13 feb 2016
The European Parliament (EP’s) Delegation for relations with Palestine, expressed alarm at the deteriorating situation on the ground, calling for an immediate stop to Israeli expansion of settlements, and demolitions, said a press statement by EP delegation.
"Israeli occupation policies are a direct threat to the two-state solution. The expansion of settlements, demolitions, forcible transfers and evictions must stop immediately," Delegation Chair Martina Anderson said.
"Palestinians need hope, freedom and human rights. The way to these is by ending the occupation."
Following the EU guidelines on the indication of origin of goods originating from the territories occupied since 1967 by Israel, the EP delegation, following a four-day official visit, assessed what further action the EU should take regarding settlements in order to comply fully with international law and EU legislation.
The EP delegation asserted, according to WAFA: "The EU must be a player, not only a payer,” stating that, “We are incensed by Israel's increasing number of demolitions of humanitarian structures funded by EU taxpayers. People are losing their homes in the cold and the rain. Israeli policies violate international law and show disrespect for the EU, Israel's biggest trade partner," Chair Anderson said.
International organizations gave witness to the substantial deliberate targeting of EU-funded humanitarian aid structures by Israeli authorities, recently stepped-up apparently in retaliation for the EU guidelines on indication of origin of products from Israeli settlements. These demolitions are hitting hard particularly the rural Bedouin community, said the statement.
Members of the European Parliament further expressed concern at Israel’s use of administrative detention without formal charges.
They cited the 'particularly alarming’ case of Mohammad Al-Qeeq, a journalist on hunger strike for 79 days. To be noted, over 500 other Palestinians, including minors, are currently detained without charge or trial.
Regarding the Palestinian internal reconciliation, the EP delegation affirmed that, "Palestinian reconciliation is more urgent than ever.”
“Elections must be held as soon as possible. A united Palestinian leadership is essential for the two-state solution and for the future of Palestinian youth," Anderson said.
Anderson slammed the Israeli authorities refusal to allow envoy into Gaza as 'unacceptable’. The European Parliament has not been allowed in since 2011.
The cross-party Delegation for Relations with Palestine was in the West Bank from Monday 8 to Friday 12 February. The group reportedly met with high-level Palestinian officials and civil society in East Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron, Susya, Abu Nwar, Jabal al Baba and the Jordan Valley, as well as with UN partners.
On February 6th, The European Union called on Israel 'to halt the demolition of Palestinian housing, some of which was EU-funded, and reiterated its opposition to expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.’
"In the past weeks there have been a number of developments in Area C of the West Bank, which risk undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state and driving the parties yet further apart," the EU diplomatic service said in a statement.
On 18 January Foreign Ministers in the Council conclusions confirmed the EU's firm opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions taken in this context, including demolitions and confiscation, evictions, forced transfers or restrictions of movement and access.
"Israeli occupation policies are a direct threat to the two-state solution. The expansion of settlements, demolitions, forcible transfers and evictions must stop immediately," Delegation Chair Martina Anderson said.
"Palestinians need hope, freedom and human rights. The way to these is by ending the occupation."
Following the EU guidelines on the indication of origin of goods originating from the territories occupied since 1967 by Israel, the EP delegation, following a four-day official visit, assessed what further action the EU should take regarding settlements in order to comply fully with international law and EU legislation.
The EP delegation asserted, according to WAFA: "The EU must be a player, not only a payer,” stating that, “We are incensed by Israel's increasing number of demolitions of humanitarian structures funded by EU taxpayers. People are losing their homes in the cold and the rain. Israeli policies violate international law and show disrespect for the EU, Israel's biggest trade partner," Chair Anderson said.
International organizations gave witness to the substantial deliberate targeting of EU-funded humanitarian aid structures by Israeli authorities, recently stepped-up apparently in retaliation for the EU guidelines on indication of origin of products from Israeli settlements. These demolitions are hitting hard particularly the rural Bedouin community, said the statement.
Members of the European Parliament further expressed concern at Israel’s use of administrative detention without formal charges.
They cited the 'particularly alarming’ case of Mohammad Al-Qeeq, a journalist on hunger strike for 79 days. To be noted, over 500 other Palestinians, including minors, are currently detained without charge or trial.
