13 jan 2016
Hamas on Tuesday slammed the Palestinian unity government for its lack of commitment as regards the crises rocking the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a press statement: “The government’s reluctance to take up its responsibilities as regards Gaza and the Rafah crossing is a sign of apathy.”
Abu Zuhri said Hamas called on all factions to form a follow up committee to keep tabs on the implementation of the reconciliation bonds and the government’s commitment to its duties in blockaded Gaza.
Abu Zuhri’s comments were released hours after the consensus government claimed that Hamas’s proposal to form a factional committee to supervise the management of the Rafah border-crossing is rather a sign of reluctance.
The Palestinian unity government took over in early June 2014 following a series of reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas movements to heal the national rift and opt for a unified resistance agenda.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a press statement: “The government’s reluctance to take up its responsibilities as regards Gaza and the Rafah crossing is a sign of apathy.”
Abu Zuhri said Hamas called on all factions to form a follow up committee to keep tabs on the implementation of the reconciliation bonds and the government’s commitment to its duties in blockaded Gaza.
Abu Zuhri’s comments were released hours after the consensus government claimed that Hamas’s proposal to form a factional committee to supervise the management of the Rafah border-crossing is rather a sign of reluctance.
The Palestinian unity government took over in early June 2014 following a series of reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas movements to heal the national rift and opt for a unified resistance agenda.
12 jan 2016
Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, said it is still waiting for the answer of the Palestinian factions committee of Rafah crossing about the suggestions and queries presented by Hamas’s delegation.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Hamas’s spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said the factions’ paper is one of the proposals put up to discussion which has not been refused by his Movement. Hamas raised some key questions that need to be answered by the factions committee, Abu Zuhri explained.
The spokesman slammed some factions for refusing to participate in the supervision over the Rafah border crossing under not convincing pretenses.
“We were expecting from them to participate in serving the Palestinian people rather than just to play a mediation role only. This stance will not prevent us from continuing our role with all of the factions and the constituents of the Palestinian civil society as regards addressing the crisis of Rafah crossing”, Abu Zuhri said.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Hamas’s spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said the factions’ paper is one of the proposals put up to discussion which has not been refused by his Movement. Hamas raised some key questions that need to be answered by the factions committee, Abu Zuhri explained.
The spokesman slammed some factions for refusing to participate in the supervision over the Rafah border crossing under not convincing pretenses.
“We were expecting from them to participate in serving the Palestinian people rather than just to play a mediation role only. This stance will not prevent us from continuing our role with all of the factions and the constituents of the Palestinian civil society as regards addressing the crisis of Rafah crossing”, Abu Zuhri said.
Member of Hamas's political bureau Khalil al-Hayya has called for forming a national committee to find a solution to the crisis of the closed Rafah border crossing.
"We are all affected by the closure of the crossing, so we are willing more than anyone else to solve this crisis," Hayya stated in an interview conducted by al-Aqsa satellite channel on Monday.
He expressed his belief that the crossing is closed as a result of the positions of the Egyptian leadership and the Palestinian Authority.
The Hamas official accused the government of Rami al-Hamdallah of wanting the blockade on Gaza to continue, stressing that Gaza should be rewarded and not punished.
He reiterated his Movement's hope to see the unity government fulfill its obligations towards Gaza.
"Despite our reservations on the cabinet reshuffle which the reconciliation government had carried out, we demand it to assume its responsibilities and duties fully [in Gaza]," he said.
"We are all affected by the closure of the crossing, so we are willing more than anyone else to solve this crisis," Hayya stated in an interview conducted by al-Aqsa satellite channel on Monday.
He expressed his belief that the crossing is closed as a result of the positions of the Egyptian leadership and the Palestinian Authority.
The Hamas official accused the government of Rami al-Hamdallah of wanting the blockade on Gaza to continue, stressing that Gaza should be rewarded and not punished.
He reiterated his Movement's hope to see the unity government fulfill its obligations towards Gaza.
"Despite our reservations on the cabinet reshuffle which the reconciliation government had carried out, we demand it to assume its responsibilities and duties fully [in Gaza]," he said.
The Israeli occupation army on Monday evening closed the military checkpoint of Huwara, south of Nablus city, which caused heavy traffic congestion on both sides.
Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that the Israeli occupation forces intensified their presence at Huwara checkpoint and prevented all Palestinian cars from crossing for several hours.
