpone going to the UN, this was as part of the agreement on the release of all Palestinian prisoners. It has nothing to do with the (peace) talks themselves.”
71 homes were demolished in Jerusalem since the beginning of the year. 25 of those were destroyed following the recent resumption of peace negotiations. Dr. Ashrawi said, “This is a deliberate affront to Kerry’s initiatives to start talks,” and later continued, “we believe if there are to be talks based on international law, with meaning, with validity, with integrity, and with the chance of leading us to peace, then Israel has to stop all encroachments into Palestinian land, including the illegal apartheid wall of annexation and separation, and including its stepped up settlement expansion everywhere, particularly in and around Jerusalem, but also throughout the West Bank.”
“At the last meeting of the executive committee we decided that if the US and the international community does not stop Israel from pursuing such a policy, we will have to resort, and have recourse to international judicial venues in order to put an end to such Israeli measures, which are designed, as I said, to destroy the chances of peace.”
Several news agencies are wrongly claiming that Ashrawi’s statement conflicts with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abba’s earlier promise to postpone reaching out the United Nations (UN). Ashrawi directly addressed this issue, saying, “When president Mahmoud Abbas said we will postpone going to the UN, this was as part of the agreement on the release of all Palestinian prisoners. It has nothing to do with the (peace) talks themselves.”
71 homes were demolished in Jerusalem since the beginning of the year. 25 of those were destroyed following the recent resumption of peace negotiations. Dr. Ashrawi said, “This is a deliberate affront to Kerry’s initiatives to start talks,” and later continued, “we believe if there are to be talks based on international law, with meaning, with validity, with integrity, and with the chance of leading us to peace, then Israel has to stop all encroachments into Palestinian land, including the illegal apartheid wall of annexation and separation, and including its stepped up settlement expansion everywhere, particularly in and around Jerusalem, but also throughout the West Bank.”
Israeli sources have reported that the Finance Committee of the Jerusalem City Council will be convening this coming Sunday to approve a new budget for infrastructure aiming at adding 1500 units for Israeli settlers in occupied Jerusalem.
Palestinian Researcher, specialized in Israeli settlements affairs, Ahmad Son-Lban, stated that the units are meant for expanding Ramat Shlomo settlement towards the Palestinian town of Shu’fat and the Ramot settlement.
He added that Regional Construction and Planning Committee initially approved the plan back in February of last year.
The researcher said that Israel approved the plan as a punishment to the Palestinians after they were voted in a nonmember observer state at the United Nations in 2012, and added that the plan was originally presented for appeals in March of 2010, as U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden, was visiting the region.
The issue that “angered” the United States, especially as it came as Biden was touring the area trying to get Tel Aviv and Ramallah back on the negotiations table.
Sob-Laban said that this plan would lead to more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat, and will seriously limit any possibility of expanding Shu’fat and Beit Hanina from their western sides. Under the plan, Israel would be illegally confiscating 580 Dunams of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat.
He further stated that appeals have been against the plan, but the Israeli Constructions Committee rejected some of the appeal, and did not even look into the rest.
The original structural plan includes the construction of 1680 units, but the constructions committee trimmed the number down to 1500 after some settlers of the Ramat Shlomo settlement filed appeals claiming that the constructions would affect the general view in front of their homes.
Sob-Laban stated that one of the main issues behind speeding the approval and starting the actual construction is related to settler road #21 that would add two new roads that lead to Ramat Shlomo, and that the Regional Committee requires plans for new roads before approving new units.
Israel has recently approved thousands of units for Jewish settlers in occupied East Jerusalem, and in the West Bank.
Various countries around the world denounced the new Israeli plans, stated that Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank and in occupied East Jerusalem are illegal under international law, and urged both sides to “refrain from unilateral moves that would jeopardize direct peace talks”.
Palestinian Researcher, specialized in Israeli settlements affairs, Ahmad Son-Lban, stated that the units are meant for expanding Ramat Shlomo settlement towards the Palestinian town of Shu’fat and the Ramot settlement.
He added that Regional Construction and Planning Committee initially approved the plan back in February of last year.
The researcher said that Israel approved the plan as a punishment to the Palestinians after they were voted in a nonmember observer state at the United Nations in 2012, and added that the plan was originally presented for appeals in March of 2010, as U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden, was visiting the region.
The issue that “angered” the United States, especially as it came as Biden was touring the area trying to get Tel Aviv and Ramallah back on the negotiations table.
Sob-Laban said that this plan would lead to more illegal annexation of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat, and will seriously limit any possibility of expanding Shu’fat and Beit Hanina from their western sides. Under the plan, Israel would be illegally confiscating 580 Dunams of Palestinian lands in Shu’fat.
