22 july 2013
Children are often denied access to their families amid controversial citizenship laws.
A system of "quiet deportation" of East Jerusalem families has developed as a result of the restrictive laws applied to Palestinians in the city. As a result, a generation of Palestinian children have grown up living in uncertainty and fear, writes Miriam Pellicano in Al Jazeera English.
If Tasneem, 14, a Palestinian living in East Jerusalem, could speak to the Israeli Minister of Interior, she would deliver this message: "Give us the right to be a family and give us the freedom to live. Don't imprison us."
Tasneem's family is one of thousands affected by the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law, which prohibits Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza from obtaining permanent or temporary resident status in East Jerusalem or Israel. The citizenship law applies to married couples even when one spouse holds Israeli residency or citizenship.
A system of "quiet deportation" [PDF] of East Jerusalem families has developed as a result of the restrictive laws applied to Palestinians in the city. Between 1967 and 2011, more than 14,000 Palestinians have had their residency status revoked.
Since Israel's 1967 annexation of East Jerusalem, a move unrecognized by the international community, Palestinians have rarely been granted citizenship rights, only residency rights. Palestinians live with the threat of having their residency revoked.
As a result, a generation of Palestinian children have grown up living in uncertainty and fear. Children tell Defense for Children International Palestine, a local Palestinian child rights organisation, that they are often afraid, sad, or feel different to peers who are afforded different entitlements.
For Tasneem, the purpose of the law is clear. "It's a demographic law," she explains. "They don't want more Palestinian people in Jerusalem."
While the law was first issued as a temporary order in 2003, its enforcement has been extended several times, despite the Israeli High Court of Justice describing it as "a disproportionate violation" of the rights of Arab citizens and residents of Israel. In April this year, the Knesset approved an extension of the citizenship law bringing the prohibition on family reunification into its 11th year.
Living with uncertainty
Parents with residency rights in Jerusalem and a Jerusalem identification card cannot automatically transfer their status to their children.
Alaa, an 11-year-old from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, is currently in the process of applying for residency status, which his mother currently holds. He is in the middle of a lengthy and onerous application process that is required in order to register him with the Interior Ministry. It will be difficult for him to obtain Jerusalem residency status if his family fails to submit the request before his 12th birthday. If they apply after he turns 14, it will be impossible for him to receive any residency status.
The convoluted nature of registration has left families with children holding various statuses. Once children turn 18, they are unable to submit an application for child registration or family reunification. This leaves females in particularly vulnerable situations, as it obligates women to live alone or apart from their families, which is contrary to the general customs and traditions of the Palestinian family.
Alaa's mother notices that as he passes through a checkpoint he sinks in his seat and gets tears in his eyes. "I'm afraid that I will be left in the West Bank while the rest of my family stays in East Jerusalem," he says.
Mohammad Shihabi is a lawyer with the Community Action Center (CAC), which has an office to support families lodging applications for residency status in East Jerusalem.
"If children are not yet on their parent's ID card, and they are waiting on the process to obtain some kind of status, they can be subject to harassment at the checkpoints," Shihabi says.
"Registration processes can take years, and renewal of permits often requires a security check that may take anywhere from two months to one year. During this time children are particularly vulnerable."
Alaa is on alert when there is trouble in Silwan, which has a growing Jewish settler presence and where arrests of Palestinian children are common.
"I am very afraid when children are arrested," he says. "I stay inside the house when this happens and I don't move." Since he is not registered on his mother's ID, he is worried about what could happen to him.
The citizenship law has deleterious effects on children, including hampering the registration of children of Israeli residents - with a West Bank spouse - the denial of health, education and insurance services, and most importantly, the right to equality and family life.
In June 2007, HaMoked and several other human rights organisations filed a petition before the Israeli High Court of Justice challenging the citizenship law. The organisations highlighted the effect it has on children, and that the law not only separates spouses from each other, but also separates parents from their children.[PDF] Ultimately, the challenge was rejected and the law was upheld.
'Prisoners in their own city'
The children have not grown used to the idea their father must stay in Eziriya, a suburb separated from Jerusalem due to the annexation. A song played on the children's channel about fathers disturbs them. "They cry when they hear the song," she says. "It is very hard on them."
"The families are under a constant state of pressure," says Rema Rezeq, a coordinator at the CAC's Women's Empowerment Unit. "Spouses don't know if their partner will be granted a permit to enter. Children become upset and distressed that their parent is separated from the family, or are sad when they see how their parents must live. They live with the constant fear that they will never see their parent again."
Since 2008, there has been an absolute prohibition of family reunification for any person from Gaza over the age of 14. This confines children to living in Gaza without one of their parents, or forces the parent to give up their entitlements in Jerusalem and move to Gaza.
There are potentially 10,000 unregistered children in East Jerusalem, which means they are exempt from a variety of social and education benefits. They are not able to obtain a driver's licence or permits, and cannot legally seek employment. They live a life in limbo, without either Jerusalem or West Bank identification. This leaves thousands of Palestinians as stateless persons. Their future and security are precarious in the city.
Sabah, 40, returned to Jerusalem three years ago after separating from her husband in the West Bank. Despite a court order that gives her custody of her children, she can only arrange entrance permits for her children to be with her and not residency status for them.
"I am afraid for their future," says Sabah. "They are high academic achievers, but cannot go to university here. If they go to a University in the West Bank, they will be away from me, and they do not want to live there alone."
Even if families are issued temporary or entrance permits, their renewal is dependent on a security check that can take anywhere from a few months to a year, which delays the reinstatement of an entrance permit. During renewal periods, entitlements are frozen for children and families, which can leave families without health, education and insurance benefits.
"It makes their future education difficult, their movement is restricted, and they cannot marry here," says Sabah. "My children feel like they are prisoners in their own city."
Repeated phone calls and emails for comment on this story to the Interior Ministry went unanswered.
Countering the 'demographic threat'
The revocation of residency rights and the exile and deportation of Palestinians in East Jerusalem is one direct measure the Israeli government implements to counter the "demographic threat" [PDF] to the state of Israel.
Palestinians are at risk of losing their Jerusalem residency if they chose to go overseas to study, work or live. If residents are overseas for more than three years and are unable to prove that their center of life is in Jerusalem or Israel, they will lose their right to renew or update their ID. Residency can also be revoked if Palestinians naturalize.
In contrast to the precarious status of Palestinians with Jerusalem residency, the Foundation for Middle East Peace reports "a large number of Israelis have dual nationality, including an estimated 500,000 Israelis holding US passports (with close to a quarter-million pending applications)."
While Palestinians navigate prohibitive and discriminatory legal and administrative systems to remain in Jerusalem, the Israeli government is financially supporting tens of thousands of immigrants to settle in Israel and illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Ministry of Immigration Absorption, through their financial assistance programs, provides generous housing, education and health incentives, as well as generous tax exemptions to assist immigrants in their settlement process.
While immigrants can take advantage of these generous and attractive incentives, Palestinians are subject to exclusion from the National Insurance Institute (NII) if they cannot comply with measures that target their status and residency rights. They can lose their social and health insurance benefits by not complying with various caveats.
"This law exists to insult the people here in Palestine," says Alaa. "Its purpose is to degrade the Palestinians."
When DCI-Palestine fieldworkers asked him about his vision for the future, he tries to remain positive. "I will get the ID," he says. "I want to finish my education and I see beautiful things in my future."
If he could speak to the Minister of Interior, Alaa says he would request one thing: "Bring my father back to my home."
Miriam Pellicano is a consultant with Defense for Children International Palestine. This article was originally published in Al Jazeera English.
A system of "quiet deportation" of East Jerusalem families has developed as a result of the restrictive laws applied to Palestinians in the city. As a result, a generation of Palestinian children have grown up living in uncertainty and fear, writes Miriam Pellicano in Al Jazeera English.
If Tasneem, 14, a Palestinian living in East Jerusalem, could speak to the Israeli Minister of Interior, she would deliver this message: "Give us the right to be a family and give us the freedom to live. Don't imprison us."
Tasneem's family is one of thousands affected by the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law, which prohibits Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza from obtaining permanent or temporary resident status in East Jerusalem or Israel. The citizenship law applies to married couples even when one spouse holds Israeli residency or citizenship.
