8 may 2016
There are fresh concerns over the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations after an Israeli ultranationalist member of the country’s parliament, who is accused of calling for the genocide of Palestinian people, was appointed Israel’s Justice Minister.
Ayelet Shaked from the far-right HaBayit HaYehudi (Jewish Home) party was given the position as justice minister as part of a deal that saw PM Netanyahu gather enough support to form a coalition and control the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.
The decision has already stirred controversy within Israel, particularly the political Left, with Labour member of the Knesset (MK) Nachman Shai condemning the move.
"The demand to give Ayelet Shaked the Justice portfolio is like giving the Fire and Rescue Services to a pyromaniac."
Other political figures and pro-Palestinians activist groups have also criticized the move, which many have suggested will have a significantly negative impact on the already tense and strained relationship between Israel and the Palestinian people.
'This Is a War Between Two Peoples' Known for her outspoken and ultra-nationalistic views, Shaked attracted global attention and criticism in July 2014, when she posted a Facebook status denouncing Palestinians, during Israel’s 50-day military offensive in Gaza.
"The Palestinian people [have] declared war on us, and we must respond with war ... Not an operation, not a slow-moving one, not low-intensity, not controlled escalation, no destruction of terror infrastructure, no targeted killings." "Enough with the oblique references. This is a war. Words have meanings. This is a war. It is not a war against terror, and not a war against extremists, and not even a war against the Palestinian Authority.
These too are forms of avoiding reality. This is a war between two peoples. Who is the enemy? The Palestinian people."
The post, which was later deleted by Shaked and which was posted one day before a Palestinian teenager was kidnapped and burnt alive by Israeli extremists, was interpreted by many as calling for the genocide of Palestinian people, and inciting hatred between racial groups.
'Their Blood Shall Be on Their Heads'
In another Facebook post Shaked also claimed that there was no difference between those peoples involved in Palestinian terror organizations, and those within the general population, calling Palestinian children "snakes".
"Behind every terrorist stand dozens of men and women, without whom he could not engage in terrorism. Actors in the war are those who incite in mosques, who write the murderous curricula for schools, who give shelter, who provide vehicles, and all those who honor and give them their moral support. "They are all enemy combatants, and their blood shall be on all their heads.
Now this also includes the mothers of the martyrs, who send them to hell with flowers and kisses. They should follow their sons, nothing would be more just. They should go, as should the physical homes in which they raised the snakes. Otherwise, more little snakes will be raised there."
The comments attracted widespread criticism, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan comparing Shaked to Hitler. "If these words had been said by a Palestinian, the whole world would have denounced it," he said. The article was published by "Sputniknews" ... see the following link
Ayelet Shaked from the far-right HaBayit HaYehudi (Jewish Home) party was given the position as justice minister as part of a deal that saw PM Netanyahu gather enough support to form a coalition and control the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.
The decision has already stirred controversy within Israel, particularly the political Left, with Labour member of the Knesset (MK) Nachman Shai condemning the move.
"The demand to give Ayelet Shaked the Justice portfolio is like giving the Fire and Rescue Services to a pyromaniac."
Other political figures and pro-Palestinians activist groups have also criticized the move, which many have suggested will have a significantly negative impact on the already tense and strained relationship between Israel and the Palestinian people.
'This Is a War Between Two Peoples' Known for her outspoken and ultra-nationalistic views, Shaked attracted global attention and criticism in July 2014, when she posted a Facebook status denouncing Palestinians, during Israel’s 50-day military offensive in Gaza.
"The Palestinian people [have] declared war on us, and we must respond with war ... Not an operation, not a slow-moving one, not low-intensity, not controlled escalation, no destruction of terror infrastructure, no targeted killings." "Enough with the oblique references. This is a war. Words have meanings. This is a war. It is not a war against terror, and not a war against extremists, and not even a war against the Palestinian Authority.
These too are forms of avoiding reality. This is a war between two peoples. Who is the enemy? The Palestinian people."
The post, which was later deleted by Shaked and which was posted one day before a Palestinian teenager was kidnapped and burnt alive by Israeli extremists, was interpreted by many as calling for the genocide of Palestinian people, and inciting hatred between racial groups.
'Their Blood Shall Be on Their Heads'
In another Facebook post Shaked also claimed that there was no difference between those peoples involved in Palestinian terror organizations, and those within the general population, calling Palestinian children "snakes".
"Behind every terrorist stand dozens of men and women, without whom he could not engage in terrorism. Actors in the war are those who incite in mosques, who write the murderous curricula for schools, who give shelter, who provide vehicles, and all those who honor and give them their moral support. "They are all enemy combatants, and their blood shall be on all their heads.
Now this also includes the mothers of the martyrs, who send them to hell with flowers and kisses. They should follow their sons, nothing would be more just. They should go, as should the physical homes in which they raised the snakes. Otherwise, more little snakes will be raised there."
The comments attracted widespread criticism, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan comparing Shaked to Hitler. "If these words had been said by a Palestinian, the whole world would have denounced it," he said. The article was published by "Sputniknews" ... see the following link
6 may 2015
Israeli Ofer court in northern Ramallah ruled on two sons of MP Mohammad Abu Jhaisheh with imprisonment and fines on Wednesday.
The family of MP Abu Jhaisheh said the court sentenced each of the brothers Mutaz and Mujahid to 9-month imprisonments and 3,000 Shekels.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested the Abu Jhaisheh brothers four months ago in Ithna town in al-Khalil. They were charged with participating in activities against Israel.
Both of the brothers are ex-detainees in Israeli and Palestinian jails.
The family of MP Abu Jhaisheh said the court sentenced each of the brothers Mutaz and Mujahid to 9-month imprisonments and 3,000 Shekels.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested the Abu Jhaisheh brothers four months ago in Ithna town in al-Khalil. They were charged with participating in activities against Israel.
Both of the brothers are ex-detainees in Israeli and Palestinian jails.
