10 oct 2013
Two leftist factions called Thursday on the Palestinian people to boycott municipal elections in Jerusalem, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967.
The Palestinian People's Party and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine urged residents of the city to neither vote nor run for terms of office in the municipality, which is controlled by Israel.
The PPP said in a statement that it was important to boycott the elections "for national and political reasons" because Jerusalem is an occupied city and an "essential part of the Palestinian territories."
It said participating would legitimize the occupation and settlements.
The PFLP, meanwhile, also urged a boycott of the elections, which the faction described as aimed at changing Jerusalem's identity to reflect Jewish rather than Arab heritage.
The Palestinian People's Party and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine urged residents of the city to neither vote nor run for terms of office in the municipality, which is controlled by Israel.
The PPP said in a statement that it was important to boycott the elections "for national and political reasons" because Jerusalem is an occupied city and an "essential part of the Palestinian territories."
It said participating would legitimize the occupation and settlements.
The PFLP, meanwhile, also urged a boycott of the elections, which the faction described as aimed at changing Jerusalem's identity to reflect Jewish rather than Arab heritage.
Senior Hamas leader Husam Badran said that the justifications and motives of the resistance in the West Bank are increasing day after day. Badran urged in statements to Quds Press on Wednesday all factions to move at this stage and confront the occupation Judaization schemes and the settlement activities, stressing that "it is a national and religious duty."
He hailed and supported the call by head of Hamas's political bureau for escalating the resistance against the occupation in defense of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, and for holding a national meeting to put a strategy to defend Jerusalem.
Regarding the role of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, Badran explained: "I do not think the authority, with its current composition and its strategic policy, will be involved in any move of this kind; but it will confront it considering it a threat to its project."
Concerning the Arab official position, the Hamas leader pointed out that the Palestinian people and the Hamas movement did not rely much on that position during the conflict with the occupation, because "it is governed by several internal and external factors."
He said the "influential and active" states are not sufficiently supporting the occupied city of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque; "they are not affecting the enemy and have not deterred it from its schemes that aim to Judaize Jerusalem and divide the Aqsa."
"Some Arab regimes are absolutely supporting the process of negotiations with the occupation, and are ready to give cover to the Palestinian negotiator."
"Yet we are convinced that the Arab peoples, despite their difficult conditions are able to change the equation if they start moving seriously in support of the issue of Jerusalem and in defense of the Aqsa Mosque," Badran added.
He hailed and supported the call by head of Hamas's political bureau for escalating the resistance against the occupation in defense of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, and for holding a national meeting to put a strategy to defend Jerusalem.
Regarding the role of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, Badran explained: "I do not think the authority, with its current composition and its strategic policy, will be involved in any move of this kind; but it will confront it considering it a threat to its project."
Concerning the Arab official position, the Hamas leader pointed out that the Palestinian people and the Hamas movement did not rely much on that position during the conflict with the occupation, because "it is governed by several internal and external factors."
He said the "influential and active" states are not sufficiently supporting the occupied city of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque; "they are not affecting the enemy and have not deterred it from its schemes that aim to Judaize Jerusalem and divide the Aqsa."
"Some Arab regimes are absolutely supporting the process of negotiations with the occupation, and are ready to give cover to the Palestinian negotiator."
"Yet we are convinced that the Arab peoples, despite their difficult conditions are able to change the equation if they start moving seriously in support of the issue of Jerusalem and in defense of the Aqsa Mosque," Badran added.
Dozens of settlers, accompanied by a number of rabbis, stormed the Aqsa Mosque on Thursday morning from the Mughrabi Gate, guarded by a large Israeli police force. Palestinian sources said that two groups of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque, and toured its courtyards, led by the extremist Jewish Rabbi Yehuda Glick, who provided the settlers with explanations about the alleged temple.
They pointed out that despite the restrictions imposed by the occupation on the entry of Palestinian worshipers to the mosque, and the presence of large numbers of troops in its yards and at its gates, the students and worshipers from Jerusalem and 1948 Palestine continued to flock to the Aqsa in large numbers.
Jewish organizations and activists from the rightist Likud party have called on Jews to participate in successive incursions into the Aqsa mosque that will continue for a week, starting from Thursday.
Meanwhile, Palestinian movements, institutions and figures called for intensifying the presence in Al-Aqsa Mosque, to confront the settlers' raids.
An atmosphere of tension prevails in the squares and at the gates of the mosque, and the Old City in light of the news about the presence of large crowds of settlers near the Buraq Wall, getting ready to break into the Aqsa Mosque.
