13 feb 2014
The Israeli Central Court of Jerusalem has ordered the demolition of steel structures used by the Palestinian al-Maslamani family as domiciles in the al-Tur neighborhood.
Omar al-Maslamani told Ma’an that the court rejected an appeal by the family and informed him and his father that they should demolish the structures in 60 days. Otherwise the municipality demolition teams will do the job and the family will have to pay the costs, he says.
Al-Maslamani highlighted that he and his father built two domiciles in 2013 using tin sheet and gypsum boards. The domiciles measure 100 square meters and house eight family members including two children and a disabled girl.
The Jerusalem municipality, he added, has been trying to confiscate the family’s tract of land measuring 1,000 square meters to use for a public road. The road’s plan was submitted to the Knesset in 2000 and it was not approved, added al-Maslamani.
Separately, demolition teams of the Jerusalem municipality handed demolition orders to Islam and Iman al-Abbasi in the Jabal al-Mukabbir neighborhood under the pretext that their houses were built without license.
Family members told Ma’an that the houses were built about three months ago on a tract of land the family owns. Each of the two houses measures 80 square meters and they house 12 family members.
Omar al-Maslamani told Ma’an that the court rejected an appeal by the family and informed him and his father that they should demolish the structures in 60 days. Otherwise the municipality demolition teams will do the job and the family will have to pay the costs, he says.
Al-Maslamani highlighted that he and his father built two domiciles in 2013 using tin sheet and gypsum boards. The domiciles measure 100 square meters and house eight family members including two children and a disabled girl.
The Jerusalem municipality, he added, has been trying to confiscate the family’s tract of land measuring 1,000 square meters to use for a public road. The road’s plan was submitted to the Knesset in 2000 and it was not approved, added al-Maslamani.
Separately, demolition teams of the Jerusalem municipality handed demolition orders to Islam and Iman al-Abbasi in the Jabal al-Mukabbir neighborhood under the pretext that their houses were built without license.
Family members told Ma’an that the houses were built about three months ago on a tract of land the family owns. Each of the two houses measures 80 square meters and they house 12 family members.
Activists organized a sit-in on Thursday in front of the European Union's office in Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem in protest of the Israeli policy of house demolitions.
Participants handed a letter to the EU representative explaining the suffering caused by the demolitions, and emphasizing the EU's role in protecting Palestinians.
Protesters held signs reading "House demolition are against international law," "House demolitions are the ethnic cleansing of Jerusalemites," and "No to the house demolition policy," among others.
The sit-in was organized by the Jerusalem civil and national work organization, which called on Palestinians in Jerusalem to resist and stand against Israeli policies.
The protest comes amid a major increase in the frequency of demolitions since the beginning of the year, with at least 114 Palestinian properties destroyed and 217 people displaced in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in recent weeks, according to UNOCHA.
Israeli authorities say the demolitions occur because Palestinians fail to acquire the appropriate permits for construction, but rights groups counter that Israeli authorities rarely approve permit requests.
Israel has demolished at least 27,000 Palestinian homes and structures since occupying the West Bank in 1967, according to the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Participants handed a letter to the EU representative explaining the suffering caused by the demolitions, and emphasizing the EU's role in protecting Palestinians.
Protesters held signs reading "House demolition are against international law," "House demolitions are the ethnic cleansing of Jerusalemites," and "No to the house demolition policy," among others.
The sit-in was organized by the Jerusalem civil and national work organization, which called on Palestinians in Jerusalem to resist and stand against Israeli policies.
The protest comes amid a major increase in the frequency of demolitions since the beginning of the year, with at least 114 Palestinian properties destroyed and 217 people displaced in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in recent weeks, according to UNOCHA.
Israeli authorities say the demolitions occur because Palestinians fail to acquire the appropriate permits for construction, but rights groups counter that Israeli authorities rarely approve permit requests.
Israel has demolished at least 27,000 Palestinian homes and structures since occupying the West Bank in 1967, according to the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Sheikh Mohammed Masoudi, Mufti of al-Khalil, said that the Jews should not perform their religious rituals at the Aqsa Mosque or its courtyards, including Al-Buraq square. Masoudi's statement came in response to comments made by the Minister of religious affairs in the Ramallah government Mahmoud Habbash, who welcomed every Jew who wants to perform rituals at the Buraq Wall, in a meeting with the Israeli channel 10 on Monday evening.
Masoudi stressed that the Aqsa mosque including the schools and squares surrounding it belong to the Muslims and that the Jews are not allowed to perform their rites there.
Masoudi stressed that the Aqsa mosque including the schools and squares surrounding it belong to the Muslims and that the Jews are not allowed to perform their rites there.
12 feb 2014
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish youths wait for the body of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, spiritual leader of the ultra-religious Shas political party, to be brought to a seminary before his funeral in Jerusalem on Oct. 7, 2013
Jerusalem's Israeli planning committee moved forwards on Wednesday with plans to build a nine-story Jewish seminary in the heart of a densely-populated Palestinian neighborhood near the Old City in occupied East Jerusalem.
Plans for the new tower block, to be built in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, were deposited for consultation, giving the public 60 days to submit any objections, settlement watchdog Peace Now said.
"It's a plan for a nine-story, ultra-Orthodox yeshiva in Sheikh Jarrah which was deposited today for objections," spokesman Lior Amihai told AFP.
