6 aug 2014
Excessive Israeli restrictions on Palestinian territories cannot be justified on the grounds they protect Israel, a British parliamentary committee said on Wednesday.
"We challenge the assertion that restrictions which curtail economic development in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are based on Israel's security needs and can be justified on security grounds," the report by the International Development Committee said.
The paper expressed particular concern about the situation in Hebron, the Palestinian city in the southern West Bank.
"We were shocked by what we saw during our visit to Hebron. While we fully appreciate Israel's security concerns, these in no way justify the present restrictions on Palestinians in Hebron, which affect their livelihoods, economic development, and security," the report said.
The group, which monitors the British government's ministry of international development, called for London and Europe to speak out against restrictions that prevent economic development "as a matter of urgency."
The call comes a day after Baroness Sayeeda Warsi resigned as a government minister in protest at what she said was a "morally indefensible" failure by the government to condemn Israel's killing of civilians in Gaza.
The lifting of an eight-year blockade of Gaza has been a key demand of all Palestinian factions.
But West Bank restrictions in particular, such as the prevention of Palestinian businesses investing in the Israeli-controlled zone, should be opposed by Britain and other European countries, the report said.
It added that issues such as greater access to water and construction permits should be addressed regardless of the current conflict, which has killed 1,875 Palestinians including 430 children, 64 Israeli soldiers and three civilians in Israel.
The committee said it was "extremely concerned" that Israel could further expand settlements, and said Britain and other European countries should "stress to the Israeli authorities the unacceptability of the present situation."
The British government should also examine whether guidelines on the labeling of produce made in Israeli settlements to allow consumers to avoid buying them has been implemented by retailers, the report said.
"We challenge the assertion that restrictions which curtail economic development in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are based on Israel's security needs and can be justified on security grounds," the report by the International Development Committee said.
The paper expressed particular concern about the situation in Hebron, the Palestinian city in the southern West Bank.
"We were shocked by what we saw during our visit to Hebron. While we fully appreciate Israel's security concerns, these in no way justify the present restrictions on Palestinians in Hebron, which affect their livelihoods, economic development, and security," the report said.
The group, which monitors the British government's ministry of international development, called for London and Europe to speak out against restrictions that prevent economic development "as a matter of urgency."
The call comes a day after Baroness Sayeeda Warsi resigned as a government minister in protest at what she said was a "morally indefensible" failure by the government to condemn Israel's killing of civilians in Gaza.
The lifting of an eight-year blockade of Gaza has been a key demand of all Palestinian factions.
But West Bank restrictions in particular, such as the prevention of Palestinian businesses investing in the Israeli-controlled zone, should be opposed by Britain and other European countries, the report said.
It added that issues such as greater access to water and construction permits should be addressed regardless of the current conflict, which has killed 1,875 Palestinians including 430 children, 64 Israeli soldiers and three civilians in Israel.
The committee said it was "extremely concerned" that Israel could further expand settlements, and said Britain and other European countries should "stress to the Israeli authorities the unacceptability of the present situation."
The British government should also examine whether guidelines on the labeling of produce made in Israeli settlements to allow consumers to avoid buying them has been implemented by retailers, the report said.
5 july 2014
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Ministry of Agriculture estimated the damage cost of the Israeli airstrikes on Israeli ex-settlements (now cultivated land) in southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis at $2.5 million.
The ministry Friday explained in a statement that the Israeli bombings destroyed greenhouses set up on land with 70 thousand square meters (70 dunums), 15 dunums of citrus crop, 10 dunums of grapes, 20 dunums of vegetables and 30 storehouses with farming equipment. The bombardment also led to the destruction of irrigation and electricity systems, agricultural equipment and ready-to-market crops, in addition to causing deep holes in the land. |
4 july 2014
The International Monetary Fund on Thursday said the economy in the West Bank and Gaza is weakening and urged Israel to lift restrictions on the Palestinians.
After briefing the international donor community and the Palestinian Authority, IMF mission chief Christoph Duenwald said in a statement that the authority is "doing a commendable job" managing the economy in difficult circumstances.