They pointed out that despite the restrictions imposed by the occupation on the entry of Palestinian worshipers to the mosque, and the presence of large numbers of troops in its yards and at its gates, the students and worshipers from Jerusalem and 1948 Palestine continued to flock to the Aqsa in large numbers.
Jewish organizations and activists from the rightist Likud party have called on Jews to participate in successive incursions into the Aqsa mosque that will continue for a week, starting from Thursday.
Meanwhile, Palestinian movements, institutions and figures called for intensifying the presence in Al-Aqsa Mosque, to confront the settlers' raids.
An atmosphere of tension prevails in the squares and at the gates of the mosque, and the Old City in light of the news about the presence of large crowds of settlers near the Buraq Wall, getting ready to break into the Aqsa Mosque.
Senior member of the coalition for Jerusalem Yousuf Ghoneim criticized the ongoing talk about the dangers threatening Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque during meetings and conferences held for that purpose without any moves on the ground to address the Israeli violations and plots in the holy city. In a press statement to Quds Press on Wednesday, Ghoneim said that the Israeli occupation fulfilled about 90 percent of its Judaization goals in the holy city, most notably the 2020 plan, which reflects its perception of Jerusalem by the year 2020.
Ghoneim warned that the Israeli occupation is working diligently on reducing the percentage of Palestinians in Jerusalem through several policies, especially the economic restrictions as well as it is seeking to erase the Palestinian awareness and replace it with an Israeli vision.
For his part, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, preacher of the Aqsa Mosque, told Quds Press that the mounting break-ins at the Mosque by Jewish groups are attributed to the increase in the influence of the extremist Jewish trend within the Zionist community after they have become strongly present in the right-wing government and the Knesset.
Sheikh Sabri warned that such Jewish break-ins are aimed at creating a new fait accompli at the Mosque, accusing the Israeli government and its security and military institutions of providing direct support for the Jewish groups that organize mass break-ins at the Mosque.
Sheikh Sabri also belittled the Arab decisions to make Jerusalem the capital of the Arab press or culture.
"We do not expect that such decision would make any difference with regard to confronting the occupation because it must be dealt with in the field and on the ground, and we need serious Arab and Islamic moves to pressure the occupation authorities to desist from its break-ins and aggression," he emphasized.
Ghoneim warned that the Israeli occupation is working diligently on reducing the percentage of Palestinians in Jerusalem through several policies, especially the economic restrictions as well as it is seeking to erase the Palestinian awareness and replace it with an Israeli vision.
For his part, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, preacher of the Aqsa Mosque, told Quds Press that the mounting break-ins at the Mosque by Jewish groups are attributed to the increase in the influence of the extremist Jewish trend within the Zionist community after they have become strongly present in the right-wing government and the Knesset.
Sheikh Sabri warned that such Jewish break-ins are aimed at creating a new fait accompli at the Mosque, accusing the Israeli government and its security and military institutions of providing direct support for the Jewish groups that organize mass break-ins at the Mosque.
Sheikh Sabri also belittled the Arab decisions to make Jerusalem the capital of the Arab press or culture.
"We do not expect that such decision would make any difference with regard to confronting the occupation because it must be dealt with in the field and on the ground, and we need serious Arab and Islamic moves to pressure the occupation authorities to desist from its break-ins and aggression," he emphasized.
Jordan on Wednesday called on the Israeli occupation to implement international resolutions related to Jerusalem and the latest decisions adopted by the UNESCO executive board. The UN agency on Friday issued a resolution denouncing violations by the Israeli occupation authorities in the holy city of Jerusalem.
In its decisions, the UNESCO condemned Israel over several issues in relation to the preservation of archaeological sites in the Old City, the construction of a visitors’ centre, plans to build an elevator by the Western Wall, accusations of archaeological excavations damaging Muslim sites in Al Haram Al Sharif, and the deterioration of educational and cultural institutions in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani renewed Jordan’s warning that repeated acts of aggression against Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem, Israel’s unilateral measures and settlement policies pose a threat to the peace process.
Israel’s practices against the holy sites are rejected and condemned and are in violation of international conventions and agreements, he said, noting that Israel must stop its continued violations of the holy city.
Momani said Israeli occupation insist on allowing Jewish extremists into Al Aqsa Mosque which ignites religious conflict and constitutes a grave offence to Muslims and their feelings.
Expressing Jordan’s condemnation of the Israeli government turning a deaf ear to the Kingdom’s explicit and constant calls to prevent Jewish extremists from entering Al Aqsa Mosque, Momani urged world powers and international organizations to adopt a firm position to confront Israeli plans and practices against the holy site.
