26 aug 2019
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Sunday blocked the western entrance to Ramallah city in the West Bank and deployed road barriers, causing a heavy build-up of traffic.
Eyewitnesses told Anadolu news agency that the IOF closed the road leading to Palestinian villages in the west of Ramallah and searched passing Palestinian vehicles without allowing them to use the road.
The IOF also raided several commercial stores in Palestinian villages in the west of Ramallah and confiscated security camera recordings from them.
The IOF intensified its security measures in the West Bank, especially in Ramallah, after one female settler was killed and two others were injured last Friday in an attack with an explosive device near the illegal settlement of Dolev.
Eyewitnesses told Anadolu news agency that the IOF closed the road leading to Palestinian villages in the west of Ramallah and searched passing Palestinian vehicles without allowing them to use the road.
The IOF also raided several commercial stores in Palestinian villages in the west of Ramallah and confiscated security camera recordings from them.
The IOF intensified its security measures in the West Bank, especially in Ramallah, after one female settler was killed and two others were injured last Friday in an attack with an explosive device near the illegal settlement of Dolev.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to cut down the amount of fuel sent to the Gaza Strip by half, and cut $300 million from funds to the Palestinian Authority, Hebrew sources said on Monday.
The Israeli media said that Netanyahu instructed the Israeli army to reduce the amount of fuel transferred to the power plant in the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing from tomorrow until further notice.
Netanyahu also decided to deduct $ 300 million from the Authority’s funds and transfer it to the Israeli electricity company in what he said were “debts”.
Hebrew media said that the decision came after the launch of three rockets from Gaza towards its enclave settlements.
The occupation forces bombed at dawn today a site of resistance in the town of Beit Lahia, causing significant material damage.
The Israeli media said that Netanyahu instructed the Israeli army to reduce the amount of fuel transferred to the power plant in the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing from tomorrow until further notice.
Netanyahu also decided to deduct $ 300 million from the Authority’s funds and transfer it to the Israeli electricity company in what he said were “debts”.
Hebrew media said that the decision came after the launch of three rockets from Gaza towards its enclave settlements.
The occupation forces bombed at dawn today a site of resistance in the town of Beit Lahia, causing significant material damage.
23 aug 2019
Israeli forces today sealed off main roads leading to the western Ramallah district in the West Bank following a suspected attack that resulted in the killing of a settler, confirmed local sources.
Forces deployed heavily and blocked major roads leading to a cluster of Palestinian villages west of Ramallah, particularly the Wadi al-Dilb Road and Ein Ayyoub junction.
They also blocked the roads leading to Kafr Ni'ma and Ras Karkar villages, where they ransacked several homes and stores.
Soldiers set up roadblocks at the northern entrance to Ramallah city and at Ein Siniya junction, north of Ramallah, inspecting Palestinian vehicles and inspecting the IDs of passengers.
They also raided Beituniya and Ein Arik towns, west of Ramallah.
The closure is conducted as part of a manhunt for a Palestinian suspected of killing an Israeli settler and wounding two others in an attack at Ein Bunin natural spring near the illegal Israeli settlement of Dolev, near Ras Karkar village.
Israeli media claimed that an explosive device was thrown at a settler’s family who were hiking at the spring, killing one and injuring two others.
Following the attack, media reports added, the Israeli military is tracking a car that was seen driving away from the scene of the blast.
Israeli officials have usually threatened a series of collective punishment measures following such attacks, such as the demolition of homes belonging to the families of suspected assailants and accelerated settlement construction.
Such Israeli measures, taken under the guise of security, are intended to entrench Israel’s 51-year-old military occupation of the West Bank and its settler colonial project which it enforces with routine and frequently deadly violence against Palestinians.
Forces deployed heavily and blocked major roads leading to a cluster of Palestinian villages west of Ramallah, particularly the Wadi al-Dilb Road and Ein Ayyoub junction.
