10 july 2015
Thousands of Palestinians visited Jerusalem today for the fourth Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, amid tightening Israeli security measures and restrictions on travel permits.
The Israeli army deployed hundreds of soldiers at military checkpoints in Palestinian towns of the West Bank. The Israeli police allowed men over the age of 50 years as well as women over 30 years of age to enter without permits.
The Israeli government announced Thursday evening that they would be imposing restrictions on the entry of worshipers from the West Bank into Jerusalem for the fourth Friday prayer at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
According to a statement made by the Israeli police, women must be between 16 and 30 years of age to obtain a permit to pray at the Haram al-Sharif on Friday, and this measure applies as well to men between the ages of 30 and 50. Children under the age of 12 were allowed to accompany their parents without a permit, like men over 50 years and women older than 30 years.
The statement added that girls under the age of 16 would be allowed to enter Jerusalem without a permit, whereas boys from the age of 12 to 30 are not to be allowed entry at all. Holders of blue identity cards would not be affected by these restrictions.
The Israeli police statement confirmed that thousands of troops have been deployed in East Jerusalem with the pretext of ‘securing the conduct of prayer’. The Israeli police said ‘We will continue to place strict actions against any one who tries to harm the public safety of others.’
The Israeli army deployed hundreds of soldiers at military checkpoints in Palestinian towns of the West Bank. The Israeli police allowed men over the age of 50 years as well as women over 30 years of age to enter without permits.
The Israeli government announced Thursday evening that they would be imposing restrictions on the entry of worshipers from the West Bank into Jerusalem for the fourth Friday prayer at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
According to a statement made by the Israeli police, women must be between 16 and 30 years of age to obtain a permit to pray at the Haram al-Sharif on Friday, and this measure applies as well to men between the ages of 30 and 50. Children under the age of 12 were allowed to accompany their parents without a permit, like men over 50 years and women older than 30 years.
The statement added that girls under the age of 16 would be allowed to enter Jerusalem without a permit, whereas boys from the age of 12 to 30 are not to be allowed entry at all. Holders of blue identity cards would not be affected by these restrictions.
The Israeli police statement confirmed that thousands of troops have been deployed in East Jerusalem with the pretext of ‘securing the conduct of prayer’. The Israeli police said ‘We will continue to place strict actions against any one who tries to harm the public safety of others.’
Some 300 Palestinians from the blockaded Gaza Strip headed to Occupied Jerusalem Friday to perform noon prayers in Muslims' Holy Al-Aqsa mosque.
A PIC correspondent quoted local sources as stating that 300 Gazans managed to gain access to al-Aqsa Mosque, via the Israeli-controlled Erez border-crossing, to perform the last Friday prayers of the holy Ramadan month in congregation.
The same sources identified the 300 worshipers as citizens above 6O years of age. The congregation is expected to go back home to blockaded Gaza right after Friday prayers.
The Israeli occupation authorities have rarely allowed Gazans to get into Occupied Jerusalem, preventing them from both the right and privilege to pray in Muslims’ third holiest site.
A PIC correspondent quoted local sources as stating that 300 Gazans managed to gain access to al-Aqsa Mosque, via the Israeli-controlled Erez border-crossing, to perform the last Friday prayers of the holy Ramadan month in congregation.
The same sources identified the 300 worshipers as citizens above 6O years of age. The congregation is expected to go back home to blockaded Gaza right after Friday prayers.
The Israeli occupation authorities have rarely allowed Gazans to get into Occupied Jerusalem, preventing them from both the right and privilege to pray in Muslims’ third holiest site.
8 july 2015
‘Temple Mount’ organisations and groups have demanded in an official letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu that Al-Aqsa Mosque be closed to Muslims for a week from July 26.
The closure of the mosque compound would include the week of ‘The destruction of the Temple’, a Jewish holiday which comes a week after Eid al-Fatr at the end of Ramadan. Al-Aqsa Foundation said that settlers had demanded Al-Aqsa Mosque be closed to Muslims during this week, and that settlers be permitted to enter, from July 26.
In the letter, the Temple organisations and groups said: “Due to the closure of Temple Mount [the Israeli name for Al-Aqsa Mosque], the Muslims’ prevention of Jewish entry, and their inability to protect the holy site, the citizens of Israel propose that Temple Mount be opened only to Jews during the Jewish holiday and closed to the Muslims
who riot at the Jewish entrance”.
The letter came as a response to the Israeli police’s closure of al-Mughrabi Gate to settlers for the final ten nights of Ramadan, as a large number of Muslim worshipers flood the mosque compound. The police said that they closed the gate to avoid altercations arising as a result of settler incursions.
