27 feb 2013
Extensive IOF presence in Jenin
Israeli Occupation Forces erected military checkpoints in the morning at the entrance to the town of Ya’abad and the soldiers began stopping vehicles from entering or leaving the town.
IOF searched and questioned the passengers, severely hindering the movement of citizens, local sources stated.
The occupation forces raided last night Ya'abad village under the pretext of searching for a minor claiming that he is required for security reasons. They stormed the house of Rashid Fares Abu Bakr searching for his child Amir, 15, under the pretext of throwing stones at soldiers.
Meanwhile, IOF intensified on Wednesday its presence in the vicinity of the Jalama checkpoint along the Nazareth- Jenin road to prevent the daily clashes in the area with the occupation forces.
Local sources indicated that the Israeli occupation patrols stationed in the vicinity of the area, erecting checkpoints.
The clashes that erupted yesterday lasted until a late hour, led to the arrest of eight boys, in addition to the wounding of several others.
IOF searched and questioned the passengers, severely hindering the movement of citizens, local sources stated.
The occupation forces raided last night Ya'abad village under the pretext of searching for a minor claiming that he is required for security reasons. They stormed the house of Rashid Fares Abu Bakr searching for his child Amir, 15, under the pretext of throwing stones at soldiers.
Meanwhile, IOF intensified on Wednesday its presence in the vicinity of the Jalama checkpoint along the Nazareth- Jenin road to prevent the daily clashes in the area with the occupation forces.
Local sources indicated that the Israeli occupation patrols stationed in the vicinity of the area, erecting checkpoints.
The clashes that erupted yesterday lasted until a late hour, led to the arrest of eight boys, in addition to the wounding of several others.
19 feb 2013
IOF breaks into al-Khalil and sets up checkpoints
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) raided at dawn Tuesday, a number of neighborhoods and towns in al-Khalil, in the southern occupied West Bank, and boosted its presence in points of contact that had witnessed yesterday violent clashes. PIC's reporter confirmed that the Israeli troops raided the area of al-Arous in Yatta, south of al-Khalil, and summoned the liberated prisoner and former political detainee Zaid Ismail, 28, to the intelligence office in Etzion, south of Bethlehem.
The IOF set up a checkpoint in the area of Ziv, the main entrance to the town of Yatta south of al-Khalil, where Israeli soldiers stopped the vehicles and checked the identities of the citizens.
According to local sources, "the occupation forces erected checkpoints on the main street near the settlement of Beit Haggai, established on the citizens' lands to the south, and two other checkpoints near the southern entrance to Halhul and at the bypass road No. 60 north of al-Khalil.The soldiers checked the identities of the passers-by and searched some vehicles."
Israeli military patrols have also raided at dawn Tuesday the towns of Beit Ummar, Tarqumiya and Samu in al-Khalil, and roamed the residential neighborhoods for several hours.
Meanwhile, infantry soldiers were deployed in several points of contact in the al-Khalil Governorate in anticipation of the outbreak of confrontations in those areas in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, after 800 captives have announced today launching a hunger strike.
Al-Khalil witnessed on Monday violent clashes in several regions that resulted in more than 30 wounded.
The IOF arrested yesterday during the confrontations the citizen Ashraf al-Tamimi after breaking into his shop in the city center and took him to an unknown destination. They have also targeted journalists with tear gas grenades and rubber bullets in an attempt to prevent them from covering the clashes.
The IOF set up a checkpoint in the area of Ziv, the main entrance to the town of Yatta south of al-Khalil, where Israeli soldiers stopped the vehicles and checked the identities of the citizens.
According to local sources, "the occupation forces erected checkpoints on the main street near the settlement of Beit Haggai, established on the citizens' lands to the south, and two other checkpoints near the southern entrance to Halhul and at the bypass road No. 60 north of al-Khalil.The soldiers checked the identities of the passers-by and searched some vehicles."
Israeli military patrols have also raided at dawn Tuesday the towns of Beit Ummar, Tarqumiya and Samu in al-Khalil, and roamed the residential neighborhoods for several hours.
Meanwhile, infantry soldiers were deployed in several points of contact in the al-Khalil Governorate in anticipation of the outbreak of confrontations in those areas in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, after 800 captives have announced today launching a hunger strike.
Al-Khalil witnessed on Monday violent clashes in several regions that resulted in more than 30 wounded.
The IOF arrested yesterday during the confrontations the citizen Ashraf al-Tamimi after breaking into his shop in the city center and took him to an unknown destination. They have also targeted journalists with tear gas grenades and rubber bullets in an attempt to prevent them from covering the clashes.
15 feb 2013
Israeli Forces Set Military Checkpoint at Jericho Entrance
Israeli soldiers set this morning, a military checkpoint at the main entrance of Jericho city, located near the Jordan River in the West Bank and checked the Palestinians' IDs.
Witnesses told PNN that soldiers from the border guards set a military checkpoint, stopped Palestinians' vehicles and checked their IDs, without clarifying the reasons for the checkpoint.
Witnesses told PNN that soldiers from the border guards set a military checkpoint, stopped Palestinians' vehicles and checked their IDs, without clarifying the reasons for the checkpoint.
14 feb 2013
Report: Five Gazans were kidnapped at Beit Hanoun crossing this year
The Palestinian prisoner center for studies said the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing had detained since the beginning of the current year five Gazans, some of them patients. Director of the center Riyadh Al-Ashqar stated on Wednesday that the patients were kidnapped as they were trying to travel to the Israeli occupied lands to receive medical treatment in hospital there, affirming that all the five citizens obtained permits before their travel.
"The occupation has never stopped the blackmail policy it uses against the patients or their arrest, taking advantage of their need for treatment in hospitals of the West Bank and the 1948 occupied lands in order to pressure them to work for it," Ashqar underlined.