A system of "quiet deportation" [PDF] of East Jerusalem families has developed as a result of the restrictive laws applied to Palestinians in the city. Between 1967 and 2011, more than 14,000 Palestinians have had their residency status revoked.
Since Israel's 1967 annexation of East Jerusalem, a move unrecognized by the international community, Palestinians have rarely been granted citizenship rights, only residency rights. Palestinians live with the threat of having their residency revoked.
As a result, a generation of Palestinian children have grown up living in uncertainty and fear. Children tell Defense for Children International Palestine, a local Palestinian child rights organisation, that they are often afraid, sad, or feel different to peers who are afforded different entitlements.
For Tasneem, the purpose of the law is clear. "It's a demographic law," she explains. "They don't want more Palestinian people in Jerusalem."
While the law was first issued as a temporary order in 2003, its enforcement has been extended several times, despite the Israeli High Court of Justice describing it as "a disproportionate violation" of the rights of Arab citizens and residents of Israel. In April this year, the Knesset approved an extension of the citizenship law bringing the prohibition on family reunification into its 11th year.
Living with uncertainty
Parents with residency rights in Jerusalem and a Jerusalem identification card cannot automatically transfer their status to their children.
Alaa, an 11-year-old from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, is currently in the process of applying for residency status, which his mother currently holds. He is in the middle of a lengthy and onerous application process that is required in order to register him with the Interior Ministry. It will be difficult for him to obtain Jerusalem residency status if his family fails to submit the request before his 12th birthday. If they apply after he turns 14, it will be impossible for him to receive any residency status.
The convoluted nature of registration has left families with children holding various statuses. Once children turn 18, they are unable to submit an application for child registration or family reunification. This leaves females in particularly vulnerable situations, as it obligates women to live alone or apart from their families, which is contrary to the general customs and traditions of the Palestinian family.
Alaa's mother notices that as he passes through a checkpoint he sinks in his seat and gets tears in his eyes. "I'm afraid that I will be left in the West Bank while the rest of my family stays in East Jerusalem," he says.
Mohammad Shihabi is a lawyer with the Community Action Center (CAC), which has an office to support families lodging applications for residency status in East Jerusalem.
"If children are not yet on their parent's ID card, and they are waiting on the process to obtain some kind of status, they can be subject to harassment at the checkpoints," Shihabi says.
"Registration processes can take years, and renewal of permits often requires a security check that may take anywhere from two months to one year. During this time children are particularly vulnerable."
Alaa is on alert when there is trouble in Silwan, which has a growing Jewish settler presence and where arrests of Palestinian children are common.
"I am very afraid when children are arrested," he says. "I stay inside the house when this happens and I don't move." Since he is not registered on his mother's ID, he is worried about what could happen to him.
The citizenship law has deleterious effects on children, including hampering the registration of children of Israeli residents - with a West Bank spouse - the denial of health, education and insurance services, and most importantly, the right to equality and family life.
In June 2007, HaMoked and several other human rights organisations filed a petition before the Israeli High Court of Justice challenging the citizenship law. The organisations highlighted the effect it has on children, and that the law not only separates spouses from each other, but also separates parents from their children.[PDF] Ultimately, the challenge was rejected and the law was upheld.
'Prisoners in their own city'
The children have not grown used to the idea their father must stay in Eziriya, a suburb separated from Jerusalem due to the annexation. A song played on the children's channel about fathers disturbs them. "They cry when they hear the song," she says. "It is very hard on them."
"The families are under a constant state of pressure," says Rema Rezeq, a coordinator at the CAC's Women's Empowerment Unit. "Spouses don't know if their partner will be granted a permit to enter. Children become upset and distressed that their parent is separated from the family, or are sad when they see how their parents must live. They live with the constant fear that they will never see their parent again."
Since 2008, there has been an absolute prohibition of family reunification for any person from Gaza over the age of 14. This confines children to living in Gaza without one of their parents, or forces the parent to give up their entitlements in Jerusalem and move to Gaza.
There are potentially 10,000 unregistered children in East Jerusalem, which means they are exempt from a variety of social and education benefits. They are not able to obtain a driver's licence or permits, and cannot legally seek employment. They live a life in limbo, without either Jerusalem or West Bank identification. This leaves thousands of Palestinians as stateless persons. Their future and security are precarious in the city.
Sabah, 40, returned to Jerusalem three years ago after separating from her husband in the West Bank. Despite a court order that gives her custody of her children, she can only arrange entrance permits for her children to be with her and not residency status for them.
"I am afraid for their future," says Sabah. "They are high academic achievers, but cannot go to university here. If they go to a University in the West Bank, they will be away from me, and they do not want to live there alone."
Even if families are issued temporary or entrance permits, their renewal is dependent on a security check that can take anywhere from a few months to a year, which delays the reinstatement of an entrance permit. During renewal periods, entitlements are frozen for children and families, which can leave families without health, education and insurance benefits.
"It makes their future education difficult, their movement is restricted, and they cannot marry here," says Sabah. "My children feel like they are prisoners in their own city."
Repeated phone calls and emails for comment on this story to the Interior Ministry went unanswered.
Countering the 'demographic threat'
The revocation of residency rights and the exile and deportation of Palestinians in East Jerusalem is one direct measure the Israeli government implements to counter the "demographic threat" [PDF] to the state of Israel.
Palestinians are at risk of losing their Jerusalem residency if they chose to go overseas to study, work or live. If residents are overseas for more than three years and are unable to prove that their center of life is in Jerusalem or Israel, they will lose their right to renew or update their ID. Residency can also be revoked if Palestinians naturalize.
In contrast to the precarious status of Palestinians with Jerusalem residency, the Foundation for Middle East Peace reports "a large number of Israelis have dual nationality, including an estimated 500,000 Israelis holding US passports (with close to a quarter-million pending applications)."
While Palestinians navigate prohibitive and discriminatory legal and administrative systems to remain in Jerusalem, the Israeli government is financially supporting tens of thousands of immigrants to settle in Israel and illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Ministry of Immigration Absorption, through their financial assistance programs, provides generous housing, education and health incentives, as well as generous tax exemptions to assist immigrants in their settlement process.
While immigrants can take advantage of these generous and attractive incentives, Palestinians are subject to exclusion from the National Insurance Institute (NII) if they cannot comply with measures that target their status and residency rights. They can lose their social and health insurance benefits by not complying with various caveats.
"This law exists to insult the people here in Palestine," says Alaa. "Its purpose is to degrade the Palestinians."
When DCI-Palestine fieldworkers asked him about his vision for the future, he tries to remain positive. "I will get the ID," he says. "I want to finish my education and I see beautiful things in my future."
If he could speak to the Minister of Interior, Alaa says he would request one thing: "Bring my father back to my home."
Miriam Pellicano is a consultant with Defense for Children International Palestine. This article was originally published in Al Jazeera English.
21 july 2013
Christian-Muslim Commission for support of Jerusalem and holy sites warned of the seriousness of the Judaization excavations under Al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that they could lead to the collapse of part of the mosque. The Commission noted in a statement on Sunday that the excavations have reached a depth of 4 meters in the southwestern tip, demanding the international community to take immediate action to save Al-Aqsa Mosque.
It also stressed that the explicit confessions of the Israeli occupation government about carrying out these excavations prove Israel's rejection of all international resolutions and conventions.
Christian-Muslim Commission added these confessions come under the framework of the continuation of the Judaization plans and projects that aim to demolish Al-Aqsa Mosque and build the alleged temple on its ruins.
It also stressed that the explicit confessions of the Israeli occupation government about carrying out these excavations prove Israel's rejection of all international resolutions and conventions.
Christian-Muslim Commission added these confessions come under the framework of the continuation of the Judaization plans and projects that aim to demolish Al-Aqsa Mosque and build the alleged temple on its ruins.
19 july 2013
The occupation police decided on the second Friday of the month of Ramadan to intensify the presence of its forces in different streets of the city of Jerusalem, especially in the vicinity of the Old City and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The police decided to prevent worshipers from the West Bank who are under the age of 40 from entering Jerusalem to perform Friday prayers at Al Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli police sources said that men aged 40 years and older will be allowed to enter Jerusalem and that the restrictions imposed will not include the women. All women from all age groups will be allowed to enter the occupied city.