He further stated that appeals have been against the plan, but the Israeli Constructions Committee rejected some of the appeal, and did not even look into the rest.
The original structural plan includes the construction of 1680 units, but the constructions committee trimmed the number down to 1500 after some settlers of the Ramat Shlomo settlement filed appeals claiming that the constructions would affect the general view in front of their homes.
Sob-Laban stated that one of the main issues behind speeding the approval and starting the actual construction is related to settler road #21 that would add two new roads that lead to Ramat Shlomo, and that the Regional Committee requires plans for new roads before approving new units.
Israel has recently approved thousands of units for Jewish settlers in occupied East Jerusalem, and in the West Bank.
Various countries around the world denounced the new Israeli plans, stated that Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank and in occupied East Jerusalem are illegal under international law, and urged both sides to “refrain from unilateral moves that would jeopardize direct peace talks”.
22 aug 2013
The Palestinian Authority’s ministry of foreign affairs on Thursday urged the international Quartet to immediately bring to an end all illegal Israeli settlement activities.
In a statement, the ministry called upon local, regional and international bodies to document Israel’s settlement expansion “which is against international law and the Geneva conventions.”
Documentation, added the statement, will be used in possible legal procedures against Israel at international level.
The statement pointed out that settlement expansion would eventually foil peace efforts, and it urged the United States, which is sponsoring peace negotiations, to take a firm position.
The statement came in response to Israel’s intensification of settlement expansion shortly after the Palestinian leadership agreed to resume peace talks with Israel under US pressure on both sides.
Israel has put into effect an absentee property law on Jerusalem which Palestinians call an indirect way to confiscate lands under the pretext that its direct owners are living outside Jerusalem.
Other draft laws such as a so-called earthquake law have been recently approved.
On the ground, meanwhile, the Israeli government announced bids to build more than 2,000 settlement units in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Simultaneously, Israeli forces have been demolishing dozens of Palestinian houses in East Jerusalem and in the Jordan Valley and evacuated hundreds of Palestinians.
Peace talks broke down in 2010 over Israel's refusal to stop building settlements on Palestinian land.
Under US pressure, Israel and the Palestinians resumed peace talks in August after Israel agreed to release long-term prisoners, but it did not agree to pause settlement construction in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
In a statement, the ministry called upon local, regional and international bodies to document Israel’s settlement expansion “which is against international law and the Geneva conventions.”
Documentation, added the statement, will be used in possible legal procedures against Israel at international level.
The statement pointed out that settlement expansion would eventually foil peace efforts, and it urged the United States, which is sponsoring peace negotiations, to take a firm position.
The statement came in response to Israel’s intensification of settlement expansion shortly after the Palestinian leadership agreed to resume peace talks with Israel under US pressure on both sides.
Israel has put into effect an absentee property law on Jerusalem which Palestinians call an indirect way to confiscate lands under the pretext that its direct owners are living outside Jerusalem.
Other draft laws such as a so-called earthquake law have been recently approved.
On the ground, meanwhile, the Israeli government announced bids to build more than 2,000 settlement units in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Simultaneously, Israeli forces have been demolishing dozens of Palestinian houses in East Jerusalem and in the Jordan Valley and evacuated hundreds of Palestinians.
Peace talks broke down in 2010 over Israel's refusal to stop building settlements on Palestinian land.
Under US pressure, Israel and the Palestinians resumed peace talks in August after Israel agreed to release long-term prisoners, but it did not agree to pause settlement construction in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi had a briefing for journalists in the illegal Israeli settlement of Gilo, on Beit Jala's land, followed by a field tour to the settlement and the Cremisan Valley, PLO's Negotiations Affairs Department reported Wednesday. The briefing took place one week after Israel announced 942 new units for the illegal settlement of Gilo.
On the occasion, Dr. Ashrawi briefed reporters about the Palestinian position regarding Israeli settlements, particularly on Gilo: "Gilo is an illegal settlement built on Palestinian land by force of occupier's power and not by any legal or political agreement. It is a violation not only of international law and Palestinian rights, but it is also an attempt to destroy the very foundations of peace and prevent the implementation of the two-state solution."
Dr. Ashrawi continued: "Gilo and other settlements are specifically designed to prevent a Palestinian state that is territorially contiguous and that is territorially and economically viable. So all those statements saying that 'everyone knows that the major settlements will stay with Israel' are simply not true. Such statements are designed to deliberately mislead by misrepresenting our negotiation's positions. Our position is based on an international recognition of the 1967 border as the border of the State of Palestine, including East Jerusalem."
