3 july 2013
50 elements of the Israeli intelligence stormed on Wednesday morning the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate, under the protection of the occupation police. Media Coordinator of the Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage Mahmoud Abu Atta told Safa news agency that three groups of intelligence elements stormed in the early morning hours the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque and toured and desecrated the musallas (Prayer rooms).
Meanwhile, 25 settlers stormed the mosque and toured its courtyards, Abu Atta added.
Hundreds of Jerusalemite students were deployed in different parts of the Al-Aqsa, while the Israeli police tightened its security measures at the mosque's gates, especially the Mughrabi Gate.
Media Coordinator of the Al-Aqsa Foundation condemned the persistent raids in al-Aqsa Mosque, and called on the Palestinian people in Jerusalem, the West Bank and in the 1948-occupied territories to intensify their presence in Al-Aqsa, especially in Ramadan, in order to defend it from all the occupation practices.
About 30 elements of the Israeli police and intelligence service stormed before noon on Tuesday the office of the Foundation for Construction of al-Aqsa and Holy Sites in Salahedin Street in Jerusalem, and carried out searches campaign then confiscated all the offices' contents.
Meanwhile, 25 settlers stormed the mosque and toured its courtyards, Abu Atta added.
Hundreds of Jerusalemite students were deployed in different parts of the Al-Aqsa, while the Israeli police tightened its security measures at the mosque's gates, especially the Mughrabi Gate.
Media Coordinator of the Al-Aqsa Foundation condemned the persistent raids in al-Aqsa Mosque, and called on the Palestinian people in Jerusalem, the West Bank and in the 1948-occupied territories to intensify their presence in Al-Aqsa, especially in Ramadan, in order to defend it from all the occupation practices.
About 30 elements of the Israeli police and intelligence service stormed before noon on Tuesday the office of the Foundation for Construction of al-Aqsa and Holy Sites in Salahedin Street in Jerusalem, and carried out searches campaign then confiscated all the offices' contents.
Jewish settlers, on Wednesday under the protection of the Israeli army, removed a wall inside the corridors of the Ibrahimi Mosque in al-Khalil city in the southern occupied West Bank and stole its stones. Taysir Abu Sneineh, the Director General of the Ministry of Endowments in al-Khali, told Quds Press that the cleaners of the Ibrahimi Mosque found yesterday that the settlers, with the support of the Israeli occupation army, removed an ancient wall inside the mosque and took its stones to an unknown destination
Abu Sneineh considered that this act represents a blatant assault on the Ibrahimi Mosque and aims to change the mosque's features and Judaize it, under the protection and support of the Israeli government.
Abu Sneineh considered that this act represents a blatant assault on the Ibrahimi Mosque and aims to change the mosque's features and Judaize it, under the protection and support of the Israeli government.
Around 30 members of the Israeli police raided Tuesday the East Jerusalem office of an Islamic organization that works on reviving and protecting al-Aqsa Mosque and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, destroying furniture and seizing all its computers, memory cards and files, a statement by the group said on Wednesday. It condemned the act, which it said will not stop the organization from continuing its work in al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites, located in Jerusalem’s Old City.
The group has regularly accused the Israeli government of working through Jewish fanatics to take over control of the Muslim site to turn it into a Jewish place.
IOF attacks Islamic Foundation
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) attacked on Tuesday Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowments and Heritage (AFEH) located in Salah El-Deen street in occupied Jerusalem. Nearly 30 members of the Israeli police attacked the Foundation headquarters and confiscated all its contents including laptops, according to the AFREIH.
In its statement issued on Wednesday, AFEH strongly condemned Israeli aggressive measure against its office.
The Foundation stressed that these unjust repeated attacks will never fear them or thwarted them to do their work that is based on teaching Qura'n, Islamic law and other subjects.
The group has regularly accused the Israeli government of working through Jewish fanatics to take over control of the Muslim site to turn it into a Jewish place.
IOF attacks Islamic Foundation
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) attacked on Tuesday Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowments and Heritage (AFEH) located in Salah El-Deen street in occupied Jerusalem. Nearly 30 members of the Israeli police attacked the Foundation headquarters and confiscated all its contents including laptops, according to the AFREIH.
In its statement issued on Wednesday, AFEH strongly condemned Israeli aggressive measure against its office.
The Foundation stressed that these unjust repeated attacks will never fear them or thwarted them to do their work that is based on teaching Qura'n, Islamic law and other subjects.
Al-Quds University on Tuesday signed an agreement with the European Union and UNDP to preserve Palestinian cultural heritage in Jerusalem's Old City, a statement said.
The EU and UNDP will contribute 2.4 million euros ($3.1 million) to the program, which includes the rehabilitation of Hammam Al Ayn, Hammam AlShifa, Al Madrasa Al Kilaniyya and related housing units, and the development of a business management plan and training on the maintenance and management of rehabilitated sites.
"This is an ambitious project, with numerous stakeholders, and we praise UNDP's coordination work that allows us to be here today. Once completed, the project will unravel huge potential for the population of the Old City in terms of heritage preservation but also job creation and touristic growth", said EU Representative John Gatt-Rutter.
Al-Quds University Center and UNDP will conduct historical research and organize work shops in relation to the targeted historical sites.
"This program is very important for Jerusalem. It will revitalize the city and create awareness for the community on the importance of cultural heritage and the preservation of our identity," Huda al-Imam, general director of Al-Quds University Center, said.
The EU and UNDP will contribute 2.4 million euros ($3.1 million) to the program, which includes the rehabilitation of Hammam Al Ayn, Hammam AlShifa, Al Madrasa Al Kilaniyya and related housing units, and the development of a business management plan and training on the maintenance and management of rehabilitated sites.
"This is an ambitious project, with numerous stakeholders, and we praise UNDP's coordination work that allows us to be here today. Once completed, the project will unravel huge potential for the population of the Old City in terms of heritage preservation but also job creation and touristic growth", said EU Representative John Gatt-Rutter.
Al-Quds University Center and UNDP will conduct historical research and organize work shops in relation to the targeted historical sites.
"This program is very important for Jerusalem. It will revitalize the city and create awareness for the community on the importance of cultural heritage and the preservation of our identity," Huda al-Imam, general director of Al-Quds University Center, said.
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€2.4 Million Agreement Signed to Preserve Palestinian Cultural Heritage
In the presence of Mr. Michael Köhler, Director for Neighborhood at the European Commission's DG DEVCO and UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator Mr. Frode Mauring, the European Union and UNDP signed a contribution agreement worth € 2,4 million in an effort to safeguard cultural heritage in the old city of Jerusalem. The programme will contribute to the development and protection of Palestinian cultural heritage in the old city of Jerusalem, in addition to the improvement of socioeconomic conditions of its citizens through quality housing and tourism services. |
The programme activities will include the rehabilitation and revitalization of Hammam Al Ayn and Hammam Al Shifa, Al Madrasa Al Kilaniyya and related housing units, and the development of a business management plan and training on the maintenance and management of rehabilitated sites.
"This is an ambitious project, with numerous stakeholders, and we praise UNDP's coordination work that allows us to be here today. Once completed, the project will unravel huge potential for the population of the Old City in terms of heritage preservation but also job creation and touristic growth", said the EU Representative John Gatt-Rutter.
The ceremony also included the signing of a cooperation agreement between UNDP and Al Quds University Centre to conduct historical research and organize workshops in relation to the targeted historical sites.
Huda Al Imam, General Director of Al Quds University Centre welcomed the guests and expressed her appreciation to the EU and UNDP for taking this initiative forward. " This programme is very important for Jerusalem. It will revitalize the city and create awareness for the community on the importance of cultural heritage and the preservation of our identity" she said.
Local capacities in conservation, rehabilitation and management of historic buildings and sites will also be enhanced through the programme. Short and medium term job opportunities will also be generated for young professionals in the fields of restoration, tourism and cultural management.
"The occupied Palestinian territory is rich in cultural heritage. UNDP and its partners will spare no effort to preserve and protect this treasure," said Frode Mauring, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator. "The programme will have a long term impact that will benefit different segments of the society by providing job opportunities and sustainable income for local professionals" he added.
