19 july 2013
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Israel blocks Gaza gas field development
Thirteen years ago British Gas drilled the Gaza Marine-1 and Gaza Marine-2 wells, thirty kilometers off the coast of Gaza. The drilling led to the discovery of a massive natural gas field: with 1.4 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves. In 2011 Tel-Aviv authorized the U.S-based Noble Energy, a crude oil and gas exploration giant, to begin developing the field. But the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) says the offshore field belongs to the Palestinians. Because of the Israeli blockade, Palestinians don't have enough cooking gas in the coastal enclave. They aren't allowed to develop or tap into their own gas fields either. |
18 july 2013
Israel has granted thousands of Palestinians permits to enter Israel for the holy month of Ramadan, drawing shoppers away from West Bank markets, a Palestinian official said Thursday.
Palestinian youths were granted permits to enter Israel from Sunday to Thursday, but not on Fridays or Saturdays, even though worshipers seek to pray in Jerusalem on Fridays during the holy month.
West Bank markets have suffered as Palestinians head to Israel to go shopping.
Jamal Jawabreh, secretary-general of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said the Palestinian economy was already suffering from a lack of liquidity, while salaries have dropped and the cost of living has increased.
Jawabreh said Israel was granting Palestinians access on all days except the days of prayer to encourage them to shop in Israel.
He said Israel was trying to counter its own deficit. The Chambers of Commerce has discussed the issue but is unable to stop Israel granting permits, he added.
Economic analyst Yasser Shahine said the permits were directly affecting Palestinian markets, and that Palestinians were buying even basic goods like dairy produce from Israel due to lower prices.
Shahine said the lack of trade rules exacerbated the problem, as Palestinian merchants bought goods from Israel and sold them at a higher price in West Bank markets, rather than trading in local produce.
Palestinian youths were granted permits to enter Israel from Sunday to Thursday, but not on Fridays or Saturdays, even though worshipers seek to pray in Jerusalem on Fridays during the holy month.
West Bank markets have suffered as Palestinians head to Israel to go shopping.
Jamal Jawabreh, secretary-general of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said the Palestinian economy was already suffering from a lack of liquidity, while salaries have dropped and the cost of living has increased.
Jawabreh said Israel was granting Palestinians access on all days except the days of prayer to encourage them to shop in Israel.
He said Israel was trying to counter its own deficit. The Chambers of Commerce has discussed the issue but is unable to stop Israel granting permits, he added.
Economic analyst Yasser Shahine said the permits were directly affecting Palestinian markets, and that Palestinians were buying even basic goods like dairy produce from Israel due to lower prices.
Shahine said the lack of trade rules exacerbated the problem, as Palestinian merchants bought goods from Israel and sold them at a higher price in West Bank markets, rather than trading in local produce.
The London-based Arab organization for human rights said that the Gaza Strip suffers from unprecedented Egyptian restrictions following the military coup and warned of an imminent humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged Strip. In a press release on Wednesday, the Arab organization stated that the Egyptian army in early July started in coordination with the Israeli army to impose tight restrictions on the movement of individuals and goods through the Rafah border crossing, the only entrance between Gaza and Egypt.
The foundation explained that these Egyptian military measures started with the closure of the Rafah crossing without justification on the fourth of July, and a few day later it was partially opened for limited hours before patients and holders of foreign and Egyptian passports.
It said that despite the partial opening of the Rafah crossing, the Egyptian army still prevents more than 2,500 Palestinians in Gaza from traveling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, and more than 1,500 others from returning to their homes in Gaza, describing this situation as a violation of the religious rights and the freedom of movement.
It stressed that the Egyptian army launched simultaneously with its closure of the Rafah crossing a wide campaign to destroy the border tunnels used by Gaza people to bring in vital needs, noting that the army used its war planes in this campaign after coordinating with the Israeli side.
In conjunction with these army restrictions, the Egyptian media also waged a smear campaign against Gaza and the Palestinians, and fabricated blatant lies against them, which gives the impression that the coup leaders and their supporters from the political parties in Egypt are complicit in this media campaign, the Arab foundation underlined.
In a related context, Palestinian human rights and civil groups called for stopping the incitement campaign in the Egyptian media against the Palestinian people, and opening the Rafah border crossing before the movement of passengers and goods.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the organizations said that the persistence of some Egyptian media outlets in inciting hatred against the Palestinians is detrimental to the Palestinian people and their national cause, and damages the historical relations between the two countries.
The organizations appealed to the union of journalists and Egypt's national figures to intervene to put an end to this irresponsible media campaign.
The signatories to the statement are the Palestinian NGOs network, the Palestinian bar association, the coordinating council of the private sector institutions, Al-Mizan center for human rights, the Palestinian businessmen association, the Palestinian contractors union, Addamir foundation for human rights and the general union of Palestinian industries.
The foundation explained that these Egyptian military measures started with the closure of the Rafah crossing without justification on the fourth of July, and a few day later it was partially opened for limited hours before patients and holders of foreign and Egyptian passports.
It said that despite the partial opening of the Rafah crossing, the Egyptian army still prevents more than 2,500 Palestinians in Gaza from traveling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, and more than 1,500 others from returning to their homes in Gaza, describing this situation as a violation of the religious rights and the freedom of movement.
It stressed that the Egyptian army launched simultaneously with its closure of the Rafah crossing a wide campaign to destroy the border tunnels used by Gaza people to bring in vital needs, noting that the army used its war planes in this campaign after coordinating with the Israeli side.
In conjunction with these army restrictions, the Egyptian media also waged a smear campaign against Gaza and the Palestinians, and fabricated blatant lies against them, which gives the impression that the coup leaders and their supporters from the political parties in Egypt are complicit in this media campaign, the Arab foundation underlined.
In a related context, Palestinian human rights and civil groups called for stopping the incitement campaign in the Egyptian media against the Palestinian people, and opening the Rafah border crossing before the movement of passengers and goods.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the organizations said that the persistence of some Egyptian media outlets in inciting hatred against the Palestinians is detrimental to the Palestinian people and their national cause, and damages the historical relations between the two countries.
The organizations appealed to the union of journalists and Egypt's national figures to intervene to put an end to this irresponsible media campaign.
The signatories to the statement are the Palestinian NGOs network, the Palestinian bar association, the coordinating council of the private sector institutions, Al-Mizan center for human rights, the Palestinian businessmen association, the Palestinian contractors union, Addamir foundation for human rights and the general union of Palestinian industries.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneyya said they are communicating with Egypt in order to push forward the national reconciliation, and called for finding an alternative to the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt which are being demolished by Egyptian army. Haneyya pointed out that the Gaza Strip has been under the blockade for more than six years, and that the Egyptian side that destroys the tunnels has to find an alternative for the entry of goods and basic needs to the Strip.
He asserted that his government is discussing with Egypt ways to push forward the national reconciliation.
Gaza Premier held the occupation fully responsible for the increasing numbers of orphans in the Gaza Strip, pointing out that "the repeated wars against the Palestinian people, which have killed a large number of citizens, caused an increase in the number of orphans and left many Palestinian families without their breadwinner."
Egyptian security forces have continued to demolish more tunnels along the borders between Gaza and Egypt, since the dismissal of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi two weeks ago.
He asserted that his government is discussing with Egypt ways to push forward the national reconciliation.
Gaza Premier held the occupation fully responsible for the increasing numbers of orphans in the Gaza Strip, pointing out that "the repeated wars against the Palestinian people, which have killed a large number of citizens, caused an increase in the number of orphans and left many Palestinian families without their breadwinner."
Egyptian security forces have continued to demolish more tunnels along the borders between Gaza and Egypt, since the dismissal of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi two weeks ago.
Customs officials destroyed more than a ton and a half of expired food and cosmetic products in Bethlehem on Thursday.
Working with the Ministry of National Economy, custom officers seized out-of-date rice, powdered milk, jam, spices, cheese and yoghurt as well as shampoo, makeup and soap from shops in Bethlehem.
Ministry official Khalid Salah said the campaign is underway to rid shops of expired produce and that officers are working from morning to night to visit all stores.
Working with the Ministry of National Economy, custom officers seized out-of-date rice, powdered milk, jam, spices, cheese and yoghurt as well as shampoo, makeup and soap from shops in Bethlehem.
Ministry official Khalid Salah said the campaign is underway to rid shops of expired produce and that officers are working from morning to night to visit all stores.
Minister of local government in Gaza Strip Dr. Mohammed Al-Farra has warned of an environmental disaster in the Strip after a number of international parties stopped supplying it with fuel. Farra told directors of health and environment departments in Gaza municipalities that the UNDP, a number of donors, and an Italian institution stopped supplying those municipalities with fuel for the cleaning, water, and sewage sectors.
He pointed out that the crisis in Egypt and the closure of tunnels halted supplies of the same material, which meant that cleaning vehicles were crippled.
Farra said that the municipalities employ only 360 cleaners and are in need of one thousand more, adding that the municipalities own 80 vehicles that work at only 40% of capacity.
