25 feb 2014
Al-Tur Mountain
Israeli occupation bulldozers, on Tuesday, leveled a grab-threatened land in the al-Tur Mountain area in occupied east Jerusalem.
Al Ray reports that Israeli authorities had handed the Abu Al-Hawa family a demolition notice to evacuate the 11-dunam land no later than Feb. 13th, a member of the family said to a local news website.
“Three months ago, the Israeli occupation carried out leveling and excavations for antiquities. During that time, a so-called Russian group came in to tell that they are the owners of the land and want to build a church on it,” he explained.
Though the family showed the documents proving the land has been their property for 80 years, the group fenced it and fixed a door at the entrance, he added.
A servant from the occupation municipality of Jerusalem came to the land and gave the family a one-day notice to evacuate.
He informed the family of the existence of a tourist facilities and road construction projects that would exhaust two thirds of the land, according the family member.
Israeli occupation bulldozers, on Tuesday, leveled a grab-threatened land in the al-Tur Mountain area in occupied east Jerusalem.
Al Ray reports that Israeli authorities had handed the Abu Al-Hawa family a demolition notice to evacuate the 11-dunam land no later than Feb. 13th, a member of the family said to a local news website.
“Three months ago, the Israeli occupation carried out leveling and excavations for antiquities. During that time, a so-called Russian group came in to tell that they are the owners of the land and want to build a church on it,” he explained.
Though the family showed the documents proving the land has been their property for 80 years, the group fenced it and fixed a door at the entrance, he added.
A servant from the occupation municipality of Jerusalem came to the land and gave the family a one-day notice to evacuate.
He informed the family of the existence of a tourist facilities and road construction projects that would exhaust two thirds of the land, according the family member.
The Palestinian government in the Gaza Strip has called for an urgent Arab meeting to provide protection for the Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem. Taher Al-Nunu, the media advisor to the office of the prime minister, said in a press release on Tuesday that the urgent Arab meeting should discuss the repeated Israeli attacks and aggressions on the holy site and means of protecting the Mosque.
He said that the Israeli escalated attacks today and on previous occasions were meant to impose a new fait accompli and to control the Mosque.
Nunu called for halting negotiations with Israel and allowing resistance to operate in the West Bank.
He said that the Israeli escalated attacks today and on previous occasions were meant to impose a new fait accompli and to control the Mosque.
Nunu called for halting negotiations with Israel and allowing resistance to operate in the West Bank.
Large Israeli forces stormed on Tuesday morning al-Aqsa Mosque and heavily fired stun grenades and rubber bullets at Palestinian worshipers who confronted and stoned the invading forces. More than 20 injuries were reported. Violent clashes took place in the Mosque last night when Israeli police tried to force out Palestinian worshipers. However, the worshipers managed to remain inside the Mosque until the morning hours.
As a result, Israeli forces imposed this morning tight restrictions on the worshipers' access to the Mosque courtyards, preventing worshipers under the age of 50 years from entering. Hundreds of students have been prevented from attending their courses in al-Aqsa Mosque.
Occupation forces were heavily deployed at the Mosque's gates and prevented the entry of Palestinian youths who in turn threw stones at the soldiers.
Three Palestinian youths were arrested while trying to enter the Mosque’s courtyards.
The clashes came few hours before Israeli Knesset's session to discuss strengthening Israeli control over al-Aqsa Mosque.
Meanwhile, al-Aqsa Foundation for Human Rights warned that Israeli Knesset plans to discuss ways to strengthen Israeli control over al-Aqsa Mosque during the next two days amid Jewish rabbis' wide support and participation.
Knesset's Committee for the Interior and Environment, headed by Likud MK Miri Regev, is scheduled to discuss next Wednesday preparations for mass settler raid on al-Aqsa Mosque to mark the Jewish holiday of Passover.
The Foundation stressed in its statement the importance of intensifying Palestinian presence in al-Aqsa Mosque, calling on Palestinians in Jerusalem and inside the Green Line to defend and protect the holy mosque in face Israeli Judaization schemes.
Jewish extremist activists have launched a campaign on social media networks calling for breaking into al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday and raising Israeli flags in its courtyards.
The Foundation said that Israeli break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque especially by Israeli MKs, ministers, and political and religious figures came as part of Israeli scheme to divide Al-Aqsa Mosque temporally and spatially as a prelude to establishing the alleged Temple.
As a result, Israeli forces imposed this morning tight restrictions on the worshipers' access to the Mosque courtyards, preventing worshipers under the age of 50 years from entering. Hundreds of students have been prevented from attending their courses in al-Aqsa Mosque.
Occupation forces were heavily deployed at the Mosque's gates and prevented the entry of Palestinian youths who in turn threw stones at the soldiers.
Three Palestinian youths were arrested while trying to enter the Mosque’s courtyards.
The clashes came few hours before Israeli Knesset's session to discuss strengthening Israeli control over al-Aqsa Mosque.
Meanwhile, al-Aqsa Foundation for Human Rights warned that Israeli Knesset plans to discuss ways to strengthen Israeli control over al-Aqsa Mosque during the next two days amid Jewish rabbis' wide support and participation.
Knesset's Committee for the Interior and Environment, headed by Likud MK Miri Regev, is scheduled to discuss next Wednesday preparations for mass settler raid on al-Aqsa Mosque to mark the Jewish holiday of Passover.
