18 mar 2013
Protest against desecration of Mamanullah cemetery
National and Islamic Jerusalemite leaders have organized on Sunday a protest against the continued Israeli escalation Jerusalem's Mamanullah cemetery, with the participation of Sheikh Raed Salah head of the Islamic movement in the Palestinian territories occupied in 1948. The demonstration was organized in the remaining part of the cemetery, where banners were raised in Arabic and English condemning the Israeli crimes and violations.
The demonstration was concluded by a press conference, where head of Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowments and Heritage presented documents and maps revealing Judaization projects targeting the Islamic historical cemetery in occupied Jerusalem, noting that the Israeli municipality seeks to turn the cemetery into a nightclub and a huge Jewish tourist facility.
For his part, Dr. Sheikh Sabri, Chairman of the Supreme Islamic Council and preacher at Al-Aqsa Mosque, thanked media for revealing what is happening in Mamanullah cemetery, saying that it is one of the oldest Islamic cemeteries in Palestine, calling on the international community to intervene immediately for the protection of the cemetery.
For his part, Sheikh Raed Salah strongly condemned the Israeli crimes and practices against the cemetery, stressing that the occupation will be prosecuted soon for its shameful crimes against the dead.
Hajj Mustafa Abu Zahra, Chairman of the Committee for the Care of Islamic Graves, stressed that the cemetery is subjected to multiple violations by the occupation authorities, especially the Jerusalem Municipality and Israeli settlers, stating that the cemetery situation needs Islamic and Arab efforts to save it from the Israeli institutions.
The demonstration was concluded by a press conference, where head of Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowments and Heritage presented documents and maps revealing Judaization projects targeting the Islamic historical cemetery in occupied Jerusalem, noting that the Israeli municipality seeks to turn the cemetery into a nightclub and a huge Jewish tourist facility.
For his part, Dr. Sheikh Sabri, Chairman of the Supreme Islamic Council and preacher at Al-Aqsa Mosque, thanked media for revealing what is happening in Mamanullah cemetery, saying that it is one of the oldest Islamic cemeteries in Palestine, calling on the international community to intervene immediately for the protection of the cemetery.
For his part, Sheikh Raed Salah strongly condemned the Israeli crimes and practices against the cemetery, stressing that the occupation will be prosecuted soon for its shameful crimes against the dead.
Hajj Mustafa Abu Zahra, Chairman of the Committee for the Care of Islamic Graves, stressed that the cemetery is subjected to multiple violations by the occupation authorities, especially the Jerusalem Municipality and Israeli settlers, stating that the cemetery situation needs Islamic and Arab efforts to save it from the Israeli institutions.
Dozens of Jewish settlers, conscripts storm Aqsa mosque
Dozens of Jewish settlers and female conscripts stormed the Aqsa mosque on Monday morning via the Maghareba gate.
The intruders enjoyed heavy Israeli police protection as the feverish Israeli attempts to Judaize the holy city gain momentum.
Eyewitnesses said that the group roamed the mosque’s plazas and utilities while provoking worshipers and students present inside it.
The intruders enjoyed heavy Israeli police protection as the feverish Israeli attempts to Judaize the holy city gain momentum.
Eyewitnesses said that the group roamed the mosque’s plazas and utilities while provoking worshipers and students present inside it.
17 mar 2013
Israeli plan to seize the remaining part of Ma'manullah cemetery
A Jerusalemite Foundation revealed that there are Israeli plans to implement 7 Judaizing projects targeting the historic Islamic cemetery of Ma'manullah, in the occupied city of Jerusalem.
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said, during a press conference on Sunday, that the occupation authorities have already seized an area of 160 dunums of the cemetery's land and seek to seize the entire cemetery in order to turn it into public commercial and tourist facilities.
It pointed out that one of the seven Judaizing projects scheduled to be implemented aims to destroy a pond built in the cemetery, in addition to the establishment of a Jewish museum in the area.
Part of the cemetery's land will be allocated for the establishment of car parking, and another part for the establishment of a park for dogs.
For his part, head of the Restoration of Muslim graves Committee in Jerusalem, Mustafa Abu Zahra, said: "The Israeli institution moved the bones of dead Muslims to unknown places, then stepped up its procedures in the cemetery by establishing parks for dogs and toilets in this place that we consider one of the sanctities. All this falls within the context of the attempts to obliterate Arab and Islamic identity of Jerusalem."
Ma'manullah Cemetery is one of the largest and oldest Islamic cemeteries in the Palestinian territories, as it has an area of two hundred dunums.
Israeli authorities have seized the cemetery's land then turned the greatest part of it into a public park after demolishing the graves. The tombstones still exist on 25 dunums only of cemetery's land.
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said, during a press conference on Sunday, that the occupation authorities have already seized an area of 160 dunums of the cemetery's land and seek to seize the entire cemetery in order to turn it into public commercial and tourist facilities.
It pointed out that one of the seven Judaizing projects scheduled to be implemented aims to destroy a pond built in the cemetery, in addition to the establishment of a Jewish museum in the area.
Part of the cemetery's land will be allocated for the establishment of car parking, and another part for the establishment of a park for dogs.