Dr. Ashrawi concluded: "If Israel persists in such policies we will have no other option but to seek recourse to international law and international agencies. In the last meeting of the PLO Executive Committee we decided that if the international community does not stop Israel from pursuing such a policy, we'll have to go to international judicial venues in order to put an end to such Israeli measures that are designed to destroy the chances of peace, and this is perfectly within our rights."
PLO threatens action over Israel settlements
A top PLO official threatened Wednesday to sue Israel through international bodies if it continues expanding settlements in the occupied territories, warning it was an issue that could torpedo fledgling peace talks.
"These are not just dots on a map," PLO executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi said of more than 2,000 new settler homes which were approved for construction ahead of a resumption of peace negotiations late last month.
"These are wilful and destructive measures to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.
"If Israel carries out these plans ... we will be forced to (have) recourse to international judicial processes through international institutions," she told reporters near the settlement neighborhood of Gilo, south of Jerusalem, where many of the new units are to be built.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators held a new round of peace talks in Jerusalem on Tuesday, their second since the resumption of direct negotiations in Washington late last month which ended a nearly three-year gap.
The last talks, in September 2010, broke down over the issue of settlement expansion.
"There has been no breakthrough and no agreement. Discussions have not been on specifics," Ashrawi said of the resumed talks.
Details of the discussions have not been revealed at the request of US mediators, who asked last week for a strict news blackout.
Ashrawi warned that Israeli settlement building threatened once again to torpedo peace efforts.
"We are not prepared to make the same mistakes and to have talks for their own sake as Israel continues ... unilateral measures" such as further settlement building, she said.
She urged the United States to take a firm stance against settlements, following the example of the EU.
"The EU guidelines are just the beginning of holding Israel accountable (for settlement building). We call on all other countries to persist in holding Israel and the settlers accountable," Ashrawi said.
The EU published guidelines last month that forbid its institutions from dealing with or funding any West Bank settlements.
In the last significant attempt to work through international bodies, the Palestinians gained upgraded status at the UN in November, with an overwhelming majority of countries voting in favor of their becoming a non-member observer state.
The US and Israel voted against the motion.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday played down the settlements issue.
"The root cause (of the conflict) was and remains the persistent refusal to recognize the Jewish state in any boundary," he said.
"It doesn't have to do with the settlements -- that's an issue that has to be resolved -- but this is not the reason that we have a continual conflict."
On the occasion, Dr. Ashrawi briefed reporters about the Palestinian position regarding Israeli settlements, particularly on Gilo: "Gilo is an illegal settlement built on Palestinian land by force of occupier's power and not by any legal or political agreement. It is a violation not only of international law and Palestinian rights, but it is also an attempt to destroy the very foundations of peace and prevent the implementation of the two-state solution."
Dr. Ashrawi continued: "Gilo and other settlements are specifically designed to prevent a Palestinian state that is territorially contiguous and that is territorially and economically viable. So all those statements saying that 'everyone knows that the major settlements will stay with Israel' are simply not true. Such statements are designed to deliberately mislead by misrepresenting our negotiation's positions. Our position is based on an international recognition of the 1967 border as the border of the State of Palestine, including East Jerusalem."
Dr. Ashrawi concluded: "If Israel persists in such policies we will have no other option but to seek recourse to international law and international agencies. In the last meeting of the PLO Executive Committee we decided that if the international community does not stop Israel from pursuing such a policy, we'll have to go to international judicial venues in order to put an end to such Israeli measures that are designed to destroy the chances of peace, and this is perfectly within our rights."
PLO threatens action over Israel settlements
A top PLO official threatened Wednesday to sue Israel through international bodies if it continues expanding settlements in the occupied territories, warning it was an issue that could torpedo fledgling peace talks.
"These are not just dots on a map," PLO executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi said of more than 2,000 new settler homes which were approved for construction ahead of a resumption of peace negotiations late last month.
"These are wilful and destructive measures to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.
"If Israel carries out these plans ... we will be forced to (have) recourse to international judicial processes through international institutions," she told reporters near the settlement neighborhood of Gilo, south of Jerusalem, where many of the new units are to be built.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators held a new round of peace talks in Jerusalem on Tuesday, their second since the resumption of direct negotiations in Washington late last month which ended a nearly three-year gap.
The last talks, in September 2010, broke down over the issue of settlement expansion.
"There has been no breakthrough and no agreement. Discussions have not been on specifics," Ashrawi said of the resumed talks.
Details of the discussions have not been revealed at the request of US mediators, who asked last week for a strict news blackout.
Ashrawi warned that Israeli settlement building threatened once again to torpedo peace efforts.
"We are not prepared to make the same mistakes and to have talks for their own sake as Israel continues ... unilateral measures" such as further settlement building, she said.
