Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
PA: Israeli forces raid Rimon prison
PA: Israeli forces raid Rimon prison | Maan News Agency
Published today 21:30
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A special forces unit on Saturday raided sectors 1 and 5 in Rimon prison in Israel, a Palestinian official said.
Issa Qaraqe told Ma’an that a unit raided the prison and fired tear gas at prisoners. He added that detainees were protesting the prison administration’s decision to prohibit visits and seize electronic devices.
Qaraqe said that long-term hunger striker Samer Issawi was in critical condition. He added that the ministry and the Red Cross were negotiating a visit for Issawi who was banned from receiving visitors four days earlier.
Issa Qaraqe told Ma’an that a unit raided the prison and fired tear gas at prisoners. He added that detainees were protesting the prison administration’s decision to prohibit visits and seize electronic devices.
Qaraqe said that long-term hunger striker Samer Issawi was in critical condition. He added that the ministry and the Red Cross were negotiating a visit for Issawi who was banned from receiving visitors four days earlier.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Palestinian Killed, Three Injured Near Tulkarem
International Middle East Media Center
by IMEMC & Agencies
by IMEMC & Agencies
Wednesday at night, April 3 2013, a Palestinian teenager was killed and at least three others have been injured by Israeli military fire during clashes that took place at the Ennab roadblock, east of the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem.
Palestinian medical sources reported that the army fired rounds of live ammunition at Amer Ibrahim Nassar, 17, hitting him with multiple rounds in the chest causing instant death. At least three Palestinians have also been injured.
Furthermore, the army kidnapped three Palestinians identified as Naji Abdul-Karim Balbeesy, Dia’ Nassar, and Baha’ Naim Nassar; all from the nearby Anabta town.
The Israeli army claimed that the soldiers used live rounds after a number of youth hurled Molotov cocktails at them, no injuries were reported among the soldiers. Soldiers also closed the Ennab roadblock until further notice.
Dozens of Palestinians have been injured, and kidnapped, over the past two days during clashes that took place in different parts of the West Bank following the death detainee Maisara Abu Hamdiyya, 64, on Tuesday.
The health condition of Abu Hamdiyya has been rapidly deteriorating, especially over the last two months, after he was diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer resulting of medical negligence in Israeli prisons.
Furthermore, the army kidnapped three Palestinians identified as Naji Abdul-Karim Balbeesy, Dia’ Nassar, and Baha’ Naim Nassar; all from the nearby Anabta town.
The Israeli army claimed that the soldiers used live rounds after a number of youth hurled Molotov cocktails at them, no injuries were reported among the soldiers. Soldiers also closed the Ennab roadblock until further notice.
Dozens of Palestinians have been injured, and kidnapped, over the past two days during clashes that took place in different parts of the West Bank following the death detainee Maisara Abu Hamdiyya, 64, on Tuesday.
The health condition of Abu Hamdiyya has been rapidly deteriorating, especially over the last two months, after he was diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer resulting of medical negligence in Israeli prisons.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Minister: After prisoner death, Palestine must join ICC
Minister: After prisoner death, Palestine must join ICC | Maan News Agency
Published today (updated) 03/04/2013 12:02
HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Palestine must join the International Criminal Court to stop Israel crimes against Palestinian prisoners, the PA minister for prisoners said Wednesday.
Qaraqe said Israel did not abide by international and humanitarian principles, and that Palestine must head to the ICC to protect Palestinians from Israel's "continuous crimes against humanity."
The minister's comments were made at a meeting in Hebron with the family of Maysara Abu Hamdiyeh, a cancer-sufferer who died in Israeli custody on Tuesday after Israel rejected repeated calls and protests for his release.
The Palestinian Authority's attorney-general Abdul Ghani Oweiwi has ordered an autopsy on Abu Hamidiyeh's body.
Palestinian and Arab doctors will be present at the autopsy, which will be conducted at the Abu Dis Institute of Forensic Medicine, Qaraqe said, adding that Palestinians had a right to know what led to Abu Hamdiyeh's death on Tuesday.
Issa Qaraqe said the Palestinian side had information that Abu Hamdiyeh's cancer spread because he was given the wrong medication by Israeli authorities. He was given pain killers to treat his cancer, Qaraqe said.
He said the Israeli Prison Service had neglected Abu Hamdiyeh's medical condition for two years and did not provide treatment "until his last breath."
Abu Hamdiyeh was admitted to Israel's Soroka Hospital in late March.
A military funeral will be held for Abu Hamdiyeh in Hebron after noon prayers on Thursday.
Qaraqe said Israel did not abide by international and humanitarian principles, and that Palestine must head to the ICC to protect Palestinians from Israel's "continuous crimes against humanity."
The minister's comments were made at a meeting in Hebron with the family of Maysara Abu Hamdiyeh, a cancer-sufferer who died in Israeli custody on Tuesday after Israel rejected repeated calls and protests for his release.
The Palestinian Authority's attorney-general Abdul Ghani Oweiwi has ordered an autopsy on Abu Hamidiyeh's body.
Palestinian and Arab doctors will be present at the autopsy, which will be conducted at the Abu Dis Institute of Forensic Medicine, Qaraqe said, adding that Palestinians had a right to know what led to Abu Hamdiyeh's death on Tuesday.
Issa Qaraqe said the Palestinian side had information that Abu Hamdiyeh's cancer spread because he was given the wrong medication by Israeli authorities. He was given pain killers to treat his cancer, Qaraqe said.
He said the Israeli Prison Service had neglected Abu Hamdiyeh's medical condition for two years and did not provide treatment "until his last breath."
Abu Hamdiyeh was admitted to Israel's Soroka Hospital in late March.
A military funeral will be held for Abu Hamdiyeh in Hebron after noon prayers on Thursday.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Lawyer: Issawi's heart could stop at any moment
Maan News Agency
Published today (updated) 25/03/2013 13:03
RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Samer Issawi's heart could stop at any moment, a lawyer said Monday, as the prisoner's health continues to deteriorate after 236 days on hunger strike.
Israeli doctors told Palestinian Prisoners Society lawyer Fawaz al-Shalawdi that Issawi's heartbeat had decreased to 28 beats per minute and his blood glucose has fallen to 65 milligrams per deciliter.
Doctors say his heart could stop at any moment.
Issawi suffers from breathing problems, constant dizziness and severe pain in his abdomen and kidneys, al-Shalawdi said.
"Despite my critical health situation, and all that I suffer from, I promise everyone that my health situation will not affect my decisions," Issawi said in a letter.
"I will continue my open hunger strike, and will not retract my steps. My life is not more precious than the blood of Palestinian martyrs."
Issawi was hospitalized in late February and stopped drinking water earlier in March. He was too sick to attend a hearing at Israel's Ofer military detention center last week.
On Feb. 21, a magistrates court in Jerusalem sentenced Issawi to eight months in prison, but he has yet to face a military committee which could imprison him for 20 years.
The director of the Palestinian prisoners’ club, Qadura Fares, said the court's decision was "a judicial farce that only happens in Israel," labeling the Israeli government a "mafia."
In March, Issawi said his death would be a victory for refusing to surrender to Israel's occupation.
