23 mar 2014
Israeli soldiers and officers and Jewish settlers stormed al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday morning, under the protection of the Israeli police forces. Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said in a statement that a group of Israeli settlers and soldiers broke into al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate and toured its courtyards, under tight protection by military and police forces.
The foundation said that another group of Shin Bet officers stormed al-Aqsa compound and organized a tour there.
It added that the Jerusalemite students in the mosque tried to confront the incursion, while the Israeli police continued to tighten its security measures on the entry of students into al-Aqsa.
The foundation said that another group of Shin Bet officers stormed al-Aqsa compound and organized a tour there.
It added that the Jerusalemite students in the mosque tried to confront the incursion, while the Israeli police continued to tighten its security measures on the entry of students into al-Aqsa.
Director of al-Aqsa Mosque Sheikh Najeh Bakirat warned that the settlers' repeated raids into al-Aqsa compound, while it is closed before Muslims, marks the start of the temporal partition of the mosque. Bakirat told PIC: "The incursions into al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli officials and settlers have escalated and became daily. During these raids, the Muslims are prevented from entering the mosque's courtyards. This shows that the occupation has already started to implement its plan of temporal partition of Al-Aqsa Mosque."
He warned that the occupation procedures are becoming more serious and will lead to the construction of the alleged temple, in light of the Arab and Muslim silence.
"The occupation has imposed its sovereignty over the mosque; as it started controlling its gates, restricting the entry of Palestinians into the mosque and facilitating the settlers' incursions," Sheikh Bakirat said.
He warned that the occupation procedures are becoming more serious and will lead to the construction of the alleged temple, in light of the Arab and Muslim silence.
"The occupation has imposed its sovereignty over the mosque; as it started controlling its gates, restricting the entry of Palestinians into the mosque and facilitating the settlers' incursions," Sheikh Bakirat said.
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A right-wing Jewish Israeli on Sunday took photos of the Al-Aqsa Mosque using a small drone with cameras that he flew from the cemetery near the Golden Gate.
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an that the man focused the drone's camera on the Dome of the Rock. They added that they saw the man directing his drone and cameras remotely, from just outside the Old City near the Al-Aqsa compound. After the guards of Al-Aqsa noticed the drone, they called Israeli police who arrived and detained the settler. |
Director of the Jerusalem office of the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Endowment Sheikh Azzam al-Kahtib called upon Israeli police to immediately investigate the incident as such behavior, he said, poses real threats to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Some right-wing Jewish groups call for the destruction of the Al-Aqsa mosque and the construction of a Jewish temple there, and recent calls for the extension of Israel sovereignty over the compound -- which is maintained by an Islamic trust under Jordanian oversight -- have inflamed tensions.
The Al-Aqsa compound sits just above the Western Wall plaza and 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.
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.
Some right-wing Jewish groups call for the destruction of the Al-Aqsa mosque and the construction of a Jewish temple there, and recent calls for the extension of Israel sovereignty over the compound -- which is maintained by an Islamic trust under Jordanian oversight -- have inflamed tensions.
The Al-Aqsa compound sits just above the Western Wall plaza and 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.
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.
21 mar 2014
Thousands of Palestinian worshipers performed prayers in the streets of Jerusalem on Friday after Israeli authorities imposed age restrictions on entering the Al-Aqsa mosque compound.
Men under 50 were forced to pray in the streets as Israeli authorities imposed restrictions around the Old City to accommodate the Jerusalem Marathon.
Several main roads were closed and a number of checkpoints set up around the Old City as thousands ran in the event.
The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage said in a statement that Israel is trying to discourage Palestinian from praying at the holy site by imposing frequent restrictions.
Last Friday, the compound was mostly empty after Israeli authorities prohibited all Palestinians under the age of 40 from praying there and set up barricades at the compound's entrances to limit their access.