The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday 02 July 2013 in the presence of Mr. Michael Köhler , Director DG DEVCO, EU Representative Mr John Gatt-Rutter, Dr. Imad Abu Keishek, Executive Vice President of Al-Quds University, Frode Mauring, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator and representatives from civil society organizations in East Jerusalem.
Since 1997, UNDP's Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People supported the tourism and culture sectors in the occupied Palestinian territory through the restoration and rehabilitation of cultural heritage sites and improvement of touristic areas and networks. UNDP is currently partnering with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities through a USD 34 million programme aimed at rehabilitating public infrastructure for culture and tourism. The programme encompasses seven components, including development of site museums, water springs, cultural landscape, with special emphasis on East Jerusalem, Gaza and Area C.
Through the work of civil society, and in coordination with the Office of the President of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), the EU supports actions in East Jerusalem in the fields of health and social welfare, housing, urban planning, legal aid, education, and economic development - including the promotion of the tourism and cultural sectors. Special attention is placed on youth, women and the disabled.
"This is an ambitious project, with numerous stakeholders, and we praise UNDP's coordination work that allows us to be here today. Once completed, the project will unravel huge potential for the population of the Old City in terms of heritage preservation but also job creation and touristic growth", said the EU Representative John Gatt-Rutter.
The ceremony also included the signing of a cooperation agreement between UNDP and Al Quds University Centre to conduct historical research and organize workshops in relation to the targeted historical sites.
Huda Al Imam, General Director of Al Quds University Centre welcomed the guests and expressed her appreciation to the EU and UNDP for taking this initiative forward. " This programme is very important for Jerusalem. It will revitalize the city and create awareness for the community on the importance of cultural heritage and the preservation of our identity" she said.
Local capacities in conservation, rehabilitation and management of historic buildings and sites will also be enhanced through the programme. Short and medium term job opportunities will also be generated for young professionals in the fields of restoration, tourism and cultural management.
"The occupied Palestinian territory is rich in cultural heritage. UNDP and its partners will spare no effort to preserve and protect this treasure," said Frode Mauring, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator. "The programme will have a long term impact that will benefit different segments of the society by providing job opportunities and sustainable income for local professionals" he added.
The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday 02 July 2013 in the presence of Mr. Michael Köhler , Director DG DEVCO, EU Representative Mr John Gatt-Rutter, Dr. Imad Abu Keishek, Executive Vice President of Al-Quds University, Frode Mauring, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator and representatives from civil society organizations in East Jerusalem.
Since 1997, UNDP's Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People supported the tourism and culture sectors in the occupied Palestinian territory through the restoration and rehabilitation of cultural heritage sites and improvement of touristic areas and networks. UNDP is currently partnering with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities through a USD 34 million programme aimed at rehabilitating public infrastructure for culture and tourism. The programme encompasses seven components, including development of site museums, water springs, cultural landscape, with special emphasis on East Jerusalem, Gaza and Area C.
Through the work of civil society, and in coordination with the Office of the President of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), the EU supports actions in East Jerusalem in the fields of health and social welfare, housing, urban planning, legal aid, education, and economic development - including the promotion of the tourism and cultural sectors. Special attention is placed on youth, women and the disabled.
2 july 2013
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage said that the Israeli company for the reconstruction and development of the Jewish quarter intends to establish a tourist saloon over the roofs of Palestinian commercial stores in Al-Lahhamin and Attarin markets in the old city of occupied Jerusalem. The Aqsa foundation stated on Tuesday that this plan is a Judaization project par excellence and falls within the all-out Judaization campaign that is executed by the Israeli municipal authority in Jerusalem and its business partners.
The foundation warned that this project would tighten the Jewish grip further over the the old city and would serve as a new outpost in its heart and near the Aqsa Mosque.
The foundation warned that this project would tighten the Jewish grip further over the the old city and would serve as a new outpost in its heart and near the Aqsa Mosque.
The Arab organization for human rights in Britain called on the international community to take action against Israel's violations in the occupied city of Jerusalem and at the Aqsa Mosque, stressing that its silence is no longer acceptable.
In a press release on Monday, the Arab organization also appealed to the Arab and Islamic worlds to make all possible efforts to curb Israel's Judaization schemes in Jerusalem and to carry out development projects strengthening the steadfastness its natives and protecting its Arab and Islamic identity.
The Arab organization strongly denounced in this regard the desecration of the Aqsa Mosque on Monday morning by Israeli female soldiers.
It said that such guided tours that are organized systematically for Jewish settlers and soldiers at the Aqsa Mosque under police protection are supported by the Israeli government and its political and security institutions.
It pointed out to the recent Israeli news reports that talked about the role of the Shin Bet in inciting the Jewish groups to storm the Aqsa Mosque, and warned the ongoing Israeli violations against the Mosque poses a threat to the international peace and security.
In a press release on Monday, the Arab organization also appealed to the Arab and Islamic worlds to make all possible efforts to curb Israel's Judaization schemes in Jerusalem and to carry out development projects strengthening the steadfastness its natives and protecting its Arab and Islamic identity.
The Arab organization strongly denounced in this regard the desecration of the Aqsa Mosque on Monday morning by Israeli female soldiers.
It said that such guided tours that are organized systematically for Jewish settlers and soldiers at the Aqsa Mosque under police protection are supported by the Israeli government and its political and security institutions.
It pointed out to the recent Israeli news reports that talked about the role of the Shin Bet in inciting the Jewish groups to storm the Aqsa Mosque, and warned the ongoing Israeli violations against the Mosque poses a threat to the international peace and security.
1 july 2013
The Director of Jerusalem's Religious Endowments (Waqf) Foundation, Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib, confirmed the Foundation's refusal to deal with the Israeli Tourism General Company's project to establish a park in the Old City in occupied Jerusalem. The Foundation appealed against the Judaization project that aims to create new roads to facilitate settlers' movement in the Old City.
Al-Khatib told PIC that Endowment Foundation will stand firmly against this project and will work for the protection of the Endowment properties in the Old City.
Israeli Tourism General Company has notified the traders in the Old city markets to facilitate the construction of a park above their shops.
The Lutheran Church, for its part, appealed against the project especially that it owns Endowment properties in the mentioned area.
For their part, the Palestinian traders expressed their rejection to deal with the company's engineering teams.
Al-Khatib told PIC that Endowment Foundation will stand firmly against this project and will work for the protection of the Endowment properties in the Old City.
Israeli Tourism General Company has notified the traders in the Old city markets to facilitate the construction of a park above their shops.
The Lutheran Church, for its part, appealed against the project especially that it owns Endowment properties in the mentioned area.
For their part, the Palestinian traders expressed their rejection to deal with the company's engineering teams.
Dozens of Israeli female soldiers under police protection desecrated on Monday morning the courtyard of the Aqsa Mosque. According to the Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage, about 60 Jewish women in military uniform walked around in the courtyard in a provocative way.
This incident raised the ire of the Palestinian visitors and scholars who were inside the Mosque compound and started to shout religious slogans to protest the soldiers' violation of the sanctity of the Islamic holy place.
The Aqsa foundation stated that this violation was part of the comprehensive campaign that was escalated lately by the Israeli government and its institutions to intensify and diversify the daily Jewish break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque.
This incident raised the ire of the Palestinian visitors and scholars who were inside the Mosque compound and started to shout religious slogans to protest the soldiers' violation of the sanctity of the Islamic holy place.
The Aqsa foundation stated that this violation was part of the comprehensive campaign that was escalated lately by the Israeli government and its institutions to intensify and diversify the daily Jewish break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque.
Palestinian national and religious figures denounced as "serious" the declared involvement of the Shin Bet in the break-ins and violations which are carried out daily by Israeli settlers and rabbis at the Aqsa Mosque. Azzam Al-Khatib, director of the Jerusalem Islamic waqf, told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the waqf authority would not allow any extremist Jew to perform Talmudic rituals in the courtyard of the Aqsa Mosque, stressing that the Mosque is a purely Islamic holy site.
Khatib added that the waqf authority and the Muslim worshipers would resist any attempt by the Israeli government and its institutions to push the situation towards a religious strife in Jerusalem.