Consequently, hundreds of vehicles were piling up along the Huwara road, waiting to be allowed to enter and leave Nablus.
All entrances to nearby towns were also blocked as a result of the traffic jam on the Huwara road.
Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that the Israeli occupation forces intensified their presence at Huwara checkpoint and prevented all Palestinian cars from crossing for several hours.
Consequently, hundreds of vehicles were piling up along the Huwara road, waiting to be allowed to enter and leave Nablus.
All entrances to nearby towns were also blocked as a result of the traffic jam on the Huwara road.
11 jan 2016
The siege imposed on Gaza is the worst of all aggressions against the Palestinian people, First Deputy-Speaker of Morocco’s House of Representatives, Mohamed Yatim, said Monday.
Speaking to al-Resla newspaper, Dr. Yatim said the siege tightened around Gaza’s neck is humiliating and aggressive.
He reiterated Morocco’s unyielding pro-Palestine position and firm condemnation of the Israeli occupation and siege.
The Moroccan official spoke out against underway attempts to crack down on the blockaded Gaza Strip and famish its people by sealing off all passageways out of and into the enclave.
He said several demonstrations and meetings have been staged by Moroccan MPs to push for an official adoption of pro-Palestine decisions by the Moroccan government.
Earlier, on Sunday, the Moroccan delegation at the League of Arab States called, during a meeting of the Arab Ministerial Committee to support the Palestinian cause, for urging the UN Security Council to issue a resolution for the end of the Israeli occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian State in line with a well-delineated agenda.
Speaking to al-Resla newspaper, Dr. Yatim said the siege tightened around Gaza’s neck is humiliating and aggressive.
He reiterated Morocco’s unyielding pro-Palestine position and firm condemnation of the Israeli occupation and siege.
The Moroccan official spoke out against underway attempts to crack down on the blockaded Gaza Strip and famish its people by sealing off all passageways out of and into the enclave.
He said several demonstrations and meetings have been staged by Moroccan MPs to push for an official adoption of pro-Palestine decisions by the Moroccan government.
Earlier, on Sunday, the Moroccan delegation at the League of Arab States called, during a meeting of the Arab Ministerial Committee to support the Palestinian cause, for urging the UN Security Council to issue a resolution for the end of the Israeli occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian State in line with a well-delineated agenda.
Chairman of the Qatari Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza Strip the Ambassador Mohamed Ismail al-Emadi said Monday that his country will make all possible efforts to support the steadfastness of Gaza Strip.
During his visit to the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Headquarters in Gaza, Emadi stressed the need for working on providing a decent life for the people of Gaza.
Gaza is witnessing very difficult living conditions due to the Israeli siege, he said.
Qatar is always standing behind Palestine and the Gaza Strip in particular, he stressed.
For his part, the PLC first deputy speaker Dr. Ahmed Bahar hailed the Qatari Emir, government, and people for their support to the people of Gaza.
He also expressed gratitude to the Ambassador Mohamed al-Emadi for his continued efforts for the relief of Palestinian people’s suffering in the besieged Strip.
Bahar concluded by expressing hope in seeing a Palestinian, Arab, and Islamic unity and an end to the Israeli siege on Gaza.
During his visit to the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Headquarters in Gaza, Emadi stressed the need for working on providing a decent life for the people of Gaza.
Gaza is witnessing very difficult living conditions due to the Israeli siege, he said.
Qatar is always standing behind Palestine and the Gaza Strip in particular, he stressed.
For his part, the PLC first deputy speaker Dr. Ahmed Bahar hailed the Qatari Emir, government, and people for their support to the people of Gaza.
He also expressed gratitude to the Ambassador Mohamed al-Emadi for his continued efforts for the relief of Palestinian people’s suffering in the besieged Strip.
Bahar concluded by expressing hope in seeing a Palestinian, Arab, and Islamic unity and an end to the Israeli siege on Gaza.
First Deputy Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Dr. Ahmad Bahar called on the Arab ministers of foreign affairs, who are convening in Cairo, to implement their decision made in 2009 on lifting the siege on Gaza Strip.
In his speech at the graduation ceremony of a new batch of national security officers on Sunday, Bahar underlined that the Palestinians will not drop their weapons and will not waive their homeland; on the contrary, they will continue defending their just question.
