29 may 2013
Israeli Occupation Forces were deployed since the early hours of the morning, at the main entrances of the city of Hebron, its villages and set several military checkpoints.
Local sources told PNN that Israeli forces set several military checkpoints at the main entrances of Bani Nu'aim and Beit Anan villages east of Hebron and detained school students.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces were deployed at the main entrance of Beit Ummar and Al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and hindered the residents' movement.
Local sources told PNN that Israeli forces set several military checkpoints at the main entrances of Bani Nu'aim and Beit Anan villages east of Hebron and detained school students.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces were deployed at the main entrance of Beit Ummar and Al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and hindered the residents' movement.
28 may 2013
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Around 4,000 Palestinian workers from the Hebron district face an arduous journey everyday as they try to cross into Israel via the Tarqumiya checkpoint.
The luckiest workers can make it through the airport-like security inspection in a few hours, while some return home after hours of waiting, and others decide to spend the night in the open air near the checkpoint so they can be first to cross over. "This is an Israeli policy aimed at creating chaos and confusion amongst the workers, who sometimes end up going to hospital to treat bruises and fractures or asphyxia resulting from the incredibly heavy jam and pell-mell at the crossing every morning," one worker told Ma'an reporters. Hussein Amir Abu Zuneid said that he leaves his home in Dura, south of Hebron, at 2 a.m. to arrive at Tarqumiya crossing to "prepare for the torturous and humiliating journey inside the terminal, which opens its gates at 4 a.m." He arrives at the crossing, begins to take off his shoes, belt and other items for the metal detector, and then waits as Israeli forces scrutinize his ID and work permit. These procedures can take hours, according to Abu Zuneid, who says workers who arrive at the Palestinian side of the terminal at 2 a.m. often reach the Israeli side at around 8 a.m., "feeling they are reborn." "We leave the terminal after waiting long hours and go to our work and source of living through which we barely manage to provide the basic needs of our families. No matter how hard the work is, it is still much easier than the humiliation we experience as we pass through Tarqumiya terminal." |
Ma'an's reporter learned that the former mayor of Nuba, a village in Hebron, works at the crossing to help keep order.
"The terminal starts to be crowded at the early dawn hours because workers start to flood in, but the Israelis do not allow them to pass before 8 a.m. Thus, the workers experience disastrous conditions unfit for any respectable creature on earth," Mahmoud Shrouf told Ma'an.
The majority of workers fall asleep at the crossing because they leave their homes so early, Shrouf said, with many lying down on a piece of cardboard inside the terminal to get some sleep before Israel opens the gates.
Most of the time only one Israeli officer is inspecting the workers' documentation, creating huge delays. After identification checks, workers are then taken to a small room to have their pictures taken.
"About 50 workers are held in a small room, which barely has enough space for 20 people, for at least an hour for taking photos," Shrouf added.
Kayid Brush told Ma'an that he had been waiting at the crossing since 3 a.m., but as the pushing and shoving started he fell on the ground and was evacuated to hospital, and then home.
"After that incident, I swore I would never go back to Tarqumiya terminal seeking to go to work. I prefer my dignity to providing food for my family."
"The terminal starts to be crowded at the early dawn hours because workers start to flood in, but the Israelis do not allow them to pass before 8 a.m. Thus, the workers experience disastrous conditions unfit for any respectable creature on earth," Mahmoud Shrouf told Ma'an.
The majority of workers fall asleep at the crossing because they leave their homes so early, Shrouf said, with many lying down on a piece of cardboard inside the terminal to get some sleep before Israel opens the gates.
Most of the time only one Israeli officer is inspecting the workers' documentation, creating huge delays. After identification checks, workers are then taken to a small room to have their pictures taken.
"About 50 workers are held in a small room, which barely has enough space for 20 people, for at least an hour for taking photos," Shrouf added.
Kayid Brush told Ma'an that he had been waiting at the crossing since 3 a.m., but as the pushing and shoving started he fell on the ground and was evacuated to hospital, and then home.
"After that incident, I swore I would never go back to Tarqumiya terminal seeking to go to work. I prefer my dignity to providing food for my family."
27 may 2013
Head of Gaza reconstruction committee in Lebanon, Abdullah Bapti, said that Gaza constitutes a fertile ground for investment in light of the prevailing security and stability in the strip. Thirty-nine businessmen from different Arab countries arrived on Thursday in Gaza City to survey the investment environment and discuss launching new projects in the strip, where 250 businessmen were scheduled to attend an international investment conference in Gaza City. However, the closure of Rafah crossing prevented their attendance.
He told PIC reporter that "investment elements are available in Gaza to enable Arab businessmen to invest especially in housing and industry fields."
He pointed out that Gazans succeeded in developing and advancing production in the strip despite the Israeli continued siege.
During Cairo conference for investment, we approved the launch of a number of projects in Gaza strip and we came here to put the foundation stone for some of the selected projects, he explained.
The Arab committee for Gaza Construction, established in 2009, would keep organizing such meetings to consolidate investment in Gaza and to set up projects in various fields.
He told PIC reporter that "investment elements are available in Gaza to enable Arab businessmen to invest especially in housing and industry fields."
He pointed out that Gazans succeeded in developing and advancing production in the strip despite the Israeli continued siege.
During Cairo conference for investment, we approved the launch of a number of projects in Gaza strip and we came here to put the foundation stone for some of the selected projects, he explained.
The Arab committee for Gaza Construction, established in 2009, would keep organizing such meetings to consolidate investment in Gaza and to set up projects in various fields.
22 may 2013
The Egyptian authorities reopened on Wednesday morning the Rafah border crossing immediately after the liberation of seven kidnapped soldiers during a security campaign in Sinai.
The Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing had been blocked for five days by Egyptian police and army men in protest at the kidnapping of their colleagues.
The closure rendered many passengers stranded at both sides of the crossing.
For its part, the Palestinian ministry of interior and national security affairs in Gaza announced that the crossing was reopened and registered passengers would be able to go to the crossing to process their travel documents.
The Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing had been blocked for five days by Egyptian police and army men in protest at the kidnapping of their colleagues.
The closure rendered many passengers stranded at both sides of the crossing.
For its part, the Palestinian ministry of interior and national security affairs in Gaza announced that the crossing was reopened and registered passengers would be able to go to the crossing to process their travel documents.
21 may 2013
Palestinian human rights institutions called on Egyptian authorities to re-open the Rafah crossing in both directions immediately. A Number of Egyptian police and army conscripts closed the crossing in both directions on Friday morning protesting the abduction of a number of their colleagues in Sinai by an armed group demanding the release of their sons from Egyptian prisons.
Himaya human rights center stated that hundreds of Palestinians passengers are stranded on the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing due to the closure of the crossing for the fourth consecutive day.
The Rafah border crossing is still closed for the fourth consecutive day without justification or reason, the center said, pointing out that it is the sole connection with the outside world for the strip in light of the Israeli control over the other crossings.
More than 2400 Palestinians are still stranded on both sides of the Rafah border crossing, the center added in its statement.
