7 mar 2014
Some 50,000 Palestinian residents of Jerusalem have been without water for three days, after their water supply was cut off on Tuesday.
The residents are from the Shoafat refugee camp and the neighborhoods of Ras Hamis, Ras Shehada and Hashalom – all within the Jerusalem municipality, and where a majority of residents having blue Israeli ID cards. However, they are on the Palestinian side of the separation fence.
Water is supplied to the area by Jerusalem's water utility – Hagihon. The water systems were designed many years ago and are not adequate for the needs of the population, which has grown significantly in recent years
Water tanks on the roofs have already been emptied and now peddlers selling jerry-cans and water tanks at exorbitant prices have begun making the rounds.
"We don't have even a drop of water. How is it possible to live like this?" asks Jamil Sanduka, a local resident who promised to organize a protest "of 20,000 people outside city hall and the Knesset."
Ronit Sela, director of a human rights project in East Jerusalem for the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, wrote an urgent letter today to Infrastructure Minister Silvan Shalom: "In a conversation yesterday with Mr. Eli Cohen, deputy director-general of Hagihon, we were told that no problem has been observed in the facilities and measurement devices that monitor the water to the area," she wrote.
"But the reality remains unchanged: Tens of thousands of people, including babies, children, women and the sick, have been left without water. Let us not forget that the right to water is a basic right, and the lack of water has serious implications for the right to life and health."
"This cut-off of water is an especially egregious example of the ongoing neglect of residents who are cut off from the city by the separation fence," Sela concluded.
In its response, Hagihon said: "Water from Hagihon is flowing as usual to the neighborhoods on the other side of the separation fence (Shoafat, Hashalom and Ras Hamis), but the water infrastructure and sewer and drainage systems in the neighborhoods are not adequate for the size of the population living there and extensive development work is needed to bring the infrastructure up to par."
The company added that "most of the population in these neighborhoods (tens of thousands of people) are not registered customers of Hagihon but still receive a continuous water supply, out of humanitarian concerns, at a cost of more than NIS 10 million per year, paid for by Hagihon.
"Hagihon has warned the Water Authority many times of the urgent need to regularize the funding of the water supply and the improvement and maintenance of the infrastructure in the medium and long term, but the matter has yet to be addressed."
Source:Haaretz
The residents are from the Shoafat refugee camp and the neighborhoods of Ras Hamis, Ras Shehada and Hashalom – all within the Jerusalem municipality, and where a majority of residents having blue Israeli ID cards. However, they are on the Palestinian side of the separation fence.
Water is supplied to the area by Jerusalem's water utility – Hagihon. The water systems were designed many years ago and are not adequate for the needs of the population, which has grown significantly in recent years
Water tanks on the roofs have already been emptied and now peddlers selling jerry-cans and water tanks at exorbitant prices have begun making the rounds.
"We don't have even a drop of water. How is it possible to live like this?" asks Jamil Sanduka, a local resident who promised to organize a protest "of 20,000 people outside city hall and the Knesset."
Ronit Sela, director of a human rights project in East Jerusalem for the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, wrote an urgent letter today to Infrastructure Minister Silvan Shalom: "In a conversation yesterday with Mr. Eli Cohen, deputy director-general of Hagihon, we were told that no problem has been observed in the facilities and measurement devices that monitor the water to the area," she wrote.
"But the reality remains unchanged: Tens of thousands of people, including babies, children, women and the sick, have been left without water. Let us not forget that the right to water is a basic right, and the lack of water has serious implications for the right to life and health."
"This cut-off of water is an especially egregious example of the ongoing neglect of residents who are cut off from the city by the separation fence," Sela concluded.
In its response, Hagihon said: "Water from Hagihon is flowing as usual to the neighborhoods on the other side of the separation fence (Shoafat, Hashalom and Ras Hamis), but the water infrastructure and sewer and drainage systems in the neighborhoods are not adequate for the size of the population living there and extensive development work is needed to bring the infrastructure up to par."
The company added that "most of the population in these neighborhoods (tens of thousands of people) are not registered customers of Hagihon but still receive a continuous water supply, out of humanitarian concerns, at a cost of more than NIS 10 million per year, paid for by Hagihon.
"Hagihon has warned the Water Authority many times of the urgent need to regularize the funding of the water supply and the improvement and maintenance of the infrastructure in the medium and long term, but the matter has yet to be addressed."
Source:Haaretz
Ali Matar
Since the Zionists occupied Palestine and the Palestinian Nakba in 1948, the General Assembly of the United States issued the unfavourable resolution No. 181, which divides the state of Palestine, and the occupied territories of Palestine in 1967 by the Zionists. Since then, "Israelis" have been causing corruption in that holy land.
The occupiers killed Palestinians and confiscated their rights. They have sought, and are constantly seeking to Judaize Al-Quds through several ways in light of the disgraceful Arab silence. The "Israeli" occupier is currently seeking to impose its authority on Al-Aqsa Mosque and to withdraw the Jordanian state from it through announcing its decision in the Knesset. It's a plan that paves the way for a complete Judaization.
It is obvious to the whole world that the occupier is seeking to impose plans of dividing Al-Aqsa Mosque through its practices on the ground after effectively controlling over it and its courtyards by implementing all the resolutions concerning Al-Haram Al-Maqdisi and Jerusalemites by force and repression.
This is completely against the international law, which affirms in the military occupation law that it prevents the occupier from changing the landmarks of the occupied territory, and prevents it from imposing its beliefs on the people of the country.
