29 june 2013
Citizens in the Negev in the 1948-occupied territories announced an open strike in the schools of Wadi Ni'am village in protest at the Israeli authorities’ intention to move the schools to another nearby village. The procedure aims to pressure the village's population (14 thousand people), to leave their lands and move to the village of Shaqib al-Salam (Segev Shalom).
Wadi Ni'am's local Committee as well as the committees of the students' parents sent a letter to the Israeli Minister of Education Shai Piron to inform him about their intention to start an open strike in the schools, attended by about 3,000 students from the village.
Lubad Abu Afash, the head of the local committee, asserted in a press statement that the Israeli decision to transfer the schools to another village represents part of a plan to displace the villagers.
He stressed the students' right to study in their village's schools, and added "we will not hesitate to use all the available legal means for preserving our schools in the village of Wadi Ni'am"
Wadi Ni'am's local Committee as well as the committees of the students' parents sent a letter to the Israeli Minister of Education Shai Piron to inform him about their intention to start an open strike in the schools, attended by about 3,000 students from the village.
Lubad Abu Afash, the head of the local committee, asserted in a press statement that the Israeli decision to transfer the schools to another village represents part of a plan to displace the villagers.
He stressed the students' right to study in their village's schools, and added "we will not hesitate to use all the available legal means for preserving our schools in the village of Wadi Ni'am"
25 june 2013
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneyya met, in his office on Tuesday, with the head of the World Federation of Islamic Universities Zulkifl Abdul Razek. Gaza Premier pointed to the continuous improvement in the educational process in Palestine, despite the blockade.
He said that there are a number of excellent universities in Palestine, which are always working to develop themselves and contact all the educational institutions around the world, including the Malaysian institutions.
For his part; head of the delegation expressed his happiness to visit Palestine, hailing the Palestinian universities and educational institutions.
He pointed to the efforts made by a number of Malaysian enterprises to cooperate with their Palestinian counterparts.
He also stressed that the World Federation of Islamic Universities, which includes about 700 universities and colleges around the world, will work on shedding light on Palestine issue and cooperating with the Palestinian universities, noting that preparations are made for a conference on issues of Jerusalem and prisoners in collaboration with the Islamic University.
The delegation also included Dr. Mohamed Afandi Saleh from Sultan Zine El Abidine University, Dr. Mohamed Zain Kendar representative of the Al-Aqsa Foundation, and Abdel Razek Ibn Ahmed higher education adviser in Malaysia.
He said that there are a number of excellent universities in Palestine, which are always working to develop themselves and contact all the educational institutions around the world, including the Malaysian institutions.
For his part; head of the delegation expressed his happiness to visit Palestine, hailing the Palestinian universities and educational institutions.
He pointed to the efforts made by a number of Malaysian enterprises to cooperate with their Palestinian counterparts.
He also stressed that the World Federation of Islamic Universities, which includes about 700 universities and colleges around the world, will work on shedding light on Palestine issue and cooperating with the Palestinian universities, noting that preparations are made for a conference on issues of Jerusalem and prisoners in collaboration with the Islamic University.
The delegation also included Dr. Mohamed Afandi Saleh from Sultan Zine El Abidine University, Dr. Mohamed Zain Kendar representative of the Al-Aqsa Foundation, and Abdel Razek Ibn Ahmed higher education adviser in Malaysia.
22 june 2013
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have carried out 7 attacks against Palestinian schools in occupied West Bank and Jerusalem since the beginning of 2013, Palestinian human rights sources said. Tadamun Foundation for Human Rights documented in its report, issued on Friday, seven Israeli attacks against Palestinian schools as part of the Israeli policy that targets the Palestinian educational institutions.
The IOF soldiers razed on Tuesday the garden of Beit Amin secondary school in Azzoun village in Qalqilya northern West Bank, the report stated.
The Israeli bulldozers razed the school garden where more than 100 olive trees were uprooted, in addition to the demolition of the school fences in order to complete the construction of the Apartheid Wall, the report explained.
The human rights organization pointed to several Israeli attacks against Palestinian educational institutions throughout West Bank including break-ins and arrests.
The Israeli occupation systematically targets Palestinian educational process through movement restrictions and simultaneously ensures greater access for Jewish-Israeli education in settlements through settler-only roads and other tools of an apartheid system. Thus, Israeli policies that disrupt Palestinian education actively discriminate against Palestinian students and violate international law.
The IOF soldiers razed on Tuesday the garden of Beit Amin secondary school in Azzoun village in Qalqilya northern West Bank, the report stated.
The Israeli bulldozers razed the school garden where more than 100 olive trees were uprooted, in addition to the demolition of the school fences in order to complete the construction of the Apartheid Wall, the report explained.
The human rights organization pointed to several Israeli attacks against Palestinian educational institutions throughout West Bank including break-ins and arrests.
The Israeli occupation systematically targets Palestinian educational process through movement restrictions and simultaneously ensures greater access for Jewish-Israeli education in settlements through settler-only roads and other tools of an apartheid system. Thus, Israeli policies that disrupt Palestinian education actively discriminate against Palestinian students and violate international law.
21 june 2013
Israeli bulldozers started on Tuesday to demolish and bulldoze the yard of the school of Azzun village after ordering the teachers to leave the place. Tadhamun Foundation stated in a report that the occupation bulldozed the yard and garden of school of Azzun - Beit Amin southern the city of Qalqilya, and which is built on an area of two dunums.
The forces demolished the walls of the school's garden and uprooted 107 olive trees; in order to complete the construction of the apartheid wall and to build a security street between the school and the Sha'arei Tikva settlement established on the village's lands.