Regarding the Palestinian internal reconciliation, the EP delegation affirmed that, "Palestinian reconciliation is more urgent than ever.”
“Elections must be held as soon as possible. A united Palestinian leadership is essential for the two-state solution and for the future of Palestinian youth," Anderson said.
Anderson slammed the Israeli authorities refusal to allow envoy into Gaza as 'unacceptable’. The European Parliament has not been allowed in since 2011.
The cross-party Delegation for Relations with Palestine was in the West Bank from Monday 8 to Friday 12 February. The group reportedly met with high-level Palestinian officials and civil society in East Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron, Susya, Abu Nwar, Jabal al Baba and the Jordan Valley, as well as with UN partners.
On February 6th, The European Union called on Israel 'to halt the demolition of Palestinian housing, some of which was EU-funded, and reiterated its opposition to expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.’
"In the past weeks there have been a number of developments in Area C of the West Bank, which risk undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state and driving the parties yet further apart," the EU diplomatic service said in a statement.
On 18 January Foreign Ministers in the Council conclusions confirmed the EU's firm opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions taken in this context, including demolitions and confiscation, evictions, forced transfers or restrictions of movement and access.
12 feb 2016
The U.N. human rights investigator for Gaza and the West Bank urged Israel on Thursday to investigate excessive force used by Israeli army against Palestinian civilians and to prosecute the perpetrators.
Makarim Wibisono, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories, also told the Israeli occupation authorities to charge or release all Palestinian prisoners being held under lengthy administrative detention, including children.
"Hundreds of Palestinians being held, now including children, often under secret evidence, and for up to six-month terms that can be renewed indefinitely, is not consistent with international human rights standards," he said.
"The upsurge in violence is a grim reminder of the unsustainable human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the volatile environment it engenders," he added in a final report to the Human Rights Council.
Wibisino said the upsurge of violence came against a backdrop of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including eastern Occupied Jerusalem, construction of a wall, and Israel's blockade of Gaza that amounted to a "stranglehold" and "collective punishment".
Israel must address these issues to uphold international law and ensure protection for Palestinians, he said.
Israel's foreign ministry dismissed the report as biased. "The report reflects the one-sidedness of the mandate and its flagrant anti-Israel bias. It is this one-sidedness which has made the rapporteur's mission impossible to fulfill, hence his resignation," spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon claimed.
Wibisono announced his resignation from the independent post last month, effective March 31, accusing the Israeli occupation of reneging on its pledge to grant him access to blockaded Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Makarim Wibisono, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories, also told the Israeli occupation authorities to charge or release all Palestinian prisoners being held under lengthy administrative detention, including children.
"Hundreds of Palestinians being held, now including children, often under secret evidence, and for up to six-month terms that can be renewed indefinitely, is not consistent with international human rights standards," he said.
"The upsurge in violence is a grim reminder of the unsustainable human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the volatile environment it engenders," he added in a final report to the Human Rights Council.
Wibisino said the upsurge of violence came against a backdrop of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including eastern Occupied Jerusalem, construction of a wall, and Israel's blockade of Gaza that amounted to a "stranglehold" and "collective punishment".
Israel must address these issues to uphold international law and ensure protection for Palestinians, he said.
Israel's foreign ministry dismissed the report as biased. "The report reflects the one-sidedness of the mandate and its flagrant anti-Israel bias. It is this one-sidedness which has made the rapporteur's mission impossible to fulfill, hence his resignation," spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon claimed.
Wibisono announced his resignation from the independent post last month, effective March 31, accusing the Israeli occupation of reneging on its pledge to grant him access to blockaded Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The Hamas Movement has strongly denounced the Palestinian Authority (PA) for its intention to hold a meeting with the Israeli side soon and described it as a violation of the Palestinian consensus.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri stated on Wednesday that the PA's meetings with Israel would entrench its policy of security collaboration.
Abu Zuhri also accused the PA of turning its back on the national consensus, which rejects such meetings.
Hamas stated its position in this regard after a senior official of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) said that a PA security delegation would discuss with the Israelis the future of the mutual security, political and economic relations during a meeting to be held in the coming days.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri stated on Wednesday that the PA's meetings with Israel would entrench its policy of security collaboration.
