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. | ||
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| 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. | ||
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| Jewish settlers storm Aqsa mosque | |||
 | Dozens of Jewish settlers stormed the holy Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Monday morning amidst heavy police presence. | ||
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| 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. | ||
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| 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. | ||
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| 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. | ||
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| 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. | ||
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| 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 | ||
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| 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. | ||
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| 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. | ||
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| 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 | |||
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Palestinian prisoners call for intifada
Palestinian prisoners call for intifada
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| 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
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| 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.
Palestinian hunger striker dies
Bangkok Post: news
Palestinian protestors are seen through a car tyre as they perform Friday prayers next to Ofer prison, near the West Bank city of Ramallah, following a demonstration in support of Palestinian detainees on hunger strike in Israeli prisons on Friday.
Arafat Jaradat was "arrested a few days ago. He was killed during the investigation," the Palestinian minister in charge of prisoner affairs Issa Qaraqaa said.
"We demand the creation of an international commission of inquiry to probe the circumstances of his death," Qaraqaa said.
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 Meggido detention centre in northern Israel.
"It was probably a cardiac arrest. I don't have additional details at the moment," Weizman said.
After news of Jaradat's death, clashes broke out in Hebron between Palestinian youths and Israeli security forces, witnesses and security sources said.
Israel's Shin Bet internal intelligence service said Jaradat had been arrested on Monday for his involvement in a stonethrowing incident in November 2012 during which an Israeli had been wounded.
He was taken ill just before his death, Shin Bet said in a statement.
"After lunch, as he was resting in Megiddo prison, Arafat Jaradat was taken ill. Medics were called to treat him but they were unable to save his life," it added.
The intelligence service said Jaradat had back aches and had previous injuries, one to the left leg from rubber bullets and one to the stomach from a tear gas canister.
"During the investigation he was examined on several occasions, including on Thursday by a doctor who did not find any medical problem. The investigation continued," Shin Bet said, adding that police were probing Jaradat's death.
The Islamist Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip said the prisoner had died because of "the inhuman conditions in Israeli jails."
Israeli media reported, meanwhile, that security officials had invited the Palestinian Authority to be present on Sunday for his autopsy.
Qaraqaa said a Palestinian doctor and Jaradat family members would be present.
The death could exacerbate tensions in Israel and the Palestinian territories which have been rocked this month by protests of solidarity with four other prisoners detained by Israel who are on hunger strike.
The Ramallah-based Prisoners' Club announced on Saturday that another seven prisoners have joined the protest action, although there was no immediate confirmation from the prisons service.
"The Prisoners' Club does not know exactly when they started their hunger strike. The lawyers who are going to visit them will get more details," spokesman Amani Sarahna told AFP.
He said Muna Qaadan, a sister of Tareq Qaadan who has gone without food on and off for several months, was among those who joined the action. She had been freed in October 2011 under a prisoner exchange but since re-arrested.
An Israeli official said three hunger strikers -- Qaadan, Jafar Ezzedine and Ayman Sharawrna -- were taken to hospitals for protective check-ups on Friday.
Jaradat's death in detention comes a day after nearly 100 Palestinians were wounded in clashes with Israeli security forces during demonstrations in the West Bank to demand the release of the hunger strikers.
The fate of Palestinian prisoners, and in particular the hunger strikers, has sparked protests across the Palestinian territories and raised international concern.
On Saturday, a solidarity rally was organised in the Arab Israeli town of Nazareth in northern Israel.
A Palestinian prisoner died in an Israeli jail on Saturday, officials said, as the number of inmates on hunger strike climbed to 11, according to the Palestinian Prisoners' Club.
Palestinian protestors are seen through a car tyre as they perform Friday prayers next to Ofer prison, near the West Bank city of Ramallah, following a demonstration in support of Palestinian detainees on hunger strike in Israeli prisons on Friday."We demand the creation of an international commission of inquiry to probe the circumstances of his death," Qaraqaa said.
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 Meggido detention centre in northern Israel.
"It was probably a cardiac arrest. I don't have additional details at the moment," Weizman said.
After news of Jaradat's death, clashes broke out in Hebron between Palestinian youths and Israeli security forces, witnesses and security sources said.
Israel's Shin Bet internal intelligence service said Jaradat had been arrested on Monday for his involvement in a stonethrowing incident in November 2012 during which an Israeli had been wounded.
He was taken ill just before his death, Shin Bet said in a statement.
"After lunch, as he was resting in Megiddo prison, Arafat Jaradat was taken ill. Medics were called to treat him but they were unable to save his life," it added.