The restrictions come only two weeks after Israeli authorities imposed similar restrictions, barring Palestinians under the age of 50 from praying in the compound. Those restrictions led to protests both in Palestine and abroad, as many feared such limitations were part of a broader strategy to limit Palestinian access to the compound.
Men under 50 were forced to pray in the streets as Israeli authorities imposed restrictions around the Old City to accommodate the Jerusalem Marathon.
Several main roads were closed and a number of checkpoints set up around the Old City as thousands ran in the event.
The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage said in a statement that Israel is trying to discourage Palestinian from praying at the holy site by imposing frequent restrictions.
Last Friday, the compound was mostly empty after Israeli authorities prohibited all Palestinians under the age of 40 from praying there and set up barricades at the compound's entrances to limit their access.
The restrictions come only two weeks after Israeli authorities imposed similar restrictions, barring Palestinians under the age of 50 from praying in the compound. Those restrictions led to protests both in Palestine and abroad, as many feared such limitations were part of a broader strategy to limit Palestinian access to the compound.
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) in occupied Jerusalem declared on Friday its intention to prevent all Palestinian men under age 45 from entering the Aqsa Mosque to attend the Friday prayers. A large number of Israeli soldiers and policemen have been deployed around the Aqsa Mosque and the routes leading it since yesterday.
On Thursday morning, Israeli policemen stormed the Aqsa Mosque and physically assaulted Palestinian worshipers and kidnapped three young men at the pretext of throwing stones.
On Thursday morning, Israeli policemen stormed the Aqsa Mosque and physically assaulted Palestinian worshipers and kidnapped three young men at the pretext of throwing stones.
20 mar 2014
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) started to build a huge Jewish archeological center over 35 dunums of Palestinian lands in occupied Jerusalem, according to Maariv newspaper on Wednesday. The newspaper stated that this center would include a library and a museum to display alleged ancient artifacts and scrolls.
The new archaeological center is being built next to the Israel museum and will eventually serve as the Israeli antiquity authority's headquarters.
Some 80 million dollars, mostly private funds, have been earmarked for the project, provided by some 30 donors from the US, Europe and Israel.
The new archaeological center is being built next to the Israel museum and will eventually serve as the Israeli antiquity authority's headquarters.
Some 80 million dollars, mostly private funds, have been earmarked for the project, provided by some 30 donors from the US, Europe and Israel.
19 mar 2014
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The Israel Antiquities Authority has destroyed several ancient archeological sites and antiquities as a result of a controversial dig in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem, the Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said Tuesday.
The authority recently began the final stage of archaeological excavations at the site, which is located in the Wadi Silweh area only 20 meters from the walls of the Old City, the foundation said in a statement on Tuesday. As a result of the excavations, several ancient Islamic archeological sites and antiquities have been destroyed, including a cemetery that dated back to the Abbasid caliphate. Additionally, the dig has damaged relics that date back to the Jebusite Canaanite era in the second millenium BC, the Al-Aqsa foundation alleged. |
The excavations are the continuation of an Israeli project to build a biblical park in the area alongside the City of David archaeological park, and will feature a "museum of Jewish history" and a "Jewish national park."
The excavation site measures around six dunams (1.5 acres) and runs 20 meters deep in some places.
The excavations are connected by a network of tunnels that "the Israeli occupation has been digging under and around Al-Aqsa Mosque," the statement said, pointing out that the third-holiest site in Islam is located only 100 meters from the site itself.
The foundation said that the Ir David Foundation -- commonly known as Elad -- is funding the excavations as part of a plan to build a seven-story building which will serve as a Jewish cultural center.
The excavation site is located on what used to be private Palestinian land owned by the Siyam family from Silwan. The land was confiscated by Israeli authorities for the dig.
Israel frequently permits excavations and archaeological digs in East Jerusalem, specifically around the Al-Aqsa mosque and in the Silwan neighborhood, that threaten the structural integrity of Palestinian homes and holy sites in the area.
Critics charge that the digs search for ancient Jewish ruins at the expense of existing homes, and that Israeli archaeologists often ignore and even damage non-Jewish artifacts.
