30 dec 2012
Egypt allows first batch of Qatar's reconstruction aid in Gaza
Truckloads of construction materials started on Saturday evening to enter the war-torn Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing as part of the Qatari reconstruction aid.
An official source at the Rafah crossing told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that for the first time since the besiege of the Gaza Strip, 20 trucks laden with different construction materials and decorated with Palestinian, Qatari, and Egyptian flags and banners were allowed in by the Egyptian authorities.
The official added that the first batch of the Qatari aid is composed of 100, 000 tons of construction materials and will be used to initiate the first stage of Qatar's reconstruction projects in Gaza.
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya stated earlier that Egypt told his government that it would allow the crossing of truckloads of construction materials funded by Qatar into Gaza.
Premier Haneyya expressed his deep appreciation to Qatar and Egypt for their humanitarian efforts and said that Egypt is today different from yesterday and can never accept being involved in the blockade imposed on Gaza people.
For his part, Palestinian lawmaker and head of the popular committee against the siege Jamal Khudari hailed the Qatari-Egyptian reconstruction efforts in Gaza as a big step to end the blockade and strengthen the steadfastness of its people.
An official source at the Rafah crossing told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that for the first time since the besiege of the Gaza Strip, 20 trucks laden with different construction materials and decorated with Palestinian, Qatari, and Egyptian flags and banners were allowed in by the Egyptian authorities.
The official added that the first batch of the Qatari aid is composed of 100, 000 tons of construction materials and will be used to initiate the first stage of Qatar's reconstruction projects in Gaza.
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya stated earlier that Egypt told his government that it would allow the crossing of truckloads of construction materials funded by Qatar into Gaza.
Premier Haneyya expressed his deep appreciation to Qatar and Egypt for their humanitarian efforts and said that Egypt is today different from yesterday and can never accept being involved in the blockade imposed on Gaza people.
For his part, Palestinian lawmaker and head of the popular committee against the siege Jamal Khudari hailed the Qatari-Egyptian reconstruction efforts in Gaza as a big step to end the blockade and strengthen the steadfastness of its people.
Al-Khudari: allowing construction materials into Gaza is not enough
MP Jamal Al-Khudari head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege said that the Israeli occupation’s permission to allow some building materials into Gaza for the first time since the siege is not enough, but he considered it a good sign.
He stressed in a written press statement on Sunday on the need to allow in all construction materials and goods through commercial crossings and not to limit the quantities, calling for providing the domestic market in Gaza with its all needs.
He called for freedom of movement and to lift the ban on exports from, and imports to the Gaza Strip, and to liberate the economic activity in the Gaza Strip that will reinforce the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Works Yasser Abdel Rahman Shanti, stated that allowing in road-building materials to Gaza will help to construct paved roads after being banned for more than 6 years.
Shanti said in a written press statement on Sunday that the entering of this material will reflect positively on the conditions of the roads in terms of improving the performance of the road network in the Gaza Strip.
Shanti stated that the quantities which entered through the Rafah crossing estimated at about 500 tons, and it is assumed that 4000 tons will be entered per day, while it is estimated that the Gaza Strip needs at least 3 million tons for the planned road projects.
Shanti pointed out that the condition of the main roads in the Gaza Strip is very bad as roads are riddled with holes because of the scarcity of basic building and repair materials.
Shanti appreciated the efforts of the State of Qatar, represented by its prince Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani and the Qatari Ambassador Mohammed Al Emadi for their role in the entry of construction materials, and appreciated the efforts of Egypt and its president, Dr. Mohamed Morsi, and the Egyptian government and management of the Rafah crossing to facilitate crossing of materials.
He stressed in a written press statement on Sunday on the need to allow in all construction materials and goods through commercial crossings and not to limit the quantities, calling for providing the domestic market in Gaza with its all needs.
He called for freedom of movement and to lift the ban on exports from, and imports to the Gaza Strip, and to liberate the economic activity in the Gaza Strip that will reinforce the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Works Yasser Abdel Rahman Shanti, stated that allowing in road-building materials to Gaza will help to construct paved roads after being banned for more than 6 years.
Shanti said in a written press statement on Sunday that the entering of this material will reflect positively on the conditions of the roads in terms of improving the performance of the road network in the Gaza Strip.
Shanti stated that the quantities which entered through the Rafah crossing estimated at about 500 tons, and it is assumed that 4000 tons will be entered per day, while it is estimated that the Gaza Strip needs at least 3 million tons for the planned road projects.
