8 july 2015

Israel's defence minister renewed his belief on Monday that repatriating the bodies of two soldiers killed during last year's war against the people of Gaza is a 'difficult mission'.
According to Quds Press, Moshe Ya'alon made his remark during a ceremony commemorating Israeli soldiers lost in the Gaza Strip during the 51-day Israeli offensive. Attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin, the event was held in Jerusalem's military cemetery.
"The Israeli defence leadership is committed to return the corpses of the two soldiers," insisted Ya'alon. "This is an ethical duty; they went into battle upon our demand."
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that getting their bodies will be "difficult" and "full of hardships." Israel, he added, has "an aggressive enemy, who does not have a human sense."
Netanyahu assured those present that the government will exert its "utmost effort" to regain the corpses of Saul Oron and Hadar Golden to be buried in Israel. "This is gratitude for them and for their families."
Netanyahu, whose offensive killed around 2,260 Gazans, including more than 500 children, and who now rejects the two-state solution, turned to an old propaganda canard to emphasise his point. "We love peace and we are eager to defend ourselves, our sons and future," he claimed. "We love life, but our enemies love death."
It was said that at least two Israeli soldiers were lost during last summer's Israeli attack on Gaza. The Palestinian resistance has been refusing to provide information about the men, although it has claimed to have captured one of them.
According to Quds Press, Moshe Ya'alon made his remark during a ceremony commemorating Israeli soldiers lost in the Gaza Strip during the 51-day Israeli offensive. Attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin, the event was held in Jerusalem's military cemetery.
"The Israeli defence leadership is committed to return the corpses of the two soldiers," insisted Ya'alon. "This is an ethical duty; they went into battle upon our demand."
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that getting their bodies will be "difficult" and "full of hardships." Israel, he added, has "an aggressive enemy, who does not have a human sense."
Netanyahu assured those present that the government will exert its "utmost effort" to regain the corpses of Saul Oron and Hadar Golden to be buried in Israel. "This is gratitude for them and for their families."
Netanyahu, whose offensive killed around 2,260 Gazans, including more than 500 children, and who now rejects the two-state solution, turned to an old propaganda canard to emphasise his point. "We love peace and we are eager to defend ourselves, our sons and future," he claimed. "We love life, but our enemies love death."
It was said that at least two Israeli soldiers were lost during last summer's Israeli attack on Gaza. The Palestinian resistance has been refusing to provide information about the men, although it has claimed to have captured one of them.

A prominent Israeli professor, and author of the Israeli army's code of conduct, has claimed that Israeli soldiers killed one of their own in order to prevent a capture in Gaza last summer.
Prof. Asa Kasher, of Tel Aviv University, said that he could not give any details of the incident, but confirmed that there is a "solid base" to the story.
According to Kasher, the death was the result of a misunderstanding of the Hannibal Directive, a secret protocol for responding to a suspected abduction which is frequently reported to allow for the use of lethal force even at the risk of the abductee's life.
During 'Operation Protective Edge', the Hannibal Directive is confirmed to have been used in Rafah on August 1, when Israeli forces committed atrocities in an attempt to prevent the capture of missing soldier Hadar Goldin.
Kasher made the remarks on Wednesday at a rabbinical organisation's conference.
See also: Israeli Officer Admits Ordering Strike to Kill Captured Soldier
Israeli army: We attacked Rafah heavily to prevent Goldin's capture
Report: 5 of the 64 Soldiers Killed in Gaza Invasion Were Killed by ‘Friendly Fire’
Prof. Asa Kasher, of Tel Aviv University, said that he could not give any details of the incident, but confirmed that there is a "solid base" to the story.
According to Kasher, the death was the result of a misunderstanding of the Hannibal Directive, a secret protocol for responding to a suspected abduction which is frequently reported to allow for the use of lethal force even at the risk of the abductee's life.
During 'Operation Protective Edge', the Hannibal Directive is confirmed to have been used in Rafah on August 1, when Israeli forces committed atrocities in an attempt to prevent the capture of missing soldier Hadar Goldin.
Kasher made the remarks on Wednesday at a rabbinical organisation's conference.
See also: Israeli Officer Admits Ordering Strike to Kill Captured Soldier
Israeli army: We attacked Rafah heavily to prevent Goldin's capture
Report: 5 of the 64 Soldiers Killed in Gaza Invasion Were Killed by ‘Friendly Fire’