The sources added that the police erected checkpoints and closed all roads and streets leading to the area of East Jerusalem, including the Old City. Only public travel buses will be allowed to pass.
Israeli police sources said that men aged 40 years and older will be allowed to enter Jerusalem and that the restrictions imposed will not include the women. All women from all age groups will be allowed to enter the occupied city.
The sources added that the police erected checkpoints and closed all roads and streets leading to the area of East Jerusalem, including the Old City. Only public travel buses will be allowed to pass.
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Thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank and Israel headed to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to perform Ramadan prayers on Friday.
The Al-Aqsa Foundation, which provides the fast-breaking iftar meal to worshipers during the Muslim holy month, said it expected around 300,000 people to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday. Some 200 buses of worshipers arrived at the mosque from around Israel, the foundation said. |
18 july 2013
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage confirmed that the Israeli authorities have escalated their settlement activities and promotional campaigns in Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads directly and indirectly these campaigns, the foundation said, pointing out to the continued and escalated break-ins to the mosque by Israeli ministers and their deputies.
The Foundation confirmed that large budgets were allocated for Judaization projects in the occupied city of Jerusalem which requires an Islamic firm position against the Israeli Judaization schemes.
The Foundation stated that Netanyahu has recently participated in an American popular television program to promote tourism to Jerusalem and the tunnels dug by the occupation under al-Aqsa mosque.
The television program has detailed explanation for the alleged Temple and tunnels under al-Aqsa mosque. Israeli “Today” Newspaper pointed out the Netanyahu has visited accompanied by his family the tunnel network under the mosque.
The Foundation confirmed that large budgets were allocated for Judaization projects in the occupied city of Jerusalem which requires an Islamic firm position against the Israeli Judaization schemes.
The Foundation stated that Netanyahu has recently participated in an American popular television program to promote tourism to Jerusalem and the tunnels dug by the occupation under al-Aqsa mosque.
The television program has detailed explanation for the alleged Temple and tunnels under al-Aqsa mosque. Israeli “Today” Newspaper pointed out the Netanyahu has visited accompanied by his family the tunnel network under the mosque.
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) admitted that its excavations beneath the Aqsa Mosque and in its vicinity have extended four meters deep, according to a circular released on Wednesday by the Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage. The Aqsa foundation said that Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper published on its website on Tuesday on the anniversary of the so-called temple destruction a report including details about the diggings taking place beneath the foundations of the Aqsa Mosque, especially near the western wall and Al-Maghariba Gate.
Eli Shukron, a senior official from the Israeli antiquities authority, stated in this report that the diggings have reached depths of three to four meters under the Aqsa Mosque's foundations, particularly beneath the Mosque's western wall and its Islamic museum.
The report also included a video recording showing holes and a cave in the excavated areas, while Shukron claimed them to be the remains of an old Jewish neighborhood.
The Aqsa foundation, in turn, described such Israeli claims as lies and warned of their serious impacts on the future of the Aqsa Mosque and its existence.
It stressed that the whole Aqsa Mosque compound with its western wall is an Islamic holy site belonging to only Muslims and the claim about the presence of Hebrew remains under its foundations is an attempt to falsify the Islamic and Arab history of the holy city.
Eli Shukron, a senior official from the Israeli antiquities authority, stated in this report that the diggings have reached depths of three to four meters under the Aqsa Mosque's foundations, particularly beneath the Mosque's western wall and its Islamic museum.
The report also included a video recording showing holes and a cave in the excavated areas, while Shukron claimed them to be the remains of an old Jewish neighborhood.
The Aqsa foundation, in turn, described such Israeli claims as lies and warned of their serious impacts on the future of the Aqsa Mosque and its existence.
It stressed that the whole Aqsa Mosque compound with its western wall is an Islamic holy site belonging to only Muslims and the claim about the presence of Hebrew remains under its foundations is an attempt to falsify the Islamic and Arab history of the holy city.
Deputy Head of the Islamic Movement in the 1948 occupied territories Sheikh Kamal Khatib said that the military coup in Egypt encouraged the occupation to escalate raids into Al-Aqsa Mosque since the beginning of the month of Ramadan. The Islamic leader said in an interview with the Jordanian Al-Sabil newspaper that the Israeli institution, for the third year respectively, has allowed the settlers to storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the holy month of Ramadan, and considered that a qualitative and serious development and a desecration of the Islamic sanctities.
Khatib strongly slammed the meeting held between Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in light of the new Israeli Prawer project.
Meanwhile; the Israeli minister of Defense Moshe Ya'alon said that the government gave permission to the Egyptian army to operate in Sinai in order to fight the Islamists there.
Ya'alon added that the Israeli government intends to allow more Egyptian military forces into Sinai in the coming period.
The Israeli Channel 7 website quoted Moshe Ya'alon as saying that "the Egyptian security system has been facing challenges in the Sinai due to Islamic extremist elements that have been attacking the army and police."
Egypt has recently submitted a formal request to the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv to send in more troops to the region. Ya’alon reviewed it, and approved it.
Ya'alon said: "As long as the Egyptians use those forces in fighting terrorism with our permission and without violating the peace agreement, we will of course allow them to fight the challenges posed by the Islamists in Sinai. At the time when their mission will end, the situation will certainly return as it was".
He revealed that there has been communication and coordination between the Israeli and the Egyptian security systems, at different levels.
Khatib strongly slammed the meeting held between Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in light of the new Israeli Prawer project.
Meanwhile; the Israeli minister of Defense Moshe Ya'alon said that the government gave permission to the Egyptian army to operate in Sinai in order to fight the Islamists there.
Ya'alon added that the Israeli government intends to allow more Egyptian military forces into Sinai in the coming period.
The Israeli Channel 7 website quoted Moshe Ya'alon as saying that "the Egyptian security system has been facing challenges in the Sinai due to Islamic extremist elements that have been attacking the army and police."
Egypt has recently submitted a formal request to the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv to send in more troops to the region. Ya’alon reviewed it, and approved it.
Ya'alon said: "As long as the Egyptians use those forces in fighting terrorism with our permission and without violating the peace agreement, we will of course allow them to fight the challenges posed by the Islamists in Sinai. At the time when their mission will end, the situation will certainly return as it was".
He revealed that there has been communication and coordination between the Israeli and the Egyptian security systems, at different levels.
Israel's deputy minister for religious services Eli Ben Dahan confirmed that he plans to allow Jewish congregational prayers in al-Aqsa mosque as a response to the Israeli police's refusal to allow the entering of extremist settlers and Israeli political figures to the mosque. Ben Dahan strongly condemned during an interview with Israeli TV channel 10 the police prevention of the settlers' from entry into al-Aqsa mosque, stressing on the Jewish worshipers' right to have access to the "Temple Mount" in light of Israel's tolerance, freedom and equal principles as he claimed.
The Israeli police has prevented Wednesday the entry of deputy foreign minister, Zeev alkene, to al-Aqsa mosque for fear of erupting clashes with the Muslim worshipers who repelled the provocative visit to the mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Israeli police has prevented Wednesday the entry of deputy foreign minister, Zeev alkene, to al-Aqsa mosque for fear of erupting clashes with the Muslim worshipers who repelled the provocative visit to the mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.
Israeli authorities banned the director of Amarat Al-Aqsa Institute, Hekmat Naamneh, from entering al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
The institute said in a statement on Thursday, that Naamneh has entered into the mosque through al-Asbat gate, along with his family, to perform al-Maghreb Prayer when one of Israeli Policemen followed him and informed him that he's banned from being inside the compound. No reasons were given for this decision.
The police warned Naamneh that if he tries to enter into Al-Aqsa Mosque, he would be detained for 24 hours and be subjected to cruel procedures.
It's worth mentioning that Israeli authorities issued a military order in April 2012 in which he was banned for one month from entering al-Aqsa Mosque.
The institute said in a statement on Thursday, that Naamneh has entered into the mosque through al-Asbat gate, along with his family, to perform al-Maghreb Prayer when one of Israeli Policemen followed him and informed him that he's banned from being inside the compound. No reasons were given for this decision.
The police warned Naamneh that if he tries to enter into Al-Aqsa Mosque, he would be detained for 24 hours and be subjected to cruel procedures.
It's worth mentioning that Israeli authorities issued a military order in April 2012 in which he was banned for one month from entering al-Aqsa Mosque.
