2 mar 2016
A documented statistical report and field investigations for the course of events in al-Aqsa Mosque in February 2016, showed that the number of Israeli intruders into al-Aqsa Mosque has multiplied by about 120% compared to January.
In January, the number of intruders was 511 while it reached 1149 intruders in February, 2016, most of whom were settlers and members of Jewish groups.
The report, prepared by the Media Center for Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Affairs (QPress), pointed that the events that occurred in February in al-Aqsa Mosque and the old town of Jerusalem, and their vicinity, indicated a planned escalation by the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) and an excessive targeting of al-Aqsa Mosque.
Such Israeli violations against al-Aqsa Mosque might be increased in the months of March and April during the Jewish holiday season, the report warned.
Increased incursions
During the month of February, 841 settlers, individuals and groups belonging to Jewish extremist organizations, stormed al-Aqsa Mosque.
Meanwhile, 85 intelligence elements and 188 soldiers in military clothes violated sanctity of the holy Islamic site in exploration and military guiding tours, along with 55 Jewish students, 4 Israeli high-ranking officers, and 3 employees in the so-called Israeli Antiquities Authority.
The raids took place weekly from Sunday to Thursday, between 7:30 - 10:00 am. and 12:30 - 13:30 pm, where the incursions’ path begins from the Maghariba Gate under heavy guard by Israeli Special Forces IOF. The settlers usually walk in the region opposite to the roofed Qibli Mosque then continue until the south corner and the Marwani Masjid, to the area of Bab al-Rahma then up to the western region and western stairs of the Dome of the Rock, and finally they come out of the al-Silsila Gate.
The settlers' incursions have noticeably increased and in larger groups in terms of number and equipment. They repeatedly attempted to offer Talmudic rituals at several locations within the area of al-Aqsa Mosque, which is 144 dunums, especially at Bab al-Rahma area, but were confronted by al-Aqsa Mosque Palestinian guards and the worshipers at it.
However, the Israeli forces escorting the settlers prevented anyone from approaching them. The Israeli intelligence agents and soldiers and officers, in their military uniform, had maps in their possession during their tours, which they used to examine various areas in al-Aqsa Mosque. All these field visitations and indicators, confirm -according to the report- that the occupation has stepped up its actions that have affected the overall atmosphere at al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of February.
It further noted that clear signs of further escalation in the months of March and April have started to emerge. In another indicator, the Inspector General of Israeli Police, Rooney al-Sheikh, has gone in February on a field inspection tour of Jerusalem's Old City and the Damascus Gate, and also to the area adjacent to al-Aqsa Mosque, and was about to break into al-Aqsa Mosque across al-Silsila Gate or across Maghariba Gate, but did not for undisclosed reasons, it seems his incursion has been postponed to another date.
Fined endowments
In another related development, the Israeli Magistrate's Court in western Jerusalem unprecedentedly issued a decision at the end of February in favor of right-wing activist, Itamar Ben Gvir against the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem, which means criminalizing it and the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf as it is responsible for the Waqf in Jerusalem.
The decision required the payment of 56,800 shekels worth of financial compensation (50 thousand shekels for Ben Gvir himself and the rest are for Court expenses), claiming harassment by the staff/guards of Waqf in Al-Aqsa Mosque during his storming into the site in 2015.
In the same context, the Magistrate's Court judge in western Jerusalem decided on February, 25th to acquit the radical Likud activist, who is known of his intrusions and hostility to al-Aqsa Mosque, rabbi Yehuda Glick, of the charge of assaulting a Palestinian elderly in al-Aqsa Mosque, about a year and a half ago.
The Israeli police in Jerusalem decided to withdraw the mentioned indictment file claiming that there were difficulties finding sufficient evidence to prove the charge and conviction, and thus the Magistrate's Court in Jerusalem decided to acquit Glick.
The decision of acquitting Glick was followed by the cancellation of an order issued against him preventing him from entering al-Aqsa Mosque, so he can break into al-Aqsa again at will, which is what happened on the first day of March, where the radical rabbi stormed al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli police protection.
As a consequence to this decision is that any potential obstacles to Glick's nomination to the Knesset have been removed. Glick has been known by his several proposals and activities against al-Aqsa Mosque, which threatens to ignite the situation again at al-Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings, if not beyond that.
A state of permanent sit-in
At the same time, the Israeli occupation continues to tighten restrictions on the Palestinian worshipers and visitors to al-Aqsa Mosque and to the city of Jerusalem. The Israeli occupation still prevents the entry of dozens of Palestinian women listed on the so-called "Golden List", from entering al-Aqsa Mosque, and prevents dozens of Palestinian men from entering the holy site and keeps them away from the Mosque and Jerusalem's Old City, and even the entire City of Jerusalem.
Such restrictions, however, did not prevent hundreds of male and female worshipers from coming everyday especially on Fridays to pray at al-Aqsa and organize sit-ins at the Mosque and its surroundings. This steadfastness and the events protesting against prevention of some Palestinians from entering into al-Aqsa Mosque are clear signs of the continued persistence in defending the holy Islamic site.