The human rights center called for neutralizing the crossing from the Egyptian internal problems especially that it is an international crossing.
Himaya human rights center stated that hundreds of Palestinians passengers are stranded on the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing due to the closure of the crossing for the fourth consecutive day.
The Rafah border crossing is still closed for the fourth consecutive day without justification or reason, the center said, pointing out that it is the sole connection with the outside world for the strip in light of the Israeli control over the other crossings.
More than 2400 Palestinians are still stranded on both sides of the Rafah border crossing, the center added in its statement.
The human rights center called for neutralizing the crossing from the Egyptian internal problems especially that it is an international crossing.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) raided Palestinian towns and villages around al-Khalil on Monday and erected military checkpoints at their entrances. Several military vehicles raided and searched a number of houses in Beit Ummar town north of al-Khalil. No arrests were reported. The IOF also broke into Dura, Samu, and Yatta towns south of the city and set up checkpoints on their entrances, local sources confirmed.
Israeli military vehicles were stationed the entrances to Aroub refugee camp and Seir town in the city of al-Khalil, the sources added.
The Israeli military measures in the Palestinian towns around al-Khalil came a few days after clashes that erupted between the IOF and Palestinian youths led to several injuries among the Israeli soldiers and the burning of a military jeep.
Meanwhile, Israeli settlers from Gilad settlement set fire to Palestinian lands belonging to villagers from the villages of Immatin and Fara’ta in an attempt to burn the wheat crop.
Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces prevented the Palestinian farmers from reaching their fields to put out the fire and arrested a Palestinian villager claiming he was trying to attack the soldiers.
Israeli military vehicles were stationed the entrances to Aroub refugee camp and Seir town in the city of al-Khalil, the sources added.
The Israeli military measures in the Palestinian towns around al-Khalil came a few days after clashes that erupted between the IOF and Palestinian youths led to several injuries among the Israeli soldiers and the burning of a military jeep.
Meanwhile, Israeli settlers from Gilad settlement set fire to Palestinian lands belonging to villagers from the villages of Immatin and Fara’ta in an attempt to burn the wheat crop.
Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces prevented the Palestinian farmers from reaching their fields to put out the fire and arrested a Palestinian villager claiming he was trying to attack the soldiers.
Egyptian authorities kept the Rafah crossing with Gaza closed for a fifth consecutive day on Tuesday, despite efforts by Palestinian officials to reopen the terminal.
Egyptian police closed the Rafah crossing on Friday after gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Sinai's Wadi al-Akhdar and detained seven Egyptian servicemen.
The police said they would not reopen Rafah crossing until their colleagues were released.
A Gaza based center for human rights said that over 2,400 Palestinians are stranded at both sides of the crossing. The group urged Egyptian authorities to open the crossing and "exclude it from the internal affairs of both sides."
Passengers told Ma'an on Monday that they were making do with cardboard and newspapers to sleep at night, and to avoid the heat of the sun during the day. Some sleep in mosques, and very few can afford to hire a hotel room in el-Arish.
Some passengers have even managed to cross into Gaza through smuggling tunnels.
Attacks on police and soldiers in the sparsely populated Sinai peninsula have surged since an uprising that overthrew president Hosni Mubarak in 2011, as have cross-border attacks on Israel.
The north of the peninsula is underdeveloped and has become a haven for Islamist militants, unlike the south which is dotted with beach resorts.
Egyptian police closed the Rafah crossing on Friday after gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Sinai's Wadi al-Akhdar and detained seven Egyptian servicemen.
The police said they would not reopen Rafah crossing until their colleagues were released.
A Gaza based center for human rights said that over 2,400 Palestinians are stranded at both sides of the crossing. The group urged Egyptian authorities to open the crossing and "exclude it from the internal affairs of both sides."
Passengers told Ma'an on Monday that they were making do with cardboard and newspapers to sleep at night, and to avoid the heat of the sun during the day. Some sleep in mosques, and very few can afford to hire a hotel room in el-Arish.
Some passengers have even managed to cross into Gaza through smuggling tunnels.
Attacks on police and soldiers in the sparsely populated Sinai peninsula have surged since an uprising that overthrew president Hosni Mubarak in 2011, as have cross-border attacks on Israel.
The north of the peninsula is underdeveloped and has become a haven for Islamist militants, unlike the south which is dotted with beach resorts.
20 may 2013
Hundreds of Palestinian young men from the eastern villages of Ramallah city were able on Sunday evening to reopen the road between Silwad and Deir Jarir after it had been closed by the Israeli occupation forces for two days. The young men used pickaxes and a bulldozer to remove the concrete barriers from the road, while a group of them closed the road leading to Ofer settlement to prevent the IOF from attacking them.
A large force of Israeli troops tried to reach to the closed road, but the young men blocking the road hurled a hail of stones at them and forced them to retreat to the settlement.
The Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Ramallah said the young men had rebuffed appeals by the Palestinian authority municipal councils to show restraint and give them a chance to reach a peaceful solution with the Israeli civil administration.
Several young men were reportedly injured during the clashes.
A large force of Israeli troops tried to reach to the closed road, but the young men blocking the road hurled a hail of stones at them and forced them to retreat to the settlement.
The Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Ramallah said the young men had rebuffed appeals by the Palestinian authority municipal councils to show restraint and give them a chance to reach a peaceful solution with the Israeli civil administration.
Several young men were reportedly injured during the clashes.
The Palestinian government in Gaza said contacts are underway between its premier Ismail Haneyya and the Egyptian leadership to resolve the crisis of the Rafah border crossing, which has been blocked since last Friday by Egyptian security men.
Its spokesman Taher Al-Nunu stated on Friday that premier Haneyya has been following up around the clock the developments related to the closed Rafah crossing and the needs of the Palestinian citizens stranded on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border area.
Spokesman Nunu noted that the Palestinian government understands Egypt's security needs and sympathizes with the families of the kidnapped policemen and soldiers.
He affirmed that the Palestinian government received Egyptian reassurances that there was no political decision to close the Rafah border crossing and the efforts are still ongoing to reopen it.
He also pointed out that the Palestinian security apparatuses in Gaza assume their role fully in protecting the borders with Egypt and control the tunnels for the best interest of both sides.
In this regard, senior Hamas official Salah Al-Bardawil said that the Israeli occupation state is the only beneficiary of the problems at the Rafah border crossing and its closure by Egyptian security men.
In televised remarks on Sunday, Bardawil affirmed that his Movement had nothing to do with the kidnapping of the Egyptian soldiers or any incidents that had happened earlier in the Egyptian territories.
He expressed his Movement's dismay and regret that some Egyptian parties keep accusing Hamas of being responsible for any incident that happen in their country.
The Hamas official asserted that the Palestinians in Gaza and their government feel sad about the kidnapping of the soldiers and appeal to the Egyptian authorities to reopen the crossing and facilitate the movement of the passengers.
