31 dec 2013
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Israeli occupation forces (IOF) bulldozed land south of Jenin on Monday night and arrested two citizens in Burqin village to the west of Jenin. Local sources said that two IOF bulldozers leveled land of a former Israeli army base that was evacuated in 2005 under protection of dozens of soldiers, adding that they continued work on the area until Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses reported that IOF soldiers detained two young men in Burqin village after raiding a number of homes and shops on Monday evening.
They said that the first youth was taken from his home while the other was taken from a coffee shop, which he owns.
In another incident, IOF soldiers raided Seelat Al-Harithiya village, west of Jenin, and searched its land for water wells.
Local sources said that officers of the so-called Israeli water authority accompanied the soldiers and broke into the home of lawyer Baha’a Ziyad and questioned him about presence of water wells in his house’s backyard.
The sources said that the soldiers searched the backyard and dug in several places amidst dismay on the part of the lawyer before leaving the house and the village.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses reported that IOF soldiers detained two young men in Burqin village after raiding a number of homes and shops on Monday evening.
They said that the first youth was taken from his home while the other was taken from a coffee shop, which he owns.
In another incident, IOF soldiers raided Seelat Al-Harithiya village, west of Jenin, and searched its land for water wells.
Local sources said that officers of the so-called Israeli water authority accompanied the soldiers and broke into the home of lawyer Baha’a Ziyad and questioned him about presence of water wells in his house’s backyard.
The sources said that the soldiers searched the backyard and dug in several places amidst dismay on the part of the lawyer before leaving the house and the village.
30 dec 2013
Jewish settlers leveled land of Kufr Al-Deek village, west of Salfit, to annex more Palestinian land and expand their settlement. Khaled Ma’ali, a researcher in settlement activity, said in a press release on Sunday that the settlers of Lishim settlement put on signs clearly indicating the establishment of their new settlement.
He pointed out that the new settlement was announced during the recent round of PA-Israeli negotiations.
Ma’ali said that the Jewish settlements were rapidly spreading in Salfit governorate.
He pointed out that the new settlement was announced during the recent round of PA-Israeli negotiations.
Ma’ali said that the Jewish settlements were rapidly spreading in Salfit governorate.
An Israeli municipal crew raided under military protection on Sunday the Palestinian district of Silwan in occupied Jerusalem and notified its residents of some demolition orders issued against structures, including a Mosque, at the pretext of unlicensed construction. According to the information center of Wadi Hilwa, the municipal crew put up and handed demolition warnings against a mosque, homes and parking lots in Bir Ayyub and Ein Loza neighborhoods.
The center said that the Palestinian owners of these structures were given 30 days to officially object to the demolition decisions.
Eyewitnesses reported that the municipal crew photographed the structures to be razed in addition to entrances of some neighborhoods in Silwan.
The center said that the Palestinian owners of these structures were given 30 days to officially object to the demolition decisions.
Eyewitnesses reported that the municipal crew photographed the structures to be razed in addition to entrances of some neighborhoods in Silwan.
29 dec 2013
A chief Palestinian official on Sunday condemned an Israeli committee vote in favor of a Knesset bill that would annex the Jordan Valley, placing it under full Israeli sovereignty.
Chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat said the decision destroys all efforts for peace with Israel, showing the Israeli government's "indifference" toward international law.
In an interview with Ma'an, Erekat said the Palestinian response should be to seek statehood recognition by the United Nations and other international bodies.
He called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for such a decision.
Israel's Channel Seven reported Sunday that the Ministerial Committee on Legislation voted in favor of a bill that would annex the entirety of the Jordan Valley.
Four ministers approved it and three opposed it, the report said.
Among those opposing it was Tzipi Livni, Israel's minister of justice, who appealed the vote.
"The government is tying its hands and the hands of the prime minister," Livni said, according to the Israeli news site Ynet.
"A profound debate must be held on such issues. You can't ratify such populist proposals ... which cause great damage to the State of Israel and render it isolated in the world."
Livni is charged with overseeing the current round of peace talks with the Palestinians.
The majority of the Jordan Valley is under full Israeli military control, despite being within the Palestinian West Bank.
Over 94 percent of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea area is prohibited for Palestinian use, with the land either declared a closed military zone or reserved for illegal Israeli settlements.
Israel has always insisted that a continued military presence on the frontier would be vital for its security for some 10-15 years after Palestinian statehood.
Palestinians reject the idea of an Israeli military presence, but have said an international peacekeeping force would be acceptable.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in contravention of international law.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat said the decision destroys all efforts for peace with Israel, showing the Israeli government's "indifference" toward international law.
In an interview with Ma'an, Erekat said the Palestinian response should be to seek statehood recognition by the United Nations and other international bodies.
He called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for such a decision.
Israel's Channel Seven reported Sunday that the Ministerial Committee on Legislation voted in favor of a bill that would annex the entirety of the Jordan Valley.
Four ministers approved it and three opposed it, the report said.
Among those opposing it was Tzipi Livni, Israel's minister of justice, who appealed the vote.