In January, the number of intruders was 511 while it reached 1149 intruders in February, 2016, most of whom were settlers and members of Jewish groups.
The report, prepared by the Media Center for Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Affairs (QPress), pointed that the events that occurred in February in al-Aqsa Mosque and the old town of Jerusalem, and their vicinity, indicated a planned escalation by the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) and an excessive targeting of al-Aqsa Mosque.
Such Israeli violations against al-Aqsa Mosque might be increased in the months of March and April during the Jewish holiday season, the report warned.
Increased incursions
During the month of February, 841 settlers, individuals and groups belonging to Jewish extremist organizations, stormed al-Aqsa Mosque.
Meanwhile, 85 intelligence elements and 188 soldiers in military clothes violated sanctity of the holy Islamic site in exploration and military guiding tours, along with 55 Jewish students, 4 Israeli high-ranking officers, and 3 employees in the so-called Israeli Antiquities Authority.
The raids took place weekly from Sunday to Thursday, between 7:30 - 10:00 am. and 12:30 - 13:30 pm, where the incursions’ path begins from the Maghariba Gate under heavy guard by Israeli Special Forces IOF. The settlers usually walk in the region opposite to the roofed Qibli Mosque then continue until the south corner and the Marwani Masjid, to the area of Bab al-Rahma then up to the western region and western stairs of the Dome of the Rock, and finally they come out of the al-Silsila Gate.
The settlers' incursions have noticeably increased and in larger groups in terms of number and equipment. They repeatedly attempted to offer Talmudic rituals at several locations within the area of al-Aqsa Mosque, which is 144 dunums, especially at Bab al-Rahma area, but were confronted by al-Aqsa Mosque Palestinian guards and the worshipers at it.
However, the Israeli forces escorting the settlers prevented anyone from approaching them. The Israeli intelligence agents and soldiers and officers, in their military uniform, had maps in their possession during their tours, which they used to examine various areas in al-Aqsa Mosque. All these field visitations and indicators, confirm -according to the report- that the occupation has stepped up its actions that have affected the overall atmosphere at al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of February.
It further noted that clear signs of further escalation in the months of March and April have started to emerge. In another indicator, the Inspector General of Israeli Police, Rooney al-Sheikh, has gone in February on a field inspection tour of Jerusalem's Old City and the Damascus Gate, and also to the area adjacent to al-Aqsa Mosque, and was about to break into al-Aqsa Mosque across al-Silsila Gate or across Maghariba Gate, but did not for undisclosed reasons, it seems his incursion has been postponed to another date.
Fined endowments
In another related development, the Israeli Magistrate's Court in western Jerusalem unprecedentedly issued a decision at the end of February in favor of right-wing activist, Itamar Ben Gvir against the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem, which means criminalizing it and the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf as it is responsible for the Waqf in Jerusalem.
The decision required the payment of 56,800 shekels worth of financial compensation (50 thousand shekels for Ben Gvir himself and the rest are for Court expenses), claiming harassment by the staff/guards of Waqf in Al-Aqsa Mosque during his storming into the site in 2015.
In the same context, the Magistrate's Court judge in western Jerusalem decided on February, 25th to acquit the radical Likud activist, who is known of his intrusions and hostility to al-Aqsa Mosque, rabbi Yehuda Glick, of the charge of assaulting a Palestinian elderly in al-Aqsa Mosque, about a year and a half ago.
The Israeli police in Jerusalem decided to withdraw the mentioned indictment file claiming that there were difficulties finding sufficient evidence to prove the charge and conviction, and thus the Magistrate's Court in Jerusalem decided to acquit Glick.
The decision of acquitting Glick was followed by the cancellation of an order issued against him preventing him from entering al-Aqsa Mosque, so he can break into al-Aqsa again at will, which is what happened on the first day of March, where the radical rabbi stormed al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli police protection.
As a consequence to this decision is that any potential obstacles to Glick's nomination to the Knesset have been removed. Glick has been known by his several proposals and activities against al-Aqsa Mosque, which threatens to ignite the situation again at al-Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings, if not beyond that.
A state of permanent sit-in
At the same time, the Israeli occupation continues to tighten restrictions on the Palestinian worshipers and visitors to al-Aqsa Mosque and to the city of Jerusalem. The Israeli occupation still prevents the entry of dozens of Palestinian women listed on the so-called "Golden List", from entering al-Aqsa Mosque, and prevents dozens of Palestinian men from entering the holy site and keeps them away from the Mosque and Jerusalem's Old City, and even the entire City of Jerusalem.
Such restrictions, however, did not prevent hundreds of male and female worshipers from coming everyday especially on Fridays to pray at al-Aqsa and organize sit-ins at the Mosque and its surroundings. This steadfastness and the events protesting against prevention of some Palestinians from entering into al-Aqsa Mosque are clear signs of the continued persistence in defending the holy Islamic site.
Head of Hamas's political bureau Khaled Mishaal has applauded the leading role of the Palestinian youth in resisting and confronting the Israeli occupation on their own land.