Abu Zuhri also accused the PA of turning its back on the national consensus, which rejects such meetings.
Hamas stated its position in this regard after a senior official of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) said that a PA security delegation would discuss with the Israelis the future of the mutual security, political and economic relations during a meeting to be held in the coming days.
11 feb 2016
Members of the Knesset on Wednesday argued the possibility of a two-state solution at a special plenum debate, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Palestinian "terror" came from a "culture of death," according to a Knesset press release.
During the debate, the Israeli PM and Israel's Labor party opposition leader Isaac Herzog exchanged criticisms over the "most realistic" way to obtain a two-state solution.
Herzog, who is a strong supporter of the two-state solution, recently announced that he did not think two states were possible under today's political climate, and introduced a plan late last month that would see many Palestinian areas in occupied East Jerusalem cut off from the rest of the city.
"We have a different vision, and as hard as you try, you will not be able to kill it. The two-state vision isn`t dead," Herzog said. "But it won`t happen tomorrow, certainly not as long as you, Mr. Netanyahu and [Palestinian President] Abu Mazen are afraid to make a move."
"Therefore, I am determining that what we can achieve today is security for the citizens of Israel and separation between us and the Palestinians, with actions rather than talk."
Netanyahu said Herzog and the Labor party could not be "trusted" with solutions due to being "years late in understanding" facts on the ground.
"Terror is not a result of occupation,” Netanyahu said. "The terror stems from a culture of death. Its goal is not to free a state, it is to destroy a state."
In response, Herzog argued that the two-state solution "is the only vision that will preserve Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. The alternative is a Jewish-Arab state that will destroy Israel as a Jewish state."
"I know the far right disagrees with me. The far right thinks annexing the territories with their Palestinian residents is the solution,” Herzog said. "Well, who stopped you? You set up a purely rightist government. What are you afraid of?"
Herzog accused Netanyahu's government of putting Israel on a trajectory that would force the country to accept Palestinian's "right of return."
"The radical right want to annex territories and bring millions of Palestinians to the State of Israel," Herzog said.
Zehava Galon, the chairwoman of Meretz, a left-wing Zionist party, criticized Herzog's Labor party for "giving up on the two-state solution."
"The terror wave that has been wreaking havoc here over the past few months is proof of the collapse of the notion that the conflict can be managed. What solution are you proposing," Golan shot back at both parties.
"To surround ourselves with fences? To annex 150,000 Palestinians? Where`s the security? When will the moment come when Israelis and Palestinians will stop being murdered? We are paying the price for your cowardly policy, which assumed that we can continue life here as usual when millions of Palestinians are under occupation and without rights."
During the debate, Israeli media reported that several MKs from the Joint List -- a party composed of four Palestinian-dominated parties -- walked out of the plenum in protest.
The Israeli government has long been criticized for policy that has made a two-state solution impossible, particularly in regards to ongoing settlement expansion in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Netanyahu consistently argues that settlements are not an obstacle to peace despite international condemnation of illegal settlement growth onto private Palestinian land.
Well over 500,000 Israelis are currently living across the occupied Palestinian territory, interconnected by Israeli-only infrastructure that both steals from Palestinian resources and cuts off Palestinian communities from one another.
The Israeli PM's allegations that "terror" stems from a "culture of death" rather than occupation comes despite remarks from UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon last month that it was "human nature" for Palestinians to react violently to Israel's nearly 50-year military occupation.
During the debate, the Israeli PM and Israel's Labor party opposition leader Isaac Herzog exchanged criticisms over the "most realistic" way to obtain a two-state solution.
Herzog, who is a strong supporter of the two-state solution, recently announced that he did not think two states were possible under today's political climate, and introduced a plan late last month that would see many Palestinian areas in occupied East Jerusalem cut off from the rest of the city.
"We have a different vision, and as hard as you try, you will not be able to kill it. The two-state vision isn`t dead," Herzog said. "But it won`t happen tomorrow, certainly not as long as you, Mr. Netanyahu and [Palestinian President] Abu Mazen are afraid to make a move."
"Therefore, I am determining that what we can achieve today is security for the citizens of Israel and separation between us and the Palestinians, with actions rather than talk."
Netanyahu said Herzog and the Labor party could not be "trusted" with solutions due to being "years late in understanding" facts on the ground.