He affirmed that the Israeli intelligence interrogators first ask the Gazan young men, who submit travel requests to the Israeli authorities at Beit Hanoun crossing, to come for security check interviews, but after these meetings, they are kidnapped.
Rafiq Abu Harbid, 34, was detained on his way for treatment and subjected to interrogation before he was taken to an unknown place, the center director explained.
Two young brothers, Rami and Mohamed Tayeb, were also kidnapped after they arrived at the crossing in order to visit their mother who lives in the west Bank. Both of them had obtained Israeli visit permits, according to Ashqar.
He said that the fourth detainee was a young man named Mohamed Abu Daka and was kidnapped on his way back to Gaza after he escorted his ill mother during her medical trip in the West Bank.
He added that a young patient named Naser Fayyadh also wanted to go to a hospital for treatment, but upon his arrival along with his father at the crossing, the IOF kidnapped him and forced his father to return to Gaza.
Ashqar called on the international human rights groups to necessarily intervene and end Israel's kidnapping of the Gazans who need to travel through Beit Hanoun crossing.
"The occupation has never stopped the blackmail policy it uses against the patients or their arrest, taking advantage of their need for treatment in hospitals of the West Bank and the 1948 occupied lands in order to pressure them to work for it," Ashqar underlined.
He affirmed that the Israeli intelligence interrogators first ask the Gazan young men, who submit travel requests to the Israeli authorities at Beit Hanoun crossing, to come for security check interviews, but after these meetings, they are kidnapped.
Rafiq Abu Harbid, 34, was detained on his way for treatment and subjected to interrogation before he was taken to an unknown place, the center director explained.
Two young brothers, Rami and Mohamed Tayeb, were also kidnapped after they arrived at the crossing in order to visit their mother who lives in the west Bank. Both of them had obtained Israeli visit permits, according to Ashqar.
He said that the fourth detainee was a young man named Mohamed Abu Daka and was kidnapped on his way back to Gaza after he escorted his ill mother during her medical trip in the West Bank.
He added that a young patient named Naser Fayyadh also wanted to go to a hospital for treatment, but upon his arrival along with his father at the crossing, the IOF kidnapped him and forced his father to return to Gaza.
Ashqar called on the international human rights groups to necessarily intervene and end Israel's kidnapping of the Gazans who need to travel through Beit Hanoun crossing.
Israeli police forces blockade Issawiya, punish its people
The Israeli police on Wednesday continued for the second consecutive day to impose a tight blockade on Issawiya district in occupied Jerusalem and restrict the movement of the Palestinian residents. During the last two days, the Israeli police and the intelligence personnel raided homes in Issawiya and handed Palestinian activists summonses for interrogation because of their participation in activities supporting hunger striker Samer Issawi, whose health critically declined and reached a life-threatening stage.
The Israeli police, at the behest of the intelligence, issued orders to exile member of the Issawiya defense committee Mohamed Abul-Hems for one week from the district and to fine him a total of 5,500 shekels until his trial on allegations of obstructing the mission of the Israeli intelligence in the district and his involvement in the solidarity campaign advocating the cause of hunger striker Samer Issawi.
Abul-Hems, in a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC), slammed the Israeli decision issued against him as unjust, racist and vindictive.
He said that the Israeli police men erected many barriers inside and around Issawiya district and embarked on obstructing the movement of the citizens and their vehicles.
He added that the Israeli police paralyzed traffic and public transportation, prevented kids from reaching their schools and searched their bags.
The activist affirmed that the Issawiya residents are exposed to an arbitrary oppressive campaign affecting their daily lives and isolating them from the rest of Jerusalem because of their solidarity with their compatriot Samer Issawi.
He appealed to human rights groups to visit Issawiya to witness its tragedy and called on the ambassadors and consuls of foreign countries to intervene to stop Israel's repeated violations against the Issawiya people.
The Israeli police, at the behest of the intelligence, issued orders to exile member of the Issawiya defense committee Mohamed Abul-Hems for one week from the district and to fine him a total of 5,500 shekels until his trial on allegations of obstructing the mission of the Israeli intelligence in the district and his involvement in the solidarity campaign advocating the cause of hunger striker Samer Issawi.
Abul-Hems, in a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC), slammed the Israeli decision issued against him as unjust, racist and vindictive.
He said that the Israeli police men erected many barriers inside and around Issawiya district and embarked on obstructing the movement of the citizens and their vehicles.
He added that the Israeli police paralyzed traffic and public transportation, prevented kids from reaching their schools and searched their bags.
The activist affirmed that the Issawiya residents are exposed to an arbitrary oppressive campaign affecting their daily lives and isolating them from the rest of Jerusalem because of their solidarity with their compatriot Samer Issawi.
He appealed to human rights groups to visit Issawiya to witness its tragedy and called on the ambassadors and consuls of foreign countries to intervene to stop Israel's repeated violations against the Issawiya people.
11 feb 2013
IOF soldiers close barriers, isolate Tulkarem
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) closed the two roadblocks to the east and south of Tulkarem on Sunday night practically isolating the city. Locals said that IOF soldiers closed the Annab road barrier that links Tulkarem to the West Bank and Jbara roadblock that links the city to 1948 occupied lands.
They said that traffic jams were reported on both routes, noting that many students, employees, and workers could not return to their homes while many other visitors and employees could not get out of the city.
The sources said that the soldiers were thoroughly searching all cars and passengers on both roadblocks.
They said that traffic jams were reported on both routes, noting that many students, employees, and workers could not return to their homes while many other visitors and employees could not get out of the city.
The sources said that the soldiers were thoroughly searching all cars and passengers on both roadblocks.