The Foundation stressed in its statement the importance of intensifying Palestinian presence in al-Aqsa Mosque, calling on Palestinians in Jerusalem and inside the Green Line to defend and protect the holy mosque in face Israeli Judaization schemes.
Jewish extremist activists have launched a campaign on social media networks calling for breaking into al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday and raising Israeli flags in its courtyards.
The Foundation said that Israeli break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque especially by Israeli MKs, ministers, and political and religious figures came as part of Israeli scheme to divide Al-Aqsa Mosque temporally and spatially as a prelude to establishing the alleged Temple.
The Israeli Knesset Tuesday is scheduled to discuss Israeli sovereignty of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a proposal initiated by the right-wing lawmaker MK Moshe Feiglin.
Israeli Occupation Forces raided the al-Aqsa Mosque compound amid heavy shooting of stun grenades.
Al-Aqsa Institution said that Israeli forces stationed at the main gates of the mosque, prevented some of the worshipers and students from entering the mosque, adding that dozens of Palestinians since the early hours of the morning started chanting Allahu Akbar "God is the Greatest" in protest against the Israeli decision.
High tension is prevailing the al-Aqsa Mosque compound due to the IOF presence inside the mosque, in a time where hundreds of Palestinians are also present at the mosque.
According to Israeli media sources, clashes erupted between the Israeli police and Palestinians, after the Israeli police raided the mosque through al-Mughrabi gate.
Three Palestinians were arrested and several others suffered injuries during the clashes, the sources added.
Israeli Occupation Forces raided the al-Aqsa Mosque compound amid heavy shooting of stun grenades.
Al-Aqsa Institution said that Israeli forces stationed at the main gates of the mosque, prevented some of the worshipers and students from entering the mosque, adding that dozens of Palestinians since the early hours of the morning started chanting Allahu Akbar "God is the Greatest" in protest against the Israeli decision.
High tension is prevailing the al-Aqsa Mosque compound due to the IOF presence inside the mosque, in a time where hundreds of Palestinians are also present at the mosque.
According to Israeli media sources, clashes erupted between the Israeli police and Palestinians, after the Israeli police raided the mosque through al-Mughrabi gate.
Three Palestinians were arrested and several others suffered injuries during the clashes, the sources added.
Israeli troops and police raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex early Tuesday and forcefully dispersed Palestinian worshipers and protesters ahead of a Knesset debate on a plan to annex the mosque.
Witnesses told Ma'an that Israeli forces fired rubber-coated steel bullets and stun grenades at Muslim worshipers while protesters hurled stones.
Several worshipers were hurt as a result of the pepper spray and others were hit directly by rubber-coated bullets, witnesses said.
They added that Israeli intelligence agents stormed the Al-Aqsa complex through the Moroccan Gate and the Chain Gate and blockaded the prayer hall, closing its gates with chains.
Meanwhile, Jerusalemite students who study inside the complex were denied entry to Al-Aqsa, and three youths trying to access the complex though the Chain Gate were arrested, witnesses said.
Director of the Al-Aqsa Mosque Azzam al-Khatib said that Israeli forces also closed the Moroccan Gate and denied Jewish extremists entry to the complex.
He added that Israeli forces later pulled out and were deployed at the main gates.
Around 50 Palestinians had spent the night inside the complex in protest of an Israeli Knesset debate, scheduled for Tuesday, over a plan to place the holy site under full Israeli jurisdiction.
Their protest was also in reaction to reports that Israeli rightist organizations had announced plans to raise Israeli flags inside the Al-Aqsa complex.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP that Israeli police used "means of dispersion" against stone-throwing protesters at the mosque.
Rosenfeld said there was "high tension" ahead of the Knesset debate.
Right-wing Israeli MK Moshe Feiglin initiated Al-Aqsa annexation debate, which was originally scheduled for last Tuesday. On Wednesday, Feiglin visited the mosque escorted by Israeli police and a cameraman.
Due to the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls the compound -- overseen by Jordan -- to restrict the area for Muslim prayers.
Israeli forces, however, regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, often leading to tension with Palestinians.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and the 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.
According to mainstream Jewish religious leaders, Jews are forbidden from entering for fear they would profane the "Holy of Holies," or the inner sanctum of the Second Temple.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Witnesses told Ma'an that Israeli forces fired rubber-coated steel bullets and stun grenades at Muslim worshipers while protesters hurled stones.
Several worshipers were hurt as a result of the pepper spray and others were hit directly by rubber-coated bullets, witnesses said.
They added that Israeli intelligence agents stormed the Al-Aqsa complex through the Moroccan Gate and the Chain Gate and blockaded the prayer hall, closing its gates with chains.
Meanwhile, Jerusalemite students who study inside the complex were denied entry to Al-Aqsa, and three youths trying to access the complex though the Chain Gate were arrested, witnesses said.
Director of the Al-Aqsa Mosque Azzam al-Khatib said that Israeli forces also closed the Moroccan Gate and denied Jewish extremists entry to the complex.
He added that Israeli forces later pulled out and were deployed at the main gates.
Around 50 Palestinians had spent the night inside the complex in protest of an Israeli Knesset debate, scheduled for Tuesday, over a plan to place the holy site under full Israeli jurisdiction.