17 july 2013
Israeli occupation forces on Tuesday evening arrested three Jerusalemites, while dozens were injured during violent clashes in the vicinity of the Damascus Gate. The clashes broke out when the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) suppressed a mass protest against the Prawer scheme.
Local sources said that the soldiers surrounded and attacked dozens of citizens from the occupied city of Jerusalem and the 1948 occupied territories, who took part in the vigil staged to protest against Prawer plan.
Medic Bassem Zidani pointed out that there have been dozens of injuries and that the IOF attacked all the citizens; including the women, children and old people, who were present in the vicinity of the Damascus Gate even those who were not involved in the protest.
Meanwhile, Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowments and Heritage warned in a statement on Wednesday of a new Israeli plan to build hotels and tourist and commercial facilities on parts of the land of the Islamic historical cemetery of Ma'man Allah in Jerusalem.
The Foundation considered such procedure a crime and a flagrant violation of the sanctity of the dead, and asserted that it will spare no effort to respond to and thwart this scheme.
Hebrew newspaper Ma'ariv published on Wednesday morning on its website news item stating that the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem began to develop plans and draw blueprints to build hotels and tourist and commercial facilities on parts of the cemetery.
The newspaper pointed out that the Finance Committee in the municipality allocated 200 thousand shekels (about 75 thousand U.S. $) for the planning of the project, in collaboration with the Israeli Eden Company.
Al-Aqsa Foundation pointed out that the Israeli enterprise seized the cemetery and swept away hundreds of graves, then it has established schools and playgrounds for the Israelis.
The Foundation has launched a few months ago a local and international campaign to address all the Israeli plans targeting the Islamic cemetery of Ma'man Allah.
Local sources said that the soldiers surrounded and attacked dozens of citizens from the occupied city of Jerusalem and the 1948 occupied territories, who took part in the vigil staged to protest against Prawer plan.
Medic Bassem Zidani pointed out that there have been dozens of injuries and that the IOF attacked all the citizens; including the women, children and old people, who were present in the vicinity of the Damascus Gate even those who were not involved in the protest.
Meanwhile, Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowments and Heritage warned in a statement on Wednesday of a new Israeli plan to build hotels and tourist and commercial facilities on parts of the land of the Islamic historical cemetery of Ma'man Allah in Jerusalem.
The Foundation considered such procedure a crime and a flagrant violation of the sanctity of the dead, and asserted that it will spare no effort to respond to and thwart this scheme.
Hebrew newspaper Ma'ariv published on Wednesday morning on its website news item stating that the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem began to develop plans and draw blueprints to build hotels and tourist and commercial facilities on parts of the cemetery.
The newspaper pointed out that the Finance Committee in the municipality allocated 200 thousand shekels (about 75 thousand U.S. $) for the planning of the project, in collaboration with the Israeli Eden Company.
Al-Aqsa Foundation pointed out that the Israeli enterprise seized the cemetery and swept away hundreds of graves, then it has established schools and playgrounds for the Israelis.
The Foundation has launched a few months ago a local and international campaign to address all the Israeli plans targeting the Islamic cemetery of Ma'man Allah.
Palestinian worshipers and guards confronted the Israeli deputy foreign minister during a visit to the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem's Old City on Wednesday, a local foundation said.
The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage said Israeli deputy FM Zeev Elkin entered the compound through the Moroccan gate accompanied by a group of settlers and armed Israeli forces.
Minutes after arriving in the compound Elkin was surrounded by worshipers, students and mosque guards, pressuring him to leave.
Worshipers also chanted 'Allah Akbar', or 'God is Great,' at the senior Israeli official.
Some 30 minutes after the incident a group of 50 settlers entered the area, including Likud official Yehuda Glick.
The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage said Israeli deputy FM Zeev Elkin entered the compound through the Moroccan gate accompanied by a group of settlers and armed Israeli forces.
Minutes after arriving in the compound Elkin was surrounded by worshipers, students and mosque guards, pressuring him to leave.
Worshipers also chanted 'Allah Akbar', or 'God is Great,' at the senior Israeli official.
Some 30 minutes after the incident a group of 50 settlers entered the area, including Likud official Yehuda Glick.
Dozens of Jewish settlers broke into the Aqsa mosque on Wednesday morning under police protection and offered Talmudic rituals. Eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter that a group of Jewish fanatics offered rituals then listened to explanations on the construction of the alleged temple.
They noted that most of those who entered the mosque today had been repelled yesterday at the hands of worshippers.
They noted that most of those who entered the mosque today had been repelled yesterday at the hands of worshippers.
16 july 2013
“Women for Israel” movement called for a march in the old city of Jerusalem, to commemorate the anniversary of the destruction of the Alleged Temple. Among the participants in this activity were Knesset members and Israeli senior leaders; including Danny Danon Deputy Minister of Defense and Rabbi Eli Ben Dahan Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs in Israel.
The former MK Erih Eldad and the Jewish extremist Erih Kinij have also participated in this activity, in addition to a large number of settlers, especially from the settlement of Kiryat Arba.
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage warned of the escalation of activities of some Jewish groups on the anniversary of the “destruction of the Temple.”
It pointed out, in a press release on Monday, that these activities include a short video tape about Jewish children trying to build the alleged temple using construction toys. The video shows the children as "the generation that will build the temple."
The Foundation added that some other Jewish groups have created an application for smart phones talking about the destruction of the Temple with graphics and documents.
It pointed to the seriousness of such moves, stressing that the Al-Aqsa Mosque with all its parts belongs to Muslims alone.
Al-Aqsa Foundation warned that the mosque has entered the phase of "extreme danger," especially after the escalation of raids by settlers, intelligence agents and religious and political figures, and called on the Palestinians in Jerusalem and the 1948 territories to flock to Al-Aqsa to protect it from the Israeli occupation.
Al-Aqsa Mosque has been recently witnessing a wave of attacks and violations by Jewish groups, with the anniversary of the destruction of the temple which falls on Tuesday.
The former MK Erih Eldad and the Jewish extremist Erih Kinij have also participated in this activity, in addition to a large number of settlers, especially from the settlement of Kiryat Arba.
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage warned of the escalation of activities of some Jewish groups on the anniversary of the “destruction of the Temple.”
It pointed out, in a press release on Monday, that these activities include a short video tape about Jewish children trying to build the alleged temple using construction toys. The video shows the children as "the generation that will build the temple."
The Foundation added that some other Jewish groups have created an application for smart phones talking about the destruction of the Temple with graphics and documents.
It pointed to the seriousness of such moves, stressing that the Al-Aqsa Mosque with all its parts belongs to Muslims alone.
Al-Aqsa Foundation warned that the mosque has entered the phase of "extreme danger," especially after the escalation of raids by settlers, intelligence agents and religious and political figures, and called on the Palestinians in Jerusalem and the 1948 territories to flock to Al-Aqsa to protect it from the Israeli occupation.
Al-Aqsa Mosque has been recently witnessing a wave of attacks and violations by Jewish groups, with the anniversary of the destruction of the temple which falls on Tuesday.
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The occupation police closed down Dung Gate – one of Al-Aqsa Mosque’s gates – this morning and cancelled the so-called “foreign tourism program.”
Dozens of Palestinian from Jerusalem and from the 1948 lands are stationed inside Al-Aqsa Mosque (Marabouts) to confront the calls to raid Al-Aqsa by some extremist groups on occasion of the so-called “Destruction of the Temple.” Meanwhile, extremist groups are carrying out provocative tours by the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque and are performing their religious rituals and chanting their racist slogans. |
The extremist parties also carried out several activities in the past few days on occasion of the so0called “Destruction of the Temple”, where tents were put up on the land of “God’s Cemetery” in West Jerusalem and a series of lectures on building the new Temple were given; seminars and workshops were also held to discuss ways to expedite the process of building of the new temple, in addition to the daily raids of Al-Aqsa.
Last night, a huge march for the settlers launched from Damascus gate towards the Wailing Wall during which Jerusalemites and their properties were attacked.
Last night, a huge march for the settlers launched from Damascus gate towards the Wailing Wall during which Jerusalemites and their properties were attacked.
Israeli police on Tuesday closed the Moroccan Gate leading to the Aqsa compound and prevented Israeli rightists from entering the area, a Palestinian Authority Ministry of Endowment official said.
