16 june 2015
Access to Temple Mount to be expanded on Fridays; Palestinians to be allowed increased freedom of movement through Ben Gurion Airport.
Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza will have more than a few reasons to celebrate the upcoming month of Ramadan, including the easing of certain restrictions by Israeli authorities during the holiday, that will allow some Palestinians to travel in and out of the Middle East through Ben Gurion International Airport.
The special allowances for Ramadan mean that Palestinians living abroad may come to visit family in the West Bank and Gaza while some 500 special passes are being giving for locals to be with family living in foreign nations.
The temporary freedoms have been refused to Palestinians for years, but were approved recently by Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon with the support of IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot. In addition to the relative freedom of movement through Ben Gurion Airport, worshipers will have access to the al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount via direct bus routes from Ramallah and Bethlehem.
Officials are also considering allowing a group of Gazans to set out on a Haj to Mecca through the Allenby border crossing. Dozens of Palestinian journalists from the West Bank will also be allowed into Israel to cover Ramadan events.
Officials however, stressed that any change in the security situation would trigger a severe response directed at Hamas.
Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza will have more than a few reasons to celebrate the upcoming month of Ramadan, including the easing of certain restrictions by Israeli authorities during the holiday, that will allow some Palestinians to travel in and out of the Middle East through Ben Gurion International Airport.
The special allowances for Ramadan mean that Palestinians living abroad may come to visit family in the West Bank and Gaza while some 500 special passes are being giving for locals to be with family living in foreign nations.
The temporary freedoms have been refused to Palestinians for years, but were approved recently by Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon with the support of IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot. In addition to the relative freedom of movement through Ben Gurion Airport, worshipers will have access to the al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount via direct bus routes from Ramallah and Bethlehem.
Officials are also considering allowing a group of Gazans to set out on a Haj to Mecca through the Allenby border crossing. Dozens of Palestinian journalists from the West Bank will also be allowed into Israel to cover Ramadan events.
Officials however, stressed that any change in the security situation would trigger a severe response directed at Hamas.
The Palestinian council of scholars and preachers has urged the Palestinians to frequent the Aqsa Mosque and make it filled with acts of worship during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement on the advent of Ramadan, the council called upon Muslims in Palestine to avail themselves of the time during the holy month to increase prayers, Qur'an reading and different acts of worship and to attend religious sessions held at the Mosque.
Its statement also provided general mosque codes of conduct and other Islamic advices.
The council has congratulated the Arab and Muslim nations on the coming of Ramadan and expressed hope to see peace and security prevailing in all Islamic lands.
In a statement on the advent of Ramadan, the council called upon Muslims in Palestine to avail themselves of the time during the holy month to increase prayers, Qur'an reading and different acts of worship and to attend religious sessions held at the Mosque.
Its statement also provided general mosque codes of conduct and other Islamic advices.
The council has congratulated the Arab and Muslim nations on the coming of Ramadan and expressed hope to see peace and security prevailing in all Islamic lands.
A horde of Israeli extremist settlers, escorted by police officers, on Tuesday morning stormed Muslims’ holy al-Aqsa Mosque via the Maghareba Gate.
Eye-witnesses said settlers broke into al-Aqsa Mosque at the early morning hours and received sermons about the alleged temple mount.
The break-inners desecrated the plazas of the holy site while the peaceful Muslim sit-inners kept chanting “Allah the Greatest” in protest at the sacrilegious break-in.
The Israeli cops deployed at the gates of the mosque, meanwhile, have come down heavily on the Muslim worshipers, seizing their IDs in the process.
Eye-witnesses said settlers broke into al-Aqsa Mosque at the early morning hours and received sermons about the alleged temple mount.
The break-inners desecrated the plazas of the holy site while the peaceful Muslim sit-inners kept chanting “Allah the Greatest” in protest at the sacrilegious break-in.
The Israeli cops deployed at the gates of the mosque, meanwhile, have come down heavily on the Muslim worshipers, seizing their IDs in the process.
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) issued an order to demolish Muslims’ only Mosque in Negev’s town of Rakhma, south of the 1948 Occupied territories.
Local sources said the Israeli occupation forces rolled into the village and threatened to knock down the Mosque.
Meanwhile, Arab MK Talab Abu Arar said in a press statement Tuesday the projected demolition of the Mosque represents a flagrant infringement of Muslims’ freedom of worship and right to live in dignity.
“Such an act is a barefaced proof of a deep-seated hatred and racism,” he said. “But Israel knows well that its oppressive policies and demolition procedures carried out on a daily basis in Negev . . . will neither dampen our spirits nor force us to give up our land and religion.”
Local sources said the Israeli occupation forces rolled into the village and threatened to knock down the Mosque.
Meanwhile, Arab MK Talab Abu Arar said in a press statement Tuesday the projected demolition of the Mosque represents a flagrant infringement of Muslims’ freedom of worship and right to live in dignity.
