14 may 2013
Jewish organizations call for storming Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday
148 settlers, accompanied by former MK Michael Ben-Ari and Likud activist Yehuda Clik and guarded by the occupation forces, stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday morning. Al-Aqsa Foundation for waqf and Heritage reported in a statement that some Jewish organizations called on the Israelis to storm Al-Aqsa Mosque to celebrate their Shavuot holiday, which falls on Wednesday and Thursday.
These organizations have published via their websites ads calling for holding the celebration ceremony inside Al-Aqsa Mosque, with the participation of a number of rabbis, and said that the MK Moshe Feiglin will participate in Thursday's ceremonies.
Al-Aqsa Foundation also noted that the Israeli campaign against Al-Aqsa Mosque has escalated, pointing to MK Mordechai Eugev's remarks that demand building a synagogue in the southern part of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
For his part; Sheikh Kamal Khatib, deputy head of the Islamic movement in the Palestinian 1948-occupied territories, said the repeated raids in Al-Aqsa Mosque have escalated in an unprecedented way.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Raed Salah, head of the Islamic movement in the Palestinian territories, described the demolition of the road to the Mughrebi gate in the beginning of 2007 by the occupation as a heinous crime against Al-Aqsa Mosque and a declaration of war on all the Arab and Islamic world.
Sheikh Salah said that the occupation has been attacking for dozens of times Al-Aqsa Mosque and the worshipers, killing dozens of them and wounding hundreds.
Sheikh Raed Salah's statements came during his testimony in the deliberation session in a file of a Friday sermon he had delivered in Wadi Joz in 2007, and after which the occupation had submitted an indictment against him on charges of inciting to racism and hatred.
The defense team demanded in Monday's session the judge to reject the indictment, but she refused.
Lawyer Mohamed Suleiman Egbariya, as an eyewitness who took part in the Friday sermon mentioned, confirmed that during the sermon Sheikh Salah had talked about the issue of Al-Aqsa mosque, and that the site where the sermon had been delivered had not witnessed violence, as claimed by the prosecution.
After listening to the testimonies the judge appointed another hearing on July 14, 2013.
Resheq condemns calls for storming the Aqsa
Ezzet Al-Resheq, political bureau member of Hamas movement, has lashed out at Zionist fanatic groups that called for storming the Aqsa mosque on Thursday. Resheq said on his Facebook page on Tuesday that the call was part of ferocious attempts to Judaize the Aqsa mosque and holy shrines.
The Hamas leader urged the Palestinian masses to head to the Aqsa mosque and to repel those groups.
He also asked the Arab and Islamic countries to assume their responsibilities in defending the Aqsa.
Zionist groups calling themselves the coalition for the temple had called for massive storming of the Aqsa mosque and for organizing festivals in it to commemorate the day when the Torah was revealed to Moses.
These organizations have published via their websites ads calling for holding the celebration ceremony inside Al-Aqsa Mosque, with the participation of a number of rabbis, and said that the MK Moshe Feiglin will participate in Thursday's ceremonies.
Al-Aqsa Foundation also noted that the Israeli campaign against Al-Aqsa Mosque has escalated, pointing to MK Mordechai Eugev's remarks that demand building a synagogue in the southern part of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
For his part; Sheikh Kamal Khatib, deputy head of the Islamic movement in the Palestinian 1948-occupied territories, said the repeated raids in Al-Aqsa Mosque have escalated in an unprecedented way.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Raed Salah, head of the Islamic movement in the Palestinian territories, described the demolition of the road to the Mughrebi gate in the beginning of 2007 by the occupation as a heinous crime against Al-Aqsa Mosque and a declaration of war on all the Arab and Islamic world.
Sheikh Salah said that the occupation has been attacking for dozens of times Al-Aqsa Mosque and the worshipers, killing dozens of them and wounding hundreds.
Sheikh Raed Salah's statements came during his testimony in the deliberation session in a file of a Friday sermon he had delivered in Wadi Joz in 2007, and after which the occupation had submitted an indictment against him on charges of inciting to racism and hatred.
The defense team demanded in Monday's session the judge to reject the indictment, but she refused.
Lawyer Mohamed Suleiman Egbariya, as an eyewitness who took part in the Friday sermon mentioned, confirmed that during the sermon Sheikh Salah had talked about the issue of Al-Aqsa mosque, and that the site where the sermon had been delivered had not witnessed violence, as claimed by the prosecution.
After listening to the testimonies the judge appointed another hearing on July 14, 2013.
Resheq condemns calls for storming the Aqsa
Ezzet Al-Resheq, political bureau member of Hamas movement, has lashed out at Zionist fanatic groups that called for storming the Aqsa mosque on Thursday. Resheq said on his Facebook page on Tuesday that the call was part of ferocious attempts to Judaize the Aqsa mosque and holy shrines.
The Hamas leader urged the Palestinian masses to head to the Aqsa mosque and to repel those groups.
He also asked the Arab and Islamic countries to assume their responsibilities in defending the Aqsa.
Zionist groups calling themselves the coalition for the temple had called for massive storming of the Aqsa mosque and for organizing festivals in it to commemorate the day when the Torah was revealed to Moses.
Radwan calls for confronting Israeli provocations in Jerusalem
Dr. Ismail Radwan, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, called on the Islamic and Arab leaders and international organizations to urgently move to stop the Israeli religious provocations in Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque. Radwan warned of the Israeli attempts to ignite a religious war in the region through escalating attacks in occupied Jerusalem.
He called for reinforcing the national unity and to stop security coordination and the absurd negotiation with the occupier in order to put an end to the Israeli Judaization schemes.
Radwan warned of the repercussions of the Israeli attempts to divide al-Aqsa mosque between Muslims and Jews similar to what has happened in the Ibrahimi mosque.
He held the occupation fully responsible for its attempts to falsify the historical monuments and to Judaize and obliterate the Arab and Islamic monuments.
The repeated Israeli raids, the demolitions in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the excavations, the occupation’s intention to establish projects, synagogues and a bridge near the Mughrabi Gate, and the demolition of houses in Buraq square, are systematic steps for the Judaization of Jerusalem, he added.
He noted that the occupation authorities allocated $6 million to escalate the Israeli settlement in Jerusalem to mark the so-called "Jerusalem Day".
About 40 Jerusalemites were deported and 150 others were arrested during March. The occupation tightened its restrictions on Palestinian worshipers and students' entry into al-Aqsa mosque, he added.
He referred to the Israeli new project to build a center for the Jewish scientist Albert Einstein as part of the occupation’s attempts to blur the Islamic and Arabic heritage in the city.