Sheikh Azzam al-Khatib told Ma'an that Israeli authorities prevented Israeli rightists and foreign tourists from entering the Aqsa compound. The move comes after pressure from Jordan to stop Jewish extremists visiting the area, al-Khatib said.
Hundreds of Israeli rightists have visited the compound in the past two days under heavy Israeli police guard, leading to tensions in the area.
Al-Khatib called the visits provocative.
Meanwhile, Israeli extremists attacked and damaged three cars at the Lions Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on Tuesday, according to the Wadi Hilweh information center.
The center reported that large groups of extremists were walking around the Old City, with one group attacking young Palestinians.
Sheikh Azzam al-Khatib told Ma'an that Israeli authorities prevented Israeli rightists and foreign tourists from entering the Aqsa compound. The move comes after pressure from Jordan to stop Jewish extremists visiting the area, al-Khatib said.
Hundreds of Israeli rightists have visited the compound in the past two days under heavy Israeli police guard, leading to tensions in the area.
Al-Khatib called the visits provocative.
Meanwhile, Israeli extremists attacked and damaged three cars at the Lions Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on Tuesday, according to the Wadi Hilweh information center.
The center reported that large groups of extremists were walking around the Old City, with one group attacking young Palestinians.
15 july 2013
Dozens of Israeli fanatics Monday provoked Muslim worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan when they toured under heavy police protection the yards of al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City to mark what they describe as the destruction of the Jewish temples more than 2000 years ago. Jewish fanatics have been demanding free access to and prayer in the Muslim holy compound as some, including officials, are demanding the destruction of al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock to build the third Jewish temple on their ruins.
Muslims, who normally are found in large numbers in the holy site during Ramadan, confronted the fanatics by chanting religious slogans.
Police quickly took the Israelis out of the compound to prevent possible outbreak of violence.
Israelis have recently increased their tours of the Muslim site with an apparent goal to show regular presence in the area hoping to one day become a de facto situation that would allow them to hold prayer and eventually take it over.
Muslims are strongly opposed to these steps and have warned that any change in the current status quo of the site could provoke violent protests.
Worshippers confront attempt to desecrate Aqsa mosque
Worshipers and Quran students in the Aqsa mosque confronted dozens of Jewish settlers who entered the holy site from the Maghareba gate. The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage said that the settlers broke into the Aqsa mosque at an early morning hour to mark the anniversary of what they call the destruction of the temple.
Israeli police forces, which provided protection for the settlers, had been deployed since the early morning hours in various plazas of the mosque amidst protests on the part of worshipers and students.
The worshipers managed to force the retreat of the settlers outside the mosque, the foundation said, noting that the police forces detained two children and doubled its security measures at the entrance to the mosque.
Muslims, who normally are found in large numbers in the holy site during Ramadan, confronted the fanatics by chanting religious slogans.
Police quickly took the Israelis out of the compound to prevent possible outbreak of violence.
Israelis have recently increased their tours of the Muslim site with an apparent goal to show regular presence in the area hoping to one day become a de facto situation that would allow them to hold prayer and eventually take it over.
Muslims are strongly opposed to these steps and have warned that any change in the current status quo of the site could provoke violent protests.
Worshippers confront attempt to desecrate Aqsa mosque
Worshipers and Quran students in the Aqsa mosque confronted dozens of Jewish settlers who entered the holy site from the Maghareba gate. The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage said that the settlers broke into the Aqsa mosque at an early morning hour to mark the anniversary of what they call the destruction of the temple.
Israeli police forces, which provided protection for the settlers, had been deployed since the early morning hours in various plazas of the mosque amidst protests on the part of worshipers and students.
The worshipers managed to force the retreat of the settlers outside the mosque, the foundation said, noting that the police forces detained two children and doubled its security measures at the entrance to the mosque.
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Dozens of Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa compound on Monday under armed guard, a local foundation said.
The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage said the group entered the compound through the Moroccan gate and was accompanied by an Israeli police escort. Israeli forces deployed at the entrances to the compound and briefly detained two children, the group said. At least 180 Israelis, including 18 Rabbi's, toured the Al-Aqsa compound on Sunday. |
Israeli politicians, such as Likud's Moshe Feiglin, have in the past called for Jewish prayers at the compound, and control and access to the holy site is a particularly sensitive religious and political issue.
The Al-Aqsa compound, containing the mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is the third holiest site in Islam and abuts the site where Jews believe the ancient Second Temple stood.
The Al-Aqsa compound, containing the mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is the third holiest site in Islam and abuts the site where Jews believe the ancient Second Temple stood.
With wishes for a peaceful and blessed Ramadan, The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) sends its warmest greeting to the Muslim community in honor of their holiest month of the year.
HCEF said in a press statement, "May this time of soul cleansing and reflection strengthen spiritual bonds and bring about a deeper compassion for those who are less fortunate and inspire in each person a greater commitment to peace and the support of it. Almsgiving is a sacred obligation for the purpose of bettering the lives of others and presenting a visible display of love for mankind."
"Even during these dark, violent and turbulent times, light will brightly shine forth from those individuals who are committed to living their faith and putting it in action, the statement added. HCEF believes that we, as individuals, can and do make a difference as we aim to 'replace despair with hope, fear with human security and humiliation with dignity'.
The statement concluded, "With best wishes as we all strive to be better people who, through self-sacrifice, kindness and compassion, make better the lives of others."
HCEF said in a press statement, "May this time of soul cleansing and reflection strengthen spiritual bonds and bring about a deeper compassion for those who are less fortunate and inspire in each person a greater commitment to peace and the support of it. Almsgiving is a sacred obligation for the purpose of bettering the lives of others and presenting a visible display of love for mankind."
"Even during these dark, violent and turbulent times, light will brightly shine forth from those individuals who are committed to living their faith and putting it in action, the statement added. HCEF believes that we, as individuals, can and do make a difference as we aim to 'replace despair with hope, fear with human security and humiliation with dignity'.
The statement concluded, "With best wishes as we all strive to be better people who, through self-sacrifice, kindness and compassion, make better the lives of others."
A huge banner bearing the image of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi and Hamas flags greeted the tens of thousands of Muslim worshipers who arrived at Al-Aqsa Mosque for the first Friday of Ramadan. Palestinian worshipers hung a huge banner on bearing the image of the ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi from one of the external walls at the entrance of Al-Aqsa Mosque plaza. The banner read, “Jerusalem – supports legitimacy – against the coup”, a reference to the former Egyptian president’s recent overthrow by the military.
On Saturday July 13 2013, over 12,000 Palestinians from Arab-Israelis held a pro-Morsi demonstration in the Arab town of Kafr Kanna in Israel.
The Palestinian Authority strongly criticized Saturday raising the picture for the ousted Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi at al -Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and called for keeping the Muslim holy site away from inter-Arab conflicts.
The Palestinian News Agency Wafa released that the “minister” of Waqf and Religious Affairs Mahmoud Habbash warned against using al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem as ground for inter-Arab conflict. He said the Mosque and Jerusalem should remain a symbol for Arab and Muslim unity, and not for division.
Gen. Abdel Fatah Said Al-Sisi, Commander in Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces since 12 August 2012 and the current Supreme Commander of the Egyptian Armed Forces led the military coup against the elected President Mohamed Morsi and arrest him together with leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood movement in Egypt.
On Saturday July 13 2013, over 12,000 Palestinians from Arab-Israelis held a pro-Morsi demonstration in the Arab town of Kafr Kanna in Israel.
The Palestinian Authority strongly criticized Saturday raising the picture for the ousted Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi at al -Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and called for keeping the Muslim holy site away from inter-Arab conflicts.
The Palestinian News Agency Wafa released that the “minister” of Waqf and Religious Affairs Mahmoud Habbash warned against using al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem as ground for inter-Arab conflict. He said the Mosque and Jerusalem should remain a symbol for Arab and Muslim unity, and not for division.
Gen. Abdel Fatah Said Al-Sisi, Commander in Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces since 12 August 2012 and the current Supreme Commander of the Egyptian Armed Forces led the military coup against the elected President Mohamed Morsi and arrest him together with leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood movement in Egypt.
