8 apr 2014
Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and preacher of the holy Aqsa Mosque, warned against the frequent violations carried out by the Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) and other Jewish extremists against the holy Aqsa Mosque. The warning came in the aftermath of a raid launched on al-Aqsa Mosque on Monday morning by Moshe Feiglin, Israeli Knesset’s deputy speaker, and a group of Jewish fanatics, who, provocatively roamed al-Aqsa courtyards and corridors, under the protection of Israeli security forces.
Hussein drew attention to the strict control-measures imposed by IOA on the Muslim congregation in al-Aqsa which coincides with the decision of an internal committee within Knesset to hand access-passes to Jews so as to be able to freely perform their religious prayers and join al-Aqsa raids on the occasion of future Jewish holidays.
The Mufti’s statement came also at a time when several Jewish organizations are calling for the construction of a synagogue in the western wall of al-Aqsa mosque.
Hussein spoke against such violations by drawing attention to “the dangerous and provocative tone with which they are being carried,” and calling for the immediate intervention of Arabs and Muslims across the globe. “Serious measures need to be taken to protect the sanctity of the holy Aqsa,” the Mufti declared.
Along the same line, the Palestinian Legislative Council warned against IOA’s frequent conspiracies against al-Aqsa Mosque, topped by digging tunnels under it attempting to divide it between Muslims and Jews, calling on Arabs and Muslims to raise alarm bells about al-Aqsa Mosque and Occupied Jerusalem.
Dr. Ahmed Abu Halabiya, Head of Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Committee in the Legislative Council, said in a press conference on Monday that al-Aqsa division plans aim at turning the demographic equation in Occupied Jerusalem in favor of the Israeli occupation, a policy that has already been executed through land confiscation, demolition processes, and the reinforcement of Jewish settlement within the city.
Abu Halabiya said that the situation is becoming alarming. IOA’s decision to form a subcommittee to make sure Israeli raid decisions of al-Aqsa are being executed is just unbearable, according to Halabiya.
He further announced that seven Aqsa gates were shut down and Palestinian citizens less than 50 years old were not allowed in, while 14 Jerusalemites were exiled from the Mosque for different periods.
Halabiya urged the PA to contest Israeli war crimes at international platforms, and asked for an immediate end to peace talks with Israel, who is exploiting negotiations to impose a de facto situation mainly judaization and division of the Aqsa.
Halabiya called on Arabs and Muslims to lend a hand to Jerusalemites through funds, media, and legal advice to support them in their fight against Israeli schemes targeting Occupied Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian character.
In the same context, the Islamic-Christian Commission in support of Occupied Jerusalem and its Holy Sites revealed IOA’s plans to change 269 historical landmarks to wipe out the city’s historical idiosyncratic holiness.
The commission’s general secretary Hana Issa said in a press release that the Israeli Interior Ministry approved plans for building a museum in Silwan south of the holy Aqsa Mosque.
Issa called for the immediate end to the occupation’s “systematic terrorism”, which goes against divine decrees and international laws securing freedom of access to places of worship.
Hussein drew attention to the strict control-measures imposed by IOA on the Muslim congregation in al-Aqsa which coincides with the decision of an internal committee within Knesset to hand access-passes to Jews so as to be able to freely perform their religious prayers and join al-Aqsa raids on the occasion of future Jewish holidays.
The Mufti’s statement came also at a time when several Jewish organizations are calling for the construction of a synagogue in the western wall of al-Aqsa mosque.
Hussein spoke against such violations by drawing attention to “the dangerous and provocative tone with which they are being carried,” and calling for the immediate intervention of Arabs and Muslims across the globe. “Serious measures need to be taken to protect the sanctity of the holy Aqsa,” the Mufti declared.
Along the same line, the Palestinian Legislative Council warned against IOA’s frequent conspiracies against al-Aqsa Mosque, topped by digging tunnels under it attempting to divide it between Muslims and Jews, calling on Arabs and Muslims to raise alarm bells about al-Aqsa Mosque and Occupied Jerusalem.
Dr. Ahmed Abu Halabiya, Head of Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Committee in the Legislative Council, said in a press conference on Monday that al-Aqsa division plans aim at turning the demographic equation in Occupied Jerusalem in favor of the Israeli occupation, a policy that has already been executed through land confiscation, demolition processes, and the reinforcement of Jewish settlement within the city.
Abu Halabiya said that the situation is becoming alarming. IOA’s decision to form a subcommittee to make sure Israeli raid decisions of al-Aqsa are being executed is just unbearable, according to Halabiya.
He further announced that seven Aqsa gates were shut down and Palestinian citizens less than 50 years old were not allowed in, while 14 Jerusalemites were exiled from the Mosque for different periods.
Halabiya urged the PA to contest Israeli war crimes at international platforms, and asked for an immediate end to peace talks with Israel, who is exploiting negotiations to impose a de facto situation mainly judaization and division of the Aqsa.
Halabiya called on Arabs and Muslims to lend a hand to Jerusalemites through funds, media, and legal advice to support them in their fight against Israeli schemes targeting Occupied Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian character.
In the same context, the Islamic-Christian Commission in support of Occupied Jerusalem and its Holy Sites revealed IOA’s plans to change 269 historical landmarks to wipe out the city’s historical idiosyncratic holiness.
The commission’s general secretary Hana Issa said in a press release that the Israeli Interior Ministry approved plans for building a museum in Silwan south of the holy Aqsa Mosque.
Issa called for the immediate end to the occupation’s “systematic terrorism”, which goes against divine decrees and international laws securing freedom of access to places of worship.
In a Facebook post, Likud Knesset Member and its deputy speaker Moshe Feiglin confirmed that he is working at all levels to impose Jewish sovereignty over al-Aqsa Mosque and allow settlers' access freely to its courtyards. Feiglin broke on Monday into the al-Aqsa Mosque accompanied with a group of settlers under Israeli police heavy protection. “It is possible to impose Jewish sovereignty over the Temple Mount, but if we really want it,” he said.