"They forcibly enter the Aqsa Mosque on a daily basis at the instigation of rabbis and others, and today they reveal more about these break-ins and talk about incitement exercised by the Shin Bet, but we will not allow any attempt to impose a fait accompli on the ground," he emphasized.
For his part, Sheikh Mohamed Hussein, the grand mufti of Jerusalem, said the involvement of the Shin Bet in the break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque vindicated further that the holy Mosque is violated at the behest of the Israeli political and security institutions and not only rabbis.
Sheikh Hussein stressed that the Palestinian people in Jerusalem are fully alert to the Israeli schemes against Jerusalem and its holy sites and determined to defend it against any looming dangers.
Hatem Abdul-Qader, director of Jerusalem affairs, warned in this regard that the Shin Bet scandal proved that there are attempts by the Israeli occupation regime and its wings to create a fait accompli at the Aqsa Mosque by dividing it.
He said that the Jerusalemite authorities would act immediately to control the situation and would prevent by all means the Jewish settlers and Israelis from performing rituals at the Aqsa Mosque.
These Palestinian reactions took place after a senior Jewish rabbi had disclosed that the internal intelligence agency Shin Bet incites and pressures the Jewish groups to intensify their (unwelcomed) visits to the Aqsa Mosque to perform rituals.
Khatib added that the waqf authority and the Muslim worshipers would resist any attempt by the Israeli government and its institutions to push the situation towards a religious strife in Jerusalem.
"They forcibly enter the Aqsa Mosque on a daily basis at the instigation of rabbis and others, and today they reveal more about these break-ins and talk about incitement exercised by the Shin Bet, but we will not allow any attempt to impose a fait accompli on the ground," he emphasized.
For his part, Sheikh Mohamed Hussein, the grand mufti of Jerusalem, said the involvement of the Shin Bet in the break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque vindicated further that the holy Mosque is violated at the behest of the Israeli political and security institutions and not only rabbis.
Sheikh Hussein stressed that the Palestinian people in Jerusalem are fully alert to the Israeli schemes against Jerusalem and its holy sites and determined to defend it against any looming dangers.
Hatem Abdul-Qader, director of Jerusalem affairs, warned in this regard that the Shin Bet scandal proved that there are attempts by the Israeli occupation regime and its wings to create a fait accompli at the Aqsa Mosque by dividing it.
He said that the Jerusalemite authorities would act immediately to control the situation and would prevent by all means the Jewish settlers and Israelis from performing rituals at the Aqsa Mosque.
These Palestinian reactions took place after a senior Jewish rabbi had disclosed that the internal intelligence agency Shin Bet incites and pressures the Jewish groups to intensify their (unwelcomed) visits to the Aqsa Mosque to perform rituals.
28 june 2013
A Jewish rabbi, who campaigns for accelerating Israeli control over al-Aqsa Mosque, revealed that he gets support from former senior Shin Bet officials. Rabbi Jacob Midan, head of Mount Etzion religious institute, confirmed that he received support from former senior officials in Shin Bet to increase the number of Jewish settlers who visit Al-Aqsa Mosque in order to accelerate the Israeli control over the mosque.
Mahmoud Abu Atta, a spokesman for Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage, told Quds Press that the Israeli authorities seek to increase the number of Jewish settlers desecrating al-Aqsa mosque to 15 thousand settlers during 2013 in an attempt to impose a fait accompli by dividing the al-Aqsa mosque.
Since the beginning of 2013, 2000 Jewish settlers and 1000 soldiers, in their military uniforms, stormed al-Aqsa Mosque, Abu Atta said.
He stated that the occupation has deliberately allowed around 200 foreign tourists to enter al-Aqsa Mosque since the beginning of the year, without taking into account its sanctity and sacredness to Muslims.
He pointed out that there is an Israeli scheme to increase the Jewish settlers’ number in al-Aqsa mosque during 2013 to impose a daily Jewish presence in the mosque.
The Foundation said that the Jewish settlers are allowed to enter to al-Aqsa mosque on daily basis between the hours of 7:30–11:30 AM while preventing the Muslim worshipers' entry as part of the Israeli scheme to divide the mosque.
The occupation seeks to escalate its aggression against Jerusalem in general and al-Aqsa Mosque in particular, by intensifying incursions into al-Aqsa Mosque, and performing Talmudic prayers inside it.
Mahmoud Abu Atta, a spokesman for Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage, told Quds Press that the Israeli authorities seek to increase the number of Jewish settlers desecrating al-Aqsa mosque to 15 thousand settlers during 2013 in an attempt to impose a fait accompli by dividing the al-Aqsa mosque.
Since the beginning of 2013, 2000 Jewish settlers and 1000 soldiers, in their military uniforms, stormed al-Aqsa Mosque, Abu Atta said.
He stated that the occupation has deliberately allowed around 200 foreign tourists to enter al-Aqsa Mosque since the beginning of the year, without taking into account its sanctity and sacredness to Muslims.
He pointed out that there is an Israeli scheme to increase the Jewish settlers’ number in al-Aqsa mosque during 2013 to impose a daily Jewish presence in the mosque.
The Foundation said that the Jewish settlers are allowed to enter to al-Aqsa mosque on daily basis between the hours of 7:30–11:30 AM while preventing the Muslim worshipers' entry as part of the Israeli scheme to divide the mosque.
The occupation seeks to escalate its aggression against Jerusalem in general and al-Aqsa Mosque in particular, by intensifying incursions into al-Aqsa Mosque, and performing Talmudic prayers inside it.
An Israeli retired judge demanded the Israeli supreme court to allow performing Talmudic prayers and rituals in al-Aqsa mosque and to cancel the restrictions on Jewish entry to the mosque. She claimed that the court is not entitled to prevent the Jews from performing their prayers in al-Aqsa mosque.
The judge's statements came in coincidence with the discussion of a law that allows increasing the number of Jewish settlers who visit Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Israeli knesset.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police allowed Jewish extremists to perform their rituals in Al-Aqsa yards, although this act is considered to be illegal according to international law. Right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick revealed in a seminar held on Wednesday in the Heritage Center of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin, that he performed his Talmudic rituals in Al-Aqsa under the protection of the Israeli police.
Jerusalemite bodies have monitored an unprecedented increase in the number of raids carried out by Jewish settlers and Knesset members into the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and an escalation in the Israel's attempts to impose a fait accompli by dividing the Al-Aqsa mosque as what happened in the Ibrahimi Mosque, in preparation to destroy it and build the alleged Temple on its ruins.
The judge's statements came in coincidence with the discussion of a law that allows increasing the number of Jewish settlers who visit Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Israeli knesset.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police allowed Jewish extremists to perform their rituals in Al-Aqsa yards, although this act is considered to be illegal according to international law. Right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick revealed in a seminar held on Wednesday in the Heritage Center of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin, that he performed his Talmudic rituals in Al-Aqsa under the protection of the Israeli police.
Jerusalemite bodies have monitored an unprecedented increase in the number of raids carried out by Jewish settlers and Knesset members into the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and an escalation in the Israel's attempts to impose a fait accompli by dividing the Al-Aqsa mosque as what happened in the Ibrahimi Mosque, in preparation to destroy it and build the alleged Temple on its ruins.
27 june 2013
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage refuted an Israeli claim about finding Hebrew artifacts in the vicinity of the Aqsa Mosque and described it as lies and a figment of the Jewish imagination. In a press release on Thursday, the Aqsa foundation affirmed that the archeological facts state that there are no Jewish antiquities dating back to the time of the alleged temple either around the Aqsa Mosque or in the whole city of Jerusalem, noting that international and Israeli archeologists had already admitted that.
It highlighted that the Arab Canaanites were the first people who lived and built Jerusalem and named it "Jebus", while the Muslim Arabs ruled it for 14 centuries.
The foundation also said that the Israeli occupation and its antiquities authority launched lately a propaganda campaign, including the distribution of printed materials, about the presence of Jewish findings around Jerusalem especially near the Aqsa Mosque.
The foundation added that the Israeli occupation attempts to fabricate a false Jewish history in Jerusalem by propagating myths and legends about the presence of a temple's remains beneath the Aqsa Mosque in order to realize its ambition to demolish it.