They also blocked the roads leading to Kafr Ni'ma and Ras Karkar villages, where they ransacked several homes and stores.
Soldiers set up roadblocks at the northern entrance to Ramallah city and at Ein Siniya junction, north of Ramallah, inspecting Palestinian vehicles and inspecting the IDs of passengers.
They also raided Beituniya and Ein Arik towns, west of Ramallah.
The closure is conducted as part of a manhunt for a Palestinian suspected of killing an Israeli settler and wounding two others in an attack at Ein Bunin natural spring near the illegal Israeli settlement of Dolev, near Ras Karkar village.
Israeli media claimed that an explosive device was thrown at a settler’s family who were hiking at the spring, killing one and injuring two others.
Following the attack, media reports added, the Israeli military is tracking a car that was seen driving away from the scene of the blast.
Israeli officials have usually threatened a series of collective punishment measures following such attacks, such as the demolition of homes belonging to the families of suspected assailants and accelerated settlement construction.
Such Israeli measures, taken under the guise of security, are intended to entrench Israel’s 51-year-old military occupation of the West Bank and its settler colonial project which it enforces with routine and frequently deadly violence against Palestinians.
19 aug 2019
The Israeli occupation forces on Monday closed the entrance to Azzun town east of Qalqilya City.
Local sources said that the Israeli forces installed metal gates at the main entrance to Azzun preventing passage in both directions.
Palestinian residents were forced to take longer routes to reach their destinations.
Local sources said that the Israeli forces installed metal gates at the main entrance to Azzun preventing passage in both directions.
Palestinian residents were forced to take longer routes to reach their destinations.
17 aug 2019
Detroit born congresswoman Rashida Tlaib released a statement, Friday, regarding Israel’s decision to allow her into the occupied Palestinian territories.
“In my attempt to visit Palestine, I’ve experienced the same racist treatment that many Palestinian-Americans endure when encountering the Israeli government. In preparation for my visit, my grandmother was deciding which fig tree we would pick from together, while Palestinians and Israelis who are against the illegal military occupation were looking forward to Members of Congress finally listening to and seeing them for the first time.”
“The Israeli government used my love and desire to see my grandmother to silence me and made my ability to do so contingently upon my signing a letter – reflecting just how undemocratic and afraid they are of the truth my the trip would reveal about what is happening in the State of Israel and to Palestinians living under occupation with United States support.”
“I have therefore decided not to travel to Palestine and Israel at this time. Visiting my grandmother under these oppressive conditions meant to humiliate me would break my grandmother’s heart. Silencing me with treatment to make me feel less-than is not what she wants for me – it would kill a piece of me that always stands up against racism and injustice.”
“When I won the election to become a United States Congresswoman, many Palestinians, especially my grandmother, felt a sense of hope, a hope that they would finally have a voice. I cannot allow the Israeli government to take that away from them or to use my deep desire to see my grandmother, potentially for the last time, as a political bargaining chip.
My family and I have cried together throughout this ordeal; they’ve promised to keep my grandmother alive until I can one day reunite with her.”
“It is with their strength and heart that I reiterate I am a duly elected United States Congresswoman and I will not allow the Israeli government to humiliate me and my family or take away our right to speak out. I will not allow the Israeli government to take away from our hope.”
“Racism and the politics of hate is thriving in Israel and the American people should fear what this will mean for the relationship between our two nations.
If you truly believe in democracy, then the close alignment of Netanyahu with Trump’s hate agenda must prompt a re-evaluation of our unwavering support for the State of Israel.”
“The denial of entry of a congressional delegation is not only about Congresswoman Omar and I, but also about the deep-rooted racism within Israel that is taking us further away from peace.”
“The Israeli and Palestinian people need us to be more courageous and to be honest brokers of peace. Being silent and not condemning the human rights violations of the Israeli government is a disservice to all who live there, including my incredibly strong and loving grandmother.”