Their protest was also in reaction to reports that Israeli rightist organizations had announced plans to raise Israeli flags inside the Al-Aqsa complex.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP that Israeli police used "means of dispersion" against stone-throwing protesters at the mosque.
Rosenfeld said there was "high tension" ahead of the Knesset debate.
Right-wing Israeli MK Moshe Feiglin initiated Al-Aqsa annexation debate, which was originally scheduled for last Tuesday. On Wednesday, Feiglin visited the mosque escorted by Israeli police and a cameraman.
Due to the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls the compound -- overseen by Jordan -- to restrict the area for Muslim prayers.
Israeli forces, however, regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, often leading to tension with Palestinians.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and the 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.
According to mainstream Jewish religious leaders, Jews are forbidden from entering for fear they would profane the "Holy of Holies," or the inner sanctum of the Second Temple.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Dozens of Palestinian youths have retreated to the al-Aqsa compound to protest Israeli calls to raise Israeli flags inside it on Tuesday.
Witnesses said that around 50 young men remained at the compound after the evening prayers to prevent any attempts to raise the Israeli flag in it.
Witnesses added that Israeli police at the gates of al-Aqsa seized the ID cards of dozens of youths before the entered the compound.
The calls came after a group of rabbis submitted a petition to the Knesset demanding legislation to extend Jewish sovereignty on the Temple Mount.
Israeli MK Taleb Abu Arrar called on international officials and Jordanian King Abdullah II to pressure Israel to retract “such things and respect the sacredness of the place.”
Abu Arrar condemned allowing rightist Moshe Feiglin to visit the compound, and said it was “a reward to him” for retracting a proposal to inset on sovereignty of the site last week.
Witnesses said that around 50 young men remained at the compound after the evening prayers to prevent any attempts to raise the Israeli flag in it.
Witnesses added that Israeli police at the gates of al-Aqsa seized the ID cards of dozens of youths before the entered the compound.
The calls came after a group of rabbis submitted a petition to the Knesset demanding legislation to extend Jewish sovereignty on the Temple Mount.
Israeli MK Taleb Abu Arrar called on international officials and Jordanian King Abdullah II to pressure Israel to retract “such things and respect the sacredness of the place.”
Abu Arrar condemned allowing rightist Moshe Feiglin to visit the compound, and said it was “a reward to him” for retracting a proposal to inset on sovereignty of the site last week.
24 feb 2014
The Knesset's proposal aims to legitimize recurring breakings into Al-Aqsa Mosque and other Muslim and Christian sanctities, say Jordanian MPs
Jerusalem Committee Rapporteur at Palestinian Parliament Ahmed abu Halbeyyah called the Arab countries to firmly counter Israel’s attempts to claim sovereignty over Al Aqsa Mosque. Abu Halbeyyah explained to ALRAY that the Israeli occupation tries to legalize the division of Al Aqsa mosque and to found establish civil Jewish facilities to officially enable the Jewsih settlers and soldiers to break into it.
The occupation plans to make Al Aqsa mosque and the surrounding so-called Holy Basin pure Jewish property, ignoring the Jordanian guardianship over the holy site.
Israeli Knesset on Monday said it’s scheduled to hold a discussion on Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount on Tuesday, after it was dropped earlier this month due to widespread rage against the decision among Palestinians after Friday prayer.
Jordanian lawmakers were angered at Israeli plans to draft a law ending the Hashemite guardianship on Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem, which is a breach of the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty, official news agency Petra reported.
The Knesset's proposal aims to legitimize recurring breakings into Al-Aqsa Mosque and other Muslim and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem and Palestine, The Lower House of Parliament's Palestine Committee said on Feb. 16.
Jerusalem Committee Rapporteur at Palestinian Parliament Ahmed abu Halbeyyah called the Arab countries to firmly counter Israel’s attempts to claim sovereignty over Al Aqsa Mosque. Abu Halbeyyah explained to ALRAY that the Israeli occupation tries to legalize the division of Al Aqsa mosque and to found establish civil Jewish facilities to officially enable the Jewsih settlers and soldiers to break into it.
The occupation plans to make Al Aqsa mosque and the surrounding so-called Holy Basin pure Jewish property, ignoring the Jordanian guardianship over the holy site.
Israeli Knesset on Monday said it’s scheduled to hold a discussion on Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount on Tuesday, after it was dropped earlier this month due to widespread rage against the decision among Palestinians after Friday prayer.
Jordanian lawmakers were angered at Israeli plans to draft a law ending the Hashemite guardianship on Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem, which is a breach of the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty, official news agency Petra reported.
The Knesset's proposal aims to legitimize recurring breakings into Al-Aqsa Mosque and other Muslim and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem and Palestine, The Lower House of Parliament's Palestine Committee said on Feb. 16.
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Wadi Hilweh Information Center revealed last Tuesday a new settlement project under the name of “Tourism Center in Ma’yan Hagionl” in the national park and near the City of David. The project will be implemented in the eastern side of the neighbourhood of Wadi Hilweh south of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Center was informed that the project will be implemented in the area of “Al-Ein” at the bottom of the neighbourhood of Wadi Hilweh on an area of 1200 square meters. It will consist of two floors and is called Beit Al-Ein and a museum about the Jewish history will be established which is a continuation to the “Kedem” project that is projected to be built at the entrance of the neighbourhood which is the area named “National Park” around the walls of Jerusalem. |
The Center pointed out that the project is governmental and is under the supervision of “Elad” settlement organization. The Jerusalem municipality announced that Al-Ein area will be changed from a public and open space to private; note that this area is designated for excavations for antiquities and a visitors’ center will be established underground.