The Israeli Supreme Court, on Tuesday, issued a final decision to demolish and displace the people of Atir-Umm Al-Hieran, a Palestinian village which remains unrecognized in the Negev desert of southern Israel.
The decision will be utilized to establish a Jewish-only settlement upon the ruins of the Bedouin village, which has the population of more than 1,000 Palestinians, this just days before the anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba.
According to the PNN, the court's final decision, issued by a majority of two judges against one, came after 13 years of judicial proceedings and attempts to cancel the demolition and eviction orders.
The court in its decision admitted the Israeli intentions to demolish the village in order to establish a settlement "with a Jewish Zionist majority," according to the decision.
According to the court, the people of the village of Atir did not enter the land illegally, but were "relocated" to it in back in 1956, by an Israeli occupation authorities official order, after they were expelled from their villages of origin during the Nakba in 1948.
Following the relocation, the court claimed that Israel only "allowed" the Palestinian refugees (which it forcibly displaced) to use this land and, therefore, these people can be expelled from it at any given moment.
For its part, Adalah center, commenting on the decision, said that the Supreme Court was coveting behind the dry law, which gives Israel the right to lay hands on the land, and completely ignore the humanitarian, political, social and historical dimensions of the cause and the lives of its people. The law legitimizes the demolition of an entire village and the displacement of its children.
"The demolition of this village is a pure proof of the Israeli racism and its foremost goal, which is the displacement of as many Palestinians possible, for colonial goals of establishing Zionist settlements on the ruins of another nation."
Adalah center assured to follow up with the case, through the villagers and human rights organizations and associations, in addition to taking legally preventive measures, in order to defend the village and prevent the demolition and displacement.
Israeli occupation court, on Monday as well, issued an order to deport the population of Susiya village near Yatta, south of Hebron. The decision followed Israeli settlers' appeal to the court a month ago, demanding the displacement of Palestinian natives, for the expansion of the settlement constructed on Susiya lands.
The decision will be utilized to establish a Jewish-only settlement upon the ruins of the Bedouin village, which has the population of more than 1,000 Palestinians, this just days before the anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba.
According to the PNN, the court's final decision, issued by a majority of two judges against one, came after 13 years of judicial proceedings and attempts to cancel the demolition and eviction orders.
The court in its decision admitted the Israeli intentions to demolish the village in order to establish a settlement "with a Jewish Zionist majority," according to the decision.
According to the court, the people of the village of Atir did not enter the land illegally, but were "relocated" to it in back in 1956, by an Israeli occupation authorities official order, after they were expelled from their villages of origin during the Nakba in 1948.
Following the relocation, the court claimed that Israel only "allowed" the Palestinian refugees (which it forcibly displaced) to use this land and, therefore, these people can be expelled from it at any given moment.
For its part, Adalah center, commenting on the decision, said that the Supreme Court was coveting behind the dry law, which gives Israel the right to lay hands on the land, and completely ignore the humanitarian, political, social and historical dimensions of the cause and the lives of its people. The law legitimizes the demolition of an entire village and the displacement of its children.
"The demolition of this village is a pure proof of the Israeli racism and its foremost goal, which is the displacement of as many Palestinians possible, for colonial goals of establishing Zionist settlements on the ruins of another nation."
Adalah center assured to follow up with the case, through the villagers and human rights organizations and associations, in addition to taking legally preventive measures, in order to defend the village and prevent the demolition and displacement.
Israeli occupation court, on Monday as well, issued an order to deport the population of Susiya village near Yatta, south of Hebron. The decision followed Israeli settlers' appeal to the court a month ago, demanding the displacement of Palestinian natives, for the expansion of the settlement constructed on Susiya lands.
The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in Occupied Territories (B'Tselem) appealed Tuesday to the Israeli State Attorney’s Office against closing investigative files in case of Milad ‘Ayash, 17, who was killed by Israeli gunfire in 2011.
Milad Ayash, 17, was hit by a live bullet during a protest against Israeli occupation forces on May 13, 2011.
"Ayash, a 12th grader at Kuliyat Sakhnin, died of his wounds the next day."
B'Tselem’s investigation showed that the fatal shot was fired from the Beit Yehonatan settlement, a one-building settlement located in Silwan. The incident was investigated both by the Department for the Investigation of Police (DIP), for possible involvement of police officers in the shooting, and by the Israel Police for possible involvement of Beit Yehonatan security guards and residents. Both investigations were closed on the grounds of “perpetrator unknown.”
Since 2012, B'Tselem has tried time and again to secure information from the authorities regarding the investigation, yet received only vague replies. The fact that the incident was being investigated by two separate entities added to the lack of clarity.
"The decision to close both investigations without even ascertaining the identity of the shooter along with the negligent manner in which the investigations were conducted evince disregard by Israeli authorities for Palestinian lives," the organization concluded.
Milad remains on of hundreds even thousands of Palestinians murdered by Israelis who always kill with impunity.
Milad Ayash, 17, was hit by a live bullet during a protest against Israeli occupation forces on May 13, 2011.
"Ayash, a 12th grader at Kuliyat Sakhnin, died of his wounds the next day."
B'Tselem’s investigation showed that the fatal shot was fired from the Beit Yehonatan settlement, a one-building settlement located in Silwan. The incident was investigated both by the Department for the Investigation of Police (DIP), for possible involvement of police officers in the shooting, and by the Israel Police for possible involvement of Beit Yehonatan security guards and residents. Both investigations were closed on the grounds of “perpetrator unknown.”
Since 2012, B'Tselem has tried time and again to secure information from the authorities regarding the investigation, yet received only vague replies. The fact that the incident was being investigated by two separate entities added to the lack of clarity.
"The decision to close both investigations without even ascertaining the identity of the shooter along with the negligent manner in which the investigations were conducted evince disregard by Israeli authorities for Palestinian lives," the organization concluded.
Milad remains on of hundreds even thousands of Palestinians murdered by Israelis who always kill with impunity.