This came in response to recent claims made by the Israeli antiquities authority and Jewish societies like Elad about finding, for the first time, relics dating back to the Roman and Byzantine times and related to the alleged Jewish temple.
It highlighted that the Arab Canaanites were the first people who lived and built Jerusalem and named it "Jebus", while the Muslim Arabs ruled it for 14 centuries.
The foundation also said that the Israeli occupation and its antiquities authority launched lately a propaganda campaign, including the distribution of printed materials, about the presence of Jewish findings around Jerusalem especially near the Aqsa Mosque.
The foundation added that the Israeli occupation attempts to fabricate a false Jewish history in Jerusalem by propagating myths and legends about the presence of a temple's remains beneath the Aqsa Mosque in order to realize its ambition to demolish it.
This came in response to recent claims made by the Israeli antiquities authority and Jewish societies like Elad about finding, for the first time, relics dating back to the Roman and Byzantine times and related to the alleged Jewish temple.
Tension was high in the Muslim holy place, al-Aqsa Mosque, in Jerusalem’s Old City on Thursday as Jewish fanatics held provocative tours of the compound, according to members of the Muslim Waqf, which oversees the affairs of the compound. They said a group of fanatics heeded a call by a right-wing Israeli lawmaker to tour the site as a show of defiance to the Muslim worshippers there.
The officials said groups of fanatics escorted by police entered the compound through Magharbe Gate after assembling at the Western Wall and listening to a speech by the lawmaker, Moshe Figlin, calling on Jews to reclaim what he called “their right to the Temple Mount,” in reference to the compound of al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, the third holiest sites in Islam.
The officials said groups of fanatics escorted by police entered the compound through Magharbe Gate after assembling at the Western Wall and listening to a speech by the lawmaker, Moshe Figlin, calling on Jews to reclaim what he called “their right to the Temple Mount,” in reference to the compound of al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, the third holiest sites in Islam.
26 june 2013
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said in a statement on Wednesday that a group of settlers who support the MK Moshe Feiglin called for storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday morning. The Foundation called on Palestinian worshipers to flock to Al-Aqsa Mosque and intensify their presence inside it, in order to protect and defend it.
It added in its statement: "The group describes itself as supporters of Feiglin and his positions regarding the raids on Al-Aqsa and the construction of the alleged temple. They published a leaflet on web pages calling for storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday at 7:45 am."
Al-Aqsa Foundation pointed out that the settlers intend to perform Jewish prayers in front of the Mosque, and that Moshe Feiglin will deliver a speech before the raid.
It asserted in its statement that Al-Aqsa Mosque belongs to the Muslims, and that these raids and attacks on it will never give legitimacy to occupation.
It added in its statement: "The group describes itself as supporters of Feiglin and his positions regarding the raids on Al-Aqsa and the construction of the alleged temple. They published a leaflet on web pages calling for storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday at 7:45 am."
Al-Aqsa Foundation pointed out that the settlers intend to perform Jewish prayers in front of the Mosque, and that Moshe Feiglin will deliver a speech before the raid.
It asserted in its statement that Al-Aqsa Mosque belongs to the Muslims, and that these raids and attacks on it will never give legitimacy to occupation.
25 june 2013
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage warned that the Israeli antiquities authority took over the historical public drinking fountain known as "Qattanin" in the old city of Jerusalem at the pretext of making repairs. The Aqsa foundation expressed its fear that the Israeli antiquities authority might destroy or Judaize this ancient fountain, which dates back to the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
The foundation appealed to the international Islamic institutions and the governments of Turkey and Jordan to urgently intervene to stop such Israeli violations against the historical Islamic sites in Jerusalem.
It affirmed that workmen had placed scaffolding at the site and fastened a sign bearing the name of the Israeli antiquities authority, claiming that they would initiate repairs to the Qattanin fountain, which is located on Al-Wad street.
The Qattanin fountain is one of six public drinking fountains built by the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent.
The foundation appealed to the international Islamic institutions and the governments of Turkey and Jordan to urgently intervene to stop such Israeli violations against the historical Islamic sites in Jerusalem.
It affirmed that workmen had placed scaffolding at the site and fastened a sign bearing the name of the Israeli antiquities authority, claiming that they would initiate repairs to the Qattanin fountain, which is located on Al-Wad street.
The Qattanin fountain is one of six public drinking fountains built by the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent.
23 june 2013
Hamas movement has warned the “Zionist occupation” of persisting in its crimes and Judaization projects against the Aqsa mosque, Jerusalem and Nablus city. Hamas lashed out at the world community for its collusion and Arab and Islamic countries for their negligence vis-à-vis the serious escalation of Judaization and settlement schemes.
It said in a press release on Sunday that any infringement on the Aqsa mosque or part of it was a red line and direct provocation to millions of Muslim around the world.
The statement was commenting on the new Israeli scheme of building corridors and lifts under the Jewish suburb in occupied Jerusalem linking it to the Buraq Wall and authorizing the confiscation of thousands of dunums in occupied Jerusalem and Nablus.
Hamas advised the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah to stop security coordination with occupation and to return to the people’s option of resistance and to end its “absurd negotiations” with the Zionist regime.
Hamas also urged the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to assume their duties in defending Jerusalem and holy shrines.
It said in a press release on Sunday that any infringement on the Aqsa mosque or part of it was a red line and direct provocation to millions of Muslim around the world.
The statement was commenting on the new Israeli scheme of building corridors and lifts under the Jewish suburb in occupied Jerusalem linking it to the Buraq Wall and authorizing the confiscation of thousands of dunums in occupied Jerusalem and Nablus.
Hamas advised the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah to stop security coordination with occupation and to return to the people’s option of resistance and to end its “absurd negotiations” with the Zionist regime.
Hamas also urged the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to assume their duties in defending Jerusalem and holy shrines.
22 june 2013
A Palestinian informed source revealed a new Israeli plan prepared by the Israeli interior ministry's district committee for planning and building to connect the Jewish neighborhood in the Old City of Jerusalem with Al-Buraq plaza, west of the Aqsa Mosque. Lawyer Qais Nasser, a specialist in Jerusalem affairs, stated on Saturday that the district committee prepared a blueprint to build corridors and install elevators underground to connect the Jewish neighborhood directly with Al-Buraq plaza.
Nasser added that the plan includes the building of a center for visitors and a business zone near the plaza.
He explained that according to this plan, the stairs of rabbi Yehuda Halevi would be replaced with two elevators to facilitate the movement of visitors up and down the corridors' entrances.
Nasser added that the plan includes the building of a center for visitors and a business zone near the plaza.
He explained that according to this plan, the stairs of rabbi Yehuda Halevi would be replaced with two elevators to facilitate the movement of visitors up and down the corridors' entrances.
Jewish settlers carried out excavations at the entrance of the Ibrahimi mosque to bring in electricity as part of the Israeli Judaization policy in the Ibrahimi mosque in al-Khalil under Israeli forces' protection. Waqf Department confirmed that the Israeli settlers stormed the Ibrahimi mosque and started digging in an effort to bring electricity into the area.
The Ibrahimi mosque has been witnessing an Israeli escalation in Judaization plans where Palestinian worshipers are prevented from entering the mosque in particular times while the Israeli settlers are allowed to enter the mosque without restrictions.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation forces closed on Saturday a street in Dura town southern al-Khalil for alleged security reasons.
The IOF soldiers closed the iron gate near Njihut settlement built on Palestinian lands southern al-Khalil and prevented thousands of Palestinians from passing through the street under the pretext of protecting dozens of settlers living in the settlement, eyewitnesses said.
The street is used by Palestinian residents living in 40 villages. The street is frequently closed by Israeli forces at similar pretexts.
The Ibrahimi mosque has been witnessing an Israeli escalation in Judaization plans where Palestinian worshipers are prevented from entering the mosque in particular times while the Israeli settlers are allowed to enter the mosque without restrictions.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation forces closed on Saturday a street in Dura town southern al-Khalil for alleged security reasons.