For its part, the Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage strongly condemned Feiglin's statements, saying that it represents Israeli government's policies.
The Foundation warned of the seriousness of such statements, stressing the importance of Islamic presence in al-Aqsa Mosque to check Israeli schemes at least at this stage.
For its part, the Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage strongly condemned Feiglin's statements, saying that it represents Israeli government's policies.
The Foundation warned of the seriousness of such statements, stressing the importance of Islamic presence in al-Aqsa Mosque to check Israeli schemes at least at this stage.
7 apr 2014
The Hamas Movement warned the Israeli occupation of dire consequences of it dared to build a synagogue on part of the Aqsa Mosque. In a press release, Hamas stated that the safety of the Aqsa Mosque is a red line and any harm happening to it would be an act of provocation to the feelings of the Muslim Nation, stressing that the Aqsa Mosque would remain undividable and an Islamic holy site regardless of the occupation's violations.
The Movement urged the Palestinian people in all occupied lands, especially in Jerusalem, to intensify their presence at the Aqsa Mosque and defend it against any attempt to Judaize it or seize any part of it.
It called on the organization of Islamic cooperation to assume its responsibilities and move to protect the Aqsa Mosque against Israel's Judaization attempts.
In a related context, a special Knesset subcommittee will convene Monday and hear arguments for allowing Jews to pray at the Aqsa Mosque.
The Knesset intends to conduct an in-depth examination of demands made by Jewish temple groups asking to be allowed to pray at the Aqsa Mosque for several hours every day under police protection.
The Movement urged the Palestinian people in all occupied lands, especially in Jerusalem, to intensify their presence at the Aqsa Mosque and defend it against any attempt to Judaize it or seize any part of it.
It called on the organization of Islamic cooperation to assume its responsibilities and move to protect the Aqsa Mosque against Israel's Judaization attempts.
In a related context, a special Knesset subcommittee will convene Monday and hear arguments for allowing Jews to pray at the Aqsa Mosque.
The Knesset intends to conduct an in-depth examination of demands made by Jewish temple groups asking to be allowed to pray at the Aqsa Mosque for several hours every day under police protection.
The District Committee for Planning and Construction ratified on Thursday night the settlement project entitled ““Kadam Complex- City of David- Old City” which will be implemented in the courtyard of Dung Gate south of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The committee of Wadi Hilweh condemned in a statement on Friday the ratification of the settlement project which is funded and supervised by the Israeli government, the occupation municipality in Jerusalem and “Elad” settlement organization.
The committee said that the settlement project aims at eliminating the Arab cultural character of the city of Jerusalem on one hand, and ignores the needs of the residents and confiscates more of their lands on another hand.
The committee explained that ratifying the project came after an eight-hours session where the objections of lawyer Sami Arshid, representing the residents of Wadi Hilweh, and lawyer Qais Naser, representing the Islamic Supreme Council in the 1948 lands, were heard as well as “A’eer Amim” organization, an Israeli organization called “Emek Shafa” that is interested in monuments and a special engineer.
Representatives from Elad settlement organization, Antiquities Authority, Nature and Parks Authority, the Jerusalem municipality and the government of Israel were also present in the session to represent the Israeli side.
Lawyer Sami Arshid explained that the District committee ratified the settlement project with making little changes such as keeping the area open for the public, lowering the level of the building from the street’s level by reducing the number of storeys to be built in addition to reducing the total area from 11000 square meters to 9000.
The lawyer confirmed that objection will be submitted to the competent authorities. He said that ratifying the settlement project came at a critical time in which the peace process negotiations are struggling and the political and security situations are on the verge of explosion.
The District explained in a statement that lawyer Arshid confirmed during the session that the project will isolate the original residents of Silwan from their natural surroundings and the Old City of Jerusalem. It will also change the historic and archaeological character of the town and it is one-sided, and entrenches the power of occupation and only practices a Jewish ideology.
The Committee stressed on the disregard of the District Committee and other Israeli institutions to the UNESCO decision and the disrespect to any international resolution, and pointed out that the District Committee claimed its right to implement the project in the area to maintain the antiquities and accused the “Ottoman Empire” of changing the blur of the city of Jerusalem and that it will maintain them.
The Committee added that the Israeli authorities proposed the project and ignoring the presence of tens of thousands of residents of Silwan and did not take into account their needs because its only aim is to serve the tourism, antiquities and settlers.
The residents confirmed during their interventions on the racism of the various occupation institutions that claim democracy and respect for others at a time when they demolish buildings and displace the residents, in addition to failing to build any schools.
The Committee also confirmed that the decision is political and was influenced by the Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu, and the Israeli Minter of Interior.
Wadi Hilweh Committee- Silwan explained that the settlement project will be established on the lands of the residents of Silwan which were used as farms until Jerusalem was occupied in 1967. After the occupation, the Israeli authorities confiscated the lands and demolished two rooms that were owned by Abdo family and then turned it into a parking lot. In 2003, Elad settlement organization took control of the lands and started planning for the implementation of the settlement project.
The Committee added that Elad organization will designate the “Kadam” building for scientists and the Israeli Antiquities authority in addition to building conference halls, educational rooms and parking lots for the tourists and settlers. Also, special area will be allocated for tourists’ purposes, commercial stores and an office for the settlement organization “Elad”.
The Committee also explained that Elad organization has been doing continuous excavation works in the project’s area (the courtyard of Dung Gate) since 2003 and had demolished an Islamic cemetery that is 1200 years old in addition to damaging Roman and Byzantine monuments such as rooms, arches and poles and only left a few of them which they claim to be the “Second Temple Monuments”; note that part of the building will be designated to show those alleged antiquities.
The committee of Wadi Hilweh condemned in a statement on Friday the ratification of the settlement project which is funded and supervised by the Israeli government, the occupation municipality in Jerusalem and “Elad” settlement organization.
The committee said that the settlement project aims at eliminating the Arab cultural character of the city of Jerusalem on one hand, and ignores the needs of the residents and confiscates more of their lands on another hand.