5 may 2015
Police closes investigation into shooting of 22 year-old Khair Hamdan last year, saying evidence shows officers acted in self defense.
The Police Investigation Unit announced Tuesday that it would close the investigation into a police officer who shot and killed Khair Hamdan, a resident of Kafr Kanna, last year – an incident which led to major rioting and violence in the area.
The police found during the investigation that an officer who was driving the police patrol vehicle was the one who shot Hamdan, 22, and not another officer who was seen in a video of the incident holding a gun pointed at Hamdan.
Before he was shot, Hamdan was seen in the footage approaching the patrol car with a large kitchen knife in his hand – 29 cm long – and calling out "Allahu Akbar".
During the investigation, several aspects of the incident were investigated. Officers thoroughly examined security footage of the event, sought out witnesses - including village residents and the victim's family - and gathered expert testimony.
According to the investigation's report, a police patrol arrived at the village on November 8, 2014, in order to arrest a man suspected of throwing a grenade. During the arrest, another young man, most likely Hamdan, attacked police outside the home of the suspect.
The young man resisted police orders to leave the area and continued approaching them with the intention of attacking them, according to police findings. A police officer then shoved the man and when that did not work, another officer sprayed him with pepper spray.
The investigation further revealed that after the first suspect was arrested and put inside the patrol car, the police continued on to the home of a second suspect they planned to arrest, but got lost on the way and ended up back in the area near the home of the first suspect. It was then that Hamdan ran towards the patrol car with a knife in his hand.
Hamdan hit the window of the patrol car with the knife several times and tried to open the doors. One of the officers then opened one of the car doors and fired a shot in the air. According to the report, Hamdan was not scared off by the shot and only got more violent and began hitting the car door window from which the officer fired the shot in the air. At this point, another officer exited the vehicle and approached Hamdan.
The officer had his gun out and Hamdan took a few steps back while still holding the knife in his hand, despite the officer's orders to calm down and drop the knife. Meanwhile, the officer driving the car stuck his body out of the car and pointed his gun at Hamdan.
The driver said he believed that his fellow police officer, who was standing outside in front of Hamdan, was going to get hurt, "a belief that was based on the fact that the deceased had acted maniacally during the event," the report noted. The officer who fired the shot that killed Hamdan said that his fellow officer was very close to Hamdan, who was still holding a knife, and therefore fired one shot at him, which caused Hamdan to collapse. Hamdan later died of his wounds.
The entire incident lasted 13 minutes.
"In these types of situations, a mistake in judgment is not a basis for a criminal offense," the report said.
According to testimony from the other police officers and from a relative of Hamdan's who was inside the police vehicle, as well as an analysis of communications between the police and Magen David Adom paramedics, the report found no issues in the evacuation of Hamdan's body from the scene to an ambulance and later to a hospital.
"An analysis of the evidence shows that the shooting falls under the definition of self-defense. The analysis further shows that due to the special circumstances of the incident, there isn't a reasonable suspicion of a criminal offense by the police officer, who operated in the heat of the moment, in a complex situation and had to make a quick decision in an ongoing incident, which only lasted a couple of seconds, while his life was at risk. Therefore, as stated, it was decided to shelve the investigation."
Hamdan's family members were unconvinced by the police's explanations. "This isn't the first time they close a case like this, but in our case there's documentation that verifies the officer's actions - he shot my son and killed him," Hamdan's father said.
"They claimed that my son the shahid posed a threat to the policemen's lives. That is a lie. There was no danger. They murdered him in cold blood. If he was Jewish, they wouldn't have shot him," the father added.
The Police Investigation Unit announced Tuesday that it would close the investigation into a police officer who shot and killed Khair Hamdan, a resident of Kafr Kanna, last year – an incident which led to major rioting and violence in the area.
The police found during the investigation that an officer who was driving the police patrol vehicle was the one who shot Hamdan, 22, and not another officer who was seen in a video of the incident holding a gun pointed at Hamdan.
Before he was shot, Hamdan was seen in the footage approaching the patrol car with a large kitchen knife in his hand – 29 cm long – and calling out "Allahu Akbar".
During the investigation, several aspects of the incident were investigated. Officers thoroughly examined security footage of the event, sought out witnesses - including village residents and the victim's family - and gathered expert testimony.
According to the investigation's report, a police patrol arrived at the village on November 8, 2014, in order to arrest a man suspected of throwing a grenade. During the arrest, another young man, most likely Hamdan, attacked police outside the home of the suspect.
The young man resisted police orders to leave the area and continued approaching them with the intention of attacking them, according to police findings. A police officer then shoved the man and when that did not work, another officer sprayed him with pepper spray.
The investigation further revealed that after the first suspect was arrested and put inside the patrol car, the police continued on to the home of a second suspect they planned to arrest, but got lost on the way and ended up back in the area near the home of the first suspect. It was then that Hamdan ran towards the patrol car with a knife in his hand.
Hamdan hit the window of the patrol car with the knife several times and tried to open the doors. One of the officers then opened one of the car doors and fired a shot in the air. According to the report, Hamdan was not scared off by the shot and only got more violent and began hitting the car door window from which the officer fired the shot in the air. At this point, another officer exited the vehicle and approached Hamdan.
The officer had his gun out and Hamdan took a few steps back while still holding the knife in his hand, despite the officer's orders to calm down and drop the knife. Meanwhile, the officer driving the car stuck his body out of the car and pointed his gun at Hamdan.
The driver said he believed that his fellow police officer, who was standing outside in front of Hamdan, was going to get hurt, "a belief that was based on the fact that the deceased had acted maniacally during the event," the report noted. The officer who fired the shot that killed Hamdan said that his fellow officer was very close to Hamdan, who was still holding a knife, and therefore fired one shot at him, which caused Hamdan to collapse. Hamdan later died of his wounds.
The entire incident lasted 13 minutes.
"In these types of situations, a mistake in judgment is not a basis for a criminal offense," the report said.