“Such an act is a barefaced proof of a deep-seated hatred and racism,” he said. “But Israel knows well that its oppressive policies and demolition procedures carried out on a daily basis in Negev . . . will neither dampen our spirits nor force us to give up our land and religion.”
15 june 2015
A horde of fanatic Israeli settlers, escorted by police officers, on Monday morning stormed the plazas of Muslims’ Holy al-Aqsa Mosque via the Maghareba Gate.
According to the Quds Press at least 18 extremist settlers broke into Holy al-Aqsa Mosque and defiled its plazas under police protection.
The peaceful Muslim sit-inners who have been maintaining vigil at the holy site kept chanting “Allah the Greatest” so as to voice protest over the sacrilegious break-in.
The Israeli cops, meanwhile, took close snapshots of the female Muslim sit-inners in an attempt to pave the way for their abduction from al-Aqsa gates.
Earlier, on Sunday some 109 Israelis, including 50 occupation soldiers and 59 settlers, forced their entry into al-Aqsa.
According to the Quds Press at least 18 extremist settlers broke into Holy al-Aqsa Mosque and defiled its plazas under police protection.
The peaceful Muslim sit-inners who have been maintaining vigil at the holy site kept chanting “Allah the Greatest” so as to voice protest over the sacrilegious break-in.
The Israeli cops, meanwhile, took close snapshots of the female Muslim sit-inners in an attempt to pave the way for their abduction from al-Aqsa gates.
Earlier, on Sunday some 109 Israelis, including 50 occupation soldiers and 59 settlers, forced their entry into al-Aqsa.
14 june 2015
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) along with Jewish settlers stormed al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday. 109 soldiers and settlers raided the holy site in the morning and afternoon hours.
Q-Press media center revealed that 50 members of Israeli soldiers broke into the Islamic site from the Maghareba gate under tight security measures in the afternoon. They roamed the vicinity of the Mosque including the Dome of the Rock.
The Israeli military incursion into the Aqsa Mosque was confronted by Palestinian children who were participating in summer activities. The children followed the Israeli forces chanting Allahu Akbar as an expression of refusing the ceaseless Israeli violations.
59 Jewish settlers as well stormed the holy Islamic site in the morning and afternoon. They toured the plazas of the mosque amid Talmudic explanations on the history and landmarks of the alleged Temple of Solomon by Rabbis.
In a similar context, the Israeli forces arrested at noon on Sunday two Palestinian girls from Galilee while going out of the Aqsa Mosque.
Hundreds of Palestinian children were present in the Mosque on Sunday morning participating in al-Aqsa educational and entertainment summer activities.
Q-Press media center revealed that 50 members of Israeli soldiers broke into the Islamic site from the Maghareba gate under tight security measures in the afternoon. They roamed the vicinity of the Mosque including the Dome of the Rock.
The Israeli military incursion into the Aqsa Mosque was confronted by Palestinian children who were participating in summer activities. The children followed the Israeli forces chanting Allahu Akbar as an expression of refusing the ceaseless Israeli violations.
59 Jewish settlers as well stormed the holy Islamic site in the morning and afternoon. They toured the plazas of the mosque amid Talmudic explanations on the history and landmarks of the alleged Temple of Solomon by Rabbis.
In a similar context, the Israeli forces arrested at noon on Sunday two Palestinian girls from Galilee while going out of the Aqsa Mosque.
Hundreds of Palestinian children were present in the Mosque on Sunday morning participating in al-Aqsa educational and entertainment summer activities.
Head of the Supreme Islamic Committee, Sheikh Ekrema Sabri, on Sunday, urged the Palestinian Muslims to step up presence at holy al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied Jerusalem during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Sheikh Sabri said in a statement Muslims’ presence at the Mosque during holy Ramadan month is both a duty and a privilege for it helps to foster the spiritual and religious kit of the Muslim congregation.
He called attention for the need to keep tabs on the environmental hygiene and to provide moral and financial back-up to the needy people.
Sheikh Sabri appealed to the Arab and Muslim states to join efforts in such a sacred month so as to oust all anti-Islam ad-hominem campaigns and seriously work on promoting the principles of tolerance and altruism inherent in Islam.
Sheikh Sabri said in a statement Muslims’ presence at the Mosque during holy Ramadan month is both a duty and a privilege for it helps to foster the spiritual and religious kit of the Muslim congregation.
He called attention for the need to keep tabs on the environmental hygiene and to provide moral and financial back-up to the needy people.
Sheikh Sabri appealed to the Arab and Muslim states to join efforts in such a sacred month so as to oust all anti-Islam ad-hominem campaigns and seriously work on promoting the principles of tolerance and altruism inherent in Islam.
13 june 2015
A net installed in the Old City to prevent garbage dropped by Israeli settlers into a Palestinian area.
Israeli settlers, last week, attempted (but failed) to attack a mosque during dawn prayers in the city of Hebron, local sources recently revealed.