In its decisions, the UNESCO condemned Israel over several issues in relation to the preservation of archaeological sites in the Old City, the construction of a visitors’ centre, plans to build an elevator by the Western Wall, accusations of archaeological excavations damaging Muslim sites in Al Haram Al Sharif, and the deterioration of educational and cultural institutions in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani renewed Jordan’s warning that repeated acts of aggression against Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem, Israel’s unilateral measures and settlement policies pose a threat to the peace process.
Israel’s practices against the holy sites are rejected and condemned and are in violation of international conventions and agreements, he said, noting that Israel must stop its continued violations of the holy city.
Momani said Israeli occupation insist on allowing Jewish extremists into Al Aqsa Mosque which ignites religious conflict and constitutes a grave offence to Muslims and their feelings.
Expressing Jordan’s condemnation of the Israeli government turning a deaf ear to the Kingdom’s explicit and constant calls to prevent Jewish extremists from entering Al Aqsa Mosque, Momani urged world powers and international organizations to adopt a firm position to confront Israeli plans and practices against the holy site.
Israeli forces backed by military vehicles attacked several neighborhoods in Nablus north of the occupied West Bank. Witnesses said that the Israeli troops attacked Balata camp and arrested a Palestinian youth after raiding his house.
They pointed out that the Israeli forces also stormed Joseph Tomb and Askar refugee camp east of the city amid firing stun grenades towards the camp.
They pointed out that the Israeli forces also stormed Joseph Tomb and Askar refugee camp east of the city amid firing stun grenades towards the camp.
9 oct 2013
Officials in the Czech republic have denied that the country has plans to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, Palestinian officials said Wednesday.
PLO executive committee member Nabil Shaath said in a statement that he had held talks with Czech officials and confirmed that the embassy in Israel would not be moved to Jerusalem.
Both the Czech premier and foreign minister reaffirmed that the country had no plans to move its embassy or to change its attitude toward UN resolutions and EU positions regarding Jerusalem, Shaath said.
Anwar Abdul-Hani, head of the PLO’s political department, said in a separate statement that he met Wednesday morning in Syria with the Czech ambassador in Damascus, Eva Filipi.
“The remarks by the Czech president on this issue have been misinterpreted,” Filipi was quoted as saying, adding that the country would determine “the location of its embassy after a final solution is reached.”
Filipi also said that the country supported “the two-state solution and the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital,” according to the statement.
Days earlier, the official Czech news agency CTK quoted Czech president Milos Zeman as saying that he might move the Czech embassy to Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.
In a letter to Zeman on Saturday, chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat urged the president to reconsider, saying that such an action would be a “diplomatic recognition of the Israeli occupation” and “flagrant violation of international law.”
Israel captured East Jerusalem in 1967 and annexed it in 1980 in a move never recognized abroad.
PLO executive committee member Nabil Shaath said in a statement that he had held talks with Czech officials and confirmed that the embassy in Israel would not be moved to Jerusalem.
Both the Czech premier and foreign minister reaffirmed that the country had no plans to move its embassy or to change its attitude toward UN resolutions and EU positions regarding Jerusalem, Shaath said.
Anwar Abdul-Hani, head of the PLO’s political department, said in a separate statement that he met Wednesday morning in Syria with the Czech ambassador in Damascus, Eva Filipi.
“The remarks by the Czech president on this issue have been misinterpreted,” Filipi was quoted as saying, adding that the country would determine “the location of its embassy after a final solution is reached.”
Filipi also said that the country supported “the two-state solution and the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital,” according to the statement.
Days earlier, the official Czech news agency CTK quoted Czech president Milos Zeman as saying that he might move the Czech embassy to Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.
In a letter to Zeman on Saturday, chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat urged the president to reconsider, saying that such an action would be a “diplomatic recognition of the Israeli occupation” and “flagrant violation of international law.”
Israel captured East Jerusalem in 1967 and annexed it in 1980 in a move never recognized abroad.
The Association for Civil Rights opposed the initiative, saying that its purpose is to compile a huge police database
The occupation authorities forced a Jerusalemite of Mughrabi family to replace his ID card with a biometric one, even though the new identification system is still optional. The Haaretz newspaper said the Palestinian citizen went to so-called Office of the Population and Immigration Authority to validate his ID card, but the officer refused and replaced it with a biometric one.