"Do not worry if my heart stops. I am still alive now and even after death, because Jerusalem runs through my veins. If I die, it is a victory; if we are liberated, it is a victory, because either way I have refused to surrender to the Israeli occupation, its tyranny and arrogance," he wrote in The Guardian.
Issawi was freed in the Oct. 2011 prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel, but soldiers rearrested him on July 7, accusing him of violating the terms of his release by leaving Jerusalem.
Israeli prosecutors are seeking to cancel his amnesty and reinstate his former sentence.
Israeli doctors told Palestinian Prisoners Society lawyer Fawaz al-Shalawdi that Issawi's heartbeat had decreased to 28 beats per minute and his blood glucose has fallen to 65 milligrams per deciliter.
Doctors say his heart could stop at any moment.
Issawi suffers from breathing problems, constant dizziness and severe pain in his abdomen and kidneys, al-Shalawdi said.
"Despite my critical health situation, and all that I suffer from, I promise everyone that my health situation will not affect my decisions," Issawi said in a letter.
"I will continue my open hunger strike, and will not retract my steps. My life is not more precious than the blood of Palestinian martyrs."
Issawi was hospitalized in late February and stopped drinking water earlier in March. He was too sick to attend a hearing at Israel's Ofer military detention center last week.
On Feb. 21, a magistrates court in Jerusalem sentenced Issawi to eight months in prison, but he has yet to face a military committee which could imprison him for 20 years.
The director of the Palestinian prisoners’ club, Qadura Fares, said the court's decision was "a judicial farce that only happens in Israel," labeling the Israeli government a "mafia."
In March, Issawi said his death would be a victory for refusing to surrender to Israel's occupation.
"Do not worry if my heart stops. I am still alive now and even after death, because Jerusalem runs through my veins. If I die, it is a victory; if we are liberated, it is a victory, because either way I have refused to surrender to the Israeli occupation, its tyranny and arrogance," he wrote in The Guardian.
Issawi was freed in the Oct. 2011 prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel, but soldiers rearrested him on July 7, accusing him of violating the terms of his release by leaving Jerusalem.
Israeli prosecutors are seeking to cancel his amnesty and reinstate his former sentence.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Gaza fishermen struggle to eke out a livelihood | ReliefWeb
Gaza fishermen struggle to eke out a livelihood | ReliefWeb
Held each year on 22 March, International World Water Day draws attention to the importance of freshwater and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources around the world. In Gaza, the ongoing occupation, the Israeli and Egyptian blockade, as well as the dumping of sewage in the sea are some of the factors that have prevented Palestinians from enjoying clean, healthy water. The story below is about a fisherman whose livelihood has been nearly destroyed due to water pollution on Gaza’s seashore.
Blockade and wastewater’s effect on Gaza’s fishermen
52 year-old Khalil Ibrahim Al-Habil, a Palestine refugee living in Gaza, has been a fisherman for all of his adult life. The Israeli blockade on the coastal enclave in recent years has made it extremely difficult for him to support his family of 12.
“Ten years ago, there was a 12-mile limit on fishing, but now, we have been relegated to six miles”, said Al-Habil.
The Israeli-imposed fishing limit and the sewage water being poured into the sea means that Gaza’s fishermen are forced to fish in mostly polluted water. “The water is not clear like it used to be decades ago. Even at cheap prices, people refrain from buying this unhealthy fish and many of us hardly manage to sell anything”, Al-Habil added.
This had a detrimental effect on Al-Habil’s ability to continue fishing, forcing him to sell his wife’s jewelry, and take loans from relatives and other sources to buy a motorboat. Sadly, business did not improve. “It became a nightmare. I sank into pool of debts and am unable to make ends meet” Al Habil said
A livelihood destroyed
The head of Gaza’s Fishermen Association Nizar Ayyash says that “about 98 per cent” of Gaza fishermen fall below the poverty line. “UNRWA used to provide the Association with 1,000 three-month-job opportunities a year through its job creation programme,” he said.
Al-Habil was one of many beneficiaries who received employment opportunities through UNRWA’s Job Creation Programme (JCP). He now receives emergency food coupons from the Agency.
“In the 1990s, the Gaza fishing industry produced a considerable annual income, but things have gone downhill in recent years. Under the 1993 Oslo Accords, Gaza’s fishermen were to be allowed 20 nautical miles for fishing, but they are only allowed six”, added Ayyash.
Al-Habil cannot see himself doing anything other than fishing, the trade he inherited from his ancestors. “I'm happy at sea, happy to be fishing, this is what I know, and what I am good at, if only there was something to catch. It is very depressing when I go home empty-handed,” he said.
Blockade and wastewater’s effect on Gaza’s fishermen
52 year-old Khalil Ibrahim Al-Habil, a Palestine refugee living in Gaza, has been a fisherman for all of his adult life. The Israeli blockade on the coastal enclave in recent years has made it extremely difficult for him to support his family of 12.
“Ten years ago, there was a 12-mile limit on fishing, but now, we have been relegated to six miles”, said Al-Habil.
The Israeli-imposed fishing limit and the sewage water being poured into the sea means that Gaza’s fishermen are forced to fish in mostly polluted water. “The water is not clear like it used to be decades ago. Even at cheap prices, people refrain from buying this unhealthy fish and many of us hardly manage to sell anything”, Al-Habil added.
This had a detrimental effect on Al-Habil’s ability to continue fishing, forcing him to sell his wife’s jewelry, and take loans from relatives and other sources to buy a motorboat. Sadly, business did not improve. “It became a nightmare. I sank into pool of debts and am unable to make ends meet” Al Habil said
A livelihood destroyed
The head of Gaza’s Fishermen Association Nizar Ayyash says that “about 98 per cent” of Gaza fishermen fall below the poverty line. “UNRWA used to provide the Association with 1,000 three-month-job opportunities a year through its job creation programme,” he said.
Al-Habil was one of many beneficiaries who received employment opportunities through UNRWA’s Job Creation Programme (JCP). He now receives emergency food coupons from the Agency.
“In the 1990s, the Gaza fishing industry produced a considerable annual income, but things have gone downhill in recent years. Under the 1993 Oslo Accords, Gaza’s fishermen were to be allowed 20 nautical miles for fishing, but they are only allowed six”, added Ayyash.
Al-Habil cannot see himself doing anything other than fishing, the trade he inherited from his ancestors. “I'm happy at sea, happy to be fishing, this is what I know, and what I am good at, if only there was something to catch. It is very depressing when I go home empty-handed,” he said.
Featured
Primary country
occupied Palestinian territoryTuesday, March 19, 2013
PCHR: Sharawna deportation violates Geneva Conventions
PCHR: Sharawna deportation violates Geneva Conventions
Published yesterday (updated) 18/03/2013 21:44
People carry freed prisoner Ayman Sharawna on a stretcher as he
gestures upon his arrival to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, March 17.
(Reuters/Mohammed Salem)
gestures upon his arrival to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, March 17.
(Reuters/Mohammed Salem)
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- The deportation to Gaza of hunger-striking prisoner Ayman Sharawna is a violation of the Geneva Conventions, a Palestinian rights group said Monday.
Sharawna arrived in the Gaza Strip on Sunday evening after signing a deportation deal to end an 8-month long hunger strike in Israeli jail.