"Israel" has violated the international law twice. Once, through occupying the Palestinian lands; then, by seeking to withdraw the guardianship of Al-Quds from its religious endowments department (awqaf) that is affiliated with the Ministry of endowments, holy shrines, and the Islamic Affairs in Jordan. This state is considered a legitimate and legal right maintained by the international law, after signing the convention between Palestine and Jordan that gives Jordan the right of guardianship and "the defense of Al-Quds and the Holy Sites" in Palestine. This convention was signed to prevent the occupiers from controlling Al-Quds Affairs, which is considered one of the Islamic and Christian sanctities that cannot be harmed or desecrated.
The following conditions are legally required from the "Israeli" entity in order not to breach the international law, not to change the landmarks of the Holy Quds, and not to infringe Al-Aqsa Mosque:
1) The "Israeli" authorities must be considered as occupation authorities because it is an occupation, according to international law, when an army exercises an unacceptable actual control over lands that it doesn't possess sovereignty rights over. Article 42 of the Hague Regulations of 1907 defines occupation: "The land is occupied when it is effectively placed under the control of the hostile army.
2) The Zionist entity still rejects to apply the Fourth Geneva Convention, and accepts to apply the regulations of the Hague Convention of 1907. Since the Partition Resolution No. 181 confirmed that Palestine was occupied, and that the occupation army is a hostile army, which has established a military rule in the Palestinian territories, the occupation authorities, therefore, must respect the belligerent occupation law and apply it.
3) The status of Jerusalem is determined in accordance with the principles, rules, and provisions of the public international law, particularly in accordance with The Hague Conventions of 1899, 1907, and the Fourth Geneva Convention issued in August 1949, as well as the international agreements affiliated to the international humanitarian law. All of these conventions confirm that the Palestinian territories are occupied and that they belongs to the Palestinian people who were obstructed from sovereignty and independence by the "Israeli" occupiers. Therefore, the occupation army is not allowed to impose its legislation on the Palestinian people, especially when it seeks to Judaize them.
The above mentioned confirms that the Zionist entity is exercising its powers by force on the Palestinian authorities, thus violating the international law- particularly in terms of humanity and the handling of religious beliefs and sanctities that ensure respecting and protecting all religious laws and norms. The "Israeli" occupation continues to exercise its hostile policies toward the Palestinians and Al-Aqsa Mosque, and its continuous quest to Judaize Jerusalem in accordance with the divisive, racist policies that violates human rights, emphasize the belief of freedom, the international Convention on the elimination of all Forms of racial discrimination, and the decision of the General Assembly of the United Nations 1514, 1960 (a declaration that granted independence to colonized countries and peoples).
It violates as well the resolutions of the United Nations, which affirm the right of the Palestinians to determine their fate, which was voted by the majority in the Committee of Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Affairs of the General Assembly on November 22, 2013. "Israel" is violating the belligerent occupation law in accordance with the following:
1) The occupying power does not have sovereignty right over the occupied territories, according to the law of occupation. It is required to respect the existing laws and institutions as much as possible. It is assumed in this regard that the occupation is temporary, and that the occupying power will maintain the previous status of the occupation in the occupied territories.
2) The belligerent law affirms that the occupation forces keep the local administration in the region; this confirms the legal breach in transferring Al-Aqsa administration to it.
3) Article 43 of The Hague Convention orders the occupiers to respect the enforced laws and conventions. Therefore, it is not permitted to control Al-Aqsa.
4) The "Israeli" occupier must comply with the obligations of the occupying authority that are mainly laid out in The Hague Regulations of 1907 (Articles 42-78) and the fourth Geneva Convention (Articles 27-34 and 47-56). Following this presentation of points, it is necessary to point out that what "Israel" is doing today is in violation of international law. It stresses on its racism, aggressiveness, and malicious intentions. Therefore, an action must be held at all levels and using all mechanisms because the situation of Al-Quds has become dangerous, and Al-Aqsa Mosque is under the threat of the Judaizing efforts by the enemy.
Source: Al-Ahed news
Since the Zionists occupied Palestine and the Palestinian Nakba in 1948, the General Assembly of the United States issued the unfavourable resolution No. 181, which divides the state of Palestine, and the occupied territories of Palestine in 1967 by the Zionists. Since then, "Israelis" have been causing corruption in that holy land.
The occupiers killed Palestinians and confiscated their rights. They have sought, and are constantly seeking to Judaize Al-Quds through several ways in light of the disgraceful Arab silence. The "Israeli" occupier is currently seeking to impose its authority on Al-Aqsa Mosque and to withdraw the Jordanian state from it through announcing its decision in the Knesset. It's a plan that paves the way for a complete Judaization.
It is obvious to the whole world that the occupier is seeking to impose plans of dividing Al-Aqsa Mosque through its practices on the ground after effectively controlling over it and its courtyards by implementing all the resolutions concerning Al-Haram Al-Maqdisi and Jerusalemites by force and repression.
This is completely against the international law, which affirms in the military occupation law that it prevents the occupier from changing the landmarks of the occupied territory, and prevents it from imposing its beliefs on the people of the country.
"Israel" has violated the international law twice. Once, through occupying the Palestinian lands; then, by seeking to withdraw the guardianship of Al-Quds from its religious endowments department (awqaf) that is affiliated with the Ministry of endowments, holy shrines, and the Islamic Affairs in Jordan. This state is considered a legitimate and legal right maintained by the international law, after signing the convention between Palestine and Jordan that gives Jordan the right of guardianship and "the defense of Al-Quds and the Holy Sites" in Palestine. This convention was signed to prevent the occupiers from controlling Al-Quds Affairs, which is considered one of the Islamic and Christian sanctities that cannot be harmed or desecrated.