He said the global donor community needed to step up to help fill a "sizable" financing gap this year for the authority.
"Against the background of rising political uncertainty, the economy of the West Bank and Gaza is weakening," he said.
"Unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, currently at 43 percent, continues to rise from already high levels," he added.
"Continued donor support is vital at this time, as is a comprehensive easing of Israeli restrictions to underpin the Palestinian reform efforts."
According to a February forecast, the IMF saw the economy in the West Bank and Gaza growing 2.5 percent this year, up from 1.5 percent in 2013.
After briefing the international donor community and the Palestinian Authority, IMF mission chief Christoph Duenwald said in a statement that the authority is "doing a commendable job" managing the economy in difficult circumstances.
He said the global donor community needed to step up to help fill a "sizable" financing gap this year for the authority.
"Against the background of rising political uncertainty, the economy of the West Bank and Gaza is weakening," he said.
"Unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, currently at 43 percent, continues to rise from already high levels," he added.
"Continued donor support is vital at this time, as is a comprehensive easing of Israeli restrictions to underpin the Palestinian reform efforts."
According to a February forecast, the IMF saw the economy in the West Bank and Gaza growing 2.5 percent this year, up from 1.5 percent in 2013.
3 july 2014
The Palestinian Health Ministry on Wednesday said most of Gaza ambulances have gone out of service as fuel reserves have almost hit zero. Dr. Atef Ramlawi, head of the emergency unit in the ministry, warned, in a press release, that the current situation bodes ill for Gaza ambulances as they might run out of 70% of their overall fuel supplies.
He added: “We’ve been appealing to officials in the Finance and Health Ministries to step in. But to no avail so far.”
No single fuel liter has been bumped into the suspended Gaza ambulances since early July. The ambulances have only been operating in emergency cases.
The Palestinian official warned of the possible inability of meeting the emergency services needed in case of further Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip.
He called on all concerned parties and officials in the unity government to step in with no further delay so as to alleviate Gaza’s fuel crisis and cope with such an acute shortage in fuel quantities needed to recuperate Gaza’s ambulances.
Observers detected reluctance on the part of health Minister Fathi Awad, located in Ramallah, to deal with the crisis. He has rarely been in touch with the ministry representatives in Gaza.
He added: “We’ve been appealing to officials in the Finance and Health Ministries to step in. But to no avail so far.”
No single fuel liter has been bumped into the suspended Gaza ambulances since early July. The ambulances have only been operating in emergency cases.
The Palestinian official warned of the possible inability of meeting the emergency services needed in case of further Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip.
He called on all concerned parties and officials in the unity government to step in with no further delay so as to alleviate Gaza’s fuel crisis and cope with such an acute shortage in fuel quantities needed to recuperate Gaza’s ambulances.
Observers detected reluctance on the part of health Minister Fathi Awad, located in Ramallah, to deal with the crisis. He has rarely been in touch with the ministry representatives in Gaza.
2 july 2014
Gaza's Energy and Natural Resources Authority has again warned of a power cut, should imported fuel quantities remain in limited supply.
In a recent press statement, Al Ray reports, the Authority said that “the Israeli occupation authorities limited the quantities of fuel shipped via Karm Abu Salem crossing to the Strip, which may result in the power plant not operating.”
The statement pointed to the fact that the lack of fuel is ongoing for the plant, and appeals to all responsible parties in taking immediate measures to find a fundamental solution for the crisis, so that electricity distribution schedules already in effect may continue.
On June 26, a shipment of 250,000 liters of synthetic diesel (one day's supply) was allowed entry into Gaza in order to fuel its sole power plant, a day after the authority warned the plant would shut down.
Even under the current schedule, Gazans receive electricity sporadically for totals amounting to 8 hours daily.
Qatari fuel, donated in March, was expected to run the plant for three months, but this deadline has since expired.
Gaza has been under a severe economic blockade imposed by Israel since 2006, leading to frequent humanitarian crises. With Egyptian backing, Israel tightened the blockade in 2007, following a political victory by Hamas.