Furthermore, Radwan declared the Jerusalem International Quran Competition aiming to unite Muslims all over the world.
Israeli settlers and MKs have escalated their calls to raid al-Aqsa mosque in total provocation to the Muslim feeling.
He called for reinforcing the national unity and to stop security coordination and the absurd negotiation with the occupier in order to put an end to the Israeli Judaization schemes.
Radwan warned of the repercussions of the Israeli attempts to divide al-Aqsa mosque between Muslims and Jews similar to what has happened in the Ibrahimi mosque.
He held the occupation fully responsible for its attempts to falsify the historical monuments and to Judaize and obliterate the Arab and Islamic monuments.
The repeated Israeli raids, the demolitions in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the excavations, the occupation’s intention to establish projects, synagogues and a bridge near the Mughrabi Gate, and the demolition of houses in Buraq square, are systematic steps for the Judaization of Jerusalem, he added.
He noted that the occupation authorities allocated $6 million to escalate the Israeli settlement in Jerusalem to mark the so-called "Jerusalem Day".
About 40 Jerusalemites were deported and 150 others were arrested during March. The occupation tightened its restrictions on Palestinian worshipers and students' entry into al-Aqsa mosque, he added.
He referred to the Israeli new project to build a center for the Jewish scientist Albert Einstein as part of the occupation’s attempts to blur the Islamic and Arabic heritage in the city.
Furthermore, Radwan declared the Jerusalem International Quran Competition aiming to unite Muslims all over the world.
Israeli settlers and MKs have escalated their calls to raid al-Aqsa mosque in total provocation to the Muslim feeling.
13 may 2013
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AL meeting on Palestine ends with no tangible result
The extraordinary meeting of the Arab League (AL) on recent Israeli aggression against Palestinian holy sites in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) has ended with no tangible results, Press TV reports.
The meeting was called for by Acting Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, on Sunday. The meeting also discussed the recent detention of Grand Mufti of al-Quds Mohammed Hussein by Israeli forces. On Wednesday, the Israeli police said Mufti Mohammed Hussein was arrested at his home over suspicions of ‘involvement in Tuesday clashes in Al-Aqsa Mosque’. The mufti is in charge of al-Quds Islamic holy sites including Al-Aqsa Mosque. |
On Tuesday, violent clashes erupted between the Israeli settlers, soldiers and Palestinians following the entry of some 100 Israeli settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque. Several Palestinians were reportedly injured, and several others were arrested.
Palestine representative, Barakat al-Fara, told the gathering that such acts will continue unabated as the long as the occupation exists.
The chairman of the session, for his part, condemned the Israeli aggression but didn’t allude to any new decision against such belligerent acts.
“The Israeli provocations that include an illegal blockade, an economic siege, the Judaization of al-Quds, and the continuous construction of [Zionist] settlements, indicate that Israel is not willing to achieve a just and lasting peace that would be based on international resolutions,” Egypt's Permanent Representative to the Arab League Ahmad Atta told the meeting.
Analysts say mere condemnation of Israeli aggressions is not likely to satisfy the Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim public opinion.
“The UN Security Council is the only body responsible for upholding international peace and security, and we have to admit that only the Security Council in today's world order can stop such dangerous aggressions like the ones taking place in Palestine at the hands of the Israeli occupation, or the recent aggression by the Israelis on Syria,” said Arab League Secretary-General Nabil al-Araby.
Observers say the Cairo meeting shows that the wake-up calls from the wave of Islamic Awakening across the Arab world has not reached the Arab League yet.
“At the time when the Israeli occupation continues with its relentless aggression in al-Quds, the Arab League has to cancel its so-called peace initiative that should have been considered dead by now,” said Arab journalist Ahmad Sobei.
Palestine representative, Barakat al-Fara, told the gathering that such acts will continue unabated as the long as the occupation exists.
The chairman of the session, for his part, condemned the Israeli aggression but didn’t allude to any new decision against such belligerent acts.
“The Israeli provocations that include an illegal blockade, an economic siege, the Judaization of al-Quds, and the continuous construction of [Zionist] settlements, indicate that Israel is not willing to achieve a just and lasting peace that would be based on international resolutions,” Egypt's Permanent Representative to the Arab League Ahmad Atta told the meeting.
Analysts say mere condemnation of Israeli aggressions is not likely to satisfy the Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim public opinion.
“The UN Security Council is the only body responsible for upholding international peace and security, and we have to admit that only the Security Council in today's world order can stop such dangerous aggressions like the ones taking place in Palestine at the hands of the Israeli occupation, or the recent aggression by the Israelis on Syria,” said Arab League Secretary-General Nabil al-Araby.
Observers say the Cairo meeting shows that the wake-up calls from the wave of Islamic Awakening across the Arab world has not reached the Arab League yet.
“At the time when the Israeli occupation continues with its relentless aggression in al-Quds, the Arab League has to cancel its so-called peace initiative that should have been considered dead by now,” said Arab journalist Ahmad Sobei.
12 may 2013
Islamic-Christian Committee warns of Israel's attempt to seize Al-Aqsa
Islamic-Christian Committee for Support of Jerusalem and holy sites warned on Sunday of the intention of Israeli Ministry of Religious Affairs to put forward a series of legal amendments enabling settlers to perform rituals in Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Committee considered that such steps and procedures represent clear and explicit infringement against Al-Aqsa Mosque and aim to divide it, in preparation for its demolition and the construction of the alleged temple on its ruins.
It condemned the ongoing raids in Al-Aqsa courtyards, the persistent violations of the occupation government, and the international silence regarding these violations.
For his part, Secretary-General of the Committee Dr. Hanna Issa pointed to the Israeli army's intention to create a military college on the lands of Jabel Mukaber in occupied East Jerusalem, and said this scheme is designed to impose Israel's control over Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Islamic-Christian Committee called on all those able to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque to intensify their presence in its courtyards; in order to deter the occupation and thwart its plans.
It also appealed to the international community's states, institutions and organizations to intervene and put an end to the occupation and the settlers' violations in the Mosque, stressing that the occupation forces have surpassed all red lines and have violated all international laws and norms.
The Committee considered that such steps and procedures represent clear and explicit infringement against Al-Aqsa Mosque and aim to divide it, in preparation for its demolition and the construction of the alleged temple on its ruins.
It condemned the ongoing raids in Al-Aqsa courtyards, the persistent violations of the occupation government, and the international silence regarding these violations.