Israel Permits Materials from Turkey into Gaza for Hospital
Israel has authorized the passage of Turkish trucks through Gaza carrying materials for the construction of the Turkish-Palestine Friendship Hospital, the most symbolic Turkish humanitarian assistance to date for the people of Palestine. The hospital’s inauguration is expected to bring Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the Gaza Strip within the year.
The Israeli authorization came Feb. 4 following a nearly two-month long study of a list provided by Turkey on materials to be transported into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, a move the Israeli government described as a gesture of goodwill made toward Turkey, the Hürriyet Daily News has learned.
With 150 beds the hospital will be the biggest one in Gaza and Ramallah once completed, but requires more technical work and construction materials for it to be finished. Financed by the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TİKA) and constructed by the Aker Construction Company, the hospital will become operational within the year. The inauguration of the hospital will likely serve as a chance for Erdoğan to realize his long-planned visit to Gaza.
Permission for passage came as part of Israel’s decision to soften its embargo over Gaza after terminating military operations into the enclave last fall and starting a fresh round of talks between Israelis and Palestinians over a gradual lifting of sanctions under Egyptian mediation.
The importance of the Israeli decision comes from the very fact that lifting the siege on Gaza constitutes Turkey’s third condition to Israel for normalizing relations, following demands the Israeli government officially apologize and pay compensation to the families of the Mavi Marmara flotilla victims. Israel has been signaling it will do more in terms of easing life conditions of the more than 1.5 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip, but has also expressed security concerns.
Turkish officials, however, view Israel allowing Turkish trucks into Gaza as a humanitarian move and claim it should not be considered a political gesture. Yet given the fact that Israel is set to have a new government within the weeks following January elections, diplomatic sources recalled the new government could start a new process and that last week’s decision could play a role in this sense.
“Although I do not want to seem too optimistic over reconciliation between the two countries, I see a window of opportunity in light of the election results,” diplomatic sources told the Daily News.
Although election results certainly weakened the hands of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it is likely he will still be able to keep his position in the new term albeit with different coalition partners, most likely Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennet. The fact that he will have to establish a wide-based government seems to be a positive development for Ankara, who believes it would create more sound deliberations in Israel on ties with Turkey. “Once the government is made up, relations with Turkey will surely come before them as an issue,” sources stressed.
Turkey and Israel have worked on a draft text aimed at overcoming the impasse on ties, but have failed in both major attempts.
With the establishment of the new Israeli government many believe the United States will increase its pressure on both sides to resolve bilateral problems and re-launch dialogue. The most urgent issue the two countries could seek ways to cooperate in is the turmoil in Syria, with which both countries share borders.
Apart from regional effects, bilateral problems between Turkey and Israel also have implications in the international arena. Turkey recently acted against Israel’s membership to the board of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), despite strong pressure from its Western allies. The U.S. and a number of European countries criticized the Turkish veto on Israel. Turkey also limited Israeli participation in NATO activity. Francis Ricciardone, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, brought up the Turkey-Israel rift during his meeting with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioğlu last week.
The Israeli authorization came Feb. 4 following a nearly two-month long study of a list provided by Turkey on materials to be transported into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, a move the Israeli government described as a gesture of goodwill made toward Turkey, the Hürriyet Daily News has learned.
With 150 beds the hospital will be the biggest one in Gaza and Ramallah once completed, but requires more technical work and construction materials for it to be finished. Financed by the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TİKA) and constructed by the Aker Construction Company, the hospital will become operational within the year. The inauguration of the hospital will likely serve as a chance for Erdoğan to realize his long-planned visit to Gaza.
Permission for passage came as part of Israel’s decision to soften its embargo over Gaza after terminating military operations into the enclave last fall and starting a fresh round of talks between Israelis and Palestinians over a gradual lifting of sanctions under Egyptian mediation.
The importance of the Israeli decision comes from the very fact that lifting the siege on Gaza constitutes Turkey’s third condition to Israel for normalizing relations, following demands the Israeli government officially apologize and pay compensation to the families of the Mavi Marmara flotilla victims. Israel has been signaling it will do more in terms of easing life conditions of the more than 1.5 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip, but has also expressed security concerns.
Turkish officials, however, view Israel allowing Turkish trucks into Gaza as a humanitarian move and claim it should not be considered a political gesture. Yet given the fact that Israel is set to have a new government within the weeks following January elections, diplomatic sources recalled the new government could start a new process and that last week’s decision could play a role in this sense.
“Although I do not want to seem too optimistic over reconciliation between the two countries, I see a window of opportunity in light of the election results,” diplomatic sources told the Daily News.
Although election results certainly weakened the hands of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it is likely he will still be able to keep his position in the new term albeit with different coalition partners, most likely Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennet. The fact that he will have to establish a wide-based government seems to be a positive development for Ankara, who believes it would create more sound deliberations in Israel on ties with Turkey. “Once the government is made up, relations with Turkey will surely come before them as an issue,” sources stressed.
Turkey and Israel have worked on a draft text aimed at overcoming the impasse on ties, but have failed in both major attempts.
With the establishment of the new Israeli government many believe the United States will increase its pressure on both sides to resolve bilateral problems and re-launch dialogue. The most urgent issue the two countries could seek ways to cooperate in is the turmoil in Syria, with which both countries share borders.
Apart from regional effects, bilateral problems between Turkey and Israel also have implications in the international arena. Turkey recently acted against Israel’s membership to the board of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), despite strong pressure from its Western allies. The U.S. and a number of European countries criticized the Turkish veto on Israel. Turkey also limited Israeli participation in NATO activity. Francis Ricciardone, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, brought up the Turkey-Israel rift during his meeting with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioğlu last week.
