13 jan 2014
Palestinian government in Gaza Strip has warned that al-Aqsa Mosque and occupied Jerusalem have been subjected to unprecedented systematic Judaization campaign and serious conspiracies. In a statement on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, Minister of Religious' Affairs Ismail Radwan said that al-Aqsa mosque and Jerusalem are being subjected to a vicious campaign of Judaization that aims at dividing the holy mosque temporally and spatially between Muslims and Jews as a prelude to establishing the alleged Temple on al-Aqsa ruins.
The minister pointed to the difficult conditions suffered by Muslims around the world, particularly in the besieged Strip where Palestinians suffer lack of food and medicines in addition to fuel and power crisis due to conspiracies that target Palestinian resistance.
The minister pointed to the difficult conditions suffered by Muslims around the world, particularly in the besieged Strip where Palestinians suffer lack of food and medicines in addition to fuel and power crisis due to conspiracies that target Palestinian resistance.
12 jan 2014
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Israeli archaeological teams have recently started new excavations near the Silwan tunnel in East Jerusalem, the Al-Aqsa Foundation said in a statement on Sunday.
The foundation said that its teams had noticed surface and underground excavations near the tunnel, which runs from the Al-Aqsa Mosque to Silwan. The excavations are the continuation of an Israeli project to build a biblical park in the area alongside the City of David archaeological park, the statement added. The park will be built on 2200 square meters and will be connected with a network of tunnels Israeli |
authorities have been digging under parts of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to the statement.
In the past, tunnels have partially collapsed and caused holes to open up above them, threatening Palestinian homes, roads, and a local mosque.
Israel frequently permits excavations and archaeological digs in East Jerusalem, specifically around the Al-Aqsa mosque, that threaten the structural integrity of Palestinian homes and holy sites in the area.
In 1967, Israel demolished the 800-year-old Moroccan Quarter of Jerusalem, displacing 650 Palestinians and destroying numerous mosques, homes, and holy sites, in order to build a plaza in front of the Western Wall.
Israel also evicted around 6,000 Palestinians from nearby areas in order to massively expand the city's historical Jewish Quarter.
In Photos: New Israeli excavation near Silwan tunnel in East Jerusalem Published today (updated) 12/01/2014 16:32 (MaanImages) JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli archaeological teams have recently started new excavations near the Silwan tunnel in East Jerusalem, the Al-Aqsa Foundation said in a statement on Sunday.
The foundation said that its teams had noticed surface and underground excavations near the tunnel, which runs from the Al-Aqsa Mosque to Silwan.
The excavations are the continuation of an Israeli project to build a biblical park in the area alongside the City of David archaeological park, the statement added.
The park will be built on 2200 square meters and will be connected with a network of tunnels Israeli authorities have been digging under parts of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to the statement.
In the past, tunnels have partially collapsed and caused holes to open up above them, threatening Palestinian homes, roads, and a local mosque.
Israel frequently permits excavations and archaeological digs in East Jerusalem, specifically around the Al-Aqsa mosque, that threaten the structural integrity of Palestinian homes and holy sites in the area.
In 1967, Israel demolished the 800-year-old Moroccan Quarter of Jerusalem, displacing 650 Palestinians and destroying numerous mosques, homes, and holy sites, in order to build a plaza in front of the Western Wall.
Israel also evicted around 6,000 Palestinians from nearby areas in order to massively expand the city's historical Jewish Quarter.
Israeli officials announced on Thursday that a new archaeological park would be constructed in Tel Rumeida, next to a Jewish settlement in the center of Hebron in the occupied West Bank.
The park is located on lands that were farmed by a Palestinian resident since 1949 as part of long term lease agreements with Jordanian and then Israeli authorities.
Critics charge that Israeli authorities often use archaeological digs to justify the displacement of Palestinian residents under the pretext of searching for ancient Jewish ruins.
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.
In the past, tunnels have partially collapsed and caused holes to open up above them, threatening Palestinian homes, roads, and a local mosque.
Israel frequently permits excavations and archaeological digs in East Jerusalem, specifically around the Al-Aqsa mosque, that threaten the structural integrity of Palestinian homes and holy sites in the area.
In 1967, Israel demolished the 800-year-old Moroccan Quarter of Jerusalem, displacing 650 Palestinians and destroying numerous mosques, homes, and holy sites, in order to build a plaza in front of the Western Wall.
Israel also evicted around 6,000 Palestinians from nearby areas in order to massively expand the city's historical Jewish Quarter.
In Photos: New Israeli excavation near Silwan tunnel in East Jerusalem Published today (updated) 12/01/2014 16:32 (MaanImages) JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli archaeological teams have recently started new excavations near the Silwan tunnel in East Jerusalem, the Al-Aqsa Foundation said in a statement on Sunday.
The foundation said that its teams had noticed surface and underground excavations near the tunnel, which runs from the Al-Aqsa Mosque to Silwan.
The excavations are the continuation of an Israeli project to build a biblical park in the area alongside the City of David archaeological park, the statement added.
The park will be built on 2200 square meters and will be connected with a network of tunnels Israeli authorities have been digging under parts of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to the statement.
In the past, tunnels have partially collapsed and caused holes to open up above them, threatening Palestinian homes, roads, and a local mosque.
Israel frequently permits excavations and archaeological digs in East Jerusalem, specifically around the Al-Aqsa mosque, that threaten the structural integrity of Palestinian homes and holy sites in the area.
In 1967, Israel demolished the 800-year-old Moroccan Quarter of Jerusalem, displacing 650 Palestinians and destroying numerous mosques, homes, and holy sites, in order to build a plaza in front of the Western Wall.