For his part, Secretary-General of the Committee Dr. Hanna Issa pointed to the Israeli army's intention to create a military college on the lands of Jabel Mukaber in occupied East Jerusalem, and said this scheme is designed to impose Israel's control over Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Islamic-Christian Committee called on all those able to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque to intensify their presence in its courtyards; in order to deter the occupation and thwart its plans.
It also appealed to the international community's states, institutions and organizations to intervene and put an end to the occupation and the settlers' violations in the Mosque, stressing that the occupation forces have surpassed all red lines and have violated all international laws and norms.
Quartet Urges Israel to Respect Religious Freedom
The International Quartet Sunday urged Israel to respect worshipers’ right to practice their religion and to freely access their religious sites, said a press release.
Quartet Representative Tony Blair said, “I urge Israel to respect and guarantee free access for believers from all religions to their respective holy places for worship.'
He expressed concern over the recent tension and violence during Easter and in al-Aqsa Mosque.
'I am concerned over the rising tension in the holy places in Jerusalem and the scenes of violence that we witnessed during Easter,' he said.
On Israel's plan to build 296 new units in the illegal settlement of Beit El settlement, Blair said: 'The position of the international community on settlements is clear.'
“This decision constitutes an obstacle to peace. I call on all parties to exert maximum restraint and create an atmosphere that would allow the resumption of the peace talks,' he said.
Quartet Representative Tony Blair said, “I urge Israel to respect and guarantee free access for believers from all religions to their respective holy places for worship.'
He expressed concern over the recent tension and violence during Easter and in al-Aqsa Mosque.
'I am concerned over the rising tension in the holy places in Jerusalem and the scenes of violence that we witnessed during Easter,' he said.
On Israel's plan to build 296 new units in the illegal settlement of Beit El settlement, Blair said: 'The position of the international community on settlements is clear.'
“This decision constitutes an obstacle to peace. I call on all parties to exert maximum restraint and create an atmosphere that would allow the resumption of the peace talks,' he said.
Sheikh Salah: We must defend all mosques throughout occupied Palestine
Sheikh Ra'ed Salah, head of the Islamic Movement in the 1948 occupied lands, urged the Palestinians to defend all of their mosques in the occupied territories against the Israeli violations and not to neglect them.
His remarks came in response to the Israeli decision to demolish the female section of Mohamed Al-Fateh Mosque in Ras Al-Amoud district in occupied Jerusalem.
"Primarily, we should defend the Aqsa Mosque and then its branches. Mohamed Al-Fateh Mosque in Ras Al-Amoud district is an offshoot of the Aqsa Mosque that we have to retreat to and rise up for, and we have to do the same thing with Silwan Mosque, which faces a demolition threat, and Okasha Mosque in Jerusalem," Sheikh Salah highlighted in his khutba (sermon) yesterday at Mohamed Al-Fateh Mosque.
He also called on the Jerusalemite people to be patient and steadfast until a great victory is bestowed upon them by the Providence.
Hundreds of Palestinians from Jerusalem and the 1948 occupied lands attended the Friday kutba and prayers at Mohamed Al-Fateh Mosque, while a number of Israeli soldiers and policemen were deployed outside.
His remarks came in response to the Israeli decision to demolish the female section of Mohamed Al-Fateh Mosque in Ras Al-Amoud district in occupied Jerusalem.
"Primarily, we should defend the Aqsa Mosque and then its branches. Mohamed Al-Fateh Mosque in Ras Al-Amoud district is an offshoot of the Aqsa Mosque that we have to retreat to and rise up for, and we have to do the same thing with Silwan Mosque, which faces a demolition threat, and Okasha Mosque in Jerusalem," Sheikh Salah highlighted in his khutba (sermon) yesterday at Mohamed Al-Fateh Mosque.
He also called on the Jerusalemite people to be patient and steadfast until a great victory is bestowed upon them by the Providence.
Hundreds of Palestinians from Jerusalem and the 1948 occupied lands attended the Friday kutba and prayers at Mohamed Al-Fateh Mosque, while a number of Israeli soldiers and policemen were deployed outside.
CFP accuses Israel of suppressing religious freedom in Jerusalem
The Coalition for a Free Palestine (CFP), in South Africa, accused the Israeli occupation authorities of suppressing religious freedoms in Jerusalem in light of the successive Israeli aggressions against Muslims and Christians in the city. The Coalition described in a press release on Saturday the recent Israeli practices in the occupied city of Jerusalem as racist, and denounced the policies and laws used by the occupation to confiscate the Palestinians' rights in favor of the Israelis.
"The Zionist Judaization policies in Holy Jerusalem will never give legitimacy to the Zionist occupation of the city, which is considered an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967," the statement said.
It also condemned the Israeli occupation procedures that impose restrictions on Jerusalemites, and monitored dozens of violations that reflect a real Zionist apartheid culture in the Palestinian occupied territories.
The Coalition denounced Israel's attempts to desecrate the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque through providing political and security cover for the extremist rightist movements, led by settlers, to seize the mosque.
It has also denounced summoning the Grand Mufti of Palestine Sheikh Mohammed Hussein for investigation.
"The Zionist Judaization policies in Holy Jerusalem will never give legitimacy to the Zionist occupation of the city, which is considered an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967," the statement said.
It also condemned the Israeli occupation procedures that impose restrictions on Jerusalemites, and monitored dozens of violations that reflect a real Zionist apartheid culture in the Palestinian occupied territories.
The Coalition denounced Israel's attempts to desecrate the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque through providing political and security cover for the extremist rightist movements, led by settlers, to seize the mosque.
It has also denounced summoning the Grand Mufti of Palestine Sheikh Mohammed Hussein for investigation.
11 may 2013
Al-Azhar preacher demands Muslims to prepare to fight Zionist enemy
Sheikh Mohamed Al-Mahdi, the Friday preacher of Al-Azhar Mosque, called on the Muslim nations to join forces to prepare for the day of the great battle against the Israeli occupation, describing this day as inevitable. In his Friday Khutba (sermon) yesterday, Sheikh Mahdi urged the Muslims to observe piety for it is the solution to all problems and crises, and the key to the liberation of Palestine.
He emphasized that the night journey of Prophet Mohamed from Makka to Jerusalem means that the Muslims are responsible for protecting the holy city and the Aqsa Mosque.
He also stressed that the Aqsa Mosque does not belong to the Palestinians alone but to all Muslims around the world, urging the Muslims to shoulder their responsibilities towards the Mosque and rise up to liberate Jerusalem from the occupation.