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.
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 excavation site measures around six dunams (1.5 acres) and runs 20 meters deep in some places.
The excavations are connected by a network of tunnels that "the Israeli occupation has been digging under and around Al-Aqsa Mosque," the statement said, pointing out that the third-holiest site in Islam is located only 100 meters from the site itself.
The foundation said that the Ir David Foundation -- commonly known as Elad -- is funding the excavations as part of a plan to build a seven-story building which will serve as a Jewish cultural center.
The excavation site is located on what used to be private Palestinian land owned by the Siyam family from Silwan. The land was confiscated by Israeli authorities for the dig.
Israel frequently permits excavations and archaeological digs in East Jerusalem, specifically around the Al-Aqsa mosque and in the Silwan neighborhood, that threaten the structural integrity of Palestinian homes and holy sites in the area.
Critics charge that the digs search for ancient Jewish ruins at the expense of existing homes, and that Israeli archaeologists often ignore and even damage non-Jewish artifacts.
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.
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.
A Jerusalemite initiative under the name “ Worship is my right” started on Wednesday aiming to expose Israel’s policies and violent practices against Palestinians, Muslims and Christians, in Jerusalem in order to get thousands of signatures enough to sue Israel in the international courts . Israeli forces impose severe restrictions on the entry of people of Jerusalem and pre-1948 Palestine to al-Aqsa mosque and also prevent the people of the Gaza Strip and West Bank from reaching it.
They erected a number of checkpoints at the entrances of the holy city, hindering the movement of the West Bank citizens .
The Israeli occupation deprived also Christians from reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by not giving them permits specially during holidays.
The owner of the initiative Amid Barahma said that it does not belong to any party but targets all the people of Palestine in Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank to highlight the Israeli unfair and repressive measures against Muslims and Christians and the restriction on the freedom of movement through checkpoints.
He indicated that several youth volunteers participated in the initiative and they will exert their efforts to accomplish success.
They erected a number of checkpoints at the entrances of the holy city, hindering the movement of the West Bank citizens .
The Israeli occupation deprived also Christians from reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by not giving them permits specially during holidays.
The owner of the initiative Amid Barahma said that it does not belong to any party but targets all the people of Palestine in Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank to highlight the Israeli unfair and repressive measures against Muslims and Christians and the restriction on the freedom of movement through checkpoints.
He indicated that several youth volunteers participated in the initiative and they will exert their efforts to accomplish success.
Dozens of Israeli soldiers and settlers toured the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound on Wednesday, the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Endowment said.
Over 90 Israeli army recruits entered the compound via the Moroccan Gate and were escorted by Israeli police officers.
The visit was part of an Israeli army orientation tour, the PA ministry said.
Over 20 extremists also entered the mosque compound, it added.
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.
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.
Over 90 Israeli army recruits entered the compound via the Moroccan Gate and were escorted by Israeli police officers.
The visit was part of an Israeli army orientation tour, the PA ministry said.
Over 20 extremists also entered the mosque compound, it added.
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.
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.
Israel moved forward Wednesday with plans to build another 186 new homes in East Jerusalem, a city councilor told AFP.
The plans would see construction of 40 new homes in Pisgat Zeev and 146 in Har Homa, both of them settlement neighborhoods built on territory seized by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War, Yosef Pepe Alalu said.
An official of the Israeli left-wing party Meretz told the Hebrew-language news site Walla that the municipality officials came to the conclusion that the chances of a peace deal with the Palestinians had become very slim.
As a result, the municipality sped up construction activities, the official said.
The municipality knows "construction in Har Homah weakens chances of reaching a peace agreement," he added.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of housing units in illegal settlements since peace talks began in July.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in contravention of international law.
The plans would see construction of 40 new homes in Pisgat Zeev and 146 in Har Homa, both of them settlement neighborhoods built on territory seized by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War, Yosef Pepe Alalu said.