"The plan was supposed to be discussed and approved a few weeks ago, however it was postponed -- most probably due to political reasons," he said.
"It's not a game changer but it's on a piece of land in Sheikh Jarrah which has already suffered a lot. It's a very sensitive area and I think the prime minister knows it."
Sheikh Jarrah is a Palestinian residential neighborhood located to the north of the Old City that has seen repeated attempts by Jewish settlers to evict local residents.
The area, which is home to around 2,700 Palestinians, includes well-known landmarks, such as Orient House, the American Colony Hotel and the Palestinian National Theater, as well as many consular missions.
Located on the road which links the Old City to Mount Scopus, the area is considered a strategic location and settlement groups have made persistent efforts to take control of its land.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community.
It considers all of Jerusalem its "eternal, indivisible" capital and does not see construction in the eastern sector as settlement building.
The Palestinians want East Jerusalem as capital of their promised state, which is currently being discussed in US-led negotiations with Israel that are struggling to make headway ahead of an April deadline.
Both the Palestinians and the international community consider all Israel construction on land seized in 1967 to be a violation of international law.
Jewish school approved to be built in east Jerusalem
Planning and Construction Committee of Jerusalem District on Wednesday approved a plan to build a religious school in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in occupied east Jerusalem. The decision came in spite of the recommendations made by Civil Administration that the building would not serve the local population.
Hebrew daily Haaretz reported that the building consists of nine above and three under-ground storeys, including a religious school, accommodation and other facilities.
"The land earmarked for the building is a state property allocated by the Israel-controlled Jerusalem municipality for the school construction, although the place is structurally designed for the establishment a playground for educational institutions in the neighborhood." the daily said.
Jerusalem's Israeli planning committee moved forwards on Wednesday with plans to build a nine-story Jewish seminary in the heart of a densely-populated Palestinian neighborhood near the Old City in occupied East Jerusalem.
Plans for the new tower block, to be built in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, were deposited for consultation, giving the public 60 days to submit any objections, settlement watchdog Peace Now said.
"It's a plan for a nine-story, ultra-Orthodox yeshiva in Sheikh Jarrah which was deposited today for objections," spokesman Lior Amihai told AFP.
"The plan was supposed to be discussed and approved a few weeks ago, however it was postponed -- most probably due to political reasons," he said.
"It's not a game changer but it's on a piece of land in Sheikh Jarrah which has already suffered a lot. It's a very sensitive area and I think the prime minister knows it."
Sheikh Jarrah is a Palestinian residential neighborhood located to the north of the Old City that has seen repeated attempts by Jewish settlers to evict local residents.
The area, which is home to around 2,700 Palestinians, includes well-known landmarks, such as Orient House, the American Colony Hotel and the Palestinian National Theater, as well as many consular missions.
Located on the road which links the Old City to Mount Scopus, the area is considered a strategic location and settlement groups have made persistent efforts to take control of its land.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community.
It considers all of Jerusalem its "eternal, indivisible" capital and does not see construction in the eastern sector as settlement building.
The Palestinians want East Jerusalem as capital of their promised state, which is currently being discussed in US-led negotiations with Israel that are struggling to make headway ahead of an April deadline.
Both the Palestinians and the international community consider all Israel construction on land seized in 1967 to be a violation of international law.
Jewish school approved to be built in east Jerusalem
Planning and Construction Committee of Jerusalem District on Wednesday approved a plan to build a religious school in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in occupied east Jerusalem. The decision came in spite of the recommendations made by Civil Administration that the building would not serve the local population.
Hebrew daily Haaretz reported that the building consists of nine above and three under-ground storeys, including a religious school, accommodation and other facilities.
"The land earmarked for the building is a state property allocated by the Israel-controlled Jerusalem municipality for the school construction, although the place is structurally designed for the establishment a playground for educational institutions in the neighborhood." the daily said.
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Chairman of the Islamic Supreme Council, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, described the Israeli Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel's tour in al-Aqsa Mosque as a desecration to the sanctity of the holy site and a provocation to Muslims' feelings.
Sheikh Sabri told PIC reporter that Israeli violations and break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque are not limited to settler groups but they are carried out by Israeli ministers, MKs, and rabbis, holding the Israeli government responsible for these break-ins. “We cannot accept these continued violations”, he said, adding, “We will not give up one inch of al-Aqsa Mosque”. |
Israeli Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel had stormed al-Aqsa Mosque plazas along with 57 settlers and intelligence officials on Tuesday, which triggered tensions among Jerusalemite students and vigilantes.
In its turn, the Islamic-Christian Commission for the support of Jerusalem and holy sites condemned the Israeli minister's storming into al-Aqsa Mosque, saying that it legalizes and encourages settlers' violations against the Mosque.
The Secretary-General of the Commission, Dr. Hanna Issa, said that the Israeli continued violations in al-Aqsa Mosque, especially by Israeli ministers and officials, require an international intervention to put pressure on the occupation government to stop its violations against places of worship, and to comply with the international laws and conventions particularly the fourth Geneva Convention for the protection of civilians in times of war and under occupation.
For its part, Jordan expressed its strong condemnation to the Israeli minister's break-in into al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday, considering it an irresponsible and unacceptable escalation.
Jordanian Minister of Awqaf and Islamic affairs, Hayel Abdul Hafeez, stressed its total rejection to such irresponsible precedent especially that it was carried out by an Israeli official.