She urged the United States to take a firm stance against settlements, following the example of the EU.
"The EU guidelines are just the beginning of holding Israel accountable (for settlement building). We call on all other countries to persist in holding Israel and the settlers accountable," Ashrawi said.
The EU published guidelines last month that forbid its institutions from dealing with or funding any West Bank settlements.
In the last significant attempt to work through international bodies, the Palestinians gained upgraded status at the UN in November, with an overwhelming majority of countries voting in favor of their becoming a non-member observer state.
The US and Israel voted against the motion.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday played down the settlements issue.
"The root cause (of the conflict) was and remains the persistent refusal to recognize the Jewish state in any boundary," he said.
"It doesn't have to do with the settlements -- that's an issue that has to be resolved -- but this is not the reason that we have a continual conflict."
Palestinian officials involved in direct talks with the Israeli side, stated that the Palestinian Authority (P.A) in the West Bank would resume its international campaign at UN bodies should Israel insist on continuing its illegal violations, mainly its settlement construction and expansion activities.
The statements came after Israel announced a new illegal plan to build more than 3000 units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem.
Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, who was involved in direct talks with Israel since the beginning of peace talks in the early 1990’s, stated that the Palestinian Authority could turn to the United Nations and other international agencies.
Ashrawi visited areas in occupied Jerusalem where Israel intends to build hundreds of units for Jewish settlers, and said that the Palestinian stance is clear, “should Israel fail to halt its violations, we will head to the UN”.
She told reporters who accompanied her in the tour that Tel Aviv built thousands of units for Jewish settlers, and that the ongoing Israel settlement activities jeopardize the two-state solution as they isolate Jerusalem from the West Bank, and that Israel’s settlements and its Annexation Wall would render the establishment of a sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state impossible
Israeli Ynet News has reported that Tel Aviv is concerned that resuming international moves by the Palestinian side could deepen Israel’s international isolation, especially since the Palestinians managed to garner enormous international support when then won the United Nations General Assembly vote, last year, and garnered international recognition of a Palestinian State in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Ynet added that a source at the office of Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Palestinians vowed not to make any “unilateral move” during the nine months of direct peace talks, and that “should they make any move, they will be breaking their vows, and their international commitments.”
On her part, Dr. Ashrawi said that U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, had requested the Palestinians not to make any international move, including applications to join different United Nations agencies, such as the International Criminal court.
She added that President Mahmoud Abbas linked halting international moves with the release of 104 Palestinian political prisoners, not with the resumption of direct talks, Israeli Ynet said.
It is worth mentioning that Tel Aviv has so far released only 26 detainees of the 104 detainees held since before the first Oslo Peace agreement of 1993. Israel said it will be freeing the rest depending on the progress of talks.
The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank has demanded that peace talks should only be resumed when Israel stops all of its illegal settlement activities, and officially recognizes the Palestinian right to statehood, and independence, including East Jerusalem as the capital of this state.
The legitimate demand calls on Israel to withdraw to the lines of the 1976 six-day war, in compliance with numerous UN resolutions, and to recognize the internationally guaranteed Right of Return of the Palestinian Refugees.
However, Israel refused the Palestinian demands, and never made any recognition of the legitimate Palestinian rights.
President Mahmoud Abbas was assured by the United States that it would push Israel to halt its settlement activities, and to work with the Palestinians on establishing their state.
Immediately after the resumption of direct talks, Israel announced construction plans for more than 3100 units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, including hundreds of units in occupied East Jerusalem, in direct violation of International Law.
The move was seen as provocative, and as an attempt to kill the newly resumed talks in their track. Israel also continued its invasions and violations in the occupied territories.
On Monday [August 20], Israeli soldiers shot and killed one Palestinian, and injured several others in the northern West Bank city of Jenin.
On Wednesday [August 21, 2013[ Israeli bulldozers uprooted and leveled large areas of Palestinian lands located between the Mount of Olives and At-Tour, overlooking the Old City of occupied Jerusalem.
Palestinian Researcher, Ahmad Sob-Laban, stated that the violation was focused in a land owned by the Gheith family who lost their home nine months ago after Israel demolished it.
He added that the destruction of the land and property in the area is part of the illegal Israeli plan that aims at constructing “National Gardens”, by illegally confiscating privately owned Palestinian lands.
The statements came after Israel announced a new illegal plan to build more than 3000 units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem.
Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, who was involved in direct talks with Israel since the beginning of peace talks in the early 1990’s, stated that the Palestinian Authority could turn to the United Nations and other international agencies.
Ashrawi visited areas in occupied Jerusalem where Israel intends to build hundreds of units for Jewish settlers, and said that the Palestinian stance is clear, “should Israel fail to halt its violations, we will head to the UN”.