WAFA sources said that two masked settlers attempted to carry out an attack against the mosque during the dawn prayers, but that the attempt failed, while settlers fled the scene and were seen running toward the illegal settlement of Ramat Yishai.
The attack attempt was caught on surveillance cameras placed in the area.
Moreover, one of the residents living near the mosque reported his daughter as witnessing the two armed settlers from her window at dawn, stating that the presence of a taxi cab which stopped in front of the mosque to drop off one of the worshipers to attend the dawn prayers, prevented them from resuming with their attack plan and forced them to flee the scene.
Residents chased after them, but did not manage to catch them.
In an analysis conducted by the Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem (ARIJ) on Israeli settlers' attacks in the occupied Palestinian territory during the year 2014, ARIJ recorded 763 Israeli settler groups’ attacks against civilians, lands, properties, livestock, and agriculture. These attacks inflicted huge losses and suffering among Palestinians.
ARIJ also recorded a total of 226 attacks that were committed by settlers against mosques, includingAl-Aqsa Mosque, and churches and monasteries through spray-paiting racist slogans against Palestinians (Christians and Muslims alike), setting mosques ablaze, attacking worshipers, which showed the feelings of hatred and extremism these settlers hold for Palestinians, reported POICA.
It said that most of the violations that have been recorded during the year 2014 were in the vicinity of Israeli settlements and outposts.
According to the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem, Israeli security forces do not always deploy in advance to protect Palestinians from settler violence, even when such violence could be anticipated. “In some cases, rather than restricting violent settlers, Israeli security forces impose restrictions on the Palestinians.”
“As the occupying power in the West Bank, Israel is obligated to maintain public order and ensure the safety of the Palestinians in the West Bank, who are classified a protected population in international law,” says B’Tselem.
“The establishment of settlements on the West Bank violates international humanitarian law, which establishes the principles applying during war and occupation. Moreover, the settlements lead to the infringement of international human rights law,” stated B'Tselem, the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories.
The center added that, “International humanitarian law prohibits the occupying power to transfer citizens from its own territory to the occupied territory (Fourth Geneva Convention, article 49).”
“The Hague Regulations prohibit the occupying power to undertake permanent changes in the occupied area, unless these are due to military needs in the narrow sense of the term, or unless they are undertaken for the benefit of the local population,” added the center.
Israeli settlers, last week, attempted (but failed) to attack a mosque during dawn prayers in the city of Hebron, local sources recently revealed.
WAFA sources said that two masked settlers attempted to carry out an attack against the mosque during the dawn prayers, but that the attempt failed, while settlers fled the scene and were seen running toward the illegal settlement of Ramat Yishai.
The attack attempt was caught on surveillance cameras placed in the area.
Moreover, one of the residents living near the mosque reported his daughter as witnessing the two armed settlers from her window at dawn, stating that the presence of a taxi cab which stopped in front of the mosque to drop off one of the worshipers to attend the dawn prayers, prevented them from resuming with their attack plan and forced them to flee the scene.
Residents chased after them, but did not manage to catch them.
In an analysis conducted by the Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem (ARIJ) on Israeli settlers' attacks in the occupied Palestinian territory during the year 2014, ARIJ recorded 763 Israeli settler groups’ attacks against civilians, lands, properties, livestock, and agriculture. These attacks inflicted huge losses and suffering among Palestinians.
ARIJ also recorded a total of 226 attacks that were committed by settlers against mosques, includingAl-Aqsa Mosque, and churches and monasteries through spray-paiting racist slogans against Palestinians (Christians and Muslims alike), setting mosques ablaze, attacking worshipers, which showed the feelings of hatred and extremism these settlers hold for Palestinians, reported POICA.
It said that most of the violations that have been recorded during the year 2014 were in the vicinity of Israeli settlements and outposts.
According to the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem, Israeli security forces do not always deploy in advance to protect Palestinians from settler violence, even when such violence could be anticipated. “In some cases, rather than restricting violent settlers, Israeli security forces impose restrictions on the Palestinians.”
“As the occupying power in the West Bank, Israel is obligated to maintain public order and ensure the safety of the Palestinians in the West Bank, who are classified a protected population in international law,” says B’Tselem.
“The establishment of settlements on the West Bank violates international humanitarian law, which establishes the principles applying during war and occupation. Moreover, the settlements lead to the infringement of international human rights law,” stated B'Tselem, the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories.
The center added that, “International humanitarian law prohibits the occupying power to transfer citizens from its own territory to the occupied territory (Fourth Geneva Convention, article 49).”
“The Hague Regulations prohibit the occupying power to undertake permanent changes in the occupied area, unless these are due to military needs in the narrow sense of the term, or unless they are undertaken for the benefit of the local population,” added the center.
Sheikh Mohamed Saleem, a preacher of the Aqsa Mosque, called on the Palestinian rivals to end the inter-Palestinian division and media campaigns ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
During his Friday khutba (sermon), Sheikh Saleem highlighted the importance of halting all political and family differences during the holy month.