The occupation municipality distributed in the last few days flyers to seven families in Al-Ein area to inform them of the project to be implemented on their lands and gave them 60 days to object. These families live in 22 residential apartments on an area of 5 Dunoms and they are: Abbasi, Abu Mayaleh, Abu Sbeih and Abu Sneineh.
Lawyer Sami Arshid said that he will be submit an appeal in the name of those affected from confiscating their land and pointed out that those lands are private properties of Jerusalemites.
The Center confirmed that the settlement project will cause damages to the neighboring houses and properties in addition to the confiscation of wide area of land.
The local organizing committee in the municipality requested anyone affected by the project to submit an objection within 60 days to the local committee in Jerusalem. According to the flyer, any objection should be handwritten and has an explanation of the reasons in order to be considered.
The center denounced the racist settlement schemes that threaten the Arab and Islamic identity of the neighbourhood near the southern wall of Al-Aqsa Mosque and pointed out that Elad organization lately confessed that the Jewish history doesn’t have any roots in that area.
Wadi Hilweh committee appealed for the Palestinian Authority since it is a permanent member of the UNESCO and quickly react and prevent the implementation of the settlement projects especially that the international laws prohibits changing that historical and archaeological monuments in an occupied state.
Eyad Abbasi, one of those affected, explained that the municipality crews handed him along with six other families a notice regarding the settlement project which will be implemented on his land.
Abbasi explained that the settlers tried several times to buy the 2-Dunom land from his family for a large amount of money and “outrageous” offers. After failing to reach a deal, the land was classified as “green” and today they are trying to confiscate it and build a settlement project.
The occupation municipality distributed in the last few days flyers to seven families in Al-Ein area to inform them of the project to be implemented on their lands and gave them 60 days to object. These families live in 22 residential apartments on an area of 5 Dunoms and they are: Abbasi, Abu Mayaleh, Abu Sbeih and Abu Sneineh.
Lawyer Sami Arshid said that he will be submit an appeal in the name of those affected from confiscating their land and pointed out that those lands are private properties of Jerusalemites.
The Center confirmed that the settlement project will cause damages to the neighboring houses and properties in addition to the confiscation of wide area of land.
The local organizing committee in the municipality requested anyone affected by the project to submit an objection within 60 days to the local committee in Jerusalem. According to the flyer, any objection should be handwritten and has an explanation of the reasons in order to be considered.
The center denounced the racist settlement schemes that threaten the Arab and Islamic identity of the neighbourhood near the southern wall of Al-Aqsa Mosque and pointed out that Elad organization lately confessed that the Jewish history doesn’t have any roots in that area.
Wadi Hilweh committee appealed for the Palestinian Authority since it is a permanent member of the UNESCO and quickly react and prevent the implementation of the settlement projects especially that the international laws prohibits changing that historical and archaeological monuments in an occupied state.
Eyad Abbasi, one of those affected, explained that the municipality crews handed him along with six other families a notice regarding the settlement project which will be implemented on his land.
Abbasi explained that the settlers tried several times to buy the 2-Dunom land from his family for a large amount of money and “outrageous” offers. After failing to reach a deal, the land was classified as “green” and today they are trying to confiscate it and build a settlement project.
23 feb 2014
Jewish settlers broke into the Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Sunday morning via the Maghareba gate and toured its various plazas under tight police protection. Mahmoud Abulatta, the media coordinator of the Aqsa foundation for Endowment and Heritage, told Safa news agency that special police forces escorted the 22 settlers who broke into the holy site.
He pointed out that the police force arrested a Palestinian citizen during the tour and took him to a police station.
Abulatta pointed out that more than 1,200 scholars were inside the Mosque along with around 300 worshipers. He added that the Israeli occupation authority was annoyed by such a big number of worshipers and vigilantes and tried to tighten entry measures to reduce the number.
He pointed out that the police force arrested a Palestinian citizen during the tour and took him to a police station.
Abulatta pointed out that more than 1,200 scholars were inside the Mosque along with around 300 worshipers. He added that the Israeli occupation authority was annoyed by such a big number of worshipers and vigilantes and tried to tighten entry measures to reduce the number.
Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, head of the higher Islamic council and preacher of the Aqsa Mosque, met on Saturday with a delegation from the center of historical and cultural studies in Poland. The delegation included noted Polish academic figures led by professor Adrian Volski.
Sheikh Sabri highlighted during the meeting the good historical relations that have bound the Christians and Muslims, especially since the time of Caliphate Omar Ibn Al-Khattab.
Sheikh Sabri explained that the religion of Islam has called for respecting other religions and believing in all previous prophets, and protected the freedom of worship.
He called during the meeting for issuing an international law by the UN prohibiting and criminalizing any act of defamation or insult against religious faiths, even at the pretext of freedom of expression and opinion.
The preacher of the Aqsa Mosque briefed the delegation on the difficult situation for the Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem as a result of Israel's settlement and Judaization activities.
Sheikh Sabri highlighted during the meeting the good historical relations that have bound the Christians and Muslims, especially since the time of Caliphate Omar Ibn Al-Khattab.