She told reporters who accompanied her in the tour that Tel Aviv built thousands of units for Jewish settlers, and that the ongoing Israel settlement activities jeopardize the two-state solution as they isolate Jerusalem from the West Bank, and that Israel’s settlements and its Annexation Wall would render the establishment of a sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state impossible
Israeli Ynet News has reported that Tel Aviv is concerned that resuming international moves by the Palestinian side could deepen Israel’s international isolation, especially since the Palestinians managed to garner enormous international support when then won the United Nations General Assembly vote, last year, and garnered international recognition of a Palestinian State in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Ynet added that a source at the office of Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Palestinians vowed not to make any “unilateral move” during the nine months of direct peace talks, and that “should they make any move, they will be breaking their vows, and their international commitments.”
On her part, Dr. Ashrawi said that U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, had requested the Palestinians not to make any international move, including applications to join different United Nations agencies, such as the International Criminal court.
She added that President Mahmoud Abbas linked halting international moves with the release of 104 Palestinian political prisoners, not with the resumption of direct talks, Israeli Ynet said.
It is worth mentioning that Tel Aviv has so far released only 26 detainees of the 104 detainees held since before the first Oslo Peace agreement of 1993. Israel said it will be freeing the rest depending on the progress of talks.
The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank has demanded that peace talks should only be resumed when Israel stops all of its illegal settlement activities, and officially recognizes the Palestinian right to statehood, and independence, including East Jerusalem as the capital of this state.
The legitimate demand calls on Israel to withdraw to the lines of the 1976 six-day war, in compliance with numerous UN resolutions, and to recognize the internationally guaranteed Right of Return of the Palestinian Refugees.
However, Israel refused the Palestinian demands, and never made any recognition of the legitimate Palestinian rights.
President Mahmoud Abbas was assured by the United States that it would push Israel to halt its settlement activities, and to work with the Palestinians on establishing their state.
Immediately after the resumption of direct talks, Israel announced construction plans for more than 3100 units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, including hundreds of units in occupied East Jerusalem, in direct violation of International Law.
The move was seen as provocative, and as an attempt to kill the newly resumed talks in their track. Israel also continued its invasions and violations in the occupied territories.
On Monday [August 20], Israeli soldiers shot and killed one Palestinian, and injured several others in the northern West Bank city of Jenin.
On Wednesday [August 21, 2013[ Israeli bulldozers uprooted and leveled large areas of Palestinian lands located between the Mount of Olives and At-Tour, overlooking the Old City of occupied Jerusalem.
Palestinian Researcher, Ahmad Sob-Laban, stated that the violation was focused in a land owned by the Gheith family who lost their home nine months ago after Israel demolished it.
He added that the destruction of the land and property in the area is part of the illegal Israeli plan that aims at constructing “National Gardens”, by illegally confiscating privately owned Palestinian lands.
21 aug 2013
Ahmad Salah, an activist against Israel’s illegal settlements and its apartheid wall in Al-Khader town, south of Bethlehem, stated Tuesday [August 20, 2013] that a number of settlers installed mobile homes on lands that belong to residents of the town.
He said that the settlers came from Eliezer illegal settlement, built on lands that belong to Al-Khader residents, the Al-Quds Newspaper reported.
Salah added that the settlers also installed a shed, and built a large home, adding that the area is question is 150 Dunams (37 Acres) of privately owned Palestinian lands.
The Israeli government recently approved hundreds of units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem.
The approvals came despite the resumption of direct peace talks between Tel Aviv and Ramallah, and were seen as a provocative move that is meant to kill the negotiations in their track.
Settlements are illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
During his recent meeting with UN Secretary General, Ban ki-moon, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue to build and expand settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.
Netanyahu also said that all of Israel’s settlements, and what he described as “new neighborhoods”, would always remain under Israeli sovereignty.
He said that the settlers came from Eliezer illegal settlement, built on lands that belong to Al-Khader residents, the Al-Quds Newspaper reported.
Salah added that the settlers also installed a shed, and built a large home, adding that the area is question is 150 Dunams (37 Acres) of privately owned Palestinian lands.
The Israeli government recently approved hundreds of units for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem.
The approvals came despite the resumption of direct peace talks between Tel Aviv and Ramallah, and were seen as a provocative move that is meant to kill the negotiations in their track.
Settlements are illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
During his recent meeting with UN Secretary General, Ban ki-moon, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue to build and expand settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.
Netanyahu also said that all of Israel’s settlements, and what he described as “new neighborhoods”, would always remain under Israeli sovereignty.