He also called on the leaders of the Muslim nation to observe justice and stop shedding the blood of their peoples, and urged the Muslims to straighten their relation with God during the month in order to receive His mercy.
During his Friday khutba (sermon), Sheikh Saleem highlighted the importance of halting all political and family differences during the holy month.
He also called on the leaders of the Muslim nation to observe justice and stop shedding the blood of their peoples, and urged the Muslims to straighten their relation with God during the month in order to receive His mercy.
The Palestinian Community (PGD) in Germany on Friday afternoon organized symbolic sit-ins in Berlin, Hamburg and Dortmund to commemorate the anniversary of the occupation of Jerusalem and condemn Israel's racist policies against the Palestinian natives in the holy city.
The sit-ins were part of the European week of solidarity with Jerusalem.
In a press release, the community stressed the need to protect Jerusalem and put an end to Israel's racial discrimination policies that have curtailed the Palestinians' civil rights in Jerusalem since its occupation in 1967.
It said that three quarters of the Jerusalemites who live in the eastern part of the city suffer, as a result of Israel's practices, from miserable economic conditions and unsuitable educational and medical services.
The Palestinian areas in east Jerusalem also suffers from continual water outages because of Israel's use of water resources for the settlements around the city, according to the press release.
The community also deplored Israel's persistence in demolishing Palestinian homes in Jerusalem and withdrawing the IDs and passports of its natives, saying its racist policies target the demographic and cultural identity of the holy city.
The sit-ins were part of the European week of solidarity with Jerusalem.
In a press release, the community stressed the need to protect Jerusalem and put an end to Israel's racial discrimination policies that have curtailed the Palestinians' civil rights in Jerusalem since its occupation in 1967.
It said that three quarters of the Jerusalemites who live in the eastern part of the city suffer, as a result of Israel's practices, from miserable economic conditions and unsuitable educational and medical services.
The Palestinian areas in east Jerusalem also suffers from continual water outages because of Israel's use of water resources for the settlements around the city, according to the press release.
The community also deplored Israel's persistence in demolishing Palestinian homes in Jerusalem and withdrawing the IDs and passports of its natives, saying its racist policies target the demographic and cultural identity of the holy city.
12 june 2015
Scores of extremist Jewish settlers under military protection stormed after midnight the village of Kifl Haris, west of Salfit, and performed rituals.
Local sources said that dozens of settlers escorted by soldiers entered at dawn Friday Kifl Haris and embarked on performing rituals at what they believe to be the tomb of Prophet Dhul-Kifl until the early morning hours.
Israeli troops had patrolled on Thursday night different parts of the village to secure the entry of the settlers.
Local sources said that dozens of settlers escorted by soldiers entered at dawn Friday Kifl Haris and embarked on performing rituals at what they believe to be the tomb of Prophet Dhul-Kifl until the early morning hours.
Israeli troops had patrolled on Thursday night different parts of the village to secure the entry of the settlers.
Hamas movement has called Thursday afternoon for launching a new phase on defense of occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque in face of “the serious Zionist project”.
Hamas’ spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum strongly condemned the Palestinian Authority, the international community, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League’s continued silence towards Israeli non-stopped violations against the holy city of Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque.
Israeli breaches include, according to his statements, displacement, demolition, and confiscation policies, in addition to settlement expansion schemes and price-tag attacks against Islamic and Christian holy sites.
"Palestine is currently witnessing the largest ethnic cleansing since 1948 amid unjustified international silence that provided a cover to Israeli systematic crimes," Hamas’ spokesman said.
Barhoum called on Palestinians in West Bank, Jerusalem and within the Green Line to stand firmly by all possible means against the Israeli racist project and not to accept the status quo imposed by Israeli occupation.
Hamas’ spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum strongly condemned the Palestinian Authority, the international community, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League’s continued silence towards Israeli non-stopped violations against the holy city of Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque.
Israeli breaches include, according to his statements, displacement, demolition, and confiscation policies, in addition to settlement expansion schemes and price-tag attacks against Islamic and Christian holy sites.
"Palestine is currently witnessing the largest ethnic cleansing since 1948 amid unjustified international silence that provided a cover to Israeli systematic crimes," Hamas’ spokesman said.
Barhoum called on Palestinians in West Bank, Jerusalem and within the Green Line to stand firmly by all possible means against the Israeli racist project and not to accept the status quo imposed by Israeli occupation.
Some 300 Palestinians from the blockaded Gaza Strip headed to Occupied Jerusalem Friday to perform noon prayers in Muslims’ Holy Al-Aqsa mosque.
Local sources said the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) allowed 300 Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip, including members of the UNRWA staff, access into Occupied Jerusalem to perform Friday prayers in the plazas of holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
The IOA have rarely allowed Gazans to get into Occupied Jerusalem.