29 jan 2013
Army Prevents Entry Of Samplings, Construction Material, Into Beit Iksa
The Israeli army denied the transport of construction materials and saplings into the village of Beit Iksa, north of occupied East Jerusalem.
Head of the Beit Iksa village council, Kamal Hababa, stated that the army claimed that the youth in the village use the construction materials during protests against the annexation wall, settlements, and against the occupation.
Hababa said that the army imposed a strict siege on the village, starting two weeks ago, and is preventing the residents from entering or leaving it.
He added that, a week ago, the soldiers started preventing trucks from entering the village to college the garbage.
He called on the International Community and human rights groups to act fast to end the Israeli violations against the village and its inhabitants.
A month ago, the Israeli army decided to illegally confiscate 12000 Dunams of land from the villagers, leaving them with only 2000 Dunams.
The villagers started holding nonviolent protests against the Israeli Annexation Wall that surrounds the village, and against the ongoing Israeli military violations.
Head of the Beit Iksa village council, Kamal Hababa, stated that the army claimed that the youth in the village use the construction materials during protests against the annexation wall, settlements, and against the occupation.
Hababa said that the army imposed a strict siege on the village, starting two weeks ago, and is preventing the residents from entering or leaving it.
He added that, a week ago, the soldiers started preventing trucks from entering the village to college the garbage.
He called on the International Community and human rights groups to act fast to end the Israeli violations against the village and its inhabitants.
A month ago, the Israeli army decided to illegally confiscate 12000 Dunams of land from the villagers, leaving them with only 2000 Dunams.
The villagers started holding nonviolent protests against the Israeli Annexation Wall that surrounds the village, and against the ongoing Israeli military violations.
24 jan 2013
IOF soldiers block tour of foreign diplomats in Beit Iksa village
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) blocked on Wednesday a tour by a number of foreign ambassadors and diplomats in Beit Iksa village in occupied Jerusalem.
Dr. Saada Al-Khatib, a lecturer at the Quds university and a member of the anti-wall and anti-settlement committee in Beit Iksa, told the PIC reporter that IOF soldiers obstructed foreign ambassadors and consuls when they tried to visit an isolated house.
He said that the house, owned by Amjad Hamayel, is near to Ramot settlement and is surrounded by settlers.
He said that inhabitants briefed the foreign diplomats on their suffering, noting that the diplomats saw for themselves part of that suffering when IOF soldiers insulted and assaulted a Japanese diplomat during the tour.
Khatib said that the diplomats had a firsthand knowledge of what is going on in the besieged, isolated and marginalized village.
He quoted the diplomats as saying that transportation means should be made available for the inhabitants in the village in order to help them remain steadfast and to provide them with the minimum life necessities.
Dr. Saada Al-Khatib, a lecturer at the Quds university and a member of the anti-wall and anti-settlement committee in Beit Iksa, told the PIC reporter that IOF soldiers obstructed foreign ambassadors and consuls when they tried to visit an isolated house.
He said that the house, owned by Amjad Hamayel, is near to Ramot settlement and is surrounded by settlers.
He said that inhabitants briefed the foreign diplomats on their suffering, noting that the diplomats saw for themselves part of that suffering when IOF soldiers insulted and assaulted a Japanese diplomat during the tour.
Khatib said that the diplomats had a firsthand knowledge of what is going on in the besieged, isolated and marginalized village.
He quoted the diplomats as saying that transportation means should be made available for the inhabitants in the village in order to help them remain steadfast and to provide them with the minimum life necessities.
22 jan 2013
Separation wall between Al-Zaim village and E-1 area to be completed
Bab al-Shams village built by activists to protest plans to confiscate Palestinian land in area E-1
Hebrew media sources reported that the Israeli war minister, Ehud Barak, has decided to complete the construction of the fence near al-Zaim village east Jerusalem to separate it from the "E-1" area, which IOA intends to confiscate.
Haaretz Hebrew newspaper confirmed on Monday that the Israeli army decided recently to close the breach in the separation fence near al-Zaim village, the breach is three kilometers wide, and they opened another breach to link Ma'aleh Adumim settlement with Jerusalem.
"This would mean that Ma'aleh Adumim would be located outside the security fence and that Palestinians would be prevented from reaching area E-1", the newspaper explained. "Including Al-Zaim within the security fence will cut off Al-Zaim from E-1, leaving E-1 disconnected from Palestinian territory."
"Area E-1 ends behind Al-Zaim and is connected to the village by a path, this is how the Palestinians who built the outpost of Bab al-Shams over a week ago reached the site", according to Haaretz.
In the same context, the war ministry has also decided according to the newspaper "to move ahead with opening the Hizme-Anata road, which will link the northern West Bank to the southern West Bank."
The Israeli authorities have been planning to confiscate E1 area to build settlements and divide the West Bank, despite opposition by the international community.
Hebrew media sources reported that the Israeli war minister, Ehud Barak, has decided to complete the construction of the fence near al-Zaim village east Jerusalem to separate it from the "E-1" area, which IOA intends to confiscate.
Haaretz Hebrew newspaper confirmed on Monday that the Israeli army decided recently to close the breach in the separation fence near al-Zaim village, the breach is three kilometers wide, and they opened another breach to link Ma'aleh Adumim settlement with Jerusalem.
"This would mean that Ma'aleh Adumim would be located outside the security fence and that Palestinians would be prevented from reaching area E-1", the newspaper explained. "Including Al-Zaim within the security fence will cut off Al-Zaim from E-1, leaving E-1 disconnected from Palestinian territory."
"Area E-1 ends behind Al-Zaim and is connected to the village by a path, this is how the Palestinians who built the outpost of Bab al-Shams over a week ago reached the site", according to Haaretz.