Temple activists said in their letter to Netanyahu that “Your response to our demand will show that you have fulfilled your pre-election promise in front of everyone to build mechanisms allowing for Jews to pray at the Temple”.
The Temple organisations strengthened their demand using Israeli public opinion, setting up an online poll in which the public could support their campaign to close the mosque compound to Muslims during the Jewish holiday. They called on the active public to stand with them in their campaign.
In the same context, extremist lawyer Tamir Ibn Ghabir sent a letter in protest of the Israeli police’s decision to close the mosque to settlers during the last ten days of Ramadan, calling it ‘racist and religious profiling’.
The closure of the mosque compound would include the week of ‘The destruction of the Temple’, a Jewish holiday which comes a week after Eid al-Fatr at the end of Ramadan. Al-Aqsa Foundation said that settlers had demanded Al-Aqsa Mosque be closed to Muslims during this week, and that settlers be permitted to enter, from July 26.
In the letter, the Temple organisations and groups said: “Due to the closure of Temple Mount [the Israeli name for Al-Aqsa Mosque], the Muslims’ prevention of Jewish entry, and their inability to protect the holy site, the citizens of Israel propose that Temple Mount be opened only to Jews during the Jewish holiday and closed to the Muslims
who riot at the Jewish entrance”.
The letter came as a response to the Israeli police’s closure of al-Mughrabi Gate to settlers for the final ten nights of Ramadan, as a large number of Muslim worshipers flood the mosque compound. The police said that they closed the gate to avoid altercations arising as a result of settler incursions.
Temple activists said in their letter to Netanyahu that “Your response to our demand will show that you have fulfilled your pre-election promise in front of everyone to build mechanisms allowing for Jews to pray at the Temple”.
The Temple organisations strengthened their demand using Israeli public opinion, setting up an online poll in which the public could support their campaign to close the mosque compound to Muslims during the Jewish holiday. They called on the active public to stand with them in their campaign.
In the same context, extremist lawyer Tamir Ibn Ghabir sent a letter in protest of the Israeli police’s decision to close the mosque to settlers during the last ten days of Ramadan, calling it ‘racist and religious profiling’.
The Regional Planning and Construction Committee of the Jerusalem City Council approved, Tuesday, a plan to expand the French Hill colony by illegally confiscating large areas of Palestinian lands belonging to al-‘Eesawiyya and Shu’fat towns, in occupied Jerusalem.
Palestinian Researcher, specialized in Settlements' Affairs, Ahmad Sob Laban, said the Regional Committee has approved the illegal annexation of 25 Dunams (6.17 Acres) of lands, belonging to Shu’fat residents, north of Jerusalem.
Israel is planning the construction of a commercial zone on lands that were slated only for residential purposes under the Regional Plan of the Jerusalem City Council for the year 2020.
Sob Laban added that the decision falls under a new structural plan, approved by the Regional Committee, to expand the French Hill colony, and to set aside lands that would be used for the construction of additional units.
The Palestinian researcher also said that the residents in Shu’fat have repeatedly applied for construction permits on the lands in question, but Israel kept delaying the applications, and alleged that the construction plan for 2020 “has not been approved yet.”
The lands are in the Sahl neighborhood in Silwan, one of many Palestinian areas severely impacted by Israel’s illegal colonies.
Son Laban also stated that, under the new structural plan of the French Hill settlement, the Palestinians in the al-‘Eesawiyya town would lose nearly 30 Dunams (7.41 Acres) near the main entrance of the town.
Palestinian Researcher, specialized in Settlements' Affairs, Ahmad Sob Laban, said the Regional Committee has approved the illegal annexation of 25 Dunams (6.17 Acres) of lands, belonging to Shu’fat residents, north of Jerusalem.
Israel is planning the construction of a commercial zone on lands that were slated only for residential purposes under the Regional Plan of the Jerusalem City Council for the year 2020.
Sob Laban added that the decision falls under a new structural plan, approved by the Regional Committee, to expand the French Hill colony, and to set aside lands that would be used for the construction of additional units.
The Palestinian researcher also said that the residents in Shu’fat have repeatedly applied for construction permits on the lands in question, but Israel kept delaying the applications, and alleged that the construction plan for 2020 “has not been approved yet.”
The lands are in the Sahl neighborhood in Silwan, one of many Palestinian areas severely impacted by Israel’s illegal colonies.
Son Laban also stated that, under the new structural plan of the French Hill settlement, the Palestinians in the al-‘Eesawiyya town would lose nearly 30 Dunams (7.41 Acres) near the main entrance of the town.