The following conditions are legally required from the "Israeli" entity in order not to breach the international law, not to change the landmarks of the Holy Quds, and not to infringe Al-Aqsa Mosque:
1) The "Israeli" authorities must be considered as occupation authorities because it is an occupation, according to international law, when an army exercises an unacceptable actual control over lands that it doesn't possess sovereignty rights over. Article 42 of the Hague Regulations of 1907 defines occupation: "The land is occupied when it is effectively placed under the control of the hostile army.
2) The Zionist entity still rejects to apply the Fourth Geneva Convention, and accepts to apply the regulations of the Hague Convention of 1907. Since the Partition Resolution No. 181 confirmed that Palestine was occupied, and that the occupation army is a hostile army, which has established a military rule in the Palestinian territories, the occupation authorities, therefore, must respect the belligerent occupation law and apply it.
3) The status of Jerusalem is determined in accordance with the principles, rules, and provisions of the public international law, particularly in accordance with The Hague Conventions of 1899, 1907, and the Fourth Geneva Convention issued in August 1949, as well as the international agreements affiliated to the international humanitarian law. All of these conventions confirm that the Palestinian territories are occupied and that they belongs to the Palestinian people who were obstructed from sovereignty and independence by the "Israeli" occupiers. Therefore, the occupation army is not allowed to impose its legislation on the Palestinian people, especially when it seeks to Judaize them.
The above mentioned confirms that the Zionist entity is exercising its powers by force on the Palestinian authorities, thus violating the international law- particularly in terms of humanity and the handling of religious beliefs and sanctities that ensure respecting and protecting all religious laws and norms. The "Israeli" occupation continues to exercise its hostile policies toward the Palestinians and Al-Aqsa Mosque, and its continuous quest to Judaize Jerusalem in accordance with the divisive, racist policies that violates human rights, emphasize the belief of freedom, the international Convention on the elimination of all Forms of racial discrimination, and the decision of the General Assembly of the United Nations 1514, 1960 (a declaration that granted independence to colonized countries and peoples).
It violates as well the resolutions of the United Nations, which affirm the right of the Palestinians to determine their fate, which was voted by the majority in the Committee of Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Affairs of the General Assembly on November 22, 2013. "Israel" is violating the belligerent occupation law in accordance with the following:
1) The occupying power does not have sovereignty right over the occupied territories, according to the law of occupation. It is required to respect the existing laws and institutions as much as possible. It is assumed in this regard that the occupation is temporary, and that the occupying power will maintain the previous status of the occupation in the occupied territories.
2) The belligerent law affirms that the occupation forces keep the local administration in the region; this confirms the legal breach in transferring Al-Aqsa administration to it.
3) Article 43 of The Hague Convention orders the occupiers to respect the enforced laws and conventions. Therefore, it is not permitted to control Al-Aqsa.
4) The "Israeli" occupier must comply with the obligations of the occupying authority that are mainly laid out in The Hague Regulations of 1907 (Articles 42-78) and the fourth Geneva Convention (Articles 27-34 and 47-56). Following this presentation of points, it is necessary to point out that what "Israel" is doing today is in violation of international law. It stresses on its racism, aggressiveness, and malicious intentions. Therefore, an action must be held at all levels and using all mechanisms because the situation of Al-Quds has become dangerous, and Al-Aqsa Mosque is under the threat of the Judaizing efforts by the enemy.
Source: Al-Ahed news
6 mar 2014
Israeli policemen beat up a student at Qatanin gate of the Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Thursday while Jewish settlers were allowed free access into the holy Islamic site. The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said in a statement that student Khalil Suwan, from occupied Jerusalem, was badly bruised in the incident.
The police story claimed that Suwan refused to give his identity card to the policemen before entering the Aqsa Mosque, AFEH said.
It pointed out that at the same time 64 Jewish settlers and students were allowed free access into the Aqsa Mosque with full police protection.
The foundation said that rabbis accompanied the group and gave explanations on history of the alleged temple.
It said that Israeli intelligence officers provocatively toured the Mosque and took photos of Quran students.
The police story claimed that Suwan refused to give his identity card to the policemen before entering the Aqsa Mosque, AFEH said.
It pointed out that at the same time 64 Jewish settlers and students were allowed free access into the Aqsa Mosque with full police protection.
The foundation said that rabbis accompanied the group and gave explanations on history of the alleged temple.
It said that Israeli intelligence officers provocatively toured the Mosque and took photos of Quran students.
Jerusalemite notables warned of the decision of the District Court in Jerusalem to transfer management of the archaeological area south of al-Aqsa Mosque (the Umayyad-era palaces) to the Elad Association. Head of the Supreme Islamic Council Sheikh Ikrima Sabri said that this association has been waging attacks on al-Aqsa Mosque and wants to ignite a religious war in the region.
Dr. Sabri held the Israeli government responsible for these serious developments, and urged the Arab and Islamic governments to take serious actions in order to thwart the serious conspiracy that targets Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque.
Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab, head of Islamic Endowments Council, said in a statement on Thursday that Jerusalem is an occupied city and that the occupation authorities have no right to change its nature.
He added that the city and al-Aqsa Mosque have been exposed to serious violations by the Jewish extremists and rightist associations, supported by the Israeli police, and stressed that the region located south of the mosque is an Islamic endowment.
For his part, Dr. Jamal Amro, a specialist in Jerusalem affairs, said that the Judaization project requires the distribution of roles by the Israeli government on the civil society institutions.