Head of Hamas's political bureau Khaled Mishaal said that Israel approached his Movement through a European intermediary to negotiate the release of Israeli soldiers captured by Hamas during the summer aggression on Gaza.
Hamas refuses to discuss this issue until Israel releases all the ex-detainees who were released as part of Wafa al-Ahrar (Shalit) swap deal, and were subsequently rearrested last summer, Mishaal clarified during a press conference held in Doha on Tuesday night.
Mishaal refused to give more details about the number of the captured soldiers and whether they are alive or dead.
Regarding the reconciliation agreement, the Hamas senior leader said that implementing Doha and Cairo agreements is enough to end the internal division and achieving national reconciliation.
He said that the ballot box is not enough alone to resolve the Palestinian crisis, pointing out that partnership is inevitable.
Hamas has conducted a comprehensive revision of its performance, and "we recognize that the group had erred on certain occasions", Mishaal added.
What is required from the other party (Fatah) is to take serious steps for the achievement of a real national reconciliation, he continued.
He stressed that the Palestinian issue remains the central issue for the Arab Nation despite the internal problems and crises rocking many Arab countries.
On the other hand, the Hamas senior leader stated that his group did not and never would intervene in any Arab country's internal affairs.
He pointed out that it was not confirmed the involvement of any element of Hamas Movement in the recent crimes that targeted the Egyptian army in Sinai.
Stability in Egypt has always been a Hamas interest, he stressed.
In another context, Mishaal said that Gaza reconstruction file and ending Israeli siege on the Strip are on the top priorities of Hamas Movement.
_ (Israeli version) Hamas: Israel asked for bodies of soldiers
Leader of Gaza's ruling group says he received messages from Israel through European channels, asking for the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014's Operation Protective Edge.
The leader of Hamas, Khaled Mashal, said Wednesday that Israel has sent messages to the group through a European intermediary, asking the organization to return the bodies of two soldiers in their possession since Operation Protective Edge.
According to Mashal, Hamas told the intermediary that the organization will not conduct negotiations with or supply any information about the two soldiers until Israel releases Shalit swap prisoners who where re-arrested.
Staff Seargent Oren Shaul was killed in the "Golani Tragedy" in Shejaiya on the 20th of July 2014. Six of his friends where killed in the attack and Shaul was declared as missing. Five days after the incident, then head of the IDF's manpower directorate, and current Chief Military Rabbi notified the family of Oren's death.
Goldin was killed in an incident which would later be dubbed the "Black Friday," in Rafah. The commander of the Givati reconnaissance company, Major Bnia Sarel, and his radioman Sergeant Liel Gidoni where killed in the incident as well. Goldin was declared missing, and later declared dead, as a result of brave actions by Captian Eitan Pond: which brought forward the evidence necessary to assume he had died.
This is not the first time Hamas has claimed the existence of indirect talks with Israel to return the bodies. Last October, a member of Hamas's political echelon, Mohamed Nazal, said that there had been preparations to open a channel of indirect negotiation between the sides. Nazal claimed that the negotiations would begin soon; however, there has been no evidence of active negotiations between the group and Israel.
Mashal also made it clear that he had not drafted or presented Israel with a long term cease fire agreement. He clarified that current efforts where aimed to strengthening the cease fire agreement which was signed in Cairo, in exchange for rehabilitating Gaza.
According to Mashal, Hamas representatives met with European and international officials in Qatar, among other places, in order to advance the rehabilitation of Gaza. With that said, Mashal stated that the efforts are not a substitute for armed resistance. "Gaza can hurt Israel, and can explode at any moment."
The Hamas leader added that his organization will not accept any plan that divides the West Bank from 'Palestine.' In relation to Hamas's policy in the West Bank, Mashal said that the agenda was to strengthen the standing of the Palestinian people, and aimed to preserve unity and resistance against the occupation. He also called for the advancement of the process of Palestinian unity.
Hamas refuses to discuss this issue until Israel releases all the ex-detainees who were released as part of Wafa al-Ahrar (Shalit) swap deal, and were subsequently rearrested last summer, Mishaal clarified during a press conference held in Doha on Tuesday night.
Mishaal refused to give more details about the number of the captured soldiers and whether they are alive or dead.
Regarding the reconciliation agreement, the Hamas senior leader said that implementing Doha and Cairo agreements is enough to end the internal division and achieving national reconciliation.
He said that the ballot box is not enough alone to resolve the Palestinian crisis, pointing out that partnership is inevitable.
Hamas has conducted a comprehensive revision of its performance, and "we recognize that the group had erred on certain occasions", Mishaal added.
What is required from the other party (Fatah) is to take serious steps for the achievement of a real national reconciliation, he continued.
He stressed that the Palestinian issue remains the central issue for the Arab Nation despite the internal problems and crises rocking many Arab countries.
On the other hand, the Hamas senior leader stated that his group did not and never would intervene in any Arab country's internal affairs.
He pointed out that it was not confirmed the involvement of any element of Hamas Movement in the recent crimes that targeted the Egyptian army in Sinai.
Stability in Egypt has always been a Hamas interest, he stressed.
In another context, Mishaal said that Gaza reconstruction file and ending Israeli siege on the Strip are on the top priorities of Hamas Movement.
_ (Israeli version) Hamas: Israel asked for bodies of soldiers
Leader of Gaza's ruling group says he received messages from Israel through European channels, asking for the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014's Operation Protective Edge.
The leader of Hamas, Khaled Mashal, said Wednesday that Israel has sent messages to the group through a European intermediary, asking the organization to return the bodies of two soldiers in their possession since Operation Protective Edge.
According to Mashal, Hamas told the intermediary that the organization will not conduct negotiations with or supply any information about the two soldiers until Israel releases Shalit swap prisoners who where re-arrested.
Staff Seargent Oren Shaul was killed in the "Golani Tragedy" in Shejaiya on the 20th of July 2014. Six of his friends where killed in the attack and Shaul was declared as missing. Five days after the incident, then head of the IDF's manpower directorate, and current Chief Military Rabbi notified the family of Oren's death.
Goldin was killed in an incident which would later be dubbed the "Black Friday," in Rafah. The commander of the Givati reconnaissance company, Major Bnia Sarel, and his radioman Sergeant Liel Gidoni where killed in the incident as well. Goldin was declared missing, and later declared dead, as a result of brave actions by Captian Eitan Pond: which brought forward the evidence necessary to assume he had died.
This is not the first time Hamas has claimed the existence of indirect talks with Israel to return the bodies. Last October, a member of Hamas's political echelon, Mohamed Nazal, said that there had been preparations to open a channel of indirect negotiation between the sides. Nazal claimed that the negotiations would begin soon; however, there has been no evidence of active negotiations between the group and Israel.
Mashal also made it clear that he had not drafted or presented Israel with a long term cease fire agreement. He clarified that current efforts where aimed to strengthening the cease fire agreement which was signed in Cairo, in exchange for rehabilitating Gaza.
According to Mashal, Hamas representatives met with European and international officials in Qatar, among other places, in order to advance the rehabilitation of Gaza. With that said, Mashal stated that the efforts are not a substitute for armed resistance. "Gaza can hurt Israel, and can explode at any moment."
The Hamas leader added that his organization will not accept any plan that divides the West Bank from 'Palestine.' In relation to Hamas's policy in the West Bank, Mashal said that the agenda was to strengthen the standing of the Palestinian people, and aimed to preserve unity and resistance against the occupation. He also called for the advancement of the process of Palestinian unity.
6 july 2015