In a related context, senior Hamas official Munir Sa'eed said before a massive crowd of Egyptian protestors on Friday that his Movement would keep resisting and taking up arms against the occupation until the liberation of all Palestine.
The Hamas official made his remarks at Al-Azhar university where a mega rally in support of Jerusalem took place at the invitation of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.
Sa'eed warned that the Jews have escalated their violations against the Aqsa Mosque in an attempt to divide it.
For his part, Mohamed Al-Beltaji, a senior Muslim Brotherhood official, stated that the development process in the post-revolution Egypt would not divert the Egyptians' attention from supporting their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem, Syria, Bangladesh and Burma.
He stressed that the Islamic Movement in Egypt would not rest until Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque are liberated from the Israeli occupation.
He emphasized that the night journey of Prophet Mohamed from Makka to Jerusalem means that the Muslims are responsible for protecting the holy city and the Aqsa Mosque.
He also stressed that the Aqsa Mosque does not belong to the Palestinians alone but to all Muslims around the world, urging the Muslims to shoulder their responsibilities towards the Mosque and rise up to liberate Jerusalem from the occupation.
In a related context, senior Hamas official Munir Sa'eed said before a massive crowd of Egyptian protestors on Friday that his Movement would keep resisting and taking up arms against the occupation until the liberation of all Palestine.
The Hamas official made his remarks at Al-Azhar university where a mega rally in support of Jerusalem took place at the invitation of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.
Sa'eed warned that the Jews have escalated their violations against the Aqsa Mosque in an attempt to divide it.
For his part, Mohamed Al-Beltaji, a senior Muslim Brotherhood official, stated that the development process in the post-revolution Egypt would not divert the Egyptians' attention from supporting their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem, Syria, Bangladesh and Burma.
He stressed that the Islamic Movement in Egypt would not rest until Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque are liberated from the Israeli occupation.
IOF quell marches protesting Jewish violations against Aqsa Mosque
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) violently suppressed different marches held on Friday in the West Bank to protest Israel's violations against the Aqsa Mosque.
The march held every week in Kafr Qaddum village near Qalqiliya to demand an end to Israel's closure of the main road was dedicated this Friday to denounce the escalating Jewish violations against Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
The march was held under the slogan "Jerusalem is a key to peace and a key to war," according to its organizers.
Dozens of protestors in Kafr Qaddum march suffered injuries when the IOF responded to their chants in support of the Aqsa Mosque by firing a hail of rubber bullets and tear gas grenades at them.
In Bethlehem, the IOF also attacked two marches in the villages of Masarah and Walaja causing several injuries among the protestors.
In a related incident, violent clashes took place in Aroub refugee camp and Beit Ummar town in Al-Khalil area.
Many Palestinians suffered injuries during the events, including a young man who sustained a rubber bullet injury in his head, according to Quds Press.
In Silwad town to the east of Ramallah city, 14 Palestinians, including a journalist suffered rubber bullet injuries and many others suffocated from tear gas during clashes with Israeli soldiers.
The confrontations happened after hundreds of angry young men from Silwad marched after the Friday prayers to the Palestinian lands which the Israeli regime intends to annex to Ofra settlement.
The Palestinian villagers in the area had planned to hold the Friday prayers on these lands, which are located between Silwad and Deir Jarir towns near Ofra settlement, but the Palestinian Authority (PA) prevented them.
At the behest of the Israeli army, the PA ministry of religious affairs in Ramallah warned the Mosque imams and the residents not to pray or rally in this area, but the villagers defied the decision and decided to march to their lands after attending the Friday prayers in mosques.
The march held every week in Kafr Qaddum village near Qalqiliya to demand an end to Israel's closure of the main road was dedicated this Friday to denounce the escalating Jewish violations against Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
The march was held under the slogan "Jerusalem is a key to peace and a key to war," according to its organizers.
Dozens of protestors in Kafr Qaddum march suffered injuries when the IOF responded to their chants in support of the Aqsa Mosque by firing a hail of rubber bullets and tear gas grenades at them.
In Bethlehem, the IOF also attacked two marches in the villages of Masarah and Walaja causing several injuries among the protestors.
In a related incident, violent clashes took place in Aroub refugee camp and Beit Ummar town in Al-Khalil area.
Many Palestinians suffered injuries during the events, including a young man who sustained a rubber bullet injury in his head, according to Quds Press.
In Silwad town to the east of Ramallah city, 14 Palestinians, including a journalist suffered rubber bullet injuries and many others suffocated from tear gas during clashes with Israeli soldiers.
The confrontations happened after hundreds of angry young men from Silwad marched after the Friday prayers to the Palestinian lands which the Israeli regime intends to annex to Ofra settlement.
The Palestinian villagers in the area had planned to hold the Friday prayers on these lands, which are located between Silwad and Deir Jarir towns near Ofra settlement, but the Palestinian Authority (PA) prevented them.
At the behest of the Israeli army, the PA ministry of religious affairs in Ramallah warned the Mosque imams and the residents not to pray or rally in this area, but the villagers defied the decision and decided to march to their lands after attending the Friday prayers in mosques.
10 may 2013
Israeli escalation in al-Aqsa mosque
Palestinian political and religious figures have warned of the Israeli escalated violations in al-Aqsa mosque.
Sheikh Ekrema Sabri, the head of the supreme Islamic council in the occupied city of Jerusalem, referred to the new Israeli project to divide al-Aqsa mosque, considering the Israeli settlers' escalated raids into al-Aqsa mosque a prelude to implement the project.
Sheikh Sabri called for confronting the Israeli schemes targeting the sanctity of al-Aqsa Mosque.
For his part, head of the Council of Religious Endowments, Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab, stated that the Israeli authorities aimed to increase the Israeli settlers' number in al-Aqsa mosque while preventing the Palestinian worshipers to enter the mosque. He called for a firm position towards the Israeli continued attacks and arbitrary restrictions against the worshipers.
For his part, Fatah's Revolutionary Council member Hatem Abdel Qader stated that the current Israeli right-wing government aims to impose a fait accompli in al-Aqsa mosque.
Vice-President of the Islamic movement in 1948-occupied territories Sheikh Kamal Al Khatib condemned the Israeli arrest of students attending study circles at the Aqsa Mosque and restrictions against Muslim worshipers while allowing Israeli settlers to perform their rituals at the Mosque’s squares which was followed the arrest of the Mufti.
Al-Khatib called for an Arab firm position towards the Israeli violations and crimes against al-Aqsa mosque.
