20 june 2018
Israeli police offered protection to 67 Jewish settlers who stormed the plazas of al-Aqsa Mosque from al-Magharebah gate on Wednesday.
The media official of the Awqaf (endowment) Department, Feras al-Debes, said that the settlers were allowed to roam the courtyards of the Muslims’ holy shrine during the morning round.
He told Quds Press that settlers performed Talmudic rituals and prayers at several locations in the holy site amid protection of Israeli police and the heavily armed Special Forces.
The media official of the Awqaf (endowment) Department, Feras al-Debes, said that the settlers were allowed to roam the courtyards of the Muslims’ holy shrine during the morning round.
He told Quds Press that settlers performed Talmudic rituals and prayers at several locations in the holy site amid protection of Israeli police and the heavily armed Special Forces.
Israeli police on Tuesday set up the fourth watchtower in the vicinity of Bab al-Amoud gate to al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Occupied Jerusalem.
Israeli policemen had earlier installed three watchtowers in the Old City of Occupied Jerusalem.
The Islamic Awqaf (endowment) Department in Occupied Jerusalem warned of Israeli attempts to gradually impose its sovereignty over al-Aqsa Mosque.
A joint statement by Awqaf Council, Supreme Islamic Committee and Islamic Awqaf Department asserted that Israeli authorities have been trying to take control over the eastern side of the holy shrine including Bab al-Rahma gate since the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The statement condemned the Israeli attempts to change the status quo in al-Aqsa Mosque and refused any Israeli intervention to manage the affairs of the mosque. The statement also held Israeli authorities responsible for any violations at the holy site.
Israeli policemen had earlier installed three watchtowers in the Old City of Occupied Jerusalem.
The Islamic Awqaf (endowment) Department in Occupied Jerusalem warned of Israeli attempts to gradually impose its sovereignty over al-Aqsa Mosque.
A joint statement by Awqaf Council, Supreme Islamic Committee and Islamic Awqaf Department asserted that Israeli authorities have been trying to take control over the eastern side of the holy shrine including Bab al-Rahma gate since the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The statement condemned the Israeli attempts to change the status quo in al-Aqsa Mosque and refused any Israeli intervention to manage the affairs of the mosque. The statement also held Israeli authorities responsible for any violations at the holy site.
19 june 2018
The Islamic Christian Commission for the Support of Jerusalem and Holy Sites has warned of a draft law for a project which allows the Israeli occupation government to confiscate land sold by the Orthodox Church to private investors.
According to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency, the organization stressed, in a statement on Tuesday, its rejection of the imposition of taxes on the churches of Jerusalem and the destruction of their property, which runs contrary to the historical position of the churches in the Holy City over centuries..
The Armenian and Orthodox churches of the Holy Land were called upon to stop the draft law, which aims to confiscate their land, four months after a major crisis led to the closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
The Secretary-General of the Commission, Hanna Issa, stressed the need to oblige the Israeli occupation to abide by the historical situation of the Holy City, based on the Ottoman and the Jordanian guardianship of the Islamic and Christian sanctuaries in Jerusalem.
He stressed that imposing taxes on churches and confiscating their lands, undermines the sacred character of the occupied city, and hinders the churches from performing their role and activities.
The Christian Islamic Organization pointed out that the churches’ commitment to the historical situation of the city of Jerusalem and the rejection of any change to its reality, which is to preserve the historical heritage of the occupied city and to fight systematic methods of Judaization practiced by the occupation against the city and its Islamic and Christian sanctuaries, stressing the Arab nature of Jerusalem culture.
According to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency, the organization stressed, in a statement on Tuesday, its rejection of the imposition of taxes on the churches of Jerusalem and the destruction of their property, which runs contrary to the historical position of the churches in the Holy City over centuries..
The Armenian and Orthodox churches of the Holy Land were called upon to stop the draft law, which aims to confiscate their land, four months after a major crisis led to the closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
The Secretary-General of the Commission, Hanna Issa, stressed the need to oblige the Israeli occupation to abide by the historical situation of the Holy City, based on the Ottoman and the Jordanian guardianship of the Islamic and Christian sanctuaries in Jerusalem.
He stressed that imposing taxes on churches and confiscating their lands, undermines the sacred character of the occupied city, and hinders the churches from performing their role and activities.
The Christian Islamic Organization pointed out that the churches’ commitment to the historical situation of the city of Jerusalem and the rejection of any change to its reality, which is to preserve the historical heritage of the occupied city and to fight systematic methods of Judaization practiced by the occupation against the city and its Islamic and Christian sanctuaries, stressing the Arab nature of Jerusalem culture.