Its spokesman Taher Al-Nunu stated on Friday that premier Haneyya has been following up around the clock the developments related to the closed Rafah crossing and the needs of the Palestinian citizens stranded on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border area.
Spokesman Nunu noted that the Palestinian government understands Egypt's security needs and sympathizes with the families of the kidnapped policemen and soldiers.
He affirmed that the Palestinian government received Egyptian reassurances that there was no political decision to close the Rafah border crossing and the efforts are still ongoing to reopen it.
He also pointed out that the Palestinian security apparatuses in Gaza assume their role fully in protecting the borders with Egypt and control the tunnels for the best interest of both sides.
In this regard, senior Hamas official Salah Al-Bardawil said that the Israeli occupation state is the only beneficiary of the problems at the Rafah border crossing and its closure by Egyptian security men.
In televised remarks on Sunday, Bardawil affirmed that his Movement had nothing to do with the kidnapping of the Egyptian soldiers or any incidents that had happened earlier in the Egyptian territories.
He expressed his Movement's dismay and regret that some Egyptian parties keep accusing Hamas of being responsible for any incident that happen in their country.
The Hamas official asserted that the Palestinians in Gaza and their government feel sad about the kidnapping of the soldiers and appeal to the Egyptian authorities to reopen the crossing and facilitate the movement of the passengers.
19 may 2013
Occupation cuts off eastern from central West Bank
The Israeli occupation forces on Saturday closed the main entrance to the village of Deir Jarir, east of Ramallah city, effectively cutting off villages in the eastern West Bank from the Central West Bank.
Local sources said that IOF troops accompanied by military bulldozers raided at an early hour on Saturday the village of Deir Jarir and closed the road linking Ramallah to Jericho which passes through the village.
The sources added that this road is the only one used by Deir Jarir and six other villages in the vicinity to reach Ramallah.
Head of the Deir Jarir council, Imad Alawi, said that the occupation measure was most probably a punishment for the villagers who are involved in peaceful resistance against occupation’s attempts to appropriate their lands for the benefit of Jewish settlements.
Local sources said that IOF troops accompanied by military bulldozers raided at an early hour on Saturday the village of Deir Jarir and closed the road linking Ramallah to Jericho which passes through the village.
The sources added that this road is the only one used by Deir Jarir and six other villages in the vicinity to reach Ramallah.
Head of the Deir Jarir council, Imad Alawi, said that the occupation measure was most probably a punishment for the villagers who are involved in peaceful resistance against occupation’s attempts to appropriate their lands for the benefit of Jewish settlements.
Auja crossing between Egypt and Israel closed
Egyptian police officers closed the Al-Auja crossing in central Sinai on Sunday in an expression of solidarity with their fellow officers at Rafah crossing.
The crossing, south of Rafah, is used to transfer goods between Egypt and Israel.
Police officers manning the crossing on Sunday morning did not allow trucks to travel through the terminal in either direction, causing a heavy traffic jam on both sides.
The closure came as Egyptian police at Rafah shut down that terminal for a third day in a row after the kidnappings of Egyptian soldiers in the Sinai, officials said.
They are preventing all Palestinians from traveling through the crossing or leaving the Gaza Strip, the Gaza interior ministry said Sunday.
On Saturday, the Hamas-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that talks were underway with Egypt to reopen the crossing.
"The ministry of foreign affairs is holding talks with senior officials in Egypt to re-open the Rafah crossing and ensure the safe return of people stranded by the closure," deputy foreign minister Ghazi Hamad told Ma'an.
Gaza's Interior Ministry announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday in case the kidnappers tried to smuggle the Egyptian servicemen into Gaza.
Early Thursday, gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Wadi al-Akhdar, between el-Arish and Sheikh Zuweid cities, and kidnapped seven Egyptian servicemen en route to Cairo for their monthly vacation, Egyptian security officials told Ma'an.
The crossing, south of Rafah, is used to transfer goods between Egypt and Israel.
Police officers manning the crossing on Sunday morning did not allow trucks to travel through the terminal in either direction, causing a heavy traffic jam on both sides.
The closure came as Egyptian police at Rafah shut down that terminal for a third day in a row after the kidnappings of Egyptian soldiers in the Sinai, officials said.
They are preventing all Palestinians from traveling through the crossing or leaving the Gaza Strip, the Gaza interior ministry said Sunday.
On Saturday, the Hamas-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that talks were underway with Egypt to reopen the crossing.
"The ministry of foreign affairs is holding talks with senior officials in Egypt to re-open the Rafah crossing and ensure the safe return of people stranded by the closure," deputy foreign minister Ghazi Hamad told Ma'an.
Gaza's Interior Ministry announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday in case the kidnappers tried to smuggle the Egyptian servicemen into Gaza.
Early Thursday, gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Wadi al-Akhdar, between el-Arish and Sheikh Zuweid cities, and kidnapped seven Egyptian servicemen en route to Cairo for their monthly vacation, Egyptian security officials told Ma'an.
Egypt closes Rafah crossing for third day in row
Egyptian police at Rafah are closing the crossing for a third day in a row in protest against kidnappings of Egyptian soldiers in the Sinai, officials said.
They are preventing all Palestinians from traveling through the crossing or leaving the Gaza Strip, the Gaza interior ministry said Sunday.
The Hamas-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Gaza said Saturday that talks are underway with Egypt to reopen the Rafah crossing.
"The ministry of foreign affairs is holding talks with senior officials in Egypt to re-open the Rafah crossing and ensure the safe return of people stranded by the closure," deputy foreign minister Ghazi Hamad told Ma'an.
Maher Abu Sabha, the general director of crossings and borders, said 800 Palestinians were stranded on the Egyptian side of the crossing on Saturday morning.
The number was expected to reach 1,000 by the end of the day. Most travelers are waiting in hotels in el-Arish for the crossing to reopen. They include sick people who had received medical treatment abroad, pilgrims and students who study abroad.
Gaza's Interior Ministry announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday in case the kidnappers tried to smuggle the Egyptian servicemen into Gaza.
Early Thursday, gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Wadi al-Akhdar, between el-Arish and Sheikh Zuweid cities, and kidnapped seven Egyptian servicemen en route to Cairo for their monthly vacation, Egyptian security officials told Ma'an.
Abu Zuhri: Closure of Rafah crossing is an unjustifiable action
Hamas movement called on the Egyptian authorities to immediately re-open the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip, closed for the second day. Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, spokesman for the movement, considered in a written statement the closure of the Rafah crossing "an unjustified act" that harms the people, especially the patients. He said "Egyptian internal problems must be resolved away from affecting the Palestinian people."
Egyptian police abruptly closed the Rafah crossing on Friday following the kidnapping of 7 servicemen in the Egyptian Sinai by an "armed groups", last Thursday.
Gaza Ministry of Interior and National Security announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday after the kidnapping of the seven soldiers in the city of El-Arish
It has strongly condemned the act, and said it is ready to cooperate with the Egyptian security forces to help in arresting the criminals.
They are preventing all Palestinians from traveling through the crossing or leaving the Gaza Strip, the Gaza interior ministry said Sunday.