19 aug 2013
Israeli lorries were seen Monday unloading new mobile homes at Israeli settlements in east Bethlehem in the southern West Bank.
Locals told Ma’an that at least five new movable houses were unloaded Monday in Noqedim settlement near Herodium east of Bethlehem.
Locals told Ma’an that at least five new movable houses were unloaded Monday in Noqedim settlement near Herodium east of Bethlehem.
Noqedim is home of the right-wing former Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Liberman the leader of the right wing Yesrael Beitenu political party.
Witnesses noted construction in Bethlehem-area settlements, which has been ongoing forfive years, increased noticeably in recent weeks.
Witnesses noted construction in Bethlehem-area settlements, which has been ongoing forfive years, increased noticeably in recent weeks.
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Palestinian leaders are warning that Israel is using the US-led talks with the Palestinian Authority as a political cover for expanding its illegal settlements, Press TV reports.
“The PLO Executive Committee considers the unprecedented settler decisions which were announced by the occupation government as conclusive proof that Israel’s first and last option remains expansionism, Judaization and theft of Palestinian land, and not ending occupation and implementing the two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders,” Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) said in a Monday statement. The PLO Executive Committee issued the statement during a meeting headed by acting Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah. |
They committee said it sees poor prospects for the negotiations as Israel unveils plans to build new settlers units in the occupied Palestinian territories.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in 1967.
Palestinians are seeking to create an independent state on the territories of the West Bank, East al-Quds, and the Gaza Strip and are demanding Israel to withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories.
Tel Aviv, however, has refused to return to the 1967 borders and is unwilling to discuss the issue of al-Quds.
Much of the international community regards the Israeli settlements illegal because the territories were captured by the Tel Aviv regime in a war in 1967, and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbid construction on occupied lands.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in 1967.
Palestinians are seeking to create an independent state on the territories of the West Bank, East al-Quds, and the Gaza Strip and are demanding Israel to withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories.
Tel Aviv, however, has refused to return to the 1967 borders and is unwilling to discuss the issue of al-Quds.
Much of the international community regards the Israeli settlements illegal because the territories were captured by the Tel Aviv regime in a war in 1967, and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbid construction on occupied lands.
18 aug 2013
The Islamic-Christian Committee to support Jerusalem and holy sites Sunday stated that the new Israeli regional structural plan to protect buildings from earthquakes aims to promote settlement construction in the city of Jerusalem. Hanna Issa, Secretary General of the committee, said that the plan -known as A38- aims to “make substantial changes to the construction in the old city of Jerusalem under the pretext of protecting buildings from earthquakes.”
Hanna claimed that Israel aims to obliterate any Arab presence in the holy city, as it continues with its settlement plans.
As US Secretary of State John Kerry and President Mahmoud Abbas are working to engage in direct peace talks, Hanna said that the “leaders of Israel in the current government are trying to destroy direct negotiations by their decisions to continue settlements’ construction, for they chose settlement over peace.”
Hanna claimed that Israel aims to obliterate any Arab presence in the holy city, as it continues with its settlement plans.
As US Secretary of State John Kerry and President Mahmoud Abbas are working to engage in direct peace talks, Hanna said that the “leaders of Israel in the current government are trying to destroy direct negotiations by their decisions to continue settlements’ construction, for they chose settlement over peace.”
17 aug 2013
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Immatin is a village situated in close proximity to the annexation wall and flanked by the illegal settlements of Qedumim, Gilad and Immanu’el. Recently, three brothers from the village went to work on their land. However, when they arrived, they found that construction workers, under instruction from the Israeli authorities, were bulldozing and clearing areas of the land to erect electricity pylons. The brothers had not recieved any verbal or written request to use the land nor had they recieved any order that would confiscate it.
The brothers tried to stop the work, as the land is used for olive trees by the family and they fear the destruction of the trees. However the army were then called by the construction workers who when arriving threatened to beat and then arrest the brothers unless they left. The army said that the building work would be between the olive trees, but it is not known what |
will happen in the future, nor if it will still be permitted for them to access their own land, once these Israeli power lines are in place. When threatened with arrest the brothers left their land, powerless to assert their property and individual rights because they are Palestinian.
International activists visited the land with one of the brothers when the work was still taking place and it can be seen that the olive trees are at high risk from being destroyed during the construction. This case shows the belief that the Israeli occupation has in their own impunity, when they are able to construct, demolish and confiscate without even issuing papers. Even when demolition, confiscation and stop work orders are given, Palestinians have very little chance in overturning them in the Israel courts. The private land under construction is area C which means it is under full Israeli control, where Israel is obliged to look after the rights and administer for all the inhabitants.