Israeli official bodies are scheduled to meet Tuesday with private developers who sell Chritians’ lands to discuss ways to solve the tenants crisis, Haaretz paper revealed.
Representatives of Israeli Ministry of Finance, Keren Kayemet, and the Israeli Land Authority will participate in the meeting.
The meeting came after three major Holy Land churches implored Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to prevent the advancement of a draft bill they said was aimed at expropriating their lands.
Heads of the Armenian, Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches in Jerusalem also accused the Israeli authorities of failing to keep a committment made just a few months ago that brought an end to a major crisis between the sides.
In February, the Jerusalem municipality began enforcing tax collection on church property, while separately lawmakers in the parliament worked on advancing a law that would allow expropriation of church property.
The church leaders in protest closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site in Jerusalem where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and buried, following which Israeli authorities froze both the tax measures and the legislation, committing to a dialogue with the Christians over the issues.
Large swathes of Jerusalem are owned by various churches, which in many cases reached long-term leasing agreements with the state.
Residents living in homes on such lands fear the churches could sell the lands to private developers, who would be free to do as they wish with their property, including raising rents or razing existing structures.
Representatives of Israeli Ministry of Finance, Keren Kayemet, and the Israeli Land Authority will participate in the meeting.
The meeting came after three major Holy Land churches implored Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to prevent the advancement of a draft bill they said was aimed at expropriating their lands.
Heads of the Armenian, Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches in Jerusalem also accused the Israeli authorities of failing to keep a committment made just a few months ago that brought an end to a major crisis between the sides.
In February, the Jerusalem municipality began enforcing tax collection on church property, while separately lawmakers in the parliament worked on advancing a law that would allow expropriation of church property.
The church leaders in protest closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site in Jerusalem where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and buried, following which Israeli authorities froze both the tax measures and the legislation, committing to a dialogue with the Christians over the issues.
Large swathes of Jerusalem are owned by various churches, which in many cases reached long-term leasing agreements with the state.
Residents living in homes on such lands fear the churches could sell the lands to private developers, who would be free to do as they wish with their property, including raising rents or razing existing structures.
18 june 2018
Ahead of Royal visit, Jerusalem affairs minister says no ‘twisted wording’ from Kensington palace insinuating Western Wall is in ‘Occupied Palestinian Territories’ will ‘change the reality.’
Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Ze'ev Elkin (Likud) criticized Prince William’s itinerary for his upcoming visit to Israel where the Western Wall tour will be included as part of his visit to the Palestinian Authority.
The British Prince will arrive in Israel on June 25, as part of a three day visit to the Middle East which also includes Jordan and the Palestinian Authority.
Elkin was especially enraged by Kensington Palace’s official statement which said “The program in the Occupied Palestinian Territories will begin with a short briefing on the history and geography of Jerusalem's Old City from a viewing point at the Mount of Olives.”
“It’s regrettable that Britain chose to politicize the Royal visit. Unified Jerusalem has been the capital of Israel for over 3,000 years and no twisted wording of the official press release will change the reality. I’m expecting the prince’s staff to fix this distortion,” Elkin said.
Prince William’s intentions to include the tour of the Western Wall and other sites holy to the region’s three religions as part the visit to Palestinian Territories and not Israel, were announced last week.
“It will allow His Royal Highness to understand and pay respect to the religions and history of the region,” said the official statement.
While the palace has yet to announce which sites the prince will visit on the last day, Ynet has learned he plans to visit the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of Saint John the Baptist and the Western Wall.
As the tours of these sites have been scheduled in advance, it’s unclear why Kensington Palace has failed to include them on the official itinerary.
According to sources in Jerusalem, the palace intentionally avoided mentioning these sites in a bid to prevent a politicization of the visit.
William’s visit to the holy sites was scheduled a long time ago,” says a knowledgeable source. “William is expected to become the king of the United Kingdom one day, and he will also serve as supreme governor of the Church of England as part of his position. So, clearly, these sites were included in the visit’s itinerary to begin with. Why isn’t the palace announcing them yet? They’re likely trying to avoid a political war over the issue of control of the holy sites.
“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which planned the visit’s itinerary, is afraid to include the Western Wall in Palestinian Authority leg of the visit, so they are postponing this problematic obstacle and trying to find a solution that will satisfy everyone.”
Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Ze'ev Elkin (Likud) criticized Prince William’s itinerary for his upcoming visit to Israel where the Western Wall tour will be included as part of his visit to the Palestinian Authority.
The British Prince will arrive in Israel on June 25, as part of a three day visit to the Middle East which also includes Jordan and the Palestinian Authority.