The Hamas-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Gaza said Saturday that talks are underway with Egypt to reopen the Rafah crossing.
"The ministry of foreign affairs is holding talks with senior officials in Egypt to re-open the Rafah crossing and ensure the safe return of people stranded by the closure," deputy foreign minister Ghazi Hamad told Ma'an.
Maher Abu Sabha, the general director of crossings and borders, said 800 Palestinians were stranded on the Egyptian side of the crossing on Saturday morning.
The number was expected to reach 1,000 by the end of the day. Most travelers are waiting in hotels in el-Arish for the crossing to reopen. They include sick people who had received medical treatment abroad, pilgrims and students who study abroad.
Gaza's Interior Ministry announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday in case the kidnappers tried to smuggle the Egyptian servicemen into Gaza.
Early Thursday, gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Wadi al-Akhdar, between el-Arish and Sheikh Zuweid cities, and kidnapped seven Egyptian servicemen en route to Cairo for their monthly vacation, Egyptian security officials told Ma'an.
Abu Zuhri: Closure of Rafah crossing is an unjustifiable action
Hamas movement called on the Egyptian authorities to immediately re-open the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip, closed for the second day. Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, spokesman for the movement, considered in a written statement the closure of the Rafah crossing "an unjustified act" that harms the people, especially the patients. He said "Egyptian internal problems must be resolved away from affecting the Palestinian people."
Egyptian police abruptly closed the Rafah crossing on Friday following the kidnapping of 7 servicemen in the Egyptian Sinai by an "armed groups", last Thursday.
Gaza Ministry of Interior and National Security announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday after the kidnapping of the seven soldiers in the city of El-Arish
It has strongly condemned the act, and said it is ready to cooperate with the Egyptian security forces to help in arresting the criminals.
18 may 2013
Mursi orders military operation to free hostages
Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi on Saturday gave orders to the ministry of defense to begin military operations in Sinai to free seven kidnapped Egyptian servicemen, security sources said.
Senior military officials told Ma'an that security and police officials in Sinai held emergency meetings on Saturday to execute the president's orders and will deploy in areas around Rafah and Sheikh Zuweid.
Military operations will begin once intelligence services have verified the identity of the suspects, and their exact locations.
Egyptian intelligence officers believe the kidnapped officers are held in different locations and intelligence services told Ma'an that some locations have already been identified.
Earlier, Egypt's defense minister said he would send a large combat force to Sinai within 48 hours after unsuccessful efforts to negotiate the release of seven kidnapped Egyptian servicemen.
Local Bedouin leaders had been called in to mediate after gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Sinai's Wadi al-Akhdar early Thursday and kidnapped seven members of Egyptian security forces.
The captors are demanding the release of all suspects arrested on suspicion of attacks in Sinai, including an August attack on the el-Arish police station that killed 16 Egyptian officers.
Islamist militants have exploited the lawlessness and upheaval in the Sinai peninsula to establish a launchpad for increasingly brazen attacks on security forces, a key gas export pipeline and on neighboring Israel.
Senior military officials told Ma'an that security and police officials in Sinai held emergency meetings on Saturday to execute the president's orders and will deploy in areas around Rafah and Sheikh Zuweid.
Military operations will begin once intelligence services have verified the identity of the suspects, and their exact locations.
Egyptian intelligence officers believe the kidnapped officers are held in different locations and intelligence services told Ma'an that some locations have already been identified.
Earlier, Egypt's defense minister said he would send a large combat force to Sinai within 48 hours after unsuccessful efforts to negotiate the release of seven kidnapped Egyptian servicemen.
Local Bedouin leaders had been called in to mediate after gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Sinai's Wadi al-Akhdar early Thursday and kidnapped seven members of Egyptian security forces.
The captors are demanding the release of all suspects arrested on suspicion of attacks in Sinai, including an August attack on the el-Arish police station that killed 16 Egyptian officers.
Islamist militants have exploited the lawlessness and upheaval in the Sinai peninsula to establish a launchpad for increasingly brazen attacks on security forces, a key gas export pipeline and on neighboring Israel.
Hundreds stranded as Egypt police refuse to open Rafah
Hundreds of Palestinian travelers were stranded at Rafah crossing on Gaza's border on Saturday as Egyptian police refused to open the terminal, in protest over the kidnapping of their colleagues.
Meanwhile, Egyptian security forces closed the airport and seaport in el-Arish on Saturday, also in protest over the kidnapping of seven Egyptian police and soldiers on Thursday in Sinai.
Egypt's Interior Minister Mohammad Ibrahim dispatched his assistant to Rafah to convince police to reopen the crossing, but police refused to let the ministry official enter the terminal, a Ma'an reporter said.
The minister's assistant spoke with police at the crossing gates, and the officers told him they would not reopen the border until their colleagues were released.
Maher Abu Sabha, the general director of crossings and borders, said 800 Palestinians were stranded on the Egyptian side of the crossing on Saturday morning.
The number was expected to reach 1,000 by the end of the day. Most travelers are waiting for the crossing to reopen in hotels in el-Arish. They include sick people who had received medical treatment abroad, pilgrims and students who study abroad.
The governor of North Sinai, Abed al-Fatah Harhur, held an emergency meeting with North Sinai security chief Samih Bashadi and security and military officials to discuss the next steps if Egyptian police refuse to reopen the Rafah crossing.
Egyptian police closed the gates of Rafah crossing on Friday after gunmen kidnapped seven Egyptian servicemen in an ambush in Sinai's Wadi al-Akhdar early Thursday.
Four of the captured men worked at Rafah crossing, sources at the terminal said.
Egyptian forces stepped up a campaign to close tunnels along the border amid concerns the captured servicemen would be smuggled into the Gaza Strip.
Four tunnels were closed on Friday in the al-Sarsoryeh area near Rafah, a Ma'an reporter said. Egyptian security officials told Ma'an that around 15 tons of cement and large quantities of cigarettes were seized from the tunnels.
Egyptian forces closed seven tunnels in the same area on Thursday.
Gaza's Interior Ministry announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday in case the kidnappers tried to smuggle the Egyptian servicemen into Gaza.
Early Thursday, gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Wadi al-Akhdar, between el-Arish and Sheikh Zuweid cities, and kidnapped seven Egyptian servicemen en route to Cairo for their monthly vacation, Egyptian security officials told Ma'an.
Egyptian security sources said the gunmen were Jihadists and that they were demanding the release of suspects accused of killing Egyptian officers in an attack on el-Arish police station in August.
Local Bedouin leaders have been called in to mediate between authorities and the kidnappers.
A spate of hostage takings, which usually last for no longer than 48 hours, broke out in Sinai after an uprising forced out President Hosni Mubarak in early 2011 and battered his security services.
Meanwhile, Egyptian security forces closed the airport and seaport in el-Arish on Saturday, also in protest over the kidnapping of seven Egyptian police and soldiers on Thursday in Sinai.