Project coordinator at the Jerusalem Center for Legal Aid and Human Rights Ghalib Nashashibi told local media that "The biometric card is to be optional for two years; the occupation authorities are not entitled to force citizens to replace their ID cards with biometric,"
Nashashibi explained that a biometric card shows basic personal information, as it takes his fingerprint," pointing out that "it's set to be imposed only after two years from now,"
Nashashibi added that the biometric card is designed to be revocable and only renewable upon confirming that a citizen is a permanent resident of Jerusalem.
He confirmed that the occupation authorities actually enforced this system, as Jerusalemites' IDs card expire after 10 years, and that a citizen has to renew his by providing unequivocal proof of his permanent residency in the city.
"The rising house prices in occupied Jerusalem and the overpopulation witnessed in the city are of the most important obstacles facing Palestinian Jerusalemites when searching for a house,"
According to an earlier report of Haaretz, the biometric database is a computerized compilation of data, collecting and centralizing fingerprints and facial features of all citizens of (Israel), as part of a process of issuing new ‘smart’ identification documents.
In the meantime, the biometric system has been running under trial for two years as from two months.
During the trial run, people wanting to renew their I.D. or a passport have the choice of opting out whether they want a biometric document, the newspaper added.
It claims that the advantage of this system is to facilitate pre-flight processing at many airports around the world.
The Association for Civil Rights opposed the initiative, saying that its purpose is to compile a huge police database.
They argue that the centralized biometric database is not essential for producing ‘smart’ or biometric documents. The project, according to them, is an infringement on privacy, and leaked data could cause irreversible damage.
The occupation authorities forced a Jerusalemite of Mughrabi family to replace his ID card with a biometric one, even though the new identification system is still optional. The Haaretz newspaper said the Palestinian citizen went to so-called Office of the Population and Immigration Authority to validate his ID card, but the officer refused and replaced it with a biometric one.
Project coordinator at the Jerusalem Center for Legal Aid and Human Rights Ghalib Nashashibi told local media that "The biometric card is to be optional for two years; the occupation authorities are not entitled to force citizens to replace their ID cards with biometric,"
Nashashibi explained that a biometric card shows basic personal information, as it takes his fingerprint," pointing out that "it's set to be imposed only after two years from now,"
Nashashibi added that the biometric card is designed to be revocable and only renewable upon confirming that a citizen is a permanent resident of Jerusalem.
He confirmed that the occupation authorities actually enforced this system, as Jerusalemites' IDs card expire after 10 years, and that a citizen has to renew his by providing unequivocal proof of his permanent residency in the city.
"The rising house prices in occupied Jerusalem and the overpopulation witnessed in the city are of the most important obstacles facing Palestinian Jerusalemites when searching for a house,"
According to an earlier report of Haaretz, the biometric database is a computerized compilation of data, collecting and centralizing fingerprints and facial features of all citizens of (Israel), as part of a process of issuing new ‘smart’ identification documents.
In the meantime, the biometric system has been running under trial for two years as from two months.
During the trial run, people wanting to renew their I.D. or a passport have the choice of opting out whether they want a biometric document, the newspaper added.
It claims that the advantage of this system is to facilitate pre-flight processing at many airports around the world.
The Association for Civil Rights opposed the initiative, saying that its purpose is to compile a huge police database.
They argue that the centralized biometric database is not essential for producing ‘smart’ or biometric documents. The project, according to them, is an infringement on privacy, and leaked data could cause irreversible damage.
Yassin Hammoud, Director General of the Jerusalem International Foundation, stressed that the issue of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque represents the central issue for the whole Arab and Islamic nation, regardless the political differences. Hammoud said in remarks to Quds Press that the international workshop convened by the Jerusalem International Foundation on Wednesday comes to confirm that the issue of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque is the central issue that unifies the nation.
The workshop was attended by a large number of different political and religious parties, and was held under the slogan "Jerusalem brings us together."
Hammoud called for serving the nation's higher interests and overriding the political, partisan and ethnic interests, and for focusing on the points of convergence between the Islamic nations and cooperate.
"We have to cooperate and fight the Zionist project and to make every possible effort to resist it and liberate Palestine," Director General of the Beirut based foundation said.
He warned of the repercussions of the calls by extremist Jewish organizations for organizing mass incursions into the Aqsa Mosque for a whole week starting from Thursday.
Yassin Hammoud stressed that the escalation of mass raids in the Aqsa aims to apply the decision to divide the Mosque between Muslims and Jews.
He added that the current Arab and international atmosphere has encouraged the occupation authorities to commit more violations against the Aqsa Mosque.
The workshop was attended by a large number of different political and religious parties, and was held under the slogan "Jerusalem brings us together."
Hammoud called for serving the nation's higher interests and overriding the political, partisan and ethnic interests, and for focusing on the points of convergence between the Islamic nations and cooperate.