Elkin was especially enraged by Kensington Palace’s official statement which said “The program in the Occupied Palestinian Territories will begin with a short briefing on the history and geography of Jerusalem's Old City from a viewing point at the Mount of Olives.”
“It’s regrettable that Britain chose to politicize the Royal visit. Unified Jerusalem has been the capital of Israel for over 3,000 years and no twisted wording of the official press release will change the reality. I’m expecting the prince’s staff to fix this distortion,” Elkin said.
Prince William’s intentions to include the tour of the Western Wall and other sites holy to the region’s three religions as part the visit to Palestinian Territories and not Israel, were announced last week.
“It will allow His Royal Highness to understand and pay respect to the religions and history of the region,” said the official statement.
While the palace has yet to announce which sites the prince will visit on the last day, Ynet has learned he plans to visit the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of Saint John the Baptist and the Western Wall.
As the tours of these sites have been scheduled in advance, it’s unclear why Kensington Palace has failed to include them on the official itinerary.
According to sources in Jerusalem, the palace intentionally avoided mentioning these sites in a bid to prevent a politicization of the visit.
William’s visit to the holy sites was scheduled a long time ago,” says a knowledgeable source. “William is expected to become the king of the United Kingdom one day, and he will also serve as supreme governor of the Church of England as part of his position. So, clearly, these sites were included in the visit’s itinerary to begin with. Why isn’t the palace announcing them yet? They’re likely trying to avoid a political war over the issue of control of the holy sites.
“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which planned the visit’s itinerary, is afraid to include the Western Wall in Palestinian Authority leg of the visit, so they are postponing this problematic obstacle and trying to find a solution that will satisfy everyone.”
The Israeli police on Sunday evening were seen preparing for the installation of new watchtowers at the entrance to occupied Jerusalem’s Old City.
A large truck carrying platforms arrived to the area, where public utilities were removed as a prelude to set up the watchtowers.
Three military watchtowers were earlier erected at Bab al-Amoud, distorting its historical and ancient monuments.
A large truck carrying platforms arrived to the area, where public utilities were removed as a prelude to set up the watchtowers.
Three military watchtowers were earlier erected at Bab al-Amoud, distorting its historical and ancient monuments.
Israeli settler groups on Monday resumed their daily break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque under police protection.
Spokesman for Jerusalem's Islamic Awqaf Department Feras al-Dibs said that about 30 settlers, escorted by the Israeli police, broke into al-Aqsa Mosque via al-Maghareba Gate in the early morning hours.
Al-Dibs added that the Israeli police arrested the head of the Awqaf security department at al-Aqsa Mosque Abdullah Abu Taleb near al-Rahma Gate.
The arrest came after settler groups claimed on social media websites that the cleaning campaign launched in al-Rahma Gate area following some restorations there is an "act of vandalism".
The Israeli police further uprooted olive trees planted in the area and destroyed the new stairs built of al-Aqsa Mosque stones.
Spokesman for Jerusalem's Islamic Awqaf Department Feras al-Dibs said that about 30 settlers, escorted by the Israeli police, broke into al-Aqsa Mosque via al-Maghareba Gate in the early morning hours.
Al-Dibs added that the Israeli police arrested the head of the Awqaf security department at al-Aqsa Mosque Abdullah Abu Taleb near al-Rahma Gate.
The arrest came after settler groups claimed on social media websites that the cleaning campaign launched in al-Rahma Gate area following some restorations there is an "act of vandalism".
The Israeli police further uprooted olive trees planted in the area and destroyed the new stairs built of al-Aqsa Mosque stones.
11 june 2018
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) closed on Sunday evening the Ibrahimi Mosque in al-Khalil, to the south of West Bank, without prior notice.
Israeli 0404 website claimed that an explosive device was found in the vicinity of the Mosque earlier Sunday.
Israel forces intensified presence in the area and closed the Mosque following the incident, the sources added.
No more details were released.
Israeli 0404 website claimed that an explosive device was found in the vicinity of the Mosque earlier Sunday.
Israel forces intensified presence in the area and closed the Mosque following the incident, the sources added.
No more details were released.
8 june 2018
Stun grenades were fired and many Palestinians denied entry as thousands gathered at Qalandia checkpoint, south of Ramallah, on their way to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque today, the last Friday of Ramadan.
Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank have been temporarily allowed to cross the border during Ramadan, an act which Israel has called “generous” and a sign of their respect for religious freedom.
However, for most Palestinians, this is the last chance to pray at Al-Aqsa until next year. Many under 40 were frustrated as they were still being denied access, and had often been met with violence.