Israel also evicted around 6,000 Palestinians from nearby areas in order to massively expand the city's historical Jewish Quarter.
Israeli officials announced on Thursday that a new archaeological park would be constructed in Tel Rumeida, next to a Jewish settlement in the center of Hebron in the occupied West Bank.
The park is located on lands that were farmed by a Palestinian resident since 1949 as part of long term lease agreements with Jordanian and then Israeli authorities.
Critics charge that Israeli authorities often use archaeological digs to justify the displacement of Palestinian residents under the pretext of searching for ancient Jewish ruins.
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.
Israeli police officers detained a young Palestinian woman Sunday morning as she tried to enter the al-Aqsa Mosque compound through the Chain Gate.
Witnesses told a Ma'an reporter that Hiba al-Taweel, a student who takes courses on Islamic teaching in the compound, was detained.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld was not familiar with the incident.
Separately, more than 30 Jewish Israelis led by right wing extremist Yehuda Glick toured the al-Aqsa compound on Sunday.
Yehuda Glick is an American-born Israeli and the chairman of the Temple Mount Heritage Fund, an extremist Jewish organization focused on "strengthening the relationship between Israel and the Temple Mount." He has been previously banned by Israeli authorities from entering the compound due to provocations while on the site.
Critics charge that the Fund actually leads tours to the site with the intention of leading Jewish prayer there -- currently banned under Israeli agreements -- and encouraging Jews to destroy the Al-Aqsa mosque and build a Jewish temple there.
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.
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 a Ma'an reporter that Hiba al-Taweel, a student who takes courses on Islamic teaching in the compound, was detained.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld was not familiar with the incident.
Separately, more than 30 Jewish Israelis led by right wing extremist Yehuda Glick toured the al-Aqsa compound on Sunday.
Yehuda Glick is an American-born Israeli and the chairman of the Temple Mount Heritage Fund, an extremist Jewish organization focused on "strengthening the relationship between Israel and the Temple Mount." He has been previously banned by Israeli authorities from entering the compound due to provocations while on the site.
Critics charge that the Fund actually leads tours to the site with the intention of leading Jewish prayer there -- currently banned under Israeli agreements -- and encouraging Jews to destroy the Al-Aqsa mosque and build a Jewish temple there.
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.
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.
11 jan 2014
The Arab League educational, cultural and scientific organization (ALECSO) strongly denounced Israel's declared intention to divide the Aqsa Mosque between Muslims and Jews. In a press release, the organization slammed the attempts by the Israeli government and the Knesset to sanction a law to preserve what they described the temple mount as a holy place for Jews.
ALECSO warned of Israeli intentions to fully control and Judaize Jerusalem and seize the Aqsa Mosque, and stressed the need for an Arab action to confront Israel's schemes in Jerusalem.
It affirmed its keenness on protecting the Islamic and Christian holy and historical sites in Jerusalem and supporting the UNESCO's efforts to safeguard the human heritage in occupied Palestine.
ALECSO warned of Israeli intentions to fully control and Judaize Jerusalem and seize the Aqsa Mosque, and stressed the need for an Arab action to confront Israel's schemes in Jerusalem.
It affirmed its keenness on protecting the Islamic and Christian holy and historical sites in Jerusalem and supporting the UNESCO's efforts to safeguard the human heritage in occupied Palestine.
10 jan 2014
The Israeli Housing Ministry on Friday announced bids for 1,800 settler homes in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, Israeli media reported.
The Israeli news site Ynet said that the Ministry issued a tender for building 1,800 new settlement homes -- over 1,000 in East Jerusalem and 800 in the West Bank.
Walla, however, reported that 1,400 units would be built, including 600 in the Ramat Shlomo settlement of East Jerusalem and 800 in the West Bank.
The announcement was originally scheduled for last week, but was postponed due to the visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry, the Walla report said.
Three days before Israel released 26 veteran Palestinian prisoners in late December, military radio said that Israel planned to announce the construction of 1,400 new settlement homes in the occupied West Bank to coincide with the prisoner release.
The Palestinian negotiating team resigned in protest against continued Israeli settlement construction in mid-November, dealing a major blow to negotiations between Israel and the PLO that had already been stalled.
Negotiator Mohammed Shtayyeh told AFP at the time that they resigned in response to "increasing settlement building (by Israel) and the absence of any hope of achieving results," following Netanyahu's announcement that Israel would build 20,000 new settlement homes in the West Bank.
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.
The Israeli news site Ynet said that the Ministry issued a tender for building 1,800 new settlement homes -- over 1,000 in East Jerusalem and 800 in the West Bank.
Walla, however, reported that 1,400 units would be built, including 600 in the Ramat Shlomo settlement of East Jerusalem and 800 in the West Bank.
The announcement was originally scheduled for last week, but was postponed due to the visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry, the Walla report said.
Three days before Israel released 26 veteran Palestinian prisoners in late December, military radio said that Israel planned to announce the construction of 1,400 new settlement homes in the occupied West Bank to coincide with the prisoner release.
The Palestinian negotiating team resigned in protest against continued Israeli settlement construction in mid-November, dealing a major blow to negotiations between Israel and the PLO that had already been stalled.
Negotiator Mohammed Shtayyeh told AFP at the time that they resigned in response to "increasing settlement building (by Israel) and the absence of any hope of achieving results," following Netanyahu's announcement that Israel would build 20,000 new settlement homes in the West Bank.
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.