For his part, head of the Restoration of Muslim graves Committee in Jerusalem, Mustafa Abu Zahra, said: "The Israeli institution moved the bones of dead Muslims to unknown places, then stepped up its procedures in the cemetery by establishing parks for dogs and toilets in this place that we consider one of the sanctities. All this falls within the context of the attempts to obliterate Arab and Islamic identity of Jerusalem."
Ma'manullah Cemetery is one of the largest and oldest Islamic cemeteries in the Palestinian territories, as it has an area of two hundred dunums.
Israeli authorities have seized the cemetery's land then turned the greatest part of it into a public park after demolishing the graves. The tombstones still exist on 25 dunums only of cemetery's land.
Protest against desecration of Jerusalem's Mamanullah cemetery
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowments and Heritage stated that it has been putting on Saturday the final touches of the protest demonstration against the continued Israeli violations into Mamanullah cemetery in Jerusalem.
The Foundation pointed out that the national and Islamic leaders in Jerusalem, including Sheikh Raed Salah head of the Islamic movement in the Palestinian territories occupied in 1948, have organized on Sunday a demonstration in protest against the Israeli continued escalation in the Islamic cemetery of Mamanullah.
A press conference will be held during the demonstration revealing seven new Judaization projects targeting the Islamic historical cemetery in occupied Jerusalem.
Al-Aqsa Foundation is going to provide the attendance with documented studies and research.
In a related context, head of the committee catering for Islamic graves, Mustafa Abu Zahra, stated that the occupation forces continued to Judaize Mamanullah cemetery which is one of the oldest Islamic cemeteries in Palestine, calling on the Arab and Islamic countries to intervene to protect Islamic cemeteries.
The Foundation pointed out that the national and Islamic leaders in Jerusalem, including Sheikh Raed Salah head of the Islamic movement in the Palestinian territories occupied in 1948, have organized on Sunday a demonstration in protest against the Israeli continued escalation in the Islamic cemetery of Mamanullah.
A press conference will be held during the demonstration revealing seven new Judaization projects targeting the Islamic historical cemetery in occupied Jerusalem.
Al-Aqsa Foundation is going to provide the attendance with documented studies and research.
In a related context, head of the committee catering for Islamic graves, Mustafa Abu Zahra, stated that the occupation forces continued to Judaize Mamanullah cemetery which is one of the oldest Islamic cemeteries in Palestine, calling on the Arab and Islamic countries to intervene to protect Islamic cemeteries.
15 mar 2013
Al-Aqsa guards prevent Israeli MK from storming the mosque
Al-Aqsa mosque guards have foiled the Israeli MK Moshe Feiglin’s attempt to storm the mosque, accompanied by Israeli forces. Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage confirmed in a statement on Friday that the MK Feiglin tried to storm al-Aqsa as a member of Knesset who enjoys parliamentary immunity, but the mosque guards confronted him and thwarted his scheme.
This attempt is considered a dangerous precedent that aims to create and impose a new reality to divide al-Aqsa Mosque gradually, the statement added.
In a related context, limited clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Jerusalemites in Bab al-Amud, in which the occupation forces arrested three young Jerusalemites.
This attempt is considered a dangerous precedent that aims to create and impose a new reality to divide al-Aqsa Mosque gradually, the statement added.
In a related context, limited clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Jerusalemites in Bab al-Amud, in which the occupation forces arrested three young Jerusalemites.
Israeli restrictions on the entry of worshipers into al-Aqsa
Israeli police have imposed restrictions on the entry of Palestinians under 50 years of age, without specifying a certain age for women, into al-Aqsa Mosque to perform Friday prayers.
Only men over the age of 50, with blue identity cards (Jerusalem residents), are allowed to enter the Aqsa Mosque, while no age restrictions were imposed on women, Israeli police spokeswoman said in a statement.
The statement added that "thousands of police and border guards will be deployed in various alleys of the Old City and around East Jerusalem since the early morning hours, noting that they will deal "firmly and decisively" with what it called "any attempt to cause disorder."
Only men over the age of 50, with blue identity cards (Jerusalem residents), are allowed to enter the Aqsa Mosque, while no age restrictions were imposed on women, Israeli police spokeswoman said in a statement.
The statement added that "thousands of police and border guards will be deployed in various alleys of the Old City and around East Jerusalem since the early morning hours, noting that they will deal "firmly and decisively" with what it called "any attempt to cause disorder."
Palestinian Seriously Injured In Tulkarem
Thursday evening March 14, 2013; Palestinian medical sources reported that a Palestinian teenager was seriously injured by Israeli army fire in the Ghashoury Factories area, west of the Tulkarem district, in the northern part of the occupied West Bank.
Local sources reported that the army invaded the area, and opened fire at a number of residents, seriously wounding one Palestinian identified as Hamza Walid Haloub, 18.
A Red Crescent ambulance rushed to the scene and moved Haloub to Thabit Thabit Hospital, in Tulkarem. He suffered a gunshot injury to the lung.
On Thursday afternoon, a Palestinian mosque in Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank, was burnt after Israeli soldiers fired a number of gas bombs and concussion grenades towards it, media sources in Hebron have reported.
The Ali Bin Abi Al-Khattab mosque is located north of the Al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron.
Civil Defense teams rushed to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire after it consumed the carpets, local sources said.