Jordan is the custodian of the holy city of Jerusalem and its holy sites, he pointed out, stressing that these irresponsible acts came in total provocation to Muslims' feelings all over the world.
In its turn, the Islamic-Christian Commission for the support of Jerusalem and holy sites condemned the Israeli minister's storming into al-Aqsa Mosque, saying that it legalizes and encourages settlers' violations against the Mosque.
The Secretary-General of the Commission, Dr. Hanna Issa, said that the Israeli continued violations in al-Aqsa Mosque, especially by Israeli ministers and officials, require an international intervention to put pressure on the occupation government to stop its violations against places of worship, and to comply with the international laws and conventions particularly the fourth Geneva Convention for the protection of civilians in times of war and under occupation.
For its part, Jordan expressed its strong condemnation to the Israeli minister's break-in into al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday, considering it an irresponsible and unacceptable escalation.
Jordanian Minister of Awqaf and Islamic affairs, Hayel Abdul Hafeez, stressed its total rejection to such irresponsible precedent especially that it was carried out by an Israeli official.
Jordan is the custodian of the holy city of Jerusalem and its holy sites, he pointed out, stressing that these irresponsible acts came in total provocation to Muslims' feelings all over the world.
11 feb 2014
Right-wing Israeli housing minister Uri Ariel visited the the al-Aqsa mosque compound on Tuesday under armed guard, a mosque official said.
Sheikh Azzam al-Khatib, the director of Jerusalem endowments and al-Aqsa affairs, told Ma'an that Ariel and 27 rightist settlers entered the mosque compound through the Moroccan Gate.
The group toured the area and then left via the Chain Gate.
Muslim worshipers and students shouted "Allahu Akbar" at the minister, and Israeli police officers collected the identity cards of Palestinians in the the area.
Separately, Israeli police officers prevented the entry of equipment to fix a water pipe in the compound.
Last year, Ariel said that Israel should have full sovereignty over the Al-Aqsa compound and that the site must be open "at any hour to every Jew."
Sheikh Azzam al-Khatib, the director of Jerusalem endowments and al-Aqsa affairs, told Ma'an that Ariel and 27 rightist settlers entered the mosque compound through the Moroccan Gate.
The group toured the area and then left via the Chain Gate.
Muslim worshipers and students shouted "Allahu Akbar" at the minister, and Israeli police officers collected the identity cards of Palestinians in the the area.
Separately, Israeli police officers prevented the entry of equipment to fix a water pipe in the compound.
Last year, Ariel said that Israel should have full sovereignty over the Al-Aqsa compound and that the site must be open "at any hour to every Jew."
Jewish settlers and elements of the Israeli intelligence, accompanied by extremist rabbis, stormed on Tuesday morning al-Aqsa Mosque and toured its courtyards. The Aqsa Foundation for Endowments and Heritage reported in a statement that 39 settlers, elements of the intelligence, rabbis and four female soldiers in their military uniform stormed al-Aqsa from the Mughrabi Gate, under the protection of the Israeli police, and toured different parts of its courtyards.
It noted that the Israeli police have continued to impose restrictions on the students and worshipers inside al-Aqsa Mosque, and that the police stationed at the Mosque's gates arrested a female student and took her to an investigation center.
It noted that the Israeli police have continued to impose restrictions on the students and worshipers inside al-Aqsa Mosque, and that the police stationed at the Mosque's gates arrested a female student and took her to an investigation center.
Israel's channel 10 televised once again a report showing Jewish settlers making preparations for the building of the alleged temple and its altar in place of the Aqsa Mosque. The report showed Jewish settlers collecting rocks and stones from the Dead Sea for the alleged temple mount and its altar, and others claiming they raised cattle to slaughter them at the altar.
According to the repot, Israeli architects compete with each other for the construction of the alleged Jewish temple after the destruction of the Aqsa Mosque.
One of the settlers, who was collecting stones from the Dead Sea, said he was getting prepared for the day when the Israeli authorities allow the Jews to destroy the Aqsa Mosque and build the temple in its place.
Yehuda Etzion, a Jewish settler who tried once before to blow up the Aqsa Mosque, said, in turn, that Jerusalem is the capital of the Jews and thus the temple must be built there.
For his part, one of the Israeli architects stated that Jerusalem is the capital of the Jews as Makkah belongs to the Muslims and Rome to the Christians.
The report also showed cattle pens being prepared by Jewish settlers in Bethlehem settlements in order to slaughter them at the temple altar.
The report, however, warned that many things for the Jews could be possible to do, but when it comes to the Aqsa Mosque, the Islamic world would not allow them to raze it.
In a related context, Palestinian minister of religious affairs Ismail Radwan warned of the declared Jewish intents to demolish the Aqsa Mosque and Judaize the entire holy city, stressing that such plots would not go unnoticed.
Radwan said in a press release that the serious remarks that had been made by the Jewish terrorist Yehuda Etzion in a report televised recently by an Israeli channel revealed renewed Jewish intents to repeat the attempt to detonate the Aqsa Mosque.
He added that the report unveiled some side of the extremist Zionist mindset that only believes in destruction and killing.
According to the repot, Israeli architects compete with each other for the construction of the alleged Jewish temple after the destruction of the Aqsa Mosque.
One of the settlers, who was collecting stones from the Dead Sea, said he was getting prepared for the day when the Israeli authorities allow the Jews to destroy the Aqsa Mosque and build the temple in its place.