6 july 2015
Settler groups support widespread raids of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem in preparation of Jewish commemoration of the “destruction of the Temple” next week, protected by Israeli police
During settler raids in the Al-Aqsa mosque, a technique known as the “path of escape” is often used. This technique entails imposing a large number of Jewish worshipers in the mosque accompanied by the Israeli police force from the Mughrabi gate and in through the second door, which has no curfew.
The Israeli police prevented the settlers from storming the al-Aqsa mosque yesterday due to the large presence of worshipers there. This was met with wide condemnation by the leaders of Jewish groups and organisations that fall under the so-called “temple groups”.
The leadership of these Israeli temple organisations have been invited to support widespread participation in the incursions of the Al-Aqsa mosque these days in participation for the celebration of the “destruction of the Temple” next week.
During settler raids in the Al-Aqsa mosque, a technique known as the “path of escape” is often used. This technique entails imposing a large number of Jewish worshipers in the mosque accompanied by the Israeli police force from the Mughrabi gate and in through the second door, which has no curfew.
The Israeli police prevented the settlers from storming the al-Aqsa mosque yesterday due to the large presence of worshipers there. This was met with wide condemnation by the leaders of Jewish groups and organisations that fall under the so-called “temple groups”.
The leadership of these Israeli temple organisations have been invited to support widespread participation in the incursions of the Al-Aqsa mosque these days in participation for the celebration of the “destruction of the Temple” next week.
A group of Jewish settlers stormed Monday morning al-Aqsa Mosque from the Israeli-controlled al-Magaribeh gate under heavy Israeli police protection.
Unprecedentedly, the settlers left early the holy shrine before completing their tour due to the presence of big numbers of Palestinian worshipers.
The worshipers started shouting Takbeer forcing the settlers to leave the Mosque shortly after breaking into it.
Earlier yesterday, Israeli police prevented settlers’ access into the holy shrine out of fear of possible clashes with Palestinian worshipers in the Mosque.
On the other hand, director of the Islamic Waqf (Religious Endowment) and al-Aqsa Affairs in occupied Jerusalem Azzam al-Khatib revealed that Israeli occupation authorities plan to close al-Magribeh gate to allegedly reduce the confrontations between Israeli settlers and Palestinian worshipers.
Speaking to Quds Press, al-Khatib said that there is a serious Israeli intention to close al-Magaribeh gate for the rest of the holy month of Ramadan.
Unprecedentedly, the settlers left early the holy shrine before completing their tour due to the presence of big numbers of Palestinian worshipers.
The worshipers started shouting Takbeer forcing the settlers to leave the Mosque shortly after breaking into it.
Earlier yesterday, Israeli police prevented settlers’ access into the holy shrine out of fear of possible clashes with Palestinian worshipers in the Mosque.
On the other hand, director of the Islamic Waqf (Religious Endowment) and al-Aqsa Affairs in occupied Jerusalem Azzam al-Khatib revealed that Israeli occupation authorities plan to close al-Magribeh gate to allegedly reduce the confrontations between Israeli settlers and Palestinian worshipers.
Speaking to Quds Press, al-Khatib said that there is a serious Israeli intention to close al-Magaribeh gate for the rest of the holy month of Ramadan.
At least 184 violations by the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) against the holy sites in the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem had been detected in the past couple of months, the Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs reported Sunday.
A report by the Ministry said Muslims’ holy al-Aqsa Mosque had been subjected to over 80 desecration assaults during the months of May and June. 98 violations, including the prevention of the call for prayer and the forcible shutdown of a major gate, were, meanwhile, committed against al-Khalil’s Ibrahimi Mosque.
Religious Affairs Minister Youssef Id’is said a tougher line should be taken against the policies pursued by the IOA against al-Aqsa Mosque and Islamic places of worship.
He added that over the past few years the IOA has done it all to wipe out the typically Islamic character of Occupied Jerusalem and impose a new fait accompli on the ground.
“Reality shows that Israel and its fanatic settlers have been feverishly seeking ways to force Muslims out of the Aqsa Mosque, resorting to arbitrary abductions and assaults on the peaceful Muslim sit-inners as a key-tactic,” he said.
Last April, Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage warned of Israeli bids advised by the so-called Temple Mount groups to officially turn the historical Tankaziya School, located within al-Aqsa Mosque compound, into a Jewish synagogue. The school was turned into a synagogue for enlisted soldiers and a military site for the Israeli Border Police gendarmerie in 1969.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest shrine in Islam, has been the permanent target of preplanned sacrilegious assaults, break-ins, and Judaization schemes by Israeli vandals and authorities.
