9 oct 2014
US State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki
The US State Department asserted, on Thursday, that Israel must contribute to Gaza's reconstruction, following the devastating assault on the besieged coastal enclave, this past summer.
WAFA Palestinian News & Info Agency reports that, in her daily briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki stated to press representatives: “We do think that Israel will need to play a role in Gaza reconstruction. We were pleased to see that the UN, Israel and the Palestinian Authority agreed on procedures aimed at expediting the passage of relief materials into Gaza, while taking into account Israel’s security needs.”
Palestinians will be able to begin importing reconstruction material into the Gaza Strip through Israeli-controlled crossings starting next week, Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs Hussein al-Sheikh said on Wednesday.
However, Psaki would not be drawn on whether or not US aid should be contingent on guarantees of a lasting ceasefire, to ensure that the money was not wasted in any future armed conflict.
“Ideally we’d like to see an agreement on a way forward for a sustainable ceasefire that addresses the long-term issues so we don’t have the recurring conflict,” she said.
Although the forthcoming conference will primarily focus on Gaza reconstruction, Psaki noted that US Secretary of State John Kerry “will have some sidebar conversations, but it’s not the primary focus. They’ll have to reconvene the parties to have that discussion separately from this conference.”
Psaki confirmed that Kerry would participate in the Gaza reconstruction conference, that would be co-hosted by Cairo on October 12, joining the EU, the UN, the Arab League, and other foreign leaders.
She also mentioned that the US has committed $118 million in humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
The US State Department asserted, on Thursday, that Israel must contribute to Gaza's reconstruction, following the devastating assault on the besieged coastal enclave, this past summer.
WAFA Palestinian News & Info Agency reports that, in her daily briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki stated to press representatives: “We do think that Israel will need to play a role in Gaza reconstruction. We were pleased to see that the UN, Israel and the Palestinian Authority agreed on procedures aimed at expediting the passage of relief materials into Gaza, while taking into account Israel’s security needs.”
Palestinians will be able to begin importing reconstruction material into the Gaza Strip through Israeli-controlled crossings starting next week, Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs Hussein al-Sheikh said on Wednesday.
However, Psaki would not be drawn on whether or not US aid should be contingent on guarantees of a lasting ceasefire, to ensure that the money was not wasted in any future armed conflict.
“Ideally we’d like to see an agreement on a way forward for a sustainable ceasefire that addresses the long-term issues so we don’t have the recurring conflict,” she said.
Although the forthcoming conference will primarily focus on Gaza reconstruction, Psaki noted that US Secretary of State John Kerry “will have some sidebar conversations, but it’s not the primary focus. They’ll have to reconvene the parties to have that discussion separately from this conference.”
Psaki confirmed that Kerry would participate in the Gaza reconstruction conference, that would be co-hosted by Cairo on October 12, joining the EU, the UN, the Arab League, and other foreign leaders.
She also mentioned that the US has committed $118 million in humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Israeli soldiers stationed across the border fence with Gaza opened fire, on Thursday morning, at several Palestinian farmers working in their lands east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
Local sources said that soldiers stationed on military towers in Kissufim military base, across the border fence, opened fire targeting farmers in the Sanati area, east of Abasan al-Kabeera, and al-Qarara, east of Khan Younis.
The sources added that the attacks started around 6:30 in the morning, and also targeted homes which the civilians had to leave during the Israeli aggression on Gaza. Damage was reported but no injuries.
The soldiers frequently target Palestinian farmers and workers in border areas in the eastern and northern parts of the Gaza Strip, in an attempt to enforce a 300 meters “buffer zone”, keeping the Palestinians out of their lands under the guise of security.
Local sources said that soldiers stationed on military towers in Kissufim military base, across the border fence, opened fire targeting farmers in the Sanati area, east of Abasan al-Kabeera, and al-Qarara, east of Khan Younis.
The sources added that the attacks started around 6:30 in the morning, and also targeted homes which the civilians had to leave during the Israeli aggression on Gaza. Damage was reported but no injuries.