In the same context, the war ministry has also decided according to the newspaper "to move ahead with opening the Hizme-Anata road, which will link the northern West Bank to the southern West Bank."
The Israeli authorities have been planning to confiscate E1 area to build settlements and divide the West Bank, despite opposition by the international community.
Partial closure of Rafah crossing on Tuesday
The interior ministry in Gaza announced the partial closure of the Rafah border terminal with Egypt on Tuesday due to the expected visit of Malaysian premier Mohammed Najib to the Strip.
A ministry statement on Monday said that the crossing would be closed for the departures due to the visit preparations.
The ministry said that all field and security preparations for the official reception of Najib, his wife, and the senior accompanying delegation were finalized.
A ministry statement on Monday said that the crossing would be closed for the departures due to the visit preparations.
The ministry said that all field and security preparations for the official reception of Najib, his wife, and the senior accompanying delegation were finalized.
21 jan 2013
Israeli Authorities Change Route Of Wall To Fully Annex Jerusalem For Israel
The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Sunday that they will re-route a section of the Wall east of Jerusalem in order to close off an existing gap and fully annex the city of Jerusalem into Israel. The new route means the complete encirclement of the Palestinian village of Al-Zaim, with the Wall to the West and a security fence to the east.
Other Palestinian towns are also completely isolated and encircled into ghettoes, including the town of Sheikh Sa'ed and the city of Qalqilya. Israeli authorities isolated these towns in order to create Palestinian-free zones and routes throughout the West Bank to allow Israeli settlers to travel unencumbered without either having to stop at checkpoints or to drive on the same roads as Palestinians. But in order to do that, Israeli forces have had to maintain over 600 checkpoints throughout the West Bank, and to force Palestinians off their own roads and onto dirt roads or trails.
The new route of the Wall will put the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim on the Palestinian side of the Wall, along with dozens of other Israeli settlements constructed in violation of international law all over the West Bank. But Israeli officials have assured the residents of these settlements that they will construct other Walls and fences to allow them to access Jerusalem without having to go through Palestinian areas.
These additional fences and barriers will, like the Annexation Wall itself, be constructed on land seized from Palestinian owners by Israeli authorities who claim that they have the right to take the land 'for security reasons'. All Israeli settlements on Palestinian land are considered illegal under international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention, which forbids an occupying military power from settling its civilian population on land occupied by military force.
The announcement is seen as a response to the Palestinian encampment Bab Al Shams, which was established on the land in question, known to Israeli officials as 'E1', last weekend, then demolished by Israeli forces. The Palestinian non-violent activists who established the encampment entered the area through the village of Al-Zaim.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has openly declared his intention to build a settlement on the 'E1' land, and completely enclose the eastern edge of Jerusalem, thus effectively annexing the city of Jerusalem to the state of Israel. This renders any peace agreement with the Palestinian Authority impossible, since one of the Palestinian Authority's base demands is sharing the city of Jerusalem. The base demands, which Palestinians have asked Israel to recognize time and again to no avail, are: the recognition of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, the right of return of Palestinian refugees and the release of the thousands of Palestinian political prisoners being held in Israeli prison camps.
Other Palestinian towns are also completely isolated and encircled into ghettoes, including the town of Sheikh Sa'ed and the city of Qalqilya. Israeli authorities isolated these towns in order to create Palestinian-free zones and routes throughout the West Bank to allow Israeli settlers to travel unencumbered without either having to stop at checkpoints or to drive on the same roads as Palestinians. But in order to do that, Israeli forces have had to maintain over 600 checkpoints throughout the West Bank, and to force Palestinians off their own roads and onto dirt roads or trails.
The new route of the Wall will put the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim on the Palestinian side of the Wall, along with dozens of other Israeli settlements constructed in violation of international law all over the West Bank. But Israeli officials have assured the residents of these settlements that they will construct other Walls and fences to allow them to access Jerusalem without having to go through Palestinian areas.
These additional fences and barriers will, like the Annexation Wall itself, be constructed on land seized from Palestinian owners by Israeli authorities who claim that they have the right to take the land 'for security reasons'. All Israeli settlements on Palestinian land are considered illegal under international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention, which forbids an occupying military power from settling its civilian population on land occupied by military force.
The announcement is seen as a response to the Palestinian encampment Bab Al Shams, which was established on the land in question, known to Israeli officials as 'E1', last weekend, then demolished by Israeli forces. The Palestinian non-violent activists who established the encampment entered the area through the village of Al-Zaim.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has openly declared his intention to build a settlement on the 'E1' land, and completely enclose the eastern edge of Jerusalem, thus effectively annexing the city of Jerusalem to the state of Israel. This renders any peace agreement with the Palestinian Authority impossible, since one of the Palestinian Authority's base demands is sharing the city of Jerusalem. The base demands, which Palestinians have asked Israel to recognize time and again to no avail, are: the recognition of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, the right of return of Palestinian refugees and the release of the thousands of Palestinian political prisoners being held in Israeli prison camps.
20 jan 2013
Army Isolates West Bank’s Northern Plains
Saturday evening - January 19, Israeli soldiers imposed a strict siege on the northern plains area of the occupied West Bank, and installed several roadblocks on main roads in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the army closed the Al-Hamra and Tayaseer roadblocks, installed several roadblocks on main roads linking between different Palestinian towns and villages in the area, and on main junctions.
The siege was imposed after the army demolished several structures and tents that belongs to Palestinian shepherds.
Aref Daraghma, head of the village council of Al-Maleh area and the Bedouin tribes, stated that the humanitarian situation in the area is very difficult, adding that entire families have been displaced and left in the cold.
Shepherds communes in the area have been targeted dozens of times, including several attacks carried out against them in the last few months rendering entire families of Bedouins and Shepherds homeless.
Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced and repeatedly removed from the area since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967.
Israel also demolished dozens of entire villages inhabited by Bedouins and shepherds as it does not recognize their communes and even their residency status in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Eyewitnesses reported that the army closed the Al-Hamra and Tayaseer roadblocks, installed several roadblocks on main roads linking between different Palestinian towns and villages in the area, and on main junctions.
The siege was imposed after the army demolished several structures and tents that belongs to Palestinian shepherds.
Aref Daraghma, head of the village council of Al-Maleh area and the Bedouin tribes, stated that the humanitarian situation in the area is very difficult, adding that entire families have been displaced and left in the cold.
Shepherds communes in the area have been targeted dozens of times, including several attacks carried out against them in the last few months rendering entire families of Bedouins and Shepherds homeless.
Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced and repeatedly removed from the area since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967.
Israel also demolished dozens of entire villages inhabited by Bedouins and shepherds as it does not recognize their communes and even their residency status in the occupied Palestinian territory.
16 jan 2013
Protesters smash a gate set up by IOF near Bethlehem
Palestinian demonstrators and activists in Popular Resistance managed on Tuesday to break down the iron gate separating the villages Jab'a west of Bethlehem and Surif north of al-Khalil. Local sources said that opening the gate came within the popular movement aimed at removing 13 gates built by the army since the beginning of the intifada to separate communities in the south of the West Bank from each other.
The sources confirmed that Israeli soldiers rushed to the area, suppressed the participants using tear gas, and chased them in different valleys. No arrests were reported.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation forces arrested five activists from Bab al-Shams Village, and surrounded dozens of those who tried to return to the village in occupied city of Jerusalem, where 70 activists of them succeeded in reaching the village.
Local sources confirmed that the police forces and the occupation army arrested five activists and continued trapping 70 activists who arrived to the scene to repeat the sit-in protest in the village against new settlement projects.
The same sources stressed that the military forces tried to drive them out of the village, where they fired tear gas heavily to disperse the protestors and to expel them outside the village and the city of Jerusalem.
The sources confirmed that Israeli soldiers rushed to the area, suppressed the participants using tear gas, and chased them in different valleys. No arrests were reported.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation forces arrested five activists from Bab al-Shams Village, and surrounded dozens of those who tried to return to the village in occupied city of Jerusalem, where 70 activists of them succeeded in reaching the village.
Local sources confirmed that the police forces and the occupation army arrested five activists and continued trapping 70 activists who arrived to the scene to repeat the sit-in protest in the village against new settlement projects.
The same sources stressed that the military forces tried to drive them out of the village, where they fired tear gas heavily to disperse the protestors and to expel them outside the village and the city of Jerusalem.
14 jan 2013
Reconstruction materials will be allowed into Gaza soon
Minister of Works, Yousef al-Gariz, announced that the signing of the final protocol, with Cairo, to allow the entry of all the building materials needed for Gaza reconstruction which will take place next Thursday. This came during a speech delivered by al-Gariz in a meeting held on Sunday evening in Gaza city, on the development of the construction industry and the possibilities available to meet the needs of projects of the Gaza Strip reconstruction.
Al-Gariz said that the lists of all the materials that are needed for the construction of the projects, granted by Qatar and other projects, will be presented soon.
He stressed that the industrial sector is one of the most affected sectors by the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, as the siege has been preventing the entry of equipment and tools required for running this important sector, which has led to the migration of many experienced and skilled manpower.
He pointed out that the United Arab Emirates has granted fifty million dollars to the Gaza Strip for the construction of Sheikh Khalifa City.
He stressed that during this year each house destroyed by the occupation, whether in Furqan war or the Shale Stone war, will be reconstructed and thanked all those who have supported the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank.
For his part, Dr. Ala Rafati, the Minister of National Economy, stressed that any development process needs an infrastructure, adding that the coming days will witness the beginning of the reconstruction process, thanks to the efforts of the government and with funding from the State of Qatar.
Al-Gariz said that the lists of all the materials that are needed for the construction of the projects, granted by Qatar and other projects, will be presented soon.
He stressed that the industrial sector is one of the most affected sectors by the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, as the siege has been preventing the entry of equipment and tools required for running this important sector, which has led to the migration of many experienced and skilled manpower.
He pointed out that the United Arab Emirates has granted fifty million dollars to the Gaza Strip for the construction of Sheikh Khalifa City.
He stressed that during this year each house destroyed by the occupation, whether in Furqan war or the Shale Stone war, will be reconstructed and thanked all those who have supported the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank.
For his part, Dr. Ala Rafati, the Minister of National Economy, stressed that any development process needs an infrastructure, adding that the coming days will witness the beginning of the reconstruction process, thanks to the efforts of the government and with funding from the State of Qatar.
13 jan 2013
Occupation closes the northern entrance of Yatta
Israeli occupation forces closed, on Sunday afternoon, the northern entrance to the city of Yatta, and set up a checkpoint just off the Israeli military tower in the "Ziv" area south of al-Khalil in the occupied West Bank. PIC's correspondent said that an Israeli military force has set up a surprise military checkpoint at the entrance to the city of Yatta, where it stopped and searched the citizens' vehicles and detained dozens of Palestinians after checking their identities.
The soldiers were carrying lists of names of citizens are wanted by the occupation authorities.
Israeli troops have escalated, during the past few days, the military procedures along the bypass road N. 60 after a settler had been shot on the road, a month ago.
A group of Palestinian young men threw stones at settlers' vehicles near the settlement of Gush Etzion, established on Palestinian land in the north of al-Khalil and Tekoa area eastern Bethlehem.
Hebrew sources reported that there were no injuries among settlers.