Mishaal made his remarks on al-Quds satellite channel on Tuesday evening during a television program about the resistance in Palestine.
He emphasized that "the heroes of the individual operations", as he described them, are the makers of the Palestinian people's revolution against the occupation.
The Hamas official expressed his optimism that the occupation and its settlements would come to an end soon. "We are looking forward to getting rid of the occupation and its settlements because this is the essence of the problem."
In another context, Mishaal said that engaging in peace negotiations with the Israeli occupation without having strong cards would embellish Israel's image and undermine the Palestinian people's political balance.
Mishaal made his remarks on al-Quds satellite channel on Tuesday evening during a television program about the resistance in Palestine.
He emphasized that "the heroes of the individual operations", as he described them, are the makers of the Palestinian people's revolution against the occupation.
The Hamas official expressed his optimism that the occupation and its settlements would come to an end soon. "We are looking forward to getting rid of the occupation and its settlements because this is the essence of the problem."
In another context, Mishaal said that engaging in peace negotiations with the Israeli occupation without having strong cards would embellish Israel's image and undermine the Palestinian people's political balance.
Husam Badran, the spokesman of Hamas Movement, hailed Qalandya refugee camp and said it is a key stronghold of Jerusalem Intifada.
Badran also mourned the young martyr Iyad Sujdiya who was killed by Israeli gunfire inside the camp.
The camp which is close to Ramallah city witnessed Monday night violent armed clashes after Palestinian armed men had besieged two Israeli soldiers before heavy Israeli forces, including 1500 troops backed up with Apache helicopters, clashed with them.
10 Israeli soldiers were injured and a patrol jeep was torched. For his part, the former head of Israeli Shin Bet, Avi Dichter, described the clashes in Qalandya camp as a serious worrying incident that would flame the uprising.
Israeli army opened an investigation in the event. The event of Qalandya refugee camp has gained a widespread coverage in the Israeli media where political analysts and writers perceived it as a development on the performance of Palestinian resistance and a turning point in the Jerusalem Intifada which has been continuous for five months in the West Bank.
Badran also mourned the young martyr Iyad Sujdiya who was killed by Israeli gunfire inside the camp.
The camp which is close to Ramallah city witnessed Monday night violent armed clashes after Palestinian armed men had besieged two Israeli soldiers before heavy Israeli forces, including 1500 troops backed up with Apache helicopters, clashed with them.
10 Israeli soldiers were injured and a patrol jeep was torched. For his part, the former head of Israeli Shin Bet, Avi Dichter, described the clashes in Qalandya camp as a serious worrying incident that would flame the uprising.
Israeli army opened an investigation in the event. The event of Qalandya refugee camp has gained a widespread coverage in the Israeli media where political analysts and writers perceived it as a development on the performance of Palestinian resistance and a turning point in the Jerusalem Intifada which has been continuous for five months in the West Bank.
Hundreds of Palestinians marched on Tuesday afternoon in the funeral of the 22-year-old Iyad Sajadiyya who was shot and killed by Israeli occupation forces (IOF) during an overnight raid into Qalandia camp north of occupied Jerusalem.
Sajadiyya's body was moved from the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to his family home in the camp to bid him a final farewell.
From there, it was taken to a local mosque for funeral prayers to be then moved to the camp’s cemetery. During the funeral procession, the mourners chanted slogans calling for revenge and retaliation against Israeli crimes.
Sajadiyya was shot and killed at dawn Tuesday during fierce clashes that broke out when Israeli forces violently raided the refugee camp.
11 other youths were shot and injured by live ammunition during the clashes. At least 10 residents of the camp have been shot dead by Israeli forces since the outbreak of Jerusalem Intifada in October 2015.
Sajadiyya's body was moved from the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to his family home in the camp to bid him a final farewell.
From there, it was taken to a local mosque for funeral prayers to be then moved to the camp’s cemetery. During the funeral procession, the mourners chanted slogans calling for revenge and retaliation against Israeli crimes.
Sajadiyya was shot and killed at dawn Tuesday during fierce clashes that broke out when Israeli forces violently raided the refugee camp.
11 other youths were shot and injured by live ammunition during the clashes. At least 10 residents of the camp have been shot dead by Israeli forces since the outbreak of Jerusalem Intifada in October 2015.
1 mar 2016
The Administration of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of Jerusalem has said that the installation of security cameras at the Aqsa Mosque is a purely Jordanian business and Israel has nothing to do with it.
Spokesman for the administration Firas al-Debs told Quds Press that the Jordanian Awqaf authorities and the Jerusalem Awqaf are both entitled to have the cameras installed at the Aqsa Mosque.
Debs added that delegations of Jordanian technicians and engineers started recently to visit the Aqsa Mosque in order to make renovations and follow up the issue of the cameras.
He denounced the Hebrew press for trying to raise the issue of the cameras at the Aqsa Mosque in accordance with Israel's interests, affirming that these cameras would be fully supervised by the Awqaf authorities in Jordan and Jerusalem.
Spokesman for the administration Firas al-Debs told Quds Press that the Jordanian Awqaf authorities and the Jerusalem Awqaf are both entitled to have the cameras installed at the Aqsa Mosque.