14 july 2013
Two hundred fanatic Jewish settlers broke into the holy Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Sunday morning. The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage said in a statement that the settlers entered the holy site in groups, including members of the so-called Haridim or ultraorthodox Jews, and roamed its plazas and offered Talmudic rituals.
It pointed out that Muslim worshipers were present in the holy site along with Quran scholars, calling on Palestinians to flock to the holy site at an early hour on daily basis to protect it.
It pointed out that Muslim worshipers were present in the holy site along with Quran scholars, calling on Palestinians to flock to the holy site at an early hour on daily basis to protect it.
13 july 2013
Palestinians strongly criticized Saturday raising a picture for ousted Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi at al -Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and called for keeping the Muslim holy site away from inter-Arab conflicts. Minister of Jerusalem Affairs in the caretaker Palestinian government, Adnan Husseini, said that the thousands of worshippers who filled the yards of al-Aqsa Mosque on the first Friday of Ramadan were against rising of Morsi’s picture and stressed that their mission is the liberation of Palestine and ending the occupation, and not anything else.
He said this act is not representative of the Palestinian people who oppose interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries and who refuse to involve Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque in Arab conflicts.
Minister of Waqf and Religious Affairs Mahmoud Habbash warned against using al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem as ground for inter-Arab conflict.
He said the Mosque and Jerusalem should remain a symbol for Arab and Muslim unity, and not for division.
Habbash accused supporters of Hamas of raising the picture, which he said aims at involving the Palestinian people and their conflict in the internal situation in Egypt and other Arab countries.
He said this act is not representative of the Palestinian people who oppose interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries and who refuse to involve Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque in Arab conflicts.
Minister of Waqf and Religious Affairs Mahmoud Habbash warned against using al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem as ground for inter-Arab conflict.
He said the Mosque and Jerusalem should remain a symbol for Arab and Muslim unity, and not for division.
Habbash accused supporters of Hamas of raising the picture, which he said aims at involving the Palestinian people and their conflict in the internal situation in Egypt and other Arab countries.
Jordanian popular commission to defend Al-Aqsa Mosque and holy sites urged Arab and Islamic nations to take effective moves that go beyond mere condemnation, to protect Al-Aqsa from Jewish settlers' calls for demolishing it. The Commission said in a statement that Israeli settlers who break into Al-Aqsa Mosque under the Israeli occupation forces' military cover and desecrate the site to celebrate the so-called Temple Mount anniversary, which falls in mid-July according to the Hebrew calendar, pose a serious threat to the mosque’s sanctity.
It also warned that such celebration represents an explicit call to demolish Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially as it comes in conjunction with calls by MKs for demolishing the Mosque and building the alleged temple on its ruins.
The Commission called on the Arab and Islamic nations, particularly Jordan, to take a serious position at the popular and official level in order to stop the actions of the Israeli occupation government and settlers, before it is too late.
It also warned that such celebration represents an explicit call to demolish Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially as it comes in conjunction with calls by MKs for demolishing the Mosque and building the alleged temple on its ruins.
The Commission called on the Arab and Islamic nations, particularly Jordan, to take a serious position at the popular and official level in order to stop the actions of the Israeli occupation government and settlers, before it is too late.
12 july 2013
Thousands of Palestinian worshipers from the West Bank and Jerusalem headed since the early hours of the morning to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to pray in the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.
Palestinian official news network WAFA reported that hundreds of Palestinians lined up at the Israeli checkpoints to enter Jerusalem.
Israeli forces deployed near the checkpoints and in the streets to maintain security in the area.
It's worth noting that Israeli authorities allowed Palestinian men aged over 40 and Palestinian women of all ages in the West Bank to enter Jerusalem without permits until midday on Fridays during Ramadan.
Palestinian official news network WAFA reported that hundreds of Palestinians lined up at the Israeli checkpoints to enter Jerusalem.
Israeli forces deployed near the checkpoints and in the streets to maintain security in the area.
It's worth noting that Israeli authorities allowed Palestinian men aged over 40 and Palestinian women of all ages in the West Bank to enter Jerusalem without permits until midday on Fridays during Ramadan.
11 july 2013
Palestinian worshipers in al-Aqsa mosque have managed this morning to address Jewish settlers trying to break into the mosque. Another extremist settler group stationed at Silsila Gate started chanting and dancing under the Israeli police protection in total provocation of the Muslim worshipers.
For his part, Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib, General Director of the Islamic Waqf, has sent a letter to the Jordanian minister of religious affairs in which he warned of the continued Israeli police provocations in al-Aqsa mosque.
The Israeli police have allowed Thursday morning the entry of nearly 134 settlers into al-Aqsa mosque under heavy protection in flagrant violation to the Palestinian worshipers, the letter said, noting that hundreds of extremist settlers have stormed the mosque during the first two days of the holy month of Ramadan.
Al-Khatib stated in his letter that he has warned the Israeli police of the consequences of such provocative break-ins especially in Ramadan which would lead to more tensions.
Khudari condemns raid into Al-Aqsa Mosque and calls for protecting it
Palestinian MP Jamal Khudari denounced the raid into Al-Aqsa Mosque by 90 settlers on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan and said the move provoked the feelings of the Muslims. Khudari, head of the Popular Committee against the Siege, hailed the role of the Palestinian worshipers and religious pupils in protecting the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
He urged the Palestinian natives in the holy city and the 1948 occupied lands to intensify their presence at the Aqsa Mosque during the month of Ramadan and called on the Arab and Islamic nations to support the Jerusalemites and their steadfastness.
The Palestinian MP stressed the need to achieve the national unity, "as one of the most powerful weapons against the occupation and its plans that aim to Judaize Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque," he said.
For his part, Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib, General Director of the Islamic Waqf, has sent a letter to the Jordanian minister of religious affairs in which he warned of the continued Israeli police provocations in al-Aqsa mosque.
The Israeli police have allowed Thursday morning the entry of nearly 134 settlers into al-Aqsa mosque under heavy protection in flagrant violation to the Palestinian worshipers, the letter said, noting that hundreds of extremist settlers have stormed the mosque during the first two days of the holy month of Ramadan.
Al-Khatib stated in his letter that he has warned the Israeli police of the consequences of such provocative break-ins especially in Ramadan which would lead to more tensions.
Khudari condemns raid into Al-Aqsa Mosque and calls for protecting it
Palestinian MP Jamal Khudari denounced the raid into Al-Aqsa Mosque by 90 settlers on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan and said the move provoked the feelings of the Muslims. Khudari, head of the Popular Committee against the Siege, hailed the role of the Palestinian worshipers and religious pupils in protecting the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
He urged the Palestinian natives in the holy city and the 1948 occupied lands to intensify their presence at the Aqsa Mosque during the month of Ramadan and called on the Arab and Islamic nations to support the Jerusalemites and their steadfastness.
The Palestinian MP stressed the need to achieve the national unity, "as one of the most powerful weapons against the occupation and its plans that aim to Judaize Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque," he said.
10 july 2013
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Jerusalem's Old City
Video: Ramadan tax raids in Jerusalem The atmosphere is tense in the Old City of Jerusalem. For over six weeks, the Old City's Palestinian quarters have been visited daily by inspectors of Israel's tax department and shopkeepers feel intimidated. They perceive this wave of raids as being part of Israel's ever tighter grip on Palestinian East Jerusalem. |
Extremist Jewish settlers escorted by policemen stormed on Wednesday morning the Aqsa Mosque violating its sanctity on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, according to the Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage. Senior official of the foundation Mahmoud Abu Ata told Safa news agency that two groups of about 90 Jewish settlers, including women and children, desecrated in the morning today the Aqsa Mosque and walked around in its courtyards.
Abu Ata added that these Jewish groups deliberately defiled the Aqsa Mosque on the first day of Ramadan to provoke the feelings of the Muslims, especially since there were hundreds of Palestinian worshipers and religious pupils throughout the compound of the Aqsa Mosque.
He said that this visit raised the ire of the Palestinian natives in the holy city, while the Israeli police intensified their presence at the entrances to the Aqsa Mosque.
The official warned that the coming days could see more such break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque because of the so-called anniversary of the destruction of the alleged Jewish temple.
He urged the Palestinian natives in the holy city and the 1948 occupied lands to intensify their presence at the Aqsa Mosque, especially in the early morning hours.