"We have to cooperate and fight the Zionist project and to make every possible effort to resist it and liberate Palestine," Director General of the Beirut based foundation said.
He warned of the repercussions of the calls by extremist Jewish organizations for organizing mass incursions into the Aqsa Mosque for a whole week starting from Thursday.
Yassin Hammoud stressed that the escalation of mass raids in the Aqsa aims to apply the decision to divide the Mosque between Muslims and Jews.
He added that the current Arab and international atmosphere has encouraged the occupation authorities to commit more violations against the Aqsa Mosque.
The head of Hamas' political bureau Khaled Meshaal called to step up armed resistance to defend the city of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque in light the Israeli escalated Judaization schemes in the holy city. There must be a military power that could restore Jerusalem, he said during a workshop organized by the Jerusalem International Foundation on Wednesday morning in Beirut.
Meshaal stressed on the importance of resistance option to restore Jerusalem, the right of return, al-Aqsa mosque, Church of the Resurrection and the Church of the Nativity.
He called for restoring "Deterrent Power" that was a key factor in confronting the occupation plans to target Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa mosque, saying that PA security coordination has undermined the resistance option.
Defending Jerusalem is the responsibility of all the Arab and Islamic nation, he said, stressing Hamas's adherence to resistance option despite all obstacles and difficulties.
Meshaal called for Arab and Islamic support to the Palestinian resistance as a first step to build a military power in face of the Israeli occupation that should not remain in peace, as he said.
He warned of the ongoing negotiation between the Palestinian authority and Israeli occupation especially that it came when the Palestinians and Arabs are their weakest.
The leader in Hamas movement stressed that no party whoever it was is entitled to negotiate or compromise over Jerusalem, warning of providing religious or political cover for making concessions to the occupation on the expense of the Palestinian constants.
Meshaal called for ending the national division and to restore unity between all national forces for the protection of Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque. He also called for a national and comprehensive strategy to face the Israeli Judaization schemes that aim at dividing al-Aqsa mosque.
He stressed the need to launch a popular resistance campaign in support of Jerusalem and al-Aqsa, pointing out to the need to support Jerusalemites' steadfastness by all possible means to address the Israeli demolition and displacement policy.
Meshaal concluded his speech by stressing on the Arab peoples' right to live in dignity and freedom away from sectarian and ethnic conflicts and eternal interventions.
He also stressed that the Israeli occupation is the enemy that threatens all the nation, noting that Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque are the common issue between all Arab and Islamic nation.
Meshaal stressed on the importance of resistance option to restore Jerusalem, the right of return, al-Aqsa mosque, Church of the Resurrection and the Church of the Nativity.
He called for restoring "Deterrent Power" that was a key factor in confronting the occupation plans to target Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa mosque, saying that PA security coordination has undermined the resistance option.
Defending Jerusalem is the responsibility of all the Arab and Islamic nation, he said, stressing Hamas's adherence to resistance option despite all obstacles and difficulties.
Meshaal called for Arab and Islamic support to the Palestinian resistance as a first step to build a military power in face of the Israeli occupation that should not remain in peace, as he said.
He warned of the ongoing negotiation between the Palestinian authority and Israeli occupation especially that it came when the Palestinians and Arabs are their weakest.
The leader in Hamas movement stressed that no party whoever it was is entitled to negotiate or compromise over Jerusalem, warning of providing religious or political cover for making concessions to the occupation on the expense of the Palestinian constants.
Meshaal called for ending the national division and to restore unity between all national forces for the protection of Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque. He also called for a national and comprehensive strategy to face the Israeli Judaization schemes that aim at dividing al-Aqsa mosque.
He stressed the need to launch a popular resistance campaign in support of Jerusalem and al-Aqsa, pointing out to the need to support Jerusalemites' steadfastness by all possible means to address the Israeli demolition and displacement policy.
Meshaal concluded his speech by stressing on the Arab peoples' right to live in dignity and freedom away from sectarian and ethnic conflicts and eternal interventions.
He also stressed that the Israeli occupation is the enemy that threatens all the nation, noting that Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque are the common issue between all Arab and Islamic nation.
The Israeli-controlled Jerusalem municipality approved the construction of 68 new settlement housing units in Jerusalem.
Yediot Ahranot (Ynet) reported that the Jerusalem local planning and construction committee approved the construction of 68 housing units in the Pisgat Zeev settlement in east Jerusalem.
The project was approved in a 4-1 vote, Ynet added. One of the "Meretz" party's representatives has strongly opposed the construction decision and described it as "provocative".