An official of the Israeli left-wing party Meretz told the Hebrew-language news site Walla that the municipality officials came to the conclusion that the chances of a peace deal with the Palestinians had become very slim.
As a result, the municipality sped up construction activities, the official said.
The municipality knows "construction in Har Homah weakens chances of reaching a peace agreement," he added.
Israel's government has announced the construction of thousands of housing units in illegal settlements since peace talks began in July.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in contravention of international law.
18 mar 2014
Palestinian protesters confront Israeli police outside the entrance to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City
(AFP) - Jordan Monday condemned what it called Israeli "escalation" in the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, after a far-right Israeli minister visited the plaza, warning it could cause further violence at the site. Israeli Housing Minister Uri Ariel, deputy leader of the hardline national religious Jewish Home party, briefly visited the plaza in Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday.
After the visit, clashes broke out between stone-throwing Palestinian youths and Israeli police at the site, police spokeswoman Luba Samri told AFP.
"Jordan rejects Israeli escalation in Al-Aqsa as well as measures that allow radicals to violate Al-Aqsa under protection of police and occupation forces," Minister of Information Mohammad Momani said in a statement carried by state-run Petra news agency on Monday.
"These actions will lead to more violence and religious extremism in the region. Jordan warns Israel not to try to impose anything new related to Al-Aqsa."
Known to Jews as the Temple Mount, and to Muslims as the Al-Aqsa compound, the site is considered sacred to both faiths.
By law, Jews are not allowed to pray at the site and although non-Muslim visitors are permitted, such high-profile visits by rightwing government figures are very rare and tend to stoke tensions.
Under the 1994 Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty, the kingdom is the custodian of Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.
Last month, Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Nsur warned Amman might review the peace deal after Israeli MPs debated allowing Jewish prayers at Al-Aqsa mosque compound.
(AFP) - Jordan Monday condemned what it called Israeli "escalation" in the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, after a far-right Israeli minister visited the plaza, warning it could cause further violence at the site. Israeli Housing Minister Uri Ariel, deputy leader of the hardline national religious Jewish Home party, briefly visited the plaza in Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday.
After the visit, clashes broke out between stone-throwing Palestinian youths and Israeli police at the site, police spokeswoman Luba Samri told AFP.
"Jordan rejects Israeli escalation in Al-Aqsa as well as measures that allow radicals to violate Al-Aqsa under protection of police and occupation forces," Minister of Information Mohammad Momani said in a statement carried by state-run Petra news agency on Monday.
"These actions will lead to more violence and religious extremism in the region. Jordan warns Israel not to try to impose anything new related to Al-Aqsa."
Known to Jews as the Temple Mount, and to Muslims as the Al-Aqsa compound, the site is considered sacred to both faiths.
By law, Jews are not allowed to pray at the site and although non-Muslim visitors are permitted, such high-profile visits by rightwing government figures are very rare and tend to stoke tensions.
Under the 1994 Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty, the kingdom is the custodian of Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.
Last month, Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Nsur warned Amman might review the peace deal after Israeli MPs debated allowing Jewish prayers at Al-Aqsa mosque compound.
One hundred Israeli female conscripts in military uniforms stormed on Tuesday morning al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate, under the protection of the Israeli police. The Mosque guards and eyewitnesses said that "about 100 Israeli female soldiers have raided al-Aqsa compound since the morning hours, in two groups, and toured its courtyards."
For its part, Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage in a statement on Tuesday warned that the increasing incursions by the Israeli soldiers into al-Aqsa Mosque fall under the scheme to divide the holy site.
The Foundation appealed to the Muslim and Arab world and to the relevant parties to take serious and firm positions in order to defend al-Aqsa Mosque from the Israeli forces and settlers’ violations.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police forces tightened restrictions imposed on entry of worshipers into al-Aqsa Mosque, while an Israeli court in Jerusalem ordered the deportation of a female student from the occupied city.