“This type of oppression is painful for all humanity, but it is especially painful for me personally every time I hear my loving family members cry out for the freedom to live and the right to feel human.”
Source : Palestine News Network
“In my attempt to visit Palestine, I’ve experienced the same racist treatment that many Palestinian-Americans endure when encountering the Israeli government. In preparation for my visit, my grandmother was deciding which fig tree we would pick from together, while Palestinians and Israelis who are against the illegal military occupation were looking forward to Members of Congress finally listening to and seeing them for the first time.”
“The Israeli government used my love and desire to see my grandmother to silence me and made my ability to do so contingently upon my signing a letter – reflecting just how undemocratic and afraid they are of the truth my the trip would reveal about what is happening in the State of Israel and to Palestinians living under occupation with United States support.”
“I have therefore decided not to travel to Palestine and Israel at this time. Visiting my grandmother under these oppressive conditions meant to humiliate me would break my grandmother’s heart. Silencing me with treatment to make me feel less-than is not what she wants for me – it would kill a piece of me that always stands up against racism and injustice.”
“When I won the election to become a United States Congresswoman, many Palestinians, especially my grandmother, felt a sense of hope, a hope that they would finally have a voice. I cannot allow the Israeli government to take that away from them or to use my deep desire to see my grandmother, potentially for the last time, as a political bargaining chip.
My family and I have cried together throughout this ordeal; they’ve promised to keep my grandmother alive until I can one day reunite with her.”
“It is with their strength and heart that I reiterate I am a duly elected United States Congresswoman and I will not allow the Israeli government to humiliate me and my family or take away our right to speak out. I will not allow the Israeli government to take away from our hope.”
“Racism and the politics of hate is thriving in Israel and the American people should fear what this will mean for the relationship between our two nations.
If you truly believe in democracy, then the close alignment of Netanyahu with Trump’s hate agenda must prompt a re-evaluation of our unwavering support for the State of Israel.”
“The denial of entry of a congressional delegation is not only about Congresswoman Omar and I, but also about the deep-rooted racism within Israel that is taking us further away from peace.”
“The Israeli and Palestinian people need us to be more courageous and to be honest brokers of peace. Being silent and not condemning the human rights violations of the Israeli government is a disservice to all who live there, including my incredibly strong and loving grandmother.”
“This type of oppression is painful for all humanity, but it is especially painful for me personally every time I hear my loving family members cry out for the freedom to live and the right to feel human.”
Source : Palestine News Network
16 aug 2019
Israeli occupation authorities announced, today, that they will allow US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib to visit her family in the occupied West Bank on “humanitarian” grounds, hours after the Israeli government said it would ban her from entering Palestine for a planned political trip.
Israel said, earlier. that it would block Tlaib and another US Democratic lawmaker, Ilhan Omar, from entering Palestine, under the pretext of their support for the Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions Movement (BDS).
Israel’s decision to bar their entry was encouraged by President Donald Trump in a remarkable step both by the US President and his ally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to punish political opponents.
After the announcement, Tlaib made a personal plea in a letter addressed to Israel’s interior minister, Aryeh Deri, which was approved on Friday morning, according to WAFA.
Tlaib asked Deri for access to visit her family, “and specifically my grandmother, who is in her 90s and lives in Beit Ur al-Fouqa. This could be my last opportunity to see her.”
“I will respect any restrictions and will not promote boycotts against Israel during my visit,” Tlaib promised, in the letter.
The boycott movement, formally known as the Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, aims to end international support for Israel because of its policies toward Palestinians, as well as its continued construction of West Bank settlements, considered a violation of international law.
Israel said, earlier. that it would block Tlaib and another US Democratic lawmaker, Ilhan Omar, from entering Palestine, under the pretext of their support for the Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions Movement (BDS).
Israel’s decision to bar their entry was encouraged by President Donald Trump in a remarkable step both by the US President and his ally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to punish political opponents.