Forcible deportation is a form of collective punishment prohibited under the fourth Geneva Convention which prohibits "individual or mass forcible transfers, as well as deportations of protected persons from occupied territory to the territory of the Occupying Power or to that of any other country, occupied or not," PCHR said in a statement.
The deal stipulates that Sharawna would stay in Gaza for 10 years before being able to return to his home in Gaza.
A 2011 prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas saw 40 Palestinians deported to other countries and 163 to the Gaza Strip, PHCR said, calling for all deportees to be allowed to return home.
Sharawna, 36, is from the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and is married with nine children.
He was released in the Oct. 2011 prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas but was rearrested in Jan. 2012 and accused of violating the terms of his release.
Israeli authorities refused to reveal how Sharawna violated his release terms, even to his lawyers, and he was jailed without charge or trial.
Israeli prosecutors sought to cancel Sharawna's amnesty and jail him for 28 years, the remainder of his previous sentence. He went on hunger strike to demand his release.
Sharawna arrived in the Gaza Strip on Sunday evening after signing a deportation deal to end an 8-month long hunger strike in Israeli jail.
Forcible deportation is a form of collective punishment prohibited under the fourth Geneva Convention which prohibits "individual or mass forcible transfers, as well as deportations of protected persons from occupied territory to the territory of the Occupying Power or to that of any other country, occupied or not," PCHR said in a statement.
The deal stipulates that Sharawna would stay in Gaza for 10 years before being able to return to his home in Gaza.
A 2011 prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas saw 40 Palestinians deported to other countries and 163 to the Gaza Strip, PHCR said, calling for all deportees to be allowed to return home.
Sharawna, 36, is from the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and is married with nine children.
He was released in the Oct. 2011 prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas but was rearrested in Jan. 2012 and accused of violating the terms of his release.
Israeli authorities refused to reveal how Sharawna violated his release terms, even to his lawyers, and he was jailed without charge or trial.
Israeli prosecutors sought to cancel Sharawna's amnesty and jail him for 28 years, the remainder of his previous sentence. He went on hunger strike to demand his release.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Ayman Sharawna arrives in Gaza Strip
Ayman Sharawna arrives in Gaza Strip | Maan News Agency
Published today (updated) 17/03/2013 22:32
People carry freed prisoner Ayman Sharawna on a stretcher as he
gestures upon his arrival to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, March 17.
(Reuters/Mohammed Salem)
gestures upon his arrival to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, March 17.
(Reuters/Mohammed Salem)
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Ayman Sharawna arrived in the Gaza Strip on Sunday evening after signing a deportation deal to end an 8-month long hunger strike in Israeli jail.
Sharawna arrived at the Erez crossing, where a Palestinian ambulance was waiting to take him into Gaza. Hundreds of people crowded at the Palestinian side of the checkpoint to greet him.
Sharawna signed an agreement with Israeli authorities to be deported to Gaza for 10 years, bringing an end to a hunger strike he launched on July 1, said Qadura Fares, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Society.
The undersecretary of the PA Ministry of Detainee Affairs, Ziad Abu Ein, told Ma'an the agreement was signed without notifying the ministry. He said Israeli authorities were pressuring Samer Issawi, who has been on hunger strike for 228 days, to make a similar deal.
Earlier Sunday, the Minister of Detainee Affairs Issa Qaraqe said the Palestinian Authority rejected the deportation of prisoners as political blackmail.
Sharawna, 36, is from the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and is married with nine children.
He was released in the Oct. 2011 prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas but was rearrested in Jan. 2012 and accused of violating the terms of his release.
Israeli authorities refused to reveal how Sharawna violated his release terms, even to his lawyers, and he was jailed without charge or trial.
Israeli prosecutors sought to cancel Sharawna's amnesty and jail him for 28 years, the remainder of his previous sentence. He went on hunger strike to demand his release.
Sharawna arrived at the Erez crossing, where a Palestinian ambulance was waiting to take him into Gaza. Hundreds of people crowded at the Palestinian side of the checkpoint to greet him.
Sharawna signed an agreement with Israeli authorities to be deported to Gaza for 10 years, bringing an end to a hunger strike he launched on July 1, said Qadura Fares, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Society.
The undersecretary of the PA Ministry of Detainee Affairs, Ziad Abu Ein, told Ma'an the agreement was signed without notifying the ministry. He said Israeli authorities were pressuring Samer Issawi, who has been on hunger strike for 228 days, to make a similar deal.
Earlier Sunday, the Minister of Detainee Affairs Issa Qaraqe said the Palestinian Authority rejected the deportation of prisoners as political blackmail.
Sharawna, 36, is from the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and is married with nine children.
He was released in the Oct. 2011 prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas but was rearrested in Jan. 2012 and accused of violating the terms of his release.
Israeli authorities refused to reveal how Sharawna violated his release terms, even to his lawyers, and he was jailed without charge or trial.
Israeli prosecutors sought to cancel Sharawna's amnesty and jail him for 28 years, the remainder of his previous sentence. He went on hunger strike to demand his release.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Israel forces 'order 15 families to leave homes'
Maan News Agency
Published today 21:01
HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces on Monday ordered 15 families to evacuate their homes in the southern West Bank and said the area was a "closed military zone," a resident facing eviction said.
Abed Shalalda said 15 families from his tribe were told they would be evicted from their homes in al-Ganoub, east of Sair, by force if they did not leave within days.
The families live in caves and ancient stone dwellings in an area with fruit trees and water wells. Shalalda said all the residents had land ownership deeds.
Abed Shalalda said 15 families from his tribe were told they would be evicted from their homes in al-Ganoub, east of Sair, by force if they did not leave within days.
The families live in caves and ancient stone dwellings in an area with fruit trees and water wells. Shalalda said all the residents had land ownership deeds.
Israeli forces incursion east of Gaza
Israeli forces incursion east of Gaza
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) mounting a number of armored vehicles and escorting bulldozers advanced east of Juhr Al-Deek to the south east of Gaza city on Monday.
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Israeli occupation forces (IOF) mounting a number of armored vehicles and escorting bulldozers advanced east of Juhr Al-Deek to the south east of Gaza city on Monday.
Local and security sources said that the IOF army vehicles advanced 200 meters from the border fence.
The sources told the PIC reporter that the bulldozers leveled land in the area while the vehicles combed its vicinity.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Ramallah man dies of injuries sustained in clashes
Ramallah man dies of injuries sustained in clashes | Maan News Agency
Published today (updated) 07/03/2013 14:54
RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Mohammad Asfour, 22, died on Thursday morning of wounds sustained in clashes two weeks ago, medical officials said.
The incident occurred during protests in support of a hunger strike by four Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Clashes erupted in Abud village north of Ramallah and Asfour sustained injuries to the head including bleeding in his brain. He was in a coma, and transferred to an Israeli hospital in critical condition.
Asfour was a student in the sports department in Al-Quds University in Abu Dis.
Asfour's family said he would be buried on Friday.
Hamas said Asfour was one of its members.
The Israeli military had no immediate comment on his death.
A surge in violence in the West Bank over the past several weeks has raised concern in Israel that a new Palestinian uprising could erupt. The violence largely subsided last week after Israel indicated it was likely to release two of the hunger-strikers in May and they ended their protest.