9 jan 2014
The Supreme Islamic Council and the Council of Endowments, Islamic Affairs and Ifta House in Jerusalem condemned the installation of spy cameras in al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli occupation police. They said this procedure provokes the Muslims' feelings and represents a blatant assault on the powers of the Islamic Endowments, to be added to the occupation's other violations; including the seizure of the Mughrabi Gate key since 1967 and the historical Tankaziya School since 1969.
The Supreme Islamic Council and the Council of Endowments and Ifta House stressed in a joint statement on Wednesday that al-Aqsa Mosque's affairs are within the powers of the Islamic Endowments, and that any Israeli interference in the mosque's affairs represents an unacceptable and illegal assault.
The statement demanded the Israeli occupation authorities to remove the spy cameras, and to return the Mughrabi Gate key and the Tankaziya School to the Islamic Endowments.
It also denounced the arrest of worshipers and the repeated incursions into al-Aqsa by extremist Jewish settlers, stressing that the Muslims around the world will never give up any part of al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Supreme Islamic Council and the Council of Endowments and Ifta House stressed in a joint statement on Wednesday that al-Aqsa Mosque's affairs are within the powers of the Islamic Endowments, and that any Israeli interference in the mosque's affairs represents an unacceptable and illegal assault.
The statement demanded the Israeli occupation authorities to remove the spy cameras, and to return the Mughrabi Gate key and the Tankaziya School to the Islamic Endowments.
It also denounced the arrest of worshipers and the repeated incursions into al-Aqsa by extremist Jewish settlers, stressing that the Muslims around the world will never give up any part of al-Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli right-wing economy minister Naftali Bennett on Tuesday declared his refusal of any peace agreement based on the 1967 borders and giving any part of occupied Jerusalem to the Palestinians. "Friends, the games are over. We will not play with words anymore. The 1967 borders means splitting Jerusalem, giving up the Mount of Olives, where Menachem Begin, Rabbi Kook, and Eliezer Ben-Yehuda are buried, and giving up the kotel (western wall), the temple mount and the Old City," Bennett said, addressing a conference held at the institute for national security studies.
For its part, the Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage strongly denounced Bennett's remarks and said that his words reflected clearly the policy of the Zionist establishment and its desire to tighten its grip on all parts of Jerusalem, including the Aqsa Mosque.
The Aqsa foundation stressed in a press release that Jerusalem would always remain an Islamic, Arab and Palestinian city despite all Judaization activities, and appealed to the Arab and Muslim worlds to shoulder their responsibilities and hasten to save the holy city and the Aqsa Mosque.
For its part, the Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage strongly denounced Bennett's remarks and said that his words reflected clearly the policy of the Zionist establishment and its desire to tighten its grip on all parts of Jerusalem, including the Aqsa Mosque.
The Aqsa foundation stressed in a press release that Jerusalem would always remain an Islamic, Arab and Palestinian city despite all Judaization activities, and appealed to the Arab and Muslim worlds to shoulder their responsibilities and hasten to save the holy city and the Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli soldiers, intelligence agents, and settlers broke into the holy Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Thursday morning in different groups. The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said in a statement that 24 settlers entered the holy site in two groups under heavy Israeli police protection.
It said that 45 Israeli soldiers broke into the holy site in their uniform as part of what the army calls “military guidance”, which coincided with the entry of 16 intelligence agents, who toured the Qibli and Marwani mosques.
The foundation said that the intelligence agents’ entry into the Marwani mosque was met with anger on the part of worshipers and students, who chanted anti-occupation and pro-Aqsa slogans.
The statement pointed out that a group of settlers raised the photo of fanatic MP Moshe Feiglin, the deputy speaker of the Israeli Knesset (parliament), at the door of the Marwani mosque, which raised the ire of worshipers and heightened tensions.
It said that 45 Israeli soldiers broke into the holy site in their uniform as part of what the army calls “military guidance”, which coincided with the entry of 16 intelligence agents, who toured the Qibli and Marwani mosques.
The foundation said that the intelligence agents’ entry into the Marwani mosque was met with anger on the part of worshipers and students, who chanted anti-occupation and pro-Aqsa slogans.
The statement pointed out that a group of settlers raised the photo of fanatic MP Moshe Feiglin, the deputy speaker of the Israeli Knesset (parliament), at the door of the Marwani mosque, which raised the ire of worshipers and heightened tensions.
8 jan 2014
Dozens of extremist Jewish settlers and elements of the Israeli intelligence services stormed on Wednesday morning al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate, under the protection of the occupation police. Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage stated that nearly 34 intelligence elements and 89 settlers, accompanied by the rabbi Yehuda Glick, stormed the mosque and toured its courtyards.
It added that the occupation forces have been imposing strict measures on the entry of Jerusalemites to al-Aqsa Mosque; the soldiers search the worshipers and hold their identity cards before allowing them to enter the mosque.
The foundation said that hundreds of students and worshipers from Jerusalem and 1948 occupied Palestinian territories came to al-Aqsa Mosque since the early morning hours in order to protect it from the settlers' raids.
It stressed its rejection to the cover granted by the Israeli police in occupied Jerusalem to the settlers who are breaking into al-Aqsa Mosque and attacking the worshipers.
It added that the occupation forces have been imposing strict measures on the entry of Jerusalemites to al-Aqsa Mosque; the soldiers search the worshipers and hold their identity cards before allowing them to enter the mosque.
The foundation said that hundreds of students and worshipers from Jerusalem and 1948 occupied Palestinian territories came to al-Aqsa Mosque since the early morning hours in order to protect it from the settlers' raids.
It stressed its rejection to the cover granted by the Israeli police in occupied Jerusalem to the settlers who are breaking into al-Aqsa Mosque and attacking the worshipers.
Backed by Israeli police, Jewish settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Al-Quds, but had to be evacuated by Israeli police.