The committee explained that ratifying the project came after an eight-hours session where the objections of lawyer Sami Arshid, representing the residents of Wadi Hilweh, and lawyer Qais Naser, representing the Islamic Supreme Council in the 1948 lands, were heard as well as “A’eer Amim” organization, an Israeli organization called “Emek Shafa” that is interested in monuments and a special engineer.
Representatives from Elad settlement organization, Antiquities Authority, Nature and Parks Authority, the Jerusalem municipality and the government of Israel were also present in the session to represent the Israeli side.
Lawyer Sami Arshid explained that the District committee ratified the settlement project with making little changes such as keeping the area open for the public, lowering the level of the building from the street’s level by reducing the number of storeys to be built in addition to reducing the total area from 11000 square meters to 9000.
The lawyer confirmed that objection will be submitted to the competent authorities. He said that ratifying the settlement project came at a critical time in which the peace process negotiations are struggling and the political and security situations are on the verge of explosion.
The District explained in a statement that lawyer Arshid confirmed during the session that the project will isolate the original residents of Silwan from their natural surroundings and the Old City of Jerusalem. It will also change the historic and archaeological character of the town and it is one-sided, and entrenches the power of occupation and only practices a Jewish ideology.
The Committee stressed on the disregard of the District Committee and other Israeli institutions to the UNESCO decision and the disrespect to any international resolution, and pointed out that the District Committee claimed its right to implement the project in the area to maintain the antiquities and accused the “Ottoman Empire” of changing the blur of the city of Jerusalem and that it will maintain them.
The Committee added that the Israeli authorities proposed the project and ignoring the presence of tens of thousands of residents of Silwan and did not take into account their needs because its only aim is to serve the tourism, antiquities and settlers.
The residents confirmed during their interventions on the racism of the various occupation institutions that claim democracy and respect for others at a time when they demolish buildings and displace the residents, in addition to failing to build any schools.
The Committee also confirmed that the decision is political and was influenced by the Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu, and the Israeli Minter of Interior.
Wadi Hilweh Committee- Silwan explained that the settlement project will be established on the lands of the residents of Silwan which were used as farms until Jerusalem was occupied in 1967. After the occupation, the Israeli authorities confiscated the lands and demolished two rooms that were owned by Abdo family and then turned it into a parking lot. In 2003, Elad settlement organization took control of the lands and started planning for the implementation of the settlement project.
The Committee added that Elad organization will designate the “Kadam” building for scientists and the Israeli Antiquities authority in addition to building conference halls, educational rooms and parking lots for the tourists and settlers. Also, special area will be allocated for tourists’ purposes, commercial stores and an office for the settlement organization “Elad”.
The Committee also explained that Elad organization has been doing continuous excavation works in the project’s area (the courtyard of Dung Gate) since 2003 and had demolished an Islamic cemetery that is 1200 years old in addition to damaging Roman and Byzantine monuments such as rooms, arches and poles and only left a few of them which they claim to be the “Second Temple Monuments”; note that part of the building will be designated to show those alleged antiquities.
A special Knesset subcommittee will convene Monday and hear arguments for allowing Jews to pray on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Israel Channel 7 reported.
It added, it is the first time that the Knesset is conducting an in-depth examination of Jewish demands to be allowed to pray on the Al-Aqsa Moqsue, which has been under nominal Israeli control for decades, but is administered by the Islamic Waqf.
The committee is a subcommittee of the Israel Internal Affairs and Environment Committee and was appointed by MK Miri Regev (Likud-Beytenu), who heads the Internal Affairs and Environment Committee. Its members are MK David Tzur (Hatnua), MK Zevulun Kalfa (Jewish Home) and MK Nachman Shai (Labor).
In a related context, MK Moshe Feiglin stormed on Monday, the Al-Aqsa Mosque through Bab al-Magharbeh, under the protection of Israeli army forces and police.
Rasem Abed al-Wahed, Specialist in the Jerusalem Affairs, said that a group of settlers also accompanied Fegiln, while Israeli restrictions were imposed on the entry of the Palestinian worshippers into the mosque. The police stopped the worshippers on the main entrances of the mosque, checked their IDs and detained them until they come out of the mosque.
On Friday 4th April, Feiglin expressed his willingness to storm the mosque in preparation for the Passover festival that coincides the 14th of April. Leaders of Jewish groups called the Jews to make sacrifices on this occasion in the compound of the mosque, and they also called the Israeli police to make the appropriate measures for them to perform the Talmudic rituals in the mosque.
Israeli extremist settlers headed by MK Feiglin storm al-Aqsa
Israeli extremist settlers, led by Likud Knesset Member Moshe Feiglin, broke on Monday into the al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate under Israeli police protection. The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage (AFEH) said that the radical MK Feiglin has stormed the Dome of the Rock square before expeditiously leaving from al-Silsla Gate for fear of Palestinian worshipers' reaction.
The foundation added that 50 settlers and their children raided al-Aqsa Mosque in the same time and roamed different parts of its courtyards.
AFEH said that strict restrictions were imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the entry of Palestinian worshipers, particularly youths, into al-Aqsa Mosque, confiscating identity cards of those allowed in.
Feiglin has declared his intention to break into al-Aqsa Mosque in preparation for the Jewish Passover Feast on the 14th of April amid the alleged Temple organization's escalated calls to offer sacrifices and perform Talmudic rituals inside al-Aqsa Mosque under IOF protection.
On the other hand, Ammar al-Aqsa Foundation reported that 3,168 Israelis stormed al-Aqsa Mosque during the first quarter of 2014, including 2,089 settlers, while the others were policemen, intelligence agents, and soldiers in military uniform.
During March, approximately 1,178 Israelis stormed the holy site including 731 settlers, the report said.
In February, 892 Israelis broke into al-Aqsa Mosque including 667 settlers, while in January 1,098 Israelis raided the Mosque including 691 settlers.
Ammar al-Aqsa Foundation warned that the next few months would witness escalation in Israeli break-ins into the Mosque, calling for intensifying Palestinian presence in the holy site.