Debs added that delegations of Jordanian technicians and engineers started recently to visit the Aqsa Mosque in order to make renovations and follow up the issue of the cameras.
He denounced the Hebrew press for trying to raise the issue of the cameras at the Aqsa Mosque in accordance with Israel's interests, affirming that these cameras would be fully supervised by the Awqaf authorities in Jordan and Jerusalem.
Israeli Supreme Court endorsed on Monday the demolition of the house of the Palestinian martyr Ibrahim Eskafi, 23, from al-Khalil in the southern West Bank.
Martyr Eskafi carried out, on November 04, 2015, an anti-occupation hit-and-run operation near Halhoul town in al-Khalil.
One Israeli soldier was killed and another was injured in the operation. Israeli forces shot him dead inside his car.
Radio Israel said that the house will be destroyed from the inside only. The inside walls will be razed and the house will be closed and no demolition date was announced, the radio added.
Martyr Eskafi carried out, on November 04, 2015, an anti-occupation hit-and-run operation near Halhoul town in al-Khalil.
One Israeli soldier was killed and another was injured in the operation. Israeli forces shot him dead inside his car.
Radio Israel said that the house will be destroyed from the inside only. The inside walls will be razed and the house will be closed and no demolition date was announced, the radio added.
Head of Hamas's political bureau Khaled Mishaal has said that al-Quds intifada (uprising) proved the readiness of the Palestinian people to confront the occupation, which is "the root of the problem in the region."
Mishaal made his remarks during his participation on Monday evening in a program about the Palestinian resistance on al-Quds satellite channel.
The Hamas leader underlined that al-Quds intifada confirmed that the Aqsa Mosque is a red line and the Palestinian people have a stockpile of struggle against the occupation and are able to surprise it. He expressed his strong belief that Israel's miscalculated plots, which took advantage of regional events, would be frustrated by the bravery of the young people of the intifada.
He also noted that the Palestinian uprising highlighted the occupation and its settlement activities as the core of the problem.
Mishaal made his remarks during his participation on Monday evening in a program about the Palestinian resistance on al-Quds satellite channel.
The Hamas leader underlined that al-Quds intifada confirmed that the Aqsa Mosque is a red line and the Palestinian people have a stockpile of struggle against the occupation and are able to surprise it. He expressed his strong belief that Israel's miscalculated plots, which took advantage of regional events, would be frustrated by the bravery of the young people of the intifada.
He also noted that the Palestinian uprising highlighted the occupation and its settlement activities as the core of the problem.
Political bureau member of Hamas Mahmoud al-Zahar said Monday Palestinians have the right to establish a seaport in the blockaded Gaza Strip and that Hamas is seeking friendly bilateral ties with its neighbors.
Speaking during a televised interview with al-Aqsa TV Channel, Zahhar said Hamas longs for a real showdown with Egypt in all bilateral issues and beyond all rumors propagated by the mass media.
“We seek to establish a friendly fraternity bond with all countries so as to boost support for the Palestinian cause,” Zahhar said. He expressed Hamas’s intents to visit Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the Gulf countries, among other regions, to mobilize support for the Palestinian cause.
“Never have we meddled in any state’s internal security. We are trying to repair the bilateral relations damaged by some regimes,” he added.
Commenting on the anti-occupation intifada, which started in early October, Zahhar said: “The Intifada has been successful by all standards. It is not a simple popular uprising.
All Palestinians from all factions and life spectra have taken part in the intifada.” He slammed the Palestinian Authority (PA) for propping up security coordination and normalization with the Israeli occupation.
“Fatah movement has not only been involved in the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip; it has also been working against the establishment of a seaport, sealing power funds, and handing Palestinian anti-occupation activists to the Israeli occupation,” Zahhar further stated.
“The Palestine Liberation Organization does not represent the Palestinian people. All it does is mere political vandalism,” he charged. Zahhar further spoke out against the PA’s prosecution of MP Najat Abu Bakr, dubbing it a barefaced infringement of Palestinian laws and MPs’ right to parliamentary immunity.
“Abbas recognizes the legitimacy of the members of the Palestinian legislative Council only if they act like a toy in his hands,” he concluded.
Speaking during a televised interview with al-Aqsa TV Channel, Zahhar said Hamas longs for a real showdown with Egypt in all bilateral issues and beyond all rumors propagated by the mass media.
“We seek to establish a friendly fraternity bond with all countries so as to boost support for the Palestinian cause,” Zahhar said. He expressed Hamas’s intents to visit Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the Gulf countries, among other regions, to mobilize support for the Palestinian cause.
“Never have we meddled in any state’s internal security. We are trying to repair the bilateral relations damaged by some regimes,” he added.
Commenting on the anti-occupation intifada, which started in early October, Zahhar said: “The Intifada has been successful by all standards. It is not a simple popular uprising.
All Palestinians from all factions and life spectra have taken part in the intifada.” He slammed the Palestinian Authority (PA) for propping up security coordination and normalization with the Israeli occupation.