He pointed out that the crisis in Egypt and the closure of tunnels halted supplies of the same material, which meant that cleaning vehicles were crippled.
Farra said that the municipalities employ only 360 cleaners and are in need of one thousand more, adding that the municipalities own 80 vehicles that work at only 40% of capacity.
Annual Palestinian loss of electricity increases debt to Israel by $70 million. Fear of Israel pulling plug, sinking Palestinian authority into darkness
During the pre-dawn hours in the holy month of Ramadan, while many are preparing a pre-dawn breakfast in preparation of the daylong-fast, others are tapping into the electricity grid. It’s an act that costs the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority (PA) millions of dollars annually. Again this year, authorities will treat electricity theft like other personal bad habits rather than as a crime, working to prevent it through an advertising campaign that stresses morality during Ramadan, encouraging citizens to end the costly practice voluntarily.
“Every year, (the Palestinian Authority) purchases as much as $251 million worth of electricity from Israel to the benefit of 230,000 customers amounting to 1.5 million people,” Hisham Omari, Jerusalem District Electric Company, the Palestinian counterpart to IEC, told The Media Line. “Of that, about $70 million worth of electricity is stolen by industrial companies and by individuals, many of whom live in refugee camps. We call it ‘black losses.’”
Omari said it is relatively simple to steal power by one of two ways: either connecting directly into networks before the electricity reaches the customer’s meter; or by disabling the meter altogether. Either way, the loss, which is a significant burden to the Palestinian people at a time when the PA is severely cash-strapped and reliant on donations from foreign governments, is measured by comparing the readings on the main meter to those of the local meters in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem and Jericho.
The difference is significant. While the monthly bill to the Jerusalem District company from the Israel Electric Company, which provides 90% of the power consumed in the PA, can be around $28 million per month, the PA is typically only able to pay up to about $14 million of that debt because of the prolificacy of electricity theft. Even though most of those responsible are known to the Jerusalem District Electric Company, including offenders that are industrial companies, because they are located in refugee camps it is virtually impossible to collect what is owed.
Omari is among those who fear that at some point the Israeli company will pull the plug, plunging families, businesses and hospitals alike into darkness.
Those responsible for providing power to the PA see the holy month of Ramadan, a period of reflection and penance, as an opportunity to address the situation through moral persuasion rather than by threats, arrests and lawsuits. Kamel Husseini, the managing partner for Ellam Tam, a leading Palestinian public relations firm, told The Media Line that, “Ramadan has always proven to be a good month where you can invoke certain moral and religious high ground messaging because people tend to be more aware and more worried about certain (negative) behaviors. So advertisements urging people not to steal electricity is a very soft way to invoke the conscience of the people.”
Advertising executive Jane Masri agrees. She told The Media Line that “Ramadan in the Arab world is the Super Bowl of advertising opportunities, akin to what you see during the holiday season in the West.” According to Masri, “Advertisers in many sectors spend as much as 25% to 35% of their annual marketing budget on Ramadan campaigns.” Imad, an east Jerusalem-based taxi driver, explained that his family’s spending pattern was typical of other Palestinian families, purchasing 23 pounds of flour, rice and sugar where only 2 1/2 is the non-Ramadan norm.
Yet, the approximately $70 dollars saved each month by each family of the 3,000 identified as “power thieves” because they tap into the electricity grid or disable their meter is a significant slice of their monthly income. Although a long-shot, PA officials and the electric company hope the morality basket that includes radio jingles and public billboards will convince some of the seriousness of the situation, both in terms of the economy and public safety.
“The government has created the Palestine Energy Regulator under the Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority,” explained Husseini. The regulator’s sole responsibility is to fix the tariffs Palestinian families and businesses are required to pay, taking into account social and economic conditions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.” According to Husseini, “The Government is sometimes forced to supplement to certain individuals or segments of society and that creates an even larger (electricity) bill on the shoulders of the government.”
The Jerusalem District Electric Company’s Omari also worries about the potential for fatal accidents that can easily occur when people are playing with high voltage. “Not only do we as a people and we as a company lose as a result of electricity theft, but in addition to destroying the network, there is a danger to life. People get shocked and many have died,” he said. “The police are not involved strongly enough.”
In August 2012, the Palestinian Authority passed a law that authorizes four-month jail terms for those found guilty of electricity theft. “But the court today is only punishing people with a one dinar fine (a single unit of Jordanian currency today worth about $1.40) dating back to a 1967 law based on much lower salaries of the time,” explained Omari. And given the across-the-board financial hardships and high unemployment, officials are hesitant to come down too hard on offenders.
“Ramadan is a very positive time for the entire community at every level,” Masri asserts. Officials responsible for keeping the lights turned on certainly hope so.
During the pre-dawn hours in the holy month of Ramadan, while many are preparing a pre-dawn breakfast in preparation of the daylong-fast, others are tapping into the electricity grid. It’s an act that costs the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority (PA) millions of dollars annually. Again this year, authorities will treat electricity theft like other personal bad habits rather than as a crime, working to prevent it through an advertising campaign that stresses morality during Ramadan, encouraging citizens to end the costly practice voluntarily.
“Every year, (the Palestinian Authority) purchases as much as $251 million worth of electricity from Israel to the benefit of 230,000 customers amounting to 1.5 million people,” Hisham Omari, Jerusalem District Electric Company, the Palestinian counterpart to IEC, told The Media Line. “Of that, about $70 million worth of electricity is stolen by industrial companies and by individuals, many of whom live in refugee camps. We call it ‘black losses.’”
Omari said it is relatively simple to steal power by one of two ways: either connecting directly into networks before the electricity reaches the customer’s meter; or by disabling the meter altogether. Either way, the loss, which is a significant burden to the Palestinian people at a time when the PA is severely cash-strapped and reliant on donations from foreign governments, is measured by comparing the readings on the main meter to those of the local meters in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem and Jericho.
The difference is significant. While the monthly bill to the Jerusalem District company from the Israel Electric Company, which provides 90% of the power consumed in the PA, can be around $28 million per month, the PA is typically only able to pay up to about $14 million of that debt because of the prolificacy of electricity theft. Even though most of those responsible are known to the Jerusalem District Electric Company, including offenders that are industrial companies, because they are located in refugee camps it is virtually impossible to collect what is owed.
Omari is among those who fear that at some point the Israeli company will pull the plug, plunging families, businesses and hospitals alike into darkness.
Those responsible for providing power to the PA see the holy month of Ramadan, a period of reflection and penance, as an opportunity to address the situation through moral persuasion rather than by threats, arrests and lawsuits. Kamel Husseini, the managing partner for Ellam Tam, a leading Palestinian public relations firm, told The Media Line that, “Ramadan has always proven to be a good month where you can invoke certain moral and religious high ground messaging because people tend to be more aware and more worried about certain (negative) behaviors. So advertisements urging people not to steal electricity is a very soft way to invoke the conscience of the people.”
Advertising executive Jane Masri agrees. She told The Media Line that “Ramadan in the Arab world is the Super Bowl of advertising opportunities, akin to what you see during the holiday season in the West.” According to Masri, “Advertisers in many sectors spend as much as 25% to 35% of their annual marketing budget on Ramadan campaigns.” Imad, an east Jerusalem-based taxi driver, explained that his family’s spending pattern was typical of other Palestinian families, purchasing 23 pounds of flour, rice and sugar where only 2 1/2 is the non-Ramadan norm.
Yet, the approximately $70 dollars saved each month by each family of the 3,000 identified as “power thieves” because they tap into the electricity grid or disable their meter is a significant slice of their monthly income. Although a long-shot, PA officials and the electric company hope the morality basket that includes radio jingles and public billboards will convince some of the seriousness of the situation, both in terms of the economy and public safety.
“The government has created the Palestine Energy Regulator under the Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority,” explained Husseini. The regulator’s sole responsibility is to fix the tariffs Palestinian families and businesses are required to pay, taking into account social and economic conditions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.” According to Husseini, “The Government is sometimes forced to supplement to certain individuals or segments of society and that creates an even larger (electricity) bill on the shoulders of the government.”
The Jerusalem District Electric Company’s Omari also worries about the potential for fatal accidents that can easily occur when people are playing with high voltage. “Not only do we as a people and we as a company lose as a result of electricity theft, but in addition to destroying the network, there is a danger to life. People get shocked and many have died,” he said. “The police are not involved strongly enough.”
In August 2012, the Palestinian Authority passed a law that authorizes four-month jail terms for those found guilty of electricity theft. “But the court today is only punishing people with a one dinar fine (a single unit of Jordanian currency today worth about $1.40) dating back to a 1967 law based on much lower salaries of the time,” explained Omari. And given the across-the-board financial hardships and high unemployment, officials are hesitant to come down too hard on offenders.
“Ramadan is a very positive time for the entire community at every level,” Masri asserts. Officials responsible for keeping the lights turned on certainly hope so.