"The government is tying its hands and the hands of the prime minister," Livni said, according to the Israeli news site Ynet.
"A profound debate must be held on such issues. You can't ratify such populist proposals ... which cause great damage to the State of Israel and render it isolated in the world."
Livni is charged with overseeing the current round of peace talks with the Palestinians.
The majority of the Jordan Valley is under full Israeli military control, despite being within the Palestinian West Bank.
Over 94 percent of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea area is prohibited for Palestinian use, with the land either declared a closed military zone or reserved for illegal Israeli settlements.
Israel has always insisted that a continued military presence on the frontier would be vital for its security for some 10-15 years after Palestinian statehood.
Palestinians reject the idea of an Israeli military presence, but have said an international peacekeeping force would be acceptable.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in contravention of international law.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
28 dec 2013
French New Immigrants Departing from Paris for Israel
The Israeli government intends to announce a three-year plan aimed at attracting more French Jews to settle in the 1948 occupied Palestinian lands, according to different Israeli newspapers.
They said the plan would be funded by the governments of Israel and France.
Maariv newspaper said the government would start to carry out its plan during the first four months of the next year in order to increase the number of Jewish immigrants after scores of Israeli settlers emigrated from Israel to the US, Britain and Canada during 2013.
It added that the relevant ministries formed a few months ago a team of specialists to determine the reasons that prompt a large segment of Jews from around the world to choose to live in countries other than the 1948 occupied Palestinian lands.
In order to divert the migration of those Jews into the 1948 occupied lands, the team suggested that the government should provide them with jobs and homes and accept them in educational institutions.
The Israeli government intends to announce a three-year plan aimed at attracting more French Jews to settle in the 1948 occupied Palestinian lands, according to different Israeli newspapers.
They said the plan would be funded by the governments of Israel and France.
Maariv newspaper said the government would start to carry out its plan during the first four months of the next year in order to increase the number of Jewish immigrants after scores of Israeli settlers emigrated from Israel to the US, Britain and Canada during 2013.
It added that the relevant ministries formed a few months ago a team of specialists to determine the reasons that prompt a large segment of Jews from around the world to choose to live in countries other than the 1948 occupied Palestinian lands.
In order to divert the migration of those Jews into the 1948 occupied lands, the team suggested that the government should provide them with jobs and homes and accept them in educational institutions.
27 dec 2013
Israeli Likud MK, Miri Regev, said on Friday that Israel should not accept any US proposals for a peace agreement that provides for the Palestinians to assume control of the Jordan Valley, even if a transitional Israeli security presence is maintained for a limited time, The Jerusalem Post reported.
A day after she submitted a bill to annex the Jordan Valley, Regev told Israel Radio that "Negotiations should be conducted about peace, not about land," adding that this issue stands as a first order of strategic importance.
She added that Israeli law should be applied to settlements in the Jordan Valley, in order for the Israeli government to transmit the message that it will not give up on its security presence in the area.
A day after she submitted a bill to annex the Jordan Valley, Regev told Israel Radio that "Negotiations should be conducted about peace, not about land," adding that this issue stands as a first order of strategic importance.
She added that Israeli law should be applied to settlements in the Jordan Valley, in order for the Israeli government to transmit the message that it will not give up on its security presence in the area.
26 dec 2013
Israeli bulldozers started to level private Palestinian lands south of Qalqiliya in the northern West Bank slated for confiscation.
Witnesses told Ma’an that large numbers of Israeli troops deployed in the area between Ras Atiya and al-Dabaa villages south of Qalqiliya. The soldiers prevented Palestinian citizens from approaching the area where bulldozers leveled their fields.
Locals highlighted that Israeli forces had notified Palestinian owners of more than 15 donums (about 4 acres) that entry to the land was forbidden. The Israelis claimed that the land was a private property owned by Israeli citizens.
Witnesses told Ma’an that large numbers of Israeli troops deployed in the area between Ras Atiya and al-Dabaa villages south of Qalqiliya. The soldiers prevented Palestinian citizens from approaching the area where bulldozers leveled their fields.
Locals highlighted that Israeli forces had notified Palestinian owners of more than 15 donums (about 4 acres) that entry to the land was forbidden. The Israelis claimed that the land was a private property owned by Israeli citizens.
For the 63rd time, Israeli forces demolished the Bedouin village of al-Araqib in Negev Thursday morning.
A Ma’an reporter in Beersheba said bulldozers escorted by 25 police patrols raided the village at 9 a.m. and demolished all its steel houses.
“Forces of demolition and destruction raided our village in the morning and demolished our houses for the 63rd time. This is a barbarian assault as they left residents homeless during wintry weather,” local resident Aziz Sayyah al-Touri told Ma’an.
He highlighted that the assault came after Israel announced abandoning the Prawer Plan to displace Negev Bedouins.
Israel considers al-Araqib and all Bedouin villages in the Negev illegal, while Bedouins say it is their ancestral land.