The headmaster Jamal Ayoub told Tadhamun Foundation: "Every morning Israeli soldiers intentionally obstruct the students from arriving to school. They detain them for hours and search their bags in provocative ways."
He added the occupation took advantage of the summer vacation and started bulldozing the school's garden, demolishing the walls and uprooting the trees, in preparation for grabbing the land.
Ayoub pointed out that Israel has recently turned the school into a military barracks, in light of the intensive presence of large forces military in the school's gardens, yards and classrooms.
Activist in popular resistance Murad Eshteiwi said that these practices are serious and a flagrant violation of the Rights of the Child.
For his part, researcher at the Tadhamun Foundation Ahmed Betawi said that the attack on the Azzun village's school represents the seventh assault against the Palestinian educational institutions since the beginning of the year.
Betawi said that the Israeli soldiers have always targeted the Palestinian educational facilities, including the teachers and students.
The forces demolished the walls of the school's garden and uprooted 107 olive trees; in order to complete the construction of the apartheid wall and to build a security street between the school and the Sha'arei Tikva settlement established on the village's lands.
The headmaster Jamal Ayoub told Tadhamun Foundation: "Every morning Israeli soldiers intentionally obstruct the students from arriving to school. They detain them for hours and search their bags in provocative ways."
He added the occupation took advantage of the summer vacation and started bulldozing the school's garden, demolishing the walls and uprooting the trees, in preparation for grabbing the land.
Ayoub pointed out that Israel has recently turned the school into a military barracks, in light of the intensive presence of large forces military in the school's gardens, yards and classrooms.
Activist in popular resistance Murad Eshteiwi said that these practices are serious and a flagrant violation of the Rights of the Child.
For his part, researcher at the Tadhamun Foundation Ahmed Betawi said that the attack on the Azzun village's school represents the seventh assault against the Palestinian educational institutions since the beginning of the year.
Betawi said that the Israeli soldiers have always targeted the Palestinian educational facilities, including the teachers and students.
Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the European Union, arrived in the Gaza Strip Thursday [June 20 2013], and visited a school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Ashton affirmed that the European Union is committed to supporting the UNRWA and its work, and that the EU’s support will remain strong both politically and financially.
“I visited Gaza several times; today I visit Gaza on the Refugees Day to highlight our support to the refugees and the UNRWA”, Ashton said, “What is needed to be done is deeds not words, there are a lot of officials who visit Gaza, but what we need in actual outcomes”
“I am happy to be here, but what is important is what will happen after I leave, we need to develop the economy in Gaza”, she added, “We want to make sure children have better education, and a better future”.
The European Union official further stated that Gaza border terminals must be opened, and thanked the UNRWA for its ongoing work in Gaza despite financial difficulties it faces.
On the political level, Ashton said that the EU supports a just settlement to the conflict, and supports developing the Gaza Strip and advancing its humanitarian conditions.
Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Filippo Grandi, who accompanied Ashton, stated that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are facing very difficult conditions, ongoing siege and frustration.
Grandi added that the refugees’ issue is very essential, and that there should be a serious solution to the issue of millions of Palestinian refugees.
He also stressed on the importance of resuming direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
On his part, Palestinian Legislator, head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege, Jamal El-Khodary, demanded Ashton, and the EU, to practice pressure on Israel to fully lift the siege on the coastal region.
“This siege is illegal and immoral”, El-Khodary said, “This unjust siege must be lifted immediately, the EU must act of obliging Israeli to lift it”.
He also stated that this siege, that entered its seventh years, is directly impacting the Palestinians, and every aspect of their lives, as it is preventing any development, reconstruction and emptied Gaza of basic supplies.
Ashton affirmed that the European Union is committed to supporting the UNRWA and its work, and that the EU’s support will remain strong both politically and financially.
“I visited Gaza several times; today I visit Gaza on the Refugees Day to highlight our support to the refugees and the UNRWA”, Ashton said, “What is needed to be done is deeds not words, there are a lot of officials who visit Gaza, but what we need in actual outcomes”
“I am happy to be here, but what is important is what will happen after I leave, we need to develop the economy in Gaza”, she added, “We want to make sure children have better education, and a better future”.
The European Union official further stated that Gaza border terminals must be opened, and thanked the UNRWA for its ongoing work in Gaza despite financial difficulties it faces.
On the political level, Ashton said that the EU supports a just settlement to the conflict, and supports developing the Gaza Strip and advancing its humanitarian conditions.
Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Filippo Grandi, who accompanied Ashton, stated that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are facing very difficult conditions, ongoing siege and frustration.
Grandi added that the refugees’ issue is very essential, and that there should be a serious solution to the issue of millions of Palestinian refugees.
He also stressed on the importance of resuming direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
On his part, Palestinian Legislator, head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege, Jamal El-Khodary, demanded Ashton, and the EU, to practice pressure on Israel to fully lift the siege on the coastal region.
“This siege is illegal and immoral”, El-Khodary said, “This unjust siege must be lifted immediately, the EU must act of obliging Israeli to lift it”.
He also stated that this siege, that entered its seventh years, is directly impacting the Palestinians, and every aspect of their lives, as it is preventing any development, reconstruction and emptied Gaza of basic supplies.
18 june 2013
The Palestinian Ministry of Education, under the Hamas-led government in the Gaza Strip, denied reports claiming that the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and its government ever prevented Muslim students from attending Christian schools in the coastal region.
The Ministry issued a press release [Monday June 17 2013] stating that such a claimed decision was never made, and that students have the right to choose any school they deem fit.
The statement came after an Israeli news agency claimed that Hamas is preventing Muslim students from attending Christian school in Gaza.
An official at the Ministry of Education in Gaza stated that the government supports all schools, including Christian schools, and does not differentiate between them.