Najeh Bakirat, director of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, said the Israeli government has officially adopted the project to divide Al-Aqsa Mosque, and started discussing legislations to increase number of Jews who visit Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Mass rallies in Egypt in support of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa
Egyptian governorates on Friday have witnessed mass rallies in support of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque; called for by the Muslim Brotherhood. The marchers denounced the ongoing Israeli violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque, and demanded the Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi to intervene to protect it from the Israeli violations.
In Al-Azhar mosque, a number of demonstrators set fire to the Israeli flag, and chanted slogans demanding the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador. They also raised Palestinian and Hamas flags and banners condemning the occupation aggression on Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Egyptian Ministry of Endowments condemned in a press statement "the terrorist practices of the Zionist entity against Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Palestinian people and holy sites", and called for confronting them.
The Ministry demanded the Islamic nation's rulers and peoples to place the Palestinian case at the top of their priorities and to unify their ranks and resist the occupation.
For its part; Freedom and Justice Party - the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt - condemned the repeated Israeli aggression on Al-Aqsa Mosque, which violates all laws and norms that guarantee freedom of belief and worship.
It said in a statement that the occupation practices; including aggression on Syria, the Jewish extremists' raid into Al-Aqsa Mosque, the attack on worshipers, the arrest of Jerusalem Grand Mufti and the settlement activity, undermine all the efforts that seek to establish peace in the Middle East.
Freedom and Justice Party held Israel responsible for the deteriorating conditions in the Middle East, because of its hostile practices against the peoples of the region.
Meanwhile; a number of activists organized a protest in Suez after Friday prayers in front of al-Arba'in mosque. They raised pictures of Al-Aqsa Mosque and urged their President and the Muslim Brotherhood to officially move to respond to the occupation military abuses against the people of Palestine.
Dozens have also protested today in Qaed Ibrahim mosque courtyard after Friday prayers; in protest at the Israeli attempts to besiege and raid Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Sheikh Ekrema Sabri, the head of the supreme Islamic council in the occupied city of Jerusalem, referred to the new Israeli project to divide al-Aqsa mosque, considering the Israeli settlers' escalated raids into al-Aqsa mosque a prelude to implement the project.
Sheikh Sabri called for confronting the Israeli schemes targeting the sanctity of al-Aqsa Mosque.
For his part, head of the Council of Religious Endowments, Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab, stated that the Israeli authorities aimed to increase the Israeli settlers' number in al-Aqsa mosque while preventing the Palestinian worshipers to enter the mosque. He called for a firm position towards the Israeli continued attacks and arbitrary restrictions against the worshipers.
For his part, Fatah's Revolutionary Council member Hatem Abdel Qader stated that the current Israeli right-wing government aims to impose a fait accompli in al-Aqsa mosque.
Vice-President of the Islamic movement in 1948-occupied territories Sheikh Kamal Al Khatib condemned the Israeli arrest of students attending study circles at the Aqsa Mosque and restrictions against Muslim worshipers while allowing Israeli settlers to perform their rituals at the Mosque’s squares which was followed the arrest of the Mufti.
Al-Khatib called for an Arab firm position towards the Israeli violations and crimes against al-Aqsa mosque.
Najeh Bakirat, director of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, said the Israeli government has officially adopted the project to divide Al-Aqsa Mosque, and started discussing legislations to increase number of Jews who visit Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Mass rallies in Egypt in support of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa
Egyptian governorates on Friday have witnessed mass rallies in support of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque; called for by the Muslim Brotherhood. The marchers denounced the ongoing Israeli violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque, and demanded the Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi to intervene to protect it from the Israeli violations.
In Al-Azhar mosque, a number of demonstrators set fire to the Israeli flag, and chanted slogans demanding the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador. They also raised Palestinian and Hamas flags and banners condemning the occupation aggression on Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Egyptian Ministry of Endowments condemned in a press statement "the terrorist practices of the Zionist entity against Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Palestinian people and holy sites", and called for confronting them.
The Ministry demanded the Islamic nation's rulers and peoples to place the Palestinian case at the top of their priorities and to unify their ranks and resist the occupation.
For its part; Freedom and Justice Party - the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt - condemned the repeated Israeli aggression on Al-Aqsa Mosque, which violates all laws and norms that guarantee freedom of belief and worship.
It said in a statement that the occupation practices; including aggression on Syria, the Jewish extremists' raid into Al-Aqsa Mosque, the attack on worshipers, the arrest of Jerusalem Grand Mufti and the settlement activity, undermine all the efforts that seek to establish peace in the Middle East.
Freedom and Justice Party held Israel responsible for the deteriorating conditions in the Middle East, because of its hostile practices against the peoples of the region.
Meanwhile; a number of activists organized a protest in Suez after Friday prayers in front of al-Arba'in mosque. They raised pictures of Al-Aqsa Mosque and urged their President and the Muslim Brotherhood to officially move to respond to the occupation military abuses against the people of Palestine.
Dozens have also protested today in Qaed Ibrahim mosque courtyard after Friday prayers; in protest at the Israeli attempts to besiege and raid Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Israel to build a military academy in Jerusalem, within a year
Israel's deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon of the Likud Party told Israeli Army Radio that his ministry is determined to construct a military academy in East Jerusalem, within one year. The Israeli army radio quoted on Friday Danon as saying that building such colleges is "an important step towards the military victory which the army has been always achieving at all levels"; according to his claims.
The deputy minister pointed out that the Israeli bulldozers will soon start their works in the Mukaber Mount east of Jerusalem city, in a proactive step to lay the foundation stone for the start of the construction.
The radio said the controversial project involves building the base of military colleges, which will include nearly 1400 Israeli soldiers.
The project had been on the agenda of the Planning Commission and the regional construction, but was taken off at the last moment, less than two weeks before the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama, the radio report said.
Danon said the postponement comes to avoid the occurrence of any diplomatic crisis with the Americans, and asserted that this will only last a short time after which the construction works will be launched.
The deputy minister pointed out that the Israeli bulldozers will soon start their works in the Mukaber Mount east of Jerusalem city, in a proactive step to lay the foundation stone for the start of the construction.
The radio said the controversial project involves building the base of military colleges, which will include nearly 1400 Israeli soldiers.
The project had been on the agenda of the Planning Commission and the regional construction, but was taken off at the last moment, less than two weeks before the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama, the radio report said.
Danon said the postponement comes to avoid the occurrence of any diplomatic crisis with the Americans, and asserted that this will only last a short time after which the construction works will be launched.