There are about 260,000 Bedouin in Israel, mostly living in and around the Negev in the arid south. More than half live in unrecognized villages without utilities and many also live in extreme poverty.
A Ma’an reporter in Beersheba said bulldozers escorted by 25 police patrols raided the village at 9 a.m. and demolished all its steel houses.
“Forces of demolition and destruction raided our village in the morning and demolished our houses for the 63rd time. This is a barbarian assault as they left residents homeless during wintry weather,” local resident Aziz Sayyah al-Touri told Ma’an.
He highlighted that the assault came after Israel announced abandoning the Prawer Plan to displace Negev Bedouins.
Israel considers al-Araqib and all Bedouin villages in the Negev illegal, while Bedouins say it is their ancestral land.
There are about 260,000 Bedouin in Israel, mostly living in and around the Negev in the arid south. More than half live in unrecognized villages without utilities and many also live in extreme poverty.
Responding to damage, the occupation claims 'price tag' victims at fault for failing to duly protect their land.
The Israeli occupation is claiming that Palestinians who were the recent target of a “price tag” attack are to blame for their misfortune - because they failed to adequately protect their plot of land.
This position arises from the occupation’s response to a damages filed by the owners of an olive grove situated in Area C in the occupied West Bank, under full Israeli military and civilian control.
The IOF, for its part, is refusing to install lighting around the olive grove to protect it from future vandalism, arguing that a complaint for damages has already been filed. The grove, which belongs to the Amour family, lies adjacent to highway 317 in the southern Hebron hills, across from A-Tawani village, the illegal settlement of Maon and the outpost Havat Maon. This case can well serve as a litmus test for the seriousness of declarations made by civilian and military authorities, according to which they will take action against price tag vigilantes.
In 2006, unknown persons cut down all 120 trees in the grove. In 2011, part of a surrounding fence was destroyed and a tree was felled. On the night of May 9 of this year, half of the trees belonging to the Amour family were chopped down, and the act was accompanied by a message sprayed in Hebrew letters, saying that “price tag is fed up with thieves – mutual responsibility” and “regards from Eviatar”. The perpetrators used hand saws to achieve their mission.
After each of the incidents, the Amour family filed a complaint with the police, asking for protection against future vandalism.
Ten days after the third incident, attorney Itai Mack, representing the family, appealed to occupation Brig. Gen. Moti Almoz, who was then head of the Civil Administration in the territories, asking him to specify what actions he would undertake to prevent further acts of vandalism. Mack was relying on a 2006 decision by the Israeli High Court of Justice which ruled that the authorities must “devote manpower for the protection of Palestinian property, must open an immediate inquiry when reports of harassment are received, and send out patrols by security forces to locate such activities.”
Almoz’s bureau responded by saying that the person to handle such matters was Lt. Ronnie Rivlin, the officer in charge of public complaints at the IOF’s Central Command. However, two letters to Lt. Rivlin, sent on May 23 and June 5 by attorney Mack, went unanswered.
On June 13 Mack filed a comlaint for damages against the occupation state, amounting to 65,840 shekels ($18,709) since, according to him, “the state’s incompetence, negligence and lack of serious attention to the complaints only encouraged extremist Israelis to continue their actions, giving them a sense of immunity vis-à-vis law enforcement authorities.” Mack mentioned in his petition that the state routinely safeguards the property of colonial settlers and funds security measures for them, such as fences and surveillance cameras.
The occupation state’s response to the petition was brought on October 20 by attorney Moshe Vilinger. It says that “the state’s contention is that the bulk of the blame lies with the plaintiff, who at the very least was a main contributor to the damage. The state claims that the plaintiff did not take sufficient measures to prevent the incident. For example, the plaintiff claims that had the defendant had set up lighting, the incident would have been avoided. However, he decided to wait it out, relying on security forces and the authorities to undertake an action which he could have resorted to himself.” The attorney also argued that the vandals were not emissaries of the state, which did not sanction or approve their actions.
In the meantime, the officer in charge of public complaints responded to Mack on October 3, and upon her suggestion, on October 28 representatives of the occupied West Bank illegal colonial settlements counsel and officers of the occupation Civil Administration toured the grove in order to investigate methods of protecting it. A month later, unknown persons vandalized an adjacent grove belonging to another family.
In response to a query from Haaretz regarding the setting up of lighting around the grove, the occupation military spokesman said this week that “the family’s request was carefully addressed, including tours to the area. The family chose to turn to the courts before a decision was reached by the IOF. The issue is now being handled by the legal system, and the family will be notified in the customary manner when a decision is reached.”
The Israeli occupation is claiming that Palestinians who were the recent target of a “price tag” attack are to blame for their misfortune - because they failed to adequately protect their plot of land.
This position arises from the occupation’s response to a damages filed by the owners of an olive grove situated in Area C in the occupied West Bank, under full Israeli military and civilian control.
The IOF, for its part, is refusing to install lighting around the olive grove to protect it from future vandalism, arguing that a complaint for damages has already been filed. The grove, which belongs to the Amour family, lies adjacent to highway 317 in the southern Hebron hills, across from A-Tawani village, the illegal settlement of Maon and the outpost Havat Maon. This case can well serve as a litmus test for the seriousness of declarations made by civilian and military authorities, according to which they will take action against price tag vigilantes.