In related news, a Palestinian man attacked a young Palestinian man, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
Medical sources reported that Mohammad Bani Jaber, in his twenties, was violently beaten by a group of extremist settlers who also struck him with batons, near Aqraba village. He was moved to a local hospital in treatment.
Local sources reported that the army invaded the area, and opened fire at a number of residents, seriously wounding one Palestinian identified as Hamza Walid Haloub, 18.
A Red Crescent ambulance rushed to the scene and moved Haloub to Thabit Thabit Hospital, in Tulkarem. He suffered a gunshot injury to the lung.
On Thursday afternoon, a Palestinian mosque in Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank, was burnt after Israeli soldiers fired a number of gas bombs and concussion grenades towards it, media sources in Hebron have reported.
The Ali Bin Abi Al-Khattab mosque is located north of the Al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron.
Civil Defense teams rushed to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire after it consumed the carpets, local sources said.
In related news, a Palestinian man attacked a young Palestinian man, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
Medical sources reported that Mohammad Bani Jaber, in his twenties, was violently beaten by a group of extremist settlers who also struck him with batons, near Aqraba village. He was moved to a local hospital in treatment.
14 mar 2013
100 Palestinian civil organizations consider Obama's visit futile
One hundred Palestinian NGO have signed a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to pressure Israeli authorities during his upcoming visit to the region to end settlements on Palestinian land. The organizations stated that Obama has to work first for the immediate release of all detainees, the removal of all Israeli barriers, more than 600 barriers, in the West Bank and the end of the Gaza siege in order to achieve peace in the region.
There must be a timeframe for the application of the international law in order to ensure the Palestinian right of return, self-determination, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, Mohsen Abu Ramadan Chairman of the Board of Palestinian NGOs Network stated during a press conference on Thursday.
Abu Ramadan pointed out that the U.S. President's visit came in light of the Arab popular changes for freedom, democracy and social justice, stressing that these changes would not be completed without ending the occupation and achieving the Palestinian right to freedom and dignity like the other peoples of the earth.
He stressed that the Palestinian people do not need new initiatives to regenerate the unconditional negotiations without halting settlements or releasing a part of the Palestinian detainees.
He called to stabilize the region only through applying the international law, adding that negotiations did not achieve any concrete results but it was used as a cover to the Israeli settlements and to put an end to the two-state solution adopted by Obama.
There must be a timeframe for the application of the international law in order to ensure the Palestinian right of return, self-determination, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, Mohsen Abu Ramadan Chairman of the Board of Palestinian NGOs Network stated during a press conference on Thursday.
Abu Ramadan pointed out that the U.S. President's visit came in light of the Arab popular changes for freedom, democracy and social justice, stressing that these changes would not be completed without ending the occupation and achieving the Palestinian right to freedom and dignity like the other peoples of the earth.
He stressed that the Palestinian people do not need new initiatives to regenerate the unconditional negotiations without halting settlements or releasing a part of the Palestinian detainees.
He called to stabilize the region only through applying the international law, adding that negotiations did not achieve any concrete results but it was used as a cover to the Israeli settlements and to put an end to the two-state solution adopted by Obama.
Raed Salah: the repeated incursions into al-Aqsa are prelude to dividing it
Sheikh Raed Salah, head of the Islamic movement in 1948-occupied Palestine, warned against the Israeli escalation against the city of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque in particular.
Sheikh Salah told Quds Press that the recent Israeli escalations against al-Aqsa mosque by Israeli political and religious figures aim to divide the mosque just as what happened with the Ibrahimi mosque in al-Khalil.
Sheikh Salah added that the Israeli occupation's main aim is to build the alleged Temple at the expense of Al-Aqsa mosque, where the Israeli calls to divide the mosque and to build the alleged Temple have continued since 1967.
The Islamic Palestinian leader stated that the incursions into the al-Aqsa mosque were carried out by Israeli political and religious leaders and members of the Israeli Knesset and Intelligence, stressing that Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque will remain an Arab Islamic Waqf.
Sheikh Salah told Quds Press that the recent Israeli escalations against al-Aqsa mosque by Israeli political and religious figures aim to divide the mosque just as what happened with the Ibrahimi mosque in al-Khalil.
Sheikh Salah added that the Israeli occupation's main aim is to build the alleged Temple at the expense of Al-Aqsa mosque, where the Israeli calls to divide the mosque and to build the alleged Temple have continued since 1967.
The Islamic Palestinian leader stated that the incursions into the al-Aqsa mosque were carried out by Israeli political and religious leaders and members of the Israeli Knesset and Intelligence, stressing that Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque will remain an Arab Islamic Waqf.
13 mar 2013
Scores of Jewish settlers storm Aqsa mosque
Scores of Jewish settlers stormed the holy Aqsa mosque on Wednesday morning under heavy police escort at a time Palestinian female students are still denied entry.
Eyewitnesses said that dozens of settlers barged into the Aqsa yards in groups and performed Talmudic rituals.
The witnesses pointed out that Israeli police were still denying access into the Aqsa for women, who wish to study the Quran in the holy site, for the third day running.
They said that policemen handed those women orders to stay away from the mosque but they refused to sign the orders.
Eyewitnesses said that dozens of settlers barged into the Aqsa yards in groups and performed Talmudic rituals.