Yediot Ahranot (Ynet) reported that the Jerusalem local planning and construction committee approved the construction of 68 housing units in the Pisgat Zeev settlement in east Jerusalem.
The project was approved in a 4-1 vote, Ynet added. One of the "Meretz" party's representatives has strongly opposed the construction decision and described it as "provocative".
The intifada youth coalition called on the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territories and the Gaza Strip to organize angry marches next Friday in support of the Aqsa Mosque. "Our Aqsa is being Judaized, defiled and stormed" will be the banner of the angry Friday, according to a press release issued on Tuesday by the intifada coalition.
The coalition said it urges once again the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jerusalem and the 1948 occupied lands to go on marches reflecting their anger for the escalating Israeli and Jewish violations against Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque.
Extremist Jewish figures and groups under the auspices of their Likud government recently declared their intention to stage mass break-ins for one week at the Aqsa Mosque as of next Thursday.
Prominent Palestinian organizations and groups had warned earlier of dire repercussions if the Arabs and Muslim did not deal seriously with the mounting Israeli attempts to divide and seize the Aqsa Mosque.
The Israeli occupation regime intensified lately its violations against the Aqsa Mosque and sponsored its mass desecration by the Jews as a prelude to dividing and controlling it.
The coalition said it urges once again the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jerusalem and the 1948 occupied lands to go on marches reflecting their anger for the escalating Israeli and Jewish violations against Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque.
Extremist Jewish figures and groups under the auspices of their Likud government recently declared their intention to stage mass break-ins for one week at the Aqsa Mosque as of next Thursday.
Prominent Palestinian organizations and groups had warned earlier of dire repercussions if the Arabs and Muslim did not deal seriously with the mounting Israeli attempts to divide and seize the Aqsa Mosque.
The Israeli occupation regime intensified lately its violations against the Aqsa Mosque and sponsored its mass desecration by the Jews as a prelude to dividing and controlling it.
8 oct 2013
More than 100 Israeli soldiers and settlers on Tuesday morning stormed the Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate, under the protection of Israeli special police forces. Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowments and Heritage reported that a group of 50 female soldiers in their military uniform, in addition to 30 Israeli intelligence officers, and about 20 students and settlers stormed the courtyards of the Mosque.
It added that these groups toured the courtyards of the Mosque, guarded by soldiers and policemen who surrounded the crowds of Palestinian worshipers and hundreds of students who were present in the mosque and who expressed their intense anger due to the Israeli repeated violations.
Al-Aqsa Foundation reiterated that the Israeli occupation is trying to impose a new reality in the mosque, through the continuous campaigns of incursions.
It added that these groups toured the courtyards of the Mosque, guarded by soldiers and policemen who surrounded the crowds of Palestinian worshipers and hundreds of students who were present in the mosque and who expressed their intense anger due to the Israeli repeated violations.
Al-Aqsa Foundation reiterated that the Israeli occupation is trying to impose a new reality in the mosque, through the continuous campaigns of incursions.
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and heritage revealed that the Israeli authority is preparing to launch a new Judaization project by digging tunnels near Buraq Square west of Al-Aqsa Mosque, aiming to establish new facilities on an area of 1444 square meters. The foundation said that the occupation planned to approve in the coming days the establishment of the Judaization facilities three years after freezing its construction. The Judaization project's cost is estimated at $10 million funded by the Jewish millionaire Baruch Klein.
Al-Aqsa Foundation pointed out that the project aims at increasing the number of settlers and foreign tourists in the Old City and occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque particularly though establishing elevators and underground corridors to facilitate the arrival of the Jewish visitors as part of the Israeli policy to Judaize al-Buraq area and to blur the Islamic and Arab monuments in the area.
The foundation confirmed that it has charts and maps related to the mentioned project showing two tunnels to be drilled to link between Sharaf neighborhood and al-Buraq square through establishing a large elevator with a capacity for 24 passengers.
The project includes the construction of a visitor center, and public baths, stores, shops, and rooms for different uses. The foundation stated that it would publish the documents in the coming days.
Al-Aqsa Foundation pointed out that the project aims at increasing the number of settlers and foreign tourists in the Old City and occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque particularly though establishing elevators and underground corridors to facilitate the arrival of the Jewish visitors as part of the Israeli policy to Judaize al-Buraq area and to blur the Islamic and Arab monuments in the area.
The foundation confirmed that it has charts and maps related to the mentioned project showing two tunnels to be drilled to link between Sharaf neighborhood and al-Buraq square through establishing a large elevator with a capacity for 24 passengers.