"Nineteen settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa compound through the Al-Mgharba Gate under the watch of Israeli police," mosque guard Othman Abu Ghyarbiyeh said.
Four settlers attempted to perform Talmudic rituals, but guards stopped them from doing so.
In the end Israeli police had to evacuate the settlers from the site, as Palestinian students stood up to them.
In recent months, groups of settlers with Israeli forces have entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex creating a sense of anger amongst Palestinian Muslims. Formerly, these situations have resulted in violence.
"Nineteen settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa compound through the Al-Mgharba Gate under the watch of Israeli police," mosque guard Othman Abu Ghyarbiyeh said.
Four settlers attempted to perform Talmudic rituals, but guards stopped them from doing so.
In the end Israeli police had to evacuate the settlers from the site, as Palestinian students stood up to them.
In recent months, groups of settlers with Israeli forces have entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex creating a sense of anger amongst Palestinian Muslims. Formerly, these situations have resulted in violence.
7 jan 2014
A group of Jewish settlers desecrated the Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday morning under Israeli police protection. Eyewitnesses said that 19 Jewish settlers entered the Mosque via the Maghareba gate and toured its various plazas while listening to explanations by Israeli “tour guides”.
The Wadi Hilwa information center said in a statement that 9,050 settlers had stormed the Aqsa Mosque in 2013.
The Wadi Hilwa information center said in a statement that 9,050 settlers had stormed the Aqsa Mosque in 2013.
Israeli District Committee revealed that the Israeli government is speeding up approval process of 1,935 settlement units in Ras Shuafat, north of occupied Jerusalem, to expand Ramat Shlomo settlement. The Committee stated on Monday that the bids for these settlement units have already been discussed, and that the government intends to build the units near the yeshiva and the synagogue in the settlement to serve the school's students and teachers and the synagogue.
For its part, the Israeli Channel 7 reported that the Israeli Minister of Housing Uri Ariel has endorsed the building of more units in Ramat Shlomo, on the lands of the villages of Shuafat and Beit Hanina north of Jerusalem, in an attempt to expand the settlement.
The Channel reported that the ministry has issued bids to build 387 settlement units in Ramat Shlomo.
It confirmed that the government has implemented 9 settlement plans during the past three years, and intends to build 1,790 settlement units in the foothills of mountains north of Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation authority approved a plan for 272 new settlement units in West Bank and occupied Jerusalem.
Israel's Peace Now movement said in a statement that the construction includes 250 houses in Ofra and 22 in Karnei Shomron.
"A government seeking a two-state solution will not worsen the conflict by building in the settlements, especially those with no chance of remaining under Israeli sovereignty", the group said.
It added that Ofra and Karnei Shomron are "both isolated settlements in the heart of the West Bank."
Some 350,000 Jewish settlers live in West Bank settlements; in addition to 200,000 other Israelis who have settled in occupied east Jerusalem.
For its part, the Israeli Channel 7 reported that the Israeli Minister of Housing Uri Ariel has endorsed the building of more units in Ramat Shlomo, on the lands of the villages of Shuafat and Beit Hanina north of Jerusalem, in an attempt to expand the settlement.
The Channel reported that the ministry has issued bids to build 387 settlement units in Ramat Shlomo.
It confirmed that the government has implemented 9 settlement plans during the past three years, and intends to build 1,790 settlement units in the foothills of mountains north of Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation authority approved a plan for 272 new settlement units in West Bank and occupied Jerusalem.
Israel's Peace Now movement said in a statement that the construction includes 250 houses in Ofra and 22 in Karnei Shomron.
"A government seeking a two-state solution will not worsen the conflict by building in the settlements, especially those with no chance of remaining under Israeli sovereignty", the group said.
It added that Ofra and Karnei Shomron are "both isolated settlements in the heart of the West Bank."
Some 350,000 Jewish settlers live in West Bank settlements; in addition to 200,000 other Israelis who have settled in occupied east Jerusalem.
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) distributed new demolition notifications in Silwan, east of occupied Jerusalem, on Tuesday. The Wadi Hilwa information center said in a statement that occupation municipality, escorted by Israeli special forces, distributed notifications for the demolition of houses, commercial installations, sheds, and a playground in various Silwan suburbs at the pretext of lack of construction permits.
The center said that the Israeli municipal teams broke into six suburbs and took several photos of main entrances to them before posting the demolition notifications.
The center said that the Israeli municipal teams broke into six suburbs and took several photos of main entrances to them before posting the demolition notifications.
6 jan 2014
Khalil Tufkaji, director of the mapping department of the Arab studies society in occupied Jerusalem, said that the project of "greater Jerusalem" as a capital for two states, which was proposed by US secretary of state John Kerry constitutes 10 percent of the West Bank area. Tufkaji told Quds Press that Kerry's proposal of greater Jerusalem is a previous Zionist project.
He said that this greater Jerusalem, according to Kerry, would extend from Gush Etzion settlement units in southern Bethlehem to the settlement of Ma'aleh Adumim in east Jerusalem and the settlement of Givat Ze'ev in the northern part of the holy city as well as to Palestinian villages and towns near Bethlehem.
The mapping expert noted that the Palestinians have only 13 percent of Jerusalem area, which makes up 1.2 percent of the total area of the West Bank after the Israeli occupation regime had seized 87 percent of east Jerusalem.
He affirmed that there are 200,000 Jewish settlers living in east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians claim as a capital of their future state.
Kerry had tabled during his last meeting with de facto president Mahmoud Abbas a proposal calling for making greater Jerusalem a capital for Israel and Palestine in the framework of a solution to the conflict, but the Palestinian Authority refused the US overture, according to statements by some Palestinian officials in Ramallah.