It added, it is the first time that the Knesset is conducting an in-depth examination of Jewish demands to be allowed to pray on the Al-Aqsa Moqsue, which has been under nominal Israeli control for decades, but is administered by the Islamic Waqf.
The committee is a subcommittee of the Israel Internal Affairs and Environment Committee and was appointed by MK Miri Regev (Likud-Beytenu), who heads the Internal Affairs and Environment Committee. Its members are MK David Tzur (Hatnua), MK Zevulun Kalfa (Jewish Home) and MK Nachman Shai (Labor).
In a related context, MK Moshe Feiglin stormed on Monday, the Al-Aqsa Mosque through Bab al-Magharbeh, under the protection of Israeli army forces and police.
Rasem Abed al-Wahed, Specialist in the Jerusalem Affairs, said that a group of settlers also accompanied Fegiln, while Israeli restrictions were imposed on the entry of the Palestinian worshippers into the mosque. The police stopped the worshippers on the main entrances of the mosque, checked their IDs and detained them until they come out of the mosque.
On Friday 4th April, Feiglin expressed his willingness to storm the mosque in preparation for the Passover festival that coincides the 14th of April. Leaders of Jewish groups called the Jews to make sacrifices on this occasion in the compound of the mosque, and they also called the Israeli police to make the appropriate measures for them to perform the Talmudic rituals in the mosque.
Israeli extremist settlers headed by MK Feiglin storm al-Aqsa
Israeli extremist settlers, led by Likud Knesset Member Moshe Feiglin, broke on Monday into the al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate under Israeli police protection. The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage (AFEH) said that the radical MK Feiglin has stormed the Dome of the Rock square before expeditiously leaving from al-Silsla Gate for fear of Palestinian worshipers' reaction.
The foundation added that 50 settlers and their children raided al-Aqsa Mosque in the same time and roamed different parts of its courtyards.
AFEH said that strict restrictions were imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the entry of Palestinian worshipers, particularly youths, into al-Aqsa Mosque, confiscating identity cards of those allowed in.
Feiglin has declared his intention to break into al-Aqsa Mosque in preparation for the Jewish Passover Feast on the 14th of April amid the alleged Temple organization's escalated calls to offer sacrifices and perform Talmudic rituals inside al-Aqsa Mosque under IOF protection.
On the other hand, Ammar al-Aqsa Foundation reported that 3,168 Israelis stormed al-Aqsa Mosque during the first quarter of 2014, including 2,089 settlers, while the others were policemen, intelligence agents, and soldiers in military uniform.
During March, approximately 1,178 Israelis stormed the holy site including 731 settlers, the report said.
In February, 892 Israelis broke into al-Aqsa Mosque including 667 settlers, while in January 1,098 Israelis raided the Mosque including 691 settlers.
Ammar al-Aqsa Foundation warned that the next few months would witness escalation in Israeli break-ins into the Mosque, calling for intensifying Palestinian presence in the holy site.
6 apr 2014
The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said that Jewish fanatic organizations were planning to build a Jewish synagogue at Al-Aqsa Mosque as a key step towards the construction of the alleged temple. The foundation said in a statement on Sunday that a scheme has recently been charted by the "Yishai Association", led by a number of “Rabanims” who have recently sent a letter to the head of the Israeli government, Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to build a synagogue at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
According to the foundation, a mapped description was handed by a right-wing journalist and activist in “alleged temple” organizations, aiming at establishing a synagogue in the western part of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The activist outlined his vision, which he published on an online blog of his own, to build a synagogue that extends over a large area of Al-Aqsa Mosque along with other neighboring areas.
The scheme reveals attempts to open a new door via the western wall of the mosque to ensure the smooth entry of Jews into the synagogue and the overall control of the Buraq Mosque intended to become the synagogue’s main entrance.
The activist also recommended the construction of a glass wall that detaches the projected synagogue from the rest of Al-Aqsa and separates Jewish and Muslim worshippers performing their religious rituals. He further insisted that the wall has to be built in such a way as to allow the synagogue’s congregation to supervise the rest of Al-Aqsa area.
The Aqsa Foundation has spoken out against the move calling for an urgent reaction against the potential execution of such dangerous plans which coincide with demands for immediate construction approvals from Netanyahu.
According to the foundation, a mapped description was handed by a right-wing journalist and activist in “alleged temple” organizations, aiming at establishing a synagogue in the western part of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The activist outlined his vision, which he published on an online blog of his own, to build a synagogue that extends over a large area of Al-Aqsa Mosque along with other neighboring areas.
The scheme reveals attempts to open a new door via the western wall of the mosque to ensure the smooth entry of Jews into the synagogue and the overall control of the Buraq Mosque intended to become the synagogue’s main entrance.
The activist also recommended the construction of a glass wall that detaches the projected synagogue from the rest of Al-Aqsa and separates Jewish and Muslim worshippers performing their religious rituals. He further insisted that the wall has to be built in such a way as to allow the synagogue’s congregation to supervise the rest of Al-Aqsa area.
The Aqsa Foundation has spoken out against the move calling for an urgent reaction against the potential execution of such dangerous plans which coincide with demands for immediate construction approvals from Netanyahu.
Professor of Urban Planning Youssef Jabareen confirmed that Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) are still planning to keep Palestinian territories under control through settlement and displacement policies, while seeking out new ways to strike a demographic balance in favor of Israeli settlers in Occupied Jerusalem.
On the occasion of his National Building Planning in Israel-book launch, Professor Jabareen declared he found out, after intensive research, that it was possible for the IOA to strategically hold sway over several Palestinian territories ever since the establishment of the Zionist Movement more than 120 years ago.
But until 1948 it wasn’t possible for the occupation neither to fulfill its long-awaited dream of purchasing the land nor to set up settlement units over large areas of the land. Meanwhile the Zionist Movement managed to take control over 7% of the Palestinian territories before resuming its dispossession crusades after Nakba, in the aftermath of which 93% were confiscated as opposed to 2.5% only left for Palestinians.