On a rare occasion of its kind, earlier in October, Gazans above the age of 60 gained access into holy al-Aqsa Mosque to perform their prayers within.
Local sources said the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) allowed 300 Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip, including members of the UNRWA staff, access into Occupied Jerusalem to perform Friday prayers in the plazas of holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
The IOA have rarely allowed Gazans to get into Occupied Jerusalem.
On a rare occasion of its kind, earlier in October, Gazans above the age of 60 gained access into holy al-Aqsa Mosque to perform their prayers within.
Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) agreed to allow the entry of West Bankers over the age of 40 to enter al-Aqsa mosque without prior permits during Ramadan, the Palestinian General Authority for Civil Affairs said Thursday.
Palestinians between the age of 35 and 40 years are allowed to perform Ramadan prayers at al-Aqsa mosque along the whole week except of Fridays and Saturdays, while men over the age of 40 can have access to the holy shrine on Friday, the sources added.
Palestinian women of all ages are allowed to perform Ramadan prayers in al-Aqsa mosque without prior permit.
Each year during the holy month of Ramadan, Israel usually imposes restrictions on the entry of Palestinians of the occupied West Bank coming to Al-Aqsa Mosque to perform prayers in al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam.
Israel's lack of respect to religions and violations of freedom of belief have made the lives of both Muslims and Christians miserable in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
Palestinians between the age of 35 and 40 years are allowed to perform Ramadan prayers at al-Aqsa mosque along the whole week except of Fridays and Saturdays, while men over the age of 40 can have access to the holy shrine on Friday, the sources added.
Palestinian women of all ages are allowed to perform Ramadan prayers in al-Aqsa mosque without prior permit.
Each year during the holy month of Ramadan, Israel usually imposes restrictions on the entry of Palestinians of the occupied West Bank coming to Al-Aqsa Mosque to perform prayers in al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam.
Israel's lack of respect to religions and violations of freedom of belief have made the lives of both Muslims and Christians miserable in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
11 june 2015
Dozens of Palestinian worshipers have confronted Thursday morning Israeli settlers and police officials’ attempt to break into al-Aqsa mosque.
The settlers were forced to leave al-Aqsa plazas via al-Silsila Gate, eyewitnesses said.
Earlier Thursday, nearly 22 Israeli settlers and three tour guides broke into the holy shrine through the Israeli-controlled al-Magaribeh Gate under heavy police protection.
Palestinian worshipers started shouting Takbeer and prevented the settlers from roaming in al-Aqsa yards.
On Wednesday, 52 Israeli police officials have broke into the holy shrine along with 42 students in total provocation to the Palestinian worshipers who protested against the continued and escalated Israeli break-ins.
The settlers were forced to leave al-Aqsa plazas via al-Silsila Gate, eyewitnesses said.
Earlier Thursday, nearly 22 Israeli settlers and three tour guides broke into the holy shrine through the Israeli-controlled al-Magaribeh Gate under heavy police protection.
Palestinian worshipers started shouting Takbeer and prevented the settlers from roaming in al-Aqsa yards.
On Wednesday, 52 Israeli police officials have broke into the holy shrine along with 42 students in total provocation to the Palestinian worshipers who protested against the continued and escalated Israeli break-ins.
Leading Palestinian institutions in occupied Jerusalem are making preparations nowadays to transport Muslim worshipers en masse to the Aqsa Mosque and provide them with evening meals during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said it had finished all preparations to provide Ramadan fasters with more than 60,000 meals.
Director of the foundation Amir al-Khatib said the preparations for the iftar program were made in cooperation with the Islamic Waqf Authority in Jerusalem, urging all Muslim benefactors to support the program.
For its part, al-Bayarek Foundation said its preparations are underway for sending the largest possible number of Muslim worshipers to the Aqsa during the holy month.
The foundation has provided until now 1,600 buses to transport Muslim worshipers to the Aqsa Mosque in Ramadan and is working to raise the number, according to its director Wafiq Darwish.
The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said it had finished all preparations to provide Ramadan fasters with more than 60,000 meals.
Director of the foundation Amir al-Khatib said the preparations for the iftar program were made in cooperation with the Islamic Waqf Authority in Jerusalem, urging all Muslim benefactors to support the program.
For its part, al-Bayarek Foundation said its preparations are underway for sending the largest possible number of Muslim worshipers to the Aqsa during the holy month.
The foundation has provided until now 1,600 buses to transport Muslim worshipers to the Aqsa Mosque in Ramadan and is working to raise the number, according to its director Wafiq Darwish.
10 june 2015
A number of Israeli settlers and students stormed Wednesday morning al-Aqsa mosque via al-Magaribeh gate, Quds Press said.
Nearly 19 Israeli settlers stormed in three groups the mosque under heavy Israeli police protection, the sources clarified.
52 Israeli police officials have earlier broke into the holy shrine along with 42 students in total provocation to the Palestinian worshipers who protested against the continued and escalated Israeli break-ins.