Yehuda Etzion, a Jewish settler who tried once before to blow up the Aqsa Mosque, said, in turn, that Jerusalem is the capital of the Jews and thus the temple must be built there.
For his part, one of the Israeli architects stated that Jerusalem is the capital of the Jews as Makkah belongs to the Muslims and Rome to the Christians.
The report also showed cattle pens being prepared by Jewish settlers in Bethlehem settlements in order to slaughter them at the temple altar.
The report, however, warned that many things for the Jews could be possible to do, but when it comes to the Aqsa Mosque, the Islamic world would not allow them to raze it.
In a related context, Palestinian minister of religious affairs Ismail Radwan warned of the declared Jewish intents to demolish the Aqsa Mosque and Judaize the entire holy city, stressing that such plots would not go unnoticed.
Radwan said in a press release that the serious remarks that had been made by the Jewish terrorist Yehuda Etzion in a report televised recently by an Israeli channel revealed renewed Jewish intents to repeat the attempt to detonate the Aqsa Mosque.
He added that the report unveiled some side of the extremist Zionist mindset that only believes in destruction and killing.
10 feb 2014
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage said that extremist Jewish settlers on Saturday sabotaged the cemetery of the ethnically cleansed Muzayri'a village in Ramla district. In a report on Sunday, the Aqsa foundation added that the settlers destroyed 15 graves in the cemetery entirely.
The foundation held the Israeli occupation authority fully responsible for this serious violation, affirming that this act is part of the systematic crimes committed by Jewish settlers against the Islamic sites and holy places throughout the occupied lands.
It affirmed that it would take action to protect the cemetery and would report what happened to it to the competent authorities.
The foundation held the Israeli occupation authority fully responsible for this serious violation, affirming that this act is part of the systematic crimes committed by Jewish settlers against the Islamic sites and holy places throughout the occupied lands.
It affirmed that it would take action to protect the cemetery and would report what happened to it to the competent authorities.
9 feb 2014
A group of Jewish settlers led by the fanatic rabbi Yehuda Glick entered the Aqsa Mosque on Sunday morning via the Maghareba gate. Eyewitnesses inside the Aqsa Mosque said that special Israeli police forces escorted the settlers during their tour of the holy site.
They said that Glick was lecturing the settlers on the myth of the so-called temple and its alleged location in place of the Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli soldiers stationed at the gates to the Mosque detained the ID cards of young worshipers to prevent any attempt to protest the settlers’ tour. One of the young men was arrested.
They said that Glick was lecturing the settlers on the myth of the so-called temple and its alleged location in place of the Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli soldiers stationed at the gates to the Mosque detained the ID cards of young worshipers to prevent any attempt to protest the settlers’ tour. One of the young men was arrested.
8 feb 2014
Palestine Supporters Association has launched in Tunisia a campaign in support of al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalemites' steadfastness under the title "Siraj al-Aqsa campaign". The campaign will last 24 days to shed light on Israeli Judaization schemes in occupied Jerusalem.
Vice-Chairman of the association Mohamed Bashir Khodri told PIC reporter that the campaign has started on Thursday and will last till the 30th of March.
The association will organize events and activities in seven Tunisian cities. Flyers and reports on Israeli Judaization schemes in al-Aqsa Mosque and occupied Jerusalem will be distributed during the events, he explained.
Tunisian children and artists will participate in the campaign to express their total support for al-Aqsa Mosque in face of Israeli schemes targeting the holy city.
A closing ceremony will take place on the 30th of March on the Land Day with the participation of Palestinian senior leaders including deputy head of the Islamic Movement inside the Green Line Kamal al-Khatib in addition to a number of liberated detainees.
Palestine Supporters Association is a Tunisian association established in support of the Palestinian issue; it was established after the Tunisian revolution.
Vice-Chairman of the association Mohamed Bashir Khodri told PIC reporter that the campaign has started on Thursday and will last till the 30th of March.
The association will organize events and activities in seven Tunisian cities. Flyers and reports on Israeli Judaization schemes in al-Aqsa Mosque and occupied Jerusalem will be distributed during the events, he explained.
Tunisian children and artists will participate in the campaign to express their total support for al-Aqsa Mosque in face of Israeli schemes targeting the holy city.
A closing ceremony will take place on the 30th of March on the Land Day with the participation of Palestinian senior leaders including deputy head of the Islamic Movement inside the Green Line Kamal al-Khatib in addition to a number of liberated detainees.
Palestine Supporters Association is a Tunisian association established in support of the Palestinian issue; it was established after the Tunisian revolution.
The Aqsa Foundation for Endowments and Heritage warned of the Israeli occupation authority’s intention to boost “symbols of its sovereignty” inside al-Aqsa Mosque. The foundation's media spokesman Mahmoud Abu Atta told Quds Press on Friday that the Israeli regime is trying to install signs of its sovereignty in al-Aqsa by raising Israeli flags in its courtyards, installing surveillance cameras, and supporting incursions of settlers, rabbis and soldiers.
He considered that the escalation of the IOA Judaization practices confirm its quest to move on to an even more dangerous phase, represented in installing "symbols of Israeli sovereignty" inside al-Aqsa mosque.
Abu Atta pointed out that his Foundation has started contacts with the Arab League, the Jerusalem International Committee, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Jordanian government, concerning the dangers al-Aqsa Mosque is exposed to.