Sheikh Sabri explained that the religion of Islam has called for respecting other religions and believing in all previous prophets, and protected the freedom of worship.
He called during the meeting for issuing an international law by the UN prohibiting and criminalizing any act of defamation or insult against religious faiths, even at the pretext of freedom of expression and opinion.
The preacher of the Aqsa Mosque briefed the delegation on the difficult situation for the Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem as a result of Israel's settlement and Judaization activities.
22 feb 2014
The Israeli weekly Kol Ha'ir said on Friday that the local committee of the Planning and Building approved a plan for the establishment of a religious school in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem. The plan includes the establishment of a nine-story building that will be used as a religious school and residences for the school students.
The building is scheduled to be constructed over an empty land located behind a gas station on an area of 9615 square meters.
The plan was approved at the local committee with four votes for and three against.
Bibeh Luo, member of the municipal council and one of those who opposed the scheme, said "attempts to turn the Palestinian luxurious neighborhood into a Jewish neighborhood did not succeed, but what is happening will have a negative impact on the ongoing conflicts and the negotiations."
The building is scheduled to be constructed over an empty land located behind a gas station on an area of 9615 square meters.
The plan was approved at the local committee with four votes for and three against.
Bibeh Luo, member of the municipal council and one of those who opposed the scheme, said "attempts to turn the Palestinian luxurious neighborhood into a Jewish neighborhood did not succeed, but what is happening will have a negative impact on the ongoing conflicts and the negotiations."
21 feb 2014
Israeli police on Friday afternoon detained six Palestinians from Jerusalem as they exited al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem, following protests in the compound against an Israeli politician's visit.
The Director of the Prisoners' Society in Hebron Nasser Qaws said that Israeli forces detained Ahmad Badreya, Salah Sharifah, Ahmad al-Razim, and three others who had yet to be identified.
During the clashes, witnesses said that youths destroyed the camera of the Israeli police station located in the al-Aqsa compound, and threw stones at Israeli forces near the Moroccan gate in protest against visit of Israeli MK Moshe Feiglin to the holy compound.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that the youths were "involved in disturbances" and "threw stones at police officers" following Friday prayers.
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 above the site where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
The Director of the Prisoners' Society in Hebron Nasser Qaws said that Israeli forces detained Ahmad Badreya, Salah Sharifah, Ahmad al-Razim, and three others who had yet to be identified.
During the clashes, witnesses said that youths destroyed the camera of the Israeli police station located in the al-Aqsa compound, and threw stones at Israeli forces near the Moroccan gate in protest against visit of Israeli MK Moshe Feiglin to the holy compound.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that the youths were "involved in disturbances" and "threw stones at police officers" following Friday prayers.
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 above the site where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
The Jerusalem Municipality staff has recently informed citizen Ahmad Siyam, from Farouk neighborhood in Silwan, that he must pay 248 thousand shekels in order to obtain a license for his building. His son Daoud Siyam said in a press statement that his father has already paid 29 thousand and 800 shekels cash for the Israeli municipality about two weeks ago.
He added that when his father went to the municipality to inform them that he had paid the money, he was surprised when a staff member told him "you have to pay 248 thousand shekels more; improvement tax, if you want to obtain the license."
Daoud said that imposing such a large amount on his father represents an obstacle that aims to prevent him from receiving the building license and thus his house will be demolished.
Ahmad's two-storey house was built in the neighborhood of Farouk in Silwan in the nineties, over an area of 191 square meters. It is inhabited by 14 individuals.
He added that when his father went to the municipality to inform them that he had paid the money, he was surprised when a staff member told him "you have to pay 248 thousand shekels more; improvement tax, if you want to obtain the license."
Daoud said that imposing such a large amount on his father represents an obstacle that aims to prevent him from receiving the building license and thus his house will be demolished.
Ahmad's two-storey house was built in the neighborhood of Farouk in Silwan in the nineties, over an area of 191 square meters. It is inhabited by 14 individuals.
Khalil Tokaji, a cartographer and expert on Israeli settlements at the Orient House institution, stated that the Israeli settlement tenders in occupied Jerusalem is part of an Israel systamatic plan to maintain overall control over the city.
He confirmed that Israeli settlement schemes dated back to 1994 that aim to establish 58 thousands housing units till 2030 in order to fully annex Jerusalem to Israel.
The Israeli authorities are working to escalate settlement construction in order to double settlers' number to reach half a million in Jerusalem and to flood West Bank with a million of settlers till 2030, he added.
He pointed out that Israeli plan aims to annex 10% of West Bank in order to expand Jerusalem settlements, saying that Israel does not recognize a Palestinian state on the basis of the 1967 borders. Israeli policy also aims to decrease the Palestinian population in Jerusalem to 12%, he added.
He quoted Israeli mayor as saying that 70 thousands of Jerusalemites who live beyond the Wall, northern Jerusalem ad Shufat camp, will be annexed to West Bank and in danger of losing their Jerusalem residency.
He warned of the seriousness of Netanyahu's recent remarks regarding the expansion of settlements on religious basis, saying that this plan aims to establish settlers' self-rule in West Bank.
Netanyahu is saying that President Mahmoud Abbas is racist since he refuses to accept settler presence in the West Bank. In fact, this is contrary to his strategy that aims to end the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem and the West Bank and to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, he said.