According to testimony from the other police officers and from a relative of Hamdan's who was inside the police vehicle, as well as an analysis of communications between the police and Magen David Adom paramedics, the report found no issues in the evacuation of Hamdan's body from the scene to an ambulance and later to a hospital.
"An analysis of the evidence shows that the shooting falls under the definition of self-defense. The analysis further shows that due to the special circumstances of the incident, there isn't a reasonable suspicion of a criminal offense by the police officer, who operated in the heat of the moment, in a complex situation and had to make a quick decision in an ongoing incident, which only lasted a couple of seconds, while his life was at risk. Therefore, as stated, it was decided to shelve the investigation."
Hamdan's family members were unconvinced by the police's explanations. "This isn't the first time they close a case like this, but in our case there's documentation that verifies the officer's actions - he shot my son and killed him," Hamdan's father said.
"They claimed that my son the shahid posed a threat to the policemen's lives. That is a lie. There was no danger. They murdered him in cold blood. If he was Jewish, they wouldn't have shot him," the father added.
Israeli Supreme Court adjourned on Tuesday the trial of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Islamic MP's on Jerusalem to an unreleased date.
Local sources said the trial session was held at 9 a.m. and lasted until noon on Tuesday.
The court decided to postpone a ruling on withdrawing the ID cards of and deporting the Jerusalemite MP's: Mohammad Abu Tair, Mohammad Totah, Ahmad Attoun, and the former minister in Hamas government Khaled Abu Arafah.
The Israeli forces arrested the MP's along with the former minister after they were elected in 2006. Three years ago, the Israeli Occupation Authority (IOA) issued an order to deport them all to the occupied West Bank after being released.
Local sources said the trial session was held at 9 a.m. and lasted until noon on Tuesday.
The court decided to postpone a ruling on withdrawing the ID cards of and deporting the Jerusalemite MP's: Mohammad Abu Tair, Mohammad Totah, Ahmad Attoun, and the former minister in Hamas government Khaled Abu Arafah.
The Israeli forces arrested the MP's along with the former minister after they were elected in 2006. Three years ago, the Israeli Occupation Authority (IOA) issued an order to deport them all to the occupied West Bank after being released.
An Israeli court in Occupied Jerusalem issued a verdict on Tuesday permitting fanatic Israeli rabbi Yehuda Glick to return back to storming the Aqsa Mosque.
Hebrew sources revealed that the court allowed rabbi Glick storm the holy site on condition he does it only once a month and without without escorting cameras or electronic devices. The Israeli police will inform him 24 hours prior to the date.
The extremist Glick was injured by the Jerusalemite martyr Mutaza Hijazi for his repeated incursions into the Aqsa Mosque.
3 women detained at Aqsa, Jewish rightist allowed access
Israeli police assaulted and detained three Palestinian women from Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Tuesday, on the same day as an Israeli court granted permission to Jewish rightist Yehuda Glick to visit the compound once a month.
Witnesses told Ma'an that the three women were detained when a group of Jewish rightists entered the compound. Israeli police reportedly removed the veil from one woman's face and "dragged" her from the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to the Chain Gate police station, while the two other women were detained while leaving the compound through the Hatta Gate.
The three detainees were identified as Dania Fadel, Fatena Hussein and Maali Siyam. Witnesses added that other Palestinian women were assaulted by Israeli police during the Jewish rightists' tour through the compound.
They also reportedly assaulted Al-Aqsa Mosque guards who attempted to prevent them from assaulting and detaining the women. An Israeli police spokesperson said that three women had been detained for "screaming and shouting 'Allahu Akbar'" and "disturbing the peace" during a group visit to the compound.
He said he did not know who the group were.The arrests came on the same day as the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court allowed Jewish right-wing activist Yehuda Glick to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque compound once a month, ending his barring from the site since August last year.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Israeli police will be responsible for coordinating Glick's visits, which will take place "accompanied by one person who does not have a criminal past," and without a camera or telephone.
The right-wing Jewish activist came to prominence for leading groups of rightists into the mosque compound to worship, in contravention of an agreement between Israel and the Islamic endowment since 1967 that prohibits non-Muslim prayer in the compound.
Glick was barred from the compound in August last year after he attacked a 67-year-old Palestinian woman, Ziva Badarna.Afterwards, in October, the right-wing activist survived an assassination attempt when he was shot and critically injured by a Palestinian during an East Jerusalem rally near the compound.
Although he then declared that he would not be prevented from visiting the Al-Aqsa compound by anyone, an Israeli court upheld the ban on the basis that Glick’s presence was liable to cause disorderly conduct and constituted a danger to the public.
However, a judge on Tuesday said: "It hasn't been proven to me that this is a clear and present danger," Haaretz reported.
The third holiest site in Islam, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. Under the 1967 agreement between Israel and the Islamic endowment, the compound is limited to Muslim worship, while Jews can pray at the neighboring Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple.
However, Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to Al-Aqsa, leading to anger among Muslim worshipers.
Hebrew sources revealed that the court allowed rabbi Glick storm the holy site on condition he does it only once a month and without without escorting cameras or electronic devices. The Israeli police will inform him 24 hours prior to the date.
The extremist Glick was injured by the Jerusalemite martyr Mutaza Hijazi for his repeated incursions into the Aqsa Mosque.
3 women detained at Aqsa, Jewish rightist allowed access
Israeli police assaulted and detained three Palestinian women from Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Tuesday, on the same day as an Israeli court granted permission to Jewish rightist Yehuda Glick to visit the compound once a month.
Witnesses told Ma'an that the three women were detained when a group of Jewish rightists entered the compound. Israeli police reportedly removed the veil from one woman's face and "dragged" her from the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to the Chain Gate police station, while the two other women were detained while leaving the compound through the Hatta Gate.
The three detainees were identified as Dania Fadel, Fatena Hussein and Maali Siyam. Witnesses added that other Palestinian women were assaulted by Israeli police during the Jewish rightists' tour through the compound.