He also warned that in 2014, al-Aqsa will witness more dangerous procedures, amid growing Israeli incursions, settlement activities and excavations in the vicinity of the Mosque.
The Jerusalemite activist pointed to the Israeli plans and construction projects in the vicinity of al-Aqsa mosque; some of them near the Buraq Square and in the southern area of the Mosque, which are meant to pave the way for the construction of the alleged temple.
He considered that the escalation of the IOA Judaization practices confirm its quest to move on to an even more dangerous phase, represented in installing "symbols of Israeli sovereignty" inside al-Aqsa mosque.
Abu Atta pointed out that his Foundation has started contacts with the Arab League, the Jerusalem International Committee, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Jordanian government, concerning the dangers al-Aqsa Mosque is exposed to.
He also warned that in 2014, al-Aqsa will witness more dangerous procedures, amid growing Israeli incursions, settlement activities and excavations in the vicinity of the Mosque.
The Jerusalemite activist pointed to the Israeli plans and construction projects in the vicinity of al-Aqsa mosque; some of them near the Buraq Square and in the southern area of the Mosque, which are meant to pave the way for the construction of the alleged temple.
Preacher of the Aqsa Mosque Sheikh Ikrima Sabri called on the Muslim Nation to move swiftly to save the Palestinian cause from the US solutions that are aimed to liquidate it. In his Friday khutba (sermon), Sheikh Sabri demanded the Palestinian Authority to reconsider its positions and not to succumb to pressures.
He asked the PA not to forget that the Palestinian cause is a very sensitive issue related to a holy land that belongs to more than one billion Muslims and constitutes an important part of their faith, heritage, culture and history.
The preacher warned that the Palestinian city of Jerusalem is exposed nowadays to a US-made conspiracy known as Kerry's plan which wants to retain the settlements under Israel's control, including 29 settlement blocs and outposts located in and around the holy city.
According to this plan, he added, the Israeli occupation would stay in control of more than 50 percent of east Jerusalem and keep the western part of the city under its exclusive sovereignty.
Israel's segregation wall would serve like the boundary line between the Palestinians and Israelis, while the Old City of Jerusalem and the neighborhoods around the city would be under the supervision of an international commission whose members include the US and the Israeli occupation state, he elaborated further about Kerry's plan.
He also questioned about the fate of the Aqsa Mosque, which is exposed to daily violations by Jewish settlers and the Israeli police, if the Israeli occupation controlled everything in the holy city.
"The Aqsa Mosque is in danger, and Jerusalem is the first victim after it has become vulnerable to loss according to the plan of the US secretary of state. Enough is enough and there is no more room for silence," Sheikh Sabri underlined.
He asked the PA not to forget that the Palestinian cause is a very sensitive issue related to a holy land that belongs to more than one billion Muslims and constitutes an important part of their faith, heritage, culture and history.
The preacher warned that the Palestinian city of Jerusalem is exposed nowadays to a US-made conspiracy known as Kerry's plan which wants to retain the settlements under Israel's control, including 29 settlement blocs and outposts located in and around the holy city.
According to this plan, he added, the Israeli occupation would stay in control of more than 50 percent of east Jerusalem and keep the western part of the city under its exclusive sovereignty.
Israel's segregation wall would serve like the boundary line between the Palestinians and Israelis, while the Old City of Jerusalem and the neighborhoods around the city would be under the supervision of an international commission whose members include the US and the Israeli occupation state, he elaborated further about Kerry's plan.
He also questioned about the fate of the Aqsa Mosque, which is exposed to daily violations by Jewish settlers and the Israeli police, if the Israeli occupation controlled everything in the holy city.
"The Aqsa Mosque is in danger, and Jerusalem is the first victim after it has become vulnerable to loss according to the plan of the US secretary of state. Enough is enough and there is no more room for silence," Sheikh Sabri underlined.
7 feb 2014
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At least 18 Palestinians were injured when Israeli forces clashed with Palestinian worshipers after prayers in the al-Aqsa compound on Friday.
A Ma'an reporter said dozens of Israeli soldiers raided the compound and fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets at worshipers. Director of Al-Aqsa clinic Adnan Khanafseh told a Ma'an reporter that the 18 people were treated in the compound's clinics for fractures, injuries from stun grenade splinters, and rubber-coated steel bullets. A child and a 40-year-old man were among the people treated, and three people were transferred to hospital for further treatment, Khanafseh added. |
An Israeli police spokesman said that clashes broke out after "tens of Israeli-Arabs" threw stones at Israeli police officers located at the Moroccan Gate.
"Police responded by entering the Temple Mount using stun grenades to disperse rioters," Mickey Rosenfeld said.
He added that seven people were detained for involvement in the clashes, although he could not confirm any injuries.
Witnesses said the arrests were made by Israeli intelligence forces as youths left the compound. Fouad al-Qiq was the only one identified from the detainees, and it was reported that he was detained from Bab al-Amoud.
Clashes also broke out in Bab Hutta neighborhood at the same time.
Israeli forces blocked off a gate leading to the al-Qabli mosque and pepper sprayed youths in the area.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
"Police responded by entering the Temple Mount using stun grenades to disperse rioters," Mickey Rosenfeld said.
He added that seven people were detained for involvement in the clashes, although he could not confirm any injuries.
Witnesses said the arrests were made by Israeli intelligence forces as youths left the compound. Fouad al-Qiq was the only one identified from the detainees, and it was reported that he was detained from Bab al-Amoud.