In 2006, unknown persons cut down all 120 trees in the grove. In 2011, part of a surrounding fence was destroyed and a tree was felled. On the night of May 9 of this year, half of the trees belonging to the Amour family were chopped down, and the act was accompanied by a message sprayed in Hebrew letters, saying that “price tag is fed up with thieves – mutual responsibility” and “regards from Eviatar”. The perpetrators used hand saws to achieve their mission.
After each of the incidents, the Amour family filed a complaint with the police, asking for protection against future vandalism.
Ten days after the third incident, attorney Itai Mack, representing the family, appealed to occupation Brig. Gen. Moti Almoz, who was then head of the Civil Administration in the territories, asking him to specify what actions he would undertake to prevent further acts of vandalism. Mack was relying on a 2006 decision by the Israeli High Court of Justice which ruled that the authorities must “devote manpower for the protection of Palestinian property, must open an immediate inquiry when reports of harassment are received, and send out patrols by security forces to locate such activities.”
Almoz’s bureau responded by saying that the person to handle such matters was Lt. Ronnie Rivlin, the officer in charge of public complaints at the IOF’s Central Command. However, two letters to Lt. Rivlin, sent on May 23 and June 5 by attorney Mack, went unanswered.
On June 13 Mack filed a comlaint for damages against the occupation state, amounting to 65,840 shekels ($18,709) since, according to him, “the state’s incompetence, negligence and lack of serious attention to the complaints only encouraged extremist Israelis to continue their actions, giving them a sense of immunity vis-à-vis law enforcement authorities.” Mack mentioned in his petition that the state routinely safeguards the property of colonial settlers and funds security measures for them, such as fences and surveillance cameras.
The occupation state’s response to the petition was brought on October 20 by attorney Moshe Vilinger. It says that “the state’s contention is that the bulk of the blame lies with the plaintiff, who at the very least was a main contributor to the damage. The state claims that the plaintiff did not take sufficient measures to prevent the incident. For example, the plaintiff claims that had the defendant had set up lighting, the incident would have been avoided. However, he decided to wait it out, relying on security forces and the authorities to undertake an action which he could have resorted to himself.” The attorney also argued that the vandals were not emissaries of the state, which did not sanction or approve their actions.
In the meantime, the officer in charge of public complaints responded to Mack on October 3, and upon her suggestion, on October 28 representatives of the occupied West Bank illegal colonial settlements counsel and officers of the occupation Civil Administration toured the grove in order to investigate methods of protecting it. A month later, unknown persons vandalized an adjacent grove belonging to another family.
In response to a query from Haaretz regarding the setting up of lighting around the grove, the occupation military spokesman said this week that “the family’s request was carefully addressed, including tours to the area. The family chose to turn to the courts before a decision was reached by the IOF. The issue is now being handled by the legal system, and the family will be notified in the customary manner when a decision is reached.”
25 dec 2013
Nine settler homes in the Israeli illegal settlement of Ofra are not seen as a “priority” by the Israeli goverment to be removed.
As there is no master plan of the settlement it is not possible to gain a building permit within, which makes the houses illegal, the Jerusalem Post reported.
The houses are build on stolen Palestinian land and even an Israeli NGO have argued that the houses should be demolished as the case is currently in court.
The Israeli government has however argued that the buildings were constructed years ago (2008), thus giving them “immunity”.
As there is no master plan of the settlement it is not possible to gain a building permit within, which makes the houses illegal, the Jerusalem Post reported.
The houses are build on stolen Palestinian land and even an Israeli NGO have argued that the houses should be demolished as the case is currently in court.
The Israeli government has however argued that the buildings were constructed years ago (2008), thus giving them “immunity”.
A father and child among their belongings following a recent home demolition
The United Nations Palestine refugee agency on Wednesday condemned Israel's latest demolitions of Palestinian Bedouin homes in the West Bank, which UNRWA said displaced 68 people.
The latest demolitions in the West Bank, "the most recent of which occurred on Christmas Eve," have "severely threatened" the livelihoods of the families that lost their homes, UNRWA Spokesman Chris Gunnes said in a statement.
According to UNRWA, the demolitions that occurred near Ramallah and Jericho displaced 68 people in total, most of whom were refugees, and 32 of whom were children, "including a five year old girl who is paralyzed from the waist down."
The demolitions took place in Ein Ayoub, displacing 61, and in Fasayil al-Wusta displacing seven, Gunnes said.
"These are Bedouin communities who managed to weather the recent snow storms. Tents have been distributed by the Palestinian Red Crescent in coordination with the ICRC but this is hardly adequate considering night-time temperatures plunge to around zero. In addition, some 750 head of sheep and goats are without shelter at this crucial lambing season."
Gunnes said the home demolitions violated international law, and that they have forced communities who have historically been self sufficient to rely on international aid and "endure the pitiless seasonal weather in inadequate housing."