Reuters contributed to this report.
The incident occurred during protests in support of a hunger strike by four Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Clashes erupted in Abud village north of Ramallah and Asfour sustained injuries to the head including bleeding in his brain. He was in a coma, and transferred to an Israeli hospital in critical condition.
Asfour was a student in the sports department in Al-Quds University in Abu Dis.
Asfour's family said he would be buried on Friday.
Hamas said Asfour was one of its members.
The Israeli military had no immediate comment on his death.
A surge in violence in the West Bank over the past several weeks has raised concern in Israel that a new Palestinian uprising could erupt. The violence largely subsided last week after Israel indicated it was likely to release two of the hunger-strikers in May and they ended their protest.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
United Nations News Centre - Palestinians establish first national disaster loss database with UN help
United Nations News Centre
25 February 2013 – With support from the United Nations, Palestinian officials today launched the first database designed to provide information on disaster losses that will help develop planning policies and strengthen community resilience.
According to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Palestine is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, mainly earthquakes, floods, landslides, droughts and desertification. The whole region frequently faces small to mid-scale disasters and is vulnerable to large-scale urban disasters, triggered by seismic activity and climate change.
In January, a winter storm struck the region and caused severe damage to the agriculture and infrastructure in the northern West Bank. About 12,000 people across 190 communities were affected by this storm.
The initiative was launched in Ramallah, and was presided over by various Palestinian officials as well as Margareta Wahlström, UNISDR chief and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, who began her visit to the region this week.
Ms. Wahlström met with the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Mohammad Abu-Rahmadan, who told her that the storm last month was an early warning to all sectors that “Palestine can be affected by weather-related events that are beyond the usual patterns.”
During her visit, Ms. Wahlström will also meet with Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and other senior officials, as well as representatives from local government and members of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
“It’s an opportunity to pull together all the knowledge that exists here and strengthen the coordination to improve and enhance risk mitigation to be better prepared,” Ms. Wahlström said.
Over the next three days, 100 participants representing various Palestinian governmental and non-governmental entities, international organizations and UN agencies will attend a disaster inventory training as part of the initiative.
25 February 2013 – With support from the United Nations, Palestinian officials today launched the first database designed to provide information on disaster losses that will help develop planning policies and strengthen community resilience.
According to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Palestine is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, mainly earthquakes, floods, landslides, droughts and desertification. The whole region frequently faces small to mid-scale disasters and is vulnerable to large-scale urban disasters, triggered by seismic activity and climate change.
In January, a winter storm struck the region and caused severe damage to the agriculture and infrastructure in the northern West Bank. About 12,000 people across 190 communities were affected by this storm.
The initiative was launched in Ramallah, and was presided over by various Palestinian officials as well as Margareta Wahlström, UNISDR chief and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, who began her visit to the region this week.
Ms. Wahlström met with the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Mohammad Abu-Rahmadan, who told her that the storm last month was an early warning to all sectors that “Palestine can be affected by weather-related events that are beyond the usual patterns.”
During her visit, Ms. Wahlström will also meet with Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and other senior officials, as well as representatives from local government and members of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
“It’s an opportunity to pull together all the knowledge that exists here and strengthen the coordination to improve and enhance risk mitigation to be better prepared,” Ms. Wahlström said.
Over the next three days, 100 participants representing various Palestinian governmental and non-governmental entities, international organizations and UN agencies will attend a disaster inventory training as part of the initiative.
The Palestinian Information Center- news links
The Palestinian Information Center
| Israeli special forces assault worshipers in Aqsa mosque | |||
 | Israeli special forces assaulted a number of worshipers in the holy Aqsa mosque, the Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and heritage said on Monday. | ||
 | |||
| Palestinian prisoners call for intifada | |||
 | Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails have called on the Palestinian people to launch a new intifada in support of their cause. | ||
| | |||
| Jewish settlers storm Aqsa mosque | |||
 | Dozens of Jewish settlers stormed the holy Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Monday morning amidst heavy police presence. | ||
| | |||
| IOA renews administrative detention of Barq for three months | |||
 | The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) renewed on Sunday the administrative detention of Samer Al-Barq for three more months despite earlier promises of releasing him. | ||
| | |||
| Four Palestinian refugees including woman killed in Syria | |||
 | Four Palestinian refugees were killed in Syria on Sunday including a woman all in the Yarmouk refugee camp, south of Damascus, the workgroup for Palestinians in Syria announced on Monday. | ||
| | |||
| IOF soldiers arrest young man west of Jenin | |||
 | Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested a Palestinian youth in his village of Zabuba, west of Jenin, at a late night hour on Sunday, local sources said. | ||
| | |||
| Israeli court extends remand of Issawi’s brother | |||
 | The Israeli Magistrate Court in occupied Jerusalem extended on Sunday the remand of Shadi Issawi, the brother of hunger striker Samer Issawi, and did not allow him to see his lawyer. | ||
| | |||
| Only a modus vivindi is possible between Fatah and Hamas now | |||
 | Comment by Khalid Amayreh [ 24/02/2013 - 10:50 PM ] As widely expected, all reconciliation efforts made recently to end the 6-year rift between Hamas and Fatah have failed to make a real breakthrough | ||
| | |||
| Palestinian prisoner goes on hunger strike to protest 30 years in captivity | |||
 | Palestinian prisoner Maher Yunis went on hunger strike on Sunday to protest his 30 years of captivity in Israeli occupation jails, the Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights said. | ||
| | |||
| IOF soldiers clash with protestors in Jenin, storm village | |||
 | Israeli occupation forces (IOF) fired rubber bullets and teargas at Palestinian young men who marched outside Jenin city on Sunday in protest at the death of a Palestinian prisoner in Israeli custody. | ||
| | |||
| Other HeadLines | |||
 Palestinian citizen wounded in IOF shooting24/02/2013 - 10:10 PM | |||
 Jaradat family confirms the presence of bruises and blood on Arafat's body24/02/2013 - 09:33 PM | |||
| Occupation renews administrative detention for captives Qa'adan and Ezzedine 24/02/2013 - 09:27 PM | |||
| Israel announces confiscating lands in Jerusalem 24/02/2013 - 09:24 PM | |||
| Prisoner al-Saidi demands the release of hunger striker Sharawna 24/02/2013 - 09:22 PM | |||
| Hamas holds occupation fully responsible for killing Jaradat 24/02/2013 - 08:35 PM | |||
| Palestinian revolt throughout the West Bank and Gaza 24/02/2013 - 08:05 PM | |||
| Al-Sanaa: Negev Palestinians face Israeli schemes 24/02/2013 - 01:16 PM | |||
| IOA extends youths' detention, releases others 24/02/2013 - 12:57 PM | |||
| Tamimi: Western media mislead the world about Palestine 24/02/2013 - 11:30 AM | |||
| | |||
Palestinian prisoners call for intifada
Palestinian prisoners call for intifada
 |
| GAZA, (PIC)-- Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails have called on the Palestinian people to launch a new intifada in support of their cause. The prisoners in a message on Sunday called on all factions and forces to double efforts for the sake of securing their release. They also called on Egypt to immediately intervene and check the Israeli crimes against Palestinian prisoners and to save the sick and isolated prisoners and those on hunger strike before it is too late. The prisoners said that they were now united more than ever before and the spirit of challenge was still running in their veins and the increasing pressures by the Israeli prison authorities would only lead to an explosion within those jails. They warned that more funerals might get out of Israeli jails soon, pointing to the presence of critical conditions for prisoners in Ramle prison hospital. |
Israeli special forces assault worshipers in Aqsa mosque
Israeli special forces assault worshipers in Aqsa mosque
 |
| OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- Israeli special forces assaulted a number of worshipers in the holy Aqsa mosque, the Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and heritage said on Monday. It said that the worshipers confronted the Israeli forces’ attempt to break into the Qibli mosque, the old Aqsa mosque, which triggered limited confrontations with no injuries or arrests reported. The foundation said that tension was still running high in the holy site due to the Israeli forces’ determination to storm the Qibli mosque to force young worshipers out of it. |
Three Palestinians Injured during Confrontations near Ofer Prison
Palestine News & Info Agency - WAFA -
RAMALLAH, February 25, 2013 (WAFA) – Three Palestinians were injured Monday in ongoing confrontations near Ofer prison, south west of Ramallah, according to medical sources.