Shanti pointed out that the condition of the main roads in the Gaza Strip is very bad as roads are riddled with holes because of the scarcity of basic building and repair materials.
Shanti appreciated the efforts of the State of Qatar, represented by its prince Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani and the Qatari Ambassador Mohammed Al Emadi for their role in the entry of construction materials, and appreciated the efforts of Egypt and its president, Dr. Mohamed Morsi, and the Egyptian government and management of the Rafah crossing to facilitate crossing of materials.
22 dec 2012
IOF soldiers set up roadblocks south of Al-Khalil
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) set up a number of roadblocks south of Al-Khalil on Saturday morning and checked passing cars and citizens’ IDs.
Eyewitnesses said that IOF soldiers searched all vehicles and checked IDs of commuters.
They said that IOF troops also intensified presence near three villages near Al-Khalil.
No arrests were reported.
Eyewitnesses said that IOF soldiers searched all vehicles and checked IDs of commuters.
They said that IOF troops also intensified presence near three villages near Al-Khalil.
No arrests were reported.
17 dec 2012
Abu Sabha: The Rafah crossing will not be under European control again
Director of crossings in Gaza Maher Abu Sabha said the Rafah border crossing is under full Palestinian sovereignty and there is no need for the European presence.
In a statement published on Sunday by Risala newspaper, Sabha explained that the Europeans started after the recent truce deal with Israel to talk about their willingness to return to the Rafah crossing to resume their "peacekeeping" operations that had ground to halt after Hamas came to power.
"There is no need for their return after they forsake patients who died at the Rafah crossing and needed their intervention," the crossings official stressed.
He said if the Europeans wanted to help the Palestinians, they should work on ending the Gaza siege and reconstructing what had been destroyed by the occupation in the last wars.
The European union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has told journalists a few days ago that the union is considering the resumption of its peacekeeping operations at the crossing.
In a statement published on Sunday by Risala newspaper, Sabha explained that the Europeans started after the recent truce deal with Israel to talk about their willingness to return to the Rafah crossing to resume their "peacekeeping" operations that had ground to halt after Hamas came to power.
"There is no need for their return after they forsake patients who died at the Rafah crossing and needed their intervention," the crossings official stressed.
He said if the Europeans wanted to help the Palestinians, they should work on ending the Gaza siege and reconstructing what had been destroyed by the occupation in the last wars.
The European union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has told journalists a few days ago that the union is considering the resumption of its peacekeeping operations at the crossing.
Campaign "a book breaks the siege" launched in Gaza
The Palestinian ministry of education in Gaza launched on Sunday the campaign "a book breaks the siege" at a ceremony held at its headquarters.
At the ceremony, an assortment of more than 1,700 books was distributed to 71 educational, cultural and religious institutions in Gaza.
Minister of education Osama Muzaini hailed this campaign as a pioneering step in breaking the cultural blockade on Gaza.
Muzaini said during the event that the book is a powerful weapon for educated people to defend their national cause and raise the level of their cultural perceptions.
He affirmed that his ministry in cooperation with the ministry of culture intends soon to organize several campaigns for the promotion of book reading in addition to cultural contests in Gaza.
At the ceremony, an assortment of more than 1,700 books was distributed to 71 educational, cultural and religious institutions in Gaza.
Minister of education Osama Muzaini hailed this campaign as a pioneering step in breaking the cultural blockade on Gaza.
Muzaini said during the event that the book is a powerful weapon for educated people to defend their national cause and raise the level of their cultural perceptions.
He affirmed that his ministry in cooperation with the ministry of culture intends soon to organize several campaigns for the promotion of book reading in addition to cultural contests in Gaza.
16 dec 2012
IOF soldiers close Negohot gate
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) closed the Negohot military gate to the west of Dura town, south of Al-Khalil, on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC that the IOF soldiers closed the road adjacent to Negohot settlement at the pretext of protecting settlers, who have robbed Palestinian land in the area to establish their settlement.
The gate is closed every Saturday separating villages to the west of Dura from the town all because of alleged “settlers’ security”.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC that the IOF soldiers closed the road adjacent to Negohot settlement at the pretext of protecting settlers, who have robbed Palestinian land in the area to establish their settlement.
The gate is closed every Saturday separating villages to the west of Dura from the town all because of alleged “settlers’ security”.