The United Nations Palestine refugee agency on Wednesday condemned Israel's latest demolitions of Palestinian Bedouin homes in the West Bank, which UNRWA said displaced 68 people.
The latest demolitions in the West Bank, "the most recent of which occurred on Christmas Eve," have "severely threatened" the livelihoods of the families that lost their homes, UNRWA Spokesman Chris Gunnes said in a statement.
According to UNRWA, the demolitions that occurred near Ramallah and Jericho displaced 68 people in total, most of whom were refugees, and 32 of whom were children, "including a five year old girl who is paralyzed from the waist down."
The demolitions took place in Ein Ayoub, displacing 61, and in Fasayil al-Wusta displacing seven, Gunnes said.
"These are Bedouin communities who managed to weather the recent snow storms. Tents have been distributed by the Palestinian Red Crescent in coordination with the ICRC but this is hardly adequate considering night-time temperatures plunge to around zero. In addition, some 750 head of sheep and goats are without shelter at this crucial lambing season."
Gunnes said the home demolitions violated international law, and that they have forced communities who have historically been self sufficient to rely on international aid and "endure the pitiless seasonal weather in inadequate housing."
So far in 2013, at least 1,103 Palestinians have been displaced throughout the West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to UNRWA figures. Of that number, 34 percent are refugees.
Israeli Civil Administration has demolished "663 structures, including 259 residential units" in the West Bank this year.
"These demolitions are a common trigger of forced displacement and may amount to a forcible transfer and forced eviction under international humanitarian law and human rights law," Gunnes said.
"We call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law, most particularly to ensure the humane treatment and protection of the civilian Palestinian population at all times, including through an immediate halt to administrative demolitions."
A spokesman for Israel's Civil Administration did not immediately respond to emails for comment.
Israeli Civil Administration has demolished "663 structures, including 259 residential units" in the West Bank this year.
"These demolitions are a common trigger of forced displacement and may amount to a forcible transfer and forced eviction under international humanitarian law and human rights law," Gunnes said.
"We call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law, most particularly to ensure the humane treatment and protection of the civilian Palestinian population at all times, including through an immediate halt to administrative demolitions."
A spokesman for Israel's Civil Administration did not immediately respond to emails for comment.
24 dec 2013
Israeli bulldozers on Tuesday destroyed 15 houses in Palestinian villages west of Ramallah, a Ma'an reporter said.
Early Tuesday, three Israeli bulldozers accompanied by 10 military jeeps raided the Bedouin villages of Ras Karkar and Deir Ammar and started demolishing buildings, reportedly without giving a warning.
Locals said the demolitions were carried out under the pretext of security concerns, due to the fact the villages are located near Israeli settlements.
A spokesman for Israeli Civil Administration could not be reached for comment.
Early Tuesday, three Israeli bulldozers accompanied by 10 military jeeps raided the Bedouin villages of Ras Karkar and Deir Ammar and started demolishing buildings, reportedly without giving a warning.
Locals said the demolitions were carried out under the pretext of security concerns, due to the fact the villages are located near Israeli settlements.
A spokesman for Israeli Civil Administration could not be reached for comment.
Israeli municipal court in occupied Jerusalem has issued an order on Monday to demolish two buildings in Silwan town belonging to two brothers under the pretext of being built without permit. The two buildings were built ten years ago. The first building contains two floors built over 540 square meters, where 12 persons live, while the second is built over a total area of 135 square meters where 7 persons live.
The buildings' owners said that their mother had built the mentioned buildings ten years ago and paid a fine of 650 thousand shekels before her death, two years ago, to avoid the Israeli demolition. However, the Israeli authorities continued to issue demolition orders against the buildings.
The buildings' owners said that their mother had built the mentioned buildings ten years ago and paid a fine of 650 thousand shekels before her death, two years ago, to avoid the Israeli demolition. However, the Israeli authorities continued to issue demolition orders against the buildings.
Dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded the northern West Bank city of Nablus, and kidnapped five Palestinians. Soldiers also invaded Bethlehem, confiscate bulldozer, hand a military order illegally confiscating Palestinian lands.
The Maan News Agency has reported that more than fifteen Israeli military vehicles invaded the city from different directions, and advanced into several neighborhoods, especially the Old City, the Dahiya area and the Ta’awon Street.
The soldiers violently searched several homes causing excessive property damage, and kidnapped Imad Ed-Deen Halawa, 20, Raed Sami Hamdan, 20, Bashir Raji Taqtouq, 21, Wajdy Qanadeelo and Rami Kilbany.
On Monday evening, soldiers invaded Khallit An-Nahla area, south of Bethlehem, and confiscated a bulldozer that belong to a resident.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall in Bethlehem, Hasan Breijiyya, stated that some residents were opening an agricultural road in their lands before dozens of soldiers and members of the Civil Administration Office, run by the army, invaded the area, confiscated the bulldozer and handed the residents a military order “confiscating the land for military purposes”.