The official added that Christian schools in Gaza are an important aspect of the social fabric, and that all Christians in Gaza are an integral part of the Palestinian society.
“What the Israeli agency claimed it’s a baseless lie”, he said, “a lie that aims at creating tension between Muslims and Christians in the Gaza Strip”.
The Ministry issued a press release [Monday June 17 2013] stating that such a claimed decision was never made, and that students have the right to choose any school they deem fit.
The statement came after an Israeli news agency claimed that Hamas is preventing Muslim students from attending Christian school in Gaza.
An official at the Ministry of Education in Gaza stated that the government supports all schools, including Christian schools, and does not differentiate between them.
The official added that Christian schools in Gaza are an important aspect of the social fabric, and that all Christians in Gaza are an integral part of the Palestinian society.
“What the Israeli agency claimed it’s a baseless lie”, he said, “a lie that aims at creating tension between Muslims and Christians in the Gaza Strip”.
14 june 2013
The leader in Fatah movement, Nabil Shaath stressed that his movement is" doing the utmost to prevent a violent uprising", stressing that an intifada (uprising) doesn't have to be violent.
"We can’t guarantee we would be able to prevent another intifada," he added speaking to Israeli reporters on Thursday in Ramallah.
The PA is working to prevent violence against settlement and Israeli borders, he said, stressing that PA spending on Israeli security is more than the PA education budget.
"We can’t guarantee we would be able to prevent another intifada," he added speaking to Israeli reporters on Thursday in Ramallah.
The PA is working to prevent violence against settlement and Israeli borders, he said, stressing that PA spending on Israeli security is more than the PA education budget.
31 may 2013
The military presence in 'firing zone 918' in the South Hebron Hills increased last week, making it difficult for children to attend school, the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) said in a report Friday.
International accompaniment for the children of Al-Fakheit primary school continued until Thursday, May 30th, the last day of school and final exams for the children.
On Wednesday, a group of Israeli soldiers were stationed near the school all day, making the students and teachers anxious, according to the report.
ISM said Israeli forces recently increased its military presence in the area, surrounding the villages with military vehicles and helicopters. On Sunday, an Israeli helicopter landed in the village of Jinba, terrifying the residents.
Last Monday, Israeli soldiers invaded Jinba, beating a shepherd from the village, according to the report. Two more similar incidents were reported.
On Wednesday, Israeli settlers from Ma'on attempted to construct a tent on the Palestinian road between villages Tuba and At-Twani. The same day, the Israeli settlers burned 5 acres of Palestinian crops in response to the destruction of Ma'on structures by the Israeli army.
Also on Wednesday, the report said the Israeli forces responsible for accompanying Palestinian children from At-Twani did not show.
The report said, "When international human rights observers asked the military commander why the accompaniment was canceled, he answered that it was too dangerous for the soldiers, as they fear the settlers themselves.
Israeli settlers often violently attack children in this area on their way to school, the report said.
International accompaniment for the children of Al-Fakheit primary school continued until Thursday, May 30th, the last day of school and final exams for the children.
On Wednesday, a group of Israeli soldiers were stationed near the school all day, making the students and teachers anxious, according to the report.
ISM said Israeli forces recently increased its military presence in the area, surrounding the villages with military vehicles and helicopters. On Sunday, an Israeli helicopter landed in the village of Jinba, terrifying the residents.
Last Monday, Israeli soldiers invaded Jinba, beating a shepherd from the village, according to the report. Two more similar incidents were reported.
On Wednesday, Israeli settlers from Ma'on attempted to construct a tent on the Palestinian road between villages Tuba and At-Twani. The same day, the Israeli settlers burned 5 acres of Palestinian crops in response to the destruction of Ma'on structures by the Israeli army.
Also on Wednesday, the report said the Israeli forces responsible for accompanying Palestinian children from At-Twani did not show.
The report said, "When international human rights observers asked the military commander why the accompaniment was canceled, he answered that it was too dangerous for the soldiers, as they fear the settlers themselves.
Israeli settlers often violently attack children in this area on their way to school, the report said.
29 may 2013
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) encircled on Wednesday morning the Litwani secondary school to the east of Yatta town, south of Al-Khalil. Ratib Al-Jabour, the coordinator of the popular committee against the wall and settlement in the village, said that the soldiers were besieging 27 students inside the school.
He said that the IOF claimed that wanted persons were among those students and would not allow them to leave, adding that families of those students arrived to the school but the soldiers forced them away.
In another incident in Al-Khalil, IOF soldiers occupied the rooftop of a Palestinian home in the city.
Palestinian security sources told Quds Press that the soldiers clashed with inhabitants, adding that the soldiers were deployed in a number of suburbs in the city.
IOF soldiers also arrested a young man in Daheriya village in Al-Khalil after searching his home.
He said that the IOF claimed that wanted persons were among those students and would not allow them to leave, adding that families of those students arrived to the school but the soldiers forced them away.
In another incident in Al-Khalil, IOF soldiers occupied the rooftop of a Palestinian home in the city.
Palestinian security sources told Quds Press that the soldiers clashed with inhabitants, adding that the soldiers were deployed in a number of suburbs in the city.
IOF soldiers also arrested a young man in Daheriya village in Al-Khalil after searching his home.
Israeli Occupation Forces were deployed since the early hours of the morning, at the main entrances of the city of Hebron, its villages and set several military checkpoints.
Local sources told PNN that Israeli forces set several military checkpoints at the main entrances of Bani Nu'aim and Beit Anan villages east of Hebron and detained school students.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces were deployed at the main entrance of Beit Ummar and Al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and hindered the residents' movement.