The intelligence service said Jaradat had back aches and had previous injuries, one to the left leg from rubber bullets and one to the stomach from a tear gas canister.
"During the investigation he was examined on several occasions, including on Thursday by a doctor who did not find any medical problem. The investigation continued," Shin Bet said, adding that police were probing Jaradat's death.
The Islamist Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip said the prisoner had died because of "the inhuman conditions in Israeli jails."
Israeli media reported, meanwhile, that security officials had invited the Palestinian Authority to be present on Sunday for his autopsy.
Qaraqaa said a Palestinian doctor and Jaradat family members would be present.
The death could exacerbate tensions in Israel and the Palestinian territories which have been rocked this month by protests of solidarity with four other prisoners detained by Israel who are on hunger strike.
The Ramallah-based Prisoners' Club announced on Saturday that another seven prisoners have joined the protest action, although there was no immediate confirmation from the prisons service.
"The Prisoners' Club does not know exactly when they started their hunger strike. The lawyers who are going to visit them will get more details," spokesman Amani Sarahna told AFP.
He said Muna Qaadan, a sister of Tareq Qaadan who has gone without food on and off for several months, was among those who joined the action. She had been freed in October 2011 under a prisoner exchange but since re-arrested.
An Israeli official said three hunger strikers -- Qaadan, Jafar Ezzedine and Ayman Sharawrna -- were taken to hospitals for protective check-ups on Friday.
Jaradat's death in detention comes a day after nearly 100 Palestinians were wounded in clashes with Israeli security forces during demonstrations in the West Bank to demand the release of the hunger strikers.
The fate of Palestinian prisoners, and in particular the hunger strikers, has sparked protests across the Palestinian territories and raised international concern.
On Saturday, a solidarity rally was organised in the Arab Israeli town of Nazareth in northern Israel.
Palestinian PM 'shocked' at prisoner death in Israel jail
Palestinian PM 'shocked' at prisoner death in Israel jail | Bangkok Post: news
Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad passes through an Israeli iron gate checkpoint to go to the West Bank town of Hebron on January 18, 2013. Fayyad expressed shock at the death of a Palestinian in an Israeli jail Saturday and called for full details of what happened. 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 centre 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 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.
He was taken ill just before his death, Shin Bet said in a statement.
"After lunch, as he was resting in Megiddo prison, Arafat Jaradat was taken ill. Medics were called to treat him but they were unable to save his life," it added.
Clashes broke out in Hebron between Palestinian youths and Israeli security forces after news of Jaradat's death, witnesses and security sources said.
Relations between Israel and the Palestinian territories are already particularly tense because of protests this month in solidarity with four other prisoners detained by Israel who are on hunger strike.
The Ramallah-based Prisoners' Club announced that another seven prisoners have joined the protest action, although there was no immediate confirmation from the prisons service.
Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad expressed shock at the death of a Palestinian in an Israeli jail Saturday and called for full details of what happened.
Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad passes through an Israeli iron gate checkpoint to go to the West Bank town of Hebron on January 18, 2013. Fayyad expressed shock at the death of a Palestinian in an Israeli jail Saturday and called for full details of what happened. 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 centre 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 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.
He was taken ill just before his death, Shin Bet said in a statement.
"After lunch, as he was resting in Megiddo prison, Arafat Jaradat was taken ill. Medics were called to treat him but they were unable to save his life," it added.
Clashes broke out in Hebron between Palestinian youths and Israeli security forces after news of Jaradat's death, witnesses and security sources said.
Relations between Israel and the Palestinian territories are already particularly tense because of protests this month in solidarity with four other prisoners detained by Israel who are on hunger strike.
The Ramallah-based Prisoners' Club announced that another seven prisoners have joined the protest action, although there was no immediate confirmation from the prisons service.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Hebron boy hit by live gunshot in clashes with Israeli soldiers
Maan News Agency
Published today 19:32
HEBRON (Ma’an) – A young Palestinian man was shot and injured by Israeli troops Friday evening during clashes in Bab al-Zawiya neighborhood in the center of Hebron in the southern West Bank.
Palestinian medical sources confirmed that a Palestinian ambulance evacuated a 16-year-old boy to Hebron’s public hospital. They said the boy was hit by a live gunshot in his foot. Medics decided the boy needed a surgery to pull out the bullet from his foot.
Palestinian medical sources confirmed that a Palestinian ambulance evacuated a 16-year-old boy to Hebron’s public hospital. They said the boy was hit by a live gunshot in his foot. Medics decided the boy needed a surgery to pull out the bullet from his foot.