Jabareen further stated that due to Israeli settlement at the expense of Arabs, native inhabitants and young couples were forced to immigrate to other neighboring Jewish areas. The Jewish Nistrit Illit town has been transformed into a mixed “salad bowl” populated by 31% of Arabs over the last ten decades.
“But things are much more complicated in occupied Jerusalem. Unfortunately Jewish population has gone up to 44% of the overall population rate in Eastern Occupied Jerusalem due to the unwarranted demographic planning policies executed by the IOA.
“Such policies gave birth to a set of unwelcome bi-national geographies in the Eastern Occupied Jerusalem and other settlement units. In my opinion, those policies get in the way of establishing an Independent Palestinian state having Jerusalem as its major capital” Jabareen adds.
Jabreen recommended an urgent decision to resume negotiations on the basis of historical Palestine’s map instead of the 1967 map and to reconsider the establishment of a Palestinian state with delineated borders and territories.
On the occasion of his National Building Planning in Israel-book launch, Professor Jabareen declared he found out, after intensive research, that it was possible for the IOA to strategically hold sway over several Palestinian territories ever since the establishment of the Zionist Movement more than 120 years ago.
But until 1948 it wasn’t possible for the occupation neither to fulfill its long-awaited dream of purchasing the land nor to set up settlement units over large areas of the land. Meanwhile the Zionist Movement managed to take control over 7% of the Palestinian territories before resuming its dispossession crusades after Nakba, in the aftermath of which 93% were confiscated as opposed to 2.5% only left for Palestinians.
Jabareen further stated that due to Israeli settlement at the expense of Arabs, native inhabitants and young couples were forced to immigrate to other neighboring Jewish areas. The Jewish Nistrit Illit town has been transformed into a mixed “salad bowl” populated by 31% of Arabs over the last ten decades.
“But things are much more complicated in occupied Jerusalem. Unfortunately Jewish population has gone up to 44% of the overall population rate in Eastern Occupied Jerusalem due to the unwarranted demographic planning policies executed by the IOA.
“Such policies gave birth to a set of unwelcome bi-national geographies in the Eastern Occupied Jerusalem and other settlement units. In my opinion, those policies get in the way of establishing an Independent Palestinian state having Jerusalem as its major capital” Jabareen adds.
Jabreen recommended an urgent decision to resume negotiations on the basis of historical Palestine’s map instead of the 1967 map and to reconsider the establishment of a Palestinian state with delineated borders and territories.
“Al-Aqsa Mosque: Ours not Theirs” was Palestinian children’s way to celebrate al-Aqsa 12th Child Festival held by the Palestinian Islamic Movement. Thousands of Palestinian children headed to Occupied Jerusalem Saturday to celebrate the event. Several buses packed with children and their families from Arab communities nationwide arrived at the mosque at an early morning hour.
Different inspirational artistic competitions energized the festival, sporadically interrupted by speeches delivered by the Islamic Movement's Northern Branch's Deputy Chairman, Sheikh Kamal Khatib, and Omar Kiswani, Director of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The festival’s inaugural speech was delivered by Omar Kiswani who applauded the children’s loyalty to Al-Aqsa Mosque while insisting on their vital role as the nation’s liberators and the guardians of the sanctity of the holy mosque.
“We shall remind every person who dares violate the sacredness of al-Aqsa that our offspring will be shining everywhere there are violations of their nation’s rights. Our children shall never have a moment’s rest until every single stone in al-Aqsa becomes theirs.”
Sheikh Kamal Khatib’s speech boosted the attendants’ confidence and self-esteem while warning against any potential admission of defeat.
He insisted that Palestinians shall never throw in the towel. According to him, the present commemoration is a conclusive testimony that al-Aqsa is the nation’s eternal dream. “If you have been such an unyielding source of fear to the enemy it is because you have long heroically stood in the face of occupation. You shall be the nation’s knights in shining armor and al-Aqsa’s eternal saviors.”
Sheikh Khatib further stated that today, more than ever before, Palestinians are subject to a rising series of Israeli conspiracies against al-Aqsa, executed through brutal incursions and frequent approvals of settlement plans. The newly-discovered projected construction of a synagogue in Silwan along with the frequent calls for Aqsa assaults on 14 April under the pretext of Easter holidays, are living proofs of the occupation’s deceitful nature, he elaborated.
“Your dream shall never come true. Your provocations will never dampen our spirits. We will all be heading to Occupied Jerusalem and rally in the holy Aqsa on 14 April,” Khatib firmly declared addressing the Israeli occupiers, cautioning the occupation authorities against any potential exploitation of the current Arab circumstances to execute their prearranged plans to construct the alleged temple. “Victory looms on the horizon,” he firmly declared.
The audience was enthralled by inspirational live performances of chants and theatrical shows including “My eyes shedding nostalgia tears” song and Raed Salah’s poem: “Oh my Jerusalem! I will not settle in London.”
The festival’s closing speech was delivered by Sheikh Imad Younes who, thoughtfully, drew attention to children’s tragedy in other parts of the world, calling for an urgent need to lend a hand to the children of Egypt, Syria, Burma and other regions of Central Africa.
Different inspirational artistic competitions energized the festival, sporadically interrupted by speeches delivered by the Islamic Movement's Northern Branch's Deputy Chairman, Sheikh Kamal Khatib, and Omar Kiswani, Director of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The festival’s inaugural speech was delivered by Omar Kiswani who applauded the children’s loyalty to Al-Aqsa Mosque while insisting on their vital role as the nation’s liberators and the guardians of the sanctity of the holy mosque.
“We shall remind every person who dares violate the sacredness of al-Aqsa that our offspring will be shining everywhere there are violations of their nation’s rights. Our children shall never have a moment’s rest until every single stone in al-Aqsa becomes theirs.”
Sheikh Kamal Khatib’s speech boosted the attendants’ confidence and self-esteem while warning against any potential admission of defeat.
He insisted that Palestinians shall never throw in the towel. According to him, the present commemoration is a conclusive testimony that al-Aqsa is the nation’s eternal dream. “If you have been such an unyielding source of fear to the enemy it is because you have long heroically stood in the face of occupation. You shall be the nation’s knights in shining armor and al-Aqsa’s eternal saviors.”