“Fatah movement has not only been involved in the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip; it has also been working against the establishment of a seaport, sealing power funds, and handing Palestinian anti-occupation activists to the Israeli occupation,” Zahhar further stated.
“The Palestine Liberation Organization does not represent the Palestinian people. All it does is mere political vandalism,” he charged. Zahhar further spoke out against the PA’s prosecution of MP Najat Abu Bakr, dubbing it a barefaced infringement of Palestinian laws and MPs’ right to parliamentary immunity.
“Abbas recognizes the legitimacy of the members of the Palestinian legislative Council only if they act like a toy in his hands,” he concluded.
29 feb 2016
Israeli minister of transportation, Yisrael Katz, escalated his incitement campaign against anti-occupation activists by demanding the deportation of their families to Syria or Gaza.
Maariv newspaper on Sunday quoted Katz as saying that he insists on his proposal, and called for changing the Israeli law to facilitate the deportation policy.
He claimed that “implementing the policy of deportation would decrease the motives of Palestinian minors to carry out such operations.”
Israeli occupation authorities adopt the policy of collective punishment against Palestinian activists by demolishing their homes and, on certain occasions, exiling them out of their home country.
Maariv newspaper on Sunday quoted Katz as saying that he insists on his proposal, and called for changing the Israeli law to facilitate the deportation policy.
He claimed that “implementing the policy of deportation would decrease the motives of Palestinian minors to carry out such operations.”
Israeli occupation authorities adopt the policy of collective punishment against Palestinian activists by demolishing their homes and, on certain occasions, exiling them out of their home country.
Avaaz international human rights organization called on Hollywood's Oscar nominees to visit Palestinian children in Israeli jails and to speak up for their infringed rights.
“This week’s Oscars are our chance to draw attention to the 500 Palestinian children who are suffering out of sight in Israeli prisons right now,” Avaaz said.
“Israel aims to get good publicity by offering a paid trip for all Oscar winners. But if enough of us come together now, we can publicly invite the stars to visit imprisoned Palestinian children too, and get that story all over the world’s media.”
According to the organization, more than 500 Palestinian children are imprisoned by Israel right now and many of them endure terrible abuse like beatings and harassment. “Most people around the world don’t know anything about their plight. But we have a rare opportunity to tell the world about Palestine’s imprisoned stars — its children,” it added.
The group warned that the Israeli government is offering a $55,000 trip to Israel for Oscar winners, trying to use celebrities’ fame to whitewash its image in the eyes of the world. “But if thousands of us invite the stars to visit Palestine as well to learn about our child prisoners, then we can make this the story and create a media storm in Hollywood,” Avaaz further stated.
The organization said Israel wants to use the endorsement of some of the world’s biggest celebrities to restore its international clout. “They want to hide the ugly face of the occupation behind photos of Hollywood stars on Tel Aviv beaches. The stars will be given an all expenses paid journey so that they can paint a rosy picture of Israel — and Palestinians will be hidden from sight,” Avaaz said.
“This propaganda trip could become a win for the struggle for freedom and dignity in Palestine. We can show the world what happens to Palestine’s future stars, the children, who have their dreams shattered by Israel’s imprisonment policies. It’s impossible to see a child in prison and think they deserve their long sentence, or meet their family and remain indifferent,” the statement further read.
“A free Palestine is within sight, but like the fight against Apartheid in South Africa, it will take international pressure to win,” Avaaz concluded as it urged activists around the world to sign an online petition to urge Hollywood stars to pop in the occupied Palestinian territories.
“This week’s Oscars are our chance to draw attention to the 500 Palestinian children who are suffering out of sight in Israeli prisons right now,” Avaaz said.
“Israel aims to get good publicity by offering a paid trip for all Oscar winners. But if enough of us come together now, we can publicly invite the stars to visit imprisoned Palestinian children too, and get that story all over the world’s media.”
According to the organization, more than 500 Palestinian children are imprisoned by Israel right now and many of them endure terrible abuse like beatings and harassment. “Most people around the world don’t know anything about their plight. But we have a rare opportunity to tell the world about Palestine’s imprisoned stars — its children,” it added.
The group warned that the Israeli government is offering a $55,000 trip to Israel for Oscar winners, trying to use celebrities’ fame to whitewash its image in the eyes of the world. “But if thousands of us invite the stars to visit Palestine as well to learn about our child prisoners, then we can make this the story and create a media storm in Hollywood,” Avaaz further stated.
The organization said Israel wants to use the endorsement of some of the world’s biggest celebrities to restore its international clout. “They want to hide the ugly face of the occupation behind photos of Hollywood stars on Tel Aviv beaches. The stars will be given an all expenses paid journey so that they can paint a rosy picture of Israel — and Palestinians will be hidden from sight,” Avaaz said.
“This propaganda trip could become a win for the struggle for freedom and dignity in Palestine. We can show the world what happens to Palestine’s future stars, the children, who have their dreams shattered by Israel’s imprisonment policies. It’s impossible to see a child in prison and think they deserve their long sentence, or meet their family and remain indifferent,” the statement further read.