A state of tension has prevailed in the mosque when Israeli police tried to arrest a Palestinian boy before the intervention of Palestinian worshipers.
Earlier Tuesday, 42 Israeli students broke into al-Aqsa Mosque via the Israeli-controlled al-Magaribeh Gate amid heavy police protection.
Nearly 19 Israeli settlers stormed in three groups the mosque under heavy Israeli police protection, the sources clarified.
52 Israeli police officials have earlier broke into the holy shrine along with 42 students in total provocation to the Palestinian worshipers who protested against the continued and escalated Israeli break-ins.
A state of tension has prevailed in the mosque when Israeli police tried to arrest a Palestinian boy before the intervention of Palestinian worshipers.
Earlier Tuesday, 42 Israeli students broke into al-Aqsa Mosque via the Israeli-controlled al-Magaribeh Gate amid heavy police protection.
9 june 2015
A group of Israeli settlers stormed Tuesday morning al-Aqsa mosque under heavy Israeli police protection, Quds Press said.
Nearly 63 settlers including 42 Israeli students broke into the holy shrine via the Israeli-controlled al-Magaribeh Gate amid heavy police protection.
For their part, Palestinian worshipers mostly women protested against the setters’ presence and tried to remove them out of the mosque.
In the meantime, Israeli forces filmed the protesters to facilitate their arrest at the mosque’s gates.
Israeli extremist organizations have earlier called for mass break-in into al-Aqsa mosque on Tuesday to celebrate the end of the school year.
Nearly 63 settlers including 42 Israeli students broke into the holy shrine via the Israeli-controlled al-Magaribeh Gate amid heavy police protection.
For their part, Palestinian worshipers mostly women protested against the setters’ presence and tried to remove them out of the mosque.
In the meantime, Israeli forces filmed the protesters to facilitate their arrest at the mosque’s gates.
Israeli extremist organizations have earlier called for mass break-in into al-Aqsa mosque on Tuesday to celebrate the end of the school year.
Each year with the approach of Ramadan, decorations and festive lights are strung along the walls of Occupied Jerusalem. Lanterns, Islamic adornment, and paintings that contain the Names of Allah are hung on the columns in the alleys of the holy city to emphasize its inherently Islamic character.
The youths from Bab Hitta neighborhood and the committees in the Old City have prepared in advance for this carnival celebrating the advent of the holy Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.
Preparations
Because Jerusalem is worthy of the efforts being exerted, the Jerusalemites gather before the holy month of Ramadan and distribute the duties among themselves.
Farid al-Bustami, the treasurer of Bab Hitta Youths Committee, told the PIC: "The Social Committee distributes Ramadan decorations to the other committees in the Old City, and Bab Hitta neighborhood is decorated by 20 volunteers of its youths."
Bustami added: "Our job isn't easy; we've been working for two weeks, and the decorations this year are of a purely Islamic character."
Bustami pointed to the so-called Hanukkah Jewish festival, which coincides this year with the holy month of Ramadan, saying that Israel attempts to exploit this feast to Judaize Jerusalem and wipe out its Islamic features. "By using Ramadan decorations, we demonstrate and ascertain the Arab and Islamic character of the holy city," he clarified.
Harassments
"We all work here voluntarily, professionally, and collectively with the Jerusalemite families to serve the Old City and its visitors," Samer Khalil, a member in the Committee said, adding: "the efforts exerted in 14 days were wiped out in just few hours during the confrontations that broke out in the Old City in Ramadan last year when the decorations were directly targeted."
Bustami said: "Over the past 14 years, the occupation used to summon the youths for investigation when we start hanging Ramadan decorations, and they are interrogated for long hours and some of them even get arrested."
As for the events planned during the holy month of Ramadan, Bustami said: "The Committee has organized a Ramadan evening which includes religious songs, desserts, educational contests, and a day dedicated to the kids." He continued: "The committee is working on hanging Arabic, English, and Turkish guiding banners at the entrances of the Old City to guide the visitors to the gates of al-Aqsa Mosque."
The youths from Bab Hitta neighborhood and the committees in the Old City have prepared in advance for this carnival celebrating the advent of the holy Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.
Preparations
Because Jerusalem is worthy of the efforts being exerted, the Jerusalemites gather before the holy month of Ramadan and distribute the duties among themselves.
Farid al-Bustami, the treasurer of Bab Hitta Youths Committee, told the PIC: "The Social Committee distributes Ramadan decorations to the other committees in the Old City, and Bab Hitta neighborhood is decorated by 20 volunteers of its youths."
Bustami added: "Our job isn't easy; we've been working for two weeks, and the decorations this year are of a purely Islamic character."
Bustami pointed to the so-called Hanukkah Jewish festival, which coincides this year with the holy month of Ramadan, saying that Israel attempts to exploit this feast to Judaize Jerusalem and wipe out its Islamic features. "By using Ramadan decorations, we demonstrate and ascertain the Arab and Islamic character of the holy city," he clarified.