Israelis enter al-Aqsa on first day of Ramadan, chant anti-Arab slogans
Dozens of Israelis escorted by police forces entered the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on Wednesday, the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a Palestinian official said.
Close to 100 Israelis entered the compound through the Moroccan Gate, Azzam al-Khatib, director-general of the PA Ministry of Endowment, told Ma’an news agency.
The group, accompanied by rabbis, chanted anti-Arab slogans, witnesses said.
Al-Khatib said Israeli police had rejected a request to stop the visits during Ramadan.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told Ma'an he was not aware of the request.
Rosenfeld said Jewish and Christian visitors regularly enter the compound in coordinated visits.
Witnesses told Ma'an that the Israeli visitors tried to enter the Dome of the Rock, which is not an agreed part of their tour.
Muslim worshippers and Islamic students chanted to express their rejection to the visitors, witnesses said.
Israeli soldiers and tourists regularly enter the mosque, often assaulting believers or desecrating the site.
Meanwhile, Muslims under the age of 50 are regularly denied access to al-Aqsa, which is considered the third holiest site in Islam.
Abu Ata added that these Jewish groups deliberately defiled the Aqsa Mosque on the first day of Ramadan to provoke the feelings of the Muslims, especially since there were hundreds of Palestinian worshipers and religious pupils throughout the compound of the Aqsa Mosque.
He said that this visit raised the ire of the Palestinian natives in the holy city, while the Israeli police intensified their presence at the entrances to the Aqsa Mosque.
The official warned that the coming days could see more such break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque because of the so-called anniversary of the destruction of the alleged Jewish temple.
He urged the Palestinian natives in the holy city and the 1948 occupied lands to intensify their presence at the Aqsa Mosque, especially in the early morning hours.
Israelis enter al-Aqsa on first day of Ramadan, chant anti-Arab slogans
Dozens of Israelis escorted by police forces entered the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on Wednesday, the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a Palestinian official said.
Close to 100 Israelis entered the compound through the Moroccan Gate, Azzam al-Khatib, director-general of the PA Ministry of Endowment, told Ma’an news agency.
The group, accompanied by rabbis, chanted anti-Arab slogans, witnesses said.
Al-Khatib said Israeli police had rejected a request to stop the visits during Ramadan.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told Ma'an he was not aware of the request.
Rosenfeld said Jewish and Christian visitors regularly enter the compound in coordinated visits.
Witnesses told Ma'an that the Israeli visitors tried to enter the Dome of the Rock, which is not an agreed part of their tour.
Muslim worshippers and Islamic students chanted to express their rejection to the visitors, witnesses said.
Israeli soldiers and tourists regularly enter the mosque, often assaulting believers or desecrating the site.
Meanwhile, Muslims under the age of 50 are regularly denied access to al-Aqsa, which is considered the third holiest site in Islam.
9 july 2013
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage called on Palestinians in occupied Palestinian territories to flock to al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan in light the Israeli escalated calls to break into the mosque. The Foundation said that such steps would be a clear message to the occupation authorities that al-Aqsa mosque is the prerogative of the Muslims alone.
It pointed out to the cooperation between the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem and other institutions concerned with Jerusalemite affairs to provide the worshipers with necessary needs during the holy month.
The Foundation called on Palestinians living inside the Green Line, Jerusalem and West Bank to flock to al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.
The Foundation stressed the need to intensify the Palestinian presence in al-Aqsa mosque to protect it in light the Israeli escalated and continued schemes to divide the mosque and impose a fait accompli in the holy city of Jerusalem.
It pointed out to the cooperation between the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem and other institutions concerned with Jerusalemite affairs to provide the worshipers with necessary needs during the holy month.
The Foundation called on Palestinians living inside the Green Line, Jerusalem and West Bank to flock to al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.
The Foundation stressed the need to intensify the Palestinian presence in al-Aqsa mosque to protect it in light the Israeli escalated and continued schemes to divide the mosque and impose a fait accompli in the holy city of Jerusalem.
8 july 2013
Around 100 Israelis desecrated Monday the Muslim holy site, al-Aqsa Mosque, in Jerusalem when they toured the compound dressed in shorts and improper cloths for a holy place, according to sources from the Muslim Waqf, which is in charge of the Mosque compound.
They said the Israeli fanatics, who were escorted by police, held prayer rituals and destroyed olive branches in the yards in a clear provocative manner to the feelings of the hundreds of Muslims who were on the site and who reacted yelling Allah Akbar (God is great) in Arabic.
Israeli fanatics are increasing their provocative tours of the Muslim compound to create daily presence there with a goal to eventually take it over and build their temple on the ruins of al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
They said the Israeli fanatics, who were escorted by police, held prayer rituals and destroyed olive branches in the yards in a clear provocative manner to the feelings of the hundreds of Muslims who were on the site and who reacted yelling Allah Akbar (God is great) in Arabic.
Israeli fanatics are increasing their provocative tours of the Muslim compound to create daily presence there with a goal to eventually take it over and build their temple on the ruins of al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced in a press statement, that certain travel restrictions are to be eased on the Palestinian residents of the West Bank during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which begins Wednesday.
The statement said, Palestinian men and women over 60 are allowed to enter into Jerusalem to pray in Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan and the holiday of Eid el-Fitr without permit. Men over the age of 40 will be able to enter Jerusalem for Friday prayers without permit. Women of all ages are allowed to enter Jerusalem on Fridays without permit. Palestinians from the age of 16-60 are allowed to visit their relatives of first and second degree in Jerusalem. Around 500 permits have been issued to internationals who will visit Israel and the West Bank through Allenby crossing during the holiday of Eid el-Fitr.
The IOF extended until midnight the operating hours of both the Jalama and Rehan crossings to Jenin, the Beit Mishpat crossing to Ramallah and the Rachel crossing to Bethlehem.
On Sunday, the Allenby crossing will be open 24-hours in order to allow Palestinians to move from the West Bank to Jordan.
According to the statement, IOF soldiers in the West Bank have been asked to "demonstrate a high level of respect and understanding during Ramadan" and to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public, particularly at the security crossings.
The statement said, Palestinian men and women over 60 are allowed to enter into Jerusalem to pray in Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan and the holiday of Eid el-Fitr without permit. Men over the age of 40 will be able to enter Jerusalem for Friday prayers without permit. Women of all ages are allowed to enter Jerusalem on Fridays without permit. Palestinians from the age of 16-60 are allowed to visit their relatives of first and second degree in Jerusalem. Around 500 permits have been issued to internationals who will visit Israel and the West Bank through Allenby crossing during the holiday of Eid el-Fitr.
The IOF extended until midnight the operating hours of both the Jalama and Rehan crossings to Jenin, the Beit Mishpat crossing to Ramallah and the Rachel crossing to Bethlehem.
On Sunday, the Allenby crossing will be open 24-hours in order to allow Palestinians to move from the West Bank to Jordan.
According to the statement, IOF soldiers in the West Bank have been asked to "demonstrate a high level of respect and understanding during Ramadan" and to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public, particularly at the security crossings.
7 july 2013
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage warned of the consequences of Jewish group's intention to organize protests to call for the construction of the Alleged Temple. One of the Jewish groups announced that it will organize on Sunday protests calling for the construction of the temple, for three days on the anniversary of the destruction of the alleged Temple, which falls on next Tuesday, in Sagher Park near the Old City of Jerusalem.
Al-Aqsa Foundation said in a statement on Sunday that this move comes within the framework of series of events and activities staged by the Jewish groups, noting that the event will be preceded by a conference organized by the Temple Institute on Monday, in the presence of Israel's Deputy Minister of Religious affairs Rabbi Eli Ben Dahan.
The foundation also pointed out that the Coalition for the Temple announced organizing a tour for the children inside Al-Aqsa Mosque on Monday morning, on the occasion of the start of the Hebrew month of (AAB).
The coalition will also hold next Wednesday a conference on the alleged temple in Shevi Shomron settlement in the West Bank, which will be followed by a raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday.
Al-Aqsa Foundation called on Palestinians to intensify their presence in the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in order to protect it from the Israeli raids.
Al-Aqsa Foundation said in a statement on Sunday that this move comes within the framework of series of events and activities staged by the Jewish groups, noting that the event will be preceded by a conference organized by the Temple Institute on Monday, in the presence of Israel's Deputy Minister of Religious affairs Rabbi Eli Ben Dahan.