Sheikh Khatib further stated that today, more than ever before, Palestinians are subject to a rising series of Israeli conspiracies against al-Aqsa, executed through brutal incursions and frequent approvals of settlement plans. The newly-discovered projected construction of a synagogue in Silwan along with the frequent calls for Aqsa assaults on 14 April under the pretext of Easter holidays, are living proofs of the occupation’s deceitful nature, he elaborated.
“Your dream shall never come true. Your provocations will never dampen our spirits. We will all be heading to Occupied Jerusalem and rally in the holy Aqsa on 14 April,” Khatib firmly declared addressing the Israeli occupiers, cautioning the occupation authorities against any potential exploitation of the current Arab circumstances to execute their prearranged plans to construct the alleged temple. “Victory looms on the horizon,” he firmly declared.
The audience was enthralled by inspirational live performances of chants and theatrical shows including “My eyes shedding nostalgia tears” song and Raed Salah’s poem: “Oh my Jerusalem! I will not settle in London.”
The festival’s closing speech was delivered by Sheikh Imad Younes who, thoughtfully, drew attention to children’s tragedy in other parts of the world, calling for an urgent need to lend a hand to the children of Egypt, Syria, Burma and other regions of Central Africa.
4 apr 2014
Israel has approved a controversial archaeology project in occupied East Jerusalem, the interior ministry said Friday, in a move likely to compound tensions threatening to scupper peace talks.
The ministry "heard objections" from residents to the plans to build a visitor center just outside Jerusalem's Old City walls in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, a statement said.
However it granted approval to the project on grounds that it "will show important archaeological discoveries to the public."
"As a tourist attraction, this will contribute to the development of the city of Jerusalem," the ministry added.
The Silwan neighborhood, where the 13,000-square-foot complex is to be built, is already home to dozens of Jewish settler families who live under heavy guard among Palestinian residents.
Palestinian residents charge that the new visitor center fails to take account of their needs and is an attempt to further strengthen the Jewish presence in Silwan.
The ministry "heard objections" from residents to the plans to build a visitor center just outside Jerusalem's Old City walls in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, a statement said.
However it granted approval to the project on grounds that it "will show important archaeological discoveries to the public."
"As a tourist attraction, this will contribute to the development of the city of Jerusalem," the ministry added.
The Silwan neighborhood, where the 13,000-square-foot complex is to be built, is already home to dozens of Jewish settler families who live under heavy guard among Palestinian residents.
Palestinian residents charge that the new visitor center fails to take account of their needs and is an attempt to further strengthen the Jewish presence in Silwan.
3 apr 2014
Hundreds of Jewish settlers on Thursday, raided the Joseph's Tomb east of the West Bank city of Nablus, under the protection of Israeli army.
Palestinian official responsible for the Settlement File in the northern West Bank, Ghassan Doughlas, told the PNN that violent clashes erupted in the area between the Palestinian residents and Israeli forces, amid heavy fire shooting from the Israeli side.
Following the clashes, the Israeli forces and army withdrew from the area.
On Wednesday, settlers smashed a Palestinian vehicle in the village of Jaloud, south of Nablus.
Ghassan Doughlas, said that a number of Israeli settlers raided the village at dawn, and smashed the car of Jihad Riyad Hamoud before fleeing the scene.
Palestinian official responsible for the Settlement File in the northern West Bank, Ghassan Doughlas, told the PNN that violent clashes erupted in the area between the Palestinian residents and Israeli forces, amid heavy fire shooting from the Israeli side.
Following the clashes, the Israeli forces and army withdrew from the area.
On Wednesday, settlers smashed a Palestinian vehicle in the village of Jaloud, south of Nablus.
Ghassan Doughlas, said that a number of Israeli settlers raided the village at dawn, and smashed the car of Jihad Riyad Hamoud before fleeing the scene.
The Israeli Planning and Building Committee is scheduled to discuss Thursday a plan for the establishment of a huge structure to be built at the expense of Palestinian lands in Silwan town southern Al-Aqsa Mosque, Hebrew media sources revealed. Haaretz Hebrew newspaper stated that the right-wing Elad association has submitted the plan that includes the establishment of a massive museum and visitor center complex very close to the walls of the Old City.
The plan was approved in 2009 at the expense of 5460 square meters; however it was then revealed that it was extended to cover an area of 16 thousand square meters.
Meanwhile, Israeli bulldozers demolished on Thursday morning Palestinian mobile homes in Eizariya town in occupied Jerusalem without previous warning under the pretext of being built without a permit.
Local sources confirmed that Israeli bulldozers have demolished three mobile homes and sheds belonging to Palestinian farmers.
The demolished mobile homes were established before the occupation of Jerusalem. The Israeli occupation authorities seek to confiscate more lands in that area as a prelude for the establishment of E-1 project.
The plan was approved in 2009 at the expense of 5460 square meters; however it was then revealed that it was extended to cover an area of 16 thousand square meters.
Meanwhile, Israeli bulldozers demolished on Thursday morning Palestinian mobile homes in Eizariya town in occupied Jerusalem without previous warning under the pretext of being built without a permit.
Local sources confirmed that Israeli bulldozers have demolished three mobile homes and sheds belonging to Palestinian farmers.
The demolished mobile homes were established before the occupation of Jerusalem. The Israeli occupation authorities seek to confiscate more lands in that area as a prelude for the establishment of E-1 project.
Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Israelis visited a Nablus tomb under armed guard early Thursday, Palestinian security officials said.
Over 15 buses escorted by Israeli military vehicles arrived at Joseph's Tomb overnight, with worshipers performing prayers until daybreak.
Local youths threw stones at the buses, with no reports of clashes or injuries.
Under the 1993 Oslo Accords, the site was to remain under Israeli control. But the Israeli army evacuated the premises in October 2000 shortly after the start of the second intifada, or uprising, and it was immediately destroyed and burnt by locals.