Letter from Samer Issawi: Freedom or martyrdom
Letter from Samer Issawi: Freedom or martyrdom
Hunger-striking political prisoner Samer Issawi
Hunger-striking political prisoner Samer Issawi
This letter from prisoner Samer al-Issawi, on hunger strike for 213 consecutive days, arrived through his lawyer Mahmoud Abu Sneineh, who succeeded, on Wednesday, February 20, 2013, to visit him in Ramlah prison hospital, in spite of the restrictions that were recently implemented to prevent lawyers from visiting the hero prisoner. (Copied and translated from the Arabic origin from Shirin Issawi’s wall on Facebook).
Samer's sister Shireen, holding a photo of Samer during an October 2012 interview with the AIC (Photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler)
In the name of God the Merciful
Greetings to all the Palestinian people and the freedom loving people of the world, those who take part in the battle for the freedom of the prisoners, all the prisoners, and first of all the heroic sick prisoners in the Ramlah Prison hospital. These heroes who have sacrificed their bodies and long years to Palestine and the Palestinian people deserve from us that we struggle for their liberation.
Today the Palestinian people proved to the occupation, despite the difficult conditions they go through, that the national cause and the prisoners’ issue are of high priority for every Palestinian. The economic situation and unemployment do not distract the Palestinian people from their prisoners, because they are people of bravery who took upon themselves to defend the Arab and Islamic nation and its holy sites. It saddens me so much that I am not with you to share with you this great battle for supporting the prisoners. But I decided to escalate my strike by avoiding drinking water in order to join this movement and the great battle that you wage on the ground.
I send a warm greeting for all of you who stay in the protest tents everywhere, especially those who are on hunger strike. I send greetings to the participants at the Nazareth tent, first of them Father Atallah Hanna, and to all the people involved in the sit-ins and marches in support of the prisoners.
I send greetings to the heroes who gathered yesterday in front of the court and broke all standards, restrictions and concepts of the occupation (the division between Western Jerusalem and Eastern Jerusalem). They proved to the occupation that AlQuds is one, it is our city, and their pure feet wandered the alleys that were walked by our forefathers before this occupation came, kill them and expels the rest of them.
I greet you, I’m proud of you and I draw the power to resist and my morale from you and your struggle. Yesterday, when I saw you in front of the courthouse, I became free and my jailer became the prisoner. I noticed the humiliation on the guards’ faces when they saw you clinging to your land despite the Judaization.
By God, I kiss those feet that liberated yesterday part of the lands of our holy city and raised the Palestinian flag high. Kissing these pure feet is an honor for me. You are Blessed, Jerusalem, with your heroic sons, the protectors of the Holy Land, the Church of the Resurrection and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. We will meet soon, God willing, O heroes of Palestine and the free people of the world.
I send my greetings to the free people of the world everywhere, especially in our sister Egypt, to the fans of Zamalek group and Al-Jazeera Sports commentator. I send my greetings and salute to every person. And to Shahed and Maleka.
Concerning my health, I was transferred on Thursday to some hospital, I do not remember its name, after suffering a sharp drop in blood pressure and heart beat where the pressure was 74/40 and pulse 35 beats per minute. I lost consciousness.
I continue my strike. Either Freedom or Martyrdom.
Translated from Arabic by Free Haifa
What a 'period of calm' looks like in the Occupied Territories - Opinion - Al Jazeera English
Click here for Full link with text - Al Jazeera English
[Illustration and design: Rachele Richards]
Ben White is a freelance journalist, writer and activist, specialising in Palestine/Israel. He is a graduate of Cambridge University.
[Illustration and design: Rachele Richards] Ben White is a freelance journalist, writer and activist, specialising in Palestine/Israel. He is a graduate of Cambridge University.
Protests spread to every city for hunger striking prisoners
Protests spread to every city for hunger striking prisoners
22 February 2013 | International Solidarity Movement, Occupied West Bank, Palestine
Palestinians demanding the release of all political prisoners and especially hunger-striking prisoners confront the Israeli army through out the West Bank and east Jerusalem on Friday.
The Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus saw around 300 people protesting, in solidarity with the hunger strikers. There were many tear gas related injuries, rubber coated steel bullets were fired and at least one activist was hospitalised as confrontations continued into the evening. Similarly violent episodes were also reported in Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem and of course Ofer which has seen protests almost everyday this week.
Following Friday prayers worshipers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem confronted Israeli Occupation Forces. Israeli forces then stormed the area surrounding the mosque and used undercover police to make arrests.