He pointed out that the number of settlers in the year 1992 was 105 thousand, while today it reached 380 thousand settlers in the West Bank and 250 thousand others in Jerusalem, and added that this increase in the settlers' number is part of an Israeli plan put in 1979 that aims to reach one million settlers in the West and Jerusalem in the year 2030 in order to prevent the establishment of the Palestinian state.
He confirmed that Israeli settlement schemes dated back to 1994 that aim to establish 58 thousands housing units till 2030 in order to fully annex Jerusalem to Israel.
The Israeli authorities are working to escalate settlement construction in order to double settlers' number to reach half a million in Jerusalem and to flood West Bank with a million of settlers till 2030, he added.
He pointed out that Israeli plan aims to annex 10% of West Bank in order to expand Jerusalem settlements, saying that Israel does not recognize a Palestinian state on the basis of the 1967 borders. Israeli policy also aims to decrease the Palestinian population in Jerusalem to 12%, he added.
He quoted Israeli mayor as saying that 70 thousands of Jerusalemites who live beyond the Wall, northern Jerusalem ad Shufat camp, will be annexed to West Bank and in danger of losing their Jerusalem residency.
He warned of the seriousness of Netanyahu's recent remarks regarding the expansion of settlements on religious basis, saying that this plan aims to establish settlers' self-rule in West Bank.
Netanyahu is saying that President Mahmoud Abbas is racist since he refuses to accept settler presence in the West Bank. In fact, this is contrary to his strategy that aims to end the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem and the West Bank and to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, he said.
He pointed out that the number of settlers in the year 1992 was 105 thousand, while today it reached 380 thousand settlers in the West Bank and 250 thousand others in Jerusalem, and added that this increase in the settlers' number is part of an Israeli plan put in 1979 that aims to reach one million settlers in the West and Jerusalem in the year 2030 in order to prevent the establishment of the Palestinian state.
20 feb 2014
Israeli police, on Thursday, arrested an engineer and three of his staff for fixing a run-down water pipe inside al-Aqsa Mosque compound, in the Old City of Jerusalem, according to an employee of the Muslim Waqf department that runs the Mosque.
The police saw the workers fixing the water pipe and ordered them to stop under the pretext that they did not obtain permission from the police to do the work. But, when they refused, police arrested them, according to WAFA Palestinian News & Info Agency.
Engineer Bassam Hallaq, in charge of restoration and renovation of al-Aqsa Mosque, refused to abide by the police order saying that they do not have the right to interfere in that work and instructed the workers to continue with the restoration of the water pipe, said the source.
As a result, police arrested Hallaq along with Raed Zughayar, Husam Seder and Ali Bkeirat.
Israel is trying to prevent the Muslim Waqf from doing any restoration inside the Mosque compound, claiming that any work should be cleared with the relevant Israeli authorities first.
The Waqf refuses to coordinate its work in the Mosque area with the Israelis, and says Israel has no right to interfere in Muslim affairs or property.
Israeli police detain members of al-Aqsa development committee
Israeli police detained seven employees who work for a construction and development committee of the al-Aqsa Mosque complex Thursday, a Ma'an reporter said.
The reporter highlighted that the six were detained while they were doing maintenance work.
The committee’s chief engineer Bassam al-Hallaq was among the detainees as well as engineer Taha Uweidah. Members of the committee Raed Zghayyar, Husam Sidir, Ali Bkeirat and Mahmoud al-Anati were also detained.
Separately, more than 70 Israeli rightists entered the complex though the Moroccan Gate escorted by Israeli police officers.
The police saw the workers fixing the water pipe and ordered them to stop under the pretext that they did not obtain permission from the police to do the work. But, when they refused, police arrested them, according to WAFA Palestinian News & Info Agency.
Engineer Bassam Hallaq, in charge of restoration and renovation of al-Aqsa Mosque, refused to abide by the police order saying that they do not have the right to interfere in that work and instructed the workers to continue with the restoration of the water pipe, said the source.
As a result, police arrested Hallaq along with Raed Zughayar, Husam Seder and Ali Bkeirat.
Israel is trying to prevent the Muslim Waqf from doing any restoration inside the Mosque compound, claiming that any work should be cleared with the relevant Israeli authorities first.
The Waqf refuses to coordinate its work in the Mosque area with the Israelis, and says Israel has no right to interfere in Muslim affairs or property.
Israeli police detain members of al-Aqsa development committee
Israeli police detained seven employees who work for a construction and development committee of the al-Aqsa Mosque complex Thursday, a Ma'an reporter said.
The reporter highlighted that the six were detained while they were doing maintenance work.
The committee’s chief engineer Bassam al-Hallaq was among the detainees as well as engineer Taha Uweidah. Members of the committee Raed Zghayyar, Husam Sidir, Ali Bkeirat and Mahmoud al-Anati were also detained.
Separately, more than 70 Israeli rightists entered the complex though the Moroccan Gate escorted by Israeli police officers.
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While Jerusalem has been declared as the desired capital of a future Palestinian state, and the people are praised for their steadfastness and their condemnation of excavations and storming carried out by extremists, some question whether or not it is enough for the survival of Jerusalem and its people, and ask whether enough is being done on the ground to address the interests of the people.