The witnesses pointed out that Israeli police were still denying access into the Aqsa for women, who wish to study the Quran in the holy site, for the third day running.
They said that policemen handed those women orders to stay away from the mosque but they refused to sign the orders.
12 mar 2013
Al-Aqsa Foundation publish TV report on abuses in "Ma'man Allah" cemetery
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage has prepared a TV report about the latest occupation abuses and schemes that are taking place in the cemetery of Ma'man Allah in the occupied city of Jerusalem.
The report reviews all the Judaizing projects and schemes which the Jerusalem Municipality has been carrying out on the Islamic graveyard, and highlights the magnitude of the tragedy and the Israeli attempts to obliterate the history and the Islamic landmarks.
Mahmoud Abu Atta, the director of the Media Department at Al-Aqsa Foundation, said: "Ma'man Allah cemetery has been exposed, since 1948, to various Israeli schemes that aim to Judaize it and to obliterate the history and the facts."
He added that after the occupation municipality started implementing its Judaizing projects on the ground, "we became aware of their seriousness", and noted that such projects violate the international norms and the religious charters.
The cemetery extends over an area of about 200 dunums (1dunum=1000 square meters). It has been exposed to the Israeli escalated aggressions and abuses since 1948.
The cemetery has been witnessing plans for the establishment of public parks, gardens for dogs and parks for the settlers' children, in addition to a cafe in the process of construction. The Jerusalem Municipality has also prepared plans to build car parking, walking trails and night clubs on the cemetery.
Abu Atta appealed to every Arab and Muslim to defend Ma'man Allah cemetery and to take serious steps in order to save it from the Israeli occupation schemes.
Al-Aqsa Foundation has asserted that the Israeli occupation authorities and the Jerusalem Municipality have intensified their Judaizing projects in the Islamic cemetery.
It has been recently sending urgent letters to the ambassadors of the Arab and Islamic countries and to the international concerned bodies and organizations in order to inform them of the dangers facing the cemetery and to urge them to act for saving it.
The report reviews all the Judaizing projects and schemes which the Jerusalem Municipality has been carrying out on the Islamic graveyard, and highlights the magnitude of the tragedy and the Israeli attempts to obliterate the history and the Islamic landmarks.
Mahmoud Abu Atta, the director of the Media Department at Al-Aqsa Foundation, said: "Ma'man Allah cemetery has been exposed, since 1948, to various Israeli schemes that aim to Judaize it and to obliterate the history and the facts."
He added that after the occupation municipality started implementing its Judaizing projects on the ground, "we became aware of their seriousness", and noted that such projects violate the international norms and the religious charters.
The cemetery extends over an area of about 200 dunums (1dunum=1000 square meters). It has been exposed to the Israeli escalated aggressions and abuses since 1948.
The cemetery has been witnessing plans for the establishment of public parks, gardens for dogs and parks for the settlers' children, in addition to a cafe in the process of construction. The Jerusalem Municipality has also prepared plans to build car parking, walking trails and night clubs on the cemetery.
Abu Atta appealed to every Arab and Muslim to defend Ma'man Allah cemetery and to take serious steps in order to save it from the Israeli occupation schemes.
Al-Aqsa Foundation has asserted that the Israeli occupation authorities and the Jerusalem Municipality have intensified their Judaizing projects in the Islamic cemetery.
It has been recently sending urgent letters to the ambassadors of the Arab and Islamic countries and to the international concerned bodies and organizations in order to inform them of the dangers facing the cemetery and to urge them to act for saving it.
Dozens of Jewish settlers desecrate Aqsa mosque
Dozens of Jewish settlers burst into the holy Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Tuesday morning and roamed in its plazas. Islamic Awqaf sources said that around 50 settlers barged into the Aqsa plazas in groups under heavy police escort.
The sources noted that the settlers’ storming of the holy mosque under police and border police escort recently escalated, adding that the practice had heightened tension in the mosque especially among students who come to the mosque to study the Quran.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation authorities denied access for Palestinian women into the holy site for the second straight day without giving any reason.
The sources noted that the settlers’ storming of the holy mosque under police and border police escort recently escalated, adding that the practice had heightened tension in the mosque especially among students who come to the mosque to study the Quran.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation authorities denied access for Palestinian women into the holy site for the second straight day without giving any reason.
AMU: Aqsa mosque red line
Dr. Jamal Abdulsalam, the head of the Quds committee at the Arab Medical Union, has warned the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) that the Aqsa mosque is a red line.
Abdulsalam, during a meeting with the new Mufti of Egypt Dr. Shawki Allam in Cairo on Monday evening, said that the Islamic countries would never stay idle in the event the Aqsa mosque came under any attack.
He explained to the Mufti the latest developments and Judaization attempts in occupied Jerusalem and the Aqsa mosque, charging that the IOA was embarking on a systematic scheme to control the holy site.
He asked the Mufti and the Egyptian Darul El-Ifta to play a prominent role in defending the Islamic creed and holy shrines with special emphasis on those in occupied Jerusalem.
For his part, the Mufti said that the issue of Jerusalem and the Aqsa mosque is in the heart of all Muslims.
Abdulsalam, during a meeting with the new Mufti of Egypt Dr. Shawki Allam in Cairo on Monday evening, said that the Islamic countries would never stay idle in the event the Aqsa mosque came under any attack.