"Terror is not a result of occupation,” Netanyahu said. "The terror stems from a culture of death. Its goal is not to free a state, it is to destroy a state."
In response, Herzog argued that the two-state solution "is the only vision that will preserve Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. The alternative is a Jewish-Arab state that will destroy Israel as a Jewish state."
"I know the far right disagrees with me. The far right thinks annexing the territories with their Palestinian residents is the solution,” Herzog said. "Well, who stopped you? You set up a purely rightist government. What are you afraid of?"
Herzog accused Netanyahu's government of putting Israel on a trajectory that would force the country to accept Palestinian's "right of return."
"The radical right want to annex territories and bring millions of Palestinians to the State of Israel," Herzog said.
Zehava Galon, the chairwoman of Meretz, a left-wing Zionist party, criticized Herzog's Labor party for "giving up on the two-state solution."
"The terror wave that has been wreaking havoc here over the past few months is proof of the collapse of the notion that the conflict can be managed. What solution are you proposing," Golan shot back at both parties.
"To surround ourselves with fences? To annex 150,000 Palestinians? Where`s the security? When will the moment come when Israelis and Palestinians will stop being murdered? We are paying the price for your cowardly policy, which assumed that we can continue life here as usual when millions of Palestinians are under occupation and without rights."
During the debate, Israeli media reported that several MKs from the Joint List -- a party composed of four Palestinian-dominated parties -- walked out of the plenum in protest.
The Israeli government has long been criticized for policy that has made a two-state solution impossible, particularly in regards to ongoing settlement expansion in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Netanyahu consistently argues that settlements are not an obstacle to peace despite international condemnation of illegal settlement growth onto private Palestinian land.
Well over 500,000 Israelis are currently living across the occupied Palestinian territory, interconnected by Israeli-only infrastructure that both steals from Palestinian resources and cuts off Palestinian communities from one another.
The Israeli PM's allegations that "terror" stems from a "culture of death" rather than occupation comes despite remarks from UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon last month that it was "human nature" for Palestinians to react violently to Israel's nearly 50-year military occupation.
Two 14-year-old Palestinian girls were indicted on Thursday after reportedly carrying out a stab attack on an Israeli security guard in Ramla’s central bus station last week, Israeli police said.
Israeli police spokesperson Luba al-Samri said that following an investigation into the incident, two Palestinian students were accused by the Israeli court’s public prosecution of trying to stab the security guard.
The 14-year-old girls also faced indictments for illegally carrying knives and planning the attack beforehand, the spokesperson added.
The two were detained on Feb. 4 after Israeli police spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld said a security guard was lightly injured in an attack.
Rosenfeld shared a photo on social media following the incident of two kitchen knives scattered amongst school papers at the scene of the incident. The knives appeared to be clean, with no signs of blood.
Thursday’s indictment came one day after two Palestinian minors were accused in a Jerusalem court of attempted murder and possession of a deadly weapon, according to Israeli media.
The minors, aged 14 and 16, were detained by Israeli police after a 17-year-old Israeli was stabbed and injured near the Old City’s Damascus Gate in occupied East Jerusalem on Jan. 30.
Israeli daily Haaretz reported that their indictment alleged they had carried out the attack “after having watched video of Israeli soldiers degrading Palestinian women.”
Amid a wave of attacks carried out by Palestinian individuals on Israeli military and civilians that began in October, the majority of suspected attackers have been shot dead on scene, many of whom rights groups say posed no threat at the time of their death.
As trials begin for some that were detained instead of killed, they enter an Israeli court system that has long received push back from critics who argue it unfairly prosecutes Palestinians while giving Jewish Israelis immunity.
Last month, five Palestinian teens from the occupied West Bank village of Hares who were accused of manslaughter after reportedly throwing stones were sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The case was disputed by relatives and rights groups, who said that insufficient evidence was provided to prove that the five had any involvement in the death of an Israeli toddler who passed away two years after the teens were accused of throwing stones at her mother's vehicle, causing it to crash.
The teens denied the allegations, but later signed confessions reportedly after being abused in prison and during interrogations.
Israeli police spokesperson Luba al-Samri said that following an investigation into the incident, two Palestinian students were accused by the Israeli court’s public prosecution of trying to stab the security guard.