In a recent press statement, Al Ray reports, the Authority said that “the Israeli occupation authorities limited the quantities of fuel shipped via Karm Abu Salem crossing to the Strip, which may result in the power plant not operating.”
The statement pointed to the fact that the lack of fuel is ongoing for the plant, and appeals to all responsible parties in taking immediate measures to find a fundamental solution for the crisis, so that electricity distribution schedules already in effect may continue.
On June 26, a shipment of 250,000 liters of synthetic diesel (one day's supply) was allowed entry into Gaza in order to fuel its sole power plant, a day after the authority warned the plant would shut down.
Even under the current schedule, Gazans receive electricity sporadically for totals amounting to 8 hours daily.
Qatari fuel, donated in March, was expected to run the plant for three months, but this deadline has since expired.
Gaza has been under a severe economic blockade imposed by Israel since 2006, leading to frequent humanitarian crises. With Egyptian backing, Israel tightened the blockade in 2007, following a political victory by Hamas.
1 july 2014
Health syndicates in Gaza organized a sit-in Monday in front of the World Health Organization in protest of not receiving their salaries.
Participants in the sit-in said they have not been paid for three months in a row, and they called for the national unity government to include the Gaza government’s employees with the PA employees and "not to discriminate between employees."
“Job security is a right for every employee,” participants said, demanding their salaries in order to be “equal” to their colleagues in the PA.
Participants held Rami Hamdallah, Palestinian premier, responsible for the health sector’s deterioration, and they called upon all parties who signed the reconciliation agreement to intervene to solve the issue.
Participants in the sit-in said they have not been paid for three months in a row, and they called for the national unity government to include the Gaza government’s employees with the PA employees and "not to discriminate between employees."
“Job security is a right for every employee,” participants said, demanding their salaries in order to be “equal” to their colleagues in the PA.
Participants held Rami Hamdallah, Palestinian premier, responsible for the health sector’s deterioration, and they called upon all parties who signed the reconciliation agreement to intervene to solve the issue.
30 june 2014
Officials at the Gaza Strip power plant announced Monday that they are no longer able to provide electricity for eight hours per day.
The company said in a statement that it was “doing its utmost” to provide power for water wells, sewage plants, hospitals and medical centers to prevent any humanitarian or environmental disaster.
The statement called upon all concerned parties to increase the available amount of electricity.
The company recommended people not to increase their consumption of electricity, especially in the hot weather, and to avoid turning on air conditioning in public and private facilities and mosques.
The company said in a statement that it was “doing its utmost” to provide power for water wells, sewage plants, hospitals and medical centers to prevent any humanitarian or environmental disaster.
The statement called upon all concerned parties to increase the available amount of electricity.
The company recommended people not to increase their consumption of electricity, especially in the hot weather, and to avoid turning on air conditioning in public and private facilities and mosques.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (R) and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, sign agreements at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on May 16, 2014
The Palestinian Authority will start importing fuel and oil from Venezuela in the near future, a Palestinian official told Ma'an on Monday.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Venezuela would ship fuel to Palestine for five years at reduced prices.
The shipments from Venezuela will arrive via either Jordan or Israel.
In May, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pledged to send oil and diesel to the Palestinian Authority, as part of agreements signed with Abbas during his visit to Caracas.
Venezuela, which sits atop the world's largest oil reserves, said it would provide an initial shipment of 240,000 barrels of oil.
The Palestinian Authority will start importing fuel and oil from Venezuela in the near future, a Palestinian official told Ma'an on Monday.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Venezuela would ship fuel to Palestine for five years at reduced prices.
The shipments from Venezuela will arrive via either Jordan or Israel.
In May, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pledged to send oil and diesel to the Palestinian Authority, as part of agreements signed with Abbas during his visit to Caracas.
Venezuela, which sits atop the world's largest oil reserves, said it would provide an initial shipment of 240,000 barrels of oil.
29 june 2014
Deputy chief of the Hamas politburo Mousa Abu Marzouq said Saturday that Qatar attempted to transfer money to cover the monthly salaries of the civil servants of the former Hamas-run government in Gaza, but the Arab Bank rejected the transfer.