Local sources told PNN that Israeli forces set several military checkpoints at the main entrances of Bani Nu'aim and Beit Anan villages east of Hebron and detained school students.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces were deployed at the main entrance of Beit Ummar and Al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and hindered the residents' movement.
22 may 2013
Israeli forces detained five students from a school belonging to an Islamic orphanage after they were accused of attacking a settler in Jerusalem, officials said Wednesday.
Headmaster Mazen Jamjoum told Ma'an that Israeli troops raided the school and detained five students between the ages of 13 to 15.
Jamjoum says Israeli police told him they were checking surveillance cameras to verify the settler's claims that the students attacked him.
Meanwhile witnesses told Ma'an that Israeli troops detained two Palestinians while walking in Jerusalem's Old City market.
Israeli tax officials were raiding Jerusalem markets and handing out orders for merchants to comply with Israeli dictates.
Headmaster Mazen Jamjoum told Ma'an that Israeli troops raided the school and detained five students between the ages of 13 to 15.
Jamjoum says Israeli police told him they were checking surveillance cameras to verify the settler's claims that the students attacked him.
Meanwhile witnesses told Ma'an that Israeli troops detained two Palestinians while walking in Jerusalem's Old City market.
Israeli tax officials were raiding Jerusalem markets and handing out orders for merchants to comply with Israeli dictates.
16 may 2013
Settlers Attack Schoolchildren Near Nablus
A number of extremist Israeli settlers attacked several schoolchildren in Orif village, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
Local sources reported that the settlers hurled stones at the students as they were leaving their school in the village,
The terrified children ran away, some suffered anxiety attacks, the sources said.
In related news, extremist settlers invaded the Einabous village, south of Nablus, and tried to burn a local school.
Eyewitnesses said that local villagers noticed the settlers who ran away leaving behind fuel and matches.
Local sources reported that the settlers hurled stones at the students as they were leaving their school in the village,
The terrified children ran away, some suffered anxiety attacks, the sources said.
In related news, extremist settlers invaded the Einabous village, south of Nablus, and tried to burn a local school.
Eyewitnesses said that local villagers noticed the settlers who ran away leaving behind fuel and matches.
12 may 2013
IOF attack students at al-Tur primary school
Seven children from al-Tur primary school suffered suffocation and burns, following an attack on the school students by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Saturday.
Head of the Parents' Committee Mohammed Abu Ghannam said in a press statement that following the end of the school hours and as the students were leaving to their places, the IOF fired stun grenades and tear gas canisters towards them.
Many children suffered injuries and burns in their necks, hands and feet, and were transferred to hospital to receive treatment.
This primary school includes nearly 1200 students. Al-Tur's Schools have been recently exposed to the Israeli police attacks.
Head of the Parents' Committee Mohammed Abu Ghannam said in a press statement that following the end of the school hours and as the students were leaving to their places, the IOF fired stun grenades and tear gas canisters towards them.
Many children suffered injuries and burns in their necks, hands and feet, and were transferred to hospital to receive treatment.
This primary school includes nearly 1200 students. Al-Tur's Schools have been recently exposed to the Israeli police attacks.
30 apr 2013
PA condemns settler mosque attack, suspends school trips
Palestinian Authority officials condemned an attack by settlers on a Nablus-area mosque on Tuesday, as tensions rise in the northern West Bank following the fatal stabbing of a settler.
Mahmoud al-Habbash, minister of Waqf and religious affairs, slammed the attack against al-Ribat mosque in Urif village, saying the Israeli government encouraged settler violence by providing soldiers to protect them.
Villagers have begun to fix the mosque after the attack, he added, condemning Israeli aggression against Palestinian holy sites.
Meanwhile, the PA Ministry of Education issued a statement that all school trips will be suspended on Wednesday after two buses carrying school girls were attacked by settlers, injuring five people.
Masked settlers burned tires at road junctions in Nablus, hurled stones at Palestinian cars, and set fire to dozens of olive trees following the fatal stabbing of a settler earlier in the day.
PA official Ghassan Daghlas urged Palestinians to exercise extreme caution while driving near settlements, adding that he expects more attacks to take place during the day.
A settler was stabbed to death as he waited at a hitchhiking spot south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday.
Israeli border police sped to the area and fired towards the attacker, who grabbed his victim's weapon and returned fire but was eventually disarmed and taken into custody, an Israeli police spokeswoman said. VIDEO
Israeli settlers vandalize Palestinian mosque in West Bank
Israeli settlers have vandalized a Palestinian mosque in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank
Mahmoud al-Habbash, minister of Waqf and religious affairs, slammed the attack against al-Ribat mosque in Urif village, saying the Israeli government encouraged settler violence by providing soldiers to protect them.
Villagers have begun to fix the mosque after the attack, he added, condemning Israeli aggression against Palestinian holy sites.
Meanwhile, the PA Ministry of Education issued a statement that all school trips will be suspended on Wednesday after two buses carrying school girls were attacked by settlers, injuring five people.
Masked settlers burned tires at road junctions in Nablus, hurled stones at Palestinian cars, and set fire to dozens of olive trees following the fatal stabbing of a settler earlier in the day.
PA official Ghassan Daghlas urged Palestinians to exercise extreme caution while driving near settlements, adding that he expects more attacks to take place during the day.
A settler was stabbed to death as he waited at a hitchhiking spot south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday.
Israeli border police sped to the area and fired towards the attacker, who grabbed his victim's weapon and returned fire but was eventually disarmed and taken into custody, an Israeli police spokeswoman said. VIDEO
Israeli settlers vandalize Palestinian mosque in West Bank
Israeli settlers have vandalized a Palestinian mosque in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank
PA official: Over 20 injured as settlers riot near Nablus
Dozens of settlers attacked Palestinians and their property in the Nablus and Tulkarem area on Tuesday, as tensions rose following the fatal stabbing of a settler earlier in the day.