The restoration of the tomb was completed recently, and following improved security cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, the army allows Jewish worshipers to make monthly nocturnal pilgrimages to the site.
Over 15 buses escorted by Israeli military vehicles arrived at Joseph's Tomb overnight, with worshipers performing prayers until daybreak.
Local youths threw stones at the buses, with no reports of clashes or injuries.
Under the 1993 Oslo Accords, the site was to remain under Israeli control. But the Israeli army evacuated the premises in October 2000 shortly after the start of the second intifada, or uprising, and it was immediately destroyed and burnt by locals.
The restoration of the tomb was completed recently, and following improved security cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, the army allows Jewish worshipers to make monthly nocturnal pilgrimages to the site.
A settlement watchdog group says Israel is pushing forward with plans to build more than 700 homes in a (Jewish enclave) of east Jerusalem. The move could present another obstacle in the deeply troubled Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
Hagit Ofran from Peace Now says Israel renewed a call for contractor bids to build the homes this week.
Ofran said Wednesday that Israel's reissuing of 708 tenders was meant to "make problems" in the faltering Israeli-Palestinian talks.
Those talks suffered yet another setback this week as Secretary of State John Kerry cancelled plans to return to the region after Israeli and Palestinian leaders made it clear no diplomatic breakthrough was near on the horizon.
Israel was supposed to release 26 Palestinian prisoners this past weekend, but asked for an extension on the deadline.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas balked at the request and resumed a campaign for further international recognition of a state of Palestine, despite a promise to suspend such efforts.
The claim about further construction in east Jerusalem - which Palestinians want to be the capital of a future Palestinian state -- came amid speculation that the U.S. was discussing a deal to entice Israel into making greater concessions in the dialogue with Palestinians by setting free a man convicted of spying for the (Jewish state) who has been held in a U.S. prison for 29 years.
Israel has long sought the release of former U.S. Navy intelligence officer Jonathan Pollard, who leaked classified documents to Israel in 1985.
Asked Tuesday in Brussels by CBS News' Margaret Brennan whether the U.S. had offered to release Pollard early, Secretary of State John Kerry said, there was "no agreement at this point in time regarding anyone or any specific steps. There are a lot of different possibilities in play."
CBS News foreign affairs analyst Pamela Falk said the cancellation of Kerry's visit to the Middle East does not necessarily mean the talks are off.
"Negotiations are on when everyone is putting more on the table," she explained, noting that both sides did at least seem interested in discussing possible ways forward. "But the Middle East is always difficult."
Brennan reported that Kerry was making calls Wednesday to Mideast negotiators who are trying to revive the process. With more than a dozen trips to the region in the past months, Kerry remains committed but appears no closer to a deal than any of his predecessors.
Hagit Ofran from Peace Now says Israel renewed a call for contractor bids to build the homes this week.
Ofran said Wednesday that Israel's reissuing of 708 tenders was meant to "make problems" in the faltering Israeli-Palestinian talks.
Those talks suffered yet another setback this week as Secretary of State John Kerry cancelled plans to return to the region after Israeli and Palestinian leaders made it clear no diplomatic breakthrough was near on the horizon.
Israel was supposed to release 26 Palestinian prisoners this past weekend, but asked for an extension on the deadline.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas balked at the request and resumed a campaign for further international recognition of a state of Palestine, despite a promise to suspend such efforts.
The claim about further construction in east Jerusalem - which Palestinians want to be the capital of a future Palestinian state -- came amid speculation that the U.S. was discussing a deal to entice Israel into making greater concessions in the dialogue with Palestinians by setting free a man convicted of spying for the (Jewish state) who has been held in a U.S. prison for 29 years.
Israel has long sought the release of former U.S. Navy intelligence officer Jonathan Pollard, who leaked classified documents to Israel in 1985.
Asked Tuesday in Brussels by CBS News' Margaret Brennan whether the U.S. had offered to release Pollard early, Secretary of State John Kerry said, there was "no agreement at this point in time regarding anyone or any specific steps. There are a lot of different possibilities in play."
CBS News foreign affairs analyst Pamela Falk said the cancellation of Kerry's visit to the Middle East does not necessarily mean the talks are off.
"Negotiations are on when everyone is putting more on the table," she explained, noting that both sides did at least seem interested in discussing possible ways forward. "But the Middle East is always difficult."
Brennan reported that Kerry was making calls Wednesday to Mideast negotiators who are trying to revive the process. With more than a dozen trips to the region in the past months, Kerry remains committed but appears no closer to a deal than any of his predecessors.
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) on Wednesday opened a new tunnel in the heart of Silwan district near the Aqsa Mosque after 15 years of diggings in the area. According to the Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage, the IOA held a small opening ceremony in camera for the new tunnel, which is part of the deep Silwan underground passageway, south of the Aqsa Mosque.
The Aqsa foundation said that this tunnel is part of a network of tunnels extending from Silwan and going under and around the Aqsa Mosque's foundations.
Over 15 years of deep diggings, huge rocks and a large amount of dirt had been removed from the dig site.
The IOA and its Jewish groups in east Jerusalem describe the dig area and the tunnel as the Ein Castle, which they claim that Prophet Dawoud (David) took it after he conquered the Arab Canaanites and that Prophet Suleiman (Solomon) became the king of Israel at this site.
The Aqsa foundation condemned these Israeli claims as another Jewish lies and part of the Israeli plans that aim to Judaize the entire holy city of Jerusalem.
The Aqsa foundation said that this tunnel is part of a network of tunnels extending from Silwan and going under and around the Aqsa Mosque's foundations.
Over 15 years of deep diggings, huge rocks and a large amount of dirt had been removed from the dig site.
The IOA and its Jewish groups in east Jerusalem describe the dig area and the tunnel as the Ein Castle, which they claim that Prophet Dawoud (David) took it after he conquered the Arab Canaanites and that Prophet Suleiman (Solomon) became the king of Israel at this site.
The Aqsa foundation condemned these Israeli claims as another Jewish lies and part of the Israeli plans that aim to Judaize the entire holy city of Jerusalem.