He said that the lands are located in Area C, under Israeli military and security control, and called on the residents to tend to their lands, plant them, and to use legal venues to resist the Israeli violations against them and their lands.
The Maan News Agency has reported that more than fifteen Israeli military vehicles invaded the city from different directions, and advanced into several neighborhoods, especially the Old City, the Dahiya area and the Ta’awon Street.
The soldiers violently searched several homes causing excessive property damage, and kidnapped Imad Ed-Deen Halawa, 20, Raed Sami Hamdan, 20, Bashir Raji Taqtouq, 21, Wajdy Qanadeelo and Rami Kilbany.
On Monday evening, soldiers invaded Khallit An-Nahla area, south of Bethlehem, and confiscated a bulldozer that belong to a resident.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall in Bethlehem, Hasan Breijiyya, stated that some residents were opening an agricultural road in their lands before dozens of soldiers and members of the Civil Administration Office, run by the army, invaded the area, confiscated the bulldozer and handed the residents a military order “confiscating the land for military purposes”.
He said that the lands are located in Area C, under Israeli military and security control, and called on the residents to tend to their lands, plant them, and to use legal venues to resist the Israeli violations against them and their lands.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) razed a house and four sheds in the central Jordan Valley on Tuesday morning owned by Palestinian shepherds. Local sources said that the soldiers arrived in Fasayel village, south of Jericho, in ten army vehicles and two bulldozers and closed all entrances to the village before starting the demolition streak, which went ahead without any prior notice.
They said that the soldiers threatened the shepherds that their homes and facilities would be razed anew if they rebuilt them.
The IOF embarks, on semi daily basis, on the destruction of homes and facilities in the Jordan Valley with the aim of forcing inhabitants to abandon their land and facilitating its Judaization.
They said that the soldiers threatened the shepherds that their homes and facilities would be razed anew if they rebuilt them.
The IOF embarks, on semi daily basis, on the destruction of homes and facilities in the Jordan Valley with the aim of forcing inhabitants to abandon their land and facilitating its Judaization.
23 dec 2013
Israeli Supreme Court of Justice panel asked Palestinians farmers from the West Bank village of Yatta to withdraw a petition against Israeli settlers who siezed their lands, Haaretz reported. The Israel Prosecutor's Office admitted that the Palestinians proved their legal attachment to the land and advised them to pursue the matter by civil legal action. He explained that the Supreme Court panel's request that they withdraw the petition indicates that it agrees.
Incidents of settlers seizing control of Palestinian land are increased in the recent years.
Three Israeli judges considered on last Wednesday the petition of the Hushiya family of Yatta. The petition concerns 300 dunoms between the illegal settlement of Susya and the unauthorized outpost of Mitzpe Yair, and another 900 dunams of pasture. The petition is that the settlers launched violent attacks on family members , preventing them from getting to their agricultural land and using the pasture of the their herds. The petitioners demanded that the" authorities " guarantee their freedom of movement and evacuate the settlers.
Israeli Attorney Amir Fisher, who represented the Susya settlement argued on their behalf that the lot was purchased in 1991 by Yair Har Sinai , but the attorney did not present any documents to back this claim.
Incidents of settlers seizing control of Palestinian land are increased in the recent years.
Three Israeli judges considered on last Wednesday the petition of the Hushiya family of Yatta. The petition concerns 300 dunoms between the illegal settlement of Susya and the unauthorized outpost of Mitzpe Yair, and another 900 dunams of pasture. The petition is that the settlers launched violent attacks on family members , preventing them from getting to their agricultural land and using the pasture of the their herds. The petitioners demanded that the" authorities " guarantee their freedom of movement and evacuate the settlers.
Israeli Attorney Amir Fisher, who represented the Susya settlement argued on their behalf that the lot was purchased in 1991 by Yair Har Sinai , but the attorney did not present any documents to back this claim.
22 dec 2013
Lebanon’s caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour
Lebanon has warned against a potential Israeli measure to demarcate maritime borders, saying the move would threaten peace and stability in the region.
Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour made the remarks on Saturday following reports that Tel Aviv was seeking to “impose maritime border realities” with Lebanon through a draft law that will be proposed in the Israeli parliament, Knesset.
Mansour said, “This is a very dangerous decision if adopted by Israel, and it threatens stability, security and peace in the region.”
“Lebanon would be under no obligations and would consider as null any unilateral step taken by Israel to demarcate the maritime borders.”
Mansour also stated that the Israeli measure would “represent a blatant violation to international law, particularly the United Nations maritime agreement of 1982.”
Lebanon and the Israeli regime claim a disputed maritime area in the Mediterranean Sea as part of their respective Exclusive Economic Zones.
The 854-square-kilometer holds large reserves of natural gas that could generate billions of dollars in the future.
Mansour added that Beirut considers any Israeli measure to demarcate the maritime borders “as an aggressive act” and “an act of piracy to the Lebanon oil and gas wealth that would lead to dangerous repercussions to the security, stability and peace in a place where tensions are already elevated.”
“Israel will bear full responsibility for any repercussions from such a move,” he said.