International activists visited the land with one of the brothers when the work was still taking place and it can be seen that the olive trees are at high risk from being destroyed during the construction. This case shows the belief that the Israeli occupation has in their own impunity, when they are able to construct, demolish and confiscate without even issuing papers. Even when demolition, confiscation and stop work orders are given, Palestinians have very little chance in overturning them in the Israel courts. The private land under construction is area C which means it is under full Israeli control, where Israel is obliged to look after the rights and administer for all the inhabitants.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated during his recent meeting with UN General-Secretary, Ban Ki-moon, that Israel will continue to build and expand settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, and that settlements, and what he labeled as “new neighborhoods”, and settlement blocs will always remain under Israeli sovereignty.
During his meeting with Ki-moon two days ago, Netanyahu said that there is nothing to discuss or negotiate on regarding Israel’s settlements.
“Everybody knows new Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem, all settlement blocs, will always remain under Israeli control”, he said, “There is nothing to talk about, there will be no discussion on the issue”.
The Israeli Prime Minister also claimed that “it is clear everybody known that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is not the core source of tension in the Middle East”, and alleged that “the fundamental issue, the core problem in the region, is not recognizing Israel is a state for the Jewish people”.
He further claimed that the Education System in the Gaza Strip “is based on incitement against Israel”, and demanded the United Nations to examine “how summer camps run by the UNRWA, are used to foster hatred and violence in the minds of Palestinian children”, according to Netanyahu.
Israel’s illegal settlement activities, built in direct violation of International Law, are amongst the core issue that obstruct direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Israel refuses to recognize most of the core issues on the conflict, and the Palestinian legitimate rights, including the Right of Return of all refugees, the right to a fully independent and continuous state with East Jerusalem as its capital, borders and natural resources.
During his meeting with Ki-moon two days ago, Netanyahu said that there is nothing to discuss or negotiate on regarding Israel’s settlements.
“Everybody knows new Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem, all settlement blocs, will always remain under Israeli control”, he said, “There is nothing to talk about, there will be no discussion on the issue”.
The Israeli Prime Minister also claimed that “it is clear everybody known that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is not the core source of tension in the Middle East”, and alleged that “the fundamental issue, the core problem in the region, is not recognizing Israel is a state for the Jewish people”.
He further claimed that the Education System in the Gaza Strip “is based on incitement against Israel”, and demanded the United Nations to examine “how summer camps run by the UNRWA, are used to foster hatred and violence in the minds of Palestinian children”, according to Netanyahu.
Israel’s illegal settlement activities, built in direct violation of International Law, are amongst the core issue that obstruct direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Israel refuses to recognize most of the core issues on the conflict, and the Palestinian legitimate rights, including the Right of Return of all refugees, the right to a fully independent and continuous state with East Jerusalem as its capital, borders and natural resources.
16 aug 2013
A new Jewish religious institution was recently established with aim of establishing a Jewish synagogue on parts of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage stated that the Israeli authorities approved the establishment of a new Jewish institution, consisting of Jewish rabbis, aiming at establishing a synagogue on parts of al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Foundation warned of the seriousness of this process, which indicates the Israeli escalation against the mosque.
Jewish organizations are making frantic efforts, both overtly and covertly, to complete the Judaization of al-Aqsa mosque and to take control of it, especially following the recurring invasions of al-Aqsa and the attacks on worshippers in an attempt to establish fait accompli regarding the mosque and divide it.
The Foundation warned of the seriousness of this process, which indicates the Israeli escalation against the mosque.
Jewish organizations are making frantic efforts, both overtly and covertly, to complete the Judaization of al-Aqsa mosque and to take control of it, especially following the recurring invasions of al-Aqsa and the attacks on worshippers in an attempt to establish fait accompli regarding the mosque and divide it.
Prime minister says root of Israeli-Palestinian conflict is refusal to recognize Israel as Jewish state
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a meeting with UN chief Ban Ki-moon, who is visiting Israel, that the root of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the refusal to recognize the Jewish state "on any border" and has nothing to do with Israel's settlement enterprise. Netanyahu said he was looking forward to discussing regional issues with Ban, foremost Iran's attempts at obtaining a nuclear weapon and the Syrian civil war.
The prime minister said it was important to discuss "the real issues" and not those that usually get more attention such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He remarked that until recently the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was commonly cited as the root of instability in the Middle East but that this was no longer applicable in the wake of unrest in the Arab and Muslim world.
Addressing the Palestinian issue, the prime minister said that the conflict began before even one settlement was established. He noted that attacks against Israel continued despite the Gaza pullout and that this was because of a fundamental rejection of the Jewish state.