2 apr 2014
The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said the Israeli occupation authorities announced the completion of the international hotel Waldorf Astoria, which makes part of the Hilton worldwide chain, in occupied Jerusalem. The construction of the hotel, built on the ruins of the Supreme Muslim Council building west of occupied Jerusalem, falls as part of the Judaization policy of the holy city.
The IOA officially announced the near inauguration of the hotel at a time when the Israel Ministry of Tourism and a number of Israeli religious and political leaders had participated in a ceremony celebrating the posting of Judaization logos on the hotel’s main entrance.
The Foundation said in a report on Wednesday that all the way through seven years several demolitions have been carried out by private construction companies followed by deep drillings of the region and the construction of a chain of buildings adjacent to the remnants of the Supreme Islamic Council building, to which several floors have been added. The finalized version of the building was molded in an Israeli style in contrast to the building’s external fronts preserved for reasons of tourism marketing.
Al-Aqsa Foundation described the confiscation and demolition streak, which was eventually followed by the construction of such a huge building, as the most intolerable Judaization step of an Islamic property in occupied Jerusalem.
The IOA officially announced the near inauguration of the hotel at a time when the Israel Ministry of Tourism and a number of Israeli religious and political leaders had participated in a ceremony celebrating the posting of Judaization logos on the hotel’s main entrance.
The Foundation said in a report on Wednesday that all the way through seven years several demolitions have been carried out by private construction companies followed by deep drillings of the region and the construction of a chain of buildings adjacent to the remnants of the Supreme Islamic Council building, to which several floors have been added. The finalized version of the building was molded in an Israeli style in contrast to the building’s external fronts preserved for reasons of tourism marketing.
Al-Aqsa Foundation described the confiscation and demolition streak, which was eventually followed by the construction of such a huge building, as the most intolerable Judaization step of an Islamic property in occupied Jerusalem.
70 settlers have stormed on Wednesday morning al-Aqsa Mosque amid heavy police protection, where they listened to explanations about the alleged Temple. Mahmoud Abul Atta, a spokesman for the Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage (AFEH), confirmed that Israeli soldiers tightened security measures on the Mosque’s gates and confiscated a number of identity cards, while Palestinian students of Islamic schools in al-Aqsa Mosque protested Israeli security measures and frequent break-ins.
In another context, Abul Atta stated that the alleged Temple organizations have submitted a formal request to hold a ceremony inside al-Aqsa Mosque with the participation of 100 settlers to mark the Hebrew Passover on the 14th of April.
He said that according to Hebrew media sources the Israeli police intend to discuss the request during the coming few days. The Israeli extremist organizations' request came as part of the Israeli escalation in targeting the holy site, he added.
The request includes offering sacrifices, participation of 100 settlers, and providing security protection, Abul Atta underlined.
The spokesman warned of the seriousness of Israeli threats against al-Aqsa Mosque, calling for intensifying Palestinian presence inside it.
In another context, Abul Atta stated that the alleged Temple organizations have submitted a formal request to hold a ceremony inside al-Aqsa Mosque with the participation of 100 settlers to mark the Hebrew Passover on the 14th of April.
He said that according to Hebrew media sources the Israeli police intend to discuss the request during the coming few days. The Israeli extremist organizations' request came as part of the Israeli escalation in targeting the holy site, he added.
The request includes offering sacrifices, participation of 100 settlers, and providing security protection, Abul Atta underlined.
The spokesman warned of the seriousness of Israeli threats against al-Aqsa Mosque, calling for intensifying Palestinian presence inside it.
1 apr 2014
Israel on Tuesday pushed tenders for more than 700 homes in an illegal settlement in annexed East Jerusalem, as Washington made intensive efforts to salvage a crisis-hit peace process, an Israeli NGO said.
"The ministry of housing is trying to forcefully undermine the peace process ... and (US Secretary of State) John Kerry's efforts to promote it," charged Peace Now's Hagit Ofran, confirming the tenders were for 708 homes in the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem.
Israel has begun work on over 10,500 housing units in illegal settlements while simultaneously demolishing 146 Palestinian homes since peace talks began in July.
Since 1967, Israel has established over 150 settlements and some 100 outposts in the occupied West Bank, with a settler population of 520,000, according to OCHA.
Over 43 percent of land in the occupied West Bank is allocated to settlement local and regional councils.
"The ministry of housing is trying to forcefully undermine the peace process ... and (US Secretary of State) John Kerry's efforts to promote it," charged Peace Now's Hagit Ofran, confirming the tenders were for 708 homes in the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem.
Israel has begun work on over 10,500 housing units in illegal settlements while simultaneously demolishing 146 Palestinian homes since peace talks began in July.
Since 1967, Israel has established over 150 settlements and some 100 outposts in the occupied West Bank, with a settler population of 520,000, according to OCHA.
Over 43 percent of land in the occupied West Bank is allocated to settlement local and regional councils.
More than 130 young Jewish settlers on Tuesday morning desecrated the Aqsa Mosque under police protection. Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian information center (PIC) a huge number of young settlers were standing in lines waiting to enter the main courtyard of the Aqsa Mosque through Al-Maghariba Gate.
They added that the notorious rabbi Yehuda Glick was outside Al-Maghariba Gate supervising the entry of the young settlers into the Mosque.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police tightened its measures at the other gates and entrances of the Aqsa Mosque and only allowed some Palestinians to enter the Mosque after seizing their IDs.
In an earlier incident, groups of young settlers led by fanatic rabbis on Monday evening participated in a provocative march around the gates of the Aqsa Mosque and inside the Old City of Jerusalem.
They added that the notorious rabbi Yehuda Glick was outside Al-Maghariba Gate supervising the entry of the young settlers into the Mosque.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police tightened its measures at the other gates and entrances of the Aqsa Mosque and only allowed some Palestinians to enter the Mosque after seizing their IDs.
In an earlier incident, groups of young settlers led by fanatic rabbis on Monday evening participated in a provocative march around the gates of the Aqsa Mosque and inside the Old City of Jerusalem.