The fact that a municipality does not currently exist makes it difficult for needs and interests to be addressed for the people in Jerusalem, and many blame the Palestinians for their inability to form local leadership to manage the affairs of the people. Writer and analyst, Khalil Al-Asali, stated that it is not the fault of the occupation, but rather because |
Jerusalem is either seen by many as an opportunity for economic exploitation or it is not considered at all. The reality is that Israeli has clear and concise plans for the city that are manifested on a daily basis, where on the Palestinian side, there is no clear system or organization regarding affairs.
Palestinian Advisor to the Presidential Office for Jerusalem Affairs Ahmed al-Rweidi stated that there had historically been a governing body of sorts, called "the Secretariat of Jerusalem" that was operated by Palestinians. However, it was shut down in 1967 with the conjunction of the occupation. Since that time, Israeli law has been applied to all parts of Jerusalem, and the people are subject to the Israeli municipality when dealing with concerns about planning, building, and other issues.
Al-Rweidi added that the occupation has denied any Palestinian institution from carrying out duties of any kind in Jerusalem, explaining that 24 official economic, youth, cultural and social institutions were shut down. These included the Chamber of Commerce and various organizations for economic development to prevent any kind of social services from being available to the Palestinians.
Al-Rweidi told PNN that Israel fears that a Palestinian municipality is a big part of the national struggle, and is seen as a threat in the pervasive discourse of Israeli occupation and security.
Dmitry Dliani, a member of the Revolutionary Council of Fatah, stated that there is voluntary social action occurring via various committees dedicated to addressing certain concerns, but what is needed is one cohesive body that addresses all the concerns through one institution. Dliani commented that thus far, despite the abundance of calls and demands for it, they have not been able to create such an institution. There has not been enough adequate support from officials or the international community, but the idea is still being discussed.
Dliani stressed that when they are planning events or making decisions that they must not forget they are under Isareli occupation. He states that it is different in areas like Ramallah or Bethlehem that fall under the Palestinian Authority. Because Jerusalem is overseen by Israel, it makes it much more difficult to create an institution like a municipality without upsetting the Israeli authorities.
Palestinian Advisor to the Presidential Office for Jerusalem Affairs Ahmed al-Rweidi stated that there had historically been a governing body of sorts, called "the Secretariat of Jerusalem" that was operated by Palestinians. However, it was shut down in 1967 with the conjunction of the occupation. Since that time, Israeli law has been applied to all parts of Jerusalem, and the people are subject to the Israeli municipality when dealing with concerns about planning, building, and other issues.
Al-Rweidi added that the occupation has denied any Palestinian institution from carrying out duties of any kind in Jerusalem, explaining that 24 official economic, youth, cultural and social institutions were shut down. These included the Chamber of Commerce and various organizations for economic development to prevent any kind of social services from being available to the Palestinians.
Al-Rweidi told PNN that Israel fears that a Palestinian municipality is a big part of the national struggle, and is seen as a threat in the pervasive discourse of Israeli occupation and security.
Dmitry Dliani, a member of the Revolutionary Council of Fatah, stated that there is voluntary social action occurring via various committees dedicated to addressing certain concerns, but what is needed is one cohesive body that addresses all the concerns through one institution. Dliani commented that thus far, despite the abundance of calls and demands for it, they have not been able to create such an institution. There has not been enough adequate support from officials or the international community, but the idea is still being discussed.
Dliani stressed that when they are planning events or making decisions that they must not forget they are under Isareli occupation. He states that it is different in areas like Ramallah or Bethlehem that fall under the Palestinian Authority. Because Jerusalem is overseen by Israel, it makes it much more difficult to create an institution like a municipality without upsetting the Israeli authorities.
Haaretz newspaper revealed Thursday an increase in home demolitions in Jerusalem since the beginning of this year. The Israeli occupation's jerusalem municipality demolished 12 populated buildings in just two months this year, compared to 25 buildings demolished through 2013.
Israeli officials attributed this rise in demolitions to the absence of he political pressure on the Israeli government since the beginning of negotiation with the Palestinian Authority .
"The calm in Jerusalem can lead to the demolition easily," They said.
Haaretz reported a testimony from a Jerusalem family that the Israeli bulldozers destroyed their home in Silwan neighborhood.
The family was evacuated from the house and they were not allowed to take their belongings and didn't even let the mother to dress her children in this cold weather.
Israeli police stormed a home belong to Mohamed sahur at 6:00 am along with sniffer dogs and frightened he children.
They added that the occupation police beat the family father when he was trying to calm his frightened children.
The mother, a Jew who converted to Islam after marrying Sawaher, said she has never thought that she would be treated in this brutal way, especially as she had served in the Israeli army in the past. Today, the family lives in a tent provided by the ICRC.
Israeli officials attributed this rise in demolitions to the absence of he political pressure on the Israeli government since the beginning of negotiation with the Palestinian Authority .
"The calm in Jerusalem can lead to the demolition easily," They said.
Haaretz reported a testimony from a Jerusalem family that the Israeli bulldozers destroyed their home in Silwan neighborhood.
The family was evacuated from the house and they were not allowed to take their belongings and didn't even let the mother to dress her children in this cold weather.
Israeli police stormed a home belong to Mohamed sahur at 6:00 am along with sniffer dogs and frightened he children.
They added that the occupation police beat the family father when he was trying to calm his frightened children.
The mother, a Jew who converted to Islam after marrying Sawaher, said she has never thought that she would be treated in this brutal way, especially as she had served in the Israeli army in the past. Today, the family lives in a tent provided by the ICRC.