He said that this greater Jerusalem, according to Kerry, would extend from Gush Etzion settlement units in southern Bethlehem to the settlement of Ma'aleh Adumim in east Jerusalem and the settlement of Givat Ze'ev in the northern part of the holy city as well as to Palestinian villages and towns near Bethlehem.
The mapping expert noted that the Palestinians have only 13 percent of Jerusalem area, which makes up 1.2 percent of the total area of the West Bank after the Israeli occupation regime had seized 87 percent of east Jerusalem.
He affirmed that there are 200,000 Jewish settlers living in east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians claim as a capital of their future state.
Kerry had tabled during his last meeting with de facto president Mahmoud Abbas a proposal calling for making greater Jerusalem a capital for Israel and Palestine in the framework of a solution to the conflict, but the Palestinian Authority refused the US overture, according to statements by some Palestinian officials in Ramallah.
More than nine thousand Israeli settlers stormed al-Aqsa Mosque during 2013, a Jerusalemite human rights center revealed. In its annual report, Wadi Hilweh Information Center confirmed that Israeli break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque have noticeably escalated during 2013 in light the Israeli government and Knesset's frequent calls to divide the Mosque between Muslims and Jews as what happened to the Ibrahimi mosque, in addition to the revelation of plots aimed to establish the alleged Temple inside it.
During 2013, more than 9,050 Israelis stormed al-Aqsa mosque including ministers, MKs and political figures, and 2,342 soldiers, in addition to 1,876 policemen, according to a documented report by the Islamic Endowment Department in Jerusalem.
The report pointed out that September had witnessed the largest number of Israeli intruders, where 1,595 settlers stormed al-Aqsa Mosque during the so-called Yom Kippur festival.
The occupation authorities deported during 2013 more than 350 Jerusalemites from al-Aqsa Mosque for different periods starting from one week and up to six months.
During 2013, more than 9,050 Israelis stormed al-Aqsa mosque including ministers, MKs and political figures, and 2,342 soldiers, in addition to 1,876 policemen, according to a documented report by the Islamic Endowment Department in Jerusalem.
The report pointed out that September had witnessed the largest number of Israeli intruders, where 1,595 settlers stormed al-Aqsa Mosque during the so-called Yom Kippur festival.
The occupation authorities deported during 2013 more than 350 Jerusalemites from al-Aqsa Mosque for different periods starting from one week and up to six months.
Minister of Awkaf and religious affairs in Gaza Dr. Ismail Ridwan has lashed out at the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) for serving demolition notifications in occupied Jerusalem. He said in a statement on Sunday that the notifications, distributed in Silwan town south of the Aqsa Mosque, fell in line with the IOA Judaization scheme of the holy city.
The minister charged that the IOA was trying to wipe out Islamic landmarks in Jerusalem and change its demographic status.
Ridwan urged the world community to assume its duties toward the occupied city of Jerusalem and its inhabitants and to restrict such “criminal practices”.
He also asked the Arab and Islamic countries to support the steadfastness of Jerusalemites in face of occupation schemes and to help them in confronting such “arbitrary measures”.
Israeli municipal teams, escorted by occupation forces, had served seven demolition notifications for houses and shops in four suburbs in Silwan at the pretext of being built without permit.
The minister charged that the IOA was trying to wipe out Islamic landmarks in Jerusalem and change its demographic status.
Ridwan urged the world community to assume its duties toward the occupied city of Jerusalem and its inhabitants and to restrict such “criminal practices”.
He also asked the Arab and Islamic countries to support the steadfastness of Jerusalemites in face of occupation schemes and to help them in confronting such “arbitrary measures”.
Israeli municipal teams, escorted by occupation forces, had served seven demolition notifications for houses and shops in four suburbs in Silwan at the pretext of being built without permit.
5 jan 2014
Jerusalem municipality workers accompanied by Israeli police on Sunday issued demolition orders for houses, shops, storage buildings, and a sports field in the Silwan area of East Jerusalem, residents said.
The orders were for buildings in the neighborhoods of Wadi al-Hilweh, Wad Yasoul, Bir Ayub, Ein al-Lawza, al-Abbassiya, and Ras al-Amoud.
Resident Dawoud Siyam said that demolition orders in Beir Ayub were hung on a large building that has been standing since 1814, which currently houses four different shops.
He added that orders were posted on a shed that was built in 2002, and that each notice was accompanied by a 15-shekel fine.
In Wadi al-Hilweh, a demolition order was hung on 850-meter sports field which was build in 2002, locals said. Notices were also hung on four buildings on the field.
Jawad Siyam, the director of Wadi al-Hilweh information center, said he was also handed a demolition order for his house, which was built in 1952.
Additionally, Israeli authorities handed Khalid al-Zeer a demolition order for his home in al-Abassiya neighborhood.
Al-Zeer said he built the home for his seven-member family after their house was demolished in August last year. He said an Israeli judge granted him permission to build the new home.
Israeli forces also handed demolition orders to three houses and a cattle ranch in the neighborhoods of Wad Yasoul, Ein al-Lawza, and Ras al-Amoud, locals said.
A spokesman for Israel's Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories -- the unit within Israel's Ministry of Defense that heads up home demolitions -- did not immediately return calls or emails seeking comment.
In October, Israeli municipality officials issued demolition orders for the homes of over 15,000 Palestinians in the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Ras Khamis and Ras Shahada. The buildings have yet to be demolished.
Israel destroyed more than 500 Palestinian properties in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2013, displacing over 850 people, according to UN figures.