Dr. Bahar renewed his demand of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah to end its security coordination with Israel. He also pointed out that the Egyptian national security is a Palestinian national security.
The PLC First Deputy Speaker Bahar hailed the Palestinian national security system in Gaza. He also asked the Palestinian Ministry of Interior in Gaza along with the factions to establish a memorial for the martyrs of Jerusalem Intifada, especially for martyr Nashat Melhem, in each of Gaza, the West Bank, Occupied Jerusalem and 1948 Occupied Palestine.
In his speech at the graduation ceremony of a new batch of national security officers on Sunday, Bahar underlined that the Palestinians will not drop their weapons and will not waive their homeland; on the contrary, they will continue defending their just question.
Dr. Bahar renewed his demand of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah to end its security coordination with Israel. He also pointed out that the Egyptian national security is a Palestinian national security.
The PLC First Deputy Speaker Bahar hailed the Palestinian national security system in Gaza. He also asked the Palestinian Ministry of Interior in Gaza along with the factions to establish a memorial for the martyrs of Jerusalem Intifada, especially for martyr Nashat Melhem, in each of Gaza, the West Bank, Occupied Jerusalem and 1948 Occupied Palestine.
Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, assured the Palestinians factions, in a meeting on Sunday, that it has no objection to taking over Rafah border crossing by a national committee.
In a press statement, Hamas’s spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri described the meeting with the factions on Rafah crossing as serious and frank.
Abu Zuhri pointed out that Hamas has affirmed to the factions that it welcomes the government’s arrival in Gaza to assume its duties in the crossing and other issues.
The Hamas spokesman said that it was agreed in the meeting that discussion in this regard shall be continued in the coming meetings.
In a press statement, Hamas’s spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri described the meeting with the factions on Rafah crossing as serious and frank.
Abu Zuhri pointed out that Hamas has affirmed to the factions that it welcomes the government’s arrival in Gaza to assume its duties in the crossing and other issues.
The Hamas spokesman said that it was agreed in the meeting that discussion in this regard shall be continued in the coming meetings.
8 jan 2016
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) closed Friday morning all entrances leading to Seir town, north of al-Khalil, before declaring it a closed military zone.
The PIC reporter quoted local sources as affirming that all main entrances to the town were closed, while a military checkpoint was erected north of the town.
Palestinian citizens' movement was completely blocked amid heavy presence of Israeli forces, the sources added.
A complete military cordon was imposed on the surrounding areas of the town, while media crews’ access into the area was prevented.
Earlier Thursday, four Palestinian youths, all from the town of Seir, were shot killed by Israeli forces after they reportedly carried out two separate stabbing attempts on Israeli soldiers.
The Hamas Movement in the West Bank had earlier called for a new Friday of anger against the Israeli occupation in honor of the four martyrs of Seir town and in response to Israel's ongoing crimes against the Palestinians and their holy sites.
In a press release on Thursday, Hamas described Seir town as one of the citadels of al-Quds intifada (uprising) after four of its finest young men had been killed last night in the West Bank and many others since the intifada started.
Hamas urged the Palestinian resistance spearheaded by al-Qassam Brigades to strongly respond to Israel's growing crimes against the Palestinians.
The PIC reporter quoted local sources as affirming that all main entrances to the town were closed, while a military checkpoint was erected north of the town.
Palestinian citizens' movement was completely blocked amid heavy presence of Israeli forces, the sources added.
A complete military cordon was imposed on the surrounding areas of the town, while media crews’ access into the area was prevented.
Earlier Thursday, four Palestinian youths, all from the town of Seir, were shot killed by Israeli forces after they reportedly carried out two separate stabbing attempts on Israeli soldiers.
The Hamas Movement in the West Bank had earlier called for a new Friday of anger against the Israeli occupation in honor of the four martyrs of Seir town and in response to Israel's ongoing crimes against the Palestinians and their holy sites.
In a press release on Thursday, Hamas described Seir town as one of the citadels of al-Quds intifada (uprising) after four of its finest young men had been killed last night in the West Bank and many others since the intifada started.
Hamas urged the Palestinian resistance spearheaded by al-Qassam Brigades to strongly respond to Israel's growing crimes against the Palestinians.
7 jan 2016
Egypt expressed its reservations regarding granting Turkey a role in the Gaza Strip siege, senior Israeli officials told Haaretz on Thursday.