He said that the Elad Association is able to destroy the Islamic monuments and introduce Jewish fake monuments with its budget of 4 billion shekels.
Amro warned that the association intends to carry out large-scale excavations in the area.
Dr. Sabri held the Israeli government responsible for these serious developments, and urged the Arab and Islamic governments to take serious actions in order to thwart the serious conspiracy that targets Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque.
Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab, head of Islamic Endowments Council, said in a statement on Thursday that Jerusalem is an occupied city and that the occupation authorities have no right to change its nature.
He added that the city and al-Aqsa Mosque have been exposed to serious violations by the Jewish extremists and rightist associations, supported by the Israeli police, and stressed that the region located south of the mosque is an Islamic endowment.
For his part, Dr. Jamal Amro, a specialist in Jerusalem affairs, said that the Judaization project requires the distribution of roles by the Israeli government on the civil society institutions.
He said that the Elad Association is able to destroy the Islamic monuments and introduce Jewish fake monuments with its budget of 4 billion shekels.
Amro warned that the association intends to carry out large-scale excavations in the area.
Palestinian lawmaker Naser Abdul-Jawwad said that the weakness of the Muslim Nation does not justify any move by the Palestinian Authority to give up any part of Jerusalem, stressing that the holy city is the essence of the conflict in the region.
"The concessions made by the PA and its current talk about Jerusalem is non-binding for the Palestinian people and the Muslim Nation.
I am confident that the Palestinian people, the future generations and the Nation in general will not accept any compromise on any part of Jerusalem city, which is the first Qiblah and the third holy Mosque in Islam," MP Abdul-Jawwad stated in a statement to Quds Press.
The lawmaker revealed that the PA has intentions to waive most of Jerusalem and accept only parts of it as the capital of the future Palestinian state.
"The sovereignty over Jerusalem belongs to the whole Islamic Nation. When the Palestinian people voted overwhelmingly in the 2006 elections in favor of the Hamas Movement's platform, they responded practically to the farce of negotiations over Jerusalem," he underlined.
For his part, Palestinian lawmaker Basem Al-Za'arir said that the Israeli occupation would never find a better opportunity to further Judaize Jerusalem and impose a fait accompli than the one provided now by the PA.
MP Za'arir told Quds Press that the PA's rejection of any popular moves against Israel's measures in Jerusalem and its protection of the settlers' security, in addition to its persistence in the peace talks provide cover for the occupation's violations in Jerusalem and help it to complete its Judaization plans.
"The concessions made by the PA and its current talk about Jerusalem is non-binding for the Palestinian people and the Muslim Nation.
I am confident that the Palestinian people, the future generations and the Nation in general will not accept any compromise on any part of Jerusalem city, which is the first Qiblah and the third holy Mosque in Islam," MP Abdul-Jawwad stated in a statement to Quds Press.
The lawmaker revealed that the PA has intentions to waive most of Jerusalem and accept only parts of it as the capital of the future Palestinian state.
"The sovereignty over Jerusalem belongs to the whole Islamic Nation. When the Palestinian people voted overwhelmingly in the 2006 elections in favor of the Hamas Movement's platform, they responded practically to the farce of negotiations over Jerusalem," he underlined.
For his part, Palestinian lawmaker Basem Al-Za'arir said that the Israeli occupation would never find a better opportunity to further Judaize Jerusalem and impose a fait accompli than the one provided now by the PA.
MP Za'arir told Quds Press that the PA's rejection of any popular moves against Israel's measures in Jerusalem and its protection of the settlers' security, in addition to its persistence in the peace talks provide cover for the occupation's violations in Jerusalem and help it to complete its Judaization plans.
The Bureau of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People expressed concern over the recent developments and increased tensions in Occupied East Jerusalem, especially the increasing incursions by Israeli extremists and political leaders, including Government officials, on the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, which provoke the Palestinians and other Muslim worshippers.
The committee said in a statement issued Wednesday that the most dangerous development is that the Knesset recently began a debate on a bill to impose "Israeli sovereignty" over Al-Haram Al-Sharif.
The committee stated that such actions with regard to this highly sensitive area provoke the Palestinians and may also be perceived as serious acts of incitement in the wider region. Moreover, these actions undermine the current negotiations process, threatening the prospects for peace.
The committee added, 'These recent actions are indicative of a strategy aimed at altering the legal, demographic, physical and cultural character of East Jerusalem. Such actions are clearly prohibited under international law. House demolitions, evictions, land expropriation and the revocation of residency rights of Palestinian Jerusalemites are also on the increase. In 2013, 565 structures were demolished in East Jerusalem, displacing 298 Palestinians, including many women and children.
Palestinians are permitted to build in only 14 per cent of East Jerusalem, and a third of Palestinian land in East Jerusalem has been expropriated since 1967. In the same period, the residency status of more than 14,000 Palestinians has been revoked by Israel. Moreover, the wall, a vast system of checkpoints and the imposition of a strict "entry permit" regime have effectively cut off East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank, restricting Palestinian movement, fragmenting the Palestinian Territory and exacerbating the already dire economic and social conditions of Palestinian residents.'
The committee said that Israel also continues to construct settlements in East Jerusalem, in violation of international law and in defiance of the international community's repeated calls for ending such illegal acts. Since the resumption of peace talks last July, Israel announced construction plans for more than 5,000 new settlement units in Palestinian neighborhoods in the city.
The committee stressed that the East Jerusalem remains an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and is subject to the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, as affirmed by numerous Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention clearly states: "The occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies.'