A report by the Ministry said Muslims’ holy al-Aqsa Mosque had been subjected to over 80 desecration assaults during the months of May and June. 98 violations, including the prevention of the call for prayer and the forcible shutdown of a major gate, were, meanwhile, committed against al-Khalil’s Ibrahimi Mosque.
Religious Affairs Minister Youssef Id’is said a tougher line should be taken against the policies pursued by the IOA against al-Aqsa Mosque and Islamic places of worship.
He added that over the past few years the IOA has done it all to wipe out the typically Islamic character of Occupied Jerusalem and impose a new fait accompli on the ground.
“Reality shows that Israel and its fanatic settlers have been feverishly seeking ways to force Muslims out of the Aqsa Mosque, resorting to arbitrary abductions and assaults on the peaceful Muslim sit-inners as a key-tactic,” he said.
Last April, Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage warned of Israeli bids advised by the so-called Temple Mount groups to officially turn the historical Tankaziya School, located within al-Aqsa Mosque compound, into a Jewish synagogue. The school was turned into a synagogue for enlisted soldiers and a military site for the Israeli Border Police gendarmerie in 1969.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest shrine in Islam, has been the permanent target of preplanned sacrilegious assaults, break-ins, and Judaization schemes by Israeli vandals and authorities.
5 july 2015
Israeli forces closed have the Mughrabi Bridge for hundreds of worshipers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The army closed the Mughrabi Bridge, Sunday morning, in front of a solemn assembly of hundreds of Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa Mosque . PNN reports that a large number of settlers waiting behind the Mughrabi Bridge were waiting to storm Al-Aqsa, which is used by settlers every morning from Sunday through Thursday. Usually, these incursions are met with Muslim worshipers chanting in protest, followed by the arrest and detention of worshipers in detention and deportation centres for various amounts of time.
Some of these settler groups called for the organisation of mass break-ins to the mosque, this morning, in commemoration of the “destruction of the walls of Jerusalem”, and as a prelude for the upcoming Jewish holiday.
Hundreds of people inside the Palestinian territories and East Jerusalem and the West Bank, last night in the mosque, observed the strong presence of worshipers from the morning, and the intensity of religious acts performed there.
See also: Israel and Jordan Renegotiate Al Aqsa Access to Non-Muslims
The army closed the Mughrabi Bridge, Sunday morning, in front of a solemn assembly of hundreds of Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa Mosque . PNN reports that a large number of settlers waiting behind the Mughrabi Bridge were waiting to storm Al-Aqsa, which is used by settlers every morning from Sunday through Thursday. Usually, these incursions are met with Muslim worshipers chanting in protest, followed by the arrest and detention of worshipers in detention and deportation centres for various amounts of time.
Some of these settler groups called for the organisation of mass break-ins to the mosque, this morning, in commemoration of the “destruction of the walls of Jerusalem”, and as a prelude for the upcoming Jewish holiday.
Hundreds of people inside the Palestinian territories and East Jerusalem and the West Bank, last night in the mosque, observed the strong presence of worshipers from the morning, and the intensity of religious acts performed there.
See also: Israel and Jordan Renegotiate Al Aqsa Access to Non-Muslims
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The Jerusalem municipality is exploiting “empty land cultivation orders” in order to take over land belonging to the East Jerusalem village of Issawiya.
The 'empty land cultivation orders', posted over more than 700 dunams of Issawiya land last week, mean the Jerusalem municipality intends to landscape the area, create pathways and install facilities. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz notes that there is no other known case in which municipal cultivation has been applied to such a large area of land outside of the city limits; these orders normally apply to small areas with the city. Last week Issawiya residents invited journalists, activists, diplomats and Knesset members to come see the area and learn about the situation. |
Israel seizes 600 dunums of Palestinian lands in O. Jerusalem
Israeli mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, ordered that 600 dunums of Palestinian lands in al-Issawiya, in northern Occupied Jerusalem, be temporary confiscated allegedly for gardening purposes, Peace Now reported afternoon Saturday.
The misappropriation order was issued using a special municipal law that allows the municipality to exploit an empty lot for public uses for five years in cases where the owner does not develop it. Al- Issawiya locals found the orders spread out in their fields.
The lands in question have been targeted by the Israeli occupation authorities in recent years, when a plan to declare them a National Park was promoted in order to create an Israeli dominated continuity between Occupied Jerusalem and the area of E1. The park is also meant to block the potential development of the adjacent neighborhoods of al-Issawiya and al-Tur.