The occupation forces arrived to the region under the pretext of searching for the stone throwers.
The soldiers were carrying lists of names of citizens are wanted by the occupation authorities.
Israeli troops have escalated, during the past few days, the military procedures along the bypass road N. 60 after a settler had been shot on the road, a month ago.
A group of Palestinian young men threw stones at settlers' vehicles near the settlement of Gush Etzion, established on Palestinian land in the north of al-Khalil and Tekoa area eastern Bethlehem.
Hebrew sources reported that there were no injuries among settlers.
The occupation forces arrived to the region under the pretext of searching for the stone throwers.
IOA halts entry of West Bankers to 1948 occupied Palestine
The Israeli occupation authorities have stopped issuing permits for Palestinian West Bankers to enter occupied Jerusalem or 1948 occupied Palestine, sources in the Palestinian liaison office said Saturday. They noted that no permits were issued for more than a month except for patients, adding that the ban started after the UN accepted Palestine as a non-member observer state.
An official at the chamber of commerce and industry in Al-Khalil affirmed the news saying that 1800 permits were tabled with the Israeli civil administration but no response was made to any of them.
He said that the arbitrary measure obstructed economic and commercial life for the Palestinians, adding that officials at the Israeli administration told them that the reason was the admission of Palestine at the UN.
An official at the chamber of commerce and industry in Al-Khalil affirmed the news saying that 1800 permits were tabled with the Israeli civil administration but no response was made to any of them.
He said that the arbitrary measure obstructed economic and commercial life for the Palestinians, adding that officials at the Israeli administration told them that the reason was the admission of Palestine at the UN.
12 jan 2013
IOF soldiers storm Bethlehem, close road south of Al-Khalil
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed a number of suburbs in Bethlehem city at dawn Saturday and closed a road to the south west of Al-Khalil. Eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter in Bethlehem that IOF soldiers patrolled a number of suburbs in the city without anyone knowing reason for the step as it was not accompanied by any breaking into homes or arrests.
They said that the IOA patrols withdrew from the city after a few hours, adding that the tour could be for new intelligence elements wanting to explore the conditions in the city on the ground.
Meanwhile, local sources said that IOF units closed a main road to the south west of Al-Khalil city before Palestinian citizens on Saturday.
They said that soldiers closed a gate near Negohot settlement and prevented passage of Palestinian vehicles at the pretext of protecting Jewish settlers on Saturday, adding that citizens were forced to trek another longer road.
The locals pointed to intensified deployment of troops in the region and around the settlement as armored vehicles were positioned at nearby crossroads.
They said that the IOA patrols withdrew from the city after a few hours, adding that the tour could be for new intelligence elements wanting to explore the conditions in the city on the ground.
Meanwhile, local sources said that IOF units closed a main road to the south west of Al-Khalil city before Palestinian citizens on Saturday.
They said that soldiers closed a gate near Negohot settlement and prevented passage of Palestinian vehicles at the pretext of protecting Jewish settlers on Saturday, adding that citizens were forced to trek another longer road.
The locals pointed to intensified deployment of troops in the region and around the settlement as armored vehicles were positioned at nearby crossroads.
11 jan 2013
IOF Bans Civilians from Route 10 near Egypt Border
IOF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz has decided to close Route 10 that run near the Egyptian border.
The army announced that civilians will not be permitted to drive near the border without prior coordination with the army for a year. In August 2011, a cross-border attack from the Sinai Peninsula killed eight Israelis on the road, leading OC Southern Command, Maj.-Gen. Tal Russo, to seal it off to traffic.
Since then, several works to improve security in the area have been carried out by the IOF, including the construction of a new barrier along the border.
The Israeli Southern Command said, " the fence does not preclude any attacks in the region either by smugglers or armed groups," adding, it does not also prevent attempts to plant explosives or shooting.
The army announced that civilians will not be permitted to drive near the border without prior coordination with the army for a year. In August 2011, a cross-border attack from the Sinai Peninsula killed eight Israelis on the road, leading OC Southern Command, Maj.-Gen. Tal Russo, to seal it off to traffic.
Since then, several works to improve security in the area have been carried out by the IOF, including the construction of a new barrier along the border.
The Israeli Southern Command said, " the fence does not preclude any attacks in the region either by smugglers or armed groups," adding, it does not also prevent attempts to plant explosives or shooting.
Egypt Allows Entry Of 25 wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles Into Gaza
The Maan News Agency reported that the Egyptian Authorities allowed, Thursday, the transfer of 25 wheelchair accessible vehicles into the Gaza Strip via the Rafah Border Terminal between Gaza and Egypt.
An Egyptian security source told Maan that vans were donated by an Egyptian charitable society.
The source added that officials at the Egyptian side of the terminal received the vehicles and handed them to Palestinian officials at the Palestinian side.
An Egyptian security source told Maan that vans were donated by an Egyptian charitable society.
The source added that officials at the Egyptian side of the terminal received the vehicles and handed them to Palestinian officials at the Palestinian side.
10 jan 2013
Activist: Ambulance stopped by soldiers in Beit Ummar
Israeli forces blocked the entrance to southern West ank town Beit Ummar on Thursday morning, preventing an ambulance from leaving, a local activist said.
The ambulance officer informed the soldiers that the Red Crescent vehicle was taking a woman in labor and another patient to hospital in Hebron, popular committee spokesman Muhammad Ayad Awad said.
The Red Cross and the Palestinian military liaison called Israeli officials to press for the ambulance's passage.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said the entrance was temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall, but while soldiers were clearing snow, Palestinians hurled rocks at them.
The ambulance officer informed the soldiers that the Red Crescent vehicle was taking a woman in labor and another patient to hospital in Hebron, popular committee spokesman Muhammad Ayad Awad said.