Clashes also broke out in Bab Hutta neighborhood at the same time.
Israeli forces blocked off a gate leading to the al-Qabli mosque and pepper sprayed youths in the area.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
6 feb 2014
Hundreds of worshipers and vigilantes in the Aqsa Mosque foiled on Thursday Jewish settlers’ attempt to break into the holy site carrying Israeli flags. The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said in a statement that hundreds of Jerusalemites, worshipers and Palestinians of the 1948 occupied land flocked to the Aqsa since Wednesday night.
It said that hundreds others arrived to the Mosque in the early morning hours on Thursday and foiled schemes by the settlers to break into the holy site and raise Israeli flags inside it.
AFEH said that Israeli forces arrested two young men near the holy site then released them later after questioning them at a police station, adding that they were both physically assaulted during the detention.
It said that hundreds others arrived to the Mosque in the early morning hours on Thursday and foiled schemes by the settlers to break into the holy site and raise Israeli flags inside it.
AFEH said that Israeli forces arrested two young men near the holy site then released them later after questioning them at a police station, adding that they were both physically assaulted during the detention.
Israeli policemen arrested on Thursday morning a young man from Jerusalem, from inside al-Aqsa Mosque, and took him to a police center in the city. Eyewitnesses said that a group of youths clashed on Thursday morning with the Israeli forces at the Hitta door - one of al-Aqsa Mosque's doors - after they were prevented from entering the Mosque.
The Israeli soldiers attacked the young men using batons and pepper gas, before detaining one of them.
Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli police stepped up procedures against al-Aqsa Mosque, as they closed its doors and imposed restrictions on the entry of worshipers.
Dozens of youths flocked to the Mosque on Wednesday night to confront the settlers who have called for breaking into the Mosque's yards and the Dome of the Rock.
For its part, the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem on Thursday morning forced the occupation police to close the Mughrabi Gate to prevent the settlers from storming al-Aqsa.
The Israeli soldiers attacked the young men using batons and pepper gas, before detaining one of them.
Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli police stepped up procedures against al-Aqsa Mosque, as they closed its doors and imposed restrictions on the entry of worshipers.
Dozens of youths flocked to the Mosque on Wednesday night to confront the settlers who have called for breaking into the Mosque's yards and the Dome of the Rock.
For its part, the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem on Thursday morning forced the occupation police to close the Mughrabi Gate to prevent the settlers from storming al-Aqsa.
5 feb 2014
Israel on Wednesday pushed forward with plans to build more than 550 new homes in illegal settlements in annexed East Jerusalem, the city council said.
In a statement listing "building permits that were approved" during a local planning committee session, it said permits were granted to private contractors to build 386 units in Har Homa, 136 units in Neve Yaakov and 36 units in Pisgat Zeev.
Issuing construction permits is one of the last stages before construction begins, with building likely to start in the coming weeks, Israel's Peace Now settlement watchdog said.
Israel and the Palestinians began a round of direct peace talks at the end of July with the aim of reaching an agreement within nine months.
But the US-led negotiations have been overshadowed by Israel's refusal to rein in construction plans on occupied Palestinian land.
Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.
It considers all of Jerusalem its "eternal, undivided" capital and does not see construction in the eastern sector as settlement building.
Some 350,000 Jewish settlers live in West Bank settlements, in addition to another 200,000 Israelis settled in occupied and annexed East Jerusalem.
The international community views all settlement building on occupied Palestinian land as illegal.
In a statement listing "building permits that were approved" during a local planning committee session, it said permits were granted to private contractors to build 386 units in Har Homa, 136 units in Neve Yaakov and 36 units in Pisgat Zeev.
Issuing construction permits is one of the last stages before construction begins, with building likely to start in the coming weeks, Israel's Peace Now settlement watchdog said.
Israel and the Palestinians began a round of direct peace talks at the end of July with the aim of reaching an agreement within nine months.
But the US-led negotiations have been overshadowed by Israel's refusal to rein in construction plans on occupied Palestinian land.
Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.
It considers all of Jerusalem its "eternal, undivided" capital and does not see construction in the eastern sector as settlement building.
Some 350,000 Jewish settlers live in West Bank settlements, in addition to another 200,000 Israelis settled in occupied and annexed East Jerusalem.
The international community views all settlement building on occupied Palestinian land as illegal.
Jerusalem Grand Mufti, Sheikh Mohammad Hussein, said that Israeli support to the so-called Temple organizations came in total violation of international conventions and laws concerning the protection of places of worship. Sheikh Hussein, preacher of al-Aqsa Mosque, warned on Tuesday of Temple organizations' call to break into al-Aqsa Mosque and to raise the Israeli flag in its plazas next Thursday.
Sheikh Hussein held the Israeli occupation authority fully responsible for consequences of the extremist organizations' plans to break into al-Aqsa Mosque.
Jerusalem Mufti called on Jerusalemites and Palestinians inside the Green Line to intensify their presence in al-Aqsa Mosque and to protect it in face of the serious and unprecedented Israeli threats.
Sheikh Hussein called on Arab and Islamic countries to protect Palestinian holy sites, condemning "international silence toward Israeli practices and violations against holy sites."
Sheikh Hussein held the Israeli occupation authority fully responsible for consequences of the extremist organizations' plans to break into al-Aqsa Mosque.