The minister urged all political parties to “fill the present void in the government” to respond to “this new aggression and confront and resist it will all legal means.”
In July, Lebanese caretaker Energy Minister Gebran Bassil said Israel has discovered a new offshore gas field near his country’s territorial waters, which allows Tel Aviv to tap into Lebanon’s oil deposits.
Lebanon has warned against a potential Israeli measure to demarcate maritime borders, saying the move would threaten peace and stability in the region.
Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour made the remarks on Saturday following reports that Tel Aviv was seeking to “impose maritime border realities” with Lebanon through a draft law that will be proposed in the Israeli parliament, Knesset.
Mansour said, “This is a very dangerous decision if adopted by Israel, and it threatens stability, security and peace in the region.”
“Lebanon would be under no obligations and would consider as null any unilateral step taken by Israel to demarcate the maritime borders.”
Mansour also stated that the Israeli measure would “represent a blatant violation to international law, particularly the United Nations maritime agreement of 1982.”
Lebanon and the Israeli regime claim a disputed maritime area in the Mediterranean Sea as part of their respective Exclusive Economic Zones.
The 854-square-kilometer holds large reserves of natural gas that could generate billions of dollars in the future.
Mansour added that Beirut considers any Israeli measure to demarcate the maritime borders “as an aggressive act” and “an act of piracy to the Lebanon oil and gas wealth that would lead to dangerous repercussions to the security, stability and peace in a place where tensions are already elevated.”
“Israel will bear full responsibility for any repercussions from such a move,” he said.
The minister urged all political parties to “fill the present void in the government” to respond to “this new aggression and confront and resist it will all legal means.”
In July, Lebanese caretaker Energy Minister Gebran Bassil said Israel has discovered a new offshore gas field near his country’s territorial waters, which allows Tel Aviv to tap into Lebanon’s oil deposits.
Israeli forces Sunday notified three Palestinian families in the Jordan Valley of their intentions to demolish their homes, according to a local activist. Aref Daraghmeh, head of Maleh village council said that forces gave the residents a week to evacuate their homes located in Kherbit al-Farsiyya, where several other properties were also previously demolished by forces.
Forces conducted a land survey to the area which he said comes as a prelude to evacuate the land from its original residents.
Forces conducted a land survey to the area which he said comes as a prelude to evacuate the land from its original residents.
21 dec 2013
Barta'a Village Council said that Israeli demolition notifications have noticeably increased during 2013 in the town. During a press conference, the Village Council declared the formation of a local committee in Barta'a's town, in Jenin, to address the Israeli demolition policy.
Israeli occupation authorities issued 29 demolition notifications during 2010 and 11 demolition notifications during 2011, while they issued 10 demolition notifications during 2012. In 2013, however, 58 Israeli demolition notices were issued and 11 shops and two houses were actually razed.
Ghassan Qabaha, head of the Village Council, charged that the IOA had launched a fierce demolition campaign against the village since 2010 in order to force its citizens to leave their homes, praising the people's steadfastness before the Israeli schemes.
Qabaha said that the village's inhabitants are determined to confront Israeli escalated demolition policy.
Israeli occupation authorities issued 29 demolition notifications during 2010 and 11 demolition notifications during 2011, while they issued 10 demolition notifications during 2012. In 2013, however, 58 Israeli demolition notices were issued and 11 shops and two houses were actually razed.
Ghassan Qabaha, head of the Village Council, charged that the IOA had launched a fierce demolition campaign against the village since 2010 in order to force its citizens to leave their homes, praising the people's steadfastness before the Israeli schemes.
Qabaha said that the village's inhabitants are determined to confront Israeli escalated demolition policy.
19 dec 2013
Arab-Israeli legislator approached by man who poured scorching liquid on him at anti-Prawer protest. Tibi had previously symbolically spilled water on Prawer Bill in Knesset
Police arrested a man Thursday morning for spilling hot tea on Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) at a protest against the Prawer plan held by dozens of Negev residents in front of the Beersheba Magistrate's Court. During the course of the demonstration, a Jewish man in his forties approached Tibi and spilled the scorching-hot liquid on him. A few months ago, MK Tibi had symbolically poured water on the Prawer plan during a discussion of the bill in the Knesset plenum.
It is not clear whether the tea spill was a direct, symbolic retaliation, but police have arrested the suspect; Tibi reported a burning sensation in his eyes.
Dozens of demonstrators – among them Arab MKs and others in the Islamist movement – took part in the protest.
After the incident, MK Tibi said: "There is not doubt that the right-wing's incitement against Arab MKs has an effect… The attack on me is the result of rising racism and inciting against Arab MKs specifically because of the Prawer affair." He added: "I don't fear death threats, spit, or hot tea, and I will continue to raise my voice in protest. It is severe that a public figure is physically attacked because of their position."
One of the protesters explained the reason for the demonstration: "We are still concerned that the Israeli government is trying to execute the Prawer plan. It is endangering our existence on our land. We won't cede easily, even if they'll kill us in our homes."