He explained to the Mufti the latest developments and Judaization attempts in occupied Jerusalem and the Aqsa mosque, charging that the IOA was embarking on a systematic scheme to control the holy site.
He asked the Mufti and the Egyptian Darul El-Ifta to play a prominent role in defending the Islamic creed and holy shrines with special emphasis on those in occupied Jerusalem.
For his part, the Mufti said that the issue of Jerusalem and the Aqsa mosque is in the heart of all Muslims.
11 mar 2013
Jewish fanatic women storm Aqsa
A group of Jewish fanatic women stormed the Aqsa mosque on Monday under heavy police protection. Islamic Awqaf officials objected to the step but the police ignored them and escorted the women inside the Qibli mosque.
At the same time, Israeli police blocked entry of Palestinian women into the Aqsa as dozens of them gathered in front of Bab Al-Asbat gate demanding right of entry to attend religious study courses.
At the same time, Israeli police blocked entry of Palestinian women into the Aqsa as dozens of them gathered in front of Bab Al-Asbat gate demanding right of entry to attend religious study courses.
Confrontations in Nablus after settlers enter Nabi Yusuf tomb
Hundreds of Jewish settlers burst into Nabi Yusuf tomb to the east of Nablus before dawn Monday under heavy Israeli military escort. Locals said that violent confrontations between Israeli occupation forces and inhabitants took place after the settlers’ arrival.
They said that IOF soldiers fired teargas canisters at the protestors and houses in the vicinity of the tomb.
In the same context, scores of IOF soldiers broke into the eastern suburbs of Nablus city at dawn and clashed with young men until morning.
They said that IOF soldiers fired teargas canisters at the protestors and houses in the vicinity of the tomb.
In the same context, scores of IOF soldiers broke into the eastern suburbs of Nablus city at dawn and clashed with young men until morning.
A Call to Reject Obama's Visit, Demonstrate Against Any Return to Negotiations
Palestinian youth groups of "Palestinians For Dignity" call to reject US President Obama's visit to the occupied Palestinian territory expected between 20-22 March, and to demonstrate against the possible return to negotiations.
Palestinians For Dignity said in a press release that President Obama's visit to the occupied Palestinian territory comes at a time when the Palestinian prisoners are waging a hunger strike battle in the face of Israeli government obstinacy, and in the face of US silence towards the slow murder these heroes are being subjected to.
Most recently Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat died during interrogation inside the Israeli prison of Megiddo. Moreover, the visit comes in light of the continued international isolation of Israel and the ever-increasing boycott campaigns against it.
On one hand, it is simply naive to presume that U.S. policy toward Israel has changed since Obama took office. A March 2012 report by the U.S. Congress discusses a $3.1 billion in military aid for the year 2013 only, including financing the Iron Dome system, and increasing US bilateral support to Israel to $115 billion since 1949. In addition, the US is committed to maintain Israel's security at the expense of the lives, land and livelihood of Palestinians; whether by justifying the massacres against Palestinians in Gaza, or through its silence concerning settlement expansion, destructions of homes, forcible transfer and other Israeli policies.
On the other hand, it is hypocritical and disingenuous that the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) disregards the role of the Obama administration in blocking its membership request in 2011 at the Security Council, and its vote against the resolution at the General Assembly in 2012. Furthermore, the US congress has imposed financial sanctions on international institutions recognizing "Palestine". And to add insult to injury, while the PLO/PA assure Palestinians they consider Jerusalem the Palestinian capital, yet they receive the US President in the Ramallah enclave.
Despite the attempts of the Palestinian "leadership" to ease the atmosphere, with statements about Obama pressuring the Israeli government on the issue of Palestinian political prisoners, or promises of petty US aid, however, the ultimate objectives of the visit are clear.
The visit aims to achieve three goals; first, to relieve the pressure off the Israeli government, which is suffering increased international isolation (albeit with words more than actions). Second, to restrain the frustration of the Palestinian street simmering in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners and finally, to prolong the expected lifetime of the PA, which after 20 years is becoming more and more disconnected from its people.
The Palestinian people will not accept to play a role in achieving these interests, and will not succumb to these pressures. What is required of us as Palestinians is to persue a complete boycott of our occupier on all fronts: security, economical, political, cultural and academic, and to rebuild a representative entity for Palestinians everywhere. Not aid in relieving the pressure on the Israeli government by engaging in a futile process, and allowing it to complete its expansionary policies and annexation through uprooting Palestinians from their land and homes.
Accordingly, Palestinians For Dignity call on the masses of the Palestinian people to change this path and demonstrate against receiving he who considers Israel "the closest ally in the region", and to refuse the return to futile negotiations. Palestinians For Dignity call for entrenching the sacrifices of the martyrs and prisoners by refusing to surrender and to work with Palestinians everywhere to establish a strategic program of resistance, where political, economic, military, popular and various other forms of resistance and duties are shared each according to their ability.
Palestinians For Dignity invite you to take to the street on the expected day of the visit between the 20-23 of March, close to the day of Al-Karamah (dignity) battle commemoration, to restore part of our dignity and reject Western hegemony, and Zionist colonialism and internal consent.