The committee pointed out that the question of East Jerusalem is a crucial permanent status issue. A sovereign, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital and with arrangements for the holy sites acceptable to all, is a core requirement for the achievement of a just and lasting peace.
The Bureau of the Committee calls on the Security Council to act without delay to address these alarming developments, which are in defiance of the Council's resolutions, including 252 (1968), 267 (1969), 271 (1969), 298 (1971), 476 (1980), 478 (1980), 672 (1990) and 1073 (1996). The Bureau also calls on the Security Council to continue monitoring violations of the aforementioned resolutions and to act accordingly for their implementation.
The Committee confirmed that it will continue to carry out its mandated work until the question of Palestine is resolved in all its aspects. It calls on the international community to do its utmost to make 2014, the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, a decisive year in achieving the freedom and national rights of the Palestinian people and a peaceful solution to the conflict in all its aspects.
The committee said in a statement issued Wednesday that the most dangerous development is that the Knesset recently began a debate on a bill to impose "Israeli sovereignty" over Al-Haram Al-Sharif.
The committee stated that such actions with regard to this highly sensitive area provoke the Palestinians and may also be perceived as serious acts of incitement in the wider region. Moreover, these actions undermine the current negotiations process, threatening the prospects for peace.
The committee added, 'These recent actions are indicative of a strategy aimed at altering the legal, demographic, physical and cultural character of East Jerusalem. Such actions are clearly prohibited under international law. House demolitions, evictions, land expropriation and the revocation of residency rights of Palestinian Jerusalemites are also on the increase. In 2013, 565 structures were demolished in East Jerusalem, displacing 298 Palestinians, including many women and children.
Palestinians are permitted to build in only 14 per cent of East Jerusalem, and a third of Palestinian land in East Jerusalem has been expropriated since 1967. In the same period, the residency status of more than 14,000 Palestinians has been revoked by Israel. Moreover, the wall, a vast system of checkpoints and the imposition of a strict "entry permit" regime have effectively cut off East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank, restricting Palestinian movement, fragmenting the Palestinian Territory and exacerbating the already dire economic and social conditions of Palestinian residents.'
The committee said that Israel also continues to construct settlements in East Jerusalem, in violation of international law and in defiance of the international community's repeated calls for ending such illegal acts. Since the resumption of peace talks last July, Israel announced construction plans for more than 5,000 new settlement units in Palestinian neighborhoods in the city.
The committee stressed that the East Jerusalem remains an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and is subject to the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, as affirmed by numerous Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention clearly states: "The occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies.'
The committee pointed out that the question of East Jerusalem is a crucial permanent status issue. A sovereign, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital and with arrangements for the holy sites acceptable to all, is a core requirement for the achievement of a just and lasting peace.
The Bureau of the Committee calls on the Security Council to act without delay to address these alarming developments, which are in defiance of the Council's resolutions, including 252 (1968), 267 (1969), 271 (1969), 298 (1971), 476 (1980), 478 (1980), 672 (1990) and 1073 (1996). The Bureau also calls on the Security Council to continue monitoring violations of the aforementioned resolutions and to act accordingly for their implementation.
The Committee confirmed that it will continue to carry out its mandated work until the question of Palestine is resolved in all its aspects. It calls on the international community to do its utmost to make 2014, the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, a decisive year in achieving the freedom and national rights of the Palestinian people and a peaceful solution to the conflict in all its aspects.
The Knesset's interior committee on Wednesday approved the formation of a subcommittee assigned to handle the file of the Jews' entry into the Aqsa Mosque compound, which it described as the ascent to the temple mount. According to the Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage, this Knesset subcommittee is tasked to examine the possibility of organizing Jewish break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque for three and a half hours every day.
It was given three months to submit its recommendations in this regard.
The formation of this subcommittee was suggested by right-wing Knesset member Miri Regev and it would be headed by his colleague David Tzur.
The Aqsa foundation said that this step is part of moves initiated by extremist Jewish temple groups against the Aqsa Mosque and aimed at dividing the Aqsa Mosque temporally and spatially between Muslims and Jews.
In a related incident, a Jewish temple group said it would hold a conference next April to incite the Jewish community to defile the Aqsa Mosque.
Extremist Knesset members like Moshe Feiglin and Yehuda Glick are expected to participate in this conference.
It was given three months to submit its recommendations in this regard.
The formation of this subcommittee was suggested by right-wing Knesset member Miri Regev and it would be headed by his colleague David Tzur.
The Aqsa foundation said that this step is part of moves initiated by extremist Jewish temple groups against the Aqsa Mosque and aimed at dividing the Aqsa Mosque temporally and spatially between Muslims and Jews.
In a related incident, a Jewish temple group said it would hold a conference next April to incite the Jewish community to defile the Aqsa Mosque.
Extremist Knesset members like Moshe Feiglin and Yehuda Glick are expected to participate in this conference.
5 mar 2014
Dozens of Jewish settlers entered the Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday in two groups and toured its various courtyards under heavy Israeli police protection. Local sources said that more than 40 settlers and dozens of students broke into the holy site via Maghareba gate in two groups.
They said that the settlers listened to explanations about the alleged temple while worshipers and vigilantes inside the Mosque chanted Allahu Akbar in protest at the “suspicious tour”.
They said that the settlers listened to explanations about the alleged temple while worshipers and vigilantes inside the Mosque chanted Allahu Akbar in protest at the “suspicious tour”.
The information center of Wadi Hilwa-Silwan said that the Israeli occupation authority initiated a new Judaization project on Palestinian land in Al-Sawana neighborhood to the east of occupied Jerusalem. In a report on Tuesday, the information center said that the project includes the establishment of a park and terraces of seats overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem, the Aqsa Mosque and their surrounding areas and neighborhoods.