They said two Palestinians were transferred to Palestine medical compound for treatment, after they were shot by Israeli live bullets, while a third was severely injured by a tear-gas canister directly in the head and was also transferred to hospital for treatment.
These confrontations came in response to a prisoner’s death in an Israeli interrogation center due to severe torture Saturday.
RAMALLAH, February 25, 2013 (WAFA) – Three Palestinians were injured Monday in ongoing confrontations near Ofer prison, south west of Ramallah, according to medical sources.
They said two Palestinians were transferred to Palestine medical compound for treatment, after they were shot by Israeli live bullets, while a third was severely injured by a tear-gas canister directly in the head and was also transferred to hospital for treatment.
These confrontations came in response to a prisoner’s death in an Israeli interrogation center due to severe torture Saturday.
Farmer Injured by Israeli Bullets near Gaza Border
Palestine News & Info Agency - WAFA
GAZA, February 24, 2013 (WAFA) – Israeli forces shot and injured on Sunday a Palestinian farmer from Jabalia town, northeast of Gaza strip, according to medical sources.
They told WAFA the farmer, who is in his mid-ages, was shot in the left leg by an Israeli force settled on the east of Palestinian-Israeli border near Jabalia. He was taken to a hospital in Beit lahia, north of Gaza, where his condition was reported stable.
It is known that Israeli forces, settled in the military towers on the eastern borders, repeatedly target residents and farmers who try to reach their land near the border.
Palestinian boy seriously injured by gun fire in WB clashes
Ynetnews
A 13-year-old Palestinian boy from the Aida refugee camp suffered injuries to the upper torso as a result of gun fire in clashes with security forces in Nablus, Palestinian sources reported.
The boy was taken to a Nablus' hospital in serious condition.
A 13-year-old Palestinian boy from the Aida refugee camp suffered injuries to the upper torso as a result of gun fire in clashes with security forces in Nablus, Palestinian sources reported.
The boy was taken to a Nablus' hospital in serious condition.
Abbas says Israel wants chaos
Maan News Agency
Published today 17:01
A protester throws a stone during clashes with Israeli soldiers and
border policemen in the West Bank city of Hebron February 24,
2013. (Reuters/Ammar Awad)
border policemen in the West Bank city of Hebron February 24,
2013. (Reuters/Ammar Awad)
RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that Israel was seeking chaos as Israeli forces clashed with protesters across the West Bank for the second day.
"The Israelis want chaos ... We will not allow them to drag us into it and to mess with the lives of our children and our youth," Abbas told reporters in his office in Ramallah.
The death of 30-year-old Arafat Jaradat in Israeli custody on Saturday has sparked mass protests across the West Bank and Gaza. An autopsy revealed Jaradat died of extreme torture, Palestinian officials said Sunday.
"We lost Arafat Jaradat who was arrested and came back in a coffin and this cannot pass lightly," Abbas said. "We will not allow them to keep our prisoners in jails all their lives for crimes they didn't commit."
Abbas continued: "We are asking for peace which is built on justice and stopping settlements because we are a state under occupation and according to the Fourth Geneva Convention, Israel shouldn’t change the nature of the land which it’s occupying and transfer people to it."
Peace means an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the president added.
"We will not accept less than international legitimacy and we tell all states of the world including the US and the Quartet that we are seeking peace."
"The Israelis want chaos ... We will not allow them to drag us into it and to mess with the lives of our children and our youth," Abbas told reporters in his office in Ramallah.
The death of 30-year-old Arafat Jaradat in Israeli custody on Saturday has sparked mass protests across the West Bank and Gaza. An autopsy revealed Jaradat died of extreme torture, Palestinian officials said Sunday.
"We lost Arafat Jaradat who was arrested and came back in a coffin and this cannot pass lightly," Abbas said. "We will not allow them to keep our prisoners in jails all their lives for crimes they didn't commit."
Abbas continued: "We are asking for peace which is built on justice and stopping settlements because we are a state under occupation and according to the Fourth Geneva Convention, Israel shouldn’t change the nature of the land which it’s occupying and transfer people to it."
Peace means an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the president added.
"We will not accept less than international legitimacy and we tell all states of the world including the US and the Quartet that we are seeking peace."
Thousands attend funeral for Arafat Jaradat
Thousands attend funeral for Arafat Jaradat | Maan News Agency
Published today (updated) 25/02/2013 15:28
Mourners carry the body of Arafat Jaradat during his funeral in Sair,
Feb. 25. (Reuters/Darren Whiteside)
Feb. 25. (Reuters/Darren Whiteside)
HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Thousands of mourners on Monday attended the funeral of Arafat Jaradat who died two days earlier in Israeli custody.
Jaradat, 30, died in Israel's Megiddo prison a week after he was detained. An autopsy showed he died from severe torture, Palestinian officials said Sunday.
Gunmen from the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades fired in the air in Sair village, Jaradat's hometown, as thousands marched with his body. Jaradat's mother and pregnant wife collapsed at the funeral.
"We sacrifice our souls and blood for you, our martyr" mourners chanted.
Large numbers of Israeli forces deployed around Sair and imposed extensive restrictions on the entrances to Hebron and nearby villages.
Israeli forces fired tear gas at protesters in al-Arrub refugee camp and in Beit Einun. An Israeli military spokeswoman said forces fired riot dispersal means at Palestinians who threw stones at soldiers.
Jaradat, 30, died in Israel's Megiddo prison a week after he was detained. An autopsy showed he died from severe torture, Palestinian officials said Sunday.
Gunmen from the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades fired in the air in Sair village, Jaradat's hometown, as thousands marched with his body. Jaradat's mother and pregnant wife collapsed at the funeral.
"We sacrifice our souls and blood for you, our martyr" mourners chanted.
Large numbers of Israeli forces deployed around Sair and imposed extensive restrictions on the entrances to Hebron and nearby villages.
Israeli forces fired tear gas at protesters in al-Arrub refugee camp and in Beit Einun. An Israeli military spokeswoman said forces fired riot dispersal means at Palestinians who threw stones at soldiers.