The soldiers frequently target Palestinian farmers and workers in border areas in the eastern and northern parts of the Gaza Strip, in an attempt to enforce a 300 meters “buffer zone”, keeping the Palestinians out of their lands under the guise of security.
The Palestinian Authority (PA), Israel and the UN have reached an agreement on certain mechanisms for initiating reconstruction efforts and solving the problem of salaries in the besieged Gaza Strip, an informed Palestinian source stated on Wednesday. The source told Anadolu news agency on condition of anonymity that the agreement determines how building materials could be sent to Gaza and used for reconstruction under UN supervision.
The source affirmed that the coming days would see a large influx of construction materials into Gaza, noting that a donor conference on Gaza reconstruction would be held next Sunday.
The parties also agreed on starting to pay the salaries of civil servants during the coming days and designating the UN to be responsible for transferring the needed funds to Gaza through the official banks there.
The salaries of Gaza civil servants, about 30,000 individuals, will be financed initially by Qatar for three months to come, and then a permanent fund, financed by donor countries, will be established for them, according to the informed source.
The source affirmed that the coming days would see a large influx of construction materials into Gaza, noting that a donor conference on Gaza reconstruction would be held next Sunday.
The parties also agreed on starting to pay the salaries of civil servants during the coming days and designating the UN to be responsible for transferring the needed funds to Gaza through the official banks there.
The salaries of Gaza civil servants, about 30,000 individuals, will be financed initially by Qatar for three months to come, and then a permanent fund, financed by donor countries, will be established for them, according to the informed source.
8 oct 2014
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Lior Lotan, a retired IOF Colonel, as the new coordinator of negotiations over captured Israeli soldiers and projected prisoner swap deals. Earlier, Hamas senior leader Mushir al-Masri denied claims released by Israeli media sources on a pending prisoner swap deal to be struck with Hamas in return for the bodies of the two Israeli occupation soldiers, Goldin and Sharul.
Israeli political analysts said Netanyahu’s nomination of Lotan to oversee the negotiations, is a sign of a looming prisoner swap deal estimated to be as fruitful as the historic Wafa al-Ahrar deal.
Lotan will replace David Meidan, who retired the role after filling the coordinator position for the past three years and had taken part in the negotiations of the legendary Wafa al-Ahrar prisoner swap deal.
“Israel is obliged to bring back its missing soldiers home,” Netanyahu claimed. “I would like to thank David Meidan for his devotion and professionalism in filling his role and congratulate Lior Lotan for volunteering to take over.”
Israeli political analysts said Netanyahu’s nomination of Lotan to oversee the negotiations, is a sign of a looming prisoner swap deal estimated to be as fruitful as the historic Wafa al-Ahrar deal.
Lotan will replace David Meidan, who retired the role after filling the coordinator position for the past three years and had taken part in the negotiations of the legendary Wafa al-Ahrar prisoner swap deal.
“Israel is obliged to bring back its missing soldiers home,” Netanyahu claimed. “I would like to thank David Meidan for his devotion and professionalism in filling his role and congratulate Lior Lotan for volunteering to take over.”
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) have lifted none of the bans imposed on the access of the Gaza reconstruction materials into the blockaded Strip via the Karem Abu Salem border-crossing, the Popular Committee Against the Siege warned. The committee spoke out in a statement against Israel’s continued denial of entry of the reconstruction materials into the Gaza Strip.
Not even a single room, among the thousands of civilian homes destroyed by the notorious Israeli 51-day-offensive on the besieged enclave, has been built to date, despite the hundreds of homeless families and children who have been forced to wander down and out on Gaza’s streets, without roofs over their heads, the committee charged.
According to the statement, the situation has remarkably gone downhill as the IOA has deliberately tightened grips on the border-crossings, Gaza’s key and sole entryway.
The anti-siege committee launched distress signals over the tragic state of affairs in the Gaza Strip, warning that things have gone from bad to worse after the Israeli occupation reneged on its promises to smooth the access of reconstruction items and stabbed Gazans in the back.