PA official Ghassan Daghlas told Ma'an that settlers stopped two school buses near Yizhar settlement and showered them with stones, injuring a number of students and causing widespread panic.
Masked settlers burned tires at road junctions in Nablus and hurled stones at Palestinian cars, Daghlas added.
Settlers also set fire to dozens of olive trees in the Nablus villages of Asira al-Qibliya and Urif, and attacked vehicles east of Tulkarem.
The PA official urged Palestinians to exercise extreme caution while driving near settlements, adding that he expects more attacks to take place during the day.
Tensions are high in the northern West Bank following a stabbing attack which killed a settler earlier in the day near Zatara checkpoint in Nablus.
Israeli border police sped to the area and fired towards the attacker, who grabbed his victim's weapon and returned fire but was eventually disarmed and taken into custody, an Israeli police spokeswoman said.
PA official Ghassan Daghlas told Ma'an that settlers stopped two school buses near Yizhar settlement and showered them with stones, injuring a number of students and causing widespread panic.
Masked settlers burned tires at road junctions in Nablus and hurled stones at Palestinian cars, Daghlas added.
Settlers also set fire to dozens of olive trees in the Nablus villages of Asira al-Qibliya and Urif, and attacked vehicles east of Tulkarem.
The PA official urged Palestinians to exercise extreme caution while driving near settlements, adding that he expects more attacks to take place during the day.
Tensions are high in the northern West Bank following a stabbing attack which killed a settler earlier in the day near Zatara checkpoint in Nablus.
Israeli border police sped to the area and fired towards the attacker, who grabbed his victim's weapon and returned fire but was eventually disarmed and taken into custody, an Israeli police spokeswoman said.
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Israeli Soldiers arresting and beating children in Hebron
Israeli soldiers arrested 2 children and one international peace activist in Hebron. |
28 apr 2013
Residents: Israel holding exercises in Jordan Valley
The Israeli army prepared to conduct military exercises in the northern Jordan Valley on Sunday, preventing school children from attending classes, residents said.
Soldiers prevented students from going to their schools, and demanded that other Palestinians evacuate their houses.
Local residents quoted soldiers as saying the maneuvers will take place until Tuesday in the northern Jordan Valley, adding that it was designed to replicate a Lebanese town.
An army spokeswoman did not immediately return calls.
Late Saturday the Israeli army moved troops, tanks and armored vehicles into the area, according to residents who said they were told to evacuate their houses before morning.
Muhanad al-Hrub, a student in the 10th grade, said he was on his way to class in Akaba village when soldiers prevented him from approaching the school. Al-Hrub said he missed an exam Sunday morning.
“I woke up at Fajer (call to prayer) and I started studying for the exam before I headed to my school. On my way to school, an Israeli military patrol accompanied by a tank stopped us,” he said.
“They stopped the tractor which the students and I were riding ... They forced us to return to the village. They claimed that there is presence of military reinforcements for a military maneuver.”
He added: “Whenever they want to hold a military exercise, they force us to leave our houses and prevent us from going to our school.”
He said 40 other students were prevented from going to class.
Aref Daraghmeh, the mayor of al-Malih and al-Madarib, told Ma’an that Israeli forces were present in the area since early morning. They also prevented student from going to their and schools in the Waraba and Tayasir villages.
The exercises will start Monday at 7 p.m. and end Tuesday at 6 p.m., he said. Overall, they will prevent 120 students from attending classes during this period, he said.
Two days earlier, Israeli forces delivered evacuation orders to around 100 families in the al-Malih and al-Madarib areas ahead of the exercise. Forces warned residents that they intended to use live fire, he said.
They also will raid houses and tents, Daraghmeh said.
Soldiers prevented students from going to their schools, and demanded that other Palestinians evacuate their houses.
Local residents quoted soldiers as saying the maneuvers will take place until Tuesday in the northern Jordan Valley, adding that it was designed to replicate a Lebanese town.
An army spokeswoman did not immediately return calls.
Late Saturday the Israeli army moved troops, tanks and armored vehicles into the area, according to residents who said they were told to evacuate their houses before morning.
Muhanad al-Hrub, a student in the 10th grade, said he was on his way to class in Akaba village when soldiers prevented him from approaching the school. Al-Hrub said he missed an exam Sunday morning.
“I woke up at Fajer (call to prayer) and I started studying for the exam before I headed to my school. On my way to school, an Israeli military patrol accompanied by a tank stopped us,” he said.
“They stopped the tractor which the students and I were riding ... They forced us to return to the village. They claimed that there is presence of military reinforcements for a military maneuver.”
He added: “Whenever they want to hold a military exercise, they force us to leave our houses and prevent us from going to our school.”
He said 40 other students were prevented from going to class.
Aref Daraghmeh, the mayor of al-Malih and al-Madarib, told Ma’an that Israeli forces were present in the area since early morning. They also prevented student from going to their and schools in the Waraba and Tayasir villages.
The exercises will start Monday at 7 p.m. and end Tuesday at 6 p.m., he said. Overall, they will prevent 120 students from attending classes during this period, he said.
Two days earlier, Israeli forces delivered evacuation orders to around 100 families in the al-Malih and al-Madarib areas ahead of the exercise. Forces warned residents that they intended to use live fire, he said.
They also will raid houses and tents, Daraghmeh said.
25 apr 2013
Dozens of students treated for breathing difficulty after IOF teargas attack
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) fired teargas canisters at two secondary schools in Abu Dis town to the east of occupied Jerusalem on Thursday.