9 may 2013
UN Report: Israeli Policies Hindered Development in East Jerusalem
Israeli policies in East Jerusalem since its occupation and unilateral annexation in 1967 but more so since the signing of the Oslo accords in 1993 have hindered development of the city’s economy and created many socioeconomic problems to its Palestinian residents, a new report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said on Thursday.
According to the report titled “The Palestinian Economy in East Jerusalem: Enduring Annexation, Isolation and Disintegration,” the deterioration in the socioeconomic conditions in East Jerusalem has had a significant impact on its Palestinian residents in their standards of living, housing, health care and education.
“The weight of the economy of East Jerusalem has been steadily diminishing relative to that of the rest of occupied Palestinian territories since the signing of the 1993 Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, known as the Oslo Accords, and related Israeli-Palestinian agreements,” said the report in its executive summary.
“This decline, in large part, has been the result of an array of Israeli policies that have hindered development of the East Jerusalem economy as an integral part of the larger Palestinian economy and labor market. The deterioration in socioeconomic conditions has had a significant impact on Palestinian Jerusalemites in their standards of living, housing, health care and education,” it said.
“Israeli policies have entailed a partial and distorted “integration” of the East Jerusalem Palestinian economy into Israel and its regulatory framework. Meanwhile East Jerusalem has been gradually detached from the rest of the Palestinian economy despite the city’s historic position as the commercial, transport, tourism, cultural and spiritual centre for Palestinians throughout the occupied territory,” explained the report.
UNCTAD said in the first such report on the economy of occupied East Jerusalem that since the onset of the occupation in 1967, Israeli authorities began to pursue a policy of physical, political and economic segregation of East Jerusalem from the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory.
“Segregation strategies gained momentum during the last decade through measures that have altered the physical and demographic realities of the city and its predominantly Palestinian and Arab landscape. These include the city’s annexation and the expansion of Jewish settlements in and around East Jerusalem, as well as the construction of the separation barrier, which has effectively redefined the borders away from the pre-1967 armistice line,” said the report.
“The separation barrier, among other obstacles to movement, hinders movement into and out of East Jerusalem, cuts it off from the remainder of the West Bank, its natural hinterland, and hinders access to its markets and health services by Palestinian Jerusalemites now living on the other side of the barrier nominally under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction. Land expropriation by Israel and restrictions on Palestinian building activities have increased recently,” it said.
The report said that because of the Israeli measures, the East Jerusalem economy finds itself in a world quite apart from the two economies, Palestinian and Israeli, to which it is linked.
“It is at once integrated into neither, yet structurally dependent on the West Bank economy to sustain its production and trade of goods and services and for employment, and forcibly dependent on Israeli markets to whose regulations and systems it must conform and which serve as a source of employment and trade and as the principal channel for tourism to the city.”
UNCTAD suggested that “several actions can help mitigate the effects of segregation policies, but the real prerequisites for sustainable development entail ending the Israeli settlement and occupation of East Jerusalem in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions.”
It said that this “would confer significant benefits to the Palestinian economy in general, and to that of East Jerusalem in particular, especially its tourism and services sectors.”
It said that effective short-term interventions include enhanced coordination and planning among international organizations, semi-governmental and nongovernmental bodies operating in East Jerusalem, and the provision of targeted support to specific sectors such as tourism, housing and services.”
According to the report titled “The Palestinian Economy in East Jerusalem: Enduring Annexation, Isolation and Disintegration,” the deterioration in the socioeconomic conditions in East Jerusalem has had a significant impact on its Palestinian residents in their standards of living, housing, health care and education.
“The weight of the economy of East Jerusalem has been steadily diminishing relative to that of the rest of occupied Palestinian territories since the signing of the 1993 Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, known as the Oslo Accords, and related Israeli-Palestinian agreements,” said the report in its executive summary.
“This decline, in large part, has been the result of an array of Israeli policies that have hindered development of the East Jerusalem economy as an integral part of the larger Palestinian economy and labor market. The deterioration in socioeconomic conditions has had a significant impact on Palestinian Jerusalemites in their standards of living, housing, health care and education,” it said.
“Israeli policies have entailed a partial and distorted “integration” of the East Jerusalem Palestinian economy into Israel and its regulatory framework. Meanwhile East Jerusalem has been gradually detached from the rest of the Palestinian economy despite the city’s historic position as the commercial, transport, tourism, cultural and spiritual centre for Palestinians throughout the occupied territory,” explained the report.
UNCTAD said in the first such report on the economy of occupied East Jerusalem that since the onset of the occupation in 1967, Israeli authorities began to pursue a policy of physical, political and economic segregation of East Jerusalem from the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory.
“Segregation strategies gained momentum during the last decade through measures that have altered the physical and demographic realities of the city and its predominantly Palestinian and Arab landscape. These include the city’s annexation and the expansion of Jewish settlements in and around East Jerusalem, as well as the construction of the separation barrier, which has effectively redefined the borders away from the pre-1967 armistice line,” said the report.
“The separation barrier, among other obstacles to movement, hinders movement into and out of East Jerusalem, cuts it off from the remainder of the West Bank, its natural hinterland, and hinders access to its markets and health services by Palestinian Jerusalemites now living on the other side of the barrier nominally under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction. Land expropriation by Israel and restrictions on Palestinian building activities have increased recently,” it said.
The report said that because of the Israeli measures, the East Jerusalem economy finds itself in a world quite apart from the two economies, Palestinian and Israeli, to which it is linked.
“It is at once integrated into neither, yet structurally dependent on the West Bank economy to sustain its production and trade of goods and services and for employment, and forcibly dependent on Israeli markets to whose regulations and systems it must conform and which serve as a source of employment and trade and as the principal channel for tourism to the city.”
UNCTAD suggested that “several actions can help mitigate the effects of segregation policies, but the real prerequisites for sustainable development entail ending the Israeli settlement and occupation of East Jerusalem in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions.”
It said that this “would confer significant benefits to the Palestinian economy in general, and to that of East Jerusalem in particular, especially its tourism and services sectors.”
It said that effective short-term interventions include enhanced coordination and planning among international organizations, semi-governmental and nongovernmental bodies operating in East Jerusalem, and the provision of targeted support to specific sectors such as tourism, housing and services.”
Israelis stage music festival near Al Aqsa Mosque disturbing worshipers
Al Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage said that Jewish youths organized on Wednesday a march, on the 46th anniversary of the occupation of Jerusalem, during which they chanted racist slogans against Al Aqsa, the Arabs and Islam.