A ferocious Israeli military operation rocked the Gaza Strip for 51 days, starting from July 7, and took away the lives of at least 2159 Palestinians. Thousands of innocent citizens have been left wounded while thousands of family homes and civilian structures were wiped out in the process.
Not even a single room, among the thousands of civilian homes destroyed by the notorious Israeli 51-day-offensive on the besieged enclave, has been built to date, despite the hundreds of homeless families and children who have been forced to wander down and out on Gaza’s streets, without roofs over their heads, the committee charged.
According to the statement, the situation has remarkably gone downhill as the IOA has deliberately tightened grips on the border-crossings, Gaza’s key and sole entryway.
The anti-siege committee launched distress signals over the tragic state of affairs in the Gaza Strip, warning that things have gone from bad to worse after the Israeli occupation reneged on its promises to smooth the access of reconstruction items and stabbed Gazans in the back.
A ferocious Israeli military operation rocked the Gaza Strip for 51 days, starting from July 7, and took away the lives of at least 2159 Palestinians. Thousands of innocent citizens have been left wounded while thousands of family homes and civilian structures were wiped out in the process.
The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) appealed to the Arab and Muslim leaders to stick up for the Gaza Strip and help assuage the aftermaths of the notorious Israeli offensive among the inhabitants of the besieged enclave. Addressing the heads of Muslim delegations to Haj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, at the Turkish office of pilgrims affairs, PLC deputy head, Dr. Ahmad Bahar, briefed the group on the latest developments in the Palestinian political scene and the aftermaths of the recent Israeli offensive on Gaza, which took away the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians, left thousands of others severely wounded, and reduced tens of thousands of family homes and civilian structures to rubble.
Bahar hailed the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and the legendary professionalism maintained by the resistance factions all along the 51-day-long aggression, forcing the “Israeli occupation leaders to throw in the towel and abide by the terms delineated by the Palestinian resistance. “
The Palestinian resistance has rubbed the nose of the Israeli occupation army in the dirt, he added.
He further pressed for a mass-participation in the projected Donors’ Conference for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip set to kick off soon in Cairo.
The PLC deputy speaker stressed the need to press ahead with the launch of the reconstruction process and to seek ways to provide shelters for the thousands of homeless families before the advent of the winter season.
Bahar warned against any attempts to make of the reconstruction affair a bargaining chip or a pressure card to disarm Hamas. Hamas disarmament is a red line that shall neither be crossed nor put up for discussion, he vowed.
Bahar hailed Saudi Arabia’s Haj (pilgrimage) services and called for more efforts to back up the Palestinian people throughout their fight for freedom.
Bahar hailed the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and the legendary professionalism maintained by the resistance factions all along the 51-day-long aggression, forcing the “Israeli occupation leaders to throw in the towel and abide by the terms delineated by the Palestinian resistance. “
The Palestinian resistance has rubbed the nose of the Israeli occupation army in the dirt, he added.
He further pressed for a mass-participation in the projected Donors’ Conference for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip set to kick off soon in Cairo.
The PLC deputy speaker stressed the need to press ahead with the launch of the reconstruction process and to seek ways to provide shelters for the thousands of homeless families before the advent of the winter season.
Bahar warned against any attempts to make of the reconstruction affair a bargaining chip or a pressure card to disarm Hamas. Hamas disarmament is a red line that shall neither be crossed nor put up for discussion, he vowed.
Bahar hailed Saudi Arabia’s Haj (pilgrimage) services and called for more efforts to back up the Palestinian people throughout their fight for freedom.
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security, Federica Mogherni, says that the European Union will have an important role in Gaza's reconstruction process.
According to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency, Mogherni pointed out that she will also participate in the Gaza conference that to be held in Cairo next Sunday, as Italy's Secretary of Foreign Affairs reported.
She expressed appreciation in front of the European Parliament, on Wednesday, "the great role of the European Union as a facilitator in the process of Gaza reconstruction and in the political solution to the Palestinian issue".