"The state of Qatar graciously transferred money to the Arab Bank, but with an extravagant sense of Arab nationalism, the Arab Bank refused to take the money," Abu Marzouq wrote sarcastically on his Facebook page.
He added that PA president and the national consensus government "are still looking for a mechanism," to transfer the funds, which Qatar agreed to send in order ensure that thousands of civil servants who served under the Hamas government will continue to be paid despite a unity agreement that means previous civil servants from the PA government will be employed.
The Qatari decision averted a crisis in early June, as the possibility that thousands of employees affiliated with the Hamas-run government that controlled the besieged coastal enclave since 2007 would be summarily dismissed led to protests and anger.
Abu Marzouq said in his statement that some Palestinians insist on "receiving orders from outside," alluding to the possibility that the Arab Bank's refusal to transfer the funds was politically-motivated.
"It is unconscionable to deprive employees who are doing their work of their wages," added Abu Marzouq. "Unity will not be built on tyranny or discrimination."
Since the political division between Hamas and Fatah began in 2007, Hamas ran a separate government in the Gaza Strip with its own civil service.
During this time, however, the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority had continued paying its employees in the Gaza Strip, despite the fact that the PA was no longer operative.
As a result, confusion arose as to whether the employees associated with the Hamas government would be paid by the unity government.
"The state of Qatar graciously transferred money to the Arab Bank, but with an extravagant sense of Arab nationalism, the Arab Bank refused to take the money," Abu Marzouq wrote sarcastically on his Facebook page.
He added that PA president and the national consensus government "are still looking for a mechanism," to transfer the funds, which Qatar agreed to send in order ensure that thousands of civil servants who served under the Hamas government will continue to be paid despite a unity agreement that means previous civil servants from the PA government will be employed.
The Qatari decision averted a crisis in early June, as the possibility that thousands of employees affiliated with the Hamas-run government that controlled the besieged coastal enclave since 2007 would be summarily dismissed led to protests and anger.
Abu Marzouq said in his statement that some Palestinians insist on "receiving orders from outside," alluding to the possibility that the Arab Bank's refusal to transfer the funds was politically-motivated.
"It is unconscionable to deprive employees who are doing their work of their wages," added Abu Marzouq. "Unity will not be built on tyranny or discrimination."
Since the political division between Hamas and Fatah began in 2007, Hamas ran a separate government in the Gaza Strip with its own civil service.
During this time, however, the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority had continued paying its employees in the Gaza Strip, despite the fact that the PA was no longer operative.
As a result, confusion arose as to whether the employees associated with the Hamas government would be paid by the unity government.
26 june 2014
The governor of Bethlehem Jibrin al-Bakri on Wednesday gave a directive to ban the entry of watermelons from Israel into Bethlehem markets.
In a statement, al-Bakri said that the decision is in line with the instructions of Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas seeking to protect Palestinian farmers and Palestinian national products.
The local decision follows a controversy in early June, when the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture banned the import of Palestinian agricultural products after its Palestinian counterpart banned the import of Israeli watermelons in order to product the local industry.
The issue was resolved quickly after Palestinian authorities backed down on the watermelon ban, leading Israel to remove its own prohibition.
Only one-third of the watermelons sold in the Palestinian market are from Palestinian farmers, with the rest apparently being primarily from Israeli farmers, assistant undersecretary for administrative and economic affairs at the ministry Ali Ghayyatha told Ma'an.
Israel's control over all access points in and out of the West Bank means that Israel maintains almost complete control over Palestinian imports and exports.
The Palestinian domestic market, meanwhile, remains captive to Israeli products, making domestic distribution for Palestinian companies difficult as well.
A World Bank report released in October said that Israel's control over Area C -- more than 60 percent of the West Bank -- deprives the Palestinian economy of an estimated $3.4 billion a year, equivalent to some 35 percent of the Palestinian gross domestic product in 2011.
In a statement, al-Bakri said that the decision is in line with the instructions of Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas seeking to protect Palestinian farmers and Palestinian national products.
The local decision follows a controversy in early June, when the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture banned the import of Palestinian agricultural products after its Palestinian counterpart banned the import of Israeli watermelons in order to product the local industry.