Jerusalemite sources said that dozens of students at Abu Dis school for boys and the other school for girls suffered breathing difficulty due to the IOF heavy firing of teargas bombs at them.
They said that a 17-year-old boy was injured with a metal bullet in his foot while a little girl was treated for shock.
The sources said that violent confrontations erupted in the vicinity of the two schools, adding that fire broke out in one of the nearby homes after IOF soldiers fired a teargas inside it igniting the fire.
Israeli Soldiers Injure Teen in Clashes near Jerusalem
A 17-year-old student was injured Thursday when he was hit by a bullet in his foot during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the town of Abu Dis, east of Jerusalem, according to local sources. They told WAFA that Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at schools in the area following a provocative visit to the town by an Israeli intelligence officer.
A number of students suffered from tear gas suffocation and the schools were quickly evacuated, said the sources.
In addition to the foot injury, a female student was injured in the head when she fell while trying to run away from the clashes scene.
Fire also broke out in one of the area homes after a tear gas canister fell inside it.
Jerusalemite sources said that dozens of students at Abu Dis school for boys and the other school for girls suffered breathing difficulty due to the IOF heavy firing of teargas bombs at them.
They said that a 17-year-old boy was injured with a metal bullet in his foot while a little girl was treated for shock.
The sources said that violent confrontations erupted in the vicinity of the two schools, adding that fire broke out in one of the nearby homes after IOF soldiers fired a teargas inside it igniting the fire.
Israeli Soldiers Injure Teen in Clashes near Jerusalem
A 17-year-old student was injured Thursday when he was hit by a bullet in his foot during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the town of Abu Dis, east of Jerusalem, according to local sources. They told WAFA that Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at schools in the area following a provocative visit to the town by an Israeli intelligence officer.
A number of students suffered from tear gas suffocation and the schools were quickly evacuated, said the sources.
In addition to the foot injury, a female student was injured in the head when she fell while trying to run away from the clashes scene.
Fire also broke out in one of the area homes after a tear gas canister fell inside it.
Soldiers manning roadblock try to storm school buses
Israeli soldiers manning the Shufat roadblock tried to storm Palestinian school buses on Wednesday but the drivers refused to allow them.
Eyewitnesses said that the soldiers were attempting to arrest a number of students, adding that the soldiers delayed the buses for more than an hour at the roadblock until the students showed their birth certificates.
They said that a number of students, who did not have their certificates, were forced to return to their homes and not cross the roadblock.
Eyewitnesses said that the soldiers were attempting to arrest a number of students, adding that the soldiers delayed the buses for more than an hour at the roadblock until the students showed their birth certificates.
They said that a number of students, who did not have their certificates, were forced to return to their homes and not cross the roadblock.
24 apr 2013
The Islamic bloc boycotts Al-Quds University elections
Islamic bloc at al-Quds University declared its boycott of next week’s student council elections to protest the University administration's rejection to commit to the terms of the elections' rules.
The Islamic bloc said in a press statement that its decision to boycott the elections came to protest the University's intransigence in dealing with the students' demands, stressing that the University has been witnessing crisis since the last semester.
The statement referred to the student blocs' efforts to develop a unified plan for all student councils in all universities in the 2006-2007 academic year to maintain the student movement's unity.
The bloc confirmed that the university administration violated the elections' constitution by involving the postgraduate students in the electoral process and who are not entitled to participate.
The bloc's position was based on the Constitution of the Student Union of al-Quds University, which does not include any term that allows postgraduate students to participate in the student council elections.
The bloc's statement pointed that the participation of postgraduate students in the electoral process is not allowed at al-Quds University, contrary to all Palestinian universities.
The bloc confirmed that the postgraduate students' participation in electoral process in 2004 was an exception in light of agreements at that time, stressing its rejection to legalize this exception by the University administration.
The bloc denounced the University administration's attempts to allow postgraduate students to vote in order to increase financial returns to the University's weak budget.
The bloc indicated that it accepted to participate in the last year elections after receiving promises to resolve this problem this year, but the university administration continued to procrastinate until this moment.
Islamic bloc wins 33 seats in student council elections at Al-Najah university
The Islamic bloc, the student wing of Hamas, won 33 seats in the student council elections that took place on Tuesday at Al-Najah university in Nablus city after an absence for more than six years as a result of the suppression policy pursued by the Palestinian authority in the West Bank.
According to the final results, 13,824 students out of 19,956 gave their votes in the elections which ended with 43 seats for the Fatah student bloc, 33 seats for the Hamas student bloc, and five for other blocs.
After hearing the results, the Islamic bloc students lay prostrate to thank God for this honorable result, which came despite the suppression they were exposed to before the elections and the intimidation of voters by Fatah students and the security forces in the West Bank.
Many students who support the Islamic bloc refrained from voting in the elections and stayed at homes because of the intimidating security situation in the West Bank.
The Islamic bloc had declared that it would return to its student activities at the West Bank universities to shake off the dust that covered the student movement there.
In this regard, speaker of the Palestinian legislative council Aziz Dweik said that the honorable electoral results which the Islamic bloc had achieved at the West Bank universities reflected that the Palestinian people are still adherent to their religious principles and the resistance.
Dweik noted that the Fatah student bloc had not won its seats at the West Bank universities without using the carrot and stick approach in getting many students to vote for them.
He added that Fatah and its student wing intimidated the students, obstructed many of them from going to their universities during the election days and used several temptations, including scholarships and prepaid cellphone cards to lure others into voting for them.
Hamas: Najah election results big victory
Hamas movement described the results of the students’ elections in the Najah university in Nablus as a victory for the Islamic bloc after six years of boycott. Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman, said on Wednesday that winning 33 seats against 43 seats for the Fatah-affiliated bloc reflected growing popularity for the Islamic bloc that has been absent from those elections for six years.