The IOF soldiers closed the iron gate near Njihut settlement built on Palestinian lands southern al-Khalil and prevented thousands of Palestinians from passing through the street under the pretext of protecting dozens of settlers living in the settlement, eyewitnesses said.
The street is used by Palestinian residents living in 40 villages. The street is frequently closed by Israeli forces at similar pretexts.
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya said that Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi intends to convene an international conference soon on occupied Jerusalem in Cairo.
Premier Haneyya made his remarks in a graduation ceremony held on Friday evening by the nursing faculty at the Islamic university in the Gaza Strip. Haneyya stated that the issue of Jerusalem and its exposure to Israeli violations were tabled extensively during the meetings that were held recently by a delegation from Hamas with the Egyptian president and the Turkish premier during their visits to Cairo and Ankara.
The Palestinian premier, who was among the delegation that visited some regional countries, said that Morsi promised them to convene a conference in support of Jerusalem in Cairo, noting that the issue of Jerusalem was also addressed during their meeting with the Turkish premier.
He affirmed that Turkish premier Recep Erdogan, in turn, pledged to support the Islamic study sessions that are held at the Aqsa Mosque and raise the number of participating students.
The Palestinian premier also reviewed some of the Israeli Judaization activities which he said are aimed at erasing the Arab-Palestinian culture of the holy city and defiling the Aqsa Mosque.
Premier Haneyya made his remarks in a graduation ceremony held on Friday evening by the nursing faculty at the Islamic university in the Gaza Strip. Haneyya stated that the issue of Jerusalem and its exposure to Israeli violations were tabled extensively during the meetings that were held recently by a delegation from Hamas with the Egyptian president and the Turkish premier during their visits to Cairo and Ankara.
The Palestinian premier, who was among the delegation that visited some regional countries, said that Morsi promised them to convene a conference in support of Jerusalem in Cairo, noting that the issue of Jerusalem was also addressed during their meeting with the Turkish premier.
He affirmed that Turkish premier Recep Erdogan, in turn, pledged to support the Islamic study sessions that are held at the Aqsa Mosque and raise the number of participating students.
The Palestinian premier also reviewed some of the Israeli Judaization activities which he said are aimed at erasing the Arab-Palestinian culture of the holy city and defiling the Aqsa Mosque.
21 june 2013
The Jerusalem International Foundation (JIF) called for a third Palestinian Intifada (uprising) against the Israeli continued attacks and violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites. Yassin Hamoud, Director-General of the Foundation, said in a press conference in Beirut on Thursday that the current situation needs a popular uprising as a reaction against the Israeli ongoing violations and Judaization schemes in the holy city and to protect the al-Aqsa mosque from the Israeli ongoing plans to impose its control over it.
The Foundation released during the conference a report documenting Israeli violations and Judaization projects in Jerusalem since its occupation in 1967.
The Foundation called on the PA to stand firmly against the Israeli plans and to free the hand of Palestinian resistance in the West Bank in order to put an end to the Israeli escalation in the holy city.
The Foundation also called on the Arab League to take effective political, diplomatic and economic positions to pressure the occupation authorities to stop its Judaization plans.
The Foundation released during the conference a report documenting Israeli violations and Judaization projects in Jerusalem since its occupation in 1967.
The Foundation called on the PA to stand firmly against the Israeli plans and to free the hand of Palestinian resistance in the West Bank in order to put an end to the Israeli escalation in the holy city.
The Foundation also called on the Arab League to take effective political, diplomatic and economic positions to pressure the occupation authorities to stop its Judaization plans.
19 june 2013
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage warned that all events on the ground confirm that the Israeli occupation tends to realize its wishes about the building of the alleged temple of Solomon. In a press release published Tuesday by Palestine Today newspaper, head of the foundation Egbariya Zaki said that the Jewish groups used to prohibit its followers from visiting the Aqsa Mosque according to the teachings of their Torah, but now the situation is different and there are escalating Jewish calls to defile the Mosque and perform rituals inside it.
Zaki added that this new situation in addition to all steps taken to encourage the Jewish settlers to make offerings or their marriage vows at the Aqsa Mosque, which they falsely describe as the temple mount, portend a looming danger.
He noted that all these violations against the sanctity of the Aqsa Mosque are taking place simultaneously with a ferocious Judaization campaign against Jerusalem.
He said the settlement and Judaization activities almost erased the Arab and Islamic identity of the holy city, which has become strangled by settlement outposts and thus isolated from the other Palestinian cities.
Zaki added that this new situation in addition to all steps taken to encourage the Jewish settlers to make offerings or their marriage vows at the Aqsa Mosque, which they falsely describe as the temple mount, portend a looming danger.
He noted that all these violations against the sanctity of the Aqsa Mosque are taking place simultaneously with a ferocious Judaization campaign against Jerusalem.
He said the settlement and Judaization activities almost erased the Arab and Islamic identity of the holy city, which has become strangled by settlement outposts and thus isolated from the other Palestinian cities.
17 june 2013
An earlier victim of home demolition stands on the remains of his house in east Jerusalem
BADWAN AL-SALAYMEH'S Jerusalem home was demolished by Israeli occupation forces on May 29. Two bulldozers brought down the walls between which he and his 13-member family lived for over a decade, reducing the two-story building to an ugly pile of mangled steel and jagged concrete ruins.
Heavily armed police forces misted the neighborhood, Beit Hanina, with tear gas and fired sound bombs at bystanders. At least two minors were arrested, one of whom was 12 years old, according to witnesses.
Although Al-Salaymeh had been paying monthly fines for the last two years, his home was leveled without prior notice. He was later informed that he will have to foot the bill of the demolition. "They want to kick all Palestinians out of Jerusalem," he said in an interview. "They want to make it a Jewish-only city, and to make us all move to the West Bank."
"They wanted to demolish that also," Al-Salaymeh said, pointing to a small wooden shack in the corner of the yard, the sole standing edifice. "But I told them they had to bring it down on my head."
According to the Jerusalemites Campaign, it was the ninth demolition in East Jerusalem in a two-week period. Less than a week after the destruction of Al-Salaymeh's home, the Israeli-controlled municipality delivered demolition orders in several Palestinian villages in Jerusalem: Beit Hanina, Abu Dis, Al-Issawiya and Silwan.
In Abu Dis, where students from the nearby Al-Quds University threw rocks at armored military jeeps, Israeli soldiers raised clouds of tear gas after posting demolition orders on homes.
While delivering demolition orders, "Israeli police stormed the Beer Ayyub, Wadi Hilweh, and al-Bustan neighborhoods...taking several pictures," reports Ma'an News Agency. "Police and municipality staff also broke into a house belonging to [the] Rweidi family to check for any work carried out without a building permit, which are notoriously difficult for Palestinians in East Jerusalem to obtain."
Topping off the week, Israeli forces then delivered demolition orders to another home in Beit Hanina, not far from the pile of destruction that used to be Badwan Al-Salaymeh's home. "Jerusalem municipality staff left a demolition order on the property of Hussein al-Kaswani," Ma'an read. "The 300-square-meter house was built 10 years ago and is home to 20 people."
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AS THE world marks the 46th anniversary of the June 1967 War, during which Israel occupied the remaining Palestinian territories and others, life in East Jerusalem has become grim for Palestinians. In order to "Judaize" the city--a euphemism for ethnic cleansing, of course--Israeli policy aims to push Palestinians out of the city by targeting them for arbitrary arrests, home demolitions, revoking their residency and imposing excessive fines, among other measures.
This happens despite the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voicing landslide recognition of East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state in November 2012. The UNGA voted for a state of Palestine that includes East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. But when Palestinians woke up the next morning, checkpoints, tanks, soldiers and illegal settlements still dotted the map.
Home demolitions also continued without pause. Since 2004, Israeli human rights group B'Tselem estimates, 442 Palestinian buildings have been destroyed in East Jerusalem, displacing at least 1,746 people (945 of whom were minors).
The Al-Quds daily newspaper reported on May 28 that "450 Palestinian homes in the occupied city are currently awaiting demolition." The United Nations found that over 90,000 Palestinian Jerusalemites are presently at risk of displacement because 33 percent of all Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem lack permits. Israeli NGO Bimkom reports that 95 percent of all Palestinians who apply for permits are denied.