Thousands of Jewish marchers attacked the Jerusalemite passers-by and young men who have been arrested by the occupation forces. They have also chanted slogans calling for building the alleged Temple on the ruins of Al Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli occupation troops in large numbers attacked hundreds of Jerusalemite protesters who staged a sit-in at the Damascus Gate, wounding a number of them and arresting others.
Israeli Special Forces also brutally attacked journalists and media crews, especially cameramen, while covering the events.
According to Al Aqsa Foundation, over 50 thousand Jewish extremists participated on Wednesday afternoon in a march that started from the western city of Jerusalem, and crossed the Old City through the Damascus Gate.
The Israeli march ended with a music festival at the Buraq Wall, that led to disrupting yesterday's prayers at Al Aqsa Mosque.
Thousands of Jewish marchers attacked the Jerusalemite passers-by and young men who have been arrested by the occupation forces. They have also chanted slogans calling for building the alleged Temple on the ruins of Al Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli occupation troops in large numbers attacked hundreds of Jerusalemite protesters who staged a sit-in at the Damascus Gate, wounding a number of them and arresting others.
Israeli Special Forces also brutally attacked journalists and media crews, especially cameramen, while covering the events.
According to Al Aqsa Foundation, over 50 thousand Jewish extremists participated on Wednesday afternoon in a march that started from the western city of Jerusalem, and crossed the Old City through the Damascus Gate.
The Israeli march ended with a music festival at the Buraq Wall, that led to disrupting yesterday's prayers at Al Aqsa Mosque.
Occupation notifies the demolition of a mosque in the Negev
File photo of a mosque demolished by the IOF
The Israeli occupation authorities have notified, a few days ago, to demolish the only mosque in the village of al-Far'a in the Negev, southern the 1948-occupied Palestine, Palestinian sources said. Atteya A'sam, head of the Regional Council of the unrecognized Arab villages in the Negev, said: "This mosque has been built since 1985.
However the Israeli authorities are claiming that it is a new unauthorized building."
A'sam added in a press statement that the demolition orders have no justification, and that they only aim is to displace the Palestinian residents, and warned of the consequences of harming the Islamic holy sites.
He also demanded the Jewish state to respect the mosques and to not drag them in the ongoing conflict between Israeli occupation and the Arab citizens in the Negev.
For his part; Arab MK Taleb Abu Arar considered in remarks to Quds Press Agency that the implementation of the demolition order against the village's mosque has transcended all the red lines, and held the Israeli government responsible for the consequences of such procedure.
The Knesset member appealed to the Palestinian masses in the Negev and in the 1948-occupied territories to effectively participate in the activities of the Islamic movement, including the marches.
The Israeli occupation authorities have notified, a few days ago, to demolish the only mosque in the village of al-Far'a in the Negev, southern the 1948-occupied Palestine, Palestinian sources said. Atteya A'sam, head of the Regional Council of the unrecognized Arab villages in the Negev, said: "This mosque has been built since 1985.
However the Israeli authorities are claiming that it is a new unauthorized building."
A'sam added in a press statement that the demolition orders have no justification, and that they only aim is to displace the Palestinian residents, and warned of the consequences of harming the Islamic holy sites.
He also demanded the Jewish state to respect the mosques and to not drag them in the ongoing conflict between Israeli occupation and the Arab citizens in the Negev.
For his part; Arab MK Taleb Abu Arar considered in remarks to Quds Press Agency that the implementation of the demolition order against the village's mosque has transcended all the red lines, and held the Israeli government responsible for the consequences of such procedure.
The Knesset member appealed to the Palestinian masses in the Negev and in the 1948-occupied territories to effectively participate in the activities of the Islamic movement, including the marches.
Israeli government officially starts dividing Al Aqsa Mosque
Israeli Ministry of Religious Affairs revealed official attempts to divide Al Aqsa Mosque between Muslims and Jews, claiming that preventing Jews from performing their rituals in Al Aqsa "is a violation of freedom of worship."
Director of the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced during the Knesset session that his ministry will seek to "amend the law" that allows the Jews to perform rituals in Al Aqsa Mosque, and said: "a parliamentary committee has been charged with studying the draft, in order to enable Jews to pray at the site."
For his part; the Likud MK Moshe Feiglin said "How can we accept the fact that the Jews do not have the right to pray in the most sacred place for them."
Chairperson of the Knesset Interior Committee Miri Regev noted that "preventing Jews from performing prayers on the Temple Mount represents an intolerable discrimination and a violation of freedom of worship", as she said
The Hebrew radio revealed that the Knesset began on Wednesday morning to discuss the adoption of a law that allows increasing the number of Jewish settlers who visit Al Aqsa Mosque.
It said on Wednesday morning "the Knesset Interior Committee is discussing the issue of visits by Jews to the campus of Temple Mount," and quoted Chairperson of the Committee Likud MK Miri Regev as saying "the Committee is examining the possibility of increasing the number of visits in a way that will not change the status quo," as she said.
Director of the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced during the Knesset session that his ministry will seek to "amend the law" that allows the Jews to perform rituals in Al Aqsa Mosque, and said: "a parliamentary committee has been charged with studying the draft, in order to enable Jews to pray at the site."
For his part; the Likud MK Moshe Feiglin said "How can we accept the fact that the Jews do not have the right to pray in the most sacred place for them."
Chairperson of the Knesset Interior Committee Miri Regev noted that "preventing Jews from performing prayers on the Temple Mount represents an intolerable discrimination and a violation of freedom of worship", as she said
The Hebrew radio revealed that the Knesset began on Wednesday morning to discuss the adoption of a law that allows increasing the number of Jewish settlers who visit Al Aqsa Mosque.
It said on Wednesday morning "the Knesset Interior Committee is discussing the issue of visits by Jews to the campus of Temple Mount," and quoted Chairperson of the Committee Likud MK Miri Regev as saying "the Committee is examining the possibility of increasing the number of visits in a way that will not change the status quo," as she said.
Al-Khatib calls for an Arab firm position in support of al-Aqsa
Vice-President of the Islamic movement in 1948-occupied territories Sheikh Kamal Al Khatib condemned the arrest of the Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine Sheikh Mohammed Hussein and head of the Restoration of Muslim graves Committee in Jerusalem Mustafa Abu Zahr by Israeli forces on Wednesday.
He strongly condemned the Israeli recent escalation in occupied Jerusalem that target Palestinian leading figures who fight for the protection of the Islamic religious sites in the holy city.
In his statements to al-Sabil Jordanian newspaper, al-Khalib considered the Israeli restrictions against Muslim worshipers at al-Aqsa mosque while allowing Israeli settlers to perform their rituals at al-Aqsa squares as a prelude to arrest Palestinian icons.