Rizqa rejects Ashton's suggestion regarding the Rafah crossing
Dr. Youssef Rizqa, the political advisor to the Gaza Prime Minister, confirmed that the Palestinian people had expected Europe to lift the siege imposed on Gaza and not to re-occupy it through the Rafah crossing.
The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton said that the EU is considering resuming the task of the European observers to maintain security at the Rafah crossing, which have been stopped since 2005.
Rizqa told Quds Press: "there is no justification for Ashton's suggestion. Europe is required to help us end the occupation of all the Palestinian territories and not to bring back the occupation to the Rafah crossing."
He pointed out that the Palestinian people and parliament did not agree to the crossings agreement of 2005, which has been signed by a former Palestinian security official, and duration of which was only one year.
He stressed that during that year Rafah crossing had opened only on 22 per cent of the year's days, and closed for more than the two-thirds of the year.
The Palestinian official has stressed that the Rafah crossing is a purely Palestinian-Egyptian crossing and that the occupation has nothing to do with it, noting that Ashton's suggestions are unacceptable.
The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton said that the EU is considering resuming the task of the European observers to maintain security at the Rafah crossing, which have been stopped since 2005.
Rizqa told Quds Press: "there is no justification for Ashton's suggestion. Europe is required to help us end the occupation of all the Palestinian territories and not to bring back the occupation to the Rafah crossing."
He pointed out that the Palestinian people and parliament did not agree to the crossings agreement of 2005, which has been signed by a former Palestinian security official, and duration of which was only one year.
He stressed that during that year Rafah crossing had opened only on 22 per cent of the year's days, and closed for more than the two-thirds of the year.
The Palestinian official has stressed that the Rafah crossing is a purely Palestinian-Egyptian crossing and that the occupation has nothing to do with it, noting that Ashton's suggestions are unacceptable.
14 dec 2012
The Segregation Wall and Checkpoints in and around Bethlehem
Kairos Palestine revealed in a press release that in 2002, the construction of the Segregation Wall started west of Jenin.
The wall is still under construction and when completed, its length will total approximately 774 kilometres. The route of the wall is in no accordance with the so called "Green Line", cutting deep into the occupied West Bank.
Overall, the Segregation Wall in the Bethlehem Governorate will end up amputating some 159,793 dunums of lands behind the Wall, and threatens crucial supply areas containing artesian wells and main water basins that provide Bethlehem Governorate with water as the path of the Wall is designed to enfold the groundwater locations within Bethlehem.
Bethlehem Governorate is chained with all sorts of Israeli checkpoints or obstructions to indicate all forms used by the Israeli Army to restrict the Palestinian's movement.
Prior to the year 2000, Bethlehem Governorate had only 2 permanent checkpoints located at the outskirts of the Governorate, on the entry points to Jerusalem. The obstructions multiplied over the past 12 years to 35 different forms of obstructions.
The consequences of these actions on the economy of Bethlehem have been devastating; businesses have been forced to close and unemployment has increased to unprecedented levels, particularly the tourism sector, which is a major source of livelihood for many of the Bethlehem's residents.
The wall is still under construction and when completed, its length will total approximately 774 kilometres. The route of the wall is in no accordance with the so called "Green Line", cutting deep into the occupied West Bank.
Overall, the Segregation Wall in the Bethlehem Governorate will end up amputating some 159,793 dunums of lands behind the Wall, and threatens crucial supply areas containing artesian wells and main water basins that provide Bethlehem Governorate with water as the path of the Wall is designed to enfold the groundwater locations within Bethlehem.
Bethlehem Governorate is chained with all sorts of Israeli checkpoints or obstructions to indicate all forms used by the Israeli Army to restrict the Palestinian's movement.
Prior to the year 2000, Bethlehem Governorate had only 2 permanent checkpoints located at the outskirts of the Governorate, on the entry points to Jerusalem. The obstructions multiplied over the past 12 years to 35 different forms of obstructions.
The consequences of these actions on the economy of Bethlehem have been devastating; businesses have been forced to close and unemployment has increased to unprecedented levels, particularly the tourism sector, which is a major source of livelihood for many of the Bethlehem's residents.
6 dec 2012
Oxfam: Gaza ceasefire is a chance to finally lift blockade
International aid group Oxfam on Thursday called on Israel to take the opportunity of its ceasefire in Gaza to lift the military blockade it imposes on the coastal strip.