These officials, who asked to remain anonymous due to the delicate diplomatic nature of the issue, stated that Egypt approached Israel asking for clarifications regarding recent progress in its reconciliatory talks with Turkey and asked whether Israel is intending to ease restrictions in the closure imposed on Gaza.
Haaretz quoted the diplomatic sources as stating that “the crisis between Egypt and Turkey is one of the factors making it difficult to reconcile with Turkey. The official noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is worried that any concession made to Turkey on Gaza in order to patch up relations will damage Israel’s strategic ties with Egypt.”
The sources pointed out that meetings were held over the past period between Egyptian and Israeli diplomats during which the Egyptians expressed opposition to any Israeli concessions to Turkey with regard to the Gaza Strip.
Senior Egyptian Foreign Ministry officials met with Israel’s ambassador Haim Koren and asked if these reports were correct and whether Israel and Turkey are indeed close to reconciling. The temporary chargé d’affaires at the Egyptian embassy in Tel Aviv delivered similar messages in a recent meeting with senior Foreign Ministry officials in Jerusalem, according to the newspaper.
Aside from demanding an apology for the Mavi Marmara killings and compensation for the victims' families, Turkey sees no normalization regarding ties with Israel unless its condition for ending the Gaza blockade is met.
These officials, who asked to remain anonymous due to the delicate diplomatic nature of the issue, stated that Egypt approached Israel asking for clarifications regarding recent progress in its reconciliatory talks with Turkey and asked whether Israel is intending to ease restrictions in the closure imposed on Gaza.
Haaretz quoted the diplomatic sources as stating that “the crisis between Egypt and Turkey is one of the factors making it difficult to reconcile with Turkey. The official noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is worried that any concession made to Turkey on Gaza in order to patch up relations will damage Israel’s strategic ties with Egypt.”
The sources pointed out that meetings were held over the past period between Egyptian and Israeli diplomats during which the Egyptians expressed opposition to any Israeli concessions to Turkey with regard to the Gaza Strip.
Senior Egyptian Foreign Ministry officials met with Israel’s ambassador Haim Koren and asked if these reports were correct and whether Israel and Turkey are indeed close to reconciling. The temporary chargé d’affaires at the Egyptian embassy in Tel Aviv delivered similar messages in a recent meeting with senior Foreign Ministry officials in Jerusalem, according to the newspaper.
Aside from demanding an apology for the Mavi Marmara killings and compensation for the victims' families, Turkey sees no normalization regarding ties with Israel unless its condition for ending the Gaza blockade is met.
Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, affirmed its willingness to participate in forming a national unity government after convening a session for the provisional leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
In a press statement on Wednesday evening, Hamas’s spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri called on the Palestinian Authority to pave the way for achieving the formation of a national consensus government as well as for halting the discrimination policy against the people of Gaza.
Abu Zuhri stressed the need to make certain political decisions that respect the sacrifices of the Palestinian people; most significant: ending the security coordination with Israel.
Hamas: We are ready for elections, and Abbas's claim "untrue"
The Hamas Movement has categorically denied that it opposes holding Palestinian elections, describing recent remarks by president Mahmoud Abbas in this regards as "untrue and unfounded."
Abbas claimed in a speech on Wednesday that Hamas had told him of its opposition to the holding of elections.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri denied such a claim and affirmed his Movement's willingness to participate in all forms of elections in accordance with the Cairo reconciliation agreement.
As for the issue of the Rafah border crossing, spokesman Abu Zuhri reiterated that his Movement wants the Palestinian government to assume its responsibilities for Gaza and the Rafah crossing, without giving pretexts.
The spokesman affirmed that Hamas has the right to hold consultations with the factions that proposed the recent initiative for ending the crisis of the Rafah crossing.
He also condemned Abbas for saying that the Egyptian authorities had the right to close the Rafah crossing, describing his remarks in this regard as an unacceptable justification for the closure of the crossing.
For his part, senior Hamas official and lawmaker Ismail al-Ashqar asserted that his Movement is "ready for the elections if held tomorrow", and accused Abbas of attempting to hold others responsible for his problems.
In a press statement on Wednesday evening, Hamas’s spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri called on the Palestinian Authority to pave the way for achieving the formation of a national consensus government as well as for halting the discrimination policy against the people of Gaza.