“A free Palestine is within sight, but like the fight against Apartheid in South Africa, it will take international pressure to win,” Avaaz concluded as it urged activists around the world to sign an online petition to urge Hollywood stars to pop in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested 40 Palestinians after they injured them with bullet fire since the start of the anti-occupation uprising in early October, a rights group reported.
Head of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS), Abdullah al-Zaghari, said the IOF shot and injured 40 Palestinians before they arrested them shortly afterwards on allegations that they attempted to carry out anti-occupation attacks.
According to al-Zaghari the injured arrestees have been subjected to mistreatment and torture in Israeli hospitals and lock-ups. Several of them have also gone through a sharp health deterioration as they had been exhaustively interrogated and left without urgent treatment for long hours.
Two injured detainees had their legsamputated due to medical neglect while others were aggressively beaten to force confessions, the activist added. A PPS attorney who visited the injured Palestinians at the Ofer jail raised alarm bells over the agony they have been made to endure due to medical negligence.
PPS head in al-Khalil, Amjad al-Najar, said 26-year-old Jawad al-Feroukh has gone through a sharp health deterioration and risks to have his right hand amputated due to the serious complications inflicted by bullet wounds sustained on December 12.
Al-Najar called on the International Red Cross Organization to work on providing the detainee, sentenced administratively to four months in the Negev prison, with urgent medical therapy before it is too late.
Head of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS), Abdullah al-Zaghari, said the IOF shot and injured 40 Palestinians before they arrested them shortly afterwards on allegations that they attempted to carry out anti-occupation attacks.
According to al-Zaghari the injured arrestees have been subjected to mistreatment and torture in Israeli hospitals and lock-ups. Several of them have also gone through a sharp health deterioration as they had been exhaustively interrogated and left without urgent treatment for long hours.
Two injured detainees had their legsamputated due to medical neglect while others were aggressively beaten to force confessions, the activist added. A PPS attorney who visited the injured Palestinians at the Ofer jail raised alarm bells over the agony they have been made to endure due to medical negligence.
PPS head in al-Khalil, Amjad al-Najar, said 26-year-old Jawad al-Feroukh has gone through a sharp health deterioration and risks to have his right hand amputated due to the serious complications inflicted by bullet wounds sustained on December 12.
Al-Najar called on the International Red Cross Organization to work on providing the detainee, sentenced administratively to four months in the Negev prison, with urgent medical therapy before it is too late.
28 feb 2016
Israeli settlers, on Sunday, resumed their provocative visits to al-Aqsa Mosque compound, in Jerusalem, provoking tension with worshipers.
WAFA correspondence said that dozens of settlers entered the compound in small groups, and toured throughout the holy site, provoking tension with worshipers who protested by chanting religious slogans.
Since the beginning of October 2015, tension has been running high across the West Bank, including Jerusalem and Gaza, against the backdrop of Israel’s repeated assaults on the mosque, including its unilateral enforcement of a temporal division between Muslims and Jews.
Prior to unrest in early October, the Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor pointed out in a report that Israeli incitement and violations against Arabs in Jerusalem have increased dramatically in 2015.
The report, titled “Fire under the Ashes: Provoking Muslims in Jerusalem,” warned that Israeli incitement against Muslims could trigger a conflict that would likely result in disastrous consequences.
“Among the provocative acts documented by Euro-Med researchers against Palestinians in Jerusalem were performance of Talmudic prayers near Muslim worshippers, beating, throwing rubbish, cursing, death threats and preventing worshippers from reaching the mosque,” the report said.
WAFA correspondence said that dozens of settlers entered the compound in small groups, and toured throughout the holy site, provoking tension with worshipers who protested by chanting religious slogans.
Since the beginning of October 2015, tension has been running high across the West Bank, including Jerusalem and Gaza, against the backdrop of Israel’s repeated assaults on the mosque, including its unilateral enforcement of a temporal division between Muslims and Jews.
Prior to unrest in early October, the Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor pointed out in a report that Israeli incitement and violations against Arabs in Jerusalem have increased dramatically in 2015.
The report, titled “Fire under the Ashes: Provoking Muslims in Jerusalem,” warned that Israeli incitement against Muslims could trigger a conflict that would likely result in disastrous consequences.
“Among the provocative acts documented by Euro-Med researchers against Palestinians in Jerusalem were performance of Talmudic prayers near Muslim worshippers, beating, throwing rubbish, cursing, death threats and preventing worshippers from reaching the mosque,” the report said.
Chairman of the anti-settlement committee in Occupied Jerusalem, Hamdy Diab, warned of Israeli intents to engulf Occupied Jerusalem with illegal settlement as part of the so-called “Greater Jerusalem” scheme.
Speaking to the PIC, Diab said the Greater Jerusalem scheme has enclosed the Palestinian existence in Occupied Jerusalem within three settlement blocs: Kfar Etzion, in southern Occupied Jerusalem, and Ma’ale Adumim and E1 area, to the east.
The Israeli apartheid wall dismembered Jerusalem’s ties with such Palestinian neighborhoods as the Shu’fat camp, al-Ram, al-Izriya, and Abu Dis, among others, Diab added.