Israel tightened a land and sea blockade on the Gaza Strip when Hamas took power in 2007, devastating the local economy.
"People in Gaza need more than ceasefire, they need an end to the blockade for good," Oxfam’s Country Director Nishant Pandey said.
Israel's recent 8-day war on Gaza ended with a ceasefire on Nov. 21, which included a pledge to discuss easing travel and economic restrictions.
Gaza's government says Israel agreed to stop targeting Palestinians in a 500-meter border zone, and extend the fishing limit to 6 nautical miles. Israeli authorities have declined comment.
"In addition to a complete cessation of violence by both sides, Palestinians in Gaza should be allowed to securely move between Gaza and the West Bank, build trade networks, and reduce dependence on international aid," Oxfam's local policy director Martin Hartberg said.
"So long as Palestinians in Gaza remain isolated, the prospects of peace for Israelis and Palestinians remain distant and the chances for economic recovery in Gaza ever more remote," he noted.
Oxfam called on world leaders to deploy a well-resourced international inspection force to secure crossings into Gaza and to support the rebuilding of the only goods terminal and a new commercial seaport.
The international community should also press Israel to protect its borders with Gaza without harming civilians, and facilitate the free movement of people between Gaza and the West Bank, Oxfam said.
Israel tightened a land and sea blockade on the Gaza Strip when Hamas took power in 2007, devastating the local economy.
"People in Gaza need more than ceasefire, they need an end to the blockade for good," Oxfam’s Country Director Nishant Pandey said.
Israel's recent 8-day war on Gaza ended with a ceasefire on Nov. 21, which included a pledge to discuss easing travel and economic restrictions.
Gaza's government says Israel agreed to stop targeting Palestinians in a 500-meter border zone, and extend the fishing limit to 6 nautical miles. Israeli authorities have declined comment.
"In addition to a complete cessation of violence by both sides, Palestinians in Gaza should be allowed to securely move between Gaza and the West Bank, build trade networks, and reduce dependence on international aid," Oxfam's local policy director Martin Hartberg said.
"So long as Palestinians in Gaza remain isolated, the prospects of peace for Israelis and Palestinians remain distant and the chances for economic recovery in Gaza ever more remote," he noted.
Oxfam called on world leaders to deploy a well-resourced international inspection force to secure crossings into Gaza and to support the rebuilding of the only goods terminal and a new commercial seaport.
The international community should also press Israel to protect its borders with Gaza without harming civilians, and facilitate the free movement of people between Gaza and the West Bank, Oxfam said.
4 dec 2012
Governor: Israel to ease travel in northern West Bank
Israeli authorities have decided to cancel a permits system at the al-Hamra checkpoint, one of the most important crossings in the northern West Bank, the governor of Nablus said Tuesday.
Jibrin a-Bakri said the Palestinian side was informed that Israel will be setting up new facilities at the checkpoint.
The change means Palestinians will no longer have to have permits to cross, and will not have to get out of their vehicles at the inspection point, al-Bakri said.
The governor called on Israel to remove the checkpoint entirely.
The barrier separates part of the Jordan Valley and northern West Bank from one another.
Jibrin a-Bakri said the Palestinian side was informed that Israel will be setting up new facilities at the checkpoint.
The change means Palestinians will no longer have to have permits to cross, and will not have to get out of their vehicles at the inspection point, al-Bakri said.
The governor called on Israel to remove the checkpoint entirely.
The barrier separates part of the Jordan Valley and northern West Bank from one another.
1 dec 2012
Official: Egypt crossing can transfer goods to Gaza
Egypt's Rafah crossing into the Gaza Strip was used to transfer humanitarian supplies during Israel's recent assault, showing that Egypt could help break the economic siege on Gaza, Palestinian border officials said Saturday.
Rafah is Gaza's only border crossing not controlled by Israel, which imposes a blockade on the coastal strip.
During Israel's eight-day assault, medical and humanitarian goods were transferred through the crossing into Gaza, “which proves the terminal can be used for shipping goods,” crossings director Mahir Abu Sabha said.
Since the fall of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt has relaxed its own border restrictions, opening the terminal for passengers.
However, Egypt said Rafah is not equipped for good transfers and its development is restricted under international agreements.
An official from Gaza's Ministry of Public Works said Friday they will sign an agreement with Egypt next week for construction materials to enter the Gaza Strip via Rafah.