The issue was resolved quickly after Palestinian authorities backed down on the watermelon ban, leading Israel to remove its own prohibition.
Only one-third of the watermelons sold in the Palestinian market are from Palestinian farmers, with the rest apparently being primarily from Israeli farmers, assistant undersecretary for administrative and economic affairs at the ministry Ali Ghayyatha told Ma'an.
Israel's control over all access points in and out of the West Bank means that Israel maintains almost complete control over Palestinian imports and exports.
The Palestinian domestic market, meanwhile, remains captive to Israeli products, making domestic distribution for Palestinian companies difficult as well.
A World Bank report released in October said that Israel's control over Area C -- more than 60 percent of the West Bank -- deprives the Palestinian economy of an estimated $3.4 billion a year, equivalent to some 35 percent of the Palestinian gross domestic product in 2011.
The popular committee against the siege confirmed that Israel's illegal and immoral restrictions have deepened the crisis in the besieged strip of Gaza, where 70 percent of Gaza population lives below the poverty line.
In its new report issued on Tuesday, the Popular Committee stated that more than one million Palestinian depend on aid supplies provided by international, Arab and Islamic humanitarian institutions that do not meet their needs.
The poverty rate has increased dramatically to reach 50 percent, while the daily average per capita income in the Gaza Strip is estimated at two dollars, 40 times less than Israeli income rate.
The report added that fuel and power crises are the most difficult problems witnessing in the besieged strip. Closing Karem Abu Salem crossing for only one day could lead to a significant fuel crisis in addition to 8-12 hours of power cuts each day, according to the report.
The power crisis has significantly affected public services in hospitals and schools in addition to the shutdown of several factories.
The report pointed out that Israeli occupation has deliberately targeted Gaza infrastructure and construction sector, which led to heavy economic losses.
Israeli authorities have banned the entry of construction materials, which led to the stop of construction projects estimated at 500 million dollars in light of the acute housing crisis in the strip.
In 2006, 4000 tons of cements, 1500 tons of steel, and 6000 tons of gravel were daily allowed to pass through Karem Abu Salem crossing, however; Israeli authorities have completely banned the entry of construction materials.
The report said that 80 percent of factories are partially or completely stopped in Gaza Strip due to the continued Israeli ban on construction materials’ access, which led to significant increase in unemployment rate.
On the other hand, the report said that 95 percent of Gaza water is unsafe for drinking due to acute shortage of desalination plants.
The report confirmed that Israeli occupation only allows fishing within six nautical miles off Gaza shores. However; Israeli arrests and attacks against Palestinian fishermen and their fishing equipments are still continued in the allowed area.
Meanwhile, spokesman for the health ministry Ashraf Qudra warned of the serious deterioration of health situation in Gaza strip due to the unprecedented shortage in medical supplies and fuel in light of the continued unfair siege impose on Gaza Strip.
In its new report issued on Tuesday, the Popular Committee stated that more than one million Palestinian depend on aid supplies provided by international, Arab and Islamic humanitarian institutions that do not meet their needs.
The poverty rate has increased dramatically to reach 50 percent, while the daily average per capita income in the Gaza Strip is estimated at two dollars, 40 times less than Israeli income rate.
The report added that fuel and power crises are the most difficult problems witnessing in the besieged strip. Closing Karem Abu Salem crossing for only one day could lead to a significant fuel crisis in addition to 8-12 hours of power cuts each day, according to the report.
The power crisis has significantly affected public services in hospitals and schools in addition to the shutdown of several factories.
The report pointed out that Israeli occupation has deliberately targeted Gaza infrastructure and construction sector, which led to heavy economic losses.
Israeli authorities have banned the entry of construction materials, which led to the stop of construction projects estimated at 500 million dollars in light of the acute housing crisis in the strip.
In 2006, 4000 tons of cements, 1500 tons of steel, and 6000 tons of gravel were daily allowed to pass through Karem Abu Salem crossing, however; Israeli authorities have completely banned the entry of construction materials.
The report said that 80 percent of factories are partially or completely stopped in Gaza Strip due to the continued Israeli ban on construction materials’ access, which led to significant increase in unemployment rate.