The center added that Moriah construction company was hired by the Israeli municipal council in Jerusalem to carry out this project.
For his part, specialist in settlement affairs Ahmed Sablaban said that this new project is aimed at connecting the area between Beit Orot settlement and Gethsemane church in order to create territorial contiguity between the Israeli outposts and gardens in Silwan and Ras Amud area and the ones located in Attour and Sawana neighborhoods.
The center added that Moriah construction company was hired by the Israeli municipal council in Jerusalem to carry out this project.
For his part, specialist in settlement affairs Ahmed Sablaban said that this new project is aimed at connecting the area between Beit Orot settlement and Gethsemane church in order to create territorial contiguity between the Israeli outposts and gardens in Silwan and Ras Amud area and the ones located in Attour and Sawana neighborhoods.
4 mar 2014
Director of the Aqsa Mosque's affairs Najeh Bakirat said the Israeli occupation regime started lately to harvest five decades of its occupation and Judaization of Jerusalem, taking advantage of the current peace talks with the Palestinian Authority. "The negotiations, which the Palestinian Authority insists on, provide cover for the execution of the occupation's plans in the holy city," Bakirat stated in press remarks to Quds Press.
He said that the occupation unprecedentedly escalated its demographic warfare of attrition against the Palestinian natives of Jerusalem in order to replace them with Jewish settlers and declared an all-out war on the Islamic holy sites.
The director of the Aqsa Mosque called on the Palestinian Authority to end its negotiations with the Israeli occupation, stressing that it is unreasonable to give the occupation more time to take its schemes farther in Jerusalem.
He said that the occupation unprecedentedly escalated its demographic warfare of attrition against the Palestinian natives of Jerusalem in order to replace them with Jewish settlers and declared an all-out war on the Islamic holy sites.
The director of the Aqsa Mosque called on the Palestinian Authority to end its negotiations with the Israeli occupation, stressing that it is unreasonable to give the occupation more time to take its schemes farther in Jerusalem.
Members of Jewish groups and settlers led by rabbis participated on Monday evening in a provocative march around the gates of the Aqsa Mosque, wearing special shirts and chanting slogans calling for swiftly building the temple mount. According to the Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage, the march started at seven o'clock in the evening from Al-Buraq plaza before it headed towards Al-Qattanin Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem where they performed Talmudic dances and rituals.
Later, the march moved to Al-Wad street and then Al-Mujahideen street and ended up outside Al-Asbat Gate where they also continued their offensive celebrations using loudspeakers.
The Israeli police escorted the march and closed the areas where the march took place.
The Aqsa foundation warned that this march is one of many coming activities to be organized by Jewish temple groups that aim to pressure the Israeli decision-makers to fulfil the demands of the Jewish people to build the temple mount in place of the Aqsa Mosque.
It stressed that the Aqsa Mosque and its site belong to the Muslim Nation alone and the Jews have no right to a grain of its soil, affirming that the alleged temple mount is a myth that does not exist in the human history.
Later, the march moved to Al-Wad street and then Al-Mujahideen street and ended up outside Al-Asbat Gate where they also continued their offensive celebrations using loudspeakers.
The Israeli police escorted the march and closed the areas where the march took place.
The Aqsa foundation warned that this march is one of many coming activities to be organized by Jewish temple groups that aim to pressure the Israeli decision-makers to fulfil the demands of the Jewish people to build the temple mount in place of the Aqsa Mosque.
It stressed that the Aqsa Mosque and its site belong to the Muslim Nation alone and the Jews have no right to a grain of its soil, affirming that the alleged temple mount is a myth that does not exist in the human history.
3 mar 2014
The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage stated that Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) have recently started implementing Strauss House project on the western side of Buraq Square in al-Aqsa Mosque. According to the foundation, the project came in parallel with the Israeli policy to wipe out Islamic relics in al-Aqsa Mosque. A new wide patio, made of concrete, was poured on the ruins of Islamic monuments.
Strauss House project is a 1716-square-meter building consisting of three floors and containing a police station, a religious school, a synagogue, an exhibition hall, reception halls and dozens of WCs.
In this context, the foundation confirmed that the IOA approved an agreement to pave the way for Elad settlement association to take control over al-Aqsa Mosque from the western and southern sides.
The organization said that Elad organization aims to establish settlement projects around al-Aqsa Mosque in Silwan town in order to link between Israeli settlements in Wadi Hilweh neighborhood in the town and Buraq square.
Al-Aqsa Foundation said that Israeli authorities work to implement Judaization and settlement projects aiming to facilitate the arrival of millions of settlers in addition to facilitating tourists' access to Buraq square.
Strauss House project is a 1716-square-meter building consisting of three floors and containing a police station, a religious school, a synagogue, an exhibition hall, reception halls and dozens of WCs.
In this context, the foundation confirmed that the IOA approved an agreement to pave the way for Elad settlement association to take control over al-Aqsa Mosque from the western and southern sides.
The organization said that Elad organization aims to establish settlement projects around al-Aqsa Mosque in Silwan town in order to link between Israeli settlements in Wadi Hilweh neighborhood in the town and Buraq square.
Al-Aqsa Foundation said that Israeli authorities work to implement Judaization and settlement projects aiming to facilitate the arrival of millions of settlers in addition to facilitating tourists' access to Buraq square.