They also reportedly assaulted Al-Aqsa Mosque guards who attempted to prevent them from assaulting and detaining the women. An Israeli police spokesperson said that three women had been detained for "screaming and shouting 'Allahu Akbar'" and "disturbing the peace" during a group visit to the compound.
He said he did not know who the group were.The arrests came on the same day as the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court allowed Jewish right-wing activist Yehuda Glick to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque compound once a month, ending his barring from the site since August last year.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Israeli police will be responsible for coordinating Glick's visits, which will take place "accompanied by one person who does not have a criminal past," and without a camera or telephone.
The right-wing Jewish activist came to prominence for leading groups of rightists into the mosque compound to worship, in contravention of an agreement between Israel and the Islamic endowment since 1967 that prohibits non-Muslim prayer in the compound.
Glick was barred from the compound in August last year after he attacked a 67-year-old Palestinian woman, Ziva Badarna.Afterwards, in October, the right-wing activist survived an assassination attempt when he was shot and critically injured by a Palestinian during an East Jerusalem rally near the compound.
Although he then declared that he would not be prevented from visiting the Al-Aqsa compound by anyone, an Israeli court upheld the ban on the basis that Glick’s presence was liable to cause disorderly conduct and constituted a danger to the public.
However, a judge on Tuesday said: "It hasn't been proven to me that this is a clear and present danger," Haaretz reported.
The third holiest site in Islam, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. Under the 1967 agreement between Israel and the Islamic endowment, the compound is limited to Muslim worship, while Jews can pray at the neighboring Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple.
However, Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to Al-Aqsa, leading to anger among Muslim worshipers.
Malik Khatib from Kafr Kanna suspected of transferring funds from Hamas militants in Gaza to the West Bank and driving Palestinians from Gaza to Israel.
An indictment was filed Tuesday morning in the Nazareth District Court against Malik Khatib, 31, a dentist from the village of Kafr Kanna in northern Israel on suspicion he made contact with a Hamas agent and transferred funds to Hamas in Ramallah. He was also charged with illegal transportation and fraud under the Income Tax Ordinance.
At his court hearing Tuesday, Khatib said: "I have no connection to Hamas, I have no connection to any of the allegations - everything is a lie. I had no contact with Hamas. I don't know how they came up with these things."
The defense establishment said that it warned Khatib against carrying out such activity a few weeks before his arrest. Khatib's attorney said he denies the allegations and claimed that the transferred funds were for residents of the West Bank who worked in Israel.
Khatib was arrested in the beginning of April and was interrogated by the Shin Bet and the northern Central Command unit. Intelligence information led security officials to believe that the dentist had been systematically transferring funds under the direction of a Hamas militant in Gaza who wanted large funds transferred to Hamas operatives operating in the West Bank. Khatib was arrested as he was making his way to the West Bank allegedly in order to transfer funds to Hamas members near Ramallah.
He was carrying 170 thousand shekels at the time he was arrested. The Shin Bet claims that during his interrogation, Khatib admitted that he transferred funds from Gaza to the West Bank with orders from a Hamas militant in Gaza, who was in charge of the coordination of transferring the funds. The Shin Bet also said that during his interrogation the dentist admitted to getting paid to drive Palestinians, who did not have permits, from Gaza to Israel on a daily basis. Khatib's attorney says he denies these claims.
According to the indictment, a Hamas member named Samir Turk, but known as "Abu Faruq," instructed Khatib how to transfer funds from Gaza to the West Bank. The indictment also noted that Turk is a known money man in the Gaza Strip who works on behalf of Hamas.
It was written in the indictment: "In light of the restriction of funding transfers from Israel to the Gaza Strip and vice versa, Hamas has used a tactic by which it uses Israeli citizens to transfer funds from Israel to the West Bank. Among other things, the Israelis would pick up funds from undocumented immigrants working in Israel and transfer them to Hamas members in the West Bank."
The indictment also shed light on how the funding was used. Hamas would reportedly determine how much of the funding would be transferred to the terror organization and how much would be given to families of illegal immigrants living in Gaza.
Khatib reportedly transferred funds on five occasions to various sources, all on Hamas orders and by phone contact with Turk. The indictment further states that Khatib would get a 1000 shekel commission for every transfer.
Jamil Khatib, Malik's father, said: "This is an inflated file. My son is a successful dentist and everyone knows him. He just transferred money to the families in the Weset Bank of people who work in Israel and not to Hamas. It is true the police warned him and asked him not to continue transferring funds to the West Bank, but he continued to do so because he was sure he was not breaking the law."
An indictment was filed Tuesday morning in the Nazareth District Court against Malik Khatib, 31, a dentist from the village of Kafr Kanna in northern Israel on suspicion he made contact with a Hamas agent and transferred funds to Hamas in Ramallah. He was also charged with illegal transportation and fraud under the Income Tax Ordinance.
At his court hearing Tuesday, Khatib said: "I have no connection to Hamas, I have no connection to any of the allegations - everything is a lie. I had no contact with Hamas. I don't know how they came up with these things."
The defense establishment said that it warned Khatib against carrying out such activity a few weeks before his arrest. Khatib's attorney said he denies the allegations and claimed that the transferred funds were for residents of the West Bank who worked in Israel.
Khatib was arrested in the beginning of April and was interrogated by the Shin Bet and the northern Central Command unit. Intelligence information led security officials to believe that the dentist had been systematically transferring funds under the direction of a Hamas militant in Gaza who wanted large funds transferred to Hamas operatives operating in the West Bank. Khatib was arrested as he was making his way to the West Bank allegedly in order to transfer funds to Hamas members near Ramallah.
He was carrying 170 thousand shekels at the time he was arrested. The Shin Bet claims that during his interrogation, Khatib admitted that he transferred funds from Gaza to the West Bank with orders from a Hamas militant in Gaza, who was in charge of the coordination of transferring the funds. The Shin Bet also said that during his interrogation the dentist admitted to getting paid to drive Palestinians, who did not have permits, from Gaza to Israel on a daily basis. Khatib's attorney says he denies these claims.