The 14-year-old girls also faced indictments for illegally carrying knives and planning the attack beforehand, the spokesperson added.
The two were detained on Feb. 4 after Israeli police spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld said a security guard was lightly injured in an attack.
Rosenfeld shared a photo on social media following the incident of two kitchen knives scattered amongst school papers at the scene of the incident. The knives appeared to be clean, with no signs of blood.
Thursday’s indictment came one day after two Palestinian minors were accused in a Jerusalem court of attempted murder and possession of a deadly weapon, according to Israeli media.
The minors, aged 14 and 16, were detained by Israeli police after a 17-year-old Israeli was stabbed and injured near the Old City’s Damascus Gate in occupied East Jerusalem on Jan. 30.
Israeli daily Haaretz reported that their indictment alleged they had carried out the attack “after having watched video of Israeli soldiers degrading Palestinian women.”
Amid a wave of attacks carried out by Palestinian individuals on Israeli military and civilians that began in October, the majority of suspected attackers have been shot dead on scene, many of whom rights groups say posed no threat at the time of their death.
As trials begin for some that were detained instead of killed, they enter an Israeli court system that has long received push back from critics who argue it unfairly prosecutes Palestinians while giving Jewish Israelis immunity.
Last month, five Palestinian teens from the occupied West Bank village of Hares who were accused of manslaughter after reportedly throwing stones were sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The case was disputed by relatives and rights groups, who said that insufficient evidence was provided to prove that the five had any involvement in the death of an Israeli toddler who passed away two years after the teens were accused of throwing stones at her mother's vehicle, causing it to crash.
The teens denied the allegations, but later signed confessions reportedly after being abused in prison and during interrogations.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Thursday five Palestinians from al-Khalil for alleged stone-throwing attacks.
Israeli website 0404 claimed that IOF soldiers detained five youths for being involved in stone-throwing attacks on the neighboring settlement of Kiryat Arba, illegally built on Palestinian-owned land to east of al-Khalil city.
The five detainees were taken to a nearby military center for investigation, the sources added. The Israeli Knesset has approved last June a bill that strengthens the sanctions on Palestinian “stone throwers”.
The bill “allows imposing a prison sentence of up to 20 years for throwing stones.” The security cabinet has also decided to authorize Israeli police to use live ammunition against Palestinian stone-throwers.
Israeli website 0404 claimed that IOF soldiers detained five youths for being involved in stone-throwing attacks on the neighboring settlement of Kiryat Arba, illegally built on Palestinian-owned land to east of al-Khalil city.
The five detainees were taken to a nearby military center for investigation, the sources added. The Israeli Knesset has approved last June a bill that strengthens the sanctions on Palestinian “stone throwers”.
The bill “allows imposing a prison sentence of up to 20 years for throwing stones.” The security cabinet has also decided to authorize Israeli police to use live ammunition against Palestinian stone-throwers.
Anat Berko
The Director of Strategic Communications and Media at the Palestinian Prime Minister’s Office, Jamal Dajani, on Thursday, said that Israeli politicians have increased their rhetoric and incitement towards Palestinians.
Dajani was referring to a recent statement by Likud lawmaker Anat Berko, who said that there was no such thing as a Palestinian people, since Arabic doesn’t have the consonant “P.”
Dajani added that “disparaging statements like this are meant to dehumanize Palestinians, and distract from the Israeli crimes committed against our people on a daily basis, especially in Area C.”
This is not the first time that Israeli politicians have made hateful and racist remarks towards Palestinians; Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked was previously quoted calling for the slaughter of Palestinian mothers who give birth to “little snakes.”
The Director of Strategic Communications and Media at the Palestinian Prime Minister’s Office, Jamal Dajani, on Thursday, said that Israeli politicians have increased their rhetoric and incitement towards Palestinians.
Dajani was referring to a recent statement by Likud lawmaker Anat Berko, who said that there was no such thing as a Palestinian people, since Arabic doesn’t have the consonant “P.”
Dajani added that “disparaging statements like this are meant to dehumanize Palestinians, and distract from the Israeli crimes committed against our people on a daily basis, especially in Area C.”