The project includes the construction of a visitor center, and public baths, stores, shops, and rooms for different uses. The foundation stated that it would publish the documents in the coming days.
The Palestinian Presidency called on Tuesday the Israeli government to put a end to attacks that Israeli settlers carry out on Palestinians, their property and holy places, The Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.
Presidency condemned the continued incursions by Jewish settlers, members of the intelligence and Israeli soldiers into al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.
The Palestinian Presidency warned that these attacks and violations "could lead to unwarranted developments.", according to WAFA.
Presidency condemned the continued incursions by Jewish settlers, members of the intelligence and Israeli soldiers into al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.
The Palestinian Presidency warned that these attacks and violations "could lead to unwarranted developments.", according to WAFA.
Al-Quds international institution warned of the repercussions of the Israeli intention to organize mass Jewish break-ins for one week at the Aqsa Mosque as of next Thursday to commemorate what the Jews call rabbi Moshe ben Maimon's ascent to the temple mount. Director of the institution Yasin Hamoud told Quds Press on Monday that the Israeli occupation regime's persistence in protecting the extremist Jews who desecrate the Aqsa Mosque is aimed at executing its plan to divide the Mosque temporally between Muslims and Jews.
Hamoud strongly denounced the Arab and Muslim governments for their passive attitude toward the Israeli violations against Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque.
He expressed his belief that the Israeli plan to divide and seize the Mosque would be doomed to failure as the Crusaders had failed before.
Hamoud pointed out that his institution would hold next Wednesday, September 9, an international workshop under the theme "Jerusalem on the agenda of nations and governments" in order to address the Jewish dangers threatening the holy city and the Aqsa Mosque.
Jewish groups advocating the demolition of the Aqsa Mosque and members of the ruling party Likud had urged the Jews to actively participate in marches to be held as of next Thursday and for one week to the Aqsa Mosque to celebrate the day of ben Maimon's ascent in 1175 to the so-called temple mount.
These Jewish groups and some Likud members made announcements and invitations through the Hebrew media and social networking websites urging the Jews to massively desecrate the Aqsa Mosque during the days of this occasion.
These marches will be taking place concurrently with a Zionist conference to be held on the same day in the old city of Jerusalem
Likud members, in turn, called on their friends to participate in a special festival they will hold on the first day of the occasion at the Aqsa.
Hamoud strongly denounced the Arab and Muslim governments for their passive attitude toward the Israeli violations against Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque.
He expressed his belief that the Israeli plan to divide and seize the Mosque would be doomed to failure as the Crusaders had failed before.
Hamoud pointed out that his institution would hold next Wednesday, September 9, an international workshop under the theme "Jerusalem on the agenda of nations and governments" in order to address the Jewish dangers threatening the holy city and the Aqsa Mosque.
Jewish groups advocating the demolition of the Aqsa Mosque and members of the ruling party Likud had urged the Jews to actively participate in marches to be held as of next Thursday and for one week to the Aqsa Mosque to celebrate the day of ben Maimon's ascent in 1175 to the so-called temple mount.
These Jewish groups and some Likud members made announcements and invitations through the Hebrew media and social networking websites urging the Jews to massively desecrate the Aqsa Mosque during the days of this occasion.
These marches will be taking place concurrently with a Zionist conference to be held on the same day in the old city of Jerusalem
Likud members, in turn, called on their friends to participate in a special festival they will hold on the first day of the occasion at the Aqsa.
7 oct 2013
Jewish settlers attacked Beit Egza village, to the north west of occupied Jerusalem, at dawn Monday and tried to burn down its mosque. Mohammed Ghaith, a resident of the village and an eyewitness, told the Quds Press reporter that he saw five young Jewish settlers while drawing racist signs and insults to prophet Mohammed on the mosque’s wall before dawn.
He said that the assailants failed to enter the mosque and torch it because of the presence of vigilantes inside it. He added that the settlers damaged the mosque’s gate and spray-painted the Star of David on its wall along with other racist slogans.
Ghaith said that the settlers then burned down two cars and sprayed racist and insulting graffiti on nearby walls.
He said that he saw the settlers then flee to the nearby Ramot settlement, adding that it was not the first time the village and its inhabitants were targeted by Ramot settlers but it was the first time that they dared attack the mosque and try to torch it.
Settlers Burn Cars, Attack Mosque, Near Jerusalem
A group of extremist Israeli settlers burnt two Palestinian cars, and attacked a mosque in Beit Iksa village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, and wrote racist anti-Islamic graffiti.
Settlers also cut olive trees west of the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Local sources in Beit Iksa said that the settlers invaded the village during early dawn hours, and burnt two cars.