He said the number of Israelis residing in illegal settlements across Occupied Jerusalem has gone up to 400,000. The same number has been documented in the occupied West Bank.
The activist spoke out against a “fierce Israeli campaign” to Judaize Occupied Jerusalem, in addition to the striking surge in illegal settlement expansion. He added that the occupation authorities have been striving to prop up ties between the southern Kfar Etzion settlement and the E1 settlement scheme, to the east, in an attempt to merge them within a large settlement bloc.
According to Diab, the Israeli occupation approved the confiscation of 12,900 dunums of Palestinian lands to connect the different illegal settlements, on the one hand, and to attach those very settlements to highways and the light rail networks.
He slammed the silence maintained by the Palestinian Authority as regards such Israeli schemes, calling for mobilizing mass protests against Israeli Judaization plans and boosting anti-settlement activism across the occupied Palestinian territories.
Speaking to the PIC, Diab said the Greater Jerusalem scheme has enclosed the Palestinian existence in Occupied Jerusalem within three settlement blocs: Kfar Etzion, in southern Occupied Jerusalem, and Ma’ale Adumim and E1 area, to the east.
The Israeli apartheid wall dismembered Jerusalem’s ties with such Palestinian neighborhoods as the Shu’fat camp, al-Ram, al-Izriya, and Abu Dis, among others, Diab added.
He said the number of Israelis residing in illegal settlements across Occupied Jerusalem has gone up to 400,000. The same number has been documented in the occupied West Bank.
The activist spoke out against a “fierce Israeli campaign” to Judaize Occupied Jerusalem, in addition to the striking surge in illegal settlement expansion. He added that the occupation authorities have been striving to prop up ties between the southern Kfar Etzion settlement and the E1 settlement scheme, to the east, in an attempt to merge them within a large settlement bloc.
According to Diab, the Israeli occupation approved the confiscation of 12,900 dunums of Palestinian lands to connect the different illegal settlements, on the one hand, and to attach those very settlements to highways and the light rail networks.
He slammed the silence maintained by the Palestinian Authority as regards such Israeli schemes, calling for mobilizing mass protests against Israeli Judaization plans and boosting anti-settlement activism across the occupied Palestinian territories.
Al-Quds TV satellite channel will host Khaled Mishaal, head of Hamas’s political bureau, in two TV recorded episodes to talk about strategies of resistance and liberation project.
According to al-Quds satellite channel, both episodes will conclude a TV program on the Leader Salah Uddin al-Ayoubi’s stages of liberating Jerusalem.
The two episodes will be broadcasted next Monday and Thursday at 8:00 p.m. (Jerusalem Time).
According to al-Quds satellite channel, both episodes will conclude a TV program on the Leader Salah Uddin al-Ayoubi’s stages of liberating Jerusalem.
The two episodes will be broadcasted next Monday and Thursday at 8:00 p.m. (Jerusalem Time).
The U.S. administration decided to increase its annual military aid to Israel by as much as $800 million, on top of the millions of dollars and war arsenal dispatched to Israel per every single year, an Israeli newspaper reported Sunday.
The Israel Hayom newspaper quoted political sources as saying that the U.S. administration approved an Israeli request to provide Tel Aviv with four billion dollars in military aid for ten years, with an increase of $800 million from last year.
Israeli news outlets said the move came following the recently-struck U.S.-Iran nuclear deal. Israeli news outlets said there is a striking gap between the Israeli and U.S. positions as regards the increase in military aid as of the end of 2018.
The Israel Hayom newspaper quoted political sources as saying that the U.S. administration approved an Israeli request to provide Tel Aviv with four billion dollars in military aid for ten years, with an increase of $800 million from last year.
Israeli news outlets said the move came following the recently-struck U.S.-Iran nuclear deal. Israeli news outlets said there is a striking gap between the Israeli and U.S. positions as regards the increase in military aid as of the end of 2018.
A Palestinian expert in reconstruction warned of the imminent collapse of Palestinian buildings and homes in the Old City of Occupied Jerusalem due to Israeli excavations.
Speaking to the PIC, engineer Mustafa Abu Zahra called on Arabs and Muslims to support Occupied Jerusalem after Israeli underground tunnels and excavations damaged its infrastructure.
He said the damaged residential neighborhoods date back to the Ottoman period and have been homes for Palestinians’ for centuries. Several cracks and fissures emerged on the walls and rooftops of several Palestinian homes and civilian structures in Occupied Jerusalem following the striking surge in Israeli diggings and underground tunnels.
“Every single home, every single site, and every single wall is a bulletproof vest for Muslims’ the holy al-Aqsa Mosque, the Old City, and Occupied Jerusalem,” the expert added.
Speaking to the PIC, engineer Mustafa Abu Zahra called on Arabs and Muslims to support Occupied Jerusalem after Israeli underground tunnels and excavations damaged its infrastructure.
He said the damaged residential neighborhoods date back to the Ottoman period and have been homes for Palestinians’ for centuries. Several cracks and fissures emerged on the walls and rooftops of several Palestinian homes and civilian structures in Occupied Jerusalem following the striking surge in Israeli diggings and underground tunnels.