Egypt's Interior Minister Mohammad Ibrahim dispatched his assistant to Rafah to convince police to reopen the crossing, but police refused to let the ministry official enter the terminal, a Ma'an reporter said.
The minister's assistant spoke with police at the crossing gates, and the officers told him they would not reopen the border until their colleagues were released.
Maher Abu Sabha, the general director of crossings and borders, said 800 Palestinians were stranded on the Egyptian side of the crossing on Saturday morning.
The number was expected to reach 1,000 by the end of the day. Most travelers are waiting for the crossing to reopen in hotels in el-Arish. They include sick people who had received medical treatment abroad, pilgrims and students who study abroad.
The governor of North Sinai, Abed al-Fatah Harhur, held an emergency meeting with North Sinai security chief Samih Bashadi and security and military officials to discuss the next steps if Egyptian police refuse to reopen the Rafah crossing.
Egyptian police closed the gates of Rafah crossing on Friday after gunmen kidnapped seven Egyptian servicemen in an ambush in Sinai's Wadi al-Akhdar early Thursday.
Four of the captured men worked at Rafah crossing, sources at the terminal said.
Egyptian forces stepped up a campaign to close tunnels along the border amid concerns the captured servicemen would be smuggled into the Gaza Strip.
Four tunnels were closed on Friday in the al-Sarsoryeh area near Rafah, a Ma'an reporter said. Egyptian security officials told Ma'an that around 15 tons of cement and large quantities of cigarettes were seized from the tunnels.
Egyptian forces closed seven tunnels in the same area on Thursday.
Gaza's Interior Ministry announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday in case the kidnappers tried to smuggle the Egyptian servicemen into Gaza.
Early Thursday, gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Wadi al-Akhdar, between el-Arish and Sheikh Zuweid cities, and kidnapped seven Egyptian servicemen en route to Cairo for their monthly vacation, Egyptian security officials told Ma'an.
Egyptian security sources said the gunmen were Jihadists and that they were demanding the release of suspects accused of killing Egyptian officers in an attack on el-Arish police station in August.
Local Bedouin leaders have been called in to mediate between authorities and the kidnappers.
A spate of hostage takings, which usually last for no longer than 48 hours, broke out in Sinai after an uprising forced out President Hosni Mubarak in early 2011 and battered his security services.
Egyptian Policemen and soldiers still block Rafah border terminal
Director of Gaza crossings and border affairs Maher Abu Sabha said that the Rafah border crossing is still closed on Saturday for the second consecutive day. Abu Sabha told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that some Egyptian policemen and soldiers are still holding a sit-in at the Egyptian side of the crossing in protest at the kidnapping of their colleagues in the Sinai.
He affirmed that he is working on resolving the issue in cooperation with the Egyptian police authorities in Rafah area.
Earlier, member of Hamas's political bureau Mahmoud Al-Zahhar had called on the Egyptian authorities to quickly reopen the Rafah crossing.
Zahhar stated that the Egyptian leadership is demanded to immediately intervene to end the suffering of hundreds of Palestinian passengers who are stranded in both sides of the crossings.
The protesting policemen and soldiers insist on closing the crossing, although the security authorities in the northern Sinai confirmed that Bedouin armed men were the kidnappers.
Hamas says talks underway to reopen Rafah crossing
The Hamas-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Gaza said Saturday that talks are underway with Egypt to reopen the Rafah crossing.
The crossing on Gaza's border remained shut for the second day on Saturday as Egyptian police closed the gates in protest at the kidnapping of their colleagues.
"The ministry of foreign affairs is holding talks with senior officials in Egypt to re-open the Rafah crossing and ensure the safe return of people stranded by the closure," deputy foreign minister Ghazi Hamad told Ma'an.
Maher Abu Sabha, the general director of crossings and borders, said 800 Palestinians were stranded on the Egyptian side of the crossing on Saturday morning.
The number was expected to reach 1,000 by the end of the day. Most travelers are waiting in hotels in el-Arish for the crossing to reopen. They include sick people who had received medical treatment abroad, pilgrims and students who study abroad.
Gaza's Interior Ministry announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday in case the kidnappers tried to smuggle the Egyptian servicemen into Gaza.
Early Thursday, gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Wadi al-Akhdar, between el-Arish and Sheikh Zuweid cities, and kidnapped seven Egyptian servicemen en route to Cairo for their monthly vacation, Egyptian security officials told Ma'an.
He affirmed that he is working on resolving the issue in cooperation with the Egyptian police authorities in Rafah area.
Earlier, member of Hamas's political bureau Mahmoud Al-Zahhar had called on the Egyptian authorities to quickly reopen the Rafah crossing.
Zahhar stated that the Egyptian leadership is demanded to immediately intervene to end the suffering of hundreds of Palestinian passengers who are stranded in both sides of the crossings.
The protesting policemen and soldiers insist on closing the crossing, although the security authorities in the northern Sinai confirmed that Bedouin armed men were the kidnappers.
Hamas says talks underway to reopen Rafah crossing
The Hamas-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Gaza said Saturday that talks are underway with Egypt to reopen the Rafah crossing.
The crossing on Gaza's border remained shut for the second day on Saturday as Egyptian police closed the gates in protest at the kidnapping of their colleagues.
"The ministry of foreign affairs is holding talks with senior officials in Egypt to re-open the Rafah crossing and ensure the safe return of people stranded by the closure," deputy foreign minister Ghazi Hamad told Ma'an.
Maher Abu Sabha, the general director of crossings and borders, said 800 Palestinians were stranded on the Egyptian side of the crossing on Saturday morning.
The number was expected to reach 1,000 by the end of the day. Most travelers are waiting in hotels in el-Arish for the crossing to reopen. They include sick people who had received medical treatment abroad, pilgrims and students who study abroad.
Gaza's Interior Ministry announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday in case the kidnappers tried to smuggle the Egyptian servicemen into Gaza.
Early Thursday, gunmen ambushed two minibuses in Wadi al-Akhdar, between el-Arish and Sheikh Zuweid cities, and kidnapped seven Egyptian servicemen en route to Cairo for their monthly vacation, Egyptian security officials told Ma'an.
Morsi and Haneyya discuss over phone political and security issues
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya received on Friday night a telephone call from Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi and discussed with him some issues of common interest. In a press release, the information office of the Palestinian cabinet said that Haneyya and Morsi talked about the developments in the Palestinian arena and the reconciliation efforts as well as the security cooperation between the two sides.
The cabinet office added that Morsi stressed the need for keeping in touch with the Palestinian government in Gaza to address any shared issues.
The phone call took place after a group of Egyptian policemen closed the Rafah border crossing in protest at the kidnapping of seven policemen and soldiers in Al-Arish area, but later the Egyptian authorities revealed the identity of the captors and said they were from the Sinai Bedouins.
The kidnapping incident also tempted some notorious Egyptian media outlets to launch as usual a finger-pointing campaign against the Palestinians in Gaza with no evidence.