Abu Zuhri stressed the need to make certain political decisions that respect the sacrifices of the Palestinian people; most significant: ending the security coordination with Israel.
Hamas: We are ready for elections, and Abbas's claim "untrue"
The Hamas Movement has categorically denied that it opposes holding Palestinian elections, describing recent remarks by president Mahmoud Abbas in this regards as "untrue and unfounded."
Abbas claimed in a speech on Wednesday that Hamas had told him of its opposition to the holding of elections.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri denied such a claim and affirmed his Movement's willingness to participate in all forms of elections in accordance with the Cairo reconciliation agreement.
As for the issue of the Rafah border crossing, spokesman Abu Zuhri reiterated that his Movement wants the Palestinian government to assume its responsibilities for Gaza and the Rafah crossing, without giving pretexts.
The spokesman affirmed that Hamas has the right to hold consultations with the factions that proposed the recent initiative for ending the crisis of the Rafah crossing.
He also condemned Abbas for saying that the Egyptian authorities had the right to close the Rafah crossing, describing his remarks in this regard as an unacceptable justification for the closure of the crossing.
For his part, senior Hamas official and lawmaker Ismail al-Ashqar asserted that his Movement is "ready for the elections if held tomorrow", and accused Abbas of attempting to hold others responsible for his problems.
6 jan 2016
The Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said that “Egypt is free to close Rafah crossing”.
We have accepted the proposal backed by Palestinian factions for Rafah crossing crisis although it was not good; however Hamas has yet to reply to the initiative, Abbas said.
Abbas made his statements during a speech delivered in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem during Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
He blamed Hamas for “procrastinating” in handing over the Rafah crossing after “it refuses to join the unity government and participate in the next elections,” according to Abbas’ statements.
Commenting on Abbas’allegations, senior leader in Hamas Movement Salah Bardawil denied that his group received any official invitation for joining the unity government.
"Hamas is committed to the agreements signed with Fatah Group, mainly holding the PLO leadership meeting and forming a new Palestinian National Council," Bardawil added.
On the other hand, Abbas said his Palestinian Authority will remain and will not be dissolved.
“The PA is our achievement and we will not give it up,” Abbas declared.
He renewed his adherence to peaceful protests “because we are against violence and extremism.”
He also stressed his adherence to peace talks with Israel.
“The Executive Committee and the Central Committee of the PLO as well as commanders of Palestinian Authority security services will hold meetings next week to give the final decision and we will adhere with whatever they decide,” Abbas said Wednesday.
Commentators described Abbas's remarks as "disgrace" since he extends a hand to the Israeli occupation while strangling Palestinians mainly in the Gaza Strip with the other.
We have accepted the proposal backed by Palestinian factions for Rafah crossing crisis although it was not good; however Hamas has yet to reply to the initiative, Abbas said.
Abbas made his statements during a speech delivered in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem during Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
He blamed Hamas for “procrastinating” in handing over the Rafah crossing after “it refuses to join the unity government and participate in the next elections,” according to Abbas’ statements.
Commenting on Abbas’allegations, senior leader in Hamas Movement Salah Bardawil denied that his group received any official invitation for joining the unity government.
"Hamas is committed to the agreements signed with Fatah Group, mainly holding the PLO leadership meeting and forming a new Palestinian National Council," Bardawil added.
On the other hand, Abbas said his Palestinian Authority will remain and will not be dissolved.
“The PA is our achievement and we will not give it up,” Abbas declared.
He renewed his adherence to peaceful protests “because we are against violence and extremism.”
He also stressed his adherence to peace talks with Israel.
“The Executive Committee and the Central Committee of the PLO as well as commanders of Palestinian Authority security services will hold meetings next week to give the final decision and we will adhere with whatever they decide,” Abbas said Wednesday.
Commentators described Abbas's remarks as "disgrace" since he extends a hand to the Israeli occupation while strangling Palestinians mainly in the Gaza Strip with the other.
Hamas Movement said Tuesday evening that a committee has been formed to follow-up on the proposals and initiatives related to the opening of Rafah border crossing linking between Egypt and Gaza Strip.
The group’s spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said his Movement started to make several contacts in order to ameliorate the humanitarian suffering of the population in Gaza and achieve the national unity and partnership.
"We will work along with all national parties to discuss the Rafah crossing crisis with our Egyptian brothers", he added.