On the other hand, the report said that 95 percent of Gaza water is unsafe for drinking due to acute shortage of desalination plants.
The report confirmed that Israeli occupation only allows fishing within six nautical miles off Gaza shores. However; Israeli arrests and attacks against Palestinian fishermen and their fishing equipments are still continued in the allowed area.
Meanwhile, spokesman for the health ministry Ashraf Qudra warned of the serious deterioration of health situation in Gaza strip due to the unprecedented shortage in medical supplies and fuel in light of the continued unfair siege impose on Gaza Strip.
Gaza's only power plant is still running today, after fuel was permitted entry into the Strip via Israel, just a day after the power authority warned that the plant would shut down. Additionally, 20 truckloads of pharmaceuticals and medical disposables are to soon arrive in the besieged coastal enclave.
Yesterday, an agreement was reached that would allow the importation of 250,000 liters of synthetic diesel to Gaza's power generation station, according to Fathi al-Sheikh Khalil, deputy head of the energy authority in Gaza.
The fuel aims to continue the supply of electricity for eight hours daily. Khalil added that this is enough for one day, explaining that there are other suggestions to reduce the taxes on diesel.
Qatar had agreed, in March, to continue to donate money to fuel Gaza's power plant for three months, according to Ma'an. The donated fuel was expected to run out on Tuesday.
Furthermore, Raed Fattouh, the person in charge of coordinating goods which enter Gaza, told Ma'an News Agency that more than 400 truckloads of goods were shipped in on Wednesday, including diesel fuel to run the power plant.
Gasoline and humanitarian aid was also shipped into the area, according to Fattouh. In addition, two truckloads of cement were shipped in to be used for UN-funded projects.
Jawad Awwad, Palestinian Minister of Health, says that his ministry has completed the necessary procedures to ship 20 truckloads of drugs and medical disposables to the region, accroding to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency.
A severe shortages of medicine -- in addition to the fuel crisis -- has forced Gaza's main hospitals to suspend all non-emergency surgery cases previously queued.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Health distributed 1 million New Israeli Shekels (just under $300,000 US) to the hospitals in order to buy fuel supplies to power their electricity generators.
Gaza has been under a severe economic blockade imposed by Israel since 2006, leading to frequent humanitarian crises. Backed by Egypt, Israel tightened the blockade in 2007, following an election victory by Hamas.
The medicinal aid is expected to stock out in weeks.
Yesterday, an agreement was reached that would allow the importation of 250,000 liters of synthetic diesel to Gaza's power generation station, according to Fathi al-Sheikh Khalil, deputy head of the energy authority in Gaza.
The fuel aims to continue the supply of electricity for eight hours daily. Khalil added that this is enough for one day, explaining that there are other suggestions to reduce the taxes on diesel.
Qatar had agreed, in March, to continue to donate money to fuel Gaza's power plant for three months, according to Ma'an. The donated fuel was expected to run out on Tuesday.
Furthermore, Raed Fattouh, the person in charge of coordinating goods which enter Gaza, told Ma'an News Agency that more than 400 truckloads of goods were shipped in on Wednesday, including diesel fuel to run the power plant.
Gasoline and humanitarian aid was also shipped into the area, according to Fattouh. In addition, two truckloads of cement were shipped in to be used for UN-funded projects.
Jawad Awwad, Palestinian Minister of Health, says that his ministry has completed the necessary procedures to ship 20 truckloads of drugs and medical disposables to the region, accroding to Al Ray Palestinian Media Agency.
A severe shortages of medicine -- in addition to the fuel crisis -- has forced Gaza's main hospitals to suspend all non-emergency surgery cases previously queued.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Health distributed 1 million New Israeli Shekels (just under $300,000 US) to the hospitals in order to buy fuel supplies to power their electricity generators.
Gaza has been under a severe economic blockade imposed by Israel since 2006, leading to frequent humanitarian crises. Backed by Egypt, Israel tightened the blockade in 2007, following an election victory by Hamas.
The medicinal aid is expected to stock out in weeks.