Egyptian brotherhood leader: Hamas has nothing to do with kidnappings
Saber Aboul Fotouh, a leader in the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, stressed that charging Hamas with the Egyptian soldiers' kidnapping only misleads justice. Hamas is engaged in the battle against the Israeli occupation, and it has no reason to abort the Egyptian-Palestinian good relationship, said Aboul Fotouh.
The kidnapping of 7 Egyptian soldiers in Sinai is a catastrophe, he continued, calling on the Egyptian armed forces to work for their release by any possible means.
Meanwhile, Director General of border crossings Maher Abu Sabha confirmed on Friday morning that the Egyptian authorities refused to re-open Rafah crossing in both directions.
He told PIC reporter that a number of Egyptian police and army conscripts have closed the crossing in both directions on Friday morning protesting the abduction of a number of their colleagues in Sinai.
Crowds of hundreds of Palestinians have gathered on the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing following the Egyptian decision to close the crossing until further notice.
Egyptian security sources have confirmed that a group of unidentified militants kidnapped seven Egyptian soldiers near the town of El Arish North Sinai.
The cabinet office added that Morsi stressed the need for keeping in touch with the Palestinian government in Gaza to address any shared issues.
The phone call took place after a group of Egyptian policemen closed the Rafah border crossing in protest at the kidnapping of seven policemen and soldiers in Al-Arish area, but later the Egyptian authorities revealed the identity of the captors and said they were from the Sinai Bedouins.
The kidnapping incident also tempted some notorious Egyptian media outlets to launch as usual a finger-pointing campaign against the Palestinians in Gaza with no evidence.
Egyptian brotherhood leader: Hamas has nothing to do with kidnappings
Saber Aboul Fotouh, a leader in the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, stressed that charging Hamas with the Egyptian soldiers' kidnapping only misleads justice. Hamas is engaged in the battle against the Israeli occupation, and it has no reason to abort the Egyptian-Palestinian good relationship, said Aboul Fotouh.
The kidnapping of 7 Egyptian soldiers in Sinai is a catastrophe, he continued, calling on the Egyptian armed forces to work for their release by any possible means.
Meanwhile, Director General of border crossings Maher Abu Sabha confirmed on Friday morning that the Egyptian authorities refused to re-open Rafah crossing in both directions.
He told PIC reporter that a number of Egyptian police and army conscripts have closed the crossing in both directions on Friday morning protesting the abduction of a number of their colleagues in Sinai.
Crowds of hundreds of Palestinians have gathered on the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing following the Egyptian decision to close the crossing until further notice.
Egyptian security sources have confirmed that a group of unidentified militants kidnapped seven Egyptian soldiers near the town of El Arish North Sinai.
Palestinian Activists Demolish Part of Israeli Apartheid Wall near Ramallah
A group of young Palestinians and activists from the popular resistance movements demolished part of the Israeli apartheid wall in Abu Deis village near Ramallah. One of the activists told PNN that dozens of Palestinians protested near the Israeli apartheid wall that was constructed between the Abu Deis and Al-Eizariya villages and that a number of youngsters demolished part of the wall.
He said that Israeli forces arrived to the area and started firing metal-coated bullets and tear gas canisters toward the protesters.
Several Palestinians were arrested while others were able to enter into Jerusalem while holding Palestinian flags, he added.
A 17-year-old Palestinian was injured with a rubber bullet in his head during clashes erupted in Abu Deis village.
Eyewitness said that the injured boy was transferred to Al-Maqased Hospital in the same village for treatment. His injuries were described as serious and severe after being shot by the IOF, according to medical sources.
He said that Israeli forces arrived to the area and started firing metal-coated bullets and tear gas canisters toward the protesters.
Several Palestinians were arrested while others were able to enter into Jerusalem while holding Palestinian flags, he added.
A 17-year-old Palestinian was injured with a rubber bullet in his head during clashes erupted in Abu Deis village.
Eyewitness said that the injured boy was transferred to Al-Maqased Hospital in the same village for treatment. His injuries were described as serious and severe after being shot by the IOF, according to medical sources.
17 may 2013
Gaza tightens security measures at borders after kidnapping of Egyptian soldiers
The Palestinian government in Gaza condemned the kidnapping of seven Egyptian soldiers at dawn Thursday near the Egyptian city of El-Arish, northern Sinai.
The Ministry of Interior and National Security considered, in a statement, the crime as a "cowardly act that targets the security and stability in the Egyptian street."
It announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday and said that the Palestinian security services are ready to cooperate with the Egyptian security forces to help in arresting the criminals.
Gaza's Interior Ministry said the security measures have been tightened at the borders and tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip in case the kidnappers tried to smuggle the Egyptian servicemen into the Gaza Strip.
The ministry asserts: "Any attack on Egyptian security represents an attack on Palestinian security."
The Ministry of Interior and National Security considered, in a statement, the crime as a "cowardly act that targets the security and stability in the Egyptian street."
It announced a state of alert along its border with Egypt on Thursday and said that the Palestinian security services are ready to cooperate with the Egyptian security forces to help in arresting the criminals.
Gaza's Interior Ministry said the security measures have been tightened at the borders and tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip in case the kidnappers tried to smuggle the Egyptian servicemen into the Gaza Strip.
The ministry asserts: "Any attack on Egyptian security represents an attack on Palestinian security."
14 may 2013
IOA closes Karm Abu Salem for two days
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) decided on Tuesday to close Karm Abu Salem, the only commercial crossing in Gaza Strip, for two days to celebrate Jewish feasts.
Raed Fattuh, the head of the committee entrusted with entry of goods into Gaza, told Quds Press that the IOA decided to close Karm Abu Salem on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The IOA had closed the crossing for 17 days in the past month of April at the pretext of celebrating feasts and for other reasons.
Karm Abu Salem is the sole crossing through which fuel and goods are allowed into the coastal enclave and it is closed by the IOA on Fridays and Saturdays.
Raed Fattuh, the head of the committee entrusted with entry of goods into Gaza, told Quds Press that the IOA decided to close Karm Abu Salem on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The IOA had closed the crossing for 17 days in the past month of April at the pretext of celebrating feasts and for other reasons.
Karm Abu Salem is the sole crossing through which fuel and goods are allowed into the coastal enclave and it is closed by the IOA on Fridays and Saturdays.
10 may 2013
Palestinians Protest Confiscation Of Cremisan Monastery Lands In Beit Jala
Hundreds of Palestinians held a protest against Israeli illegal confiscation of their lands, including lands that belong to the Cremisan Monastery, in Beit Jala city, in the Bethlehem district.
Shawkat Matar, one of the participants in the protest, stated that local scout groups, and a number of civil society institutions in the city organized the protest due to Israel’s ongoing violations of illegal settlement activities, and the construction of the illegal Annexation Wall in the Cremisan monastery, and its surrounding Palestinian lands.
He added that hundreds of Palestinians gathered in front of the Arab Orthodox Club in Beit Jala, and marched towards the illegally confiscated lands in Cremisan.
The protesters chanted against the ongoing Israeli occupation and violations, Israel's ongoing settlement construction and expansion activities, and its illegal Wall.