Palestinians For Dignity said in a press release that President Obama's visit to the occupied Palestinian territory comes at a time when the Palestinian prisoners are waging a hunger strike battle in the face of Israeli government obstinacy, and in the face of US silence towards the slow murder these heroes are being subjected to.
Most recently Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat died during interrogation inside the Israeli prison of Megiddo. Moreover, the visit comes in light of the continued international isolation of Israel and the ever-increasing boycott campaigns against it.
On one hand, it is simply naive to presume that U.S. policy toward Israel has changed since Obama took office. A March 2012 report by the U.S. Congress discusses a $3.1 billion in military aid for the year 2013 only, including financing the Iron Dome system, and increasing US bilateral support to Israel to $115 billion since 1949. In addition, the US is committed to maintain Israel's security at the expense of the lives, land and livelihood of Palestinians; whether by justifying the massacres against Palestinians in Gaza, or through its silence concerning settlement expansion, destructions of homes, forcible transfer and other Israeli policies.
On the other hand, it is hypocritical and disingenuous that the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) disregards the role of the Obama administration in blocking its membership request in 2011 at the Security Council, and its vote against the resolution at the General Assembly in 2012. Furthermore, the US congress has imposed financial sanctions on international institutions recognizing "Palestine". And to add insult to injury, while the PLO/PA assure Palestinians they consider Jerusalem the Palestinian capital, yet they receive the US President in the Ramallah enclave.
Despite the attempts of the Palestinian "leadership" to ease the atmosphere, with statements about Obama pressuring the Israeli government on the issue of Palestinian political prisoners, or promises of petty US aid, however, the ultimate objectives of the visit are clear.
The visit aims to achieve three goals; first, to relieve the pressure off the Israeli government, which is suffering increased international isolation (albeit with words more than actions). Second, to restrain the frustration of the Palestinian street simmering in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners and finally, to prolong the expected lifetime of the PA, which after 20 years is becoming more and more disconnected from its people.
The Palestinian people will not accept to play a role in achieving these interests, and will not succumb to these pressures. What is required of us as Palestinians is to persue a complete boycott of our occupier on all fronts: security, economical, political, cultural and academic, and to rebuild a representative entity for Palestinians everywhere. Not aid in relieving the pressure on the Israeli government by engaging in a futile process, and allowing it to complete its expansionary policies and annexation through uprooting Palestinians from their land and homes.
Accordingly, Palestinians For Dignity call on the masses of the Palestinian people to change this path and demonstrate against receiving he who considers Israel "the closest ally in the region", and to refuse the return to futile negotiations. Palestinians For Dignity call for entrenching the sacrifices of the martyrs and prisoners by refusing to surrender and to work with Palestinians everywhere to establish a strategic program of resistance, where political, economic, military, popular and various other forms of resistance and duties are shared each according to their ability.
Palestinians For Dignity invite you to take to the street on the expected day of the visit between the 20-23 of March, close to the day of Al-Karamah (dignity) battle commemoration, to restore part of our dignity and reject Western hegemony, and Zionist colonialism and internal consent.
10 mar 2013
Hamas calls on Muslims not to visit Jerusalem under occupation
Hamas has called on the Arab and Islamic countries to reject the Israeli tourist scheme to organize tourist delegations from Islamic countries to visit Jerusalem under the occupation. This came in a statement issued by the movement to comment on the Israeli new project, organized by Jewish tourist offices with the support of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, and which invites Muslim countries in Eastern Asia, Africa, Pakistan and India to send tourist delegations to visit Jerusalem.
"We in Hamas warn of the seriousness of this Zionist plan, which aims to support the Zionist allegation, to reinforce the Talmudic Jewish dimension, to promote the alleged Jewish right in Al-Aqsa Mosque and its compound and to obliterate the historical depth of the Arab and Islamic civilization."
Hamas confirmed that such attempts will never succeed in imposing a new reality or in affecting Muslims' determination to defend and support Al-Aqsa and the Islamic sanctities.
It called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to oblige their member states to reject this dangerous plan, which serves only the occupation Judaizing agenda.
The movement added: "We also call on the media organizations to actively participate in exposing the suspicious goals of the occupation and its projects that aim to obliterate the Islamic monuments and sanctities."
"We in Hamas warn of the seriousness of this Zionist plan, which aims to support the Zionist allegation, to reinforce the Talmudic Jewish dimension, to promote the alleged Jewish right in Al-Aqsa Mosque and its compound and to obliterate the historical depth of the Arab and Islamic civilization."
Hamas confirmed that such attempts will never succeed in imposing a new reality or in affecting Muslims' determination to defend and support Al-Aqsa and the Islamic sanctities.
It called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to oblige their member states to reject this dangerous plan, which serves only the occupation Judaizing agenda.
The movement added: "We also call on the media organizations to actively participate in exposing the suspicious goals of the occupation and its projects that aim to obliterate the Islamic monuments and sanctities."
Radwan: Islamic Nation should unite in support of Palestine cause
Minister of Awqaf and religious affairs in Gaza Dr. Ismail Radwan has called for unity of the Islamic Nation in support of the Palestine cause and in defense of holy places in Palestine.
During a meeting in Gaza with Egyptian Salafi party leader, Radwan said that Palestine is the central cause for all Islamic countries, pointing to the dangers engulfing the Aqsa mosque and occupied Jerusalem as a result of Israel’s feverish Judaization efforts.