Gaza lawyers to strike over prisoner death
Maan News Agency
Published today 13:03
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Lawyers in Gaza will go on strike Tuesday to protest the death of Arafat Jaradat in Israeli custody, their union announced Monday.
Union official Salameh Bseiso told Ma'an that lawyers would hold a sit in at the union's office in Gaza City on Tuesday morning.
Bseiso said Israeli interrogators had killed 30-year-old Jaradat "in cold blood" and called on international organizations to intervene to protect Palestinian prisoners.
"We won't stay calm regarding this crime and we will make intensive calls with Arab lawyers to reveal Israeli crimes," Bseiso added.
The Palestinian Authority state pathologist was present at the autopsy on Jaradat's body, which was carried out in Israel.
"There were marks of torture on the back, marks of torture on the chest, a deep wound on the upper side of the shoulder, wounds alongside the spine and marks of torture underneath the skin," PA prisoners minister Issa Qaraqe said, based on the doctor's basic findings.
Union official Salameh Bseiso told Ma'an that lawyers would hold a sit in at the union's office in Gaza City on Tuesday morning.
Bseiso said Israeli interrogators had killed 30-year-old Jaradat "in cold blood" and called on international organizations to intervene to protect Palestinian prisoners.
"We won't stay calm regarding this crime and we will make intensive calls with Arab lawyers to reveal Israeli crimes," Bseiso added.
The Palestinian Authority state pathologist was present at the autopsy on Jaradat's body, which was carried out in Israel.
"There were marks of torture on the back, marks of torture on the chest, a deep wound on the upper side of the shoulder, wounds alongside the spine and marks of torture underneath the skin," PA prisoners minister Issa Qaraqe said, based on the doctor's basic findings.
Prisoner's death stokes fears of uprising
Prisoner's death stokes fears of uprising | SBS World News
A senior Palestinian official alleged that Arafat Jaradat was tortured by Israel's Shin Bet security service, citing an autopsy he said revealed bruising and two broken ribs.
Israel's Health Ministry said the autopsy did not conclusively determine the cause of death, but that the bruising and broken ribs were likely the result of attempts to revive the detainee.
Jaradat's death came at a time of rising West Bank tensions, including several days of Palestinian marches in support of four hunger-striking prisoners in Israeli lockups. In all, Israel holds nearly 4,600 Palestinians, including dozens who have never been formally charged or tried.
Frozen Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, the recent re-election of Israeli hard-line Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a Palestinian cash crisis and the Palestinians' sense of being abandoned by the Arab world seem to have created fertile ground for a third Palestinian revolt.
Over the weekend, Israel's army chief convened senior commanders to discuss the growing unrest.
Jaradat's death "is liable to become the opening shot" in a third uprising, Israeli military commentator Alex Fishman wrote in the Yediot Ahronot daily Sunday, arguing that the "Palestinian street has been boiling with anger for a number of weeks now."
However, Israeli officials have previously expressed concern about a new uprising, only to see bursts of Palestinian protests fizzle.
The first uprising, marked by stone-throwing protests and commercial strikes, erupted in the late 1980s and led to Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The second uprising broke out in 2000, after failed talks on a final peace deal, and was far deadlier, with Israel reoccupying the West Bank in response to bombings and shootings.
In recent years, the West Bank has been relatively calm. Despite recent tensions, the Palestinian self-rule government has not broken off security coordination with Israel in their joint campaign against Islamic militants.
Palestinian activists also say they learned from the mistakes of the armed revolt a decade ago and are turning to more creative protests against Israel's 45-year rule over lands they want for a future state.
Former Palestinian security chief Jibril Rajoub, speaking in Hebrew on Israel Radio, tried to reassure Israelis, declaring Sunday "on behalf of the entire Palestinian leadership that there is no plan to lead to bloodshed".
Jaradat, a father of two from the West Bank village of Saeer, died in Megiddo Prison in northern Israel on Saturday, six days after his arrest on suspicion of stone throwing.
Jaradat's lawyer, Kamil Sabbagh, said his client told an Israeli military judge on Thursday during a hearing that he was being forced to sit for long periods during interrogation. He also complained of back pain and seemed terrified to return to the Shin Bet lockup, although he did not have any apparent signs of physical abuse, Sabbagh said.
After the court hearing, the judge ordered Jaradat to be examined by a prison doctor.
The Shin Bet said that during interrogation, Jaradat was examined several times by a doctor who detected no health problems. On Saturday, he was in his cell and felt unwell after lunch, the agency said.
"Rescue services and a doctor were alerted and treated him," the statement said. But "they didn't succeed in saving his life".
On Sunday, Israel's forensics institute performed an autopsy attended by a physician from the Palestinian Authority.
After being briefed by the Palestinian physician, Issa Karake, the Palestinian minister of prisoner affairs, told a news conference late on Sunday that Jaradat had suffered two broken ribs on the right side of his chest. The autopsy also showed bruises on Jaradat's back and chest.
Israeli officials initially said Jaradat apparently died of a heart attack, but Karake said the Palestinian physician told him there was no evidence of that.
Later, Israel's Health Ministry said Jaradat did not suffer from disease and that it was not possible yet to determine his cause of death conclusively.
Jaradat "faced harsh torture, leading to his immediate, direct death. Israel is fully responsible for his killing", Karake said.
Protesting Jaradat's death, Palestinians threw stones at Israeli troops in several locations, including the West Bank city of Hebron and at a checkpoint near the military's Ofer prison on Sunday. In two locations, troops fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel pellets.
The mysterious death of a 30-year-old Palestinian gas station attendant in Israeli custody has stoked new West Bank clashes.
The mysterious death of a 30-year-old Palestinian gas station attendant in Israeli custody has stoked new West Bank clashes, along with Israeli fears of a third Palestinian uprising.A senior Palestinian official alleged that Arafat Jaradat was tortured by Israel's Shin Bet security service, citing an autopsy he said revealed bruising and two broken ribs.
Israel's Health Ministry said the autopsy did not conclusively determine the cause of death, but that the bruising and broken ribs were likely the result of attempts to revive the detainee.
Jaradat's death came at a time of rising West Bank tensions, including several days of Palestinian marches in support of four hunger-striking prisoners in Israeli lockups. In all, Israel holds nearly 4,600 Palestinians, including dozens who have never been formally charged or tried.
Frozen Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, the recent re-election of Israeli hard-line Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a Palestinian cash crisis and the Palestinians' sense of being abandoned by the Arab world seem to have created fertile ground for a third Palestinian revolt.
Over the weekend, Israel's army chief convened senior commanders to discuss the growing unrest.
Jaradat's death "is liable to become the opening shot" in a third uprising, Israeli military commentator Alex Fishman wrote in the Yediot Ahronot daily Sunday, arguing that the "Palestinian street has been boiling with anger for a number of weeks now."
However, Israeli officials have previously expressed concern about a new uprising, only to see bursts of Palestinian protests fizzle.
The first uprising, marked by stone-throwing protests and commercial strikes, erupted in the late 1980s and led to Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The second uprising broke out in 2000, after failed talks on a final peace deal, and was far deadlier, with Israel reoccupying the West Bank in response to bombings and shootings.
In recent years, the West Bank has been relatively calm. Despite recent tensions, the Palestinian self-rule government has not broken off security coordination with Israel in their joint campaign against Islamic militants.