Israel honors Protective Edge fallen in state ceremony on Mount Herzl; President Rivlin warns Palestinians: 'When there is no fire towards Israel - then there will be no fire towards the Gaza Strip'.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday had a message to Israel's enemies, saying "those who try to hurt us, their blood be on their own heads."
Netanyahu was speaking at a state ceremony honoring the 67 soldiers and officers and five civilians who were killed during Operation Protective Edge last summer in Gaza.
His warning was aimed not just at Hamas, but also at Hezbollah, Iran and the Islamic State. "We're closely monitoring the situation in the south and preparing to act with force when required to do so," he said, as southern residents have been suffering for several weeks from sporadic rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and recently from the Sinai Peninsula as well.
Turning to bereaved families, Netanyahu said that "In every meeting and every conversation I had with you, one sentence kept coming back, 'I'm feeling great pain in my heart, but also great pride'. I know well that there is no end to your grief, but alongside this you have the knowledge that your sons' bravery saved many lives in Israel."
President Rivlin noted the suffering of Israeli citizens throughout the war and before it, under threat from rockets and terror tunnels. He also paid tributed to the fallen soldiers and their families, and to wounded soldiers still leading a daily battle to rehabilitate. However, Rivlin noted that Israel's mission remains incomplete. "We are still yet to see the return of two of our sons; Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul, and Lt. Hadar Goldin. We shall not rest till we bring them for burial in Israel," he vowed.
Noting recent rocket and terror attacks, the president said that, "We are not a people of war, but if forced to take up arms to defend our borders and our existence we will not hesitate to do so.
"The State of Israel cannot continue to be held hostage by an enemy which operates in the heart of their civilian population. An enemy which does not respect human rights, which does not respect human life, an enemy which scorns international law and democracy," he added. "Only the eradication of terror will bring an end to the murder of innocents on both sides," he stressed, adding that "When there is no fire towards Sderot, Nahal Oz, Nir Banim, Ashdod or Ashkelon - then there will be no fire towards the Gaza Strip."
Alongside Rivlin and Netanyahu, the ceremony was also attended by Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot as well as bereaved families, Israeli politicians from both coalition and opposition, and other dignitaries.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday had a message to Israel's enemies, saying "those who try to hurt us, their blood be on their own heads."
Netanyahu was speaking at a state ceremony honoring the 67 soldiers and officers and five civilians who were killed during Operation Protective Edge last summer in Gaza.
His warning was aimed not just at Hamas, but also at Hezbollah, Iran and the Islamic State. "We're closely monitoring the situation in the south and preparing to act with force when required to do so," he said, as southern residents have been suffering for several weeks from sporadic rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and recently from the Sinai Peninsula as well.
Turning to bereaved families, Netanyahu said that "In every meeting and every conversation I had with you, one sentence kept coming back, 'I'm feeling great pain in my heart, but also great pride'. I know well that there is no end to your grief, but alongside this you have the knowledge that your sons' bravery saved many lives in Israel."
President Rivlin noted the suffering of Israeli citizens throughout the war and before it, under threat from rockets and terror tunnels. He also paid tributed to the fallen soldiers and their families, and to wounded soldiers still leading a daily battle to rehabilitate. However, Rivlin noted that Israel's mission remains incomplete. "We are still yet to see the return of two of our sons; Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul, and Lt. Hadar Goldin. We shall not rest till we bring them for burial in Israel," he vowed.
Noting recent rocket and terror attacks, the president said that, "We are not a people of war, but if forced to take up arms to defend our borders and our existence we will not hesitate to do so.
"The State of Israel cannot continue to be held hostage by an enemy which operates in the heart of their civilian population. An enemy which does not respect human rights, which does not respect human life, an enemy which scorns international law and democracy," he added. "Only the eradication of terror will bring an end to the murder of innocents on both sides," he stressed, adding that "When there is no fire towards Sderot, Nahal Oz, Nir Banim, Ashdod or Ashkelon - then there will be no fire towards the Gaza Strip."
Alongside Rivlin and Netanyahu, the ceremony was also attended by Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot as well as bereaved families, Israeli politicians from both coalition and opposition, and other dignitaries.
4 july 2015