The minister also reviewed the suffering of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails and called for backing them with all means possible.
For his part, the Salafi leader Saeed Abdulazeem said that differences should not impede the Islamic Nation from supporting Palestine.
Liberating Palestine, Jerusalem, and the holy Aqsa mosque is the religious and national duty of all Muslims, he underlined.
During a meeting in Gaza with Egyptian Salafi party leader, Radwan said that Palestine is the central cause for all Islamic countries, pointing to the dangers engulfing the Aqsa mosque and occupied Jerusalem as a result of Israel’s feverish Judaization efforts.
The minister also reviewed the suffering of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails and called for backing them with all means possible.
For his part, the Salafi leader Saeed Abdulazeem said that differences should not impede the Islamic Nation from supporting Palestine.
Liberating Palestine, Jerusalem, and the holy Aqsa mosque is the religious and national duty of all Muslims, he underlined.
9 mar 2013
Aqsa Foundation: Raids into Al-Aqsa aim to intimidate worshipers
The Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said in statement on Saturday that the raid into Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli forces on Friday and the brutal attack on worshipers aim to intimidate the worshipers and reduce their number.
The foundation said that the occupation is trying through such raids and brutal attacks to destroy all projects supporting Al-Aqsa Mosque, and to transform it into a battlefield to intimidate anyone who thinks of going there.
Based on its interpretation of this year's escalating events, especially in the last week, the Aqsa Foundation confirmed that the recent Israeli practices have never been spontaneous or "reaction procedures", because they show that the occupation is following a programmed plan to create an appropriate atmosphere for committing more attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The foundation has also asserted that the occupation's oppressive measures will never affect people's determination to defend and support Al-Aqsa Mosque, for it is one of the most important sanctities for Muslims.
For his part, Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab, head of the Islamic Waqf Council in Jerusalem, denounced in a press remarks the break-ins of Al-Aqsa, by the occupation forces, "with no justification".
"The youths were expressing their condemnation of the act of kicking a copy of the Holy Quran by an Israeli officer inside the mosque last Sunday, and MK Moshe Feiglin's attempt to break into the Dome of the Rock," he added.
He noted that Israel has turned the mosque and its surroundings into a military barrack, "which is contrary to the freedom of worship."
Sheikh Salhab called on all Muslims to defend Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying: "We must give the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque priority, given the dangers it has been facing, which are posed by the occupation forces."
The foundation said that the occupation is trying through such raids and brutal attacks to destroy all projects supporting Al-Aqsa Mosque, and to transform it into a battlefield to intimidate anyone who thinks of going there.
Based on its interpretation of this year's escalating events, especially in the last week, the Aqsa Foundation confirmed that the recent Israeli practices have never been spontaneous or "reaction procedures", because they show that the occupation is following a programmed plan to create an appropriate atmosphere for committing more attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The foundation has also asserted that the occupation's oppressive measures will never affect people's determination to defend and support Al-Aqsa Mosque, for it is one of the most important sanctities for Muslims.
For his part, Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab, head of the Islamic Waqf Council in Jerusalem, denounced in a press remarks the break-ins of Al-Aqsa, by the occupation forces, "with no justification".
"The youths were expressing their condemnation of the act of kicking a copy of the Holy Quran by an Israeli officer inside the mosque last Sunday, and MK Moshe Feiglin's attempt to break into the Dome of the Rock," he added.
He noted that Israel has turned the mosque and its surroundings into a military barrack, "which is contrary to the freedom of worship."
Sheikh Salhab called on all Muslims to defend Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying: "We must give the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque priority, given the dangers it has been facing, which are posed by the occupation forces."
Haneyya calls on PA not to be tricked by Obama's visit
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya called on the Palestinian Authority not to fall into the trap of the upcoming visit of the US president Barack Obama and get back to its political confusion.
"From our reading of all previous visits and our knowledge of its results, we are convinced that it (Obama's visit) will not make any breakthrough in favor of our people and will not place the train on the right track of the conflict with the occupation," Haneyya stated in his Friday khutba (sermon) yesterday.
The premier expressed his belief that Obama's visit would pave the way for the resumption of the frivolous peace talks between the PA and Israel, and contribute to terminating the inter-Palestinian reconciliation talks between Hamas and Fatah.
He emphasized that the Palestinian people are going through a new stage of confrontation with the Israeli occupation regime which targets the Aqsa Mosque and seeks, in alliance with the US and western powers, to Judaize Jerusalem and erase its history.
In a related context, the Palestinian youth coalition "Palestinians for dignity" urged the Palestinians to take to the streets to protest Obama's intended visit to the occupied Palestinian lands and the PA's willingness to resume its useless peace talks with Israel.
"It would be naive to believe that the US policy towards Israel has changed during Obama's term," Palestinians for dignity stated in a press release.
"In March 2012, the US congress demanded in a report to provide Israel with 3.1 billion dollars for the year 2013 only to fund the Iron Dome system, which makes the US support for Israel since 1949 amounts for about 115 billion dollars, not to mention the unwavering US pledge to protect Israel's security at the expense of the Palestinians' lives, their land and daily source of living, and their justification for the massacres committed by the occupation against our people in Gaza as well as its silence on the settlement expansion that devours the Palestinians' lands and destroys their homes and livelihoods," Palestinians for dignity underlined.