Resident Mohammad Gheith told the Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) stated that the settlers came from Ramot illegal settlement.
He added that the settlers wrote graffiti insulting Islam and the Muslim Prophet, Mohammad, in addition to writing other racist Price Tag graffiti on the front exterior wall of the local mosque.
The settlers tried to smash the mosque’s main door, but a number of residents were inside, noticed them, and chased them away.
In related news, a number of extremist settlers cut several olive trees in Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah.
Resident Azmi Samhan, said that the settlers cut several trees than belong to his brother, Maher, in Nabi Aneer area.
Palestinian lands and orchards in the area are subject to frequent attacks carried out by extremist Israeli settler groups. Such attacks escalate every year during the Olive harvest season.
Last year, Israeli extremists attacked dozens of villagers in their orchards, violently beat and struck them with batons, and stole harvested olives.
They also had dogs that mauled some villagers causing various injuries.
Settlers also harvested Palestinian orchards and stole the produce, they also cut hundreds of trees in different parts of the occupied West Bank.
He said that the assailants failed to enter the mosque and torch it because of the presence of vigilantes inside it. He added that the settlers damaged the mosque’s gate and spray-painted the Star of David on its wall along with other racist slogans.
Ghaith said that the settlers then burned down two cars and sprayed racist and insulting graffiti on nearby walls.
He said that he saw the settlers then flee to the nearby Ramot settlement, adding that it was not the first time the village and its inhabitants were targeted by Ramot settlers but it was the first time that they dared attack the mosque and try to torch it.
Settlers Burn Cars, Attack Mosque, Near Jerusalem
A group of extremist Israeli settlers burnt two Palestinian cars, and attacked a mosque in Beit Iksa village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, and wrote racist anti-Islamic graffiti.
Settlers also cut olive trees west of the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Local sources in Beit Iksa said that the settlers invaded the village during early dawn hours, and burnt two cars.
Resident Mohammad Gheith told the Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) stated that the settlers came from Ramot illegal settlement.
He added that the settlers wrote graffiti insulting Islam and the Muslim Prophet, Mohammad, in addition to writing other racist Price Tag graffiti on the front exterior wall of the local mosque.
The settlers tried to smash the mosque’s main door, but a number of residents were inside, noticed them, and chased them away.
In related news, a number of extremist settlers cut several olive trees in Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah.
Resident Azmi Samhan, said that the settlers cut several trees than belong to his brother, Maher, in Nabi Aneer area.
Palestinian lands and orchards in the area are subject to frequent attacks carried out by extremist Israeli settler groups. Such attacks escalate every year during the Olive harvest season.
Last year, Israeli extremists attacked dozens of villagers in their orchards, violently beat and struck them with batons, and stole harvested olives.
They also had dogs that mauled some villagers causing various injuries.
Settlers also harvested Palestinian orchards and stole the produce, they also cut hundreds of trees in different parts of the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli police claimed they arrested some Jewish students of different Talmudic institutes in occupied Jerusalem who formed lately a criminal gang intended for attacking the Palestinians and their property. A spokesman for the Israeli police said the investigations are still underway and there would be other arrests among members of this gang.
The spokesman added that the suspects were interrogated and confessed to committing a number of criminal and abusive acts against Palestinians and their vehicles in different areas of Jerusalem.
The spokesman added that the suspects were interrogated and confessed to committing a number of criminal and abusive acts against Palestinians and their vehicles in different areas of Jerusalem.
The organization of Islamic cooperation (OIC) warned the Czech Republic of moving its embassy to occupied Jerusalem, saying such step would adversely affect its relations with all Muslim countries. Secretary general of the OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed on Sunday his strong condemnation of the recent remarks made by Czech president Milos Zeman about moving his country's embassy to Jerusalem.
Ihsanoglu said that Zeman's proposal in this regard would damage the relations between his country and all Muslim states, describing it as very dangerous.
He also said that such step would violate the international law and affect the inalienable rights of the occupied Palestinian people.
Earlier, the Hamas Movement and the Palestinian liberation organization strongly denounced the Czech decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem.
Hamas described the decision as a blatant transgression of the Arab and Islamic right to the occupied holy city.
Ihsanoglu said that Zeman's proposal in this regard would damage the relations between his country and all Muslim states, describing it as very dangerous.
He also said that such step would violate the international law and affect the inalienable rights of the occupied Palestinian people.
Earlier, the Hamas Movement and the Palestinian liberation organization strongly denounced the Czech decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem.
Hamas described the decision as a blatant transgression of the Arab and Islamic right to the occupied holy city.