Member of Hamas's political bureau Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk stressed that Hamas will never compromise its condition before embarking on any future prisoners' swap deal in exchange for the Israeli soldiers missing in Gaza.
He explained that his Movement’s pre-condition is the release of the 54 Palestinian prisoners who were rearrested after being released in Wafa al-Ahrar swap deal.
Regarding the truce with Israel, Abu Marzouk said that Hamas officials are not meeting with Israeli officials at all and that the indirect talks ended in Egypt when the war on Gaza ended.
In an interview with al-Quds TV satellite channel on Friday, Abu Marzouk said that there are personal initiatives by some figures including the quartet envoy to the Middle East Tony Blair to provide ideas for all parties.
On Hamas's relations with the Syrian regime, Abu Marzouk stressed that there is no communication with it and the other Palestinian factions are carrying out this task, and he hoped that these communications would lead to neutralizing the Palestinian refugee camps from the conflict there.
On the reasons behind his two visits to Lebanon, Abu Marzouk affirmed that they were aimed at discussing the conditions of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and maintaining security in the refugee camps.
Abu Marzouk said that the problem of the Palestinian refugees who fled from Syria to Lebanon was solved and the Lebanese authorities released the refugees who have been recently arrested under the pretext of not having residence permits and the residence permits of all the refugees residing in Lebanon will be renewed.
Abu Marzouk denied that he has met the Secretary General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah and also denied the Israeli claims over Hamas's alleged involvement in Sinai attacks.
"The Egyptian official position hasn't charged Hamas of any terrorist acts there," Abu Marzouk affirmed, and added: "Hamas has deployed security forces along the border with Egypt to deter any infiltration into or from the Gaza Strip."
He explained that his Movement’s pre-condition is the release of the 54 Palestinian prisoners who were rearrested after being released in Wafa al-Ahrar swap deal.
Regarding the truce with Israel, Abu Marzouk said that Hamas officials are not meeting with Israeli officials at all and that the indirect talks ended in Egypt when the war on Gaza ended.
In an interview with al-Quds TV satellite channel on Friday, Abu Marzouk said that there are personal initiatives by some figures including the quartet envoy to the Middle East Tony Blair to provide ideas for all parties.
On Hamas's relations with the Syrian regime, Abu Marzouk stressed that there is no communication with it and the other Palestinian factions are carrying out this task, and he hoped that these communications would lead to neutralizing the Palestinian refugee camps from the conflict there.
On the reasons behind his two visits to Lebanon, Abu Marzouk affirmed that they were aimed at discussing the conditions of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and maintaining security in the refugee camps.
Abu Marzouk said that the problem of the Palestinian refugees who fled from Syria to Lebanon was solved and the Lebanese authorities released the refugees who have been recently arrested under the pretext of not having residence permits and the residence permits of all the refugees residing in Lebanon will be renewed.
Abu Marzouk denied that he has met the Secretary General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah and also denied the Israeli claims over Hamas's alleged involvement in Sinai attacks.
"The Egyptian official position hasn't charged Hamas of any terrorist acts there," Abu Marzouk affirmed, and added: "Hamas has deployed security forces along the border with Egypt to deter any infiltration into or from the Gaza Strip."
12 june 2015

64 Palestinian prisoners who were kidnapped after being released during Shalit Deal Swap Deal in 2011 are still held in Israeli jails including three women, Palestinian sources said Friday.
The Palestine Center for Prisoners Studies said, in a new report marking a year after the kidnapping of dozens of Shalit deal prisoners, that their continued detention in Israeli jails constitutes a flagrant violation to the swap deal reached under Egyptian mediation.
The center’s spokesman Riyad al-Ashqar blamed the Egyptian authorities for not committing with its obligations towards the deal terms that prevent the released prisoners’ re-arrest.
Israeli authorities have re-imposed the previous sentences of 47 Shalit Deal prisoners, he pointed out.
Israeli violations against Shalit Deal prisoners started only two months after their release in 2011 under the pretext of breaking their release terms.
During June 2014, 74 Shalit Deal prisoners were re-arrested in a large-scale arrest campaign. Ten of them were earlier released most recently was the ex-prisoner Bushra Tawil, while 64 others are still held in total violations to the deal terms, the report explained.
The center renewed its calls on Egyptian authorities to commit with its obligations and to intervene for the ex-prisoners’ release.
The Palestine Center for Prisoners Studies said, in a new report marking a year after the kidnapping of dozens of Shalit deal prisoners, that their continued detention in Israeli jails constitutes a flagrant violation to the swap deal reached under Egyptian mediation.
The center’s spokesman Riyad al-Ashqar blamed the Egyptian authorities for not committing with its obligations towards the deal terms that prevent the released prisoners’ re-arrest.
Israeli authorities have re-imposed the previous sentences of 47 Shalit Deal prisoners, he pointed out.
Israeli violations against Shalit Deal prisoners started only two months after their release in 2011 under the pretext of breaking their release terms.
During June 2014, 74 Shalit Deal prisoners were re-arrested in a large-scale arrest campaign. Ten of them were earlier released most recently was the ex-prisoner Bushra Tawil, while 64 others are still held in total violations to the deal terms, the report explained.
The center renewed its calls on Egyptian authorities to commit with its obligations and to intervene for the ex-prisoners’ release.
11 june 2015