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) banned the call for prayers at the Ibrahimi mosque in Al-Khalil 44 times during the past month. The ban was at the pretext that the prayers call was disturbing Jewish settlers in the “usurped area of the mosque” and during Jewish feasts, the director of Awkaf in the city Sheikh Tayseer Abu Snene said.
He said that the IOA did not take into consideration the feelings of Muslims and their right to reach and pray in the mosque.
Abu Snene lashed out at the IOA ban, which, he said, encroached on the freedom of worship that was endorsed by all international laws.
He said that the IOA did not take into consideration the feelings of Muslims and their right to reach and pray in the mosque.
Abu Snene lashed out at the IOA ban, which, he said, encroached on the freedom of worship that was endorsed by all international laws.
2 mar 2014
Israeli municipal authorities in Jerusalem are planning to require mosques to lower the volume of the Muslim call to prayer, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem said in a statement, Sunday.
"Mosques in Palestine, in general, and in Jerusalem in particular, have been targets of a vicious campaign by the occupation authorities," Muhammad Hussein said in the statement.
The mufti condemned the plans, saying that Muslim authorities were the only ones who had the right to intervene in mosque affairs.
"The occupation authorities make light of all heavenly laws and international law, as they follow a systematic plan designed to efface all Arab and Palestinian landmarks in Palestine and replace them with Jewish landmarks."
Palestinian officials frequently condemn what they refer to as the "Judaization of Jerusalem" on the part of Israeli authorities, saying that they engage in discriminatory policies which discriminate against Palestinian residents, seeking to encourage their departure from the city.
East Jerusalem has been occupied by Israel since 1967.
"Mosques in Palestine, in general, and in Jerusalem in particular, have been targets of a vicious campaign by the occupation authorities," Muhammad Hussein said in the statement.
The mufti condemned the plans, saying that Muslim authorities were the only ones who had the right to intervene in mosque affairs.
"The occupation authorities make light of all heavenly laws and international law, as they follow a systematic plan designed to efface all Arab and Palestinian landmarks in Palestine and replace them with Jewish landmarks."
Palestinian officials frequently condemn what they refer to as the "Judaization of Jerusalem" on the part of Israeli authorities, saying that they engage in discriminatory policies which discriminate against Palestinian residents, seeking to encourage their departure from the city.
East Jerusalem has been occupied by Israel since 1967.
Groups of Israeli Jews entered the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday morning through the Moroccan Gate escorted by a large contingent of Israeli police officers.
Witnesses told Ma'an that more than 40 settlers entered the compound in groups, and that a large group was led by the controversial rightist lawyer Yehuda Glick.
Worshipers shouted "God is Great" in Arabic while the groups toured the compound and heated arguments were reported.
Yehuda Glick is an American-born Israeli who has been banned in the past by Israeli authorities from entering the compound due to provocations while on the site. He is the chairman of the controversial Temple Mount Heritage Fund.
Critics charge that the Temple Mount Heritage Fund leads Jewish 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.
Witnesses told Ma'an that more than 40 settlers entered the compound in groups, and that a large group was led by the controversial rightist lawyer Yehuda Glick.
Worshipers shouted "God is Great" in Arabic while the groups toured the compound and heated arguments were reported.
Yehuda Glick is an American-born Israeli who has been banned in the past by Israeli authorities from entering the compound due to provocations while on the site. He is the chairman of the controversial Temple Mount Heritage Fund.
Critics charge that the Temple Mount Heritage Fund leads Jewish 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.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
The 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.
Dozens of Jerusalemite youths have protested at Bab al-Amoud in occupied Jerusalem on Saturday afternoon after Israeli occupation forces barred men under the age of 50 from attending Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Eyewitnesses said that a group of the protesters tried to set fire to the Israeli police station located at the Dome of the Rock square, forcing Israeli policemen to close the station and flee the scene.
Few days ago, angry protesters had set fire to a police station in Asbat Gate following the martyrdom of Jerusalemite detainee Jihad al-Tawil in Israeli jails.
Few days ago, angry protesters had set fire to a police station in Asbat Gate following the martyrdom of Jerusalemite detainee Jihad al-Tawil in Israeli jails.
Palestinian Legislative Council member Samira Halayqeh said that the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Ramallah did not take any position in response to Israeli violations in Jerusalem "except tabling the file at the negotiating table." MP Halayqeh told Quds Press that there was nothing new in former Israeli premier Ehud Olmert's statements, in which he said that PA chief Mahmoud Abbas had accepted the division of Jerusalem under Israeli control, saying that the PA is totally absent about what is going on in Jerusalem.
The PA is only interested in making statements concerning negotiations, she added.
She said that Abbas has continued to choose the negotiation path, which persisted for 20 years without getting anything in favor of Jerusalem and in face of Israeli practices.
MP Halayqeh warned of Abbas' concessions on Palestinian constants in light of the region's political conditions.
In its turn, Palestinian government in Gaza has accused the Palestinian Authority of providing a green light to escalate Israeli violations in al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem through negotiations and its statements in favor of the division of Jerusalem.
Dr. Ismail Radwan, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Gaza, stated that the PA decision to continue negotiation with the occupation gives a green light to more Israeli violations in al-Aqsa Mosque.
He pointed out that discussing ways to enforce Israeli sovereignty over al-Aqsa Mosque in the Knesset came as part of Israeli schemes to Judaize Jerusalem and destroy al-Aqsa Mosque in order to build the alleged Temple on its ruins.
He condemned the Arab and Islamic countries' silence towards Israeli escalation against al-Aqsa Mosque, saying that their positions do not live up to Israeli threats to Jerusalem and the holy mosque.
The PA is only interested in making statements concerning negotiations, she added.