“Every single home, every single site, and every single wall is a bulletproof vest for Muslims’ the holy al-Aqsa Mosque, the Old City, and Occupied Jerusalem,” the expert added.
26 feb 2016
Three Palestinian youths were injured Friday afternoon after Israeli Occupation Forces opened fire at the eastern and southern borders of Gaza.
Local sources affirmed that two young men were hit and injured when Israeli forces stationed at the border areas east of Gaza City opened fire at Palestinian protesters.
Several others suffered effects of teargas inhalation, the sources added. The PIC news reporter earlier said that a Palestinian youngster was transferred to the European Hospital in Gaza after suffering a live shot injury.
The injured young man was targeted by Israeli forces east of Khan Younis south of the besieged Strip.
Gaza border areas have witnessed increasing tensions, resulting in the killing of 25 Palestinians and the injury of 800 others ever since solidarity marches with the Jerusalem Intifada started five months ago.
Local sources affirmed that two young men were hit and injured when Israeli forces stationed at the border areas east of Gaza City opened fire at Palestinian protesters.
Several others suffered effects of teargas inhalation, the sources added. The PIC news reporter earlier said that a Palestinian youngster was transferred to the European Hospital in Gaza after suffering a live shot injury.
The injured young man was targeted by Israeli forces east of Khan Younis south of the besieged Strip.
Gaza border areas have witnessed increasing tensions, resulting in the killing of 25 Palestinians and the injury of 800 others ever since solidarity marches with the Jerusalem Intifada started five months ago.
Cameron describes East Jerusalem as "shocking"
Secretary of State John Kerry, on Wednesday, urged Israeli and Palestinian officials to resume a “genuine” peace process, stressing that continued settlement construction is not helpful.
According to World Bulletin/Al Ray, the top diplomat warned of a “downward spiral” in violence in the absence of an active process.
In order to dampen the uptick in violence, Kerry said it was imperative to have a process that people “can grab onto and understand with respect to the creation of a state.”
“If that can happen, then I think it's possible to have progress, but you know, it's not in our hands,” he told a congressional committee, acknowledging difficulties in gaining momentum on all sides of the conflict. "I don't think that the situation is helped by additional settlement construction and building," he added.
In related news, British Prime Minister David Cameron severely criticized the Netanyahu government's policy and said that construction in east Jerusalem settlements is "genuinely shocking."
The British prime minister was speaking during a parliamentary question period in response to a query from opposition Labor MP Imran Hussain, who asked: "Does the prime minister agree with me that illegal settlements and constructions are a major roadblock that hinder peaceful negotiations?"
Cameron replied: “I am well-known as being a strong friend of Israel, but I have to say the first time I visited Jerusalem and had a proper tour around that wonderful city and saw what has happened with the effective encirclement of occupied East Jerusalem it is genuinely shocking."
He stressed that British government is a supporter of Israel, but it does not support the illegal settlements. He explained that they do not support what is happening in east Jerusalem and that it is very important to maintain Jerusalem in the way it was in the past.
Haaterz reported that senior Israeli officials noted that his criticism may have been meant to balance his government's recent decision against boycotts of Israel. The UK has been reported to give over £6billion to Israel, annually, in aid, and a similar amount in arms -- over twice the official figure attributed to the US.
Secretary of State John Kerry, on Wednesday, urged Israeli and Palestinian officials to resume a “genuine” peace process, stressing that continued settlement construction is not helpful.
According to World Bulletin/Al Ray, the top diplomat warned of a “downward spiral” in violence in the absence of an active process.
In order to dampen the uptick in violence, Kerry said it was imperative to have a process that people “can grab onto and understand with respect to the creation of a state.”
“If that can happen, then I think it's possible to have progress, but you know, it's not in our hands,” he told a congressional committee, acknowledging difficulties in gaining momentum on all sides of the conflict. "I don't think that the situation is helped by additional settlement construction and building," he added.
In related news, British Prime Minister David Cameron severely criticized the Netanyahu government's policy and said that construction in east Jerusalem settlements is "genuinely shocking."
The British prime minister was speaking during a parliamentary question period in response to a query from opposition Labor MP Imran Hussain, who asked: "Does the prime minister agree with me that illegal settlements and constructions are a major roadblock that hinder peaceful negotiations?"
Cameron replied: “I am well-known as being a strong friend of Israel, but I have to say the first time I visited Jerusalem and had a proper tour around that wonderful city and saw what has happened with the effective encirclement of occupied East Jerusalem it is genuinely shocking."
He stressed that British government is a supporter of Israel, but it does not support the illegal settlements. He explained that they do not support what is happening in east Jerusalem and that it is very important to maintain Jerusalem in the way it was in the past.
Haaterz reported that senior Israeli officials noted that his criticism may have been meant to balance his government's recent decision against boycotts of Israel. The UK has been reported to give over £6billion to Israel, annually, in aid, and a similar amount in arms -- over twice the official figure attributed to the US.