Palestinian factions have earlier submitted a proposal to the Palestinian premier Rami Hamdullah and Hamas Movement to solve the Rafah crossing crisis.
In the same context, Second Deputy Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council Hassan Khreisheh said that the initiative tabled by Palestinian factions to broker a proposal for the reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt was “only a material for media consumption”.
The proposal only targeted concealing the political differences within the Palestinian Authority especially over the ongoing Intifada, he added.
The Palestinian Authority, he continued, is unable to solve Rafah crossing crisis as its closure decision was made by an Israeli, US, and Egyptian decision.
Khreisheh pointed out that the ongoing efforts mainly aim at removing Hamas Movement from the political scene.
The group’s spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said his Movement started to make several contacts in order to ameliorate the humanitarian suffering of the population in Gaza and achieve the national unity and partnership.
"We will work along with all national parties to discuss the Rafah crossing crisis with our Egyptian brothers", he added.
Palestinian factions have earlier submitted a proposal to the Palestinian premier Rami Hamdullah and Hamas Movement to solve the Rafah crossing crisis.
In the same context, Second Deputy Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council Hassan Khreisheh said that the initiative tabled by Palestinian factions to broker a proposal for the reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt was “only a material for media consumption”.
The proposal only targeted concealing the political differences within the Palestinian Authority especially over the ongoing Intifada, he added.
The Palestinian Authority, he continued, is unable to solve Rafah crossing crisis as its closure decision was made by an Israeli, US, and Egyptian decision.
Khreisheh pointed out that the ongoing efforts mainly aim at removing Hamas Movement from the political scene.
3 jan 2016
The agriculture sector of the blockaded Gaza Strip sustained a staggering $300,000 of losses as a result of an Israeli air strike on agricultural structures at dawn Saturday, a Palestinian official reported.
Director of the Mechanical Testing Stations at the Ministry of Agriculture, Shaher al-Rifi, said the station has been bereaved of 70% of its operational power and sustained $300,000 of losses due to the Israeli strikes.
Al-Rifi added that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to replace the destroyed kit due to the tough siege imposed by the Israeli occupation army and the closure of border-crossings with Gaza.
He said the targeted station, which provides services for testing stations and agricultural nurseries, suffered the loss of a set of tractors and mechanisms used for agricultural and maintenance work. An electric generator was also damaged in the attack.
The official also denounced the Israeli bans on the entry of agricultural equipment into blockaded Gaza, saying such restrictions rather impinge the ministry’s work.
He called on the concerned authorities to rally round Gazans and help them get through the crises rocking the besieged enclave due to Israeli aggression, voicing hope that serious steps would be taken to help Gazans restore the damaged kit and rehabilitate the agricultural sector.
The strike is the latest in a series of Israeli violations of the Cairo-brokered truce deal struck in the wake of the 2014 offensive on the besieged coastal enclave.
Director of the Mechanical Testing Stations at the Ministry of Agriculture, Shaher al-Rifi, said the station has been bereaved of 70% of its operational power and sustained $300,000 of losses due to the Israeli strikes.
Al-Rifi added that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to replace the destroyed kit due to the tough siege imposed by the Israeli occupation army and the closure of border-crossings with Gaza.
He said the targeted station, which provides services for testing stations and agricultural nurseries, suffered the loss of a set of tractors and mechanisms used for agricultural and maintenance work. An electric generator was also damaged in the attack.
The official also denounced the Israeli bans on the entry of agricultural equipment into blockaded Gaza, saying such restrictions rather impinge the ministry’s work.
He called on the concerned authorities to rally round Gazans and help them get through the crises rocking the besieged enclave due to Israeli aggression, voicing hope that serious steps would be taken to help Gazans restore the damaged kit and rehabilitate the agricultural sector.
The strike is the latest in a series of Israeli violations of the Cairo-brokered truce deal struck in the wake of the 2014 offensive on the besieged coastal enclave.
2 jan 2016
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on Saturday closed, with an iron gate, the Israeli military Doutan checkpoint which separates Yabad town to the south of Jenin city from Tulkarem city in the northern West Bank and blocked the traffic.
Palestinian farmers from Yabad town told the PIC reporter that they could not get to their lands on Saturday because Israeli forces closed the barrier once again.
They pointed out that Israeli soldiers open and close the barrier according to their mood.