“We want to go to pray at Al-Aqsa and I am sad because they refuse us. We try to climb over the wall but it is dangerous. They have caught me twice today. They could arrest me.” said one young man, according to the PNN.
Many had traveled far, only to be not allowed in: “I am from Jordan. I have traveled to pray at Al-Aqsa during Ramadan, and I am sad because they will not let me through. They said I am a terrorist and that they will kick me if I try again. Do you think that all these people here have come just to cause trouble?”
Another man who had traveled from Jenin city, northern West Bank, and been at the border since 4am, had similar experiences.
Violence was used against some who said that they had been hit and kicked by Israeli soldiers. Stun grenades were set off in the crowd as the queue got larger, causing people to run.
When asked what they could do about the situation, many were pessimistic.
“We can do nothing about this,” said one man. Another shrugged and said, “At the checkpoint they do what they want.”
Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank have been temporarily allowed to cross the border during Ramadan, an act which Israel has called “generous” and a sign of their respect for religious freedom.
However, for most Palestinians, this is the last chance to pray at Al-Aqsa until next year. Many under 40 were frustrated as they were still being denied access, and had often been met with violence.
“We want to go to pray at Al-Aqsa and I am sad because they refuse us. We try to climb over the wall but it is dangerous. They have caught me twice today. They could arrest me.” said one young man, according to the PNN.
Many had traveled far, only to be not allowed in: “I am from Jordan. I have traveled to pray at Al-Aqsa during Ramadan, and I am sad because they will not let me through. They said I am a terrorist and that they will kick me if I try again. Do you think that all these people here have come just to cause trouble?”
Another man who had traveled from Jenin city, northern West Bank, and been at the border since 4am, had similar experiences.
Violence was used against some who said that they had been hit and kicked by Israeli soldiers. Stun grenades were set off in the crowd as the queue got larger, causing people to run.
When asked what they could do about the situation, many were pessimistic.
“We can do nothing about this,” said one man. Another shrugged and said, “At the checkpoint they do what they want.”
Tens of thousands of Palestinian worshipers performed Friday prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem on the fourth Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.
Israeli authorities imposed since morning hours tight restrictions on the entry of Palestinians to the occupied city, allowing only women and men above 40 years of age to reach the holy shrine.
Palestinian youths in the West Bank were forced to cross Israel’s apartheid wall to pray at al-Aqsa, challenging teargas bombs and rubber bullets fired by Israeli forces.
Over 280,000 people managed to attend the Friday prayers amid very tight military restrictions at Israeli checkpoints erected surrounding the occupied city.
During the Friday prayers sermon, al-Aqsa Mosque preacher Mohamed Salim hailed all those who succeeded in intensifying their presence in the holy shrine during Ramadan despite Israeli restrictions.
Israeli authorities imposed since morning hours tight restrictions on the entry of Palestinians to the occupied city, allowing only women and men above 40 years of age to reach the holy shrine.
Palestinian youths in the West Bank were forced to cross Israel’s apartheid wall to pray at al-Aqsa, challenging teargas bombs and rubber bullets fired by Israeli forces.
Over 280,000 people managed to attend the Friday prayers amid very tight military restrictions at Israeli checkpoints erected surrounding the occupied city.
During the Friday prayers sermon, al-Aqsa Mosque preacher Mohamed Salim hailed all those who succeeded in intensifying their presence in the holy shrine during Ramadan despite Israeli restrictions.
7 june 2018
Israeli soldiers abducted, Thursday, a Palestinian child and a young man in the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards, in occupied Jerusalem, after dozens of officers and settlers invaded the holy site and conducted provocative tours.
Many worshipers started chanting against the violation, and ongoing occupation, before the soldiers assaulted them, and fired concussion grenades at them, leading to limited confrontations.
The soldiers also abducted a child, and a young man, from the mosque, and took them to an unknown destination.
It is worth mentioning that dozens of soldiers were deployed around the mosque compound, especially in front of the gate of the Al-Qibli Mosque, before dozens of soldiers and settlers invaded it.
On Wednesday, the Islamic Committee in Jerusalem issued a statement condemning the escalating Israeli violations, and invasions into the mosque complex, especially during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.
They added that usually Israel refrains from conducting such tours into the holy site during the last ten days of Ramadan, but it appears that it is now breaking its own rules, and escalating its violations against the holy site.
Many worshipers started chanting against the violation, and ongoing occupation, before the soldiers assaulted them, and fired concussion grenades at them, leading to limited confrontations.
The soldiers also abducted a child, and a young man, from the mosque, and took them to an unknown destination.