For its part, Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage in a statement on Tuesday warned that the increasing incursions by the Israeli soldiers into al-Aqsa Mosque fall under the scheme to divide the holy site.
The Foundation appealed to the Muslim and Arab world and to the relevant parties to take serious and firm positions in order to defend al-Aqsa Mosque from the Israeli forces and settlers’ violations.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police forces tightened restrictions imposed on entry of worshipers into al-Aqsa Mosque, while an Israeli court in Jerusalem ordered the deportation of a female student from the occupied city.
The International Executive Committee of the Global March to Jerusalem (GMJ) announced that this year’s rallies and marches would take place across the globe in June to mark the 47th anniversary of the occupation of the eastern part of Jerusalem and in protest at Israeli Judaization policy against the city and its holy sites. The GMJ international organizers have decided, in a meeting held recently in Istanbul, that the popular marches will take part on the 6th and 7th June, 2014.
Head of the Jordan Engineers Association and Federation of Arab Engineers, Abdullah Obeidat, was nominated as the general coordinator of GMJ 2014 in recognition of Jordan's important role in defending al-Aqsa Mosque.
The march organizers called on popular organizations, supporters of the Palestine cause and lovers of world peace across the globe to make GMJ an annual occasion to mobilize popular efforts and energies to show support for al-Aqsa Mosque and the holy city of Jerusalem and to take advantage of the UN General Assembly's decision to make 2014 the “International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People."
The organizers also discussed the Israeli continued violations and escalated Judaization schemes against occupied Jerusalem, and its indigenous Arab inhabitants – both Christian and Muslim.
Massive marches will be organized in Palestine and surrounding countries towards Jerusalem or the nearest point possible to it according to the circumstances of each country, and through coordination between all groups and institutions of civil society taking part in the march.
Head of the Jordan Engineers Association and Federation of Arab Engineers, Abdullah Obeidat, was nominated as the general coordinator of GMJ 2014 in recognition of Jordan's important role in defending al-Aqsa Mosque.
The march organizers called on popular organizations, supporters of the Palestine cause and lovers of world peace across the globe to make GMJ an annual occasion to mobilize popular efforts and energies to show support for al-Aqsa Mosque and the holy city of Jerusalem and to take advantage of the UN General Assembly's decision to make 2014 the “International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People."
The organizers also discussed the Israeli continued violations and escalated Judaization schemes against occupied Jerusalem, and its indigenous Arab inhabitants – both Christian and Muslim.
Massive marches will be organized in Palestine and surrounding countries towards Jerusalem or the nearest point possible to it according to the circumstances of each country, and through coordination between all groups and institutions of civil society taking part in the march.
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Palestinian woman lives in Ras Shehada neighborhood
The East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Ras Shehada, Ras Khamis, Dahyat A’salam and the Shuafat refugee camp, which are cut off from the rest of the city by the separation wall, have gone without running water since March 4. Locals say that Ras Shehada has had problems with water for more than two months, and Ras Khamis for more than 15 days, generally with low pressure and occasional cut-offs, and that this is the worst extended outage that these neighborhoods have ever experienced. |
With the rooftop reserve tanks now emptied, residents have no choice but to buy water at high prices from local vendors.
Ronit Sela, director of a human rights project in East Jerusalem for the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), wrote a letter last week to Infrastructure Minister Silvan Shalom which said, in part:
“In a conversation with Mr. Eli Cohen, Associate Director of The Gihon Corporation, the water corporation responsible for supply water to Jerusalem, ACRI was told that the company’s water systems and gauges did not indicate that there was any problem with the water supply to these areas. This however does not change the harsh reality of tens of thousands of people, including infants, children, women and the sick, being left without water. It is essential to remember that the right to water is a fundamental right, the absence of which has serious implications on the right to life and health.”
The Gihon Corporation and the Jerusalem Municipality correctly assert that the current water infrastructure in these neighborhoods is insufficient to meet the water demands of the residents. Indeed, this grave situation has been exacerbated in recent years by natural population growth together with the erection of the separation barrier that disconnects them from the rest of the city. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of National Infrastructure to intervene to find an immediate solution to this water shortage and ensure that these residents have access in the long term to a secure water supply.