Israel rarely grants Palestinians permits to build in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. It 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.
The orders were for buildings in the neighborhoods of Wadi al-Hilweh, Wad Yasoul, Bir Ayub, Ein al-Lawza, al-Abbassiya, and Ras al-Amoud.
Resident Dawoud Siyam said that demolition orders in Beir Ayub were hung on a large building that has been standing since 1814, which currently houses four different shops.
He added that orders were posted on a shed that was built in 2002, and that each notice was accompanied by a 15-shekel fine.
In Wadi al-Hilweh, a demolition order was hung on 850-meter sports field which was build in 2002, locals said. Notices were also hung on four buildings on the field.
Jawad Siyam, the director of Wadi al-Hilweh information center, said he was also handed a demolition order for his house, which was built in 1952.
Additionally, Israeli authorities handed Khalid al-Zeer a demolition order for his home in al-Abassiya neighborhood.
Al-Zeer said he built the home for his seven-member family after their house was demolished in August last year. He said an Israeli judge granted him permission to build the new home.
Israeli forces also handed demolition orders to three houses and a cattle ranch in the neighborhoods of Wad Yasoul, Ein al-Lawza, and Ras al-Amoud, locals said.
A spokesman for Israel's Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories -- the unit within Israel's Ministry of Defense that heads up home demolitions -- did not immediately return calls or emails seeking comment.
In October, Israeli municipality officials issued demolition orders for the homes of over 15,000 Palestinians in the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Ras Khamis and Ras Shahada. The buildings have yet to be demolished.
Israel destroyed more than 500 Palestinian properties in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2013, displacing over 850 people, according to UN figures.
Israel rarely grants Palestinians permits to build in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. It 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.
4 jan 2014
Deputy head of the Islamic movement inside the 1948 occupied territories Sheikh Kamal Khatib warned that Jerusalem is exposed to an unprecedented process of Judaization. Khatib told PIC that the Israeli occupation has taken advantage of the situation in the Arab region, and specifically the events taking place in Egypt and Syria, to accelerate the implementation of its Judaization plans.
He warned that Jerusalem is exposed to the fiercest campaign ever, and called on the Arab leaders to provide it with all forms of support.
Sheikh Khatib stressed that the Israeli government has focused on changing the demographic reality of Jerusalem by bringing in big numbers of settlers after giving them unprecedented temptations to encourage them to settle in the occupied city.
He also criticized the Palestinian Authority, saying: "The PA has removed Jerusalem from the circle of its concerns," noting that the occupation, with PA's support, has prevented any Palestinian activity in the city.
He warned that Jerusalem is exposed to the fiercest campaign ever, and called on the Arab leaders to provide it with all forms of support.
Sheikh Khatib stressed that the Israeli government has focused on changing the demographic reality of Jerusalem by bringing in big numbers of settlers after giving them unprecedented temptations to encourage them to settle in the occupied city.
He also criticized the Palestinian Authority, saying: "The PA has removed Jerusalem from the circle of its concerns," noting that the occupation, with PA's support, has prevented any Palestinian activity in the city.
Head of the higher Islamic authority in Jerusalem Sheikh Ikrima Sabri expressed his rejection of the proposals to be tabled by US secretary of state John Kerry during his upcoming visit to occupied Palestine and said they are aimed at prolonging the longevity of the occupation. In a statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC), Sheikh Sabri said that Kerry's solutions would deprive the Palestinian refugees of their right to return to their homes they were expelled from and retain Israel's settlement expansion.
"What is that solution that protects the settlements and prevents the refugees from returning to their homes?" Sheikh Sabri asked deprecatingly.
He warned that the Aqsa Mosque is exposed to considerable dangers threating its existence.
"Previously, we would say that the Aqsa Mosque was in danger, but in fact it is facing many threats," he added.
He warned that the daily desecration of the Aqsa Mosque by Jewish settlers, rabbis and policemen is aimed to impose a new fait accomplice.
The Islamic figure also highlighted Israel's plans to Judaize the entire holy city, especially the areas around the Aqsa Mosque, pointing to its latest project on Azzeitoun Mount.
"What is that solution that protects the settlements and prevents the refugees from returning to their homes?" Sheikh Sabri asked deprecatingly.
He warned that the Aqsa Mosque is exposed to considerable dangers threating its existence.
"Previously, we would say that the Aqsa Mosque was in danger, but in fact it is facing many threats," he added.
He warned that the daily desecration of the Aqsa Mosque by Jewish settlers, rabbis and policemen is aimed to impose a new fait accomplice.
The Islamic figure also highlighted Israel's plans to Judaize the entire holy city, especially the areas around the Aqsa Mosque, pointing to its latest project on Azzeitoun Mount.
3 jan 2014
The Islamic Christian authority for patronizing Jerusalem and holy sites said Israel's intention to establish a "heritage village" on Azzeitoun Mount, east of Jerusalem, reflected further its persistence in Judaizing every part of the holy city.
The Islamic Christian authority condemned in a press release on Thursday the international silence toward Israel's Judaization measures in Jerusalem, warning that the issue of Jerusalem reached the "point of no return" after Israel had successfully fulfilled the bulk of its Judaization plans in the city.
It stressed that the international community's silence has encouraged the Israeli occupation to accelerate its Judaization schemes that are aimed at obliterating the Arab identity of Jerusalem.
It demanded the occupation to immediately halt all its violations in Jerusalem and its vicinity, stressing that the Palestinian people have the right to live safely and peacefully on every part of their land and establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The Islamic Christian authority condemned in a press release on Thursday the international silence toward Israel's Judaization measures in Jerusalem, warning that the issue of Jerusalem reached the "point of no return" after Israel had successfully fulfilled the bulk of its Judaization plans in the city.