It is required according to the law that the land owners refuse or choose not to make use of the tracts. When the owner wants to use his or her private property they are allowed to do so in accordance with the approved construction plans, Peace Now further stated.
In the case of al-Issawiya, the owners wish to make use of their lands. One month ago, the municipality uprooted trees that were planted by the Palestinians under the pretext of unlicensed cultivation. Thus, it seems now very hard to explain why a Gardening Use Order is required in such case when the owners wish to do the farming on their own.
According to analysts, it seems that in order to bypass the need to declare the lands as National Park, the Israeli occupation authorities are trying to take over the lands through other illegal means.
Peace Now added that the goal of the Israeli authorities is to prevent any potential Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem by taking over and blocking the lands necessary for the future development of a viable Palestinian state. The Jerusalem Municipality and the National Parks Authority seem so obsessed with creating an Israeli dominated corridor in the area, making use of the law only as a pretext for a political agenda.
Israeli mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, ordered that 600 dunums of Palestinian lands in al-Issawiya, in northern Occupied Jerusalem, be temporary confiscated allegedly for gardening purposes, Peace Now reported afternoon Saturday.
The misappropriation order was issued using a special municipal law that allows the municipality to exploit an empty lot for public uses for five years in cases where the owner does not develop it. Al- Issawiya locals found the orders spread out in their fields.
The lands in question have been targeted by the Israeli occupation authorities in recent years, when a plan to declare them a National Park was promoted in order to create an Israeli dominated continuity between Occupied Jerusalem and the area of E1. The park is also meant to block the potential development of the adjacent neighborhoods of al-Issawiya and al-Tur.
It is required according to the law that the land owners refuse or choose not to make use of the tracts. When the owner wants to use his or her private property they are allowed to do so in accordance with the approved construction plans, Peace Now further stated.
In the case of al-Issawiya, the owners wish to make use of their lands. One month ago, the municipality uprooted trees that were planted by the Palestinians under the pretext of unlicensed cultivation. Thus, it seems now very hard to explain why a Gardening Use Order is required in such case when the owners wish to do the farming on their own.
According to analysts, it seems that in order to bypass the need to declare the lands as National Park, the Israeli occupation authorities are trying to take over the lands through other illegal means.
Peace Now added that the goal of the Israeli authorities is to prevent any potential Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem by taking over and blocking the lands necessary for the future development of a viable Palestinian state. The Jerusalem Municipality and the National Parks Authority seem so obsessed with creating an Israeli dominated corridor in the area, making use of the law only as a pretext for a political agenda.
4 july 2015
The Hebrew weekly newspaper Kol Ha'ir said on Saturday that the so-called Israeli Local Committee for Planning and Construction in Occupied Jerusalem approved last week the "Green Railway" blueprint of the light train which will connect the settlements with Jerusalem.
The newspaper clarified that the 19.6 Km-long railway will connect Gilo settlement with Al-Masharef Mountain (Mount Scopus) and it will be carrying about 145,000 passengers every day.
It is expected that the new railway will cross the "Red Railway" of the light train which is 13.8 km long and starts from Mount Herzl and ends in Pisgat Ze'ev settlement, according to the newspaper.
The newspaper clarified that the 19.6 Km-long railway will connect Gilo settlement with Al-Masharef Mountain (Mount Scopus) and it will be carrying about 145,000 passengers every day.
It is expected that the new railway will cross the "Red Railway" of the light train which is 13.8 km long and starts from Mount Herzl and ends in Pisgat Ze'ev settlement, according to the newspaper.
3 july 2015
An Israeli special unit police officer was reported to have physically assaulted a young Palestinian girl in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, yesterday.
WAFA/PNN said that a 10-year-old Palestinian girl was physically assaulted at the Al-Aqsa holy site by an Israeli special unit police officer, after she chanted ‘Allahu Akhbar’ (God is Greatest), in protest of the provocative incursion of illegal Israeli settlers into the compound.
The 10-year-old girl apparently sustained wounds in her legs and received treatment at the scene of the assault.
Tensions have been rising in Jerusalem during Ramadan, and especially on Fridays, as thousands of Israelisoldiers are deployed around the city and inside the mosque compound in order to maintain control over the hundreds of thousands of worshipers pouring into the city for Friday prayers.
WAFA/PNN said that a 10-year-old Palestinian girl was physically assaulted at the Al-Aqsa holy site by an Israeli special unit police officer, after she chanted ‘Allahu Akhbar’ (God is Greatest), in protest of the provocative incursion of illegal Israeli settlers into the compound.
The 10-year-old girl apparently sustained wounds in her legs and received treatment at the scene of the assault.