This week, ACRI is going to the High Court to file an urgent petition on behalf of area residents calling on the National Water Authority and HaGihon to address the problem.
To be continued........
By Activestills
Ronit Sela, director of a human rights project in East Jerusalem for the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), wrote a letter last week to Infrastructure Minister Silvan Shalom which said, in part:
“In a conversation with Mr. Eli Cohen, Associate Director of The Gihon Corporation, the water corporation responsible for supply water to Jerusalem, ACRI was told that the company’s water systems and gauges did not indicate that there was any problem with the water supply to these areas. This however does not change the harsh reality of tens of thousands of people, including infants, children, women and the sick, being left without water. It is essential to remember that the right to water is a fundamental right, the absence of which has serious implications on the right to life and health.”
The Gihon Corporation and the Jerusalem Municipality correctly assert that the current water infrastructure in these neighborhoods is insufficient to meet the water demands of the residents. Indeed, this grave situation has been exacerbated in recent years by natural population growth together with the erection of the separation barrier that disconnects them from the rest of the city. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of National Infrastructure to intervene to find an immediate solution to this water shortage and ensure that these residents have access in the long term to a secure water supply.
This week, ACRI is going to the High Court to file an urgent petition on behalf of area residents calling on the National Water Authority and HaGihon to address the problem.
To be continued........
By Activestills
The Arab organization for human rights (AOHR) in London expressed its deep concern over the daily Jewish violation of the Aqsa Mosque's sanctity, especially during the morning hours.
In a press release on Monday, the Arab organization stated that Jewish temple groups have desecrated the Aqsa Mosque during last February and until now more than 1,000 times, noting that Jewish extremist figures like minister of housing Uri Ariel led those desecration break-ins at the Mosque. AOHR warned that the recurrence of the Jewish break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque heralds grave dangers that could lead to its division spatially and temporally as a prelude to the building of the alleged temple on its ruins.
It also pointed to the gravity of the escalating Israeli measures in the Old City of Jerusalem, including the closure of roads and streets leading to the holy city in order to prevent the Palestinians from frequenting the Aqsa Mosque and thus provide safe passageways for the Jews' desecration tours under police protection.
The Israeli police escalated its assaults on teachers and students who attend religious sessions at the Aqsa Mosque and banned five teachers from entering the Mosque for several months, the organization said.
Dozens of Palestinian worshipers also suffered injuries as they were trying to fend off Jewish settlers and prevent them from defiling the Mosque, it added.
AOHR appealed to the Arab and Islamic governments to urgently move at the UN level to take decisive action putting an end to the daily Jewish break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque, whose existence has become under constant threat.
In a press release on Monday, the Arab organization stated that Jewish temple groups have desecrated the Aqsa Mosque during last February and until now more than 1,000 times, noting that Jewish extremist figures like minister of housing Uri Ariel led those desecration break-ins at the Mosque. AOHR warned that the recurrence of the Jewish break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque heralds grave dangers that could lead to its division spatially and temporally as a prelude to the building of the alleged temple on its ruins.
It also pointed to the gravity of the escalating Israeli measures in the Old City of Jerusalem, including the closure of roads and streets leading to the holy city in order to prevent the Palestinians from frequenting the Aqsa Mosque and thus provide safe passageways for the Jews' desecration tours under police protection.
The Israeli police escalated its assaults on teachers and students who attend religious sessions at the Aqsa Mosque and banned five teachers from entering the Mosque for several months, the organization said.
Dozens of Palestinian worshipers also suffered injuries as they were trying to fend off Jewish settlers and prevent them from defiling the Mosque, it added.
AOHR appealed to the Arab and Islamic governments to urgently move at the UN level to take decisive action putting an end to the daily Jewish break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque, whose existence has become under constant threat.