He stressed that construction in areas such as Gilo or in settlement blocs, which he said everyone including the Palestinians knows would stay under Israeli sovereignty in a future agreement, should not be the main issue of discussion. The main issue should be how to achieve a demilitarized Palestinian state that will recognize the one and only Jewish state, according to Netanyahu.
Earlier on Friday, Ban met with President Shimon Peres and stated that negotiations were the best way to move towards a two-state solution. He said this was a critical moment for Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a meeting with UN chief Ban Ki-moon, who is visiting Israel, that the root of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the refusal to recognize the Jewish state "on any border" and has nothing to do with Israel's settlement enterprise. Netanyahu said he was looking forward to discussing regional issues with Ban, foremost Iran's attempts at obtaining a nuclear weapon and the Syrian civil war.
The prime minister said it was important to discuss "the real issues" and not those that usually get more attention such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He remarked that until recently the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was commonly cited as the root of instability in the Middle East but that this was no longer applicable in the wake of unrest in the Arab and Muslim world.
Addressing the Palestinian issue, the prime minister said that the conflict began before even one settlement was established. He noted that attacks against Israel continued despite the Gaza pullout and that this was because of a fundamental rejection of the Jewish state.
He stressed that construction in areas such as Gilo or in settlement blocs, which he said everyone including the Palestinians knows would stay under Israeli sovereignty in a future agreement, should not be the main issue of discussion. The main issue should be how to achieve a demilitarized Palestinian state that will recognize the one and only Jewish state, according to Netanyahu.
Earlier on Friday, Ban met with President Shimon Peres and stated that negotiations were the best way to move towards a two-state solution. He said this was a critical moment for Israel.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has criticized Israel for its continued illegitimate settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The UN chief made the remarks during a joint news conference with acting Palestinian Authority (PA) chief Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Thursday, a day after PA officials, under pressure from the United States, agreed to begin negotiations with Israeli officials over the terms of a Palestinian state.
"I am deeply troubled by Israel’s continuing settlement activity in the (occupied) West Bank, including East Jerusalem (al-Quds)," Ban said
"The settlement activity is deepening the Palestinian people's mistrust in the seriousness on the Israeli side toward achieving peace. It will ultimately render a two-state solution impossible," he added.
In an interview with Press TV on August 2, Iranian political analyst Hamid Golpira said that Israelis want neither a one-state solution nor a two-state solution for Palestine, rather they want a no-state solution.
“The two-state solution, if it could happen in a proper way, could even be an acceptable thing for the people who want a one-state solution in the future. They could see it… as one step toward a one-state solution,” Golpira said.
He added that what “some of the Israelis, especially people like Mr. Netanyahu, are presenting… neither is the one-state solution nor is the two-state solution. It is more of a no-state solution, meaning, they want no state for Palestine, or no viable state.
“If they want to say this piece is separated and that piece is separated; certain sovereignty does not exist; this country cannot have an army, East Jerusalem (al-Quds) does not belong there, you could say that this proposal is a no-state solution, which is totally not acceptable in every way. The no-state solution is not acceptable.”
Israel has announced plans to build more than 3,000 new settlement units on the occupied Palestinian land.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds in 1967.
The UN and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.
The UN chief made the remarks during a joint news conference with acting Palestinian Authority (PA) chief Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Thursday, a day after PA officials, under pressure from the United States, agreed to begin negotiations with Israeli officials over the terms of a Palestinian state.
"I am deeply troubled by Israel’s continuing settlement activity in the (occupied) West Bank, including East Jerusalem (al-Quds)," Ban said
"The settlement activity is deepening the Palestinian people's mistrust in the seriousness on the Israeli side toward achieving peace. It will ultimately render a two-state solution impossible," he added.
In an interview with Press TV on August 2, Iranian political analyst Hamid Golpira said that Israelis want neither a one-state solution nor a two-state solution for Palestine, rather they want a no-state solution.
“The two-state solution, if it could happen in a proper way, could even be an acceptable thing for the people who want a one-state solution in the future. They could see it… as one step toward a one-state solution,” Golpira said.
He added that what “some of the Israelis, especially people like Mr. Netanyahu, are presenting… neither is the one-state solution nor is the two-state solution. It is more of a no-state solution, meaning, they want no state for Palestine, or no viable state.
“If they want to say this piece is separated and that piece is separated; certain sovereignty does not exist; this country cannot have an army, East Jerusalem (al-Quds) does not belong there, you could say that this proposal is a no-state solution, which is totally not acceptable in every way. The no-state solution is not acceptable.”
Israel has announced plans to build more than 3,000 new settlement units on the occupied Palestinian land.
The presence and continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine has created a major obstacle for the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 illegal settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds in 1967.
The UN and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.