Another echoed the sentiment: "It is unfortunate that the State of Israel discriminates against her Arab citizens across the country. Instead of a government that protects us, the citizens, it abandons us. It doesn't care about the Negev residents, we are like dogs." The demonstrator testified that the person who spilled the tea acted "in full confidence, because he knew very well that in the end he will be released and not charged with anything.
The government encourages activities against Arab citizens of the State of Israel."
Plan out-of-commission? Last week, former Minister Benny Begin announced a halt of the Prawer plan to resettle Negev Bedouins, but the government has taken no steps regarding the matter – some deny the plan was ever even frozen.
The Prawer outline is a governmental process that will resettle the Bedouin in the Negev. The plan was formed after a slow political process, and it is meant to help solve the land ownership dispute between the State and the Bedouin population in Israel. Due to the government’s intention to pass the bill, there has been a series of riots and protests in the past weeks that both Bedouins and other social activists have started.
Netanyahu initially said – after seeing the protests – that the rioters will be punished and the bill will continue as planned. “There is no, and there will not be any tolerance for those who break the law. We will continue to advance the Prawer Bill. The attempts of a violent and loud minority to prevent a better future for this large and wide-spanning population have been severe.” The controversial plan is still under discussion.
Police arrested a man Thursday morning for spilling hot tea on Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) at a protest against the Prawer plan held by dozens of Negev residents in front of the Beersheba Magistrate's Court. During the course of the demonstration, a Jewish man in his forties approached Tibi and spilled the scorching-hot liquid on him. A few months ago, MK Tibi had symbolically poured water on the Prawer plan during a discussion of the bill in the Knesset plenum.
It is not clear whether the tea spill was a direct, symbolic retaliation, but police have arrested the suspect; Tibi reported a burning sensation in his eyes.
Dozens of demonstrators – among them Arab MKs and others in the Islamist movement – took part in the protest.
After the incident, MK Tibi said: "There is not doubt that the right-wing's incitement against Arab MKs has an effect… The attack on me is the result of rising racism and inciting against Arab MKs specifically because of the Prawer affair." He added: "I don't fear death threats, spit, or hot tea, and I will continue to raise my voice in protest. It is severe that a public figure is physically attacked because of their position."
One of the protesters explained the reason for the demonstration: "We are still concerned that the Israeli government is trying to execute the Prawer plan. It is endangering our existence on our land. We won't cede easily, even if they'll kill us in our homes."
Another echoed the sentiment: "It is unfortunate that the State of Israel discriminates against her Arab citizens across the country. Instead of a government that protects us, the citizens, it abandons us. It doesn't care about the Negev residents, we are like dogs." The demonstrator testified that the person who spilled the tea acted "in full confidence, because he knew very well that in the end he will be released and not charged with anything.
The government encourages activities against Arab citizens of the State of Israel."
Plan out-of-commission? Last week, former Minister Benny Begin announced a halt of the Prawer plan to resettle Negev Bedouins, but the government has taken no steps regarding the matter – some deny the plan was ever even frozen.
The Prawer outline is a governmental process that will resettle the Bedouin in the Negev. The plan was formed after a slow political process, and it is meant to help solve the land ownership dispute between the State and the Bedouin population in Israel. Due to the government’s intention to pass the bill, there has been a series of riots and protests in the past weeks that both Bedouins and other social activists have started.
Netanyahu initially said – after seeing the protests – that the rioters will be punished and the bill will continue as planned. “There is no, and there will not be any tolerance for those who break the law. We will continue to advance the Prawer Bill. The attempts of a violent and loud minority to prevent a better future for this large and wide-spanning population have been severe.” The controversial plan is still under discussion.
In a press release issued Thursday, the EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah expressed concern about the demolitions of 30 Palestinian-owned structures, including residential structures, in the Jordan valley on 10th December. The demolitions resulted in the displacement of 41 people, including 24 children, some of whom were uprooted for the second time this month.
These demolitions come in addition to other recent demolitions, some of which have affected structures funded by EU member states. Since the beginning of the year, more than 600 Palestinian-owned structures have been demolished in Area C and East Jerusalem, displacing around 1000 Palestinians.
The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah recall the 16 December 2013 Council Conclusions as well as the 14 May 2012 Council Conclusions, in which the EU expressed grave concern at house demolitions and called upon Israel to meet its obligations regarding the living conditions of the Palestinian population in Area C, including by halting the forced transfer of population and demolitions of Palestinian housing and infrastructure.
These demolitions come in addition to other recent demolitions, some of which have affected structures funded by EU member states. Since the beginning of the year, more than 600 Palestinian-owned structures have been demolished in Area C and East Jerusalem, displacing around 1000 Palestinians.
The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah recall the 16 December 2013 Council Conclusions as well as the 14 May 2012 Council Conclusions, in which the EU expressed grave concern at house demolitions and called upon Israel to meet its obligations regarding the living conditions of the Palestinian population in Area C, including by halting the forced transfer of population and demolitions of Palestinian housing and infrastructure.