The Red Cross and the Palestinian military liaison called Israeli officials to press for the ambulance's passage.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said the entrance was temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall, but while soldiers were clearing snow, Palestinians hurled rocks at them.
7 jan 2013
IOF summons a citizen and raids villages
The Israeli occupation intelligence handed a citizen a summons to its headquarters, after storming his house in the village of Deir al-Assal in the west of al-Khalil, at dawn Monday.
The Shawamra family told PIC that the Israeli patrols stormed Deir al-Assal and broke into their house at early morning hours to summon Ibrahim Shawamra to the intelligence headquarters.
Meanwhile, more than seven Israeli patrols have stormed at dawn today the areas of Marah al-Bakar, Surra and Amrish, west of Dura, to the south of al-Khalil, where the soldiers surrounded a number of houses. No arrests have been reported.
Eyewitnesses stated that the soldiers have also erected a surprise checkpoint on the main street in the area of Marah al-Bakar and searched a number of vehicles.
The Shawamra family told PIC that the Israeli patrols stormed Deir al-Assal and broke into their house at early morning hours to summon Ibrahim Shawamra to the intelligence headquarters.
Meanwhile, more than seven Israeli patrols have stormed at dawn today the areas of Marah al-Bakar, Surra and Amrish, west of Dura, to the south of al-Khalil, where the soldiers surrounded a number of houses. No arrests have been reported.
Eyewitnesses stated that the soldiers have also erected a surprise checkpoint on the main street in the area of Marah al-Bakar and searched a number of vehicles.
Abu Sabha: Rafah crossing capable of servicing commercial traffic
The general manager of crossings in Gaza Strip Maher Abu Sabha has said that the terminal was capable of servicing commercial traffic as well as serving passengers.
Abu Sabha told the PIC in an exclusive interview that the delivery of the Qatari aid material for construction purposes via the Rafah terminal was a clear proof of its ability to serve such traffic, describing the step as “positive”.
He said that the Egyptians were facilitating work at the terminal but were still not living up to expectations, explaining that the Egyptians were still blocking travel of some Palestinians at the pretext of security reasons and were still deporting Palestinian travelers from Cairo airport to Rafah terminal.
Abu Sabha pointed out that the terminal was now working round the clock and was undergoing many development projects that would facilitate its work and passengers’ travel procedures.
Abu Sabha told the PIC in an exclusive interview that the delivery of the Qatari aid material for construction purposes via the Rafah terminal was a clear proof of its ability to serve such traffic, describing the step as “positive”.
He said that the Egyptians were facilitating work at the terminal but were still not living up to expectations, explaining that the Egyptians were still blocking travel of some Palestinians at the pretext of security reasons and were still deporting Palestinian travelers from Cairo airport to Rafah terminal.
Abu Sabha pointed out that the terminal was now working round the clock and was undergoing many development projects that would facilitate its work and passengers’ travel procedures.
5 jan 2013
IOF harasses citizens at checkpoint near al-Khalil
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) erected on Friday evening a checkpoint near Halhoul bridge, northern al-Khalil, where they harassed citizens and caused a traffic jam.
Eyewitnesses told PIC reporter that three Israeli soldiers stopped citizens' vehicles, searching and checking their identities through a special computer, which led to traffic jam at the entrance to the bridge due to the procrastination and ill-treatment.
The sources added that the soldiers were heavily deployed on the mountain opposite to the barrier as well as in the nearby military tower.
Meanwhile, IOF arrested at dawn on Friday two citizens of the city of al-Khalil in the southern West Bank.
Local sources said that the soldiers raided al-Fahs area and began searching houses before they arrested the brothers Muhanad and Mohammed Rugby, adding that their brother Orabi was beaten during the storming of the house.
The sources pointed out that the detainees were transferred to an unknown destination apparently for investigation, while the soldiers were deployed heavily in that region.
Eyewitnesses told PIC reporter that three Israeli soldiers stopped citizens' vehicles, searching and checking their identities through a special computer, which led to traffic jam at the entrance to the bridge due to the procrastination and ill-treatment.
The sources added that the soldiers were heavily deployed on the mountain opposite to the barrier as well as in the nearby military tower.
Meanwhile, IOF arrested at dawn on Friday two citizens of the city of al-Khalil in the southern West Bank.
Local sources said that the soldiers raided al-Fahs area and began searching houses before they arrested the brothers Muhanad and Mohammed Rugby, adding that their brother Orabi was beaten during the storming of the house.
The sources pointed out that the detainees were transferred to an unknown destination apparently for investigation, while the soldiers were deployed heavily in that region.
2 jan 2013
Khudari: 2013 will witness final end to the siege on Gaza
Independent MP Dr. Jamal Al-Khudari has opined that 2013 would witness a final end to the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip that has been in force for six years.
In a press release on Wednesday, Khudari called for intensifying efforts by free people of the world, those who back the Palestine cause, and layers and segments of the Palestinian people in order to break the siege once and for all.
The MP hoped that the new year would bring about freedom, end of occupation, and restoration of all usurped rights for the Palestinian people in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, 1948 land, and the diaspora.
Khudari also called for ending the internal division, hoping that recent good omens in this regard should be exploited to embark on practical steps toward a reunion.
In a press release on Wednesday, Khudari called for intensifying efforts by free people of the world, those who back the Palestine cause, and layers and segments of the Palestinian people in order to break the siege once and for all.
The MP hoped that the new year would bring about freedom, end of occupation, and restoration of all usurped rights for the Palestinian people in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, 1948 land, and the diaspora.
Khudari also called for ending the internal division, hoping that recent good omens in this regard should be exploited to embark on practical steps toward a reunion.