The foundation also pointed out that the Coalition for the Temple announced organizing a tour for the children inside Al-Aqsa Mosque on Monday morning, on the occasion of the start of the Hebrew month of (AAB).
The coalition will also hold next Wednesday a conference on the alleged temple in Shevi Shomron settlement in the West Bank, which will be followed by a raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday.
Al-Aqsa Foundation called on Palestinians to intensify their presence in the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in order to protect it from the Israeli raids.
Jewish settlers stormed the holy Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem via the Maghareba gate on Sunday morning. Jamal Omar, an expert in Jerusalem affairs, told Safa news agency that around 60 Jewish settlers entered the Aqsa mosque in groups and roamed its various plazas and tried to offer Talmudic rituals.
He pointed out that many Quran scholars were present in the holy site at time of the storming due to the approach of the holy fasting month of Ramadan and were ready to defend it.
Omar said that the Aqsa was passing through a very serious stage that necessitated urgent moves on the part of the Arab and Islamic countries to protect it. He asked those countries to prioritize the issue of the Aqsa.
He expected Jewish settlers to escalate their raids into the Aqsa mosque during Ramadan, and urged Jerusalemites and Palestinians in 1948 occupied land to intensify their presence in the mosque to ward off possible dangers.
He pointed out that many Quran scholars were present in the holy site at time of the storming due to the approach of the holy fasting month of Ramadan and were ready to defend it.
Omar said that the Aqsa was passing through a very serious stage that necessitated urgent moves on the part of the Arab and Islamic countries to protect it. He asked those countries to prioritize the issue of the Aqsa.
He expected Jewish settlers to escalate their raids into the Aqsa mosque during Ramadan, and urged Jerusalemites and Palestinians in 1948 occupied land to intensify their presence in the mosque to ward off possible dangers.
Palestinian researchers and specialists in occupied Jerusalem warned that about 150 landmarks and historical sites are exposed to Judaization and annexation in the holy city. This came in a conference organized on Saturday by scholars and preachers in Jerusalem.
The final statement issued by the conferees stressed that the whole Islamic landmarks in Jerusalem is threatened with annexation to the alleged Jewish heritage, either by removing all signs of the Arab and Islamic presence in the city or by tampering with the antiquities and replacing the Arabic inscriptions with Hebrew ones.
The statement warned that the coming Israeli step would be directed against the Aqsa Mosque after the Israeli occupation regime prepared itself to raze this Mosque and build the Jewish temple in its place.
The conferees appealed to the Arab and Muslim decision makers to be aware of what is happening in Jerusalem and move to protect the Arab historical landmarks and the Aqsa Mosque.
The final statement issued by the conferees stressed that the whole Islamic landmarks in Jerusalem is threatened with annexation to the alleged Jewish heritage, either by removing all signs of the Arab and Islamic presence in the city or by tampering with the antiquities and replacing the Arabic inscriptions with Hebrew ones.
The statement warned that the coming Israeli step would be directed against the Aqsa Mosque after the Israeli occupation regime prepared itself to raze this Mosque and build the Jewish temple in its place.
The conferees appealed to the Arab and Muslim decision makers to be aware of what is happening in Jerusalem and move to protect the Arab historical landmarks and the Aqsa Mosque.
6 july 2013
Avigdor Lieberman, the head of the Knesset foreign affairs committee, made on Friday a provocative tour in Wadi Hilwa neighborhood, south of the Aqsa Mosque. Palestinian sources said that director of Elad settlement society David Perry accompanied Lieberman during the tour under tight military and police protection.
The Israeli officials visited during their tour Ir David outpost located at the entrance to the neighborhood and an excavation site in Wadi Hilwa.
The sources affirmed that Lieberman's visit raised the ire of the Palestinian natives of Wadi Hilwa, which prompted him to end his tour sooner.
Israeli sources, in turn, said that Lieberman carried a message of support from the Knesset right wing to the Jewish settlers in Silwan and gave financial aid to the settlement outposts in the district.
The sources noted that a delegation of wealthy American Jews had paid a visit to Silwan district a week ago and met with the director of Elad society.
They added that the American Jews pledged to increase their financial support for the settlers in Silwan and work on seizing more Palestinian real estate.
Lieberman visits the village of Silwan
The director of external affairs committee and security in the Israeli Knesset and former minister of foreign affairs, Avigdor Lieberman, visited on Friday the village of Silwan with a large number of policemen guarding him.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that Lieberman made a tour in the neighbourhood of Wadi Hilweh along with the director of Al-Aad Settlement Association, David Berry, where they visited the settlement built on the entrance of the neighbourhood “David’s city”, and then took a look at the excavations carried out by Al-Aad association in Al-Ayn area.
Witnesses said that the visit was only 15 minutes long.
The Israeli officials visited during their tour Ir David outpost located at the entrance to the neighborhood and an excavation site in Wadi Hilwa.
The sources affirmed that Lieberman's visit raised the ire of the Palestinian natives of Wadi Hilwa, which prompted him to end his tour sooner.
Israeli sources, in turn, said that Lieberman carried a message of support from the Knesset right wing to the Jewish settlers in Silwan and gave financial aid to the settlement outposts in the district.
The sources noted that a delegation of wealthy American Jews had paid a visit to Silwan district a week ago and met with the director of Elad society.
They added that the American Jews pledged to increase their financial support for the settlers in Silwan and work on seizing more Palestinian real estate.
Lieberman visits the village of Silwan
The director of external affairs committee and security in the Israeli Knesset and former minister of foreign affairs, Avigdor Lieberman, visited on Friday the village of Silwan with a large number of policemen guarding him.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that Lieberman made a tour in the neighbourhood of Wadi Hilweh along with the director of Al-Aad Settlement Association, David Berry, where they visited the settlement built on the entrance of the neighbourhood “David’s city”, and then took a look at the excavations carried out by Al-Aad association in Al-Ayn area.
Witnesses said that the visit was only 15 minutes long.
5 july 2013
Israeli Construction and Housing minister, Uri Ariel, called for accelerating the building of the alleged Temple on the ruins of al-Aqsa mosque. The Jews have built a lot of temples, but they are now in dire need to build the real Temple on the ruins of al-Aqsa Mosque, Israeli media sources quoted Ariel as saying.
For his part, a member in the extremist right-wing Jewish Home party stated that establishing a Palestinian state is a "fairy tale", saying that Israel is the only state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.
Following the Housing minister's statements, Arab Member of Knesset Ahmed Tibi said that these statements prove the extremism in the Israeli government. These statements constitute a flagrant violation of international conventions, he noted.
For his part, a member in the extremist right-wing Jewish Home party stated that establishing a Palestinian state is a "fairy tale", saying that Israel is the only state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.
Following the Housing minister's statements, Arab Member of Knesset Ahmed Tibi said that these statements prove the extremism in the Israeli government. These statements constitute a flagrant violation of international conventions, he noted.
4 july 2013
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage revealed that scores of Zionist and Jewish figures participated in a debate on the Aqsa Mosque organized recently by the Begin legacy center. The foundation obtained a videotaped recording of the debate, which was held under the title "the temple mount is in our hands."
The recording contains statements made by noted Zionist and Jewish leaders who admitted that the building of the alleged temple in place of the Aqsa Mosque is the dream of every Jew.
Some of the speakers in this debate also acknowledged that the Shin Bet helps them in their violations against the Aqsa Mosque.
Others called for building a synagogue at the Aqsa Mosque in order for the Jews to perform their rituals.
The Aqsa foundation, for its part, disclosed in Arabi transcripts of the speeches delivered by different Israeli figures during this debate, and stressed the need for an urgent Islamic action to face the dangers threatening the Aqsa Mosque.
The recording contains statements made by noted Zionist and Jewish leaders who admitted that the building of the alleged temple in place of the Aqsa Mosque is the dream of every Jew.
Some of the speakers in this debate also acknowledged that the Shin Bet helps them in their violations against the Aqsa Mosque.
Others called for building a synagogue at the Aqsa Mosque in order for the Jews to perform their rituals.
The Aqsa foundation, for its part, disclosed in Arabi transcripts of the speeches delivered by different Israeli figures during this debate, and stressed the need for an urgent Islamic action to face the dangers threatening the Aqsa Mosque.