Jerusalem Mufti called on Jerusalemites and Palestinians inside the Green Line to intensify their presence in al-Aqsa Mosque and to protect it in face of the serious and unprecedented Israeli threats.
Sheikh Hussein called on Arab and Islamic countries to protect Palestinian holy sites, condemning "international silence toward Israeli practices and violations against holy sites."
4 feb 2014
The Palestinian government in Gaza warned of the Israeli persistent plans that aim to deport the Jerusalemites from their city, and appealed to the Arab and Islamic Nation to intervene. The government pointed out in a statement issued by the Ministry of Justice on Monday that the occupation practices are based on an integrated plan that aims to deport the holy city's native inhabitants, through demolishing their homes and properties at the pretext of unlicensed construction.
The ministry considered the Israeli procedures blatant and flagrant violation of international laws, especially Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which stipulates that “extensive destruction and appropriation of property of protected persons, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly are grave breaches."
It added that the war crime stipulated in the Statute of the International Criminal Court cannot be ignored, and expressed concern about the policy of house demolitions adopted by the occupation.
The Ministry of Justice also appealed to the Arab and international parliaments to pressure the Israeli government to halt demolishing the houses in the occupied city of Jerusalem.
The ministry considered the Israeli procedures blatant and flagrant violation of international laws, especially Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which stipulates that “extensive destruction and appropriation of property of protected persons, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly are grave breaches."
It added that the war crime stipulated in the Statute of the International Criminal Court cannot be ignored, and expressed concern about the policy of house demolitions adopted by the occupation.
The Ministry of Justice also appealed to the Arab and international parliaments to pressure the Israeli government to halt demolishing the houses in the occupied city of Jerusalem.
In a provocative precedent, Israeli intelligence officers broke into the Dome of Rock Tuesday morning under heavy Israeli police protection. Local sources confirmed that 30 intelligence officers stormed into al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate, and broke into the Dome of Rock amid female worshipers' protests.
Israeli officers tried to photograph the female protesters' faces, which led to clashes and verbal insults between the two parties, the sources added.
The sources pointed out that Israeli police confiscated the female protesters' identity cards and transferred them to Qishleh police station in occupied Jerusalem.
In the same context, 17 Israeli settlers stormed al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate escorted by Israeli police.
The so-called Jewish Temple organizations have called on its supporters to gather in front of the Mughrabi Gate next Thursday to break into al-Aqsa Mosque, and to raise the Israeli flag in its squares.
Israeli officers tried to photograph the female protesters' faces, which led to clashes and verbal insults between the two parties, the sources added.
The sources pointed out that Israeli police confiscated the female protesters' identity cards and transferred them to Qishleh police station in occupied Jerusalem.
In the same context, 17 Israeli settlers stormed al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate escorted by Israeli police.
The so-called Jewish Temple organizations have called on its supporters to gather in front of the Mughrabi Gate next Thursday to break into al-Aqsa Mosque, and to raise the Israeli flag in its squares.
Israeli intelligence officers entered the al-Aqsa mosque compound on Tuesday and raided the Dome of the Rock, witnesses and the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Endowment said.
Around 30 intelligence officers entered the compound through the Moroccan Gate and toured different areas of the plateau before storming the Dome of the Rock and climbing to the roof, endowment ministry officials told Ma'an.
Female worshipers shouted "Allah Akbar" at the Israeli officers, who then tried to take pictures of the women, which led to a heated argument.
Israeli police officers who escorted the intelligence officers collected the identity cards of several women in the area and told them to go to a police station by Jaffa Gate to retrieve the cards.
Meanwhile, a group of 17 Israelis entered the mosque compound under armed guard.
On Monday, an extremist Israeli organization urged Jews to organize a demonstration waving Israeli flags inside the al-Aqsa compound on Thursday, the ministry of endowment said.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Around 30 intelligence officers entered the compound through the Moroccan Gate and toured different areas of the plateau before storming the Dome of the Rock and climbing to the roof, endowment ministry officials told Ma'an.
Female worshipers shouted "Allah Akbar" at the Israeli officers, who then tried to take pictures of the women, which led to a heated argument.
Israeli police officers who escorted the intelligence officers collected the identity cards of several women in the area and told them to go to a police station by Jaffa Gate to retrieve the cards.
Meanwhile, a group of 17 Israelis entered the mosque compound under armed guard.
On Monday, an extremist Israeli organization urged Jews to organize a demonstration waving Israeli flags inside the al-Aqsa compound on Thursday, the ministry of endowment said.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
3 feb 2014
Jewish settlers led by the extremist rabbi Yehuda Glick entered the Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Monday morning under tight security measures.
Eyewitnesses said that 14 settlers broke into the holy site and toured its various courtyards as the rabbi delivered lectures on the alleged temple, noting that the settlers were accompanied by heavy police escort throughout their tour.
Calls have been made for a massive storming of the Aqsa Mosque next Thursday that would be coupled with raising the Israeli flag in its yards.
Eyewitnesses said that 14 settlers broke into the holy site and toured its various courtyards as the rabbi delivered lectures on the alleged temple, noting that the settlers were accompanied by heavy police escort throughout their tour.
Calls have been made for a massive storming of the Aqsa Mosque next Thursday that would be coupled with raising the Israeli flag in its yards.