"Any increase in [Israel's] ethnic cleansing tactics is inevitably tied into an implicit compliance from the international community, most prominently through the continuation of relations with Israel on an unconditional basis with regard to its human rights violations," Rima Awwad of the Jersualemites Campaign said in an interview.
The ongoing assault on Palestinians in Jerusalem is part of Israel's larger hegemonic designs. As of June, almost 5,000 Palestinians were in Israeli prisons, more than 500,000 Israeli settlers were in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and right-wing Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue settlement activity.
BADWAN AL-SALAYMEH'S Jerusalem home was demolished by Israeli occupation forces on May 29. Two bulldozers brought down the walls between which he and his 13-member family lived for over a decade, reducing the two-story building to an ugly pile of mangled steel and jagged concrete ruins.
Heavily armed police forces misted the neighborhood, Beit Hanina, with tear gas and fired sound bombs at bystanders. At least two minors were arrested, one of whom was 12 years old, according to witnesses.
Although Al-Salaymeh had been paying monthly fines for the last two years, his home was leveled without prior notice. He was later informed that he will have to foot the bill of the demolition. "They want to kick all Palestinians out of Jerusalem," he said in an interview. "They want to make it a Jewish-only city, and to make us all move to the West Bank."
"They wanted to demolish that also," Al-Salaymeh said, pointing to a small wooden shack in the corner of the yard, the sole standing edifice. "But I told them they had to bring it down on my head."
According to the Jerusalemites Campaign, it was the ninth demolition in East Jerusalem in a two-week period. Less than a week after the destruction of Al-Salaymeh's home, the Israeli-controlled municipality delivered demolition orders in several Palestinian villages in Jerusalem: Beit Hanina, Abu Dis, Al-Issawiya and Silwan.
In Abu Dis, where students from the nearby Al-Quds University threw rocks at armored military jeeps, Israeli soldiers raised clouds of tear gas after posting demolition orders on homes.
While delivering demolition orders, "Israeli police stormed the Beer Ayyub, Wadi Hilweh, and al-Bustan neighborhoods...taking several pictures," reports Ma'an News Agency. "Police and municipality staff also broke into a house belonging to [the] Rweidi family to check for any work carried out without a building permit, which are notoriously difficult for Palestinians in East Jerusalem to obtain."
Topping off the week, Israeli forces then delivered demolition orders to another home in Beit Hanina, not far from the pile of destruction that used to be Badwan Al-Salaymeh's home. "Jerusalem municipality staff left a demolition order on the property of Hussein al-Kaswani," Ma'an read. "The 300-square-meter house was built 10 years ago and is home to 20 people."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
AS THE world marks the 46th anniversary of the June 1967 War, during which Israel occupied the remaining Palestinian territories and others, life in East Jerusalem has become grim for Palestinians. In order to "Judaize" the city--a euphemism for ethnic cleansing, of course--Israeli policy aims to push Palestinians out of the city by targeting them for arbitrary arrests, home demolitions, revoking their residency and imposing excessive fines, among other measures.
This happens despite the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voicing landslide recognition of East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state in November 2012. The UNGA voted for a state of Palestine that includes East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. But when Palestinians woke up the next morning, checkpoints, tanks, soldiers and illegal settlements still dotted the map.
Home demolitions also continued without pause. Since 2004, Israeli human rights group B'Tselem estimates, 442 Palestinian buildings have been destroyed in East Jerusalem, displacing at least 1,746 people (945 of whom were minors).
The Al-Quds daily newspaper reported on May 28 that "450 Palestinian homes in the occupied city are currently awaiting demolition." The United Nations found that over 90,000 Palestinian Jerusalemites are presently at risk of displacement because 33 percent of all Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem lack permits. Israeli NGO Bimkom reports that 95 percent of all Palestinians who apply for permits are denied.
"Any increase in [Israel's] ethnic cleansing tactics is inevitably tied into an implicit compliance from the international community, most prominently through the continuation of relations with Israel on an unconditional basis with regard to its human rights violations," Rima Awwad of the Jersualemites Campaign said in an interview.
The ongoing assault on Palestinians in Jerusalem is part of Israel's larger hegemonic designs. As of June, almost 5,000 Palestinians were in Israeli prisons, more than 500,000 Israeli settlers were in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and right-wing Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue settlement activity.
The location of the planned building
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) intends to build a huge Jewish building in Wadi Hilwa neighborhood, about 50 meters away from the Aqsa Mosque, according to the Jerusalem affairs department of the Palestinian liberation organization (PLO). The building is known as Kaidem or Givati parking lot and will be built on an area of 10,626 square meters on the outskirts of the southern walls of the old city of Jerusalem in Wadi Hilwa.
A large part of the land which the building will be built on belongs to Siyam family.
The area had been used in the past as a parking lot for Wadi Hilwa residents before the IOA seized it several years ago at the pretext of carrying out archeological excavations under the auspices of the Zionist settlement society Elad. During these diggings, Byzantine and Islamic finds were discovered.
The site itself exhibits vital archaeological finds: Byzantine remains, parts of the Umayyad Palaces (eighth century), and the Abbasid Quarter (tenth century), which is the only residential quarter discovered from this period.
It included a Muslim cemetery with approximately 100 tombs. The bones of the dead were removed and reburied in unknown places without the presence of a Muslim religious official. It is unimaginable that a building permit would be issued for a site that contains Jewish burial remains or remains from the biblical period.
The Jerusalem affairs department affirmed that the IOA approved the construction of this huge building as well as a bridge spanning from the building to Al-Maghariba Gate.
This building is part of a wider Judaization scheme aimed at expanding the Jewish control over the holy city and marketing Jerusalem as a Jewish historical city through blurring the Arab history of the city and promoting tourism.
Three Jewish foundations, Ir David, Elad and the wailing wall legacy fund will administer this building which will contain seven floors and underground parking lot for about 250 vehicles.
The building will include a Jewish museum, rooms for Israeli archeologists, visitors, educational halls and show rooms to display Arab and Islamic antiquities, which will be modified and presented as Jewish ones.
The building is located above a network of tunnels that have been established beneath the Aqsa Mosque and its vicinity.
Jerusalem is one of the most excavated cities in the world. Since the second half of the nineteenth century, archaeological excavations have been conducted without interruption. Most of the excavations are driven either by ideological Jewish greed or political interests and motivations.
The excavators, regardless of whether or not they were qualified, are either misguided by the texts of the old testament or Arab haters who want to prove by all means that the holy city is purely Jewish, although they have not found a piece of Jewish antiquities so far.
Even many of the Jewish antiquities and ancient artifacts which are displayed in different Israeli museums have been identified by international archeologists as being brought by Jewish immigrants from Yemen.
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) intends to build a huge Jewish building in Wadi Hilwa neighborhood, about 50 meters away from the Aqsa Mosque, according to the Jerusalem affairs department of the Palestinian liberation organization (PLO). The building is known as Kaidem or Givati parking lot and will be built on an area of 10,626 square meters on the outskirts of the southern walls of the old city of Jerusalem in Wadi Hilwa.
A large part of the land which the building will be built on belongs to Siyam family.
The area had been used in the past as a parking lot for Wadi Hilwa residents before the IOA seized it several years ago at the pretext of carrying out archeological excavations under the auspices of the Zionist settlement society Elad. During these diggings, Byzantine and Islamic finds were discovered.
The site itself exhibits vital archaeological finds: Byzantine remains, parts of the Umayyad Palaces (eighth century), and the Abbasid Quarter (tenth century), which is the only residential quarter discovered from this period.
It included a Muslim cemetery with approximately 100 tombs. The bones of the dead were removed and reburied in unknown places without the presence of a Muslim religious official. It is unimaginable that a building permit would be issued for a site that contains Jewish burial remains or remains from the biblical period.
The Jerusalem affairs department affirmed that the IOA approved the construction of this huge building as well as a bridge spanning from the building to Al-Maghariba Gate.
This building is part of a wider Judaization scheme aimed at expanding the Jewish control over the holy city and marketing Jerusalem as a Jewish historical city through blurring the Arab history of the city and promoting tourism.