This is not the first time that Israeli politicians have made hateful and racist remarks towards Palestinians; Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked was previously quoted calling for the slaughter of Palestinian mothers who give birth to “little snakes.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted that a reinforced fence may be set up around the entirety of the occupied territories, a fence which is similar to the one it is currently building on the territories bordering Jordan.
Netanyahu visited the fence that is under construction on Tuesday, when he said, “At the end of the day,… there will be a fence like this one surrounding its (the occupied territories’) entirety,” The Times of Israel reported.
Israel came into existence in 1948, when it occupied Palestinian land along with vast expanses of other Arab territories during full-fledged military operations. The occupied lands also include Lebanon’s Shebaa Farms and Syria’s Golan Heights.
In 1967, it occupied and later annexed the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in a move never recognized by the international community. Tel Aviv withdrew from the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip in 2005, but has been keeping the territory under a crippling siege and regular deadly offensives.
Upon completion, the fence would close off all the occupied territories from non-occupied land, namely Gaza, as well as sovereign territories.
Trying to justify the move, the Israeli premier said, according to Press TV/Al Ray: “In our neighborhood, we need to protect ourselves from the carnivorous animals.”
Netanyahu visited the fence that is under construction on Tuesday, when he said, “At the end of the day,… there will be a fence like this one surrounding its (the occupied territories’) entirety,” The Times of Israel reported.
Israel came into existence in 1948, when it occupied Palestinian land along with vast expanses of other Arab territories during full-fledged military operations. The occupied lands also include Lebanon’s Shebaa Farms and Syria’s Golan Heights.
In 1967, it occupied and later annexed the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds (Jerusalem) in a move never recognized by the international community. Tel Aviv withdrew from the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip in 2005, but has been keeping the territory under a crippling siege and regular deadly offensives.
Upon completion, the fence would close off all the occupied territories from non-occupied land, namely Gaza, as well as sovereign territories.
Trying to justify the move, the Israeli premier said, according to Press TV/Al Ray: “In our neighborhood, we need to protect ourselves from the carnivorous animals.”
Reports were recently released on Israeli intents to build a Jewish synagogue beneath the Hamam al-Ein Islamic endowment property, a few meters away from Muslims’ the holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
Sponsors of the bid are set to inaugurate the project sometime in the spring, with the advent of Jewish holidays. Other excavations are expected to be carried out in the area to pave the way for the construction of the site.
The project is sponsored by the Wailing Wall Legacy Fund public company affiliated with Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
A series of pictures released by the Q-Press center shows the site as being built at the expense of the Islamic Mamlukiya historical hall beneath the Hamam al-Ein area, a few meters away from al-Aqsa’s Western Wall. A field visit to the area by the Q-Press team kept record of a set of Islamic sites and monuments dating back to the Ottoman Empire and which were transformed into Judaized halls and museums.
Since 2002, the Israeli occupation authorities have been digging beneath and above Hamam al-Ein area and its vicinity in an attempt to wipe out the area’s typically Islamic character.
Sponsors of the bid are set to inaugurate the project sometime in the spring, with the advent of Jewish holidays. Other excavations are expected to be carried out in the area to pave the way for the construction of the site.
The project is sponsored by the Wailing Wall Legacy Fund public company affiliated with Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
A series of pictures released by the Q-Press center shows the site as being built at the expense of the Islamic Mamlukiya historical hall beneath the Hamam al-Ein area, a few meters away from al-Aqsa’s Western Wall. A field visit to the area by the Q-Press team kept record of a set of Islamic sites and monuments dating back to the Ottoman Empire and which were transformed into Judaized halls and museums.
Since 2002, the Israeli occupation authorities have been digging beneath and above Hamam al-Ein area and its vicinity in an attempt to wipe out the area’s typically Islamic character.
10 feb 2016
A report from an autopsy performed on a 16-year-old Palestinian killed when clashes broke out during an Israeli military raid Tuesday revealed the teen died from a bullet to the chest.
Hebron’s District Attorney Alaa al-Tamimi told Ma'an Wednesday that Omar Yousef Madi al-Jawabreh died after being hit by a single bullet that entered his body from the right side of his chest.
Al-Tamimi said the bullet penetrated the teen’s liver, kidneys, and spleen before exiting his body from the lower left side of his rib cage.