The so-called Jewish Temple organizations have called on its supporters to gather in front of the Mughrabi Gate next Thursday to break into al-Aqsa Mosque, and to raise the Israeli flag in its squares . The Jewish Temple organizations stressed Monday on raising the Israeli flag in al-Aqsa Mosque in response to raising flags in its squares by Palestinian factions.
Al-Aqsa Mosque guards and Palestinian worshipers and students have foiled several Israeli settlers' attempts to raise the Israeli flag in the Mosque’s squares most recently was in November.
Meanwhile, the Jordanian Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Hayel Abdul Hafeez, warned of Israeli police's violations in al-Aqsa Mosque after allowing 30 Israeli armed soldiers to access the Mosque.
The minister said in a statement on Monday that this dangerous precedent aims to legalize "military tourism" in the holy site and to provoke Muslims' feelings all over the world, adding that it would increase extremism in the region and perhaps would lead to the outbreak of a religious war.
Al-Aqsa Mosque guards and Palestinian worshipers and students have foiled several Israeli settlers' attempts to raise the Israeli flag in the Mosque’s squares most recently was in November.
Meanwhile, the Jordanian Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Hayel Abdul Hafeez, warned of Israeli police's violations in al-Aqsa Mosque after allowing 30 Israeli armed soldiers to access the Mosque.
The minister said in a statement on Monday that this dangerous precedent aims to legalize "military tourism" in the holy site and to provoke Muslims' feelings all over the world, adding that it would increase extremism in the region and perhaps would lead to the outbreak of a religious war.
2 feb 2014
Israeli forces forbade the Islamic call for prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron 49 times in the month of January because it "annoyed" Jewish settlers, according to an official from the Palestinian Authority ministry of endowments.
Director of the Hebron office of the ministry of endowments Sheikh Taysir Abu Sneinah said that Israeli forces in the old city of the occupied southern West Bank city have repeatedly banned the mosque from broadcasting the call to prayer.
The pretext, he said, was that the sound of the Islamic call to prayer annoys Israeli settlers performing Jewish rites in the part of the mosque known as the Tomb of the Patriarchs that has been take over by Israeli forces.
Abu Sneinah denounced what he called "abusive Israeli practices" against Palestinian places of worship.
Hebron is a frequent site of clashes due to the presence of 500 Israeli settlers in the Old City, many of whom have illegally occupied Palestinian houses and forcibly removed the original inhabitants. They are protected by thousands of Israeli forces.
A 1997 agreement split Hebron into areas of Palestinian and Israeli control.
The Israeli military-controlled H2 zone includes the ancient Old City, home of the revered Ibrahimi Mosque -- also split into a synagogue referred to as the Tomb of the Patriarchs -- and the once thriving Shuhada street, now just shuttered shops fronts and closed homes.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in contravention of international law.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Director of the Hebron office of the ministry of endowments Sheikh Taysir Abu Sneinah said that Israeli forces in the old city of the occupied southern West Bank city have repeatedly banned the mosque from broadcasting the call to prayer.
The pretext, he said, was that the sound of the Islamic call to prayer annoys Israeli settlers performing Jewish rites in the part of the mosque known as the Tomb of the Patriarchs that has been take over by Israeli forces.
Abu Sneinah denounced what he called "abusive Israeli practices" against Palestinian places of worship.
Hebron is a frequent site of clashes due to the presence of 500 Israeli settlers in the Old City, many of whom have illegally occupied Palestinian houses and forcibly removed the original inhabitants. They are protected by thousands of Israeli forces.
A 1997 agreement split Hebron into areas of Palestinian and Israeli control.
The Israeli military-controlled H2 zone includes the ancient Old City, home of the revered Ibrahimi Mosque -- also split into a synagogue referred to as the Tomb of the Patriarchs -- and the once thriving Shuhada street, now just shuttered shops fronts and closed homes.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in contravention of international law.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Palestinian minister of religious affairs Ismail Radwan strongly denounced the Israeli bombing of Rafah area in Gaza a few days ago, which caused considerable damage to Al-Ferdaws Mosque. In a press release, Radwan stated that Israel's targeting of mosques is a serious violation of the international law which stipulates the need to respect the holy sites of all nations.
He stressed that Israel, which commits daily crimes against the Palestinians and their property, is no stranger to such act.
The minister called on the Arab and Muslim nations, and the world's free people to urgently move to defend the holy sites in Palestine and assume their role in protecting the Palestinian people against Israel's aggression.
In another context, the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza said six Palestinians were killed and 41 others suffered injuries during Israeli shooting incidents and aerial attacks in last January.
Last January is considered the deadliest month since Egypt brokered a truce deal between the Palestinian resistance in Gaza and the Israeli occupation.
Since the truce took effect in November 21, 2012, the Israeli army has killed 18 Gazans, and kidnapped and wounded many others, including 60 fishermen.
He stressed that Israel, which commits daily crimes against the Palestinians and their property, is no stranger to such act.
The minister called on the Arab and Muslim nations, and the world's free people to urgently move to defend the holy sites in Palestine and assume their role in protecting the Palestinian people against Israel's aggression.
In another context, the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza said six Palestinians were killed and 41 others suffered injuries during Israeli shooting incidents and aerial attacks in last January.
Last January is considered the deadliest month since Egypt brokered a truce deal between the Palestinian resistance in Gaza and the Israeli occupation.
Since the truce took effect in November 21, 2012, the Israeli army has killed 18 Gazans, and kidnapped and wounded many others, including 60 fishermen.