It is worth mentioning that dozens of soldiers were deployed around the mosque compound, especially in front of the gate of the Al-Qibli Mosque, before dozens of soldiers and settlers invaded it.
On Wednesday, the Islamic Committee in Jerusalem issued a statement condemning the escalating Israeli violations, and invasions into the mosque complex, especially during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.
They added that usually Israel refrains from conducting such tours into the holy site during the last ten days of Ramadan, but it appears that it is now breaking its own rules, and escalating its violations against the holy site.
Clashes erupted on Thursday morning at Jerusalem’s holy al-Aqsa Mosque after dozens of Israeli settlers, escorted by policemen, stormed the site.
The Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian boy at the site and attacked the peaceful Muslim worshipers with randomly-fired spates of rubber bullets.
Tension has been running high as Israeli settlers and police continue to crack down on the Muslim worshipers and sit-inners at al-Aqsa Mosque.
Over recent weeks, the Muslim worshipers at al-Aqsa have been subjected to tough crackdowns and restrictions by the Israeli police near the main entrances to the site.
Several worshipers have been searched and dozens more have had their IDs seized while attempting to enter the mosque to perform Ramadan prayers.
The Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian boy at the site and attacked the peaceful Muslim worshipers with randomly-fired spates of rubber bullets.
Tension has been running high as Israeli settlers and police continue to crack down on the Muslim worshipers and sit-inners at al-Aqsa Mosque.
Over recent weeks, the Muslim worshipers at al-Aqsa have been subjected to tough crackdowns and restrictions by the Israeli police near the main entrances to the site.
Several worshipers have been searched and dozens more have had their IDs seized while attempting to enter the mosque to perform Ramadan prayers.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) has urged the Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories to actively participate in “Friday of Jerusalem’ rallies and activities.
In a press release, senior PFLP official Zaher Ashashtri called for necessarily marching en masse in all areas of Palestine towards Occupied Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque to assert the Palestinian right to the holy city and to express rejection of the recent US decisions.
Ashashtri affirmed that the PFLP would continue to support the March of Return rallies in Gaza and other areas until the liberation of Palestine, calling on all PFLP supporters to actively take part in Friday marches.
In a press release, senior PFLP official Zaher Ashashtri called for necessarily marching en masse in all areas of Palestine towards Occupied Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque to assert the Palestinian right to the holy city and to express rejection of the recent US decisions.
Ashashtri affirmed that the PFLP would continue to support the March of Return rallies in Gaza and other areas until the liberation of Palestine, calling on all PFLP supporters to actively take part in Friday marches.
6 june 2018
Dozens of Israeli settlers on Wednesday morning stormed al-Aqsa Mosque amid heavy police presence.
Quds Press reported, quoting an Islamic Awqaf source, that 128 settlers since the early morning hours started to enter the Mosque in consecutive groups via al-Maghareba Gate which has been under Israeli control since 1967.
The Israeli police on Tuesday arrested 12 Palestinian worshipers while they were reading the Holy Quran in al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards. The police released nine of the detainees following hours of interrogation and extended the detention of the remaining three.
According to Wadi Hilweh Information Center, over 3,700 Israeli settlers broke into al-Aqsa Mosque during May 2018.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Nature Authority crews have been carrying out excavations in Bab a-Rahma cemetery near al-Aqsa Mosque in a prelude to turning it into biblical gardens for Jewish settlers.
The Islamic Awqaf Department in a statement condemned the racist policies pursued by the Israeli authorities to change the status quo in Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Islamic Awqaf called on Palestinians to intensify their presence in al-Aqsa Mosque, especially during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan, in defiance of the Israeli restrictions and stepped-up settler break-ins.
Quds Press reported, quoting an Islamic Awqaf source, that 128 settlers since the early morning hours started to enter the Mosque in consecutive groups via al-Maghareba Gate which has been under Israeli control since 1967.
The Israeli police on Tuesday arrested 12 Palestinian worshipers while they were reading the Holy Quran in al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards. The police released nine of the detainees following hours of interrogation and extended the detention of the remaining three.
According to Wadi Hilweh Information Center, over 3,700 Israeli settlers broke into al-Aqsa Mosque during May 2018.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Nature Authority crews have been carrying out excavations in Bab a-Rahma cemetery near al-Aqsa Mosque in a prelude to turning it into biblical gardens for Jewish settlers.
The Islamic Awqaf Department in a statement condemned the racist policies pursued by the Israeli authorities to change the status quo in Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Islamic Awqaf called on Palestinians to intensify their presence in al-Aqsa Mosque, especially during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan, in defiance of the Israeli restrictions and stepped-up settler break-ins.