The Palestinian Detainees’ Committee and the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) issued a press release stating that former longtime political prisoner, Sami Younis (Abu Nader), 85 years of age, died Wednesday in his home in ‘Ara, in the Haifa District.
The statement said that Younis was held captive by Israeli for 28 years, and was only released under the Shalit Prisoner Swap deal in 2011.
He was kidnapped in January 1983 under charges of “organizing and running cells" to resist the Israeli occupation. He became the oldest Palestinian political prisoner held by Israel.
Younis was sentenced to a life term, and spent most of his 28 years in prison, in solitary confinement.
Israel is still holding captive Karim Yousef Younis, 56, after kidnaping him on January 6, 1983, and his cousin Maher Abdul-Latif Younis, 57, who was abducted on January 18, 1983.
They are among around 26 longtime prisoners who were supposed to be freed as part of the fourth and final stage of a deal made between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, mediated by the U-S, to bring about the resumption of peace talks. But Israel has refused to implement the final phase.
The statement said that Younis was held captive by Israeli for 28 years, and was only released under the Shalit Prisoner Swap deal in 2011.
He was kidnapped in January 1983 under charges of “organizing and running cells" to resist the Israeli occupation. He became the oldest Palestinian political prisoner held by Israel.
Younis was sentenced to a life term, and spent most of his 28 years in prison, in solitary confinement.
Israel is still holding captive Karim Yousef Younis, 56, after kidnaping him on January 6, 1983, and his cousin Maher Abdul-Latif Younis, 57, who was abducted on January 18, 1983.
They are among around 26 longtime prisoners who were supposed to be freed as part of the fourth and final stage of a deal made between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, mediated by the U-S, to bring about the resumption of peace talks. But Israel has refused to implement the final phase.

Israeli media sources reported Wednesday that an Israeli soldier of Ethiopian descent was captured by Hamas movement last September.
The Israeli-Ethiopian soldier Abraham Mengistu, 24, has been captured by Hamas movement for nearly ten months, the sources said.
Abraham, from Ashkelon, was dragged into the northern shores of Gaza following Israel's summer war on Gaza in 2014, according to the sources.
Israeli authorities have earlier demanded from the missing soldier's family not speak to the media. The gag order, according to analysts, comes to prove how Israeli does not care about Jews of colour.
The Israeli-Ethiopian soldier Abraham Mengistu, 24, has been captured by Hamas movement for nearly ten months, the sources said.
Abraham, from Ashkelon, was dragged into the northern shores of Gaza following Israel's summer war on Gaza in 2014, according to the sources.
Israeli authorities have earlier demanded from the missing soldier's family not speak to the media. The gag order, according to analysts, comes to prove how Israeli does not care about Jews of colour.
25 may 2015

Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) called on the Palestinian resistance to hasten the implementation of a new prisoner swap deal in order to end the suffering of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.
Dr. Ahmad Bahar, the PLC Deputy Speaker, on Monday called on the Palestinian resistance factions to accomplish a new deal such as Wafaa al-Ahrar which was signed in October, 2010 between Hamas and Israel.
This came in the weekly solidarity sit-in with the Palestinian captives in front of the Red Cross headquarter in Gaza with the participation of PLC MPs and factions’ leaders.
Bahar pointed out that Israel holds 250 Palestinian minors, which is contrary to all international laws. He also condemned the Israeli policy of deliberate medical negligence against the Palestinian detainees inside Israeli jails.
He charged the Israeli Occupation Authority (IOA) with full responsibility for the lives of the sick prisoner MP Nayif al-Rujoub and captive Khader Adnan who is on hunger strike.
The PLC Deputy Speaker Bahar stressed that kidnapping the PLC MPs breeches the parliament immunity, calling for MPs in the world to intervene to pressure the IOA in order to release Palestinian deputies from Israeli prisons.
For his part, Mohammad al-Hindi, member of the political bureau of Islamic Jihad, charged the international human rights organizations of being “false witnesses” on the Israeli crimes.
He said, in a speech on behalf of the Palestinian factions in the sit-in, that prisoner Khader Adnan has been on hunger strike for the 22nd day in a row to protest against administrative detention without trial or charge.
The IOA is detaining about 7,000 Palestinian prisoners distributed to 25 jails and detention centers. The number includes 1500 sick captives in need for urgent surgeries, hundreds of women and minors, 12 MPs and 30 prisoners who spent more than 20 years in Israeli jails.
Dr. Ahmad Bahar, the PLC Deputy Speaker, on Monday called on the Palestinian resistance factions to accomplish a new deal such as Wafaa al-Ahrar which was signed in October, 2010 between Hamas and Israel.
This came in the weekly solidarity sit-in with the Palestinian captives in front of the Red Cross headquarter in Gaza with the participation of PLC MPs and factions’ leaders.
Bahar pointed out that Israel holds 250 Palestinian minors, which is contrary to all international laws. He also condemned the Israeli policy of deliberate medical negligence against the Palestinian detainees inside Israeli jails.
He charged the Israeli Occupation Authority (IOA) with full responsibility for the lives of the sick prisoner MP Nayif al-Rujoub and captive Khader Adnan who is on hunger strike.
The PLC Deputy Speaker Bahar stressed that kidnapping the PLC MPs breeches the parliament immunity, calling for MPs in the world to intervene to pressure the IOA in order to release Palestinian deputies from Israeli prisons.
For his part, Mohammad al-Hindi, member of the political bureau of Islamic Jihad, charged the international human rights organizations of being “false witnesses” on the Israeli crimes.
He said, in a speech on behalf of the Palestinian factions in the sit-in, that prisoner Khader Adnan has been on hunger strike for the 22nd day in a row to protest against administrative detention without trial or charge.
The IOA is detaining about 7,000 Palestinian prisoners distributed to 25 jails and detention centers. The number includes 1500 sick captives in need for urgent surgeries, hundreds of women and minors, 12 MPs and 30 prisoners who spent more than 20 years in Israeli jails.
18 may 2015

The Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) released on Sunday the former Palestinian prisoner, prisoners’ rights advocate, and journalist Bushra al-Tawil after being detained for ten months behind Israeli bars.
Bushra, who was detained several months ago in total violation of Wafa al-Ahrar (Shalit) swap deal as she was liberated during the exchange deal in 2011, was released at Jabara checkpoint in Tulkarem.
Shortly after her release, Bushra delivered the Palestinian female prisoners’ cry for help letter, denying some media reports about the isolation of five female prisoners.
Bushra, 20, was arrested on July 1 from her home in el-Bireh, in the West Bank. She is one of over 600 Palestinians rounded up in mass raids and arrests by Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank in mid-June 2014.
She was first arrested at the age of 17, when she was held in administrative detention without charge or trial until her release in December 2011 as part of the Wafa al-Ahrar prisoner exchange deal.
After her re-arrest, Israeli authorities re-imposed her previous 18-month sentence in total violation of the exchange deal terms.
Bushra is the spokesperson of the Aneen Al-Qaid Media Network, a local news agency specialized in covering news about the Palestinian detainees, and political prisoners.
Bushra, who was detained several months ago in total violation of Wafa al-Ahrar (Shalit) swap deal as she was liberated during the exchange deal in 2011, was released at Jabara checkpoint in Tulkarem.
Shortly after her release, Bushra delivered the Palestinian female prisoners’ cry for help letter, denying some media reports about the isolation of five female prisoners.
Bushra, 20, was arrested on July 1 from her home in el-Bireh, in the West Bank. She is one of over 600 Palestinians rounded up in mass raids and arrests by Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank in mid-June 2014.
She was first arrested at the age of 17, when she was held in administrative detention without charge or trial until her release in December 2011 as part of the Wafa al-Ahrar prisoner exchange deal.
After her re-arrest, Israeli authorities re-imposed her previous 18-month sentence in total violation of the exchange deal terms.
Bushra is the spokesperson of the Aneen Al-Qaid Media Network, a local news agency specialized in covering news about the Palestinian detainees, and political prisoners.
11 may 2015