After the announcement, Tlaib made a personal plea in a letter addressed to Israel’s interior minister, Aryeh Deri, which was approved on Friday morning, according to WAFA.
Tlaib asked Deri for access to visit her family, “and specifically my grandmother, who is in her 90s and lives in Beit Ur al-Fouqa. This could be my last opportunity to see her.”
“I will respect any restrictions and will not promote boycotts against Israel during my visit,” Tlaib promised, in the letter.
The boycott movement, formally known as the Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, aims to end international support for Israel because of its policies toward Palestinians, as well as its continued construction of West Bank settlements, considered a violation of international law.
15 aug 2019
Israel has decided to deny entry to Democratic congresswomen, Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, ahead of a planned trip to Jerusalem and the West Bank.
"The decision has been made, the decision is not to allow them to enter," Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely told Israel's Reshet Radio.
An Israeli TV channel earlier claimed that Tlaib and Omar had refused to coordinate their itinerary with Israeli concerned officials.
Two US congresswomen barred from visiting Israel for backing BDS
Israel has decided to prevent two American congresswomen from traveling to the occupied territories over their support for a boycott of the Tel Aviv regime.
Ilhan Omar, a representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district, and Rashida Tlaib, a representative for Michigan’s 13th congressional district, are expected to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories at the weekend.
Omar, with a Somali origin and Tlaib, with Palestinian roots, have openly supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel and been outspoken in their criticism of the Israeli crimes against Palestinians.
The movement was initiated in 2005 by over 170 Palestinian organizations and later became international.
Israeli deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely said on Thursday Tel Aviv had decided not to allow the members of US Congress to enter Israel.
“We won’t allow those who deny our right to exist in this world to enter Israel. In principle this is a very justified decision,” she told the Kan public broadcaster.
Earlier in the day, AFP quoted an Israel official as saying that prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations on the visit on Wednesday and a final decision was being weighed.
“There is a possibility that Israel will not allow the visit in its current proposed format,” the official said, adding, “Professional teams and legal counsel in various government ministries are continuing to examine the decision.”
The official further said that according to Israeli law, the interior minister who is now Aryeh Deri has the authority to decide on the issue.
Deri, 60, is the chairman of Shas, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish political party in Israel. Back in 1999, he was convicted of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, and received a three-year prison sentence.
“If Congresswoman Tlaib makes a humanitarian request to visit her family, the decision on her matter will be considered favorably,” the official noted.
Israel’s Knesset in 2017 passed a law banning entry to foreigners who support BDS, which is meant to initiate “various forms of boycott against Israel until it meets its obligations under international law” and ends its occupation of Palestinian lands.
Omar has accused the Tel Aviv regime of discrimination against Palestinians similar to apartheid.
In January, she enraged the large pro-Israel contingent in Congress, particularly the largely Democratic US Jewish community, by mocking America’s branding of Israel as a democracy.
Additionally on Thursday, American President Donald Trump urged Tel Aviv not to show “weakness” and firmly prevent the pair from visiting Israel. tweet
Israeli decision on US congresswomen 'outrageous': Palestinian official
Meanwhile, a senior Palestinian official described Israel's decision to bar two US congresswomen from visiting the Palestinian territories as "an outrageous act of hostility."
"The Israeli decision to ban Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar from visiting Palestine is an outrageous act of hostility against the American people and their representatives," Hanan Ashrawi, a senior member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said in a statement.
"This is a dangerous precedent that defies all diplomatic norms and an assault on the Palestinian people's right to engage with the rest of the world," she said.
Both women, who became the first Muslim members of the House of Representatives in January, have faced accusations of anti-Semitism, which they firmly deny.
Israeli ambassador to the US Ron Dermer had previously signaled that the pair would be allowed to visit out of respect for Washington.
Omar and Tlaib’s support for BDS comes at a time when Trump has stepped up ties with Tel Aviv and stopped Palestinian aid.