17 july 2013
The Palestinian government in Gaza said that the closure of tunnels between the Strip and Egypt has led to a major fuel crisis in the besieged enclave. Spokesman for the transport ministry Khalil al-Zayyan told a press conference on Tuesday that around 20,000 public vehicles and 30,000 private vehicles were affected by the petrol crisis.
He said that many transport vehicles stopped working due to lack of fuel, which crippled their ability to transfer goods and other basic materials to shops.
The spokesman said that fuel across the tunnels contributed to enliven the Palestinian economy, adding that it pushed forward development process and car sales.
Zayyan said that persistence of the crisis would bring about a real disaster in the Palestinian transport sector.
He asked the Egyptian authorities to sympathize with the conditions in the Strip, which already suffer from repercussions of the Israeli blockade.
He said that many transport vehicles stopped working due to lack of fuel, which crippled their ability to transfer goods and other basic materials to shops.
The spokesman said that fuel across the tunnels contributed to enliven the Palestinian economy, adding that it pushed forward development process and car sales.
Zayyan said that persistence of the crisis would bring about a real disaster in the Palestinian transport sector.
He asked the Egyptian authorities to sympathize with the conditions in the Strip, which already suffer from repercussions of the Israeli blockade.
16 july 2013
The council of doctors syndicate and the committee of doctors rights in the West Bank have threatened to go on all-out strike after Eid el-Fitr protesting delay in paying their dues. The syndicate said in a statement on Monday that it was thus addressing a final warning to the Ramallah government, adding that it should pay the doctors their delayed dues as of 1st of January till end of Eid.
It said that in the event their dues were not paid by the end of Eid the doctors would return to their open strike that was suspended last year pending payment of their allocations.
It said that in the event their dues were not paid by the end of Eid the doctors would return to their open strike that was suspended last year pending payment of their allocations.
15 july 2013
Interim Palestinian Authority premier Rami Hamdallah on Monday urged the World Bank to increase its financial support to the PA.
In a meeting in his Ramallah office with World Bank country director Miriam Sherman, Hamdallah called for more assistance to help the PA deal with financial challenges and Israeli restrictions on the Palestinian economy, the official Wafa news reported.
He applauded the World Bank for its efforts to support development in Palestine.
After several years of what the World Bank called "robust growth," the Palestinian economy has slowed since 2012, hit by a fall in aid amid international fatigue at the moribund peace process.
The basis for Palestinian economic growth "is largely donor support, which in the long term is not sustainable. And it is really job creation that is needed," Sherman told AFP recently.
"We would like to see greater private sector investment," she said.
Earlier in July, the International Monetary Fund said that Palestinian growth was expected to slow to about 4.25 percent this year down from about 11 percent in 2010 and 2011.
Unemployment in the West Bank is set to reach 24 percent this year, while in Gaza joblessness stands at 31 percent -- with half of all women in the Gaza Strip out of work.
The IMF report sharply criticized "persistent Israeli controls and obstacles on internal movement, exports, and imports in the West Bank, as well as the virtual closure of Gaza."
Such restrictions "thwart the private sector," the report warned.
Prohibitions and bureaucratic red-tape have contributed to a fall in Palestinian exports, while the industrial and agricultural sectors have also weakened.
With no functioning airport, much of what the Palestinians produce has to be trucked out through the West Bank and sent to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge.
Marble from quarries, dates and herbs from farms, as well as some processed foods are among the most successful exports from small Palestinian businesses.
But such built-in inefficiencies add to the overall cost, while a strict Israeli ban on importing dual-use items such as fertilizer mean West Bank manufacturers can struggle to get materials.
In a meeting in his Ramallah office with World Bank country director Miriam Sherman, Hamdallah called for more assistance to help the PA deal with financial challenges and Israeli restrictions on the Palestinian economy, the official Wafa news reported.
He applauded the World Bank for its efforts to support development in Palestine.
After several years of what the World Bank called "robust growth," the Palestinian economy has slowed since 2012, hit by a fall in aid amid international fatigue at the moribund peace process.
The basis for Palestinian economic growth "is largely donor support, which in the long term is not sustainable. And it is really job creation that is needed," Sherman told AFP recently.
"We would like to see greater private sector investment," she said.
Earlier in July, the International Monetary Fund said that Palestinian growth was expected to slow to about 4.25 percent this year down from about 11 percent in 2010 and 2011.
Unemployment in the West Bank is set to reach 24 percent this year, while in Gaza joblessness stands at 31 percent -- with half of all women in the Gaza Strip out of work.
The IMF report sharply criticized "persistent Israeli controls and obstacles on internal movement, exports, and imports in the West Bank, as well as the virtual closure of Gaza."
Such restrictions "thwart the private sector," the report warned.
Prohibitions and bureaucratic red-tape have contributed to a fall in Palestinian exports, while the industrial and agricultural sectors have also weakened.
With no functioning airport, much of what the Palestinians produce has to be trucked out through the West Bank and sent to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge.
Marble from quarries, dates and herbs from farms, as well as some processed foods are among the most successful exports from small Palestinian businesses.
But such built-in inefficiencies add to the overall cost, while a strict Israeli ban on importing dual-use items such as fertilizer mean West Bank manufacturers can struggle to get materials.
Palestinian private hospitals on Monday stopped admitting Palestinian Authority military personnel because of the government's outstanding bills.
The federation of private hospitals decided to start refusing treatment to patients referred by the PA's military medical services because their debt to hospitals reached 30 million shekels ($8.34 million), federation chief Dr Nitham Nijab said.
Several hospitals announced that they could no longer afford to amass more debt, Najib told Ma'an, adding that some hospitals had not paid their employees for several months.
Other hospitals have had to borrow from banks to meet their basic expenses, and suppliers have threatened to stop providing medicine and equipment, Nijab added.
The PA's military medical services promised to transfer 10 million shekels ($2.87 million) and 150,000 Jordanian dinars ($212,000) to the federation of private hospitals several months ago but the money was not delivered, Nijab said.
On Tuesday, a network of fuel distributors announced that gas stations would stop letting the PA security forces fill up for free after the PA's finance ministry failed to pay their bills for five months.
The federation of private hospitals decided to start refusing treatment to patients referred by the PA's military medical services because their debt to hospitals reached 30 million shekels ($8.34 million), federation chief Dr Nitham Nijab said.
Several hospitals announced that they could no longer afford to amass more debt, Najib told Ma'an, adding that some hospitals had not paid their employees for several months.
Other hospitals have had to borrow from banks to meet their basic expenses, and suppliers have threatened to stop providing medicine and equipment, Nijab added.
The PA's military medical services promised to transfer 10 million shekels ($2.87 million) and 150,000 Jordanian dinars ($212,000) to the federation of private hospitals several months ago but the money was not delivered, Nijab said.
On Tuesday, a network of fuel distributors announced that gas stations would stop letting the PA security forces fill up for free after the PA's finance ministry failed to pay their bills for five months.
The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said Sunday, that the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Palestine during June 2013 increased by 0.37% compared to the previous month.
The CPI increased by 0.92% in Jerusalem, 0.25% in the West Bank, while it decreased by 0.25% in Gaza Strip.
The CPI during June 2013 increased by 2.70% compared to June 2012. It increased by 4.43% in the West Bank, and 2.85% in Jerusalem, while it decreased by 1.15% in Gaza Strip.
The CPI increased during the first six months of 2013 by 1.73% when compared to the same period of the previous year. It increased by 3.05% in the West Bank, 1.71% in Jerusalem, while it decreased by 0.54% in Gaza Strip.
The change in Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June is traced back to the increase in prices of the fuel for housing by 3.97%, education by 3.81%, electricity by 3.51%, fuel for transport by and 2.33%.
The CPI increased by 0.92% in Jerusalem, 0.25% in the West Bank, while it decreased by 0.25% in Gaza Strip.
The CPI during June 2013 increased by 2.70% compared to June 2012. It increased by 4.43% in the West Bank, and 2.85% in Jerusalem, while it decreased by 1.15% in Gaza Strip.
The CPI increased during the first six months of 2013 by 1.73% when compared to the same period of the previous year. It increased by 3.05% in the West Bank, 1.71% in Jerusalem, while it decreased by 0.54% in Gaza Strip.
The change in Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June is traced back to the increase in prices of the fuel for housing by 3.97%, education by 3.81%, electricity by 3.51%, fuel for transport by and 2.33%.
14 july 2013
Workers at a Hebron hospital announced Saturday that they will suspend health services for a week in protest over salary delays, an official said.
Dr. Yousef al-Takruri, chairman of the Al-Ahli Hospital workers' union, told Ma'an that employees have not been paid for the last three months, with some workers not even able to afford the cost of transportation to get to work.
The strike action will begin on Sunday and workers will only treat emergency cases, al-Takruri added.
Dr. Yousef al-Takruri, chairman of the Al-Ahli Hospital workers' union, told Ma'an that employees have not been paid for the last three months, with some workers not even able to afford the cost of transportation to get to work.
The strike action will begin on Sunday and workers will only treat emergency cases, al-Takruri added.
12 july 2013
The Palestinian government in Gaza confirmed the suspension of works in 90 per cent of infrastructure projects, implemented by Gaza municipalities, due to the closure of the crossings. Minister of Local Government in Gaza, Dr. Mohammed Al-Farra said in a press release on Thursday that these projects were stopped as a result of the current events and developments in Egypt and the closure of tunnels, as well as the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip since Hamas won the legislative elections.
He added that a large number of projects launched by the municipalities have been recently stopped for lack of raw materials after the closure of the tunnels, pointing out that these projects are funded by the State of Qatar, the Islamic Bank for Development and the UNRWA.
Dr. Al-Farra said his Ministry next week will announce all the projects which were stopped after the events in Egypt and the municipalities' losses caused by stopping the works in these projects that rely on materials smuggled from the tunnels.
He also pointed to the suspension of the work of a number of central and strategic projects due to the diesel crisis, stressing that the limited amount of diesel fuel that entered the Strip does not cover the needs.
The Palestinian official urged the international community to pressure on the Israeli occupation to open Gaza crossings and allow entry of building materials and fuel.
He added that a large number of projects launched by the municipalities have been recently stopped for lack of raw materials after the closure of the tunnels, pointing out that these projects are funded by the State of Qatar, the Islamic Bank for Development and the UNRWA.
Dr. Al-Farra said his Ministry next week will announce all the projects which were stopped after the events in Egypt and the municipalities' losses caused by stopping the works in these projects that rely on materials smuggled from the tunnels.
He also pointed to the suspension of the work of a number of central and strategic projects due to the diesel crisis, stressing that the limited amount of diesel fuel that entered the Strip does not cover the needs.
The Palestinian official urged the international community to pressure on the Israeli occupation to open Gaza crossings and allow entry of building materials and fuel.
MP Jamal Khudari, head of the Popular Committee against the Siege, said that Gaza suffers economic suffocation due to the ongoing Israeli siege imposed since 7 years on the strip. Israel's siege of Gaza, including its land and sea blockade, bans the entry of certain goods to the strip and imposes severe restrictions on the freedom of movement.
MP Khudari stated on Thursday that the ongoing economic blockade prevents Gaza from exporting its goods, pointing out that Gaza is able to export crafts, foods, agricultural and wood products and other materials.
Unemployment, poverty and economic suffocation continue to rise in the strip in light the Israeli unjust siege that bans the entry of raw and construction materials into the Gaza Strip and restricts the entry of food, fuel, products, he explains.
Khudari stated that occupation controls Karem Abu Salem border crossing, therefore it restricts the movement of 1.7 million people in the strip.
He pointed out that the occupation closed all the commercial crossings except Karem Abu Salem crossing which is partly opened twice a week. The occupation authorities used to close it repeatedly under various pretexts.
He called for the lifting of the siege through opening the crossings, ending the ban list on exports and imports, re-building the Gaza international airport, and opening a safe passage between the West Bank and Gaza.
MP Khudari stated on Thursday that the ongoing economic blockade prevents Gaza from exporting its goods, pointing out that Gaza is able to export crafts, foods, agricultural and wood products and other materials.
Unemployment, poverty and economic suffocation continue to rise in the strip in light the Israeli unjust siege that bans the entry of raw and construction materials into the Gaza Strip and restricts the entry of food, fuel, products, he explains.
Khudari stated that occupation controls Karem Abu Salem border crossing, therefore it restricts the movement of 1.7 million people in the strip.
He pointed out that the occupation closed all the commercial crossings except Karem Abu Salem crossing which is partly opened twice a week. The occupation authorities used to close it repeatedly under various pretexts.
He called for the lifting of the siege through opening the crossings, ending the ban list on exports and imports, re-building the Gaza international airport, and opening a safe passage between the West Bank and Gaza.
The Red Crescent Society of the United Arab Emirates (UAERC) has signed an agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to support the reconstruction of Shu'fat Health Centre in Jerusalem. The UAERC contribution of US$ 2.1 million will enable UNRWA to rebuild and refurnish the health centre on the eastern edge of Jerusalem, which serves the 30 thousand Palestine refugees who live in Shu'fat Camp, UNRWA said in a press release.
The Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Filippo Grandi, said: "I am very pleased by this agreement. The construction of the West Bank Barrier has greatly impacted the lives of these residents, particularly in access to health services. With the support of UAERC, at least now they can look forward to receiving treatment in a modern health centre." Mr Grandi noted that the agreement is another example of the important contributions made by to UNRWA by Arab donors, saying: "This shows how UNRWA and Arab donors can work together to help the Palestinian residents of Jerusalem."
The UAERC has been a regular supporter of the Agency's work on behalf of Palestine refugees, having contributed frequently to providing food aid and undertaking shelter reconstruction projects in Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Filippo Grandi, said: "I am very pleased by this agreement. The construction of the West Bank Barrier has greatly impacted the lives of these residents, particularly in access to health services. With the support of UAERC, at least now they can look forward to receiving treatment in a modern health centre." Mr Grandi noted that the agreement is another example of the important contributions made by to UNRWA by Arab donors, saying: "This shows how UNRWA and Arab donors can work together to help the Palestinian residents of Jerusalem."
The UAERC has been a regular supporter of the Agency's work on behalf of Palestine refugees, having contributed frequently to providing food aid and undertaking shelter reconstruction projects in Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
10 july 2013
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Jerusalem's Old City
The atmosphere is tense in the Old City of Jerusalem. For over six weeks, the Old City's Palestinian quarters have been visited daily by inspectors of Israel's tax department and shopkeepers feel intimidated. They perceive this wave of raids as being part of Israel's ever tighter grip on Palestinian East Jerusalem. |
Palestinian Authority consumer protection officers seized and destroyed 5.4 tons of rotten pickles in Bethlehem on Wednesday.
Customs officers stopped a truck coming from Beit Shemesh at the western entrance of Bethlehem, transporting 600 tins of pickled cucumbers, the Ministry of National Economy said in a statement.
Officers seized the 9-kilogram tins, which were rusty and swollen and missing expiration dates. The produce was tested and found to be rotten.
The driver, a Palestinian with an Israeli ID, was fined 5,000 shekels ( $1,373). The pickles were destroyed, the ministry said.
Customs officers stopped a truck coming from Beit Shemesh at the western entrance of Bethlehem, transporting 600 tins of pickled cucumbers, the Ministry of National Economy said in a statement.
Officers seized the 9-kilogram tins, which were rusty and swollen and missing expiration dates. The produce was tested and found to be rotten.
The driver, a Palestinian with an Israeli ID, was fined 5,000 shekels ( $1,373). The pickles were destroyed, the ministry said.
The West Bank is witnessing state of tension due to the low salaries and price hikes especially with the month of Ramadan. Munther Sabha, a West Bank resident, told PIC's correspondent that the preparations for the month of Ramadan have turned into economic burden due to the price hikes. "Every year the purchasing power decreases while the salaries are the same", he said.
The economic researcher Munir al-Kuni said: "The citizen is paying the bill of the government's economic policies; which include the increase of the value-added tax (VAT) without offering tax exemptions for commodities for the poor."
The street has been witnessing a state of tension because of the high rates of unemployment, the low wages, the high prices and the absence of policies protecting people on low-income.
For its part; the Consumer Protection Association has criticized the absence of effective control in the markets of the West Bank, and which resulted in increasing the prices and sale of expired goods which puts at risk the health of the consumer
The poor people are the most affected by the successive policies of the Government of Ramallah, as the charitable activities have been affected by the security policy and the closure of many charitable societies in the West Bank.
The economic researcher Munir al-Kuni said: "The citizen is paying the bill of the government's economic policies; which include the increase of the value-added tax (VAT) without offering tax exemptions for commodities for the poor."
The street has been witnessing a state of tension because of the high rates of unemployment, the low wages, the high prices and the absence of policies protecting people on low-income.
For its part; the Consumer Protection Association has criticized the absence of effective control in the markets of the West Bank, and which resulted in increasing the prices and sale of expired goods which puts at risk the health of the consumer
The poor people are the most affected by the successive policies of the Government of Ramallah, as the charitable activities have been affected by the security policy and the closure of many charitable societies in the West Bank.
9 july 2013
Monthly the European Union continues pumping millions into the treasury of the Palestinian Authority and its institutions so that the thieves can steal more and more and anytime they want.
During July 2013, the EU released on July 4 2013, a financial package worth €18.9 million Euros from money of EU taxpayers, provided to the Palestinian Authority in order to pay the salaries of the employees of the so-called PA “security” coordination with Israel, the retirement pensions and the social security allowances for people who live in poverty in Palestine.
On July 2 2013, European Union and UNDP Sign a € 2.4 million agreement with Al Quds University to Preserve Palestinian Cultural Heritage Jerusalem.
Al Quds University is one of Fatah organizations (PLO) which administrated by a group of fat cats among them Ahmed Qurei, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Sari Nusseibeh, head of the university. Mohammad Shtayyeh, director of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction (PECDAR). Dr. Samer Shehada Tamimi (General Secretary).
On July 1st 2013 – European Union provided €13 million to Augusta Victoria Hospital in Herusalem. Read further details:
04 JULY 2013 – The EU, the Netherlands and Sweden contribute €18.9 million [PDF] to the Palestinian Authority’s payment of June salaries and pensions Today the European Union has contributed approximately €18.9 million to the payment of the salaries and pensions for June of nearly 75,000 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. This contribution, which is channelled through the PEGASE [1] mechanism, is funded by the European Commission (€13.2 million), the Government of Sweden (SEK 40.0 million or c.€4.6 million) and the Government of the Netherlands (c.€1.1 million earmarked specifically to the PA salaries in the Justice sector).
“Ahead of the Holy month of Ramadan starting next week, we are happy to show once again our continuous commitment to support the Palestinian public sector and the Palestinian people. This month’s contribution comes not only from the EU but also from Sweden and the Netherlands. The programme of support to the payment of salaries and pensions of the Palestinian Authority is a clear example of EU Member States working together on the ground. We join forces to support the Palestinian Authority in meeting its recurrent expenditure whilst pursuing reforms”, said the EU Representative Mr. John Gatt-Rutter.
02 July 2013 – In the presence of Mr. Michael Köhler, Director for Neighbourhood at the European Commission’s DG DEVCO and UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator Mr Frode Mauring, the European Union and UNDP signed a contribution agreement worth € 2,4 million in an effort to safeguard cultural heritage in the old city of Jerusalem.[PDF]
During July 2013, the EU released on July 4 2013, a financial package worth €18.9 million Euros from money of EU taxpayers, provided to the Palestinian Authority in order to pay the salaries of the employees of the so-called PA “security” coordination with Israel, the retirement pensions and the social security allowances for people who live in poverty in Palestine.
On July 2 2013, European Union and UNDP Sign a € 2.4 million agreement with Al Quds University to Preserve Palestinian Cultural Heritage Jerusalem.
Al Quds University is one of Fatah organizations (PLO) which administrated by a group of fat cats among them Ahmed Qurei, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Sari Nusseibeh, head of the university. Mohammad Shtayyeh, director of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction (PECDAR). Dr. Samer Shehada Tamimi (General Secretary).
On July 1st 2013 – European Union provided €13 million to Augusta Victoria Hospital in Herusalem. Read further details:
04 JULY 2013 – The EU, the Netherlands and Sweden contribute €18.9 million [PDF] to the Palestinian Authority’s payment of June salaries and pensions Today the European Union has contributed approximately €18.9 million to the payment of the salaries and pensions for June of nearly 75,000 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. This contribution, which is channelled through the PEGASE [1] mechanism, is funded by the European Commission (€13.2 million), the Government of Sweden (SEK 40.0 million or c.€4.6 million) and the Government of the Netherlands (c.€1.1 million earmarked specifically to the PA salaries in the Justice sector).
“Ahead of the Holy month of Ramadan starting next week, we are happy to show once again our continuous commitment to support the Palestinian public sector and the Palestinian people. This month’s contribution comes not only from the EU but also from Sweden and the Netherlands. The programme of support to the payment of salaries and pensions of the Palestinian Authority is a clear example of EU Member States working together on the ground. We join forces to support the Palestinian Authority in meeting its recurrent expenditure whilst pursuing reforms”, said the EU Representative Mr. John Gatt-Rutter.
02 July 2013 – In the presence of Mr. Michael Köhler, Director for Neighbourhood at the European Commission’s DG DEVCO and UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator Mr Frode Mauring, the European Union and UNDP signed a contribution agreement worth € 2,4 million in an effort to safeguard cultural heritage in the old city of Jerusalem.[PDF]
The programme will contribute to the development and protection of Palestinian cultural heritage in the old city of Jerusalem, in addition to the improvement of socioeconomic conditions of its citizens through quality housing and tourism services. The programme activities will include the rehabilitation and revitalization of Hammam Al Ayn and Hammam Al Shifa, Al Madrasa Al Kilaniyya and related housing units, and the development of a business management plan and training on the maintenance and management of rehabilitated sites.
“This is an ambitious project, with numerous stakeholders, and we praise UNDP’s coordination work that allows us to be here today. Once completed, the project will unravel huge potential for the population of the Old City in terms of heritage preservation but also job creation and touristic growth”, said the EU Representative John Gatt – Rutter
The ceremony also included the signing of a cooperation agreement between UNDP and Al
Quds University Centre to conduct historical research and organize workshops in relation to the targeted historical sites.
Huda Al Imam, General Director of Al Quds University Centre welcomed the guests and expressed her appreciation to the EU and UNDP for taking this initiative forward.“ This programme is very important for Jerusalem. It will revitalize the city and create awareness for the community on the importance of cultural heritage and the preservation of our identity” she said.
Local capacities in conservation, rehabilitation and management of historic buildings and sites will also be enhanced through the programme. Short and medium term job opportunities will also be generated for young professionals in the fields of restoration, tourism and cultural management.
“The occupied Palestinian territory is rich in cultural heritage. UNDP and its partners will spare no effort to preserve and protect this treasure,” said Frode Mauring, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator“. The programme will have a long term impact that will benefit different segments of the society by providing job opportunities and sustainable income for local professionals” he added.
The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday 02 July 2013 in the presence of Mr. Michael
Köhler, Director DG DEVCO, EU Representative Mr John Gatt – Rutter, Dr. Imad Abu Keishek, Executive Vice President of Al – Quds University, Frode Mauring, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator and representatives from civil society organizations in East Jerusalem.
Since 1997, UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People supported the tourism and culture sectors in the occupied Palestinian territory through the restoration and rehabilitation of cultural heritage sites and improvement of touristic areas and networks.
UNDP is currently partnering with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities through a USD 34 million programme aimed at rehabilitating public infrastructure for culture and tourism. The programme encompasses seven components, including development of site museums, water springs, and cultural landscape, with special emphasis on East Jerusalem, Gaza and Area C.
Through the work of civil society, and in coordination with the Office of the President of the
Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), the EU supports actions in East Jerusalem in the fields of health and social welfare, housing, urban planning, legal aid, education, and economic development – including the promotion of the tourism and cultural sectors. Special attention is placed on youth, women and the disabled.
Monday 1st July 2013 – European Union provides new €13 million to East Jerusalem
Hospitals [PDF] to sustain top patient service for all Palestinians Today the European Union (EU) and the East Jerusalem Hospitals marked an award of € 13 million from the EU to the hospitals at a ceremony organized at Augusta Victoria Hospital. The event took place in the presence of Michael Köhler, Director for Neighbourhood at the European Commission’s DG DEVCO and Dr Tawfiq Nasser, Coordinator for the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network. It also served as an occasion to celebrate the Joint Commission International accreditation for quality and patient safety awarded to Augusta Victoria and St John’s Eye Hospitals earlier this month.
The EU responded to the major cash flow problems of East Jerusalem Hospitals as a result of the Palestinian Authority’s financial crisis. With €10 million in 2012 and €13 million in 2013 the EU is covering the referral costs over a period of 1,5 years (January 2012 to March 2013) for patients referred for treatment in East Jerusalem Hospitals by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. By addressing this severe debt problem, hospital facilities remained open and medical staff continued working to provide much-needed specialized health services to patients across West Bank and Gaza. The EU mobilized its recently strengthened cash transfer mechanism, PEGASE, to deliver its funds to the PA. This comprehensive mechanism is also open for other donors to use.
“The EU continues to be a close and reliable partner to the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian people. The objective of our support, announced today, is to allow the Palestinian Authority meet its obligations towards the East Jerusalem Hospitals and ultimately ensure the provision of essential services to the Palestinian people. All six facilities of the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network provide quality specialized health services which are not available elsewhere in Palestine. Preserving their work is important”, said the EU Representative Mr. John Gatt-Rutter. “In the last four years we have worked closely with the World Health Organization and the hospitals to make sure all patients receive the best possible health service. The international accreditation awarded to Augusta Victoria and St John’s Eye Hospital is testament to this work”, added the EU Representative.
Speaking on behalf of the Network, Dr. Tawfiq Nasser, coordinator of the Network, expressed the sincere appreciation of all the hospitals for the support extended by the EU through WHO to all the hospitals. He emphasized that this type of grant guarantees the health and wellbeing of patients, helps the Palestinian Ministry of health sustain its services to its people, and empowers the national health system to respond to community needs while reducing costs of treatment referrals outside the Palestinian territories. That comes in addition to strengthening the Palestinian professional and civil society in East Jerusalem.
The European Union and the World Health Organization have supported the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network for the last four years. Through the latest phase of this programme the EU provided €2,4 million which allowed the hospitals to improve the quality of their health services and upgrade their status to the highest international standards. As a result, Augusta Victoria and St John’s Eye Hospital were recently awarded the Joint Commission International accreditation for quality and patient safety.
“This is an ambitious project, with numerous stakeholders, and we praise UNDP’s coordination work that allows us to be here today. Once completed, the project will unravel huge potential for the population of the Old City in terms of heritage preservation but also job creation and touristic growth”, said the EU Representative John Gatt – Rutter
The ceremony also included the signing of a cooperation agreement between UNDP and Al
Quds University Centre to conduct historical research and organize workshops in relation to the targeted historical sites.
Huda Al Imam, General Director of Al Quds University Centre welcomed the guests and expressed her appreciation to the EU and UNDP for taking this initiative forward.“ This programme is very important for Jerusalem. It will revitalize the city and create awareness for the community on the importance of cultural heritage and the preservation of our identity” she said.
Local capacities in conservation, rehabilitation and management of historic buildings and sites will also be enhanced through the programme. Short and medium term job opportunities will also be generated for young professionals in the fields of restoration, tourism and cultural management.
“The occupied Palestinian territory is rich in cultural heritage. UNDP and its partners will spare no effort to preserve and protect this treasure,” said Frode Mauring, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator“. The programme will have a long term impact that will benefit different segments of the society by providing job opportunities and sustainable income for local professionals” he added.
The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday 02 July 2013 in the presence of Mr. Michael
Köhler, Director DG DEVCO, EU Representative Mr John Gatt – Rutter, Dr. Imad Abu Keishek, Executive Vice President of Al – Quds University, Frode Mauring, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator and representatives from civil society organizations in East Jerusalem.
Since 1997, UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People supported the tourism and culture sectors in the occupied Palestinian territory through the restoration and rehabilitation of cultural heritage sites and improvement of touristic areas and networks.
UNDP is currently partnering with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities through a USD 34 million programme aimed at rehabilitating public infrastructure for culture and tourism. The programme encompasses seven components, including development of site museums, water springs, and cultural landscape, with special emphasis on East Jerusalem, Gaza and Area C.
Through the work of civil society, and in coordination with the Office of the President of the
Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), the EU supports actions in East Jerusalem in the fields of health and social welfare, housing, urban planning, legal aid, education, and economic development – including the promotion of the tourism and cultural sectors. Special attention is placed on youth, women and the disabled.
Monday 1st July 2013 – European Union provides new €13 million to East Jerusalem
Hospitals [PDF] to sustain top patient service for all Palestinians Today the European Union (EU) and the East Jerusalem Hospitals marked an award of € 13 million from the EU to the hospitals at a ceremony organized at Augusta Victoria Hospital. The event took place in the presence of Michael Köhler, Director for Neighbourhood at the European Commission’s DG DEVCO and Dr Tawfiq Nasser, Coordinator for the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network. It also served as an occasion to celebrate the Joint Commission International accreditation for quality and patient safety awarded to Augusta Victoria and St John’s Eye Hospitals earlier this month.
The EU responded to the major cash flow problems of East Jerusalem Hospitals as a result of the Palestinian Authority’s financial crisis. With €10 million in 2012 and €13 million in 2013 the EU is covering the referral costs over a period of 1,5 years (January 2012 to March 2013) for patients referred for treatment in East Jerusalem Hospitals by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. By addressing this severe debt problem, hospital facilities remained open and medical staff continued working to provide much-needed specialized health services to patients across West Bank and Gaza. The EU mobilized its recently strengthened cash transfer mechanism, PEGASE, to deliver its funds to the PA. This comprehensive mechanism is also open for other donors to use.
“The EU continues to be a close and reliable partner to the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian people. The objective of our support, announced today, is to allow the Palestinian Authority meet its obligations towards the East Jerusalem Hospitals and ultimately ensure the provision of essential services to the Palestinian people. All six facilities of the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network provide quality specialized health services which are not available elsewhere in Palestine. Preserving their work is important”, said the EU Representative Mr. John Gatt-Rutter. “In the last four years we have worked closely with the World Health Organization and the hospitals to make sure all patients receive the best possible health service. The international accreditation awarded to Augusta Victoria and St John’s Eye Hospital is testament to this work”, added the EU Representative.
Speaking on behalf of the Network, Dr. Tawfiq Nasser, coordinator of the Network, expressed the sincere appreciation of all the hospitals for the support extended by the EU through WHO to all the hospitals. He emphasized that this type of grant guarantees the health and wellbeing of patients, helps the Palestinian Ministry of health sustain its services to its people, and empowers the national health system to respond to community needs while reducing costs of treatment referrals outside the Palestinian territories. That comes in addition to strengthening the Palestinian professional and civil society in East Jerusalem.
The European Union and the World Health Organization have supported the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network for the last four years. Through the latest phase of this programme the EU provided €2,4 million which allowed the hospitals to improve the quality of their health services and upgrade their status to the highest international standards. As a result, Augusta Victoria and St John’s Eye Hospital were recently awarded the Joint Commission International accreditation for quality and patient safety.
Head of Palestinian Contractors Union confirmed that the Gaza strip is facing a fuel crisis due to the Egyptian decision to close the Rafah crossing and the continued Israeli siege on the strip. Gaza faces a severe fuel crisis that affects several life aspects, causing severe disruption to vital facilities in the strip such as hospitals, water and sanitation services, he said.
The fuel crisis has also affected the fishing industry, the construction industry and all basic services and in the strip that significantly impacts the lives, health and livelihood of Gaza’s 1.7 million residents, he added, warning of the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza which is expected to exacerbate in the light of the ongoing crisis.
The head of Palestinian Contractors Union called on the international community to intervene to pressure the occupation authorities to open the crossings and to allow the entry of the basic commodities in sufficient quantities.
He called for urgent international intervention to deal with the consequences of the current crisis before it worsens.
He pointed out that the continued crisis will affect the Israeli security and economy as well.
Due to the continuous fuel crisis the electricity company in Gaza strip was forced to cut the power for long periods reacheing 16 hours per day.
The fuel crisis has also affected the fishing industry, the construction industry and all basic services and in the strip that significantly impacts the lives, health and livelihood of Gaza’s 1.7 million residents, he added, warning of the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza which is expected to exacerbate in the light of the ongoing crisis.
The head of Palestinian Contractors Union called on the international community to intervene to pressure the occupation authorities to open the crossings and to allow the entry of the basic commodities in sufficient quantities.
He called for urgent international intervention to deal with the consequences of the current crisis before it worsens.
He pointed out that the continued crisis will affect the Israeli security and economy as well.
Due to the continuous fuel crisis the electricity company in Gaza strip was forced to cut the power for long periods reacheing 16 hours per day.
The Egyptian army still refuses to reopen the Rafah border crossing for the fifth consecutive day for stranded passengers in both directions. Egyptian authorities kept Rafah border crossing closed for the fifth day causing the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip to worsen, the Interior Ministry in Gaza said.
Thousands of Palestinians remain stranded on both sides of the border because of the Egyptian decision to close the crossing, while nearly 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims who visited Mecca have not been able to return home because of the closure of the crossing.
The Egyptian army had closed the crossing last Friday following the Military coup in Egypt where the Egyptian army has tightened measures on Palestinian travelers entering and leaving Gaza through the crossing.
In addition to closing the Rafah terminal, the Egyptian army has also destroyed several smuggling tunnels along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in the past few days.
The Egyptian decision to close the Rafah border crossing, the sole gateway for the blockaded coastal enclave of 1.7 million Palestinian residents, has caused the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip to exacerbate.
Thousands of Palestinians remain stranded on both sides of the border because of the Egyptian decision to close the crossing, while nearly 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims who visited Mecca have not been able to return home because of the closure of the crossing.
The Egyptian army had closed the crossing last Friday following the Military coup in Egypt where the Egyptian army has tightened measures on Palestinian travelers entering and leaving Gaza through the crossing.
In addition to closing the Rafah terminal, the Egyptian army has also destroyed several smuggling tunnels along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in the past few days.
The Egyptian decision to close the Rafah border crossing, the sole gateway for the blockaded coastal enclave of 1.7 million Palestinian residents, has caused the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip to exacerbate.
The Palestinian ministry of economy said it is embarking on finding solutions and alternatives to face the economic challenges and obstacles which are caused by the frequent closure of border crossings and tunnels. Deputy minister of economy Hatem Awaida stated during a radio program on Monday that the amount of fuel shipments that enters Gaza is available sufficiently during the current period, but the limited shipments smuggled through the Rafah tunnels were affected considerably by the internal events in Egypt.
Awaida added that Gaza purchased one million liters of fuel during the last four days.
He hailed the general petroleum authority for its role in solving the fuel crisis and distributing the fuel quotas to all gas stations in Gaza.
As for the impacts of the internal events in Egypt on the Palestinian economy in Gaza, the deputy ministry stated that the closure of the Rafah border crossing and tunnels adversely affected the economy, especially since Gaza suffers from an acute shortage of vital supplies.
Awaida added that Gaza purchased one million liters of fuel during the last four days.
He hailed the general petroleum authority for its role in solving the fuel crisis and distributing the fuel quotas to all gas stations in Gaza.
As for the impacts of the internal events in Egypt on the Palestinian economy in Gaza, the deputy ministry stated that the closure of the Rafah border crossing and tunnels adversely affected the economy, especially since Gaza suffers from an acute shortage of vital supplies.
Nine years later, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion that deemed Israel's apartheid wall illegal and called for its removal has yet to be implemented. Israel and members of the international community, including the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council, respectively, have the responsibility of ensuring compliance, PLO Department of Culture and Information said in a press statement.
According to the July 9, 2004 ICJ ruling, "Israel is under an obligation to terminate its breaches of international law," and "to cease forthwith the works of construction of the wall being built in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, to dismantle forthwith the structure therein situated..."
It further affirms that Israel must "make reparation for all damage caused by the construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem," the statement added.
However, Israel has failed to commit or to adhere to any of its obligations as outlined in the ICJ Advisory Opinion. Israel's apartheid wall which separates Palestinians from Palestinians and occupied East Jerusalem from the rest of Palestine constitutes an immoral assault and a humanitarian tragedy that has inflicted great pain and suffering on the Palestinian people. For example, according to a 2012 United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report, "the agricultural livelihoods of approximately 150 communities have been severely undermined" and Palestinians are forced to "obtain visitors permits or perform prior coordination" to access their areas.
The statement concluded, it is therefore incumbent upon the United Nations and all its members to take immediate action, to rectify Israeli's ongoing breach of international and humanitarian law and to end Israeli impunity once and for all. As stated in the ICJ Advisory Opinion, 'all States parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 have in addition the obligation, while respecting the United Nations Charter and international law, to ensure compliance by Israel with international humanitarian law as embodied in that Convention.' Now is the time to uphold the integrity of the global rule of law and to bring Israeli violations and the occupation of Palestine to an immediate end.
According to the July 9, 2004 ICJ ruling, "Israel is under an obligation to terminate its breaches of international law," and "to cease forthwith the works of construction of the wall being built in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, to dismantle forthwith the structure therein situated..."
It further affirms that Israel must "make reparation for all damage caused by the construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem," the statement added.
However, Israel has failed to commit or to adhere to any of its obligations as outlined in the ICJ Advisory Opinion. Israel's apartheid wall which separates Palestinians from Palestinians and occupied East Jerusalem from the rest of Palestine constitutes an immoral assault and a humanitarian tragedy that has inflicted great pain and suffering on the Palestinian people. For example, according to a 2012 United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report, "the agricultural livelihoods of approximately 150 communities have been severely undermined" and Palestinians are forced to "obtain visitors permits or perform prior coordination" to access their areas.
The statement concluded, it is therefore incumbent upon the United Nations and all its members to take immediate action, to rectify Israeli's ongoing breach of international and humanitarian law and to end Israeli impunity once and for all. As stated in the ICJ Advisory Opinion, 'all States parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 have in addition the obligation, while respecting the United Nations Charter and international law, to ensure compliance by Israel with international humanitarian law as embodied in that Convention.' Now is the time to uphold the integrity of the global rule of law and to bring Israeli violations and the occupation of Palestine to an immediate end.
The government of Kuwait signed on Tuesday, an agreement with the World Bank for the donation of USD 50 million for the Palestinian Reform and Development Program (PRDP).
In this donation, an additional USD 230 million donated by Kuwait to The Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) administered by the World Bank.
Kuwait's ambassador in Washington, Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the vice president of the World Bank's Middle East and North Africa division, Inger Andersen, signed the agreement for the donation.
"Kuwait considers the budget support to the PA crucial, as ways of ensuring the social and economic well-being of the Palestinian citizens," said Al-Sabah. He reiterated that Kuwait, "is, and will always, remain to be steadfast in its support to the Palestinian people."
The World Bank said in a press statement, that the money will be used to maintain social services, education and health care.
For his part, Andersen said that the "PRDP Trust Fund is central in supporting Palestinian reforms and development plans and we are grateful to Kuwait for its contribution." She added, "The World Bank's involvement in supporting and monitoring the reform efforts will strengthen the PA's capacity to sustain a number of significant reforms introduced to date, and to bolster further progress."
World Bank Executive Director and Dean of the Executive Board Merza Hasan said, "Kuwait's contribution is highly significant and timely given the fiscal challenges the PA is facing. It will ensure continuity of its institution-building and better public service delivery reforms."
According to the World Bank, since its inception in April 2008, this fund has received $200 million from the World Bank's private resources (within five donations for development) to support the PA's budget.
In this donation, an additional USD 230 million donated by Kuwait to The Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) administered by the World Bank.
Kuwait's ambassador in Washington, Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the vice president of the World Bank's Middle East and North Africa division, Inger Andersen, signed the agreement for the donation.
"Kuwait considers the budget support to the PA crucial, as ways of ensuring the social and economic well-being of the Palestinian citizens," said Al-Sabah. He reiterated that Kuwait, "is, and will always, remain to be steadfast in its support to the Palestinian people."
The World Bank said in a press statement, that the money will be used to maintain social services, education and health care.
For his part, Andersen said that the "PRDP Trust Fund is central in supporting Palestinian reforms and development plans and we are grateful to Kuwait for its contribution." She added, "The World Bank's involvement in supporting and monitoring the reform efforts will strengthen the PA's capacity to sustain a number of significant reforms introduced to date, and to bolster further progress."
World Bank Executive Director and Dean of the Executive Board Merza Hasan said, "Kuwait's contribution is highly significant and timely given the fiscal challenges the PA is facing. It will ensure continuity of its institution-building and better public service delivery reforms."
According to the World Bank, since its inception in April 2008, this fund has received $200 million from the World Bank's private resources (within five donations for development) to support the PA's budget.
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) is deeply concerned for the deterioration of humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, especially in light of the closure of Rafah International Crossing Point, which has been the sole outlet for the movement of the population of the Gaza Strip to the outside world.
This situation reveals again the reality of the situation in the Gaza Strip under the policy of collective punishment and the closure of all border crossings by Israeli authorities for more than six years.
PCHR calls upon the Egyptian Government to reconsider the decision to close the crossing point in order to end the suffering of thousands of Palestinians who have been stuck in the Gaza Strip, Egypt, Cairo International Airport and other countries.
PCHR further calls upon the international community to immediately intervene to pressurize the Israeli authorities to reopen all border crossing, lift the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip and stop the policy of collective punishment they practice against the civilian population.
The current situation in the Gaza Strip brings to mind the hardest early years of the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip when Israel had closed all crossings of the Gaza Strip since June 2007, which had led to deterioration of living conditions of the civilian population.
That dire situation had continued for three successive years, and it was relatively eased by the Egyptian decision to open Rafah International Crossing Point in June 2010 to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and to allow a limited number of people to move to and from the Gaza Strip.
This measure partially eased the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, entering basic needs into the Gaza Strip through tunnels established at the Palestinian-Egyptian border further eased the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip as Israeli authorities had banned the entry of goods.
Goods imported into the Gaza Strip through tunnels, especially foodstuffs, medicines, fuel, construction materials and cars, have spared the Gaza Strip the breakdown of all vital sectors.
In the latest development resulted from the internal Egyptian crisis and the deterioration of the security situation in North Sinai, the Egyptian authorities decided on 05 July 2013 to close Rafah International Crossing Point.
Before this closure, restrictions had been imposed on imports through tunnels. Such measures have proved that all Israeli claims concerning easing the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip are false.
According to PCHR’s observations, the Gaza Strip has suffered shortages in most basic goods, fuel and some construction materials. According to PCHR’s statistics, the goods allowed by Israel into the Gaza Strip do not meet the minimum of the Gaza Strip’s needs.
In June 2013, the Israeli authorities allowed 5,424 truckloads (181 truckloads daily) into the Gaza Strip. This number constitutes only 31.7% of the number of truckloads that had been allowed into the Gaza Strip daily before the closure was imposed, which was 570 truckloads daily.
PCHR has observed that most kinds of fuel have run out in the Gaza Strip. Cooking gas has run out in all gas stations in the Gaza Strip due to limited quantities allowed by the Israeli authorities into the Gaza Strip.
In June, 3,160 tons of cooking gas were allowed into the Gaza Strip (105.3 tons daily), which constitute 52.6% of the population’s actual daily needs, which is 200 tons.
It should be noted that cooking gas cylinders imported into the Gaza Strip through tunnels have partially met the population’s needs over the past years.
As a result of stopped supplies of diesel and benzene through tunnels, the quantities that were available in fuel stations have run out, so most fuel stations have been closed, excluding a few ones that have depended on fuel exported from Israel.
In June 2013, the Israeli authorities allowed 371,000 liters of diesel and 578,800 liters of benzene into the Gaza Strip.
These quantities are very limited in comparison with the Gaza Strip’s needs, which had amounted before the Israeli decision to reduce the quantities of fuel supplied to the Gaza Strip to about 350,000 liters of diesel and 120,000 liters of benzene daily.
Over the past two weeks, there has been a sharp increase in the prices of all construction materials, and some of them have disappeared from the markets as their supplies through tunnels have been stopped.
According to PCHR’s statistics, only 6,574 tons of cement and 504 tons of construction steel were entered into the Gaza, which constitute less than 0.8% and 0.9% respectively of the actual monthly needs.
Due to the continued ban imposed by Israel on imports of construction materials, the population of the Gaza Strip has depended for their construction projects over the past years on construction materials entered into the Gaza Strip from Egypt through tunnels.
As such supplies have been stopped, all construction projects, including housing ones, in the Gaza Strip are expected to be stopped.
As a result of the closure of Rafah International Crossing Point, which has been the sole outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world as Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing has been closed for more than six years, 1.7 million Palestinians have been denied their right to freedom of movement to and from the Gaza Strip.
According to PCHR’s observations, hundreds of Palestinians, including dozens of patients, Palestinian families living in other countries and university students who study abroad, have been stuck in Egypt waiting to be allowed to travel back to the Gaza Strip.
This human tragedy is doubled by the continuous detention of dozens of Palestinians by the Egyptian authorities at Cairo International Airport in the so-called “trander room” waiting for the Rafah International Crossing Point to be reopened in order to be transferred to the Gaza Strip.
These Palestinians are held under inhuman conditions and there are concerns that they may catch infections.
Additionally, hundreds of Palestinians in various countries around the world have been denied traveling to Egypt on their way to the Gaza Strip, including more than 900 ones who had traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Omra (the lesser pilgrimage).
In the Gaza Strip, thousands of Palestinians, including hundreds of patients who need advanced medical treatment that is not available in the Gaza Strip and persons who work in other countries, have not been able to travel abroad.
In light of these recent developments, which unequivocally prove that the Israeli closure imposed on the Gaza Strip is still ongoing, PCHR:
• Calls upon the Egyptian Government to reopen Rafah International Crossing Point to end the suffering of thousands of Palestinians who have been stuck in the Gaza Strip, Egypt, Cairo International Airport and other countries.
• Calls upon the international community, especially the High Contracting Parties to the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention, to remind Israel, as the occupying power in the Gaza Strip, of its obligation towards the civilian population under Article 55 of the Convention, which states: “To the fullest extent of the means available to it, the Occupying Power has the duty of ensuring the food and medical supplies of the population; it should, in particular, bring in the necessary foodstuffs, medical stores and other articles if the resources of the occupied territory are inadequate….”
• Calls upon the international community to pressurize the Israeli authorities to stop the policy of collective punishment against the population of the Gaza Strip and immediately open all border crossing to put an end to the serious deterioration of the humanitarian conditions of the civilian population.
• Calls upon the Israeli authorities to comply with the international humanitarian law, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention, including finding a prompt solution to ensure the freedom of movement of Palestinian civilians through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing regularly and safely, and to establish a clear system ensuring the freedom of movement of the population of the Gaza Strip and safe passage and flow of the population’s needs through commercial crossings.
This situation reveals again the reality of the situation in the Gaza Strip under the policy of collective punishment and the closure of all border crossings by Israeli authorities for more than six years.
PCHR calls upon the Egyptian Government to reconsider the decision to close the crossing point in order to end the suffering of thousands of Palestinians who have been stuck in the Gaza Strip, Egypt, Cairo International Airport and other countries.
PCHR further calls upon the international community to immediately intervene to pressurize the Israeli authorities to reopen all border crossing, lift the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip and stop the policy of collective punishment they practice against the civilian population.
The current situation in the Gaza Strip brings to mind the hardest early years of the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip when Israel had closed all crossings of the Gaza Strip since June 2007, which had led to deterioration of living conditions of the civilian population.
That dire situation had continued for three successive years, and it was relatively eased by the Egyptian decision to open Rafah International Crossing Point in June 2010 to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and to allow a limited number of people to move to and from the Gaza Strip.
This measure partially eased the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, entering basic needs into the Gaza Strip through tunnels established at the Palestinian-Egyptian border further eased the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip as Israeli authorities had banned the entry of goods.
Goods imported into the Gaza Strip through tunnels, especially foodstuffs, medicines, fuel, construction materials and cars, have spared the Gaza Strip the breakdown of all vital sectors.
In the latest development resulted from the internal Egyptian crisis and the deterioration of the security situation in North Sinai, the Egyptian authorities decided on 05 July 2013 to close Rafah International Crossing Point.
Before this closure, restrictions had been imposed on imports through tunnels. Such measures have proved that all Israeli claims concerning easing the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip are false.
According to PCHR’s observations, the Gaza Strip has suffered shortages in most basic goods, fuel and some construction materials. According to PCHR’s statistics, the goods allowed by Israel into the Gaza Strip do not meet the minimum of the Gaza Strip’s needs.
In June 2013, the Israeli authorities allowed 5,424 truckloads (181 truckloads daily) into the Gaza Strip. This number constitutes only 31.7% of the number of truckloads that had been allowed into the Gaza Strip daily before the closure was imposed, which was 570 truckloads daily.
PCHR has observed that most kinds of fuel have run out in the Gaza Strip. Cooking gas has run out in all gas stations in the Gaza Strip due to limited quantities allowed by the Israeli authorities into the Gaza Strip.
In June, 3,160 tons of cooking gas were allowed into the Gaza Strip (105.3 tons daily), which constitute 52.6% of the population’s actual daily needs, which is 200 tons.
It should be noted that cooking gas cylinders imported into the Gaza Strip through tunnels have partially met the population’s needs over the past years.
As a result of stopped supplies of diesel and benzene through tunnels, the quantities that were available in fuel stations have run out, so most fuel stations have been closed, excluding a few ones that have depended on fuel exported from Israel.
In June 2013, the Israeli authorities allowed 371,000 liters of diesel and 578,800 liters of benzene into the Gaza Strip.
These quantities are very limited in comparison with the Gaza Strip’s needs, which had amounted before the Israeli decision to reduce the quantities of fuel supplied to the Gaza Strip to about 350,000 liters of diesel and 120,000 liters of benzene daily.
Over the past two weeks, there has been a sharp increase in the prices of all construction materials, and some of them have disappeared from the markets as their supplies through tunnels have been stopped.
According to PCHR’s statistics, only 6,574 tons of cement and 504 tons of construction steel were entered into the Gaza, which constitute less than 0.8% and 0.9% respectively of the actual monthly needs.
Due to the continued ban imposed by Israel on imports of construction materials, the population of the Gaza Strip has depended for their construction projects over the past years on construction materials entered into the Gaza Strip from Egypt through tunnels.
As such supplies have been stopped, all construction projects, including housing ones, in the Gaza Strip are expected to be stopped.
As a result of the closure of Rafah International Crossing Point, which has been the sole outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world as Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing has been closed for more than six years, 1.7 million Palestinians have been denied their right to freedom of movement to and from the Gaza Strip.
According to PCHR’s observations, hundreds of Palestinians, including dozens of patients, Palestinian families living in other countries and university students who study abroad, have been stuck in Egypt waiting to be allowed to travel back to the Gaza Strip.
This human tragedy is doubled by the continuous detention of dozens of Palestinians by the Egyptian authorities at Cairo International Airport in the so-called “trander room” waiting for the Rafah International Crossing Point to be reopened in order to be transferred to the Gaza Strip.
These Palestinians are held under inhuman conditions and there are concerns that they may catch infections.
Additionally, hundreds of Palestinians in various countries around the world have been denied traveling to Egypt on their way to the Gaza Strip, including more than 900 ones who had traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Omra (the lesser pilgrimage).
In the Gaza Strip, thousands of Palestinians, including hundreds of patients who need advanced medical treatment that is not available in the Gaza Strip and persons who work in other countries, have not been able to travel abroad.
In light of these recent developments, which unequivocally prove that the Israeli closure imposed on the Gaza Strip is still ongoing, PCHR:
• Calls upon the Egyptian Government to reopen Rafah International Crossing Point to end the suffering of thousands of Palestinians who have been stuck in the Gaza Strip, Egypt, Cairo International Airport and other countries.
• Calls upon the international community, especially the High Contracting Parties to the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention, to remind Israel, as the occupying power in the Gaza Strip, of its obligation towards the civilian population under Article 55 of the Convention, which states: “To the fullest extent of the means available to it, the Occupying Power has the duty of ensuring the food and medical supplies of the population; it should, in particular, bring in the necessary foodstuffs, medical stores and other articles if the resources of the occupied territory are inadequate….”
• Calls upon the international community to pressurize the Israeli authorities to stop the policy of collective punishment against the population of the Gaza Strip and immediately open all border crossing to put an end to the serious deterioration of the humanitarian conditions of the civilian population.
• Calls upon the Israeli authorities to comply with the international humanitarian law, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention, including finding a prompt solution to ensure the freedom of movement of Palestinian civilians through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing regularly and safely, and to establish a clear system ensuring the freedom of movement of the population of the Gaza Strip and safe passage and flow of the population’s needs through commercial crossings.