19 feb 2014
Israeli member of the Knesset Moshe Feiglin desecrated the Aqsa Mosque compound early Wednesday, and toured its courtyards for half an hour. The director general of the Islamic endowments in Jerusalem Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib said Feiglin toured the eastern area of the mosque and stood at the courtyard of the Dome of the Rock.
A cameraman followed the MK during the tour, al-Khatib said.
Feiglin said during his tour "al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock belong to the Jews. The Arabs should leave to Saudi Arabia."
Sheikh al-Khatib denounced Feiglin's provocative actions, which came after he failed to hold a Knesset session on Aqsa oversight, adding that he asked the occupation police chief in the Old City to get him out of the Mosque.
Feiglin had initiated a Knesset debate, calling for imposing full Israeli sovereignty over al-Aqsa compound, and ending Jordanian oversight over it. However, Israeli media reported that the debate would be postponed due to local, international and Jordanian pressures.
Meanwhile, groups of Jewish settlers, led by Rabbi Yehuda Glick, continued on Wednesday their incursions on al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate, under the protection of the Israeli police.
PIC's correspondent pointed out that the Israeli police stationed at the gates of al-Aqsa Mosque have continued to impose restrictions on the entry of worshipers to the mosque.
The Israeli police on Wednesday arrested two students from the area of Bab al-Asbat, and took them to an interrogation center in Bab al-Khalil in the Old City of Jerusalem.
A cameraman followed the MK during the tour, al-Khatib said.
Feiglin said during his tour "al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock belong to the Jews. The Arabs should leave to Saudi Arabia."
Sheikh al-Khatib denounced Feiglin's provocative actions, which came after he failed to hold a Knesset session on Aqsa oversight, adding that he asked the occupation police chief in the Old City to get him out of the Mosque.
Feiglin had initiated a Knesset debate, calling for imposing full Israeli sovereignty over al-Aqsa compound, and ending Jordanian oversight over it. However, Israeli media reported that the debate would be postponed due to local, international and Jordanian pressures.
Meanwhile, groups of Jewish settlers, led by Rabbi Yehuda Glick, continued on Wednesday their incursions on al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate, under the protection of the Israeli police.
PIC's correspondent pointed out that the Israeli police stationed at the gates of al-Aqsa Mosque have continued to impose restrictions on the entry of worshipers to the mosque.
The Israeli police on Wednesday arrested two students from the area of Bab al-Asbat, and took them to an interrogation center in Bab al-Khalil in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The Israeli supreme court in occupied Jerusalem declined a petition filed by a Palestinian family from Al-Khalil city about their ownership of a 300-dunum land taken by force by Jewish settlers. According to Haaretz newspaper on Wednesday, the court justified its rejection by saying that the Palestinian-owned land had been seized long ago, so it would be impossible now to compel the Israeli army and its civil administration to take action against the settlers in question.
In another incident, the same newspaper said that Israeli minister of housing Uri Ariel prepared a plan to build a residential outpost consisting of 2,250 housing units in Ein Karem neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem.
It added that the ministry of housing intends to transfer the ownership of the Palestinian lands, which the project will be built on, to the Israeli government.
It noted that the Israel land authority would market for the building of these units.
Israel plans to build 2250 housing units in Jerusalem
Construction and Housing Minister Uri Areil plans to build a new settlement of 2250 housing units in Ein Karam in occupied east Jerusalem, Haaretz daily reported on Wednesday. The ministry intended to transfer lands to the Israeli government for marketing in order to be built via the so-called “Israeli territories”.
The project, costs NIS 800 million, will solve problems of Hadasa Hospital which suffers from budget deficit. Ariel said justifying the offer that “Hadasa Hospital is considered one of the main pillars of life in the city. It provides several services to thousands of Israelis, so the Israeli government should help in its improvement and solve its crises through some fruitful projects.”
Meanwhile, the project was rejected by residents of the adjacent neighborhoods who fear damage of the natural areas there. Hadasa hospital is the oldest and largest Israeli hospitals. It is suffering from a severe financial crisis for several weeks, and Israel exerts efforts to prevent its collapse.
In another incident, the same newspaper said that Israeli minister of housing Uri Ariel prepared a plan to build a residential outpost consisting of 2,250 housing units in Ein Karem neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem.
It added that the ministry of housing intends to transfer the ownership of the Palestinian lands, which the project will be built on, to the Israeli government.
It noted that the Israel land authority would market for the building of these units.
Israel plans to build 2250 housing units in Jerusalem
Construction and Housing Minister Uri Areil plans to build a new settlement of 2250 housing units in Ein Karam in occupied east Jerusalem, Haaretz daily reported on Wednesday. The ministry intended to transfer lands to the Israeli government for marketing in order to be built via the so-called “Israeli territories”.
The project, costs NIS 800 million, will solve problems of Hadasa Hospital which suffers from budget deficit. Ariel said justifying the offer that “Hadasa Hospital is considered one of the main pillars of life in the city. It provides several services to thousands of Israelis, so the Israeli government should help in its improvement and solve its crises through some fruitful projects.”
Meanwhile, the project was rejected by residents of the adjacent neighborhoods who fear damage of the natural areas there. Hadasa hospital is the oldest and largest Israeli hospitals. It is suffering from a severe financial crisis for several weeks, and Israel exerts efforts to prevent its collapse.