A week ago, Father Ibrahim Shomaly, told the BBC that the issue here is not about politics, but about human rights.
“The Church must hear the people when they suffer, this is not about politics”, Father Shomaly told the BBC, “There are 57 Palestinian Christians families that will lose their lands, losing their lands means losing their hope”.
Israel’s Annexation Wall is planned to split the Cremisan monastery and valley into two parts; Gilo and the Har Gilo illegal settlements are on Palestinian lands on opposite hilltops, and Israel wants to ensure the Annexation Wall separates Beit Jala from the two settlements.
Israeli settlements and its Annexation Wall, built in the occupied Palestinian territories, are illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
Israel claims that its Jewish settlements are “Israeli cities and towns”, and that the Annexation Wall is meant to “ensure Israel’s security from Palestinian attacks”.
But on the ground, the Annexation Wall is built in a manner that allows Israel to build and expand its illegal settlements in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
In 2004, the International Court issued an advisory ruling considering the Annexation Wall illegal, and stated that although it recognizes “Israels right to defend itself, the Wall was built in a way that violates international law.”
The Court said that the Wall, which runs deep in the West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem, separating the residents from their lands, and isolating entire Palestinian populated areas, also violates Israels international obligations.
It called on Israel to dismantle the completed sections of the Wall, to compensate the Palestinians for their losses, and to render ineffective all legislative and regulatory acts it took after approving the construction of the Wall.
The court further called on Israel to compensate the Palestinians for the destruction of homes, businesses and agricultural lands, and to allow them to return to their lands and orchards, and to return all lands seized by the Wall.
It also called on all UN member states to perform their legal duties by not recognizing the illegal situation the Annexation Wall and settlements created in occupied Palestine, and to ensure Israel complies with International Law.
Israel strongly slammed the ruling, disregarded it, and maintained what its called “its right to protect its citizens, to build and expand its settlements”, in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem.
Shawkat Matar, one of the participants in the protest, stated that local scout groups, and a number of civil society institutions in the city organized the protest due to Israel’s ongoing violations of illegal settlement activities, and the construction of the illegal Annexation Wall in the Cremisan monastery, and its surrounding Palestinian lands.
He added that hundreds of Palestinians gathered in front of the Arab Orthodox Club in Beit Jala, and marched towards the illegally confiscated lands in Cremisan.
The protesters chanted against the ongoing Israeli occupation and violations, Israel's ongoing settlement construction and expansion activities, and its illegal Wall.
A week ago, Father Ibrahim Shomaly, told the BBC that the issue here is not about politics, but about human rights.
“The Church must hear the people when they suffer, this is not about politics”, Father Shomaly told the BBC, “There are 57 Palestinian Christians families that will lose their lands, losing their lands means losing their hope”.
Israel’s Annexation Wall is planned to split the Cremisan monastery and valley into two parts; Gilo and the Har Gilo illegal settlements are on Palestinian lands on opposite hilltops, and Israel wants to ensure the Annexation Wall separates Beit Jala from the two settlements.
Israeli settlements and its Annexation Wall, built in the occupied Palestinian territories, are illegal under International Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
Israel claims that its Jewish settlements are “Israeli cities and towns”, and that the Annexation Wall is meant to “ensure Israel’s security from Palestinian attacks”.
But on the ground, the Annexation Wall is built in a manner that allows Israel to build and expand its illegal settlements in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
In 2004, the International Court issued an advisory ruling considering the Annexation Wall illegal, and stated that although it recognizes “Israels right to defend itself, the Wall was built in a way that violates international law.”
The Court said that the Wall, which runs deep in the West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem, separating the residents from their lands, and isolating entire Palestinian populated areas, also violates Israels international obligations.
It called on Israel to dismantle the completed sections of the Wall, to compensate the Palestinians for their losses, and to render ineffective all legislative and regulatory acts it took after approving the construction of the Wall.
The court further called on Israel to compensate the Palestinians for the destruction of homes, businesses and agricultural lands, and to allow them to return to their lands and orchards, and to return all lands seized by the Wall.
It also called on all UN member states to perform their legal duties by not recognizing the illegal situation the Annexation Wall and settlements created in occupied Palestine, and to ensure Israel complies with International Law.
Israel strongly slammed the ruling, disregarded it, and maintained what its called “its right to protect its citizens, to build and expand its settlements”, in the occupied West Bank, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem.
8 may 2013
IOF raid homes in Nablus, kidnap nine young men
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) kidnapped at dawn Wednesday nine Palestinians during violent raids on homes in Nablus city and its villages.
Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the IOF stormed different neighborhoods in Nablus city and kidnapped a young man named Ahmed Al-Sous from Askar refugee camp.
They also raided the areas of northern mountain, Faisal street, Mamoun street and downtown, and kidnapped Ra'ed Al-Sayegh and Izzuddin Darwza.
Other families were reportedly handed summonses for interrogation issued against their sons by the Israeli intelligence. Many summonses have been issued since more than a week by the intelligence against Palestinian young men in Nablus area.
Six other young men were taken prisoners by the IOF during raids on homes in Beit Furik east of Nablus city. Some personal computers were confiscated in this campaign.
Consequently, violent clashes broke out between young men and the invading Israeli soldiers in different areas of Nablus.
In different separate incidents, the IOF stormed at dawn Wednesday the area around Jalama checkpoint to the north of Jenin and raided the greenhouses there.
The IOF also established a checkpoint at the entrance to Sabah Al-Khair suburb, searched the passing vehicles and checked IDs.
Some citizens who went early morning to Jalama checkpoint reported that the IOF intensified their presence in and around the area.
It was also reported that Israeli policemen and border guards launched last night a campaign to hunt down West Bank workmen who entered the 1948 occupied lands to work in construction sites.
The campaign targeted workshops and warehouses where the workmen stay and sleep and concentrated in Haifa, Khadira and Mutalat.
Workmen from Jenin told the PIC that the IOF kidnapped 10 of their friends during the campaign.
Six other Palestinian citizens were also kidnapped during different raids in Ramallah and Al-Khalil cities.
Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the IOF stormed different neighborhoods in Nablus city and kidnapped a young man named Ahmed Al-Sous from Askar refugee camp.
They also raided the areas of northern mountain, Faisal street, Mamoun street and downtown, and kidnapped Ra'ed Al-Sayegh and Izzuddin Darwza.
Other families were reportedly handed summonses for interrogation issued against their sons by the Israeli intelligence. Many summonses have been issued since more than a week by the intelligence against Palestinian young men in Nablus area.
Six other young men were taken prisoners by the IOF during raids on homes in Beit Furik east of Nablus city. Some personal computers were confiscated in this campaign.
Consequently, violent clashes broke out between young men and the invading Israeli soldiers in different areas of Nablus.
In different separate incidents, the IOF stormed at dawn Wednesday the area around Jalama checkpoint to the north of Jenin and raided the greenhouses there.
The IOF also established a checkpoint at the entrance to Sabah Al-Khair suburb, searched the passing vehicles and checked IDs.