According to the indictment, a Hamas member named Samir Turk, but known as "Abu Faruq," instructed Khatib how to transfer funds from Gaza to the West Bank. The indictment also noted that Turk is a known money man in the Gaza Strip who works on behalf of Hamas.
It was written in the indictment: "In light of the restriction of funding transfers from Israel to the Gaza Strip and vice versa, Hamas has used a tactic by which it uses Israeli citizens to transfer funds from Israel to the West Bank. Among other things, the Israelis would pick up funds from undocumented immigrants working in Israel and transfer them to Hamas members in the West Bank."
The indictment also shed light on how the funding was used. Hamas would reportedly determine how much of the funding would be transferred to the terror organization and how much would be given to families of illegal immigrants living in Gaza.
Khatib reportedly transferred funds on five occasions to various sources, all on Hamas orders and by phone contact with Turk. The indictment further states that Khatib would get a 1000 shekel commission for every transfer.
Jamil Khatib, Malik's father, said: "This is an inflated file. My son is a successful dentist and everyone knows him. He just transferred money to the families in the Weset Bank of people who work in Israel and not to Hamas. It is true the police warned him and asked him not to continue transferring funds to the West Bank, but he continued to do so because he was sure he was not breaking the law."
Susiya Village
An Israeli Court ruled Monday on the removal of Susiya Bedouin village, in Masafer Yatta area, south of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, after colonists of the illegal Susya settlement, demanded the removal of the Palestinian enclave.
Coordinator of the Popular and National Committee in southern Hebron Rateb Jabour told the WAFA News agency that the Israeli decision could be enforced at any given moment, rendering dozens of resident homeless.
He added that the head of the Susiya Village Council Jihad Nawaj’a, received an official Israeli order informing him of the intention to remove the village.
Nawaj’a stated that the Susiya has been subject to dozens of violations and assaults by Israeli soldiers and fanatic colonizers.
“Our village is a historic area; Israel wants to remove us to control it,” he added, “There are many Islamic and Roman archeological sites here.”
The villagers have been constantly suffering, and literally fighting for their very existence, since Israel started the construction of Susya colony in 1983 on privately owned lands belonging to five Palestinian families from Yatta.
The villagers were forcibly removed from their village in 1986, and relocated to the current location, yet again, are facing the same fate.
Removing the village means displacing at least 50 families, and the illegal annexation of hundreds of Dunams of private Palestinian lands.
Nawaj’a said the residents have all deeds proving ownership of their lands, but Israel continues to displace them, in addition to constantly preventing them from having any access to running water, electricity and other basic services.
Several Palestinian, Israel and international human rights groups frequently warned of the Israel plans, and said Tel Aviv is planning to destroy 13 Palestinian villages in Hebron, under the pretext of “being located in military training zones.”
Removing the 13 communities would lead to the displacement of around 1.650 persons.
An Israeli Court ruled Monday on the removal of Susiya Bedouin village, in Masafer Yatta area, south of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, after colonists of the illegal Susya settlement, demanded the removal of the Palestinian enclave.
Coordinator of the Popular and National Committee in southern Hebron Rateb Jabour told the WAFA News agency that the Israeli decision could be enforced at any given moment, rendering dozens of resident homeless.
He added that the head of the Susiya Village Council Jihad Nawaj’a, received an official Israeli order informing him of the intention to remove the village.
Nawaj’a stated that the Susiya has been subject to dozens of violations and assaults by Israeli soldiers and fanatic colonizers.
“Our village is a historic area; Israel wants to remove us to control it,” he added, “There are many Islamic and Roman archeological sites here.”
The villagers have been constantly suffering, and literally fighting for their very existence, since Israel started the construction of Susya colony in 1983 on privately owned lands belonging to five Palestinian families from Yatta.
The villagers were forcibly removed from their village in 1986, and relocated to the current location, yet again, are facing the same fate.
Removing the village means displacing at least 50 families, and the illegal annexation of hundreds of Dunams of private Palestinian lands.
Nawaj’a said the residents have all deeds proving ownership of their lands, but Israel continues to displace them, in addition to constantly preventing them from having any access to running water, electricity and other basic services.
Several Palestinian, Israel and international human rights groups frequently warned of the Israel plans, and said Tel Aviv is planning to destroy 13 Palestinian villages in Hebron, under the pretext of “being located in military training zones.”
Removing the 13 communities would lead to the displacement of around 1.650 persons.
30 apr 2015
A session was held this past Tuesday, by the Israeli Supreme Court, to discuss the appeal submitted by seven detainees who were freed among the “Shalit” swap deal and who were kidnapped last year, after the disappearance of three settlers from Hebron.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Silwan reports that the prisoners and their families asked the media and international organizations to attend the court session and discuss their case.
The kidnapped prisoners wrote a letter stating: “The occupation forces rearrested us in June 2014 as revenge to the kidnapping of three Israeli settlers in the area of Hebron. They did not provide any legal justifications or an evidence to convict us.
"The prosecution also refuses to reveal the confidential files that they claim to have and the Israeli committee of 'freed prisoner' decided to impose life sentences on us, and identified the life sentence as 40 years in prison, minus what we have already served in the past.”
The prisoners pointed out that some of them were married immediately after being released in 2011 and some had newborn kids that they haven’t seen yet; note that most of the prisoners had already spent more than 20 years in Israeli prisons.
The prisoners are:
Ismaeel Abdullah Hijazi- Jabal Al-Mukabber
Jamal Hammad Abu Saleh- Silwan
Rajab Mohammad Tahan- Ras Al-Amoud
Adnan Mohammad Maragha- Silwan
Ala’ Eddin Ahmad Bazian- Old City of Jerusalem
Naser Mousa Abed Rabbo- Sur Baher
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Silwan reports that the prisoners and their families asked the media and international organizations to attend the court session and discuss their case.