Harassments
"We all work here voluntarily, professionally, and collectively with the Jerusalemite families to serve the Old City and its visitors," Samer Khalil, a member in the Committee said, adding: "the efforts exerted in 14 days were wiped out in just few hours during the confrontations that broke out in the Old City in Ramadan last year when the decorations were directly targeted."
Bustami said: "Over the past 14 years, the occupation used to summon the youths for investigation when we start hanging Ramadan decorations, and they are interrogated for long hours and some of them even get arrested."
As for the events planned during the holy month of Ramadan, Bustami said: "The Committee has organized a Ramadan evening which includes religious songs, desserts, educational contests, and a day dedicated to the kids." He continued: "The committee is working on hanging Arabic, English, and Turkish guiding banners at the entrances of the Old City to guide the visitors to the gates of al-Aqsa Mosque."
Israeli soldiers invaded, on Tuesday morning, the al-Khalayla neighborhood in the al-Jeeb town, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem, and demolished three Palestinian industrial structures.
Several military vehicles, and bulldozers, invaded the neighborhood, approximately at 6:30 in the morning, and demolished a blacksmith workshop belonging to al-Kiswani family, and two car repair facilities, belonging to Nour al-Matari and Mohannad Mansour.
Israel alleges the structures were built without construction permits.
Head of the Local Council, Ismael Abu Rabah, said this is the fourth time the soldiers demolish the Kiswani family blacksmith workshop that provides livelihood to more than twenty Palestinians, while the Mansour workshop provides livelihood to three families.
Abu Rabah added that the families filed construction permits to the City Council more than four years ago, and paid at least 50.000 NIS to obtain all needed permits and documents.
He added that the al-Matari workshop was first demolished five months ago, and that the City Council “practically froze all construction applications, civil and for industrial purposes, more than thirty years ago.”
The al-Khalayla neighborhood has been under strict Israeli measures for more than ten years, while the army prevents any Palestinian, who is not a resident of the neighborhood, from entering without a permit.
The same restrictions also apply to food products and goods, Abu Rabah said.
“Add to that the daily suffering and humiliation the children are subjected to on the al-Jeeb roadblock,” he added, “The soldiers stop and search them every single school day, causing delays. The army inspects even our food products; everything requires prior coordination and permission from the Israeli Authorities.”
He also said the 900 Palestinians live in the neighborhood, while Israel is threatening to demolish several homes, as the neighborhood is surrounded by illegal Israeli colonies that are constantly expanding, while the residents are not even allowed to live on their own lands, and build homes.
Several military vehicles, and bulldozers, invaded the neighborhood, approximately at 6:30 in the morning, and demolished a blacksmith workshop belonging to al-Kiswani family, and two car repair facilities, belonging to Nour al-Matari and Mohannad Mansour.
Israel alleges the structures were built without construction permits.
Head of the Local Council, Ismael Abu Rabah, said this is the fourth time the soldiers demolish the Kiswani family blacksmith workshop that provides livelihood to more than twenty Palestinians, while the Mansour workshop provides livelihood to three families.
Abu Rabah added that the families filed construction permits to the City Council more than four years ago, and paid at least 50.000 NIS to obtain all needed permits and documents.
He added that the al-Matari workshop was first demolished five months ago, and that the City Council “practically froze all construction applications, civil and for industrial purposes, more than thirty years ago.”
The al-Khalayla neighborhood has been under strict Israeli measures for more than ten years, while the army prevents any Palestinian, who is not a resident of the neighborhood, from entering without a permit.
The same restrictions also apply to food products and goods, Abu Rabah said.
“Add to that the daily suffering and humiliation the children are subjected to on the al-Jeeb roadblock,” he added, “The soldiers stop and search them every single school day, causing delays. The army inspects even our food products; everything requires prior coordination and permission from the Israeli Authorities.”
He also said the 900 Palestinians live in the neighborhood, while Israel is threatening to demolish several homes, as the neighborhood is surrounded by illegal Israeli colonies that are constantly expanding, while the residents are not even allowed to live on their own lands, and build homes.
Menachem Zivotofsky and his father at the Supreme Court in Washington DC
Zivotofskys' 12-year legal battle ended Monday, with Supreme Court ruling that their son cannot register his place of birth as 'Jerusalem, Israel'.
The parents of an Israeli American boy who fought for years against a ban on Americans born in Jerusalem listing their birthplace as "Jerusalem, Israel" in their US passports have expressed disappointment at a US Supreme Court decision to uphold the prohibition.
"We are disappointed. Menachem is also disappointed. But you can't say we didn’t try," said Ari and Naomi Zivotofsky.
The US Supreme Court rejected the petition by a vote of 6 to 3, in the case the family brought against the State Department.