Ms. Mogherni also reportedly stressed the necessity of supporting the Palestinian political leaders and the Palestinian national government, pointing out that the European Union is ready to provide all forms of assistance to the Palestinian government "to administrate the Gaza Strip and to achieve the necessary reforms".
The Palestinian government will ask donor countries for $4 billion in funds dedicated to Gaza's reconstruction, at the Cairo conference, including the solution of the humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli aggression and the blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007, and achieving a sustainable economic development in the Strip.
According to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency, Mogherni pointed out that she will also participate in the Gaza conference that to be held in Cairo next Sunday, as Italy's Secretary of Foreign Affairs reported.
She expressed appreciation in front of the European Parliament, on Wednesday, "the great role of the European Union as a facilitator in the process of Gaza reconstruction and in the political solution to the Palestinian issue".
Ms. Mogherni also reportedly stressed the necessity of supporting the Palestinian political leaders and the Palestinian national government, pointing out that the European Union is ready to provide all forms of assistance to the Palestinian government "to administrate the Gaza Strip and to achieve the necessary reforms".
The Palestinian government will ask donor countries for $4 billion in funds dedicated to Gaza's reconstruction, at the Cairo conference, including the solution of the humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli aggression and the blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007, and achieving a sustainable economic development in the Strip.
7 oct 2014
Israeli authorities have approved the entry of construction materials into Gaza Strip on Tuesday, director of the Palestinian side of Karm Abu Salem crossing Munir Ghalban said. Ghalban told Anadolu News Agency that the Ramallah-based Palestinian National Company reported the Israeli approval for the building materials’ access to Gaza.
Nearly 60 trucks loaded with cement are expected to enter Gaza via Karm Abu Salem crossing on Tuesday, he added.
Israel has banned construction materials’ access to Gaza since it started its 51-day aggression on the Strip, with the exception of consignments destined for UNRWA.
Meanwhile, the US State department said on Monday that US Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to arrive in Cairo Sunday to take part in the upcoming international donors conference on the reconstruction of Gaza.
On Monday, a US State Department delegation arrived from Germany to Cairo to arrange for Kerry’s expected visit to Egypt, a diplomatic official told Anadolu news agency.
The international donors conference will meet in Cairo to pledge funds for the reconstruction of Gaza on October 12. The Palestinian Authority had earlier declared that the cost of the reconstruction process of Gaza is estimated at four billion dollars at least.
Nearly 60 trucks loaded with cement are expected to enter Gaza via Karm Abu Salem crossing on Tuesday, he added.
Israel has banned construction materials’ access to Gaza since it started its 51-day aggression on the Strip, with the exception of consignments destined for UNRWA.
Meanwhile, the US State department said on Monday that US Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to arrive in Cairo Sunday to take part in the upcoming international donors conference on the reconstruction of Gaza.
On Monday, a US State Department delegation arrived from Germany to Cairo to arrange for Kerry’s expected visit to Egypt, a diplomatic official told Anadolu news agency.
The international donors conference will meet in Cairo to pledge funds for the reconstruction of Gaza on October 12. The Palestinian Authority had earlier declared that the cost of the reconstruction process of Gaza is estimated at four billion dollars at least.
Israeli navy boats and a navy chopper opened automatic fire, on Tuesday morning, on a number of Palestinian fishing boats close to the shore in the al-Waha area, northwest of the Gaza Strip, causing damage but no injuries.
Eyewitnesses said the navy ships, and a navy helicopter opened fire close to a number of fishing boats, before targeting the boats with several live rounds.
They added that the navy ships kept firing close to the fishing boats until they reached the Gaza shore.
The attack is the tenth documented Israeli violation of the cease-fire agreement, reached a month ago, and all previous ceasefire deals mediated between Tel Aviv and armed resistance groups in the Gaza Strip.
Eyewitnesses said the navy ships, and a navy helicopter opened fire close to a number of fishing boats, before targeting the boats with several live rounds.
They added that the navy ships kept firing close to the fishing boats until they reached the Gaza shore.