The kidnapped prisoners wrote a letter stating: “The occupation forces rearrested us in June 2014 as revenge to the kidnapping of three Israeli settlers in the area of Hebron. They did not provide any legal justifications or an evidence to convict us.
"The prosecution also refuses to reveal the confidential files that they claim to have and the Israeli committee of 'freed prisoner' decided to impose life sentences on us, and identified the life sentence as 40 years in prison, minus what we have already served in the past.”
The prisoners pointed out that some of them were married immediately after being released in 2011 and some had newborn kids that they haven’t seen yet; note that most of the prisoners had already spent more than 20 years in Israeli prisons.
The prisoners are:
Ismaeel Abdullah Hijazi- Jabal Al-Mukabber
Jamal Hammad Abu Saleh- Silwan
Rajab Mohammad Tahan- Ras Al-Amoud
Adnan Mohammad Maragha- Silwan
Ala’ Eddin Ahmad Bazian- Old City of Jerusalem
Naser Mousa Abed Rabbo- Sur Baher
29 apr 2015
Haaretz Hebrew newspaper disclosed on Wednesday that the Israeli attorney general Yehuda Weinstein refused the Arab MKs’ demand to freeze the orders of house demolitions against thousands of Arab homes.
Weinstein along with the general prosecutor met with representatives from the Joint Arab List, two weeks ago, to discuss the issue of house demolitions.
The MKs demanded that the government freeze all demolitions of Arab houses until a joint team of local authorities and professionals is formed to study other solutions to the crisis of Arab housing.
The newspaper revealed that Weinstein refused the MK’s demands, claiming that “all government actions must be carried out fairly and without regard to race”.
He also refused to form a team to examine the case under the claim that the government formed a crew, one month ago, to come up with a plan to solve the problem”. The Arab MKs were disappointed by the unjust decision.
Meanwhile, the Israeli forces razed a stockade in Roujib town to the east of Nablus city at dawn Wednesday.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that the Israeli forces escorted by a military bulldozer stormed the town and razed a stockade which belongs to a Palestinian man, claiming lack of building permit.
The sources revealed that the structure was located in the southern outskirts of the town. Its area was estimated at 270 square meters.
The demolition of the structure was performed shortly after handing a demolition notice to the owner. This has already deprived the Palestinian owner of his right to appeal against the demolition order.
Weinstein along with the general prosecutor met with representatives from the Joint Arab List, two weeks ago, to discuss the issue of house demolitions.
The MKs demanded that the government freeze all demolitions of Arab houses until a joint team of local authorities and professionals is formed to study other solutions to the crisis of Arab housing.
The newspaper revealed that Weinstein refused the MK’s demands, claiming that “all government actions must be carried out fairly and without regard to race”.
He also refused to form a team to examine the case under the claim that the government formed a crew, one month ago, to come up with a plan to solve the problem”. The Arab MKs were disappointed by the unjust decision.
Meanwhile, the Israeli forces razed a stockade in Roujib town to the east of Nablus city at dawn Wednesday.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that the Israeli forces escorted by a military bulldozer stormed the town and razed a stockade which belongs to a Palestinian man, claiming lack of building permit.
The sources revealed that the structure was located in the southern outskirts of the town. Its area was estimated at 270 square meters.
The demolition of the structure was performed shortly after handing a demolition notice to the owner. This has already deprived the Palestinian owner of his right to appeal against the demolition order.
24 apr 2015
The Civic Coalition for Palestinian Rights in Jerusalem (CCPRJ) on Thursday slammed Israel’s so-called Absentee Property Law, applicable on the Palestinian citizens who live in the West Bank and have properties of their own in Occupied Jerusalem.
Speaking in a press conference held to discuss Israel’s endorsement of the Absentee Property Law, member of the CCPRJ, Zakaria Awda, said such procedures make part of Israel’s policy of escalation perpetrated against Palestinians wherever they are.
He said the Absentee Property legislation is one of the most dangerous laws passed by Israel in the early 1950’s to grab hold over more lands previously owned by Palestinians who were forcibly deported from their own lands following the Nakba of the 1948.
He warned of the ongoing misappropriation of Palestinian real estates by the Custodian of Absentee Property since the occupation of Jerusalem city.
For his part, lawyer Osama al-Halabi said as he has kept tabs on the violations committed by the Israeli occupation in Jerusalem and the West Bank, the Absentee Property Law is only one drop in the ocean of an Israeli system of laws enacted since the early years of its creation on usurped Palestine.
Lawyer Mohaned Jbara, meanwhile, said the implementation of the Absentee Property decree represents a real dilemma and a flagrant violation of the International Law.
Speaking in a press conference held to discuss Israel’s endorsement of the Absentee Property Law, member of the CCPRJ, Zakaria Awda, said such procedures make part of Israel’s policy of escalation perpetrated against Palestinians wherever they are.
He said the Absentee Property legislation is one of the most dangerous laws passed by Israel in the early 1950’s to grab hold over more lands previously owned by Palestinians who were forcibly deported from their own lands following the Nakba of the 1948.
He warned of the ongoing misappropriation of Palestinian real estates by the Custodian of Absentee Property since the occupation of Jerusalem city.
For his part, lawyer Osama al-Halabi said as he has kept tabs on the violations committed by the Israeli occupation in Jerusalem and the West Bank, the Absentee Property Law is only one drop in the ocean of an Israeli system of laws enacted since the early years of its creation on usurped Palestine.
Lawyer Mohaned Jbara, meanwhile, said the implementation of the Absentee Property decree represents a real dilemma and a flagrant violation of the International Law.
23 apr 2015
Hundreds of Israeli settlers stormed at dawn Thursday Palestinian-owned land in Burqa town to the north of the West Bank city of Nablus, local activists reported.
Large lands of Burqa town were previously confiscated and turned into Homesh settlement before an Israeli court ordered its evacuation in 2005.