She said that Abbas has continued to choose the negotiation path, which persisted for 20 years without getting anything in favor of Jerusalem and in face of Israeli practices.
MP Halayqeh warned of Abbas' concessions on Palestinian constants in light of the region's political conditions.
In its turn, Palestinian government in Gaza has accused the Palestinian Authority of providing a green light to escalate Israeli violations in al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem through negotiations and its statements in favor of the division of Jerusalem.
Dr. Ismail Radwan, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Gaza, stated that the PA decision to continue negotiation with the occupation gives a green light to more Israeli violations in al-Aqsa Mosque.
He pointed out that discussing ways to enforce Israeli sovereignty over al-Aqsa Mosque in the Knesset came as part of Israeli schemes to Judaize Jerusalem and destroy al-Aqsa Mosque in order to build the alleged Temple on its ruins.
He condemned the Arab and Islamic countries' silence towards Israeli escalation against al-Aqsa Mosque, saying that their positions do not live up to Israeli threats to Jerusalem and the holy mosque.
1 mar 2014
Israeli former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert revealed that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas "agreed to a Jewish Israeli serving as mayor of an umbrella municipality for Jerusalem that would govern the capitals of Israel and a Palestinian state", Israeli media sources said. Israeli Jerusalem Post newspaper quoted Olmert as saying that "Abbas agreed, during their negotiations that ended in September 2008, that while Jerusalem would be separated into two capitals, there would be an umbrella mayor, and given the Jewish majority in the city, he is likely to be Israeli".
In their negotiations, "neither Olmert nor Abbas defined what role the umbrella municipality would have over the two capitals, whether it would have proper administrative functions or be largely symbolic", Olmert said.
Olmert pointed out that he has proposed that Jerusalem’s Old City would be internationalized under the control of five countries: Israel, the new Palestinian state, the United States, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, adding that Abbas agreed that "three out of the five countries that would be part of the international trusteeship were Muslim."
Regarding Palestinian refugees' right of return, Olmert said he "offered to accept 1,000 a year for five years on a humanitarian basis, not on a Palestinian right of return. He said that Abbas expected more, but he never said how many more."
"Abu Mazen told me he does not want to change the demographics of Israel,” he continued. “I think he was very forthcoming."
In their negotiations, "neither Olmert nor Abbas defined what role the umbrella municipality would have over the two capitals, whether it would have proper administrative functions or be largely symbolic", Olmert said.
Olmert pointed out that he has proposed that Jerusalem’s Old City would be internationalized under the control of five countries: Israel, the new Palestinian state, the United States, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, adding that Abbas agreed that "three out of the five countries that would be part of the international trusteeship were Muslim."
Regarding Palestinian refugees' right of return, Olmert said he "offered to accept 1,000 a year for five years on a humanitarian basis, not on a Palestinian right of return. He said that Abbas expected more, but he never said how many more."
"Abu Mazen told me he does not want to change the demographics of Israel,” he continued. “I think he was very forthcoming."
Sheikh Kamal Al-Khatib, deputy head of the Islamic Movement in the 1948 occupied lands, warned that the Israeli occupation regime is preparing nowadays for aggressive measures against the Aqsa Mosque during the Jewish passover festival that will start in mid-April. Sheikh Khatib made his remarks during his talk in a televised interview with Al-Quds satellite channel on Friday about the recent events at the Aqsa Mosque and its exposure to daily Jewish desecration.
Sheikh Khatib said that serious escalation and tension might happen on April 14, the eve of the passover festival, at the Aqsa Mosque compound, but he stressed that the Israeli restrictions that would be imposed during the days of the Jewish festival would not prevent the Palestinians from defending their Mosque.
"The Zionist foundation should realize that our people and nation would never allow the Aqsa Mosque to be a temple," the Islamic Movement official underlined. "Our people is ready and on alert to fend off that evilness."
"If the Arab regimes and the Palestinian Authority drift away from the national, Arab and Islamic consensus, we like to tell them that our people has a word to say and a position to show, and they will never give up Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque," Sheikh Khatib stressed.
In another context, the Hebrew newspaper Yerushalayim said on Friday that the Israeli municipal council in occupied Jerusalem intends to reduce the sound of adhan (prayer calls) at the city mosques at the pretext of preventing "noise" caused by loudspeakers.
The newspaper expressed its belief that this step, if implemented, would cause angry reactions among the Palestinian natives of Jerusalem, adding that the Israeli municipality would use new technology to lower the mosque adhan in the holy city.
Sheikh Khatib said that serious escalation and tension might happen on April 14, the eve of the passover festival, at the Aqsa Mosque compound, but he stressed that the Israeli restrictions that would be imposed during the days of the Jewish festival would not prevent the Palestinians from defending their Mosque.
"The Zionist foundation should realize that our people and nation would never allow the Aqsa Mosque to be a temple," the Islamic Movement official underlined. "Our people is ready and on alert to fend off that evilness."
"If the Arab regimes and the Palestinian Authority drift away from the national, Arab and Islamic consensus, we like to tell them that our people has a word to say and a position to show, and they will never give up Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque," Sheikh Khatib stressed.
In another context, the Hebrew newspaper Yerushalayim said on Friday that the Israeli municipal council in occupied Jerusalem intends to reduce the sound of adhan (prayer calls) at the city mosques at the pretext of preventing "noise" caused by loudspeakers.
The newspaper expressed its belief that this step, if implemented, would cause angry reactions among the Palestinian natives of Jerusalem, adding that the Israeli municipality would use new technology to lower the mosque adhan in the holy city.