Tensions have been rising in Jerusalem during Ramadan, and especially on Fridays, as thousands of Israelisoldiers are deployed around the city and inside the mosque compound in order to maintain control over the hundreds of thousands of worshipers pouring into the city for Friday prayers.
Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) have imposed new restrictions on Palestinian worshipers arriving from the occupied West Bank to perform Friday prayers in al-Aqsa mosque.
Only 200 thousand worshipers were managed to attend the third Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan at al-Aqsa mosque due to the Israeli new restrictions, Sheikh Azzam Khatib, director general of the Islamic Waqf in occupied Jerusalem said.
Since the early morning hours, Israeli police forces have been heavily deployed in the vicinity of al-Aqsa mosque and the Old City.
During the sermon, Khatib hailed the worshipers' strong determination and brave will in challenge of Israeli tight restrictions.
The Islamic Waqf in occupied Jerusalem has earlier stated that 350 thousand worshipers attended Friday prayers last week after Israel announced at the beginning of Ramadan that women of all ages and men over 40 from the West Bank would be allowed to pray at al-Aqsa Mosque.
Ramadan often offers a rare opportunity for Palestinians to visit occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque, which for Muslims represents the world’s third holiest site, as entry to the city remains strictly limited during rest of the year.
Only 200 thousand worshipers were managed to attend the third Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan at al-Aqsa mosque due to the Israeli new restrictions, Sheikh Azzam Khatib, director general of the Islamic Waqf in occupied Jerusalem said.
Since the early morning hours, Israeli police forces have been heavily deployed in the vicinity of al-Aqsa mosque and the Old City.
During the sermon, Khatib hailed the worshipers' strong determination and brave will in challenge of Israeli tight restrictions.
The Islamic Waqf in occupied Jerusalem has earlier stated that 350 thousand worshipers attended Friday prayers last week after Israel announced at the beginning of Ramadan that women of all ages and men over 40 from the West Bank would be allowed to pray at al-Aqsa Mosque.
Ramadan often offers a rare opportunity for Palestinians to visit occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque, which for Muslims represents the world’s third holiest site, as entry to the city remains strictly limited during rest of the year.
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) have stepped up violations of Palestinians’ rights and attacks on Muslims’ holy sites in Occupied Jerusalem city, a report released by the Wadi Hilweh Information center on Thursday revealed.
Israeli army and police detained 150 Palestinians in several neighborhoods of Occupied Jerusalem, the report documented.
Among those arrested were 19 women, including a minor, and 60 male minors, six among whom were under 12 years old and four others below the age of 10.
One of the detained children was kidnapped on his way to school under the pretext of stone-hurling.
Most of the arrests took place in the village of Silwan (with 35 arrests), al-Issawiya (26 arrests), Jerusalem’s Old City (21 arrests) and Beit Hanina (19 arrests).
The report also kept record of 22 cases of entry bans denying a number of Muslim worshipers the right to enter holy al-Aqsa Mosque for periods ranging from 15 days to four months as part of a larger collective-punishment-policy aimed to crack down on Jerusalemite Muslims.
The entry bans slapped by the Israeli occupation authorities targeted 14 Palestinian ladies.
Meanwhile, over 620 Israeli extremist settlers and 210 armed officers vandalized al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of June.
The report documented several cases of violations and assaults on Jerusalemite Palestinians and their properties; most notable among these is a shooting attack, by the Israeli army officers, that has left the 18-year-old youngster Yasser Yassin Tarwa critically wounded. Yasser kept bleeding for a long while and was left without treatment on allegations that he stabbed a border guard in Bab al-Amoud.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center also recorded evidence for attacks on peaceful mass-rallies such as the "Jerusalem is Ours" carnival staged in Bab al-Amoud. The Israeli army quelled the march and showered the non-violent rally-goers with tear gas and rubber bullets in an attempt to disband them.
Settler attacks have also been on the rise. Eyewitnesses have frequently reported instances of physical assaults on Jerusalemite children.
Israeli vandals have also repeatedly carried out preplanned hit-and-run attacks in Occupied Jerusalem. A Palestinian lady was recently hit by an Israeli settler in Bab al-Amoud as she tried to reach the other side of the road.
The report documented three cases of demolition of Palestinian family homes under the pretext of unlicensed construction.
Sacred to Muslims, Occupied Jerusalem is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which for Muslims represents the world’s third holiest site.
International law views East Jerusalem as an occupied territory, considering all Jewish settlement building on the land to be illegal.
Israeli army and police detained 150 Palestinians in several neighborhoods of Occupied Jerusalem, the report documented.