It stressed that the international community's silence has encouraged the Israeli occupation to accelerate its Judaization schemes that are aimed at obliterating the Arab identity of Jerusalem.
It demanded the occupation to immediately halt all its violations in Jerusalem and its vicinity, stressing that the Palestinian people have the right to live safely and peacefully on every part of their land and establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
During the month of December, Israeli forces put a ban on the call to prayer 49 times in the Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of Hebron the Jordanian news site Petra reports.
The bans were executed on the grounds that the calls to prayer “disturb Jewish settlers."
Zeid al Jaabari, Director of Endowments I Hebron, denounced these arbitrary measures against sites of worship, describing them as an aggression against monotheistic religions and freedom of worship which is guaranteed by international legislations and laws.
The bans were executed on the grounds that the calls to prayer “disturb Jewish settlers."
Zeid al Jaabari, Director of Endowments I Hebron, denounced these arbitrary measures against sites of worship, describing them as an aggression against monotheistic religions and freedom of worship which is guaranteed by international legislations and laws.
2 jan 2014
Noted Palestinian figures said on Wednesday that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) plans to annex a vast tract of Palestinian land on Azzeitoun Mount in east Jerusalem to establish a Jewish heritage village. This came in a conference held in Jerusalem under the rubric "Azzeitoun Mount and the danger of Judaization."
In different speeches, the Palestinian figures urged the Palestinian Authority (PA) to confront Israel's Judaization and settlement activities in east Jerusalem.
Sheikh Kamal Al-Khatib, deputy head of the Islamic Movement in the 1948 occupied lands, warned that this Israeli project poses a threat to the Arab and Islamic identity of the holy city and the Aqsa Mosque.
Sheikh Khatib noted that Azzeitoun Mount overlooks the Aqsa Mosque and such project is aimed at Judaizing its vicinity.
"The plan to be carried out on Azzeitoun Mount is part of the 'Yerushalayim First' scheme that was prepared by the Zionist planner Zamosh and disclosed in 2007," he stated.
He warned the Palestinian natives of Jerusalem not to believe the Israeli propaganda which claims that its project on Azzeitoun Mount would bring economic prosperity to east Jerusalem.
"This project will seize what has remained of the Palestinian lands near the Aqsa Mosque and make it under the control of the occupation and its municipality," Sheikh Khatib stressed.
For his part, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, head of the higher Islamic authority in Jerusalem, said that this Jewish project is part of the Israeli plan aimed at seizing the largest possible area of Palestinian lands in east Jerusalem under the pretext of tourism.
"Our mission is to expose this plan, state its gravity and to draw the attention of officials and decision-makers at the Palestinian Authority and in the Arab and Islamic worlds to its serious impacts," Sheikh Sabri said.
In another incident, the Palestinian residents of Wadi Hilwa neighborhood in Silwan district, south of the Aqsa Mosque, submitted their objection officially against an Israeli plan to build a tourist center for visitors as part of the alleged City of David project in the district.
Israel's Jerusalem district planning and construction committee had approved in February 2012 the construction of a new visitors’ center at the City of David national park in Silwan.
The center is a huge seven-story building and will be built on 16,000 square meters of seized Palestinian land.
In different speeches, the Palestinian figures urged the Palestinian Authority (PA) to confront Israel's Judaization and settlement activities in east Jerusalem.
Sheikh Kamal Al-Khatib, deputy head of the Islamic Movement in the 1948 occupied lands, warned that this Israeli project poses a threat to the Arab and Islamic identity of the holy city and the Aqsa Mosque.
Sheikh Khatib noted that Azzeitoun Mount overlooks the Aqsa Mosque and such project is aimed at Judaizing its vicinity.
"The plan to be carried out on Azzeitoun Mount is part of the 'Yerushalayim First' scheme that was prepared by the Zionist planner Zamosh and disclosed in 2007," he stated.
He warned the Palestinian natives of Jerusalem not to believe the Israeli propaganda which claims that its project on Azzeitoun Mount would bring economic prosperity to east Jerusalem.
"This project will seize what has remained of the Palestinian lands near the Aqsa Mosque and make it under the control of the occupation and its municipality," Sheikh Khatib stressed.
For his part, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, head of the higher Islamic authority in Jerusalem, said that this Jewish project is part of the Israeli plan aimed at seizing the largest possible area of Palestinian lands in east Jerusalem under the pretext of tourism.
"Our mission is to expose this plan, state its gravity and to draw the attention of officials and decision-makers at the Palestinian Authority and in the Arab and Islamic worlds to its serious impacts," Sheikh Sabri said.
In another incident, the Palestinian residents of Wadi Hilwa neighborhood in Silwan district, south of the Aqsa Mosque, submitted their objection officially against an Israeli plan to build a tourist center for visitors as part of the alleged City of David project in the district.
Israel's Jerusalem district planning and construction committee had approved in February 2012 the construction of a new visitors’ center at the City of David national park in Silwan.
The center is a huge seven-story building and will be built on 16,000 square meters of seized Palestinian land.
Hundreds of Jewish settlers stormed Yusuf tomb to the east of Nablus city at dawn Thursday under Israeli military protection. Local sources said that the storming started after midnight Wednesday and the settlers, who came in 20 buses, offered Talmudic rituals.
They said that violent clashes erupted between the Israeli occupation forces, escorting the settlers, and Palestinian young men, adding that the clashes were reported in Asker refugee camp and Asker village in addition to the northern entrance of Balata refugee camp and Amman street in Nablus.