The youth group added that Obama's visit is aimed to mitigate the international pressures on Israel and its isolation, and to prolong the life of the Palestinian Authority, which has no relation with the Palestinian people, except the few dollars it disburses to them after it begs from other countries.
"From our reading of all previous visits and our knowledge of its results, we are convinced that it (Obama's visit) will not make any breakthrough in favor of our people and will not place the train on the right track of the conflict with the occupation," Haneyya stated in his Friday khutba (sermon) yesterday.
The premier expressed his belief that Obama's visit would pave the way for the resumption of the frivolous peace talks between the PA and Israel, and contribute to terminating the inter-Palestinian reconciliation talks between Hamas and Fatah.
He emphasized that the Palestinian people are going through a new stage of confrontation with the Israeli occupation regime which targets the Aqsa Mosque and seeks, in alliance with the US and western powers, to Judaize Jerusalem and erase its history.
In a related context, the Palestinian youth coalition "Palestinians for dignity" urged the Palestinians to take to the streets to protest Obama's intended visit to the occupied Palestinian lands and the PA's willingness to resume its useless peace talks with Israel.
"It would be naive to believe that the US policy towards Israel has changed during Obama's term," Palestinians for dignity stated in a press release.
"In March 2012, the US congress demanded in a report to provide Israel with 3.1 billion dollars for the year 2013 only to fund the Iron Dome system, which makes the US support for Israel since 1949 amounts for about 115 billion dollars, not to mention the unwavering US pledge to protect Israel's security at the expense of the Palestinians' lives, their land and daily source of living, and their justification for the massacres committed by the occupation against our people in Gaza as well as its silence on the settlement expansion that devours the Palestinians' lands and destroys their homes and livelihoods," Palestinians for dignity underlined.
The youth group added that Obama's visit is aimed to mitigate the international pressures on Israel and its isolation, and to prolong the life of the Palestinian Authority, which has no relation with the Palestinian people, except the few dollars it disburses to them after it begs from other countries.
Sheikh Sabri slams Israel's use of violence against Aqsa Mosque worshipers
Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, the preacher of the Aqsa Mosque and head of the higher Islamic authority, strongly denounced the Israeli occupation forces for attacking and detaining dozens of Palestinian worshipers at the Aqsa Mosque following the Friday prayers yesterday.
Sheikh Sabri told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that this violent raid on the Mosque and its Muslim visitors was and would not be the first because the Israeli regime violates the sanctity of the Aqsa Mosque every day.
He expressed his belief that the raid was premeditated and aimed at breaking the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in occupied Jerusalem. In this regard, Al-Quds international institution described what had happened yesterday and earlier at the Aqsa Mosque as a grave precedent and a threat to its existence.
It stated in a press release that the Israeli regime aims through such actions to control the Aqsa Mosque and the Muslim religious activities inside it.
A large number of Israeli troops and policemen had been deployed in the early morning hours on Friday throughout Jerusalem and near the Aqsa Mosque.
The intensive military presence in the holy city came following intelligence information claiming that the Palestinians would go on a march following the Friday prayers in protest at the desecration of a copy of the holy Qur'an a few days ago by an Israeli police at the Mosque.
Immediately after the worshipers finished their congregational prayers, the Israeli troops and policemen stormed the Aqsa Mosque's courtyard and started to clash with the worshipers.
The Israeli forces attacked the worshipers with tear gas and stun grenades causing many Palestinian worshipers to suffocate. Their attack also led to the burning of one of the old Aqsa Mosque's doors.
According to a report by the Arab union of paramedics, about 20 Palestinian worshipers suffered injuries as a result of their exposure to beatings by the invading Israeli forces, and about 70 others, who were inside the old Aqsa Mosque, suffered tear gas suffocation.
Sheikh Sabri told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that this violent raid on the Mosque and its Muslim visitors was and would not be the first because the Israeli regime violates the sanctity of the Aqsa Mosque every day.
He expressed his belief that the raid was premeditated and aimed at breaking the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in occupied Jerusalem. In this regard, Al-Quds international institution described what had happened yesterday and earlier at the Aqsa Mosque as a grave precedent and a threat to its existence.
It stated in a press release that the Israeli regime aims through such actions to control the Aqsa Mosque and the Muslim religious activities inside it.
A large number of Israeli troops and policemen had been deployed in the early morning hours on Friday throughout Jerusalem and near the Aqsa Mosque.
The intensive military presence in the holy city came following intelligence information claiming that the Palestinians would go on a march following the Friday prayers in protest at the desecration of a copy of the holy Qur'an a few days ago by an Israeli police at the Mosque.
Immediately after the worshipers finished their congregational prayers, the Israeli troops and policemen stormed the Aqsa Mosque's courtyard and started to clash with the worshipers.
The Israeli forces attacked the worshipers with tear gas and stun grenades causing many Palestinian worshipers to suffocate. Their attack also led to the burning of one of the old Aqsa Mosque's doors.
According to a report by the Arab union of paramedics, about 20 Palestinian worshipers suffered injuries as a result of their exposure to beatings by the invading Israeli forces, and about 70 others, who were inside the old Aqsa Mosque, suffered tear gas suffocation.