Palestinian activists also say they learned from the mistakes of the armed revolt a decade ago and are turning to more creative protests against Israel's 45-year rule over lands they want for a future state.
Former Palestinian security chief Jibril Rajoub, speaking in Hebrew on Israel Radio, tried to reassure Israelis, declaring Sunday "on behalf of the entire Palestinian leadership that there is no plan to lead to bloodshed".
Jaradat, a father of two from the West Bank village of Saeer, died in Megiddo Prison in northern Israel on Saturday, six days after his arrest on suspicion of stone throwing.
Jaradat's lawyer, Kamil Sabbagh, said his client told an Israeli military judge on Thursday during a hearing that he was being forced to sit for long periods during interrogation. He also complained of back pain and seemed terrified to return to the Shin Bet lockup, although he did not have any apparent signs of physical abuse, Sabbagh said.
After the court hearing, the judge ordered Jaradat to be examined by a prison doctor.
The Shin Bet said that during interrogation, Jaradat was examined several times by a doctor who detected no health problems. On Saturday, he was in his cell and felt unwell after lunch, the agency said.
"Rescue services and a doctor were alerted and treated him," the statement said. But "they didn't succeed in saving his life".
On Sunday, Israel's forensics institute performed an autopsy attended by a physician from the Palestinian Authority.
After being briefed by the Palestinian physician, Issa Karake, the Palestinian minister of prisoner affairs, told a news conference late on Sunday that Jaradat had suffered two broken ribs on the right side of his chest. The autopsy also showed bruises on Jaradat's back and chest.
Israeli officials initially said Jaradat apparently died of a heart attack, but Karake said the Palestinian physician told him there was no evidence of that.
Later, Israel's Health Ministry said Jaradat did not suffer from disease and that it was not possible yet to determine his cause of death conclusively.
Jaradat "faced harsh torture, leading to his immediate, direct death. Israel is fully responsible for his killing", Karake said.
Protesting Jaradat's death, Palestinians threw stones at Israeli troops in several locations, including the West Bank city of Hebron and at a checkpoint near the military's Ofer prison on Sunday. In two locations, troops fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel pellets.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Dozens injured in West Bank clashes
Maan News Agency
RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Dozens of Palestinians were injured Sunday including two shot with live bullets at demonstrations across the West Bank to protest the death of a Palestinian in Israeli custody.
At least 26 protesters sustained wounds from rubber and live bullets during clashes near Ofer prison, west of Ramallah, medics said.
The 13-year-old son of a Preventive Security officer was taken to Ramallah government hospital after he was shot in the chest with a live bullet at the protest. A 19-year-old was shot with rubber-coated bullets all over his body, a Ma'an reporter said.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said protesters hurled rocks at soldiers who responded with riot dispersal means.
In al-Arrub refugee camp, soldiers shot a protester with live fire, the army spokeswoman said.
Across Gaza and the West Bank, hundreds protested the death of Ahmad Jaradat, a 30-year-old who died in Israel's Megiddo prison on Saturday.
Palestinian Authority Minister of Detainee Affairs Issa Qaraqe said Jaradat, from Hebron, died after being tortured during interrogation by Israeli forces and demanded an international investigation into interrogation techniques used by Israel.
Several mass protests were held across Hebron on Sunday, in al-Arrub refugee camp, Beit Ummar and Halhul.
Israel on Sunday demanded the Palestinian Authority stem the protests ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to the region next month.
A senior aide to President Mahmoud Abbas gave no indication the PA, which exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank, would issue any call for calm, and blamed Israel for the spike in unrest.
Over 4,000 prisoners held a one-day fast on Sunday after the detainee's death, which Israel said was caused by a heart attack, an explanation challenged by Palestinian officials.
"Israel has conveyed to the Palestinian Authority an unequivocal demand to calm the territory," an Israeli government official said, adding the message was delivered by one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's top aides.
As an apparent incentive to Palestinian leaders to intervene, Israel pledged to proceed with this month's transfer to the Authority of around $100 million in tax revenues that it collects on its behalf.
Israel began withholding the funds, money the Palestinian Authority badly needs to pay public sector salaries, after Abbas secured UN de facto recognition of Palestinian statehood in November.
Under international pressure, Israel announced it would release $100 million to the Palestinian Authority last month.
Prisoners affiliated with Hamas issued a call for a new Palestinian uprising.
Amos Gilad, a senior Israeli Defense Ministry official, questioned whether the protests were just a tactical move by the Palestinians to draw international attention before Obama's visit to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan.
But he added, in an Israel Radio interview: "Things can get out of control."
Yasser Abed Rabbo, a senior Abbas aide, said Israel's treatment of prisoners and anti-Palestinian violence by Jewish settlers were "the cause of the deterioration".
Israel said it would carry out an autopsy of the body of Jaradat. Israel's Prisons Authority said he had not been on a hunger strike and had been examined by an Israeli doctor during an interrogation on Thursday.
Published today (updated) 24/02/2013 17:59
At least 26 protesters sustained wounds from rubber and live bullets during clashes near Ofer prison, west of Ramallah, medics said.
The 13-year-old son of a Preventive Security officer was taken to Ramallah government hospital after he was shot in the chest with a live bullet at the protest. A 19-year-old was shot with rubber-coated bullets all over his body, a Ma'an reporter said.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said protesters hurled rocks at soldiers who responded with riot dispersal means.
In al-Arrub refugee camp, soldiers shot a protester with live fire, the army spokeswoman said.
Across Gaza and the West Bank, hundreds protested the death of Ahmad Jaradat, a 30-year-old who died in Israel's Megiddo prison on Saturday.
Palestinian Authority Minister of Detainee Affairs Issa Qaraqe said Jaradat, from Hebron, died after being tortured during interrogation by Israeli forces and demanded an international investigation into interrogation techniques used by Israel.
Several mass protests were held across Hebron on Sunday, in al-Arrub refugee camp, Beit Ummar and Halhul.
Israel on Sunday demanded the Palestinian Authority stem the protests ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to the region next month.
A senior aide to President Mahmoud Abbas gave no indication the PA, which exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank, would issue any call for calm, and blamed Israel for the spike in unrest.
Over 4,000 prisoners held a one-day fast on Sunday after the detainee's death, which Israel said was caused by a heart attack, an explanation challenged by Palestinian officials.
"Israel has conveyed to the Palestinian Authority an unequivocal demand to calm the territory," an Israeli government official said, adding the message was delivered by one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's top aides.
As an apparent incentive to Palestinian leaders to intervene, Israel pledged to proceed with this month's transfer to the Authority of around $100 million in tax revenues that it collects on its behalf.
Israel began withholding the funds, money the Palestinian Authority badly needs to pay public sector salaries, after Abbas secured UN de facto recognition of Palestinian statehood in November.
Under international pressure, Israel announced it would release $100 million to the Palestinian Authority last month.
Prisoners affiliated with Hamas issued a call for a new Palestinian uprising.
Amos Gilad, a senior Israeli Defense Ministry official, questioned whether the protests were just a tactical move by the Palestinians to draw international attention before Obama's visit to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan.
But he added, in an Israel Radio interview: "Things can get out of control."