Al-Khatib called for an Arab firm position towards the Israeli violations and crimes against al-Aqsa mosque.
He appreciated the Jordanian Parliament's decision to expel Israel’s ambassador in Amman in protest of Israeli desecration of holy sites, praising the Jordanian role in protection of Jerusalem
Sheikh al-Khatib revealed that the Israeli authorities have officially started to implement its project to divide Al-Aqsa Mosque by increasing number of Jews who visit al-Aqsa Mosque.
The occupation allows the entry of tourists and Jewish extremists to al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy protection between 7:00 and 11:00 AM and between 2:00 and 3:30 PM as a prelude to implement the Israeli project to divide al-Aqsa mosque between Muslims and Jews as what happened with the Ibrahimi mosque in al-Khalil.
He strongly condemned the Israeli recent escalation in occupied Jerusalem that target Palestinian leading figures who fight for the protection of the Islamic religious sites in the holy city.
In his statements to al-Sabil Jordanian newspaper, al-Khalib considered the Israeli restrictions against Muslim worshipers at al-Aqsa mosque while allowing Israeli settlers to perform their rituals at al-Aqsa squares as a prelude to arrest Palestinian icons.
Al-Khatib called for an Arab firm position towards the Israeli violations and crimes against al-Aqsa mosque.
He appreciated the Jordanian Parliament's decision to expel Israel’s ambassador in Amman in protest of Israeli desecration of holy sites, praising the Jordanian role in protection of Jerusalem
Sheikh al-Khatib revealed that the Israeli authorities have officially started to implement its project to divide Al-Aqsa Mosque by increasing number of Jews who visit al-Aqsa Mosque.
The occupation allows the entry of tourists and Jewish extremists to al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy protection between 7:00 and 11:00 AM and between 2:00 and 3:30 PM as a prelude to implement the Israeli project to divide al-Aqsa mosque between Muslims and Jews as what happened with the Ibrahimi mosque in al-Khalil.
Israeli official suggests renaming Ramallah as ‘Jerusalem’
The Israeli mayor of the occupied city of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, rejected “any notion of Palestinian rule in any part of the city”, and has totally rejected the division of the Holy City as well.
Barkat suggested in an interview with The Times of Israel on Wednesday, that if the Palestinians wanted a capital in Jerusalem they could rename Ramallah “Jerusalem” or “northern Jerusalem.”
It was in Jerusalem’s DNA to be a united city, under sole Jewish rule, he said, adding that “Palestinian demands for some degree of sovereignty in the city were unacceptable and unworkable.”
“That kind of thinking will get us nowhere. It will get us to a dead end, to a bad deal… The answer is no separation of the city…If the world pushes us there, it’s just a matter of time before things will fall apart. It will not bring closer a resolution or a better relationship with our neighbors. There is no doubt in my mind. It will get much, much worse,” he added.
Barkat said it was "ridiculous" that Jews were not allowed to pray on the “Temple Mount”. I don’t think the Muslims should feel that enabling Jews to pray in their holiest site should be a problem, he claimed.
Israelis have made repeated threats to demolish the Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, in order to build the Jewish alleged temple in its place.
Barkat suggested in an interview with The Times of Israel on Wednesday, that if the Palestinians wanted a capital in Jerusalem they could rename Ramallah “Jerusalem” or “northern Jerusalem.”
It was in Jerusalem’s DNA to be a united city, under sole Jewish rule, he said, adding that “Palestinian demands for some degree of sovereignty in the city were unacceptable and unworkable.”
“That kind of thinking will get us nowhere. It will get us to a dead end, to a bad deal… The answer is no separation of the city…If the world pushes us there, it’s just a matter of time before things will fall apart. It will not bring closer a resolution or a better relationship with our neighbors. There is no doubt in my mind. It will get much, much worse,” he added.
Barkat said it was "ridiculous" that Jews were not allowed to pray on the “Temple Mount”. I don’t think the Muslims should feel that enabling Jews to pray in their holiest site should be a problem, he claimed.
Israelis have made repeated threats to demolish the Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, in order to build the Jewish alleged temple in its place.
MP Mansour: IOA seeks to impose a fait accompli in occupied Jerusalem
MP Mona Mansour warned against the Israeli escalated attacks in occupied Jerusalem while the Arab and Islamic world is still in its deep slumber.
The occupation seeks to impose a fait accompli in occupied Jerusalem and in al-Aqsa mosque particularly, she stated, the Israeli settlers' continued raids into al-Aqsa mosque aim to divide the mosque just as what happened with the Ibrahimi mosque in al-Khalil.
She warned against the seriousness of the Israeli escalated Judaization schemes in occupied Jerusalem taking advantage of the current Arab internal situation.
MK Miri Regev's calls to divide al-Aqsa mosque is not out of the blue, MP Mansour said pointing to the Arab conventions and initiatives that did not protect Islamic sites.
She expressed condemnation of the arrest the Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine Sheikh Mohammed Hussein by Israeli forces on Wednesday.
She said that the Israeli occupation aims to keep the Palestinian leading figures away from the occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque in order to impose control on it.
MP Mansour called on PA to accelerate its measures to join the UN institutions before it is too late.
MP Mona Mansour expressed her surprise towards the continued silence of Arab countries in light of the Israeli escalated crimes against the occupied city of Jerusalem, stressing that the whole Arab and Islamic nation is responsible for the defense and the protection of Jerusalem.
The occupation seeks to impose a fait accompli in occupied Jerusalem and in al-Aqsa mosque particularly, she stated, the Israeli settlers' continued raids into al-Aqsa mosque aim to divide the mosque just as what happened with the Ibrahimi mosque in al-Khalil.
She warned against the seriousness of the Israeli escalated Judaization schemes in occupied Jerusalem taking advantage of the current Arab internal situation.
MK Miri Regev's calls to divide al-Aqsa mosque is not out of the blue, MP Mansour said pointing to the Arab conventions and initiatives that did not protect Islamic sites.
She expressed condemnation of the arrest the Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine Sheikh Mohammed Hussein by Israeli forces on Wednesday.
She said that the Israeli occupation aims to keep the Palestinian leading figures away from the occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque in order to impose control on it.
MP Mansour called on PA to accelerate its measures to join the UN institutions before it is too late.
MP Mona Mansour expressed her surprise towards the continued silence of Arab countries in light of the Israeli escalated crimes against the occupied city of Jerusalem, stressing that the whole Arab and Islamic nation is responsible for the defense and the protection of Jerusalem.