17 mar 2014
Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah Monday urged the European countries to intensify their support to east Jerusalem and Area C, under full Israeli control, especially the marginalized areas. During a meeting with a delegate of European diplomats in Ramallah, Hamdallah praised the European Union’s exerted efforts to support the Palestinian government, particularly through development projects.
He stressed the importance of international support to the various Palestinian sectors, on top of which education, health and energy.
The diplomats included Belgian consul general in Jerusalem Bruno Ganz, Swedish consul general Axel Wernohff, Dutch representative to Palestine Birgitta Tazelaar and representative of Denmark to the State of Palestine, Anders Tang Friborg.
He stressed the importance of international support to the various Palestinian sectors, on top of which education, health and energy.
The diplomats included Belgian consul general in Jerusalem Bruno Ganz, Swedish consul general Axel Wernohff, Dutch representative to Palestine Birgitta Tazelaar and representative of Denmark to the State of Palestine, Anders Tang Friborg.
Clashes continued for the second day in a row at Al-Aqsa Mosque gates between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli police who prevented the worshipers' access to the holy mosque. Local sources said that Israeli forces stationed at al-Aqsa gates prevented Palestinian worshipers from entering into the Mosque, using pepper spray and batons against the protesters. Several of the worshipers were injured during the scuffle including children and women while a state of tension prevailed in the area.
In the meantime, Israeli forces continued to prevent Palestinian students' access to their religious school in al-Aqsa Mosque square while trying to expel them from Hutta gate.
The clashes erupted when occupation forces closed al-Aqsa Mosque gates as a prelude to implement a large settlers' break-in to mark Purim which is considered an embodiment of Israeli scheme to divide al-Aqsa Mosque temporally.
Palestinian worshipers have performed today dawn prayers in the Old City streets near al-Aqsa Mosque gates due to the Israeli ban on the entry of those who are under 50 years old.
Israeli forces have been stationed at the gates of the Al-Aqsa compound since the early morning hours, imposing restrictions on the entry of Palestinians into the compound, including students and workers in the compound, local sources said, noting that al-Aqsa Mosque is still subjected to military siege.
Israeli settlers have stormed al-Aqsa Mosque this morning under Israeli forces protection while preventing worshipers under 50 years old from praying in the Mosque for security pretexts.
Israeli policemen have intensified their presence in occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque gates where altercations took place after preventing worshipers' access to the Mosque.
In the meantime, Israeli forces continued to prevent Palestinian students' access to their religious school in al-Aqsa Mosque square while trying to expel them from Hutta gate.
The clashes erupted when occupation forces closed al-Aqsa Mosque gates as a prelude to implement a large settlers' break-in to mark Purim which is considered an embodiment of Israeli scheme to divide al-Aqsa Mosque temporally.
Palestinian worshipers have performed today dawn prayers in the Old City streets near al-Aqsa Mosque gates due to the Israeli ban on the entry of those who are under 50 years old.
Israeli forces have been stationed at the gates of the Al-Aqsa compound since the early morning hours, imposing restrictions on the entry of Palestinians into the compound, including students and workers in the compound, local sources said, noting that al-Aqsa Mosque is still subjected to military siege.
Israeli settlers have stormed al-Aqsa Mosque this morning under Israeli forces protection while preventing worshipers under 50 years old from praying in the Mosque for security pretexts.
Israeli policemen have intensified their presence in occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque gates where altercations took place after preventing worshipers' access to the Mosque.
On Monday Israeli forces in Jerusalem restricted entrance to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Muslim worshippers, Official Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reports.
The ban prevented all Palestinians under the age of 50 of entering, which lead to clashes. At Bab al-Nazer Gate several people, including women and children were injured, from clubs and tear gas.
The ban prevented all Palestinians under the age of 50 of entering, which lead to clashes. At Bab al-Nazer Gate several people, including women and children were injured, from clubs and tear gas.