He said that the result pointed to the failure of the policy of persecution on the part of both the PA security apparatuses and the Israeli occupation.
“This is a message to all those who bet on the failure of Hamas and those who try to smear its image and to isolate it from the people,” he added.
The spokesman congratulated the Islamic bloc on behalf of Hamas on what he described as a “big victory”.
The Islamic bloc said in a press statement that its decision to boycott the elections came to protest the University's intransigence in dealing with the students' demands, stressing that the University has been witnessing crisis since the last semester.
The statement referred to the student blocs' efforts to develop a unified plan for all student councils in all universities in the 2006-2007 academic year to maintain the student movement's unity.
The bloc confirmed that the university administration violated the elections' constitution by involving the postgraduate students in the electoral process and who are not entitled to participate.
The bloc's position was based on the Constitution of the Student Union of al-Quds University, which does not include any term that allows postgraduate students to participate in the student council elections.
The bloc's statement pointed that the participation of postgraduate students in the electoral process is not allowed at al-Quds University, contrary to all Palestinian universities.
The bloc confirmed that the postgraduate students' participation in electoral process in 2004 was an exception in light of agreements at that time, stressing its rejection to legalize this exception by the University administration.
The bloc denounced the University administration's attempts to allow postgraduate students to vote in order to increase financial returns to the University's weak budget.
The bloc indicated that it accepted to participate in the last year elections after receiving promises to resolve this problem this year, but the university administration continued to procrastinate until this moment.
Islamic bloc wins 33 seats in student council elections at Al-Najah university
The Islamic bloc, the student wing of Hamas, won 33 seats in the student council elections that took place on Tuesday at Al-Najah university in Nablus city after an absence for more than six years as a result of the suppression policy pursued by the Palestinian authority in the West Bank.
According to the final results, 13,824 students out of 19,956 gave their votes in the elections which ended with 43 seats for the Fatah student bloc, 33 seats for the Hamas student bloc, and five for other blocs.
After hearing the results, the Islamic bloc students lay prostrate to thank God for this honorable result, which came despite the suppression they were exposed to before the elections and the intimidation of voters by Fatah students and the security forces in the West Bank.
Many students who support the Islamic bloc refrained from voting in the elections and stayed at homes because of the intimidating security situation in the West Bank.
The Islamic bloc had declared that it would return to its student activities at the West Bank universities to shake off the dust that covered the student movement there.
In this regard, speaker of the Palestinian legislative council Aziz Dweik said that the honorable electoral results which the Islamic bloc had achieved at the West Bank universities reflected that the Palestinian people are still adherent to their religious principles and the resistance.
Dweik noted that the Fatah student bloc had not won its seats at the West Bank universities without using the carrot and stick approach in getting many students to vote for them.
He added that Fatah and its student wing intimidated the students, obstructed many of them from going to their universities during the election days and used several temptations, including scholarships and prepaid cellphone cards to lure others into voting for them.
Hamas: Najah election results big victory
Hamas movement described the results of the students’ elections in the Najah university in Nablus as a victory for the Islamic bloc after six years of boycott. Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman, said on Wednesday that winning 33 seats against 43 seats for the Fatah-affiliated bloc reflected growing popularity for the Islamic bloc that has been absent from those elections for six years.
He said that the result pointed to the failure of the policy of persecution on the part of both the PA security apparatuses and the Israeli occupation.
“This is a message to all those who bet on the failure of Hamas and those who try to smear its image and to isolate it from the people,” he added.
The spokesman congratulated the Islamic bloc on behalf of Hamas on what he described as a “big victory”.
10 apr 2013
Ahrar calls on UNESCO to enable prisoners to complete their education
Ahrar Center for Prisoners Studies and Human Rights called on UNESCO to intervene to enable the Palestinian prisoners to complete their education in the Israeli prisons.
The director of the center, Fuad Al-Khuffash, pointed to the Fourth Geneva Convention that states in article 94 that "all possible facilities shall be granted to internees to continue their studies or to take up new subjects. The education of children and young people shall be ensured; they shall be allowed to attend schools either within the place of internment or outside."
The Israeli occupation aims to spread illiteracy among the Palestinian prisoners by preventing them from completing their education in custody, Al-Khuffash added.
The center director denounced the Israeli systematic illiteracy process against the prisoners and against the children in particular, pointing to UN charter that stressed that "every juvenile of compulsory school age has the right to education suited to his or her needs and abilities and designed to prepare him or her for return to society".
The director of the center, Fuad Al-Khuffash, pointed to the Fourth Geneva Convention that states in article 94 that "all possible facilities shall be granted to internees to continue their studies or to take up new subjects. The education of children and young people shall be ensured; they shall be allowed to attend schools either within the place of internment or outside."
The Israeli occupation aims to spread illiteracy among the Palestinian prisoners by preventing them from completing their education in custody, Al-Khuffash added.
The center director denounced the Israeli systematic illiteracy process against the prisoners and against the children in particular, pointing to UN charter that stressed that "every juvenile of compulsory school age has the right to education suited to his or her needs and abilities and designed to prepare him or her for return to society".
2 apr 2013
Hamas slams Fatah student bloc for insulting Qatar and its leadership
The Hamas Movement strongly denounced Fatah and its student bloc at Palestine Technical university in Tulkarem for insulting Qatar and its leadership and described their act as shameful and irresponsible.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the rude behavior of Fatah students towards the Qatari Emir would damage the reputation of the Palestinian people and its relations with an Arab country supporting the Palestinian cause.
"We, in Hamas, condemn this immoral act and we consider that any political views should be expressed properly and respectfully and not with such irresponsible acts," spokesman Abu Zuhir stated.
The spokesman praised Qatar's role in supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian cause and urged its leadership to overlook such irresponsible acts by Fatah.
In an electoral ceremony on Monday, senior students from the Fatah student bloc at the university played on campus the scene of executing a stuffed figure they claimed it was the Emir of Qatar while they were verbally attacking him with indecent words.
Senior officials from Fatah and the Palestinian authority also attended the ceremony and watched the improper behavior of Fatah students without objection, according to eyewitnesses from the university.
Their extreme behavior raised the ire of other students who objected to what was happening.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the rude behavior of Fatah students towards the Qatari Emir would damage the reputation of the Palestinian people and its relations with an Arab country supporting the Palestinian cause.
"We, in Hamas, condemn this immoral act and we consider that any political views should be expressed properly and respectfully and not with such irresponsible acts," spokesman Abu Zuhir stated.
The spokesman praised Qatar's role in supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian cause and urged its leadership to overlook such irresponsible acts by Fatah.
In an electoral ceremony on Monday, senior students from the Fatah student bloc at the university played on campus the scene of executing a stuffed figure they claimed it was the Emir of Qatar while they were verbally attacking him with indecent words.
Senior officials from Fatah and the Palestinian authority also attended the ceremony and watched the improper behavior of Fatah students without objection, according to eyewitnesses from the university.
Their extreme behavior raised the ire of other students who objected to what was happening.
Hamas Bans Mixed Sex Schools in Gaza Strip
Palestinian media outlets revealed that the Education Ministry of the Hamas movement ruling the Gaza Strip decided to ban men from teaching at girls' schools and mandate separate classes for boys and girls from the age of nine.
The sources said that the law would go into effect next school year and it includes private, Christian-led and United Nations schools.
Director of Jerusalem Center for Legal Aid and Human Rights, Issam Al-Arouri, said that these new measures are a trespass upon the citizens' right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
He told PNN that creating two different laws in Gaza and the West Bank is very serious step and this might deepen the split not only the political but also economic, cultural and educational between Gaza and the West Bank.
Private and Christian schools, where classes are mixed until high school, would be the most affected by the decision. Gaza's government-run schools were already mostly gender-separated, Al-Arouri added.
Palestinian critics of the new measures say the Hamas is trying to force its ideology on society, but proponents say they merely want to codify conservative Palestinian values into law.
"We are a Muslim people. We do not need to make people Muslims, and we are doing what serves our people and their culture," Waleed Mezher, the Education Ministry's legal adviser said.
Zeinab Al-Khomeini, a Gaza activist for women's rights, said the new law was part of a Hamas project to impose its values on Gaza residents.
"To say that the old law did not respect the community's traditions and that they (Hamas) wanted to reform people now is an insult to the community," Al-Khomeini continued, "Instead of hiding behind traditions, why don't they say clearly they are Islamists and they want to Islamize the community."
This is not the first time Hamas trying to impose its Islamic laws on Gaza, as Hamas's government in recent years tried to impose Islamic dress on female lawyers and school girls, ban men from working as hairdressers for women and interrogate couples walking in Gaza's streets.
The sources said that the law would go into effect next school year and it includes private, Christian-led and United Nations schools.
Director of Jerusalem Center for Legal Aid and Human Rights, Issam Al-Arouri, said that these new measures are a trespass upon the citizens' right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
He told PNN that creating two different laws in Gaza and the West Bank is very serious step and this might deepen the split not only the political but also economic, cultural and educational between Gaza and the West Bank.
Private and Christian schools, where classes are mixed until high school, would be the most affected by the decision. Gaza's government-run schools were already mostly gender-separated, Al-Arouri added.
Palestinian critics of the new measures say the Hamas is trying to force its ideology on society, but proponents say they merely want to codify conservative Palestinian values into law.
"We are a Muslim people. We do not need to make people Muslims, and we are doing what serves our people and their culture," Waleed Mezher, the Education Ministry's legal adviser said.
Zeinab Al-Khomeini, a Gaza activist for women's rights, said the new law was part of a Hamas project to impose its values on Gaza residents.
"To say that the old law did not respect the community's traditions and that they (Hamas) wanted to reform people now is an insult to the community," Al-Khomeini continued, "Instead of hiding behind traditions, why don't they say clearly they are Islamists and they want to Islamize the community."
This is not the first time Hamas trying to impose its Islamic laws on Gaza, as Hamas's government in recent years tried to impose Islamic dress on female lawyers and school girls, ban men from working as hairdressers for women and interrogate couples walking in Gaza's streets.
1 apr 2013
Eight Palestinian schoolgirls wounded in settlers’ attack on school bus
Eight Palestinian school pupils were injured when Jewish settlers attacked their school buses on their return from a trip near Nablus city on Sunday evening.
Ghassan Daghlas, an activist monitoring settlement activity north of the West Bank, said that a group of settlers ambushed two school buses near Yitzhar crossing, south of Nablus.
He said that the settlers threw rocks at the buses injuring eight of the girls, explaining that some of them were directly hit with the stones while others were injured by the flying glass.
He said that the other girls were panicked and were all taken to nearby Hawara town for treatment.
Daghlas said that the busses, returning on a trip from Ramallah, were badly damaged in the attack.
Ghassan Daghlas, an activist monitoring settlement activity north of the West Bank, said that a group of settlers ambushed two school buses near Yitzhar crossing, south of Nablus.
He said that the settlers threw rocks at the buses injuring eight of the girls, explaining that some of them were directly hit with the stones while others were injured by the flying glass.
He said that the other girls were panicked and were all taken to nearby Hawara town for treatment.
Daghlas said that the busses, returning on a trip from Ramallah, were badly damaged in the attack.