Yasser Abed Rabbo, a senior Abbas aide, said Israel's treatment of prisoners and anti-Palestinian violence by Jewish settlers were "the cause of the deterioration".
Israel said it would carry out an autopsy of the body of Jaradat. Israel's Prisons Authority said he had not been on a hunger strike and had been examined by an Israeli doctor during an interrogation on Thursday.
Israel sends an ‘unequivocal demand’ to Palestinian leaders amid chaos
Israel sends an ‘unequivocal demand’ to Palestinian leaders amid chaos
By Al Arabiya with AFP
Israel said on Sunday it sent “an unequivocal demand” to Palestinian leaders to quell unrest, as thousands of detainees staged hunger strikes in Israeli prisons and their supporters clashed with security forces in the occupied West Bank.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the same time ordered the transfer of January arrears of tax revenues that Israel collects on the behalf of the Palestinians but has been withholding, the government said in a statement.
“Israel passed an unequivocal demand to the Palestinian Authority to calm down the territory,” the statement said.
“In order that the non-payment of taxes that Israel collects for the Palestinians should not serve as an excuse for the Palestinian Authority not to calm the territory, Netanyahu instructed the money for January to be transferred,” it added.
Protests in the West Bank have been mounting, both in support of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel -- 11 of whom are on open-ended hunger strike -- and against settlement expansion.
An official said almost all Palestinians in Israeli prisons were on a one-day hunger strike Sunday in protest at the sudden death of an inmate due to what prison authorities said appeared to have been cardiac arrest.
“It's 4,500, nearly everyone in fact,” Israel Prisons Service spokeswoman Sivan Weizman told AFP.
Arafat Jaradat, a 30-year-old father of two, from Sair near Hebron in the southern West Bank, died on Saturday in an Israeli jail from what prison authorities said appeared to have been cardiac arrest.
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad “expresses his deep sorrow and shock over the martyrdom of prisoner Arafat Jaradat in Israeli occupation prisons,” said the statement from his office.
He “affirms the need to promptly disclose the true reasons that led to his martyrdom,” it added.
Earlier, Israel Prisons Service spokeswoman Sivan Weizman said Jaradat, a 30-year-old father of two from the West Bank city of Hebron, died suddenly at Megiddo detention center in northern Israel.
“It was probably a cardiac arrest. I don’t have additional details at the moment,” Weizman said.
Issa Qaraqaa, the Palestinian minister in charge of prisoner affairs, told AFP news agency that Jaradat had been arrested just a few days earlier.
“He was killed during the investigation,” Qaraqaa added.
“We demand the creation of an international commission of inquiry to probe the circumstances of his death.”
Israel’s Shin Bet internal intelligence service said Jaradat had been arrested on Monday for his involvement in a stone-throwing incident in November during which an Israeli had been wounded.
 |
| A Palestinian protester throws a stone at Israeli security forces during clashes in the West Bank city of Hebron February 22, 2013. (Reuters) |
By Al Arabiya with AFP
Israel said on Sunday it sent “an unequivocal demand” to Palestinian leaders to quell unrest, as thousands of detainees staged hunger strikes in Israeli prisons and their supporters clashed with security forces in the occupied West Bank.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the same time ordered the transfer of January arrears of tax revenues that Israel collects on the behalf of the Palestinians but has been withholding, the government said in a statement.
“Israel passed an unequivocal demand to the Palestinian Authority to calm down the territory,” the statement said.
“In order that the non-payment of taxes that Israel collects for the Palestinians should not serve as an excuse for the Palestinian Authority not to calm the territory, Netanyahu instructed the money for January to be transferred,” it added.
Protests in the West Bank have been mounting, both in support of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel -- 11 of whom are on open-ended hunger strike -- and against settlement expansion.
An official said almost all Palestinians in Israeli prisons were on a one-day hunger strike Sunday in protest at the sudden death of an inmate due to what prison authorities said appeared to have been cardiac arrest.
“It's 4,500, nearly everyone in fact,” Israel Prisons Service spokeswoman Sivan Weizman told AFP.
Arafat Jaradat, a 30-year-old father of two, from Sair near Hebron in the southern West Bank, died on Saturday in an Israeli jail from what prison authorities said appeared to have been cardiac arrest.
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad “expresses his deep sorrow and shock over the martyrdom of prisoner Arafat Jaradat in Israeli occupation prisons,” said the statement from his office.
He “affirms the need to promptly disclose the true reasons that led to his martyrdom,” it added.
Earlier, Israel Prisons Service spokeswoman Sivan Weizman said Jaradat, a 30-year-old father of two from the West Bank city of Hebron, died suddenly at Megiddo detention center in northern Israel.
“It was probably a cardiac arrest. I don’t have additional details at the moment,” Weizman said.
Issa Qaraqaa, the Palestinian minister in charge of prisoner affairs, told AFP news agency that Jaradat had been arrested just a few days earlier.
“He was killed during the investigation,” Qaraqaa added.
“We demand the creation of an international commission of inquiry to probe the circumstances of his death.”
Israel’s Shin Bet internal intelligence service said Jaradat had been arrested on Monday for his involvement in a stone-throwing incident in November during which an Israeli had been wounded.
Hundreds rally in Gaza, West Bank over Israeli jail death
Maan News Agency
Published today 12:40
Protesters pictured in Hebron. (MaanImages/file)
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Hundreds of people rallied in the Gaza Strip and West Bank on Sunday to condemn the death of a Palestinian prisoner in Israeli custody.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces and protestors clashed in Hebron, Beit Ummar, al-Arrub refugee camp, and Tulkarem, with soldiers firing tear gas and sounds grenades at demonstrators, locals said.
Palestinian factions in Gaza launched solidarity marches to condemn Jadarat's death, Ma'an's correspondent said.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said that "hundreds of Palestinians threw rocks and burned tires in Hebron, and security personnel responded with riot dispersal means."
Between 100-300 people threw stones at Israeli forces in Beit Ummar, she added.
Arafat Jadarat, 30, died in Israeli custody on Saturday, allegedly from a cardiac arrest.
Palestinian Authority Minister of Detainees Issa Qaraqe said Jadarat died after being interrogated by Israeli forces and demanded an international investigation into his death, which has caused outrage in the West Bank and Gaza.
Over 4,000 Palestinian prisoners launched hunger strike action on Sunday in protest over the incident.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces and protestors clashed in Hebron, Beit Ummar, al-Arrub refugee camp, and Tulkarem, with soldiers firing tear gas and sounds grenades at demonstrators, locals said.
Palestinian factions in Gaza launched solidarity marches to condemn Jadarat's death, Ma'an's correspondent said.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said that "hundreds of Palestinians threw rocks and burned tires in Hebron, and security personnel responded with riot dispersal means."
Between 100-300 people threw stones at Israeli forces in Beit Ummar, she added.
Arafat Jadarat, 30, died in Israeli custody on Saturday, allegedly from a cardiac arrest.
Palestinian Authority Minister of Detainees Issa Qaraqe said Jadarat died after being interrogated by Israeli forces and demanded an international investigation into his death, which has caused outrage in the West Bank and Gaza.
Over 4,000 Palestinian prisoners launched hunger strike action on Sunday in protest over the incident.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)