Three Jewish foundations, Ir David, Elad and the wailing wall legacy fund will administer this building which will contain seven floors and underground parking lot for about 250 vehicles.
The building will include a Jewish museum, rooms for Israeli archeologists, visitors, educational halls and show rooms to display Arab and Islamic antiquities, which will be modified and presented as Jewish ones.
The building is located above a network of tunnels that have been established beneath the Aqsa Mosque and its vicinity.
Jerusalem is one of the most excavated cities in the world. Since the second half of the nineteenth century, archaeological excavations have been conducted without interruption. Most of the excavations are driven either by ideological Jewish greed or political interests and motivations.
The excavators, regardless of whether or not they were qualified, are either misguided by the texts of the old testament or Arab haters who want to prove by all means that the holy city is purely Jewish, although they have not found a piece of Jewish antiquities so far.
Even many of the Jewish antiquities and ancient artifacts which are displayed in different Israeli museums have been identified by international archeologists as being brought by Jewish immigrants from Yemen.
A miniature architectural design of their alleged Jewish temple as aired by the Israeli TV channel
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage appealed to the Muslim nation to urgently move to save the Aqsa Mosque from Judaization, warning that the Mosque is facing fateful and critical moments. In a press release on Sunday, the Aqsa foundation said the Jews prepared detailed maps, blueprints, models and tools to build their alleged temple on the ruins of the Aqsa Mosque.
It asserted that Israel's channel 2 broadcast a report on Saturday evening about the process of building the alleged temple of Solomon and revealed that there are materials and tools in place to be used in the construction process.
The foundation noted that the release of such report took place a few days after a horde of Israeli right-wing journalists and media figures defiled the Aqsa Mosque. Their news agencies, at the same time, made special reports confirming that the Israeli regime and its Jewish arms had prepared plans to carry out a major assault on the Aqsa Mosque.
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage appealed to the Muslim nation to urgently move to save the Aqsa Mosque from Judaization, warning that the Mosque is facing fateful and critical moments. In a press release on Sunday, the Aqsa foundation said the Jews prepared detailed maps, blueprints, models and tools to build their alleged temple on the ruins of the Aqsa Mosque.
It asserted that Israel's channel 2 broadcast a report on Saturday evening about the process of building the alleged temple of Solomon and revealed that there are materials and tools in place to be used in the construction process.
The foundation noted that the release of such report took place a few days after a horde of Israeli right-wing journalists and media figures defiled the Aqsa Mosque. Their news agencies, at the same time, made special reports confirming that the Israeli regime and its Jewish arms had prepared plans to carry out a major assault on the Aqsa Mosque.
16 june 2013
Jerusalem and its holy sites are a top priority for the Palestinian Authority cabinet, newly appointed Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said Sunday while visiting the city.
Hamdallah told Ma'an that the PA is going to implement a number of projects in Jerusalem to support Palestinians, without providing further details.
The newly-appointed prime minister visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, and was accompanied by the governor of Jerusalem, Adnan al-Husseini, the grand mufti of Jerusalem, Mohammed Hussein, PA health minister Jawad Awwad and several other officials.
Hamdallah said the PA is trying to build support for Jerusalem in Arab and international conventions, and was briefed about Israeli violations around the Al-Aqsa compound.
Israel captured East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community.
Eight out of 10 Palestinians in East Jerusalem live below the poverty line, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel said in May, calling it the "worst rate of all time."
Hamdallah told Ma'an that the PA is going to implement a number of projects in Jerusalem to support Palestinians, without providing further details.
The newly-appointed prime minister visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, and was accompanied by the governor of Jerusalem, Adnan al-Husseini, the grand mufti of Jerusalem, Mohammed Hussein, PA health minister Jawad Awwad and several other officials.
Hamdallah said the PA is trying to build support for Jerusalem in Arab and international conventions, and was briefed about Israeli violations around the Al-Aqsa compound.
Israel captured East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community.
Eight out of 10 Palestinians in East Jerusalem live below the poverty line, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel said in May, calling it the "worst rate of all time."
Jewish settlers including journalists from various media outlets broke into the holy Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Sunday morning and strolled inside its plazas. Eyewitnesses said that around 70 settlers provocatively roamed various plazas inside the holy site amidst tight security measures.
They said that the settlers were taking shots of various areas even the places where children memorize the holy Quran.
They said that the settlers were taking shots of various areas even the places where children memorize the holy Quran.
15 june 2013
The forum of Palestinian journalists (FPJ) strongly denounced the desecration of the Aqsa Mosque by a group of Israeli journalists on Thursday. In a press release on Friday, the forum said that extremist Jewish journalists working for Israel's TV channels 1, 2 and 10, the newspapers Maariv and Israel Today, and the Hebrew news website Walla had defiled the Aqsa Mosque's courtyard under police guard.
An Israeli archeologist escorted the journalists during their tour at the Aqsa Mosque.
Maariv newspaper posted a news report about the tour on its website under the headline "Religious journalists occupy the Aqsa Mosque."
The forum emphasized that such visit was part of the Israeli plans to Judaize the Aqsa Mosque and divide it between Muslims and Jews as a prelude to seizing it.
It added that what happened showed that the Israeli media and its workers are reserve soldiers of the Israeli occupation army implementing its agendas against the Palestinian people and their holy sites.
An Israeli archeologist escorted the journalists during their tour at the Aqsa Mosque.
Maariv newspaper posted a news report about the tour on its website under the headline "Religious journalists occupy the Aqsa Mosque."
The forum emphasized that such visit was part of the Israeli plans to Judaize the Aqsa Mosque and divide it between Muslims and Jews as a prelude to seizing it.
It added that what happened showed that the Israeli media and its workers are reserve soldiers of the Israeli occupation army implementing its agendas against the Palestinian people and their holy sites.
14 june 2013
Hamas has strongly condemned the Israeli continued Judaization projects, calling on the international community to pressure Israeli authorities to stop settlement projects in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank. In a statement issued on Thursday, the movement also called on the PA to stand against Israeli settlement and to reject the so called economic peace that only serves the occupation’s criminal schemes.
Hamas's statement came in response to the Israeli building of hundreds of housing units, settlement expansion, and excavations conducted around Al-Magharba Gate and Al-Buraq Wall in Jerusalem.
The movement warned of those Judaization projects, stressing that the occupation authorities will not be able to blur the Palestinian Arab and Islamic identity and history.
The movement also called on the Palestinian national forces to stand behind their people’s aspirations to achieve the Palestinian national reconciliation and to stop security coordination with Israel in response to Israeli forces and settlers’ attacks.
Hamas's statement came in response to the Israeli building of hundreds of housing units, settlement expansion, and excavations conducted around Al-Magharba Gate and Al-Buraq Wall in Jerusalem.
The movement warned of those Judaization projects, stressing that the occupation authorities will not be able to blur the Palestinian Arab and Islamic identity and history.
The movement also called on the Palestinian national forces to stand behind their people’s aspirations to achieve the Palestinian national reconciliation and to stop security coordination with Israel in response to Israeli forces and settlers’ attacks.
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage (AFEH) warned that the aim behind organizing Formula 1 car race in the vicinity of the Old City wall and al-Aqsa mosque is the reinforcement of Judaization projects. The Formula 1 race is taking place in the occupied city of Jerusalem with the participation of the Ferrari World team, under local and international sponsorship.
The Foundation warned of the seriousness of such activities that come within the framework of the Judaization plans implemented by the occupation authorities in the city of Jerusalem.
The presence of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock and al-Buraq Wall, in addition to alleyways of the old town in the promotional video of the race confirms the Israeli Judaization plans, the Foundation said.
Al-Aqsa Foundation pointed out that is slated to start from the neighborhoods in the western part of Jerusalem towards the eastern part, in the vicinity of the Old City wall.
Between 50 to 100 thousands spectators are expected to attend the race, under the sponsorship Kaspersky Company specialized in computer protection programs.
Israeli occupation police closed main streets leading to the Old City in occupied Jerusalem on Thursday and Friday due to the preparations for the organization of the Formula 1 race.
The Foundation warned of the seriousness of such activities that come within the framework of the Judaization plans implemented by the occupation authorities in the city of Jerusalem.