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Thousands of people surrounded the Jerusalem Old City from the al-Khalil gate to al-Asbat gate in a defiant action marking a reading day celebration.
The Shabab al-Balad initiative organized the event in which people from Jerusalem, Palestinian-Israelis, and some people from the West Bank gathered to read simultaneously. Hundreds of others in Bethlehem, al-Ram, al-Ismailiya in Egypt, and Amman in Jordan participated. Shabal al-Balad director Hussam Uliyyan said the goal of the action to circle the Old City was meant to empower the steadfastness of Jerusalem residents in uniting Palestinian culture. |
Ulayyan added that the initiative had no political affiliations.
Abu Nidal, a participant in the action, said that “everyone should constantly ask themselves, 'What have I done for Jerusalem? What can I do so Jerusalem can live through its sons and stand in the face of struggle?'"
He added: "This city needs such cultural activities."
Marwan Abu Sneineh, 25, another participant, said these readers were a first line of defense for Jerusalem.
“Tourists and Jewish people who come from Europe and America will see the true face of Jerusalem today,” he said.
Israeli special forces and mounted police dispersed a protest that followed the event. They fired stun grenades, arrested a young man, and left seven others bruised.
Abu Nidal, a participant in the action, said that “everyone should constantly ask themselves, 'What have I done for Jerusalem? What can I do so Jerusalem can live through its sons and stand in the face of struggle?'"
He added: "This city needs such cultural activities."
Marwan Abu Sneineh, 25, another participant, said these readers were a first line of defense for Jerusalem.
“Tourists and Jewish people who come from Europe and America will see the true face of Jerusalem today,” he said.
Israeli special forces and mounted police dispersed a protest that followed the event. They fired stun grenades, arrested a young man, and left seven others bruised.
16 mar 2014
Israeli special forces stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and injured a number of worshipers on Sunday morning, witnesses said.
Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces entered the compound through the the Chain Gate, throwing stun grenades and shooting rubber bullets toward worshipers and blockading worshipers in the Al-Aqsa mosque.
The witnesses added that some worshipers were wounded by rubber bullets and fragments of stun grenades during the raid.
In addition, 500 students who study at religious schools inside in the compound were also denied access, witnesses said.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that stones were thrown at police officers at the Moroccan Gate as the site was opened to visitors, adding that police units on site were dealing with "disturbances."
The "Arab rioters" subsequently fled the area and "police did not enter the compound," while "visits continued as normal," he added.
Israeli forces have been stationed at the gates of the Al-Aqsa compound since early Sunday, imposing restrictions on the entrance of Palestinians into the compound, witnesses said.
The clashes coincide with the Jewish holiday of Purim. Activists affiliated with extremist Jewish organizations that call for the destruction of the Al-Aqsa mosque and the construction of a Jewish temple on the site had earlier issues calls on social media for Jewish worshipers to celebrate the holiday inside the Al-Aqsa compound.
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.
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.
Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces entered the compound through the the Chain Gate, throwing stun grenades and shooting rubber bullets toward worshipers and blockading worshipers in the Al-Aqsa mosque.
The witnesses added that some worshipers were wounded by rubber bullets and fragments of stun grenades during the raid.
In addition, 500 students who study at religious schools inside in the compound were also denied access, witnesses said.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that stones were thrown at police officers at the Moroccan Gate as the site was opened to visitors, adding that police units on site were dealing with "disturbances."
The "Arab rioters" subsequently fled the area and "police did not enter the compound," while "visits continued as normal," he added.
Israeli forces have been stationed at the gates of the Al-Aqsa compound since early Sunday, imposing restrictions on the entrance of Palestinians into the compound, witnesses said.
The clashes coincide with the Jewish holiday of Purim. Activists affiliated with extremist Jewish organizations that call for the destruction of the Al-Aqsa mosque and the construction of a Jewish temple on the site had earlier issues calls on social media for Jewish worshipers to celebrate the holiday inside the Al-Aqsa compound.
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.
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.