Official of settlement file in northern West Bank Gassen Douglas stated that hundreds of settlers stormed the town heading to the evacuated settlement amid Israeli military protection in an attempt to retake control over it.
A number of Jewish groups have earlier advocated taking control over the area to reestablish the evacuated town, Douglas pointed out.
Douglas stated that the settlers' break-in into the town could be a part of Israeli celebration of the so-called "the Independence Day".
Israeli settlers' attacks against Palestinian people and properties have intensively increased since the Israeli elections, he added.
Clashes broke out in the area between local residents and the invading settlers and forces who violently stormed the lands in total violation of the Israeli court's order.
Large lands of Burqa town were previously confiscated and turned into Homesh settlement before an Israeli court ordered its evacuation in 2005.
Official of settlement file in northern West Bank Gassen Douglas stated that hundreds of settlers stormed the town heading to the evacuated settlement amid Israeli military protection in an attempt to retake control over it.
A number of Jewish groups have earlier advocated taking control over the area to reestablish the evacuated town, Douglas pointed out.
Douglas stated that the settlers' break-in into the town could be a part of Israeli celebration of the so-called "the Independence Day".
Israeli settlers' attacks against Palestinian people and properties have intensively increased since the Israeli elections, he added.
Clashes broke out in the area between local residents and the invading settlers and forces who violently stormed the lands in total violation of the Israeli court's order.
22 apr 2015
A past anti-Islam bus campaign in New York
Court determines ad campaign is protected speech, noting the same advertisement ran in other US cities without causing violent incidents.
A pro-Israel advocacy group known for publicly criticizing Islam can display its political advertisement containing the phrase "Hamas Killing Jews" on New York City's buses, a judge ruled Monday.
Judge John Koeltl said in a decision that the advertisement is protected speech. He said he was sensitive to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's claim that the ad could incite violence and appreciates the efforts necessary to prevent violent attacks.
But he noted that substantially the same advertisement ran in San Francisco and Chicago in 2013 without incident. He added that examples of violent attacks cited by the MTA show that individuals may commit heinous acts without warning. Koeltl stayed the effect of the ruling, dated Monday, for a month so it can be appealed. MTA spokesman Adam Lisberg said the agency is disappointed in the ruling and is reviewing its options.
It came in a lawsuit filed last year by the American Freedom Defense Initiative, an organization headed by blogger Pamela Geller that's behind the advertisement. David Yerushalmi, a lawyer for the organization, said the decision "sends a strong message both to government bureaucrats who would restrict our freedom of speech based upon what they perceive to be a global jihadist threat." The lawsuit said Geller's group buys the advertisements to express its message on current events and public issues "including issues such as Islam's hatred of Jews."
The lawsuit was filed after the MTA notified the group in August that it would display three of four proposed advertisements but not an ad with the quote "Killing Jews is Worship that draws us close to Allah" because it could incite violence. In the ad, a covered face is shown next to the quote, which is attributed to "Hamas MTV." It is followed by the words: "That's his Jihad. What's yours?"
In a September statement, the MTA said it recognized that the rejected ad was a parody of "MyJihad" ads sponsored by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which said it was promoting the concept that jihad is an individual and personal struggle rather than a violent conflict or terrorism. Koeltl said he recognized that the MTA believes it would be far more difficult to counter the advertisement because it has parodic aspects. But he said he believes the agency underestimates "the power of counter-advertisements to explain that the MTA does not endorse the ad and that the ad is not to be taken seriously."
Monica Klein, a spokeswoman for Mayor Bill de Blasio, noted in a statement that the mayor has said "these anti-Islamic ads are outrageous, inflammatory and wrong, and have no place in New York City, or anywhere."
Related stories:
Court determines ad campaign is protected speech, noting the same advertisement ran in other US cities without causing violent incidents.
A pro-Israel advocacy group known for publicly criticizing Islam can display its political advertisement containing the phrase "Hamas Killing Jews" on New York City's buses, a judge ruled Monday.
Judge John Koeltl said in a decision that the advertisement is protected speech. He said he was sensitive to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's claim that the ad could incite violence and appreciates the efforts necessary to prevent violent attacks.
But he noted that substantially the same advertisement ran in San Francisco and Chicago in 2013 without incident. He added that examples of violent attacks cited by the MTA show that individuals may commit heinous acts without warning. Koeltl stayed the effect of the ruling, dated Monday, for a month so it can be appealed. MTA spokesman Adam Lisberg said the agency is disappointed in the ruling and is reviewing its options.
It came in a lawsuit filed last year by the American Freedom Defense Initiative, an organization headed by blogger Pamela Geller that's behind the advertisement. David Yerushalmi, a lawyer for the organization, said the decision "sends a strong message both to government bureaucrats who would restrict our freedom of speech based upon what they perceive to be a global jihadist threat." The lawsuit said Geller's group buys the advertisements to express its message on current events and public issues "including issues such as Islam's hatred of Jews."
The lawsuit was filed after the MTA notified the group in August that it would display three of four proposed advertisements but not an ad with the quote "Killing Jews is Worship that draws us close to Allah" because it could incite violence. In the ad, a covered face is shown next to the quote, which is attributed to "Hamas MTV." It is followed by the words: "That's his Jihad. What's yours?"
In a September statement, the MTA said it recognized that the rejected ad was a parody of "MyJihad" ads sponsored by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which said it was promoting the concept that jihad is an individual and personal struggle rather than a violent conflict or terrorism. Koeltl said he recognized that the MTA believes it would be far more difficult to counter the advertisement because it has parodic aspects. But he said he believes the agency underestimates "the power of counter-advertisements to explain that the MTA does not endorse the ad and that the ad is not to be taken seriously."
Monica Klein, a spokeswoman for Mayor Bill de Blasio, noted in a statement that the mayor has said "these anti-Islamic ads are outrageous, inflammatory and wrong, and have no place in New York City, or anywhere."
Related stories:
