27 nov 2012
Ceasefire deal brings new types of fish to Gaza markets
New types of fresh fish can be found in Gaza's markets following an easing of Israel's coastal blockade over the weekend.
As part of a ceasefire to end Israel's eight-day war on Gaza, Israel agreed to allow fishermen to sail six nautical miles off the coast of Gaza instead of three, which had been the limit under Israel's siege.
Fishermen welcomed the move, but said they hoped the fishing zone would be extended further.
The head of Gaza's fishing association Mahfouth al-Kabriti says that the 6-mile zone is mostly sandy, and fishermen need to go 10 or 12 miles out to sea for sufficient hauls.
Al-Kabriti told Ma'an that historically, fishing had been a key sector in the local economy. Under Israel's blockade, most fish is imported through tunnels from Egypt or harvested from fish farms.
In the Oslo Accords, Israel agreed to a 20-nautical-mile fishing zone off Gaza's coast but it has imposed a 3-mile limit for several years, opening fire at fishermen who strayed further.
Israel has controlled Gaza waters since its occupation of the area in 1967, and has kept several warships stationed off the coast since 2008.
As part of a ceasefire to end Israel's eight-day war on Gaza, Israel agreed to allow fishermen to sail six nautical miles off the coast of Gaza instead of three, which had been the limit under Israel's siege.
Fishermen welcomed the move, but said they hoped the fishing zone would be extended further.
The head of Gaza's fishing association Mahfouth al-Kabriti says that the 6-mile zone is mostly sandy, and fishermen need to go 10 or 12 miles out to sea for sufficient hauls.
Al-Kabriti told Ma'an that historically, fishing had been a key sector in the local economy. Under Israel's blockade, most fish is imported through tunnels from Egypt or harvested from fish farms.
In the Oslo Accords, Israel agreed to a 20-nautical-mile fishing zone off Gaza's coast but it has imposed a 3-mile limit for several years, opening fire at fishermen who strayed further.
Israel has controlled Gaza waters since its occupation of the area in 1967, and has kept several warships stationed off the coast since 2008.
26 nov 2012
Gaza damage to cost 'several hundred million dollars'
A Palestinian warms himself at the rubble of his house, destroyed in an Israel airstrike in Gaza City last week
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- The damage inflicted by Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip will cost hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild, according to the first estimates after the eight-day conflict.
Gaza government spokesman Taher al-Nunu said Sunday that preliminary studies show direct damages of around $545 million and indirect losses of some $700 million.
Around 200 buildings were completely destroyed and 8,000 other damaged during the conflict, al-Nunu said.
Gaza economist Omar Shaban said his estimates put the losses at around $250 million, noting that international agencies had yet to begin their own damage assessments.
According to al-Nunu, the government has asked the minister of public works to expedite his full assessment of the losses in order to reach a final figure.
Shaban pointed out that rebuilding Gaza depends on current talks in Cairo over the implementation of the ceasefire deal.
"Will the crossings be opened? Where will materials come from? Will the ceasefire even hold? It is too early too tell," he told Ma'an on Monday.
The Egyptian-brokered agreement included a provision to ease crossings and the flow of goods into Gaza, with measures to be agreed in further talks.
Israel imposes a land and sea blockade on the coastal strip. The only crossing not controlled by Israel -- Egypt's Rafah terminal -- is not equipped for goods transfers and its development is restricted by international agreements.
Al-Nunu said a high-level delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ziyad Thatha was dispatched to Cairo to discuss implementation of the ceasefire deal.
Representatives of Gaza and Israel's government will talk indirectly through Egyptian intelligence officials during their stay in Cairo, London-based newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat said Monday.
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- The damage inflicted by Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip will cost hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild, according to the first estimates after the eight-day conflict.
Gaza government spokesman Taher al-Nunu said Sunday that preliminary studies show direct damages of around $545 million and indirect losses of some $700 million.
Around 200 buildings were completely destroyed and 8,000 other damaged during the conflict, al-Nunu said.
Gaza economist Omar Shaban said his estimates put the losses at around $250 million, noting that international agencies had yet to begin their own damage assessments.
According to al-Nunu, the government has asked the minister of public works to expedite his full assessment of the losses in order to reach a final figure.
Shaban pointed out that rebuilding Gaza depends on current talks in Cairo over the implementation of the ceasefire deal.
"Will the crossings be opened? Where will materials come from? Will the ceasefire even hold? It is too early too tell," he told Ma'an on Monday.
The Egyptian-brokered agreement included a provision to ease crossings and the flow of goods into Gaza, with measures to be agreed in further talks.
Israel imposes a land and sea blockade on the coastal strip. The only crossing not controlled by Israel -- Egypt's Rafah terminal -- is not equipped for goods transfers and its development is restricted by international agreements.
Al-Nunu said a high-level delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ziyad Thatha was dispatched to Cairo to discuss implementation of the ceasefire deal.
Representatives of Gaza and Israel's government will talk indirectly through Egyptian intelligence officials during their stay in Cairo, London-based newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat said Monday.
24 nov 2012
Hamas says fishing limit to extend under ceasefire deal
Egyptian, Israeli and Palestinian officials representing the Hamas-run government in Gaza will meet next Monday in Cairo to discuss the aftermath of the ceasefire agreement.
The Office of Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said he was informed by the director of Egyptian intelligence that Israel agreed to allow Gaza fishermen to go six nautical miles off the coast of Gaza instead of three, which has been the limit under Israel's siege.
"Israel has allowed Palestinian fishermen to fish in Gaza's waters at a distance of six miles, up from three miles," Haniyeh's office said.
Israel had no immediate comment.
Murad al-Issi, a member of a local fishermens' group, told Reuters his colleagues had already ventured out to the six-mile limit on Saturday, undisturbed by Israel.
"The Israeli army naval boat which used to fire and torch Palestinian boats that sailed beyond a three-mile distance watched without doing anything to prevent them," Issi said.
Palestinians say the Israeli restrictions had hampered the amount and variety of fish they could catch.
"This is a good step," Issi said, adding it would be best to be permitted double the distance.
In another apparent Israeli step to ease restrictions, Palestinian farmers tended land along the frontier with Israel without incident, a day after Israeli troops killed a Palestinian man at a border fence.
Gaza security officials were on patrol and Israeli soldiers looked on without interfering, but for a brief verbal exchange between one soldier and a Hamas guard, witnesses said.
Palestinians denounced Friday's shooting as a violation of the ceasefire and Egypt intervened to restore calm.
Haniyeh's office said in a statement that the border zone would also be addressed in Monday's meeting, among other things.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators agreed on a 20-nautical-mile fishing zone off Gaza's coast under the Oslo Accords, but Israel unilaterally imposes a 3-mile limit.
Israeli warships frequently open fire at boats that allegedly stray from the permitted area.
Israel has controlled Gaza waters since its occupation of the area in 1967, and has kept several warships stationed off the coast since 2008.
The Office of Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said he was informed by the director of Egyptian intelligence that Israel agreed to allow Gaza fishermen to go six nautical miles off the coast of Gaza instead of three, which has been the limit under Israel's siege.
"Israel has allowed Palestinian fishermen to fish in Gaza's waters at a distance of six miles, up from three miles," Haniyeh's office said.
Israel had no immediate comment.
Murad al-Issi, a member of a local fishermens' group, told Reuters his colleagues had already ventured out to the six-mile limit on Saturday, undisturbed by Israel.
"The Israeli army naval boat which used to fire and torch Palestinian boats that sailed beyond a three-mile distance watched without doing anything to prevent them," Issi said.
Palestinians say the Israeli restrictions had hampered the amount and variety of fish they could catch.
"This is a good step," Issi said, adding it would be best to be permitted double the distance.
In another apparent Israeli step to ease restrictions, Palestinian farmers tended land along the frontier with Israel without incident, a day after Israeli troops killed a Palestinian man at a border fence.
Gaza security officials were on patrol and Israeli soldiers looked on without interfering, but for a brief verbal exchange between one soldier and a Hamas guard, witnesses said.
Palestinians denounced Friday's shooting as a violation of the ceasefire and Egypt intervened to restore calm.
Haniyeh's office said in a statement that the border zone would also be addressed in Monday's meeting, among other things.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators agreed on a 20-nautical-mile fishing zone off Gaza's coast under the Oslo Accords, but Israel unilaterally imposes a 3-mile limit.
Israeli warships frequently open fire at boats that allegedly stray from the permitted area.
Israel has controlled Gaza waters since its occupation of the area in 1967, and has kept several warships stationed off the coast since 2008.
22 nov 2012
PA to pay remainder of govt salaries
The Palestinian Authority said Thursday it would be paying the remainder of October salaries to government employees by the end of the day.
Public sector employees received 52 percent of their salaries on Nov. 11. The withheld amount will be available at ATMs on Thursday and from bank counters on Sunday, the ministry of finance said.
The PA has repeatedly failed to pay salaries on time and in full as it faces mounting debts.
The aid-dependent Palestinian economy in the West Bank is undergoing a financial crisis due to a drop in aid from Western backers and wealthy Gulf states, as well as Israeli restrictions on trade.
Public sector employees received 52 percent of their salaries on Nov. 11. The withheld amount will be available at ATMs on Thursday and from bank counters on Sunday, the ministry of finance said.
The PA has repeatedly failed to pay salaries on time and in full as it faces mounting debts.
The aid-dependent Palestinian economy in the West Bank is undergoing a financial crisis due to a drop in aid from Western backers and wealthy Gulf states, as well as Israeli restrictions on trade.
14 nov 2012
Kuwait donates $50 million to PA
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Kuwait donated $50 million to the Palestinian Authority on Wednesday, the World Bank said in a press statement.
The funds will go towards the World Bank coordinated Palestinian Reform and Development Plan, supporting economic reforms and helping the PA deliver social services amid its current budget crisis.
"The State of Kuwait considers the budget support to the PA crucial in order to ensure the social and economic well-being of its citizens," Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Ambassador of Kuwait in Washington, said.
The funds will go towards the World Bank coordinated Palestinian Reform and Development Plan, supporting economic reforms and helping the PA deliver social services amid its current budget crisis.
"The State of Kuwait considers the budget support to the PA crucial in order to ensure the social and economic well-being of its citizens," Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Ambassador of Kuwait in Washington, said.
UK appoints trade envoy to Palestine
The United Kingdom has appointed a trade envoy to Jordan, Kuwait and the Palestinian territories, its consulate in Jerusalem said Wednesday.
Baroness Patricia Morris of Bolton, Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords, will promote British trade in these countries, as well as raising the profile of their markets in the UK, a press statement from the British consulate said.
She is one of eight new trade envoys appointed to high-growth and developing markets.
Baroness Patricia Morris of Bolton, Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords, will promote British trade in these countries, as well as raising the profile of their markets in the UK, a press statement from the British consulate said.
She is one of eight new trade envoys appointed to high-growth and developing markets.
12 nov 2012
EU, Netherlands and Sweden Contribute €19 Million to the PA's Payment of October Salaries and Pensions
The European Union is making a contribution of approximately €19.0 million to the payment of the October salaries and pensions of around 84,200 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
This contribution, which is channelled through the PEGASE[1] mechanism, is being funded by the European Commission (€13.8 million), the Government of Sweden (SEK 35.0 million or c.€4.0 million) and the Government of the Netherlands (c.€1.2 million earmarked specifically to the PA salaries in the Justice sector).
"The European Union is aware of how deep and complex the PA's recent financial crisis is. In this context, we will continue our financial support and remain one of the most reliable and committed donors in order to secure the PA's fiscal sustainability and protect its institution-building achievements", said the EU Representative Mr. John Gatt-Rutter".
This contribution is part of our 2012 commitment and I would like to thank the Governments of the Netherlands and Sweden for their respective contributions and for entrusting the PEGASE Direct Financial Support mechanism with channelling their funds. I would also like to call on other donors to step up their financial efforts to preserve the PA's ability to deliver services to the Palestinian people ", he added.
Background
Most of the European Union's assistance to the Palestinian Authority is channelled through PEGASE, the financial mechanism launched in 2008 to support the PA Reform and Development Plan (2008-2010) and the subsequent PA Palestinian National Plan (2011-2013).
As well as helping to meet a substantial proportion of its running costs, European funds support major reform and development programmes in key ministries, to help prepare the PA for statehood in line with the plan put forward by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in August 2009.
Since February 2008, around €1.4 billion have been disbursed through the PEGASE Direct Financial Support programmes. In addition, the EU has provided assistance to the Palestinian people through UNRWA and a wide range of cooperation projects.
This contribution, which is channelled through the PEGASE[1] mechanism, is being funded by the European Commission (€13.8 million), the Government of Sweden (SEK 35.0 million or c.€4.0 million) and the Government of the Netherlands (c.€1.2 million earmarked specifically to the PA salaries in the Justice sector).
"The European Union is aware of how deep and complex the PA's recent financial crisis is. In this context, we will continue our financial support and remain one of the most reliable and committed donors in order to secure the PA's fiscal sustainability and protect its institution-building achievements", said the EU Representative Mr. John Gatt-Rutter".
This contribution is part of our 2012 commitment and I would like to thank the Governments of the Netherlands and Sweden for their respective contributions and for entrusting the PEGASE Direct Financial Support mechanism with channelling their funds. I would also like to call on other donors to step up their financial efforts to preserve the PA's ability to deliver services to the Palestinian people ", he added.
Background
Most of the European Union's assistance to the Palestinian Authority is channelled through PEGASE, the financial mechanism launched in 2008 to support the PA Reform and Development Plan (2008-2010) and the subsequent PA Palestinian National Plan (2011-2013).
As well as helping to meet a substantial proportion of its running costs, European funds support major reform and development programmes in key ministries, to help prepare the PA for statehood in line with the plan put forward by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in August 2009.
Since February 2008, around €1.4 billion have been disbursed through the PEGASE Direct Financial Support programmes. In addition, the EU has provided assistance to the Palestinian people through UNRWA and a wide range of cooperation projects.
11 nov 2012
PA says to pay partial salaries Sunday
The Palestinian Authority finance ministry announced Sunday that it would pay part of salaries owed to public sector employees by the end of the day.
The salaries of prisoners families will be paid completely while public sector employees will receive 52 percent of their salaries, the ministry said in a statement.
The aid-dependent Palestinian economy in the West Bank faces a financial crisis due to a drop in aid from Western backers and wealthy Gulf states, as well as Israeli restrictions on trade.
On Saturday Israel's finance minister said Israel will stop collecting tax revenues for the Palestinian Authority and will not hand over any money if President Mahmoud Abbas continues to seek observer state membership.
"If the Palestinians continue to advance their unilateral move they should not expect bilateral cooperation. We will not collect their taxes for them and we will not transfer their tax revenues," Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said.
Interim peace deals task Israel with collecting taxes and customs duties on the Palestinian Authority's behalf amounting to around $100 million a month, on goods imported into the Palestinian territories.
Israel has previously frozen payments to the Palestinian government during times of heightened security and diplomatic tensions, provoking strong international criticism.
In July, Israel and the Palestinian Authority agreed on a revamp of revenue collection to try to help relieve the Palestinian government's deepening debt crisis.
The salaries of prisoners families will be paid completely while public sector employees will receive 52 percent of their salaries, the ministry said in a statement.
The aid-dependent Palestinian economy in the West Bank faces a financial crisis due to a drop in aid from Western backers and wealthy Gulf states, as well as Israeli restrictions on trade.
On Saturday Israel's finance minister said Israel will stop collecting tax revenues for the Palestinian Authority and will not hand over any money if President Mahmoud Abbas continues to seek observer state membership.
"If the Palestinians continue to advance their unilateral move they should not expect bilateral cooperation. We will not collect their taxes for them and we will not transfer their tax revenues," Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said.
Interim peace deals task Israel with collecting taxes and customs duties on the Palestinian Authority's behalf amounting to around $100 million a month, on goods imported into the Palestinian territories.
Israel has previously frozen payments to the Palestinian government during times of heightened security and diplomatic tensions, provoking strong international criticism.
In July, Israel and the Palestinian Authority agreed on a revamp of revenue collection to try to help relieve the Palestinian government's deepening debt crisis.
5 nov 2012
Palestinian businessman meets Israeli economic delegation in Nablus
Palestinian businessman Munib al-Masri met on Sunday morning an Israeli economic delegation in the city of Nablus with the participation of Arabic, Turkish and European delegations.
The meeting was held with the presence of Mohammed Mustafa, the head of Palestine Investment Fund, as the representative of the Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas, Robert Serry as the representative of the United Nations to promote peace in the Middle East, and Prince Firas bin Raad as the representative of the international Quartet.
The Israeli delegation was headed by Jewish businessman Rami Levy, the owner of the largest chain store in the occupation state and owners of stores in West Bank settlements.
Palestinian militants strongly condemned the Palestinian businessman Munib al-Masri, for hosting the meeting, considering it "a betrayal of martyrs and prisoners' sacrifices"
A number of journalists also launched an initiative calling for not using the name "Beit Filisteen", a name Munib al-Masri had given to his palace on Mount Ebal, in any of the news, reports or pictures, and only called it "the Palace of Munib al-Masri" in protest at receiving the Israeli businessman Rami Levy there.
This meeting comes amid public anger that engulfed the Palestinian arena following the President's remarks in the Israeli TV Channel 2 which implicitly showed his position of giving up the right of return.
The meeting was held with the presence of Mohammed Mustafa, the head of Palestine Investment Fund, as the representative of the Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas, Robert Serry as the representative of the United Nations to promote peace in the Middle East, and Prince Firas bin Raad as the representative of the international Quartet.
The Israeli delegation was headed by Jewish businessman Rami Levy, the owner of the largest chain store in the occupation state and owners of stores in West Bank settlements.
Palestinian militants strongly condemned the Palestinian businessman Munib al-Masri, for hosting the meeting, considering it "a betrayal of martyrs and prisoners' sacrifices"
A number of journalists also launched an initiative calling for not using the name "Beit Filisteen", a name Munib al-Masri had given to his palace on Mount Ebal, in any of the news, reports or pictures, and only called it "the Palace of Munib al-Masri" in protest at receiving the Israeli businessman Rami Levy there.
This meeting comes amid public anger that engulfed the Palestinian arena following the President's remarks in the Israeli TV Channel 2 which implicitly showed his position of giving up the right of return.
Committee: Settlers destroy dozens of trees in Hebron
Olive trees pictured in Beit Jala
HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Settlers from Kiryat Arba uprooted dozens of olive trees in Hebron on Monday, a local agricultural committee said.
Over 70 olive and plum trees were destroyed by settlers on land belonging to Hamad al-Zaro, the committee said.
Since 1967, 800,000 olive trees have been uprooted by Israeli forces, resulting in a loss of around $55 million to the Palestinian economy, according to a report by the Palestinian Authority Ministry of National Economy and the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem.
HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Settlers from Kiryat Arba uprooted dozens of olive trees in Hebron on Monday, a local agricultural committee said.
Over 70 olive and plum trees were destroyed by settlers on land belonging to Hamad al-Zaro, the committee said.
Since 1967, 800,000 olive trees have been uprooted by Israeli forces, resulting in a loss of around $55 million to the Palestinian economy, according to a report by the Palestinian Authority Ministry of National Economy and the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem.
30 oct 2012
Occupation refuses repairing a power line that supplies Gaza
The Electricity Distribution Company in the Gaza Strip affirmed that the Israeli army is still preventing technical crews from entering the border area north of the Gaza Strip to repair the main power line.
The distribution Company stated in a press release on Tuesday that the line, which supplies very large areas in Gaza with about 12 MW coming from the Israeli company, was damaged at a border point about two weeks ago.
It also said that the occupation army has been preventing until now technical crews from entering the border area, East of Khan Younis, in order to repair the main line, which supplies almost half of the Khan Younis governorate.
The company warned of the continued loss of this amount of electricity, especially with the limited production by the power plant in the present circumstances, and stated that "such measures came to deepen the crisis and exacerbate its effects on over one million and seven hundred thousand Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip".
The company confirmed that this problem poses a serious risk to the electricity supply, which is already suffering a crisis, and directly affects the public humanitarian services as well as the humanitarian situation in the Strip.
The distribution Company stated in a press release on Tuesday that the line, which supplies very large areas in Gaza with about 12 MW coming from the Israeli company, was damaged at a border point about two weeks ago.
It also said that the occupation army has been preventing until now technical crews from entering the border area, East of Khan Younis, in order to repair the main line, which supplies almost half of the Khan Younis governorate.
The company warned of the continued loss of this amount of electricity, especially with the limited production by the power plant in the present circumstances, and stated that "such measures came to deepen the crisis and exacerbate its effects on over one million and seven hundred thousand Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip".
The company confirmed that this problem poses a serious risk to the electricity supply, which is already suffering a crisis, and directly affects the public humanitarian services as well as the humanitarian situation in the Strip.
24 oct 2012
Haneyya: Sheikh Hamad Al Thani raised the budget of projects
GAZA- Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya said during the signing ceremony on Tuesday that Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani raised the budget of aid projects in the Gaza Strip.
Premier Haneyya stated that Sheikh Hamad decided to raise the budget of the Qatari projects from 254 million to 400 million dollars.
Haneyya explained in the ceremony that the emir agreed to increase the funding of the projects previously reported and to fund new others including the building of residential apartments for ex-detainees and a rehabilitation center for war victims.
In a related context, Sheikh Hamad Al Thani visited during his one-day stay the Islamic university of Gaza where he gave a speech in the evening.
He started his speech by calling on the Palestinian rivals to end the national division and unite their ranks to face the challenges.
"The strong winds of change that are blowing in the Arab world may have marginalized the Palestinian cause politically and in the media, which calls on the Palestinians to work together in order to strengthen the justice of the Palestinian cause in a manner beyond any narrow factional views," the Qatari emir stated.
"The historical injustice that has befallen the brothers in Palestine is still a humanitarian catastrophe the international community failed to put an end to it," he underscored.
He also hailed the Gaza people for their steadfastness in the face of Israel's aggression and said their fortitude is a source of pride for the Arabs.
"The steadfastness of Gaza was the decisive element and taught the delusional people a lesson about the persistence of the believers in justice; the patience of Gaza was also a lesson for the coward people and a reason for the start of the Arab Spring," the emir said.
At the end of the ceremony that was held in the Islamic university, premier Ismail Haneyya granted Sheikh Hamad and his wife medals of dedication while the presidency of the university awarded them honorary doctorates.
For his part, deputy head of Hamas's political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk said on his facebook page that the visit of emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Al Thani to Gaza was one of his brave steps and positions towards the Palestinian cause in general and Gaza in particular.
Abu Marzouk also said he hoped if head of the Palestinian authority Mahmoud Abbas came along with Sheikh Hamad during his visit to Gaza.
"It would have been good if president Abu Mazen had hastened to visit the Gaza Strip to receive the emir of Qatar and save us time through uniting, ending the division, breaking the blockade and reconstructing Gaza," he stated.
For his part, head of the middle east studies center in Jordan Jawad Al-Hamad said the visit of Sheikh Hamad Al Thani to Gaza on Tuesday was a historical step and a turning point in the Arab political attitude towards the international siege imposed on Gaza.
Al-Hamad told Quds Press that the visit of Sheikh Hamad to Gaza would be the start of a new Arab lobby that can contitute a pressure force not only to end the siege on Gaza but also to support the Palestinian cause and the Arab interests.
Premier Haneyya stated that Sheikh Hamad decided to raise the budget of the Qatari projects from 254 million to 400 million dollars.
Haneyya explained in the ceremony that the emir agreed to increase the funding of the projects previously reported and to fund new others including the building of residential apartments for ex-detainees and a rehabilitation center for war victims.
In a related context, Sheikh Hamad Al Thani visited during his one-day stay the Islamic university of Gaza where he gave a speech in the evening.
He started his speech by calling on the Palestinian rivals to end the national division and unite their ranks to face the challenges.
"The strong winds of change that are blowing in the Arab world may have marginalized the Palestinian cause politically and in the media, which calls on the Palestinians to work together in order to strengthen the justice of the Palestinian cause in a manner beyond any narrow factional views," the Qatari emir stated.
"The historical injustice that has befallen the brothers in Palestine is still a humanitarian catastrophe the international community failed to put an end to it," he underscored.
He also hailed the Gaza people for their steadfastness in the face of Israel's aggression and said their fortitude is a source of pride for the Arabs.
"The steadfastness of Gaza was the decisive element and taught the delusional people a lesson about the persistence of the believers in justice; the patience of Gaza was also a lesson for the coward people and a reason for the start of the Arab Spring," the emir said.
At the end of the ceremony that was held in the Islamic university, premier Ismail Haneyya granted Sheikh Hamad and his wife medals of dedication while the presidency of the university awarded them honorary doctorates.
For his part, deputy head of Hamas's political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk said on his facebook page that the visit of emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Al Thani to Gaza was one of his brave steps and positions towards the Palestinian cause in general and Gaza in particular.
Abu Marzouk also said he hoped if head of the Palestinian authority Mahmoud Abbas came along with Sheikh Hamad during his visit to Gaza.
"It would have been good if president Abu Mazen had hastened to visit the Gaza Strip to receive the emir of Qatar and save us time through uniting, ending the division, breaking the blockade and reconstructing Gaza," he stated.
For his part, head of the middle east studies center in Jordan Jawad Al-Hamad said the visit of Sheikh Hamad Al Thani to Gaza on Tuesday was a historical step and a turning point in the Arab political attitude towards the international siege imposed on Gaza.
Al-Hamad told Quds Press that the visit of Sheikh Hamad to Gaza would be the start of a new Arab lobby that can contitute a pressure force not only to end the siege on Gaza but also to support the Palestinian cause and the Arab interests.
20 oct 2012
Emir of Qatar in Gaza soon to initiate projects
The Qatari Emir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani is due to arrive in the Gaza Strip in the next few days for a three-day visit, a Palestinian official source told Palestine newspaper.
Al Thani will be accompanied by his wife Sheikha Mozah and a delegation of high-level Qatari officials, the newspaper reported on Saturday.
The official source added that the Emir of Qatar would visit Gaza to initiate reconstruction projects agreed upon last month in meetings held in Gaza between Qatari officials and Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya.
The official pointed out that the visit would be the first of its kind by such an Arab leader and would constitute a lever to officially announce an end to the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
For his part, political advisor to the Palestinian premier Yousuf Rizqa denied there were Qatari prerequisites for its reconstruction projects in Gaza like what was rumored about its request to initiate the projects in the presence of Mahmoud Abbas.
Officials from the Palestinian Authority including Nimer Hammad and Saeb Erekat also said Qatar did not invite Abbas to attend the inauguration of Gaza reconstruction projects.
Al Thani will be accompanied by his wife Sheikha Mozah and a delegation of high-level Qatari officials, the newspaper reported on Saturday.
The official source added that the Emir of Qatar would visit Gaza to initiate reconstruction projects agreed upon last month in meetings held in Gaza between Qatari officials and Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya.
The official pointed out that the visit would be the first of its kind by such an Arab leader and would constitute a lever to officially announce an end to the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
For his part, political advisor to the Palestinian premier Yousuf Rizqa denied there were Qatari prerequisites for its reconstruction projects in Gaza like what was rumored about its request to initiate the projects in the presence of Mahmoud Abbas.
Officials from the Palestinian Authority including Nimer Hammad and Saeb Erekat also said Qatar did not invite Abbas to attend the inauguration of Gaza reconstruction projects.
19 oct 2012
Palestinian Women's Business Forum to participate in HCEF's 3rd Business, Investments & ICT Conference
HCEF said in a press release that Amal Masri Moghrabi will represent Palestinian Businesswomen at HCEF's 14th International Conference: 3rdBusiness, Investments & ICT Conference in Washington, DC.
Palestinian women have long been known for being an integral part of Palestinian society, whether working for local businesses, homemaking, or participating in civil society. In recent years, things have been changing for the Palestinian woman, largely through the efforts of powerful women thinkers, leaders, and entrepreneurs, such as Amal Masri Moghrabi, co-founder and chairwoman of the Palestinian Women's Business Forum (PWB).