The attack is the tenth documented Israeli violation of the cease-fire agreement, reached a month ago, and all previous ceasefire deals mediated between Tel Aviv and armed resistance groups in the Gaza Strip.
6 oct 2014
Hamas shall firmly respond to any potential outbreak of renewed Israeli aggression targeting the innocent Palestinian people, senior Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardawil, warned. Bardawil said in a statement posted on his Facebook page: “This makes part of our culture, our conviction, our faith, and our religion; we make of our own blood the very ink with which our triumph poem is written; we make of our persistence the very bridge to lead our way from pain to victory.”
Bardawil proceeded addressing the Israelis: “We make of your arrogance a heavy blow to strike you with; and we turn your days into nights of defeat and humiliation. Will you ever dare come back again?!”
Palestinians have marked their first holy Eid al-Adha since the cessation of the Israeli offensive on Gaza, which took away the lives of at least 2,200 Palestinians and left some 11,000 others wounded.
Bardawil proceeded addressing the Israelis: “We make of your arrogance a heavy blow to strike you with; and we turn your days into nights of defeat and humiliation. Will you ever dare come back again?!”
Palestinians have marked their first holy Eid al-Adha since the cessation of the Israeli offensive on Gaza, which took away the lives of at least 2,200 Palestinians and left some 11,000 others wounded.
A senior Israeli military commander accused Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in Gaza, on Sunday, of violating the cease-fire, mediated by Egypt, by “test-firing” a missile into the sea.
The commander told the Israeli Army Radio that “Hamas test-fired several missiles," and that Israel managed to uncover the “Hamas experiments” through satellite surveillance.
He added that the Alarm System in a number of Israeli settlements, close to Gaza, was sounded several times in the past few days as it managed to detect the missiles, although they were fired into the sea.
He alleged Hamas has violated the ceasefire agreement, adding that the deal states, “Hamas should not try to advance its power, or smuggle weapons into Gaza."
He said Israel would stress on the issue during upcoming indirect talks in Cairo, and the anticipated agreement.
Israeli Army spokesperson told Maariv Israeli paper that Hamas resumed its experiments to advance its “rockets system,” and that the Movement test-fires its missiles in the sea to develop it capabilities and power.
The Hamas movement has repeatedly affirmed the agreement does not include disarming the resistance, and that armed resistance factions in the coastal region will never agree to disarm.
Hamas said the ceasefire agreement calls for ending the deadly Israeli siege on Gaza, rebuilding Gaza, rebuilding and operating the airport (that has been repeatedly flattened, shelled and bulldozed by Israel), establishing an international sea port in Gaza, and abolishing the “buffer zone” east of the Gaza Strip, as its prevents farmers and workers from entering their lands.
Other issues include expanding the fishing zone in Gaza waters, ending the ongoing Israeli assaults against the fishermen, and allowing the entry of construction materials into the coastal region.
On 26 August, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was agreed, ending a war which killed some 2150 Palestinians (mostly civilians) and 73 Israelis. Indirect talks are supposed to resume in the last week of this month.
The commander told the Israeli Army Radio that “Hamas test-fired several missiles," and that Israel managed to uncover the “Hamas experiments” through satellite surveillance.
He added that the Alarm System in a number of Israeli settlements, close to Gaza, was sounded several times in the past few days as it managed to detect the missiles, although they were fired into the sea.
He alleged Hamas has violated the ceasefire agreement, adding that the deal states, “Hamas should not try to advance its power, or smuggle weapons into Gaza."
He said Israel would stress on the issue during upcoming indirect talks in Cairo, and the anticipated agreement.
Israeli Army spokesperson told Maariv Israeli paper that Hamas resumed its experiments to advance its “rockets system,” and that the Movement test-fires its missiles in the sea to develop it capabilities and power.
The Hamas movement has repeatedly affirmed the agreement does not include disarming the resistance, and that armed resistance factions in the coastal region will never agree to disarm.
Hamas said the ceasefire agreement calls for ending the deadly Israeli siege on Gaza, rebuilding Gaza, rebuilding and operating the airport (that has been repeatedly flattened, shelled and bulldozed by Israel), establishing an international sea port in Gaza, and abolishing the “buffer zone” east of the Gaza Strip, as its prevents farmers and workers from entering their lands.
Other issues include expanding the fishing zone in Gaza waters, ending the ongoing Israeli assaults against the fishermen, and allowing the entry of construction materials into the coastal region.
On 26 August, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was agreed, ending a war which killed some 2150 Palestinians (mostly civilians) and 73 Israelis. Indirect talks are supposed to resume in the last week of this month.
5 oct 2014
The National Consensus Government released its plan for Gaza's reconstruction and recovery to the public, on Thursday. The $4 billion plan provides a roadmap through the current humanitarian crisis to long-term development, the PNN reports.
The plan was developed by the Higher Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa. It forms the basis for mobilizing resources and efforts at the international conference to be held in Cairo, on October 12, 2014.
“The Government will no longer accept the isolation and repression of our people in Gaza,” said Dr. Mustafa. “Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state and its gate to the Mediterranean. Its development is crucial for the viability of the Palestinian state. There is no doubt that the success of the Government in the reconstruction of Gaza is key to ensuring the stability of Gaza, Palestine, and the region.”
The plan is based on the government’s preliminary assessment, which was conducted in Gaza by Palestinian ministries and agencies, and with the support of local and international partners. The assessment uses the situation prior to the assault as a baseline, but contextualizes it within the experience of Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza.
This plan was developed with the intention to transition from relief efforts to longer-term development needs, the PNN further reports. The government plans to use $414 million to respond to immediate needs of citizens, while allocating $1.2 billion for stimulating an early recovery. The long-term reconstruction phase will reportedly need some $2.4 billion.
The also government estimates that an additional $1.9 billion is needed to repair public and private infrastructure. Housing is the most important issue in Gaza at this moment, as a harsh winter is expected to arrive in as little as two weeks. Over 110,000 people are displaced throughout the region, in collective centers or host families, as they wait a dignified resolution to their homelessness.
Economic revitalization will require $1.2 billion. As with infrastructure, the government’s plan has immediate and long-term goals. Re-activating economic productivity is essential for restoring livelihoods and enabling local businesses to serve and profit from the recovery and reconstruction process.
In the immediate aftermath of this conflict, the government will direct $700 million towards providing wider social safety nets, stronger health and psychosocial services, and greater educational opportunities.
Furthermore, the National Consensus Government aims to undertake the long-awaited and much-needed effort of consolidation, ending years of political and geographic division. Operational capacities will be built at the central and local level, with $183 million in strategic support for reintegration.
The official National Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan is available here.
The plan was developed by the Higher Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa. It forms the basis for mobilizing resources and efforts at the international conference to be held in Cairo, on October 12, 2014.
“The Government will no longer accept the isolation and repression of our people in Gaza,” said Dr. Mustafa. “Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state and its gate to the Mediterranean. Its development is crucial for the viability of the Palestinian state. There is no doubt that the success of the Government in the reconstruction of Gaza is key to ensuring the stability of Gaza, Palestine, and the region.”
The plan is based on the government’s preliminary assessment, which was conducted in Gaza by Palestinian ministries and agencies, and with the support of local and international partners. The assessment uses the situation prior to the assault as a baseline, but contextualizes it within the experience of Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza.
This plan was developed with the intention to transition from relief efforts to longer-term development needs, the PNN further reports. The government plans to use $414 million to respond to immediate needs of citizens, while allocating $1.2 billion for stimulating an early recovery. The long-term reconstruction phase will reportedly need some $2.4 billion.
The also government estimates that an additional $1.9 billion is needed to repair public and private infrastructure. Housing is the most important issue in Gaza at this moment, as a harsh winter is expected to arrive in as little as two weeks. Over 110,000 people are displaced throughout the region, in collective centers or host families, as they wait a dignified resolution to their homelessness.
Economic revitalization will require $1.2 billion. As with infrastructure, the government’s plan has immediate and long-term goals. Re-activating economic productivity is essential for restoring livelihoods and enabling local businesses to serve and profit from the recovery and reconstruction process.
In the immediate aftermath of this conflict, the government will direct $700 million towards providing wider social safety nets, stronger health and psychosocial services, and greater educational opportunities.
Furthermore, the National Consensus Government aims to undertake the long-awaited and much-needed effort of consolidation, ending years of political and geographic division. Operational capacities will be built at the central and local level, with $183 million in strategic support for reintegration.
The official National Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan is available here.
Jamal Abu Lebda, 50
Medical sources have reported that a Palestinian man died, Saturday, of serious wounds suffered during the latest Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.
The sources said Jamal Abu Lebda, 50 years of age, died at a Gaza hospital of wounds suffered nearly two months ago.
Abu Lebda suffered serious injuries when Israeli soldiers bombarded homes in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the coastal region.
The 51-day Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip (between July 7 and August 26) led to the death of at least 2160 Palestinians, while more than 11000 have been injured.
578 children, 264 women, and 103 elderly, have been killed, while more than 11100, including 3374 children, 2088 women and 410 elderly, have been injured.
Around 80.000 Palestinian homes have been bombarded during the aggression, in addition to medical centers, media agencies and various civilian facilities.
Medical sources have reported that a Palestinian man died, Saturday, of serious wounds suffered during the latest Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.
The sources said Jamal Abu Lebda, 50 years of age, died at a Gaza hospital of wounds suffered nearly two months ago.
Abu Lebda suffered serious injuries when Israeli soldiers bombarded homes in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the coastal region.
The 51-day Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip (between July 7 and August 26) led to the death of at least 2160 Palestinians, while more than 11000 have been injured.
578 children, 264 women, and 103 elderly, have been killed, while more than 11100, including 3374 children, 2088 women and 410 elderly, have been injured.
Around 80.000 Palestinian homes have been bombarded during the aggression, in addition to medical centers, media agencies and various civilian facilities.
Senior Hamas leader Dr. Salah al-Bardawil said negotiations over prisoner swap deals with the Israeli occupation are not necessarily dependent on the truce accord. Bardawil told Quds Press a new round of indirect talks between Palestinians and the Israeli occupation is expected to be held in Cairo after the end of the Eid to deliberate over the establishment of Gaza’s seaport, airport and the prisoners’ affairs.
“An agenda for the indirect talks with the Israeli occupation has been tabled to negotiate the airport, seaport, and prisoner files,” he stated.
In another context, Bardawil said, “the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation accord has been operating according to what was agreed upon in Cairo.”
“We are expecting a cabinet meeting to be held in Gaza, as PM Hamdallah already promised,” he added.
“Roughly speaking, we, in Hamas Movement, are committed to the implementation of all what has been agreed upon and to healing the rift once and for all,” Bardawil vowed.
“An agenda for the indirect talks with the Israeli occupation has been tabled to negotiate the airport, seaport, and prisoner files,” he stated.
In another context, Bardawil said, “the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation accord has been operating according to what was agreed upon in Cairo.”
“We are expecting a cabinet meeting to be held in Gaza, as PM Hamdallah already promised,” he added.
“Roughly speaking, we, in Hamas Movement, are committed to the implementation of all what has been agreed upon and to healing the rift once and for all,” Bardawil vowed.
3 oct 2014
On the record quote from UNRWA Spokesman, Chris Gunness...
With 241,000 children back in UNRWA schools to continue their education, UNRWA now has a more accurate picture of the impact of the 50-day war on students and their families. We can confirm that 138 UNRWA students were killed since 8 July.
An additional 814 were injured and 560 have become orphans as a result of the recent hostilities. Family life for so many has been devastated. Behind each of these statistics is a heart-breaking, individual story, a dignity and a destiny that must be respected, even in death. Palestinian children are not statistics.
UNRWA remains committed to dealing with the psychological scars of the conflict, particularly among children. During the past week, the Agency’s Community Mental Health Programme implemented more training for UNRWA teachers on providing classroom-based psychosocial interventions. The training at schools included stress management skills for teachers, life skills education for elementary students, and structured recreational activities for preparatory students.
Meanwhile, UNRWA’s assessment of refugee homes continued over the past week and we have revised upwards our initial assessment of damage. According to estimates based on preliminary information, as many as 80,000 refugee homes were damaged or destroyed during the fifty days of hostilities, a much higher figure than the total number of 60,000 refugees and non-refugees – estimated earlier. We estimate that at least 20,000 of these are uninhabitable.
The majority of Gaza’s 110,000 homeless people are children. They are being denied the space which children the world over take for granted, a place where their humanity is nurtured and developed. UNRWA continues to advocate for the rapid rebuilding of Gaza, a lifting of the blockade and the full restoration of rights, including the rights of children. We also continue to call for accountability for violations of international law by all parties.
Background Information:
According to the overall UN figure, 505 Palestinian children are confirmed killed during the 50 day war. The cumulative death toll among Palestinians is at least 2,180, including 260 women. It is reported that the cumulative Israeli fatality toll is 71, of whom 66 were soldiers and one civilian fatality was a child
Christopher Gunness | Spokesperson, Director of Advocacy and Strategic Communications.
With 241,000 children back in UNRWA schools to continue their education, UNRWA now has a more accurate picture of the impact of the 50-day war on students and their families. We can confirm that 138 UNRWA students were killed since 8 July.
An additional 814 were injured and 560 have become orphans as a result of the recent hostilities. Family life for so many has been devastated. Behind each of these statistics is a heart-breaking, individual story, a dignity and a destiny that must be respected, even in death. Palestinian children are not statistics.
UNRWA remains committed to dealing with the psychological scars of the conflict, particularly among children. During the past week, the Agency’s Community Mental Health Programme implemented more training for UNRWA teachers on providing classroom-based psychosocial interventions. The training at schools included stress management skills for teachers, life skills education for elementary students, and structured recreational activities for preparatory students.
Meanwhile, UNRWA’s assessment of refugee homes continued over the past week and we have revised upwards our initial assessment of damage. According to estimates based on preliminary information, as many as 80,000 refugee homes were damaged or destroyed during the fifty days of hostilities, a much higher figure than the total number of 60,000 refugees and non-refugees – estimated earlier. We estimate that at least 20,000 of these are uninhabitable.
The majority of Gaza’s 110,000 homeless people are children. They are being denied the space which children the world over take for granted, a place where their humanity is nurtured and developed. UNRWA continues to advocate for the rapid rebuilding of Gaza, a lifting of the blockade and the full restoration of rights, including the rights of children. We also continue to call for accountability for violations of international law by all parties.
Background Information:
According to the overall UN figure, 505 Palestinian children are confirmed killed during the 50 day war. The cumulative death toll among Palestinians is at least 2,180, including 260 women. It is reported that the cumulative Israeli fatality toll is 71, of whom 66 were soldiers and one civilian fatality was a child
Christopher Gunness | Spokesperson, Director of Advocacy and Strategic Communications.
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Truce violations List of names Pictures of martyrs
Days: Aug: 26 - 25 - 24 - 23 - 22 - 21 - 20 - 19 - 18 - 17 - 16 - 15 - 14 - 13 - 12 - 11 - 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1
July: 31 - 30 - 29 - 28 - 27 - 26 - 25 - 24 - 23 - 22 - 21 - 20 - 19 - 18 - 17 - 16 - 15 - 14 - 13 - 12 - 11 - 10 - 9 - 8
Days: Aug: 26 - 25 - 24 - 23 - 22 - 21 - 20 - 19 - 18 - 17 - 16 - 15 - 14 - 13 - 12 - 11 - 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1
July: 31 - 30 - 29 - 28 - 27 - 26 - 25 - 24 - 23 - 22 - 21 - 20 - 19 - 18 - 17 - 16 - 15 - 14 - 13 - 12 - 11 - 10 - 9 - 8