Some citizens who went early morning to Jalama checkpoint reported that the IOF intensified their presence in and around the area.
It was also reported that Israeli policemen and border guards launched last night a campaign to hunt down West Bank workmen who entered the 1948 occupied lands to work in construction sites.
The campaign targeted workshops and warehouses where the workmen stay and sleep and concentrated in Haifa, Khadira and Mutalat.
Workmen from Jenin told the PIC that the IOF kidnapped 10 of their friends during the campaign.
Six other Palestinian citizens were also kidnapped during different raids in Ramallah and Al-Khalil cities.
7 may 2013
Israeli Knesset Committee Approves Bill to Restrict Bedouin Movement
The Knesset Ministerial Committee on Legislation approved a bill Monday on government policies regarding the evacuation of the Bedouin villages in the Negev, most of whom are not recognized by the Israeli government.
The "Bill on the Arrangement of Bedouin Settlement in the Negev" is a revision of the Begin Plan, drawn up by former Minster Benny Begin (Likud) and approved on January 27, 2013.
The bill was approved based on three key changes from the Begin Plan.
First, there is to be a map drawn of the Negev, demarcating which land will be Bedouin and which is considered Israeli-owned. This map will be approved by the ministers.
Second, the time allotted for implementation is cut from five to three years, ensuring that the current government will see the project through while still in power.
Third, a ministerial committee, headed by MK Uri Ariel will oversee the plan's implementation.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) opposed the bill and said that it will forcibly evict and displace tens of thousands of Bedouin residents who will lose their property and historical rights to their land, inducing mass unemployment and poverty.
They added that the plan will restrict Bedouin tribes to a specific area, preventing any Bedouin settlement to be established outside of pre-designated areas, a form of ethnic discrimination which undermines the rule of law.
ACRI demonstrated against the bill Monday outside of the PM's office in Jerusalem.
The "Bill on the Arrangement of Bedouin Settlement in the Negev" is a revision of the Begin Plan, drawn up by former Minster Benny Begin (Likud) and approved on January 27, 2013.
The bill was approved based on three key changes from the Begin Plan.
First, there is to be a map drawn of the Negev, demarcating which land will be Bedouin and which is considered Israeli-owned. This map will be approved by the ministers.
Second, the time allotted for implementation is cut from five to three years, ensuring that the current government will see the project through while still in power.
Third, a ministerial committee, headed by MK Uri Ariel will oversee the plan's implementation.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) opposed the bill and said that it will forcibly evict and displace tens of thousands of Bedouin residents who will lose their property and historical rights to their land, inducing mass unemployment and poverty.
They added that the plan will restrict Bedouin tribes to a specific area, preventing any Bedouin settlement to be established outside of pre-designated areas, a form of ethnic discrimination which undermines the rule of law.
ACRI demonstrated against the bill Monday outside of the PM's office in Jerusalem.
5 may 2013
Israeli military restrictions in Nablus and al-Khalil
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) tightened its military restrictions on Sunday in al-Khalil in the southern occupied West Bank for fear of clashes erupting following settlers’ attacks. Israeli soldiers were deployed intensively in different towns in al-Khalil, eyewitnesses told PIC reporter.
The sources added that Israeli military checkpoints were set up on the bypass road between Fawar camp and Kiryat Arba settlement built on Palestinian lands west of al-Khalil.
Meanwhile, the IOF set up a temporary military checkpoint at the entrance of Yabad village in Jenin on Sunday, preventing Palestinian students and employees from having access to their universities and work places.
Meanwhile, the IOF stormed Nablus at dawn today and raided a number of houses in different parts of the city, no arrests were reported.
Local sources revealed that the IOF summoned several youths for interrogation at Israeli Intelligence headquarters.
In a related context, the IOF prevented Palestinian citizens from using spring water near Fawar camp in al-Khalil under the pretext of maintaining settlers' security.
The IOF have demolished a number of water wells during the past weeks in the area as a prelude to establish a new Israeli outpost.
The sources added that Israeli military checkpoints were set up on the bypass road between Fawar camp and Kiryat Arba settlement built on Palestinian lands west of al-Khalil.
Meanwhile, the IOF set up a temporary military checkpoint at the entrance of Yabad village in Jenin on Sunday, preventing Palestinian students and employees from having access to their universities and work places.
Meanwhile, the IOF stormed Nablus at dawn today and raided a number of houses in different parts of the city, no arrests were reported.
Local sources revealed that the IOF summoned several youths for interrogation at Israeli Intelligence headquarters.
In a related context, the IOF prevented Palestinian citizens from using spring water near Fawar camp in al-Khalil under the pretext of maintaining settlers' security.
The IOF have demolished a number of water wells during the past weeks in the area as a prelude to establish a new Israeli outpost.
4 may 2013
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Hebron Governor Meets EU Representative In Palestine
Thursday May 2, 2013, Hebron governor, Kamal Hmeid, held a meeting with the representative of the European Union in Palestine, John Gatt-Rutter, and informed him of the ongoing and escalating attacks carried out by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the Hebron district, especially Hebron’s Old City. The governor told the EU official that the Israeli army is not only ongoing with its harassment and assaults against the residents, but also continued and expanded its military drills in inhabited Palestinian villages and areas, and continued to destroy Palestinian farmlands, grazing areas, and the forcible removal and relocation of the Bedouins and the residents. On his part, Gatt-Rotter said that he is concerned regarding the conditions the Palestinians face in the occupied territories, especially amidst the financial crisis and the ongoing Israeli violations. |
He stated that the Israeli occupation of Palestine must be ended so that the Palestinians can establish their independent state in their homeland.
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A film made by EFA MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) François Alfonsi, Jill Evans and Ana Miranda during their visit to the West Bank and East Jerusalem
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A film made by EFA MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) François Alfonsi, Jill Evans and Ana Miranda during their visit to the West Bank and East Jerusalem
Israel closed Karm Abu Salem 17 days in April
The popular committee against the siege has said that Israel had closed Gaza’s sole commercial crossing Karm Abu Salem for 17 days during the past month of April.
The committee said in a statement on Saturday that the closures were either due to weekend holidays, Fridays and Saturdays of each week, for eight days or due to security pretexts, which amounted to nine days.
It said that the crossing was thus closed for 67 days since the start of 2013, recalling that Israel was maintaining the closure of the former crossings of Soufa, Mintar, and Shujaia.
The repeated closure of Karm Abu Salem since the start of the year had led to 100 million dollars in direct and indirect losses for the private sector, it pointed out.
The committee said in a statement on Saturday that the closures were either due to weekend holidays, Fridays and Saturdays of each week, for eight days or due to security pretexts, which amounted to nine days.
It said that the crossing was thus closed for 67 days since the start of 2013, recalling that Israel was maintaining the closure of the former crossings of Soufa, Mintar, and Shujaia.
The repeated closure of Karm Abu Salem since the start of the year had led to 100 million dollars in direct and indirect losses for the private sector, it pointed out.