The al-Jawabreh family is expected to hold a funeral on Thursday, Al-Tamimi added.
The 16-year-old was shot when clashes erupted between residents and Israeli forces raiding al-Arrub refugee camp in the southern occupied West Bank district of Hebron, locals said.
An Israeli army spokesperson said following the teen’s death that Israeli soldiers had “responded with riot dispersal means” to a “number of boys throwing stones at Israeli vehicles on Route 60,” hitting one "demonstrator" with live fire.
The spokesperson told Ma’an at the time that Israeli soldiers were present in al-Arrub during “routine security activity.”
The autopsy report comes as Israel has faced mounting criticism for implementing a "shoot-to-kill" policy on Palestinians, leading to unnecessary deaths of individuals who did not pose sufficient threat for the use of lethal force at the time of their death.
Al-Jawabreh was one of around 170 Palestinians to be killed by Israeli forces or settlers since an escalation in violence spread across the occupied Palestinian in October, including 19-year-old Khalid Mahmoud al-Jawabreh who was shot in al-Arrub in November.
The Hebron district in particular grew as a flashpoint in November and December, and the Israeli military shut down movement in large portions of the district, including al-Arrub camp. Many restrictions have since been lifted but sporadic closures continue.
While the majority of Palestinians to be killed in the recent unrest were shot during attacks on Israeli military, around 50 were shot during clashes with the Israeli military that broke out during demonstrations or search raids.
Search and arrest raids -- last year’s weekly average numbering nearly 90 according to UN documentation -- frequently result in clashes between Palestinian residents and Israeli military.
Human Rights Watch last year criticized Israel for large-scale violations carried out during arrest campaigns. Violations included arbitrary arrest, excessive use of force against residents who did not pose sufficient threat for the lethal use of force, and damage to property and homes.
This year has seen a weekly average of 318 night raids into Palestinian villages and cities in the occupied West Bank, many of which have been carried out following attacks on Israeli military targets or settlements.
Hebron’s District Attorney Alaa al-Tamimi told Ma'an Wednesday that Omar Yousef Madi al-Jawabreh died after being hit by a single bullet that entered his body from the right side of his chest.
Al-Tamimi said the bullet penetrated the teen’s liver, kidneys, and spleen before exiting his body from the lower left side of his rib cage.
The al-Jawabreh family is expected to hold a funeral on Thursday, Al-Tamimi added.
The 16-year-old was shot when clashes erupted between residents and Israeli forces raiding al-Arrub refugee camp in the southern occupied West Bank district of Hebron, locals said.
An Israeli army spokesperson said following the teen’s death that Israeli soldiers had “responded with riot dispersal means” to a “number of boys throwing stones at Israeli vehicles on Route 60,” hitting one "demonstrator" with live fire.
The spokesperson told Ma’an at the time that Israeli soldiers were present in al-Arrub during “routine security activity.”
The autopsy report comes as Israel has faced mounting criticism for implementing a "shoot-to-kill" policy on Palestinians, leading to unnecessary deaths of individuals who did not pose sufficient threat for the use of lethal force at the time of their death.
Al-Jawabreh was one of around 170 Palestinians to be killed by Israeli forces or settlers since an escalation in violence spread across the occupied Palestinian in October, including 19-year-old Khalid Mahmoud al-Jawabreh who was shot in al-Arrub in November.
The Hebron district in particular grew as a flashpoint in November and December, and the Israeli military shut down movement in large portions of the district, including al-Arrub camp. Many restrictions have since been lifted but sporadic closures continue.
While the majority of Palestinians to be killed in the recent unrest were shot during attacks on Israeli military, around 50 were shot during clashes with the Israeli military that broke out during demonstrations or search raids.
Search and arrest raids -- last year’s weekly average numbering nearly 90 according to UN documentation -- frequently result in clashes between Palestinian residents and Israeli military.
Human Rights Watch last year criticized Israel for large-scale violations carried out during arrest campaigns. Violations included arbitrary arrest, excessive use of force against residents who did not pose sufficient threat for the lethal use of force, and damage to property and homes.
This year has seen a weekly average of 318 night raids into Palestinian villages and cities in the occupied West Bank, many of which have been carried out following attacks on Israeli military targets or settlements.