Today, the Israeli military court at Ofer prison in Betunia, Ramallah, issued a verdict to reinstate the original sentence of Samer Issawi. Issawi, who became world famous due to his legendary record-breaking hunger strike during his previous arrest, was originally sentenced to 30 years imprisonment on the basis of his alleged resistance activities.
During the historic prisoner swap deal brokered by Egypt in 2011, Samer Issawi was released after having spent 10 years in prison, and his original sentence was revoked. He was then rearrested in July 2012 on false allegations of having violated the conditions of the deal, but waged a record-breaking 277-day hunger strike against his detention.
His courageous struggle and charismatic personality won the hearts of many around the world, and gave rise to widespread solidarity campaigns and protests. This put the Israeli occupation authorities under significant pressure, which resulted in a deal with the prison authorities, in which Samer Issawi negotiated his release. The announcement of this deal on April 22, 2013, was celebrated among solidarity activists as a victory against the occupation, and against the random imprisonment of Palestinians.
However, in July 2014, Samer was rearrested. Solidarity movements had their hands full making sure that news from the savage Israeli attack on Gaza would reach the masses, despite a worldwide pro-Israeli clampdown of mainstream media, so it barely caught their attention.
While his health condition still left a lot to be desired for, there was no strong campaign for his release as in his previous detention. Samer's main advocate, his sister the lawyer Shireen Issawi, who had relentlessly campaigned for the release of her brother, had already been imprisoned in March 2014, together with their other brother Medhat. While still in detention, Shireen received the Al Karama Human Rights Award in absentiam, for her brave stances in campaigning for Palestinian political prisoners.
All three siblings, Samer, Shireen and Medhat are still in detention. The news of the reinstatement of Samer Issawi's original 30-year prison sentence has come as a harsh blow for the Issawi family, continuously harassed and terrorized by the forces of the Israeli occupation for their brave resilience in the face of a brutal and illegal occupation.
The news of Issawi's sentence is expected to evoke widespread condemnation, solidarity activism, and protest. As the news slowly reaches the masses, it is of vital importance that calls for the release of the hero Samer Issawi are reiterated, and that solid campaigns are initiated.
During the historic prisoner swap deal brokered by Egypt in 2011, Samer Issawi was released after having spent 10 years in prison, and his original sentence was revoked. He was then rearrested in July 2012 on false allegations of having violated the conditions of the deal, but waged a record-breaking 277-day hunger strike against his detention.
His courageous struggle and charismatic personality won the hearts of many around the world, and gave rise to widespread solidarity campaigns and protests. This put the Israeli occupation authorities under significant pressure, which resulted in a deal with the prison authorities, in which Samer Issawi negotiated his release. The announcement of this deal on April 22, 2013, was celebrated among solidarity activists as a victory against the occupation, and against the random imprisonment of Palestinians.
However, in July 2014, Samer was rearrested. Solidarity movements had their hands full making sure that news from the savage Israeli attack on Gaza would reach the masses, despite a worldwide pro-Israeli clampdown of mainstream media, so it barely caught their attention.
While his health condition still left a lot to be desired for, there was no strong campaign for his release as in his previous detention. Samer's main advocate, his sister the lawyer Shireen Issawi, who had relentlessly campaigned for the release of her brother, had already been imprisoned in March 2014, together with their other brother Medhat. While still in detention, Shireen received the Al Karama Human Rights Award in absentiam, for her brave stances in campaigning for Palestinian political prisoners.
All three siblings, Samer, Shireen and Medhat are still in detention. The news of the reinstatement of Samer Issawi's original 30-year prison sentence has come as a harsh blow for the Issawi family, continuously harassed and terrorized by the forces of the Israeli occupation for their brave resilience in the face of a brutal and illegal occupation.
The news of Issawi's sentence is expected to evoke widespread condemnation, solidarity activism, and protest. As the news slowly reaches the masses, it is of vital importance that calls for the release of the hero Samer Issawi are reiterated, and that solid campaigns are initiated.
10 may 2015

The Israeli military court of Ofer, on Sunday, sentenced five Palestinian ex-detainees – who were released in the Gilad Shalit prisoners swap in 2011 and were rearrested in 2014 – to serve the remainder of their original sentences, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society (PPS).
The five prisoners were identified as Mahdi Assi, from Nablus, Khaled Makhamreh from Hebron, Samer al-Issawi from Jerusalem, Nayef Shawamreh from Hebron and Wa’el Abu Jalboush from Jenin. Another ex-detainee; Na’el al-Bargouti, was sentenced to 30 months in jail. He was also released in 2011 prisoners swap and was re-captured by Israel last June.
According to WAFA, in June 0f 2014, Israel recaptured at least 50 ex-detainees who were released in the 2011 prisoners exchange deal with Hamas. These prisoners, along with hundreds others, remain held either under administrative detention - without indictment or trial - or are still awaiting military court ruling.
The arrests were made based on a 2009 military article that enables Israeli prosecutors to push for reinstating prisoners' original sentences if they commit an offence. In these cases, neither the prisoner nor the lawyer is informed of the evidence that can be used to incarcerate them again.
In 2013, a team of Palestinian lawyers petitioned Israel's high court regarding Article 186 of military order 1651, the regulation that particularly affected those released in the Shalit deal.
Addameer, a local prisoner human rights group, called it an “unjustified” act that “undermines the protection of prisoners and ex-prisoners”.
A total of 63 re-arrested prisoners went on a hunger strike in September 2014 to demand their release; however they remain behind bars until the moment as Israel refuses to discuss their situation, Israeli daily Haaretz reported.
The five prisoners were identified as Mahdi Assi, from Nablus, Khaled Makhamreh from Hebron, Samer al-Issawi from Jerusalem, Nayef Shawamreh from Hebron and Wa’el Abu Jalboush from Jenin. Another ex-detainee; Na’el al-Bargouti, was sentenced to 30 months in jail. He was also released in 2011 prisoners swap and was re-captured by Israel last June.
According to WAFA, in June 0f 2014, Israel recaptured at least 50 ex-detainees who were released in the 2011 prisoners exchange deal with Hamas. These prisoners, along with hundreds others, remain held either under administrative detention - without indictment or trial - or are still awaiting military court ruling.
The arrests were made based on a 2009 military article that enables Israeli prosecutors to push for reinstating prisoners' original sentences if they commit an offence. In these cases, neither the prisoner nor the lawyer is informed of the evidence that can be used to incarcerate them again.
In 2013, a team of Palestinian lawyers petitioned Israel's high court regarding Article 186 of military order 1651, the regulation that particularly affected those released in the Shalit deal.
Addameer, a local prisoner human rights group, called it an “unjustified” act that “undermines the protection of prisoners and ex-prisoners”.
A total of 63 re-arrested prisoners went on a hunger strike in September 2014 to demand their release; however they remain behind bars until the moment as Israel refuses to discuss their situation, Israeli daily Haaretz reported.
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