The Obama administration expressed content with the decision, which places the power to make foreign policy decisions in the hands of the president and not Congress, including the decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
The appeal by Ari and Noami Zivotofsky was based on congressional legislation from 2002, which stated that Americans born in Jerusalem would be recognized as Israeli-born. Current estimates put the number of Americans born in Jerusalem at around 50,000.
In response to the ruling, State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke expressed satisfaction at the decision.
"It’s an important decision," he said. "When the administration’s arguments are basically upheld by the decision – (we're) pleased by that, but not doing a victory dance."
The ruling represents a victory for the Obama administration, given ongoing efforts by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bypass the president through Congress on the Iran issue.
"The court's decision...confirms the long-established authority of the president over the conduct of diplomacy and foreign policy," Rathke added.
The spokesman pointed out that since the establishment of the State of Israel, governments from both sides of the aisle have maintained a steady policy of not recognizing any state's sovereignty over Jerusalem, until the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is settled.
"We remain committed to this longstanding policy, and this decision today helps ensure that our position on the neutrality of Jerusalem remains – it remains clear," Rathke continued. In 1955, the US Congress passed a resolution to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and even allocated funds for the move; however, every American president since has suspended the decision on the grounds of US national security.
Menachem was born a short time after the 2002 legislation was passed; his parents, who reside in Beit Shemesh, immediately began a persistent campaign to list "Jerusalem, Israel" as his place of birth on his US passport.
"We are very surprised, we thought that it would be the opposite. We understood from the justice's questions in the November hearing that they supported our lawyer's argument, but sadly the court ruled otherwise.
Menachem is also disappointed, but you can't say we didn’t try," Ari Zivotofsky said. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barakat said that: "As Washington is the capital of Israel, London is the capital of England, and Paris the capital of France - Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel, but even more so the heart and soul of the Jewish people.
Especially during these days, when anti-Semites are raising their heads, and BDS supports the Hamas goal of destroying Israel, we expect the US to strengthen Israel and recognize Jerusalem as our capital. Veteran Palestinian peace negotiator Saeb Erekat commented: "This is an important decision, which sends a message to the Israeli government that its decision to occupy and annex Jerusalem is illegal, and against international law."
Zivotofskys' 12-year legal battle ended Monday, with Supreme Court ruling that their son cannot register his place of birth as 'Jerusalem, Israel'.
The parents of an Israeli American boy who fought for years against a ban on Americans born in Jerusalem listing their birthplace as "Jerusalem, Israel" in their US passports have expressed disappointment at a US Supreme Court decision to uphold the prohibition.
"We are disappointed. Menachem is also disappointed. But you can't say we didn’t try," said Ari and Naomi Zivotofsky.
The US Supreme Court rejected the petition by a vote of 6 to 3, in the case the family brought against the State Department.
The Obama administration expressed content with the decision, which places the power to make foreign policy decisions in the hands of the president and not Congress, including the decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
The appeal by Ari and Noami Zivotofsky was based on congressional legislation from 2002, which stated that Americans born in Jerusalem would be recognized as Israeli-born. Current estimates put the number of Americans born in Jerusalem at around 50,000.
In response to the ruling, State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke expressed satisfaction at the decision.
"It’s an important decision," he said. "When the administration’s arguments are basically upheld by the decision – (we're) pleased by that, but not doing a victory dance."
The ruling represents a victory for the Obama administration, given ongoing efforts by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bypass the president through Congress on the Iran issue.
"The court's decision...confirms the long-established authority of the president over the conduct of diplomacy and foreign policy," Rathke added.
The spokesman pointed out that since the establishment of the State of Israel, governments from both sides of the aisle have maintained a steady policy of not recognizing any state's sovereignty over Jerusalem, until the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is settled.
"We remain committed to this longstanding policy, and this decision today helps ensure that our position on the neutrality of Jerusalem remains – it remains clear," Rathke continued. In 1955, the US Congress passed a resolution to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and even allocated funds for the move; however, every American president since has suspended the decision on the grounds of US national security.
Menachem was born a short time after the 2002 legislation was passed; his parents, who reside in Beit Shemesh, immediately began a persistent campaign to list "Jerusalem, Israel" as his place of birth on his US passport.
"We are very surprised, we thought that it would be the opposite. We understood from the justice's questions in the November hearing that they supported our lawyer's argument, but sadly the court ruled otherwise.
Menachem is also disappointed, but you can't say we didn’t try," Ari Zivotofsky said. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barakat said that: "As Washington is the capital of Israel, London is the capital of England, and Paris the capital of France - Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel, but even more so the heart and soul of the Jewish people.
Especially during these days, when anti-Semites are raising their heads, and BDS supports the Hamas goal of destroying Israel, we expect the US to strengthen Israel and recognize Jerusalem as our capital. Veteran Palestinian peace negotiator Saeb Erekat commented: "This is an important decision, which sends a message to the Israeli government that its decision to occupy and annex Jerusalem is illegal, and against international law."