The sources said that the young men threw stones at the soldiers, who responded by firing teargas and sound bombs causing breathing difficulty to a number of citizens.
They said that violent clashes erupted between the Israeli occupation forces, escorting the settlers, and Palestinian young men, adding that the clashes were reported in Asker refugee camp and Asker village in addition to the northern entrance of Balata refugee camp and Amman street in Nablus.
The sources said that the young men threw stones at the soldiers, who responded by firing teargas and sound bombs causing breathing difficulty to a number of citizens.
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage said that Jewish temple groups had sent a letter to Israeli minister of tourism to urge him to have all gates of the Aqsa Mosque opened before Jewish and foreign visitors. The Jewish groups justified their request that their use of the Maghariba Gate, one of the Mosque's main entrances, is not enough for them and make them stand for hours in long lines.
The temple groups also sent similar letters to a number of senior Israeli officials, including the Knesset speaker, the minister of religious affairs, and the head of the police.
The Aqsa foundation warned that the Jewish temple groups persistently try to impose a fait accompli at the Aqsa Mosque through intensifying their presence in its courtyards.
The temple groups also sent similar letters to a number of senior Israeli officials, including the Knesset speaker, the minister of religious affairs, and the head of the police.
The Aqsa foundation warned that the Jewish temple groups persistently try to impose a fait accompli at the Aqsa Mosque through intensifying their presence in its courtyards.
1 jan 2014
Israeli municipality in Jerusalem intends to build a nine-story structure for a yeshiva (a Jewish religious school) in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem, Haaretz newspaper reported on Wednesday. The paper indicated that the scheme will be implemented despite the opposition of the professional bodies in the municipality, who said that the plan would not serve the residents of Sheikh Jarrah.
It added that the new yeshiva building will be built on an area of four dunums and will include nine stories in addition to three ground floors.
Meanwhile, teams of the Jerusalem Municipality, under police protection, removed on Wednesday dozens of Palestinian flags hung by young men at dawn Wednesday on the 49th anniversary of the start of the Palestinian revolution, in the streets of Sawana neighborhood east of Jerusalem.
Jerusalemite activist Nidal Abu Gariba stressed in a press statement that the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem and the steadfastness of the city's residents represent the biggest obstacle to the occupation schemes that target the occupied city.
It added that the new yeshiva building will be built on an area of four dunums and will include nine stories in addition to three ground floors.
Meanwhile, teams of the Jerusalem Municipality, under police protection, removed on Wednesday dozens of Palestinian flags hung by young men at dawn Wednesday on the 49th anniversary of the start of the Palestinian revolution, in the streets of Sawana neighborhood east of Jerusalem.
Jerusalemite activist Nidal Abu Gariba stressed in a press statement that the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem and the steadfastness of the city's residents represent the biggest obstacle to the occupation schemes that target the occupied city.
The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) had recently started excavations to a depth of 17 meters in the area of Qalaat al-Quds. The Foundation said in a statement on Tuesday that the occupation is destroying the ancient Islamic monuments in the region and plans to turn the site into a cultural center belonging to the Museum of David Castle.
The area of Qalaat al-Quds is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Jerusalem and includes Masjed al-Qalaa, an ancient Islamic mosque which the occupation turned into a Jewish museum after 1967.
The Foundation stated that the Israeli Antiquities Authority has continued for months unannounced excavation operations in the region, and warned that these excavations aimed at Judaizing Qalaat al-Quds.
For his part, Najeh Bakirat, Chairman of the Department of manuscripts in al-Aqsa Mosque, said that the Israeli settlement construction in occupied Jerusalem had increased during the year 2013.
Bakirat told Safa agency that the number of settlers storming Al-Aqsa Mosque had almost doubled from 6,215 in 2012 to 11,812 in 2013.
He added that the Israeli policy had abruptly changed, as the Israeli government announced it would start applying all its Judaization and settlement plans without being afraid of international resolutions and Arab and Islamic reactions.
"We are now before an escalation stage as Israel is preparing for a very dangerous project in Jerusalem that aims to change the city's geographical reality and population. We are facing geological and demographic wars," Bakirat said.
He expected that things will get more complicated during the year 2014, as it will witness escalation in the Israeli violations against Jerusalem, the Jerusalemites and al-Aqsa Mosque.
He also called for putting an end to the negotiations with the IOA, stressing that the resistance represents the only way to defend the holy sites.
The area of Qalaat al-Quds is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Jerusalem and includes Masjed al-Qalaa, an ancient Islamic mosque which the occupation turned into a Jewish museum after 1967.
The Foundation stated that the Israeli Antiquities Authority has continued for months unannounced excavation operations in the region, and warned that these excavations aimed at Judaizing Qalaat al-Quds.
For his part, Najeh Bakirat, Chairman of the Department of manuscripts in al-Aqsa Mosque, said that the Israeli settlement construction in occupied Jerusalem had increased during the year 2013.
Bakirat told Safa agency that the number of settlers storming Al-Aqsa Mosque had almost doubled from 6,215 in 2012 to 11,812 in 2013.
He added that the Israeli policy had abruptly changed, as the Israeli government announced it would start applying all its Judaization and settlement plans without being afraid of international resolutions and Arab and Islamic reactions.
"We are now before an escalation stage as Israel is preparing for a very dangerous project in Jerusalem that aims to change the city's geographical reality and population. We are facing geological and demographic wars," Bakirat said.
He expected that things will get more complicated during the year 2014, as it will witness escalation in the Israeli violations against Jerusalem, the Jerusalemites and al-Aqsa Mosque.
He also called for putting an end to the negotiations with the IOA, stressing that the resistance represents the only way to defend the holy sites.
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