The presence of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock and al-Buraq Wall, in addition to alleyways of the old town in the promotional video of the race confirms the Israeli Judaization plans, the Foundation said.
Al-Aqsa Foundation pointed out that is slated to start from the neighborhoods in the western part of Jerusalem towards the eastern part, in the vicinity of the Old City wall.
Between 50 to 100 thousands spectators are expected to attend the race, under the sponsorship Kaspersky Company specialized in computer protection programs.
Israeli occupation police closed main streets leading to the Old City in occupied Jerusalem on Thursday and Friday due to the preparations for the organization of the Formula 1 race.
The Arabs48 News Website has reported that the Tel Aviv University is cooperating with right wing settler groups involved in excavations in Silwan Arab town, south of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in occupied East Jerusalem.
It said that the Elad settler group, involved is funding and financing settlement activities, is indirectly paying the salary of a Tel Aviv University researcher in charge of the excavations.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, reported that the decision of the Archeology Center at the Tel Aviv University to initiate excavations in Silwan caused a stir due to allegations of cooperation with extremist right wing settler groups.
The Tel Aviv University claimed that the excavations are carried out in cooperation with the Israeli Antiques Authority, and “has nothing to do with the Elad group.
Haaretz obtained documents indicating that the Elad group started the digging, has been directly involved in the issue since the beginning, and that the Tel Aviv University was not only fully aware of the issue, but knew that Elad was paying the salary of Tel Aviv University Archeologist, Yuval Gadot, who heads the excavations.
It said that a meeting was held in November of 2012, just before the digging started, and that the summary of this meeting shows that Gadot, and the director of Elad, David Be’eri, and various officials of the Israeli Antiques Authority attended the meeting, and that Elad was granted a role in the digging.
Elad was given various tasks, including providing workers mechanical tools and logistics, while an agreement that was signed between the Tel Aviv University and the Israeli Antiques Authority “commits the authority to pay Gadot 23.000 NIS per month for his work”, Haaretz said.
The Tel Aviv University told Haaretz that it had no connection with Elad, and that, to the best of the University’s knowledge, the budged of the Antiques Authority comes from the government.
The University said that the agreement states that the digging, the analysis and research are exclusive to its researchers, and that “it has no contracts, or relations, with Elad”.
Yet, Haaretz revealed that the budget of the entire excavation work comes from Elad, as per an agreement between Elad and the Antiques Authority.
The agreement states that Elad would pay 385.000 NIS for a 40-day exploratory excavation, but it continued to pay on regular basis.
Furthermore, Haaretz quoted Yoni Mizrahi, of the leftist Emek Shaveh archeologist organization, stating that groups involved in the excavations in Silwan, even groups that deny political motivations, are part of the attempts carried out by the settlers to fortify their control of occupied East Jerusalem.
He added that Tel Aviv University has been denying for months “whet everybody knew about their involvement and cooperation with the settlers."
Elad responded to the issue by stating that it operates and develops the “City of David” project, in Jerusalem, and pays part of the cost of the archeological excavations carried out by the Israeli Antiques Authority.
It also denied any role in relations between Tel Aviv University and Antiques Authority, and added that Gadot is licensed to excavate part of the area.
The group claimed it does not interfere in the work of researchers.
It said that the Elad settler group, involved is funding and financing settlement activities, is indirectly paying the salary of a Tel Aviv University researcher in charge of the excavations.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, reported that the decision of the Archeology Center at the Tel Aviv University to initiate excavations in Silwan caused a stir due to allegations of cooperation with extremist right wing settler groups.
The Tel Aviv University claimed that the excavations are carried out in cooperation with the Israeli Antiques Authority, and “has nothing to do with the Elad group.
Haaretz obtained documents indicating that the Elad group started the digging, has been directly involved in the issue since the beginning, and that the Tel Aviv University was not only fully aware of the issue, but knew that Elad was paying the salary of Tel Aviv University Archeologist, Yuval Gadot, who heads the excavations.
It said that a meeting was held in November of 2012, just before the digging started, and that the summary of this meeting shows that Gadot, and the director of Elad, David Be’eri, and various officials of the Israeli Antiques Authority attended the meeting, and that Elad was granted a role in the digging.
Elad was given various tasks, including providing workers mechanical tools and logistics, while an agreement that was signed between the Tel Aviv University and the Israeli Antiques Authority “commits the authority to pay Gadot 23.000 NIS per month for his work”, Haaretz said.
The Tel Aviv University told Haaretz that it had no connection with Elad, and that, to the best of the University’s knowledge, the budged of the Antiques Authority comes from the government.
The University said that the agreement states that the digging, the analysis and research are exclusive to its researchers, and that “it has no contracts, or relations, with Elad”.
Yet, Haaretz revealed that the budget of the entire excavation work comes from Elad, as per an agreement between Elad and the Antiques Authority.
The agreement states that Elad would pay 385.000 NIS for a 40-day exploratory excavation, but it continued to pay on regular basis.
Furthermore, Haaretz quoted Yoni Mizrahi, of the leftist Emek Shaveh archeologist organization, stating that groups involved in the excavations in Silwan, even groups that deny political motivations, are part of the attempts carried out by the settlers to fortify their control of occupied East Jerusalem.
He added that Tel Aviv University has been denying for months “whet everybody knew about their involvement and cooperation with the settlers."
Elad responded to the issue by stating that it operates and develops the “City of David” project, in Jerusalem, and pays part of the cost of the archeological excavations carried out by the Israeli Antiques Authority.
It also denied any role in relations between Tel Aviv University and Antiques Authority, and added that Gadot is licensed to excavate part of the area.
The group claimed it does not interfere in the work of researchers.
13 june 2013
Israeli occupation police closed main streets leading to the Old City in occupied Jerusalem on Thursday, local sources said. The Israeli decision to close the streets came due to the preparations for the organization of the Formula 1 race, which will take place on Thursday and Friday in the occupied city of Jerusalem with the participation of the Ferrari World team, under the sponsorship Kaspersky Company specialized in computer protection programs.
The police declared, in a statement, their intention to close the streets leading to al-Khalil, Asbat, and Al Magharibah Gates in the Old City on Thursday and Friday, according to Jerusalemite sources.
The race will be launched from the neighborhoods in the western part of Jerusalem towards the eastern part, in the vicinity of the Old City wall.
For its part; the Jerusalem's Sports Federations Group asserted that the Ferrari race comes within the framework of the Judaization plans implemented by the occupation in the city of Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police, accompanied with bulldozers and trucks, evacuated on Wednesday Wadi Joz car park east of Jerusalem claiming that it belongs to Israel Lands Administration (ILA).
Siyam, Abu Ta'a, and Farhan families confirmed that the car park was established on their own lands, declaring their intention to prosecute the ILA for its racial policy.
The families confirmed that the Israeli authorities have notified them since 6 months to evacuate the car park.
The park owners affirmed that they have official documents confirming their ownership of the land, where they appealed to the Israeli Municipal Authorities which permitted them to rehabilitate the park to be used as a car park, however they were surprised yesterday by the ILA breaking into the park.
The police declared, in a statement, their intention to close the streets leading to al-Khalil, Asbat, and Al Magharibah Gates in the Old City on Thursday and Friday, according to Jerusalemite sources.
The race will be launched from the neighborhoods in the western part of Jerusalem towards the eastern part, in the vicinity of the Old City wall.
For its part; the Jerusalem's Sports Federations Group asserted that the Ferrari race comes within the framework of the Judaization plans implemented by the occupation in the city of Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police, accompanied with bulldozers and trucks, evacuated on Wednesday Wadi Joz car park east of Jerusalem claiming that it belongs to Israel Lands Administration (ILA).
Siyam, Abu Ta'a, and Farhan families confirmed that the car park was established on their own lands, declaring their intention to prosecute the ILA for its racial policy.
The families confirmed that the Israeli authorities have notified them since 6 months to evacuate the car park.
The park owners affirmed that they have official documents confirming their ownership of the land, where they appealed to the Israeli Municipal Authorities which permitted them to rehabilitate the park to be used as a car park, however they were surprised yesterday by the ILA breaking into the park.