Among those arrested were 19 women, including a minor, and 60 male minors, six among whom were under 12 years old and four others below the age of 10.
One of the detained children was kidnapped on his way to school under the pretext of stone-hurling.
Most of the arrests took place in the village of Silwan (with 35 arrests), al-Issawiya (26 arrests), Jerusalem’s Old City (21 arrests) and Beit Hanina (19 arrests).
The report also kept record of 22 cases of entry bans denying a number of Muslim worshipers the right to enter holy al-Aqsa Mosque for periods ranging from 15 days to four months as part of a larger collective-punishment-policy aimed to crack down on Jerusalemite Muslims.
The entry bans slapped by the Israeli occupation authorities targeted 14 Palestinian ladies.
Meanwhile, over 620 Israeli extremist settlers and 210 armed officers vandalized al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of June.
The report documented several cases of violations and assaults on Jerusalemite Palestinians and their properties; most notable among these is a shooting attack, by the Israeli army officers, that has left the 18-year-old youngster Yasser Yassin Tarwa critically wounded. Yasser kept bleeding for a long while and was left without treatment on allegations that he stabbed a border guard in Bab al-Amoud.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center also recorded evidence for attacks on peaceful mass-rallies such as the "Jerusalem is Ours" carnival staged in Bab al-Amoud. The Israeli army quelled the march and showered the non-violent rally-goers with tear gas and rubber bullets in an attempt to disband them.
Settler attacks have also been on the rise. Eyewitnesses have frequently reported instances of physical assaults on Jerusalemite children.
Israeli vandals have also repeatedly carried out preplanned hit-and-run attacks in Occupied Jerusalem. A Palestinian lady was recently hit by an Israeli settler in Bab al-Amoud as she tried to reach the other side of the road.
The report documented three cases of demolition of Palestinian family homes under the pretext of unlicensed construction.
Sacred to Muslims, Occupied Jerusalem is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which for Muslims represents the world’s third holiest site.
International law views East Jerusalem as an occupied territory, considering all Jewish settlement building on the land to be illegal.
2 july 2015
Sheikh Najeh Bakirat, director of the Aqsa Mosque and its manuscript department, stressed that since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan the Israeli settlers have been carrying out break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque in absolute disregard to the sanctity of the holy fasting month .
These break-ins coincide with the Israeli deportation policies against the Jerusalemites and the Palestinians in the 1948 occupied lands while the Israeli occupation is falsely claiming that it provides facilities to the Palestinians, he added.
Bakirat alerted the Palestinians who visit al-Aqsa Mosque from the West Bank and Gaza not to buy from the Israeli markets and urged them to support the Jerusalemite traders' steadfastness instead.
Marketing
Bakirat said, in an exclusive interview with the PIC, that Israel aims to have control over the Islamic sanctities and to obliterate the Palestinian identity and at the same time it shamelessly claims that it provides facilities to the Palestinians.
"What's happening today is just an Israeli marketing attempt to bring in the Palestinians' money to the Israeli market; it is an economic war led by the Israeli extremist Prime Minister Netanyahu," Bakirat said, and wondered: "If Israel is really aiming to make things easier for the Palestinians, why doesn't it remove the military checkpoints and the Apartheid Wall? And why doesn't it stop its ongoing harassment against the Palestinians?"
He also said that the Palestinians feel very happy and blessed with the advent of Ramadan but Israel always spoils their joy with its rabid arrest campaigns, tightened security measures, and malevolent schemes.
Distracting attempts
Sheikh Bakirat said that Israel granted permits to the Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza in order to "distract" their attention away from the daily systematic break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque carried out by the settlers under protection of Israeli special police forces.
"By granting permits, Israel is shaking our hands with one hand and stabbing us with the other," Bakirat said, adding: "no matter how hard Israel tries to beautify its ugly image, it will never succeed."
On the deportation policy pursued by Israel against Palestinian men, women, and even children, Bakirat said that it is a flagrant violation of international agreements and a crime against humanity.
Message
Finally, Bakirat addressed a message to the Palestinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip who were permitted to visit al-Aqsa Mosque urging them not to use their purchasing power in favor of the Israeli markets, but rather to support the Jerusalemite merchants; otherwise, their visit would pose an additional burden.
These break-ins coincide with the Israeli deportation policies against the Jerusalemites and the Palestinians in the 1948 occupied lands while the Israeli occupation is falsely claiming that it provides facilities to the Palestinians, he added.
Bakirat alerted the Palestinians who visit al-Aqsa Mosque from the West Bank and Gaza not to buy from the Israeli markets and urged them to support the Jerusalemite traders' steadfastness instead.