Statistics from Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association show that as of 1 January 2013, there were 4,743 Palestinians political prisoners being held in Israeli jails. Addameer claim, as of the 22nd February, the length of time the following prisoners have been on hunger strike is:
Samer Issawi – 206 days
Ayman Sharawana – over 200 days
Jafar Azzidine – 87 days
Tarek Qa’adan – 87 days
The four men are struggling not only for themselves but for the freedom of all Palestinians who are living under occupation. Issawi wrote …
“My battle is not only for individual freedom. The battle waged by me and by my heroic colleagues, Tariq, Ayman and Ja’affar, is everyone’s battle, the battle of the Palestinian people against the occupation and its prisons. Our goal is to be free and sovereign in our liberated state and in our blessed Jerusalem”
Elsewhere there were also weekly protests in Kufr Qaddoum, Nabi Salah, Bilin, Nilin, Jayyous as well as the annual Open Shuhada Street protest in Hebron.
22 February 2013 | International Solidarity Movement, Occupied West Bank, Palestine
Palestinians demanding the release of all political prisoners and especially hunger-striking prisoners confront the Israeli army through out the West Bank and east Jerusalem on Friday.
The Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus saw around 300 people protesting, in solidarity with the hunger strikers. There were many tear gas related injuries, rubber coated steel bullets were fired and at least one activist was hospitalised as confrontations continued into the evening. Similarly violent episodes were also reported in Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem and of course Ofer which has seen protests almost everyday this week.
Following Friday prayers worshipers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem confronted Israeli Occupation Forces. Israeli forces then stormed the area surrounding the mosque and used undercover police to make arrests.
Statistics from Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association show that as of 1 January 2013, there were 4,743 Palestinians political prisoners being held in Israeli jails. Addameer claim, as of the 22nd February, the length of time the following prisoners have been on hunger strike is:
Samer Issawi – 206 days
Ayman Sharawana – over 200 days
Jafar Azzidine – 87 days
Tarek Qa’adan – 87 days
The four men are struggling not only for themselves but for the freedom of all Palestinians who are living under occupation. Issawi wrote …
“My battle is not only for individual freedom. The battle waged by me and by my heroic colleagues, Tariq, Ayman and Ja’affar, is everyone’s battle, the battle of the Palestinian people against the occupation and its prisons. Our goal is to be free and sovereign in our liberated state and in our blessed Jerusalem”
Elsewhere there were also weekly protests in Kufr Qaddoum, Nabi Salah, Bilin, Nilin, Jayyous as well as the annual Open Shuhada Street protest in Hebron.
Israel to Demolish Nablus Area Homes
Palestine News & Info Agency - WAFA - Israel to Demolish Nablus Area Homes: NABLUS, February 21, 2013 (WAFA) – Israeli forces Thursday handed four Palestinian residents of Beit Dajan, a village east of Nablus, demolition orders for their homes, said local sources.
Ghassan Daghlas, who monitors settlement activities in the north of the West Bank, told WAFA that Israeli soldiers handed the Beit Dajan residents the demolition orders.
Ghassan Daghlas, who monitors settlement activities in the north of the West Bank, told WAFA that Israeli soldiers handed the Beit Dajan residents the demolition orders.
Witnesses: Israeli forces level farmland along Gaza border
Maan News Agency
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli military vehicles entered the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday and leveled farmland near the border, witnesses said.
Six army vehicles entered east of Khan Younis, near al-Rawaydeh and al-Amour neighborhoods, and soldiers in watchtowers along the border opened fire, witnesses told Ma'an.
No injuries were reported.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said forces conducted "routine security activity" in the area.
Six army vehicles entered east of Khan Younis, near al-Rawaydeh and al-Amour neighborhoods, and soldiers in watchtowers along the border opened fire, witnesses told Ma'an.
No injuries were reported.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said forces conducted "routine security activity" in the area.
Israeli soldiers shoot, injure Palestinian in Jabalia
Maan News Agency
Published today 17:51
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – Israeli forces shot a Palestinian man Friday afternoon east of Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip injuring him in the foot.
Palestinian paramedics told a Ma’an reporter that the man was hit near a cemetery in the eastern part of the refugee camp. He was evacuated to Kamal Udwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said soldiers were responding to a dozens of "rioters" who approached the fence on the border and they fired warning shots in the air.
When one of the Palestinians refused to turn back forces fired at his lower body, she said.
Palestinian paramedics told a Ma’an reporter that the man was hit near a cemetery in the eastern part of the refugee camp. He was evacuated to Kamal Udwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said soldiers were responding to a dozens of "rioters" who approached the fence on the border and they fired warning shots in the air.
When one of the Palestinians refused to turn back forces fired at his lower body, she said.
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