Spokesman for Hamas Movement Sami Abu Zuhri has said that the reconciliation draft paper is still under study within the Movement, denying media reports about its content.
Speaking exclusively to the PIC, Abu Zuhri affirmed that the draft paper on the mechanism of implementing the reconciliation agreements is still being discussed within the Movement’s institutions.
The leaked media reports about the draft’s content are baseless, he added. Hamas and Fatah Movements have developed, during a week meeting in Doha, definite practical ideas to execute the reconciliation agreements and address the obstacles preventing their achievement under Qatari sponsorship.
Speaking exclusively to the PIC, Abu Zuhri affirmed that the draft paper on the mechanism of implementing the reconciliation agreements is still being discussed within the Movement’s institutions.
The leaked media reports about the draft’s content are baseless, he added. Hamas and Fatah Movements have developed, during a week meeting in Doha, definite practical ideas to execute the reconciliation agreements and address the obstacles preventing their achievement under Qatari sponsorship.
Fatah leader in Nablus Tayseer Nasrallah said Tuesday the Palestinian-Israeli talks have reached a deadlock, calling on the Palestinian factions to back up the ongoing anti-occupation uprising.
Nasrallah said in an exclusive statement to the PIC: “The anti-occupation operations carried out by Palestinian youths are the natural response to Israeli crimes and field executions against the Palestinians.”
According to Nasrallah, the fact that thousands have been marching in the funeral processions of slain Palestinians is a sign of the mass-support for the national struggle for liberation.
He added that as long as the Israeli occupation of Palestine remains a fact on the ground, the intifada will keep going. The Fatah official further said that maintaining peace talks with the Israeli occupation is no longer an option for restoring Palestinians’ national rights.
Nasrallah said in an exclusive statement to the PIC: “The anti-occupation operations carried out by Palestinian youths are the natural response to Israeli crimes and field executions against the Palestinians.”
According to Nasrallah, the fact that thousands have been marching in the funeral processions of slain Palestinians is a sign of the mass-support for the national struggle for liberation.
He added that as long as the Israeli occupation of Palestine remains a fact on the ground, the intifada will keep going. The Fatah official further said that maintaining peace talks with the Israeli occupation is no longer an option for restoring Palestinians’ national rights.
Fr Manuel Hanna Musallam, priest of the Latin Church in Palestine, said he will be fasting for three days in solidarity with journalist Muhammad al-Qeiq, whose hunger strike has entered its 78th day.
Speaking in an exclusive statement to the PIC, Fr Musallam addressed al-Qeiq saying: “Dear hero your life is more precious to us than your death.”
Fr Musallam called on Muslims and Christians to fast and pray for al-Qeiq. “The world did not show sympathy for the oppressed Palestinian detainees. History shall curse and condemn all those who remained silent over Israel’s crimes and persecution of the Palestinian people,” the priest added.
He spoke out against the administrative detention policy pursued by the occupation authorities, saying: “Israel will be brought before international courts for its counterfeit condemnations of Palestinians.” “Your message has reached the entire world. Stop at death’s door but never cross it. We need you to teach our younger generations the true meaning of patience and resistance.
You forced the enemy to concede defeat. We would like you to live for Palestine,” he further told al-Qeiq. Fr Musallam also expressed his solidarity with the protesters, MPs, and anti-occupation activists held in Israeli lock-ups.
Speaking in an exclusive statement to the PIC, Fr Musallam addressed al-Qeiq saying: “Dear hero your life is more precious to us than your death.”
Fr Musallam called on Muslims and Christians to fast and pray for al-Qeiq. “The world did not show sympathy for the oppressed Palestinian detainees. History shall curse and condemn all those who remained silent over Israel’s crimes and persecution of the Palestinian people,” the priest added.
He spoke out against the administrative detention policy pursued by the occupation authorities, saying: “Israel will be brought before international courts for its counterfeit condemnations of Palestinians.” “Your message has reached the entire world. Stop at death’s door but never cross it. We need you to teach our younger generations the true meaning of patience and resistance.
You forced the enemy to concede defeat. We would like you to live for Palestine,” he further told al-Qeiq. Fr Musallam also expressed his solidarity with the protesters, MPs, and anti-occupation activists held in Israeli lock-ups.