Marketing
Bakirat said, in an exclusive interview with the PIC, that Israel aims to have control over the Islamic sanctities and to obliterate the Palestinian identity and at the same time it shamelessly claims that it provides facilities to the Palestinians.
"What's happening today is just an Israeli marketing attempt to bring in the Palestinians' money to the Israeli market; it is an economic war led by the Israeli extremist Prime Minister Netanyahu," Bakirat said, and wondered: "If Israel is really aiming to make things easier for the Palestinians, why doesn't it remove the military checkpoints and the Apartheid Wall? And why doesn't it stop its ongoing harassment against the Palestinians?"
He also said that the Palestinians feel very happy and blessed with the advent of Ramadan but Israel always spoils their joy with its rabid arrest campaigns, tightened security measures, and malevolent schemes.
Distracting attempts
Sheikh Bakirat said that Israel granted permits to the Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza in order to "distract" their attention away from the daily systematic break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque carried out by the settlers under protection of Israeli special police forces.
"By granting permits, Israel is shaking our hands with one hand and stabbing us with the other," Bakirat said, adding: "no matter how hard Israel tries to beautify its ugly image, it will never succeed."
On the deportation policy pursued by Israel against Palestinian men, women, and even children, Bakirat said that it is a flagrant violation of international agreements and a crime against humanity.
Message
Finally, Bakirat addressed a message to the Palestinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip who were permitted to visit al-Aqsa Mosque urging them not to use their purchasing power in favor of the Israeli markets, but rather to support the Jerusalemite merchants; otherwise, their visit would pose an additional burden.
1 july 2015
Bennett with Netanyahu
Bayit Yehudi drafts letter to prime minister demanding continued construction in West Bank in wake of terror attacks; 'Bayit Yehudi will not ignore the murder of Jews.'
Bayit Yehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett expressed deep concern at a party meeting Wednesday evening over the recent wave of terror attacks against Israelis, sending a message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he must cancel eased restrictions on Palestinians for the month of Ramadan and give government approval "for construction in Judea and Samaria and strengthening of the settlements.
"Bayit Yehudi will not ignore the murder of Jews," continued the strongly-worded letter to the prime minister.
Netanyahu's office has yet to the reply to Bennett's comments that included a demand "to cancel the exemptions granted to the Palestinian for Ramadan as they have become life threatening, along with a series of security measures and deterrence."
The prime minister was faced with public opposition as well on Wednesday, when dozens of Israeli residents of the West Bank protested in front of the Netanyahu's offices in Jerusalem, calling on the authorities to take greater action to stop attacks by Palestinians.
Partakers called on the government to continue settlement construction in the West Bank and to withhold funds passed to the Palestinian Authority.
Five attacks have taken place over the past two weeks, taking the lives of two Israeli civilians. The last victim was Malachi Rosenfeld, who was shot in a terror attack on Monday and passed away the following day.
Just 12 hours earlier, A Palestinian woman stabbed a female soldier during a security check at the Rachel Crossing, which leads to Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem. The soldier, who serves in military police, was seriously wounded.
Bayit Yehudi drafts letter to prime minister demanding continued construction in West Bank in wake of terror attacks; 'Bayit Yehudi will not ignore the murder of Jews.'
Bayit Yehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett expressed deep concern at a party meeting Wednesday evening over the recent wave of terror attacks against Israelis, sending a message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he must cancel eased restrictions on Palestinians for the month of Ramadan and give government approval "for construction in Judea and Samaria and strengthening of the settlements.
"Bayit Yehudi will not ignore the murder of Jews," continued the strongly-worded letter to the prime minister.
Netanyahu's office has yet to the reply to Bennett's comments that included a demand "to cancel the exemptions granted to the Palestinian for Ramadan as they have become life threatening, along with a series of security measures and deterrence."
The prime minister was faced with public opposition as well on Wednesday, when dozens of Israeli residents of the West Bank protested in front of the Netanyahu's offices in Jerusalem, calling on the authorities to take greater action to stop attacks by Palestinians.
Partakers called on the government to continue settlement construction in the West Bank and to withhold funds passed to the Palestinian Authority.
Five attacks have taken place over the past two weeks, taking the lives of two Israeli civilians. The last victim was Malachi Rosenfeld, who was shot in a terror attack on Monday and passed away the following day.
Just 12 hours earlier, A Palestinian woman stabbed a female soldier during a security check at the Rachel Crossing, which leads to Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem. The soldier, who serves in military police, was seriously wounded.