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) re-imposed Thursday the previous sentence of the female ex-detainee Haniyeh Naser who was re-arrested few months ago after being released during Wafa al-Ahrar deal.
Palestinian Prisoners Center for Studies said that an Israeli court re-imposed on the ex-detainee Haniyeh Naser, 25, her previous sentence estimated at 28 months.
Naser, who is currently held in Hasharon prison, was re-arrested from her family’s home on December 10, 2014 during an Israeli large-scale arrest campaign targeting Palestinian ex-detainees who were released during Wafa al-Ahrar swap deal in 2011.
She was first arrested on September 12, 2011 at an Israeli military checkpoint for allegedly holding a knife to stab an Israeli soldier.
Naser spent three months out of her 28-month sentence before being released in the swap deal in 2011.
24 women, including four minors and 4 ex-prisoners, are currently held in Hasharon prison amid very difficult detention conditions.
Palestinian Prisoners Center for Studies said that an Israeli court re-imposed on the ex-detainee Haniyeh Naser, 25, her previous sentence estimated at 28 months.
Naser, who is currently held in Hasharon prison, was re-arrested from her family’s home on December 10, 2014 during an Israeli large-scale arrest campaign targeting Palestinian ex-detainees who were released during Wafa al-Ahrar swap deal in 2011.
She was first arrested on September 12, 2011 at an Israeli military checkpoint for allegedly holding a knife to stab an Israeli soldier.
Naser spent three months out of her 28-month sentence before being released in the swap deal in 2011.
24 women, including four minors and 4 ex-prisoners, are currently held in Hasharon prison amid very difficult detention conditions.
22 apr 2015

The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) on Tuesday went back on earlier pledges to release the Palestinian detainee Aref al-Fakhuri, recaptured last June after he was unshackled by the Wafa al-Ahrar prisoner swap deal.
According to the Palestinian Prisoners Center for Studies, the IOA, represented by the military objections committee, issued a decision a couple of days ago to immediately release the detainee after he had been acquitted of charges of violating the law.
The Israeli prosecution appealed the acquittal issued by objections committee at the Salem court and sentenced the detainee to a one-year prison-term, in effect since the day of his arrest on 18 July, 2014.
Prisoner al-Fakhouri had spent nine years, out of a 28-year sentence, in Israeli jails, before he was released in the Wafa al-Ahrar prisoner swap deal.
According to the Palestinian Prisoners Center for Studies, the IOA, represented by the military objections committee, issued a decision a couple of days ago to immediately release the detainee after he had been acquitted of charges of violating the law.
The Israeli prosecution appealed the acquittal issued by objections committee at the Salem court and sentenced the detainee to a one-year prison-term, in effect since the day of his arrest on 18 July, 2014.
Prisoner al-Fakhouri had spent nine years, out of a 28-year sentence, in Israeli jails, before he was released in the Wafa al-Ahrar prisoner swap deal.
21 apr 2015

Hamas Movement called on Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu “to closely check his soldiers and to stop misleading the families of missing soldiers.”
Aqsa TV Channel on Monday evening quoted a responsible source in Hamas Movement as saying that Netanyahu should closely check his soldiers and stop misleading the families of missing soldiers.
In a preliminary analysis of Hamas’s letter to Netanyahu, Israeli media outlets said that the letter aims to influence the Israeli public opinion regarding the issue of the missing soldiers.
The letter is a part of Hamas’s psychological warfare against Israel, Israeli analysts said.
Hamas works at exerting more pressures on the Israeli government to meet the group’s demands related to the expected prisoner swap deal, according to the media reports.
During Israel's summer aggression on Gaza, Hamas' sarmed wing, the Qassam Brigades, announced that they had captured the Israeli soldier Oron Shaul on July 20, east of Gaza City.
Few days later, Israel accused Hamas of holding the body of Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was killed in clashes east of Rafah on August 1, while some said he had been kidnapped. Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied the claim.
Israel had waged on early July a brutal offensive on Gaza Strip that lasted for 51 days and resulted in the murder of 2323 people and the injury of thousands others.
Aqsa TV Channel on Monday evening quoted a responsible source in Hamas Movement as saying that Netanyahu should closely check his soldiers and stop misleading the families of missing soldiers.
In a preliminary analysis of Hamas’s letter to Netanyahu, Israeli media outlets said that the letter aims to influence the Israeli public opinion regarding the issue of the missing soldiers.
The letter is a part of Hamas’s psychological warfare against Israel, Israeli analysts said.
Hamas works at exerting more pressures on the Israeli government to meet the group’s demands related to the expected prisoner swap deal, according to the media reports.
During Israel's summer aggression on Gaza, Hamas' sarmed wing, the Qassam Brigades, announced that they had captured the Israeli soldier Oron Shaul on July 20, east of Gaza City.
Few days later, Israel accused Hamas of holding the body of Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was killed in clashes east of Rafah on August 1, while some said he had been kidnapped. Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied the claim.
Israel had waged on early July a brutal offensive on Gaza Strip that lasted for 51 days and resulted in the murder of 2323 people and the injury of thousands others.
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