In 1987, Moghrabi, along with her husband, established their own engineering office, Al Moghrabi Consulting Engineering Office in Ramallah, which is now one of the most well-known engineering offices in the governance. Moghrabi is well known throughout the country for designing Palestine's premiere modern structures, including a 'Best Eastern' hotel and the city of Rawabi, Palestine's first planned city and the largest private sector project ever to be carried out in Palestine.
Moghrabi, leading the PWB will be participating in the 3rd Business, Investment, and Information, and Communications Technology Conference, held during the HCEF's 14th Annual International Conference. The Forum hopes to share information regarding major contributions of businesswomen and women entrepreneurs. It also presents an opportunity for Palestinian and American businesswomen and businessmen to network and discuss the current business climate.
Sir Rateb Rabie, KCHS, HCEF President/CEO believes the HCEF conference presents the perfect setting for exchange of ideas and seeds for future collaboration. "This conference is all about continuing our commitment to peace, prosperity, and dialogue. Women are an integral part of the Palestinian society and have made great gains for themselves and the country, in terms of working towards peace and prosperity, at the individual level and at the national level. Women have a natural ability to reach across boundaries and engage in dialogue so we want to provide a base upon which Palestinian businesswomen can build to reach out and create the opportunities that will build their relationships with partners in the United States and the Palestinian nation."
The 14th International Conference, scheduled to be held at the National 4H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD, Friday and Saturday, November 9-10, 2012, will feature internationally renowned Palestinian, Arab American, and American leaders, professionals, and scholars, including Amal Masri Moghrabi.
Palestinian women have long been known for being an integral part of Palestinian society, whether working for local businesses, homemaking, or participating in civil society. In recent years, things have been changing for the Palestinian woman, largely through the efforts of powerful women thinkers, leaders, and entrepreneurs, such as Amal Masri Moghrabi, co-founder and chairwoman of the Palestinian Women's Business Forum (PWB).
In 1987, Moghrabi, along with her husband, established their own engineering office, Al Moghrabi Consulting Engineering Office in Ramallah, which is now one of the most well-known engineering offices in the governance. Moghrabi is well known throughout the country for designing Palestine's premiere modern structures, including a 'Best Eastern' hotel and the city of Rawabi, Palestine's first planned city and the largest private sector project ever to be carried out in Palestine.
Moghrabi, leading the PWB will be participating in the 3rd Business, Investment, and Information, and Communications Technology Conference, held during the HCEF's 14th Annual International Conference. The Forum hopes to share information regarding major contributions of businesswomen and women entrepreneurs. It also presents an opportunity for Palestinian and American businesswomen and businessmen to network and discuss the current business climate.
Sir Rateb Rabie, KCHS, HCEF President/CEO believes the HCEF conference presents the perfect setting for exchange of ideas and seeds for future collaboration. "This conference is all about continuing our commitment to peace, prosperity, and dialogue. Women are an integral part of the Palestinian society and have made great gains for themselves and the country, in terms of working towards peace and prosperity, at the individual level and at the national level. Women have a natural ability to reach across boundaries and engage in dialogue so we want to provide a base upon which Palestinian businesswomen can build to reach out and create the opportunities that will build their relationships with partners in the United States and the Palestinian nation."
The 14th International Conference, scheduled to be held at the National 4H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD, Friday and Saturday, November 9-10, 2012, will feature internationally renowned Palestinian, Arab American, and American leaders, professionals, and scholars, including Amal Masri Moghrabi.
Israeli Media: Israel to Transfer NIS 300 Million to PA
Haaretz Israeli newspaper said that Israeli government will transfer Nis 300 million to the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The newspaper revealed that Israel will transfer the tax revenues to the PA to help in its financial crisis.
Yediot Ahranot Israeli newspaper claimed that Israel had already transferred the money to the PA and said that this transfer came upon recommendations of Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities.
Yediot Ahranot said that the recommendation came to help the PA to pay employees their salaries in the approaching of Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha (Festival of the Sacrifice).
The newspaper revealed that Israel will transfer the tax revenues to the PA to help in its financial crisis.
Yediot Ahranot Israeli newspaper claimed that Israel had already transferred the money to the PA and said that this transfer came upon recommendations of Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities.
Yediot Ahranot said that the recommendation came to help the PA to pay employees their salaries in the approaching of Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha (Festival of the Sacrifice).