Israeli army tightens noose around Palestinians’ neck in Yabad
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have tightened military grip around Jenin’s town of Yabad, in the northern occupied West Bank, denying Palestinians free access out of and into the area.
The Israeli occupation troops and extremist settlers, residing in the illegal Mabu Dotan settlement have reportedly cracked down on the Palestinian natives of Yabad on a quasi-daily basis.
A series of military checkpoints has also been randomly pitched across the access roads to the town, blocking Palestinians free movement.
Yabad mayor, Youssef Atatra, spoke out against such Israeli policies of intimidation, saying the Israeli occupation army has been repeatedly closing the Dutan checkpoint in an attempt to prevent Palestinian farmers from reaching their cultivated land lots.
The mayor further warned of the serious repercussions of such Israeli restrictions on Yabad’s agricultural and commercial traffic.
Palestinian farmers from Yabad town told the PIC reporter that they could not get to their lands on Saturday because Israeli forces closed the barrier once again.
They pointed out that Israeli soldiers open and close the barrier according to their mood.
Israeli army tightens noose around Palestinians’ neck in Yabad
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have tightened military grip around Jenin’s town of Yabad, in the northern occupied West Bank, denying Palestinians free access out of and into the area.
The Israeli occupation troops and extremist settlers, residing in the illegal Mabu Dotan settlement have reportedly cracked down on the Palestinian natives of Yabad on a quasi-daily basis.
A series of military checkpoints has also been randomly pitched across the access roads to the town, blocking Palestinians free movement.
Yabad mayor, Youssef Atatra, spoke out against such Israeli policies of intimidation, saying the Israeli occupation army has been repeatedly closing the Dutan checkpoint in an attempt to prevent Palestinian farmers from reaching their cultivated land lots.
The mayor further warned of the serious repercussions of such Israeli restrictions on Yabad’s agricultural and commercial traffic.
1 jan 2016
The National Movement Commission for Breaking the Siege and Reconstruction said that the population in the Gaza Strip has faced during 2015 the harshest days of their lives under the blockade.
In a report issued on Thursday, the commission stated that the average per capita income in Gaza during the year had declined to less than 700 US dollars, which is the lowest in the Middle East.
The unemployment rate also rose to world-record levels after it became 45 percent among the entire residents and 60 percent among the young people, while 40 percent of the population now live under the poverty line and 80 percent depends on humanitarian aid, the commission added.
It also affirmed that the Egyptian authorities had closed the Rafah border crossing for most of the year and only opened it exceptionally for a few days to allow the travel of certain passengers, including patients and pilgrims, and the entry of some dead bodies to Gaza.
In a report issued on Thursday, the commission stated that the average per capita income in Gaza during the year had declined to less than 700 US dollars, which is the lowest in the Middle East.
The unemployment rate also rose to world-record levels after it became 45 percent among the entire residents and 60 percent among the young people, while 40 percent of the population now live under the poverty line and 80 percent depends on humanitarian aid, the commission added.
It also affirmed that the Egyptian authorities had closed the Rafah border crossing for most of the year and only opened it exceptionally for a few days to allow the travel of certain passengers, including patients and pilgrims, and the entry of some dead bodies to Gaza.
The Popular Committee against the Siege has said that the Israeli blockade on the impoverished Gaza Strip has entered its 10th year in 2016 while the humanitarian conditions of its population are still getting worse.
In a press release on Thursday, head of the committee Jamal al-Khudari stated that the Palestinian people hope during the new year to see genuine Palestinian unity and international and Arab action to end the blockade on Gaza.
Khudari said that the Israeli occupation state had sought, since it started its blockade on Gaza following the results of the 2006 parliamentary elections, to institutionalize the blockade and make it a fait accompli through prolonging it.
He stressed that "the blockade affects every person and home in Gaza in different ways, and described it as "immoral, illegal and against the international law."
In a press release on Thursday, head of the committee Jamal al-Khudari stated that the Palestinian people hope during the new year to see genuine Palestinian unity and international and Arab action to end the blockade on Gaza.
Khudari said that the Israeli occupation state had sought, since it started its blockade on Gaza following the results of the 2006 parliamentary elections, to institutionalize the blockade and make it a fait accompli through prolonging it.
He stressed that "the blockade affects every person and home in Gaza in different ways, and described it as "immoral, illegal and against the international law."
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