Israel and its allies in Washington have long railed against calls for people and groups across the world to cut economic, cultural and academic ties to the occupying regime.
"The decision has been made, the decision is not to allow them to enter," Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely told Israel's Reshet Radio.
An Israeli TV channel earlier claimed that Tlaib and Omar had refused to coordinate their itinerary with Israeli concerned officials.
Two US congresswomen barred from visiting Israel for backing BDS
Israel has decided to prevent two American congresswomen from traveling to the occupied territories over their support for a boycott of the Tel Aviv regime.
Ilhan Omar, a representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district, and Rashida Tlaib, a representative for Michigan’s 13th congressional district, are expected to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories at the weekend.
Omar, with a Somali origin and Tlaib, with Palestinian roots, have openly supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel and been outspoken in their criticism of the Israeli crimes against Palestinians.
The movement was initiated in 2005 by over 170 Palestinian organizations and later became international.
Israeli deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely said on Thursday Tel Aviv had decided not to allow the members of US Congress to enter Israel.
“We won’t allow those who deny our right to exist in this world to enter Israel. In principle this is a very justified decision,” she told the Kan public broadcaster.
Earlier in the day, AFP quoted an Israel official as saying that prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations on the visit on Wednesday and a final decision was being weighed.
“There is a possibility that Israel will not allow the visit in its current proposed format,” the official said, adding, “Professional teams and legal counsel in various government ministries are continuing to examine the decision.”
The official further said that according to Israeli law, the interior minister who is now Aryeh Deri has the authority to decide on the issue.
Deri, 60, is the chairman of Shas, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish political party in Israel. Back in 1999, he was convicted of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, and received a three-year prison sentence.
“If Congresswoman Tlaib makes a humanitarian request to visit her family, the decision on her matter will be considered favorably,” the official noted.
Israel’s Knesset in 2017 passed a law banning entry to foreigners who support BDS, which is meant to initiate “various forms of boycott against Israel until it meets its obligations under international law” and ends its occupation of Palestinian lands.
Omar has accused the Tel Aviv regime of discrimination against Palestinians similar to apartheid.
In January, she enraged the large pro-Israel contingent in Congress, particularly the largely Democratic US Jewish community, by mocking America’s branding of Israel as a democracy.
Additionally on Thursday, American President Donald Trump urged Tel Aviv not to show “weakness” and firmly prevent the pair from visiting Israel. tweet
Israeli decision on US congresswomen 'outrageous': Palestinian official
Meanwhile, a senior Palestinian official described Israel's decision to bar two US congresswomen from visiting the Palestinian territories as "an outrageous act of hostility."
"The Israeli decision to ban Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar from visiting Palestine is an outrageous act of hostility against the American people and their representatives," Hanan Ashrawi, a senior member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said in a statement.
"This is a dangerous precedent that defies all diplomatic norms and an assault on the Palestinian people's right to engage with the rest of the world," she said.
Both women, who became the first Muslim members of the House of Representatives in January, have faced accusations of anti-Semitism, which they firmly deny.
Israeli ambassador to the US Ron Dermer had previously signaled that the pair would be allowed to visit out of respect for Washington.
Omar and Tlaib’s support for BDS comes at a time when Trump has stepped up ties with Tel Aviv and stopped Palestinian aid.
Israel and its allies in Washington have long railed against calls for people and groups across the world to cut economic, cultural and academic ties to the occupying regime.
13 aug 2019
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) has decided to build a new concrete wall around all areas in the northeast of the Gaza Strip.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, the wall is intended to prevent any infiltration attempt by Palestinians on Israel’s southern border with Gaza.
The wall will be built along Road 34, which is located near Sderot settlement and agricultural settlements.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, the wall is intended to prevent any infiltration attempt by Palestinians on Israel’s southern border with Gaza.
The wall will be built along Road 34, which is located near Sderot settlement and agricultural settlements.