Passengers policy
Abu Sabha confirmed that there were still some restrictions on Palestinian passengers using the crossing to travel abroad.
Egypt had required Palestinians in Gaza wanting to travel abroad to be escorted under guard from Rafah to the airport, and not permitted to enter the country.
This policy was relaxed, but on Saturday Palestinians travelers told Ma'an they were being escorted again to Cairo airport. Abu Sabha said Egypt had not entirely ended its transfer policy.
But he noted that the crossing was open seven days a week, with around 700 passengers traveling each day.
Rafah is Gaza's only border crossing not controlled by Israel, which imposes a blockade on the coastal strip.
During Israel's eight-day assault, medical and humanitarian goods were transferred through the crossing into Gaza, “which proves the terminal can be used for shipping goods,” crossings director Mahir Abu Sabha said.
Since the fall of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt has relaxed its own border restrictions, opening the terminal for passengers.
However, Egypt said Rafah is not equipped for good transfers and its development is restricted under international agreements.
An official from Gaza's Ministry of Public Works said Friday they will sign an agreement with Egypt next week for construction materials to enter the Gaza Strip via Rafah.
Passengers policy
Abu Sabha confirmed that there were still some restrictions on Palestinian passengers using the crossing to travel abroad.
Egypt had required Palestinians in Gaza wanting to travel abroad to be escorted under guard from Rafah to the airport, and not permitted to enter the country.
This policy was relaxed, but on Saturday Palestinians travelers told Ma'an they were being escorted again to Cairo airport. Abu Sabha said Egypt had not entirely ended its transfer policy.
But he noted that the crossing was open seven days a week, with around 700 passengers traveling each day.
Gaza official: Egypt to open Rafah for reconstruction effort
A Gaza government ministry will sign an agreement with Egypt next week for construction materials to enter the Gaza Strip via Egypt's Rafah crossing, a Palestinian official said Friday.
The Ministry of Public Works will finalize the memorandum of understanding with its Egyptian counterpart on Tuesday or Wednesday, ministry deputy Yasser al-Shatti said.
Rafah is Gaza's only border crossing not controlled by Israel, which imposes a blockade on the coastal strip.
Since the fall of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt has relaxed its own border restrictions, opening the terminal for passengers. However, imports and exports from Gaza were not affected, as Rafah is not equipped for good transfers and its development is restricted under international agreements.
Al-Shatti said the agreement would allow construction materials into Gaza for reconstruction work after Israel bombarded the coastal strip for eight days last week.
Egypt is still studying the mechanisms to transfer the materials, which include high-tech equipment, he said.
Gaza's Minister of Public Works Yousef al-Azziz met the Egyptian housing minister Tariq Wafeeq in Cairo last week to discuss the reconstruction process.
The Ministry of Public Works will finalize the memorandum of understanding with its Egyptian counterpart on Tuesday or Wednesday, ministry deputy Yasser al-Shatti said.
Rafah is Gaza's only border crossing not controlled by Israel, which imposes a blockade on the coastal strip.
Since the fall of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt has relaxed its own border restrictions, opening the terminal for passengers. However, imports and exports from Gaza were not affected, as Rafah is not equipped for good transfers and its development is restricted under international agreements.
Al-Shatti said the agreement would allow construction materials into Gaza for reconstruction work after Israel bombarded the coastal strip for eight days last week.
Egypt is still studying the mechanisms to transfer the materials, which include high-tech equipment, he said.
Gaza's Minister of Public Works Yousef al-Azziz met the Egyptian housing minister Tariq Wafeeq in Cairo last week to discuss the reconstruction process.
Report: IOA blocked travel of 99 Palestinians in one month
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) barred the travel of 99 Palestinian West Bankers via the Karame crossing with Jordan.
A report on Saturday issued by the PA crossings authority said that the IOA blocked the travel of 99 Palestinian citizens in the past month of November for “security reasons”.
It said that the Karame crossing is the only outlet for West Bankers to the outside world.
The authority noted that 100 thousand Palestinians moved in and out of the Karame crossing in November.
A report on Saturday issued by the PA crossings authority said that the IOA blocked the travel of 99 Palestinian citizens in the past month of November for “security reasons”.
It said that the Karame crossing is the only outlet for West Bankers to the outside world.
The authority noted that 100 thousand Palestinians moved in and out of the Karame crossing in November.