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March 20, 2014
Daily summary - Thursday, March 20, 2014
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Main News
In a response to Dahlan’s interview in “10 p.m.” program, Cairo: insulting President Abbas is insulting Egypt
Assistant Secretary of State for the neighboring countries affairs of Egypt Mohamed Badruddin Zayed, confirmed that what was broadcast in the program "10 p.m." on the evening of 16th of March, does not reflect the view of the Egyptian Government and people. Zayed said in a letter yesterday to the Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Cairo, and its Permanent Representative to the Arab League: "we would like to emphasize that we share with you the annoyance of this program that does not reflect the view of the Government and the Egyptian people, which gives high priority to its relations with the brotherly Palestinian people and its leadership." Zayed added: "But on the other hand, you know the special circumstances of free information and its practices in Egypt and many countries of the world, and hope that you share this trust with us, and that you are aware of the Government and the Egyptian people firm position in support of the Palestinian leadership and people in their legitimate struggle to achieve a Palestinian State." (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
Hebron: occupation forces kill a boy in Deir Al-Asal who wanted to collect "Akob" (a plant) near the separation wall
Occupation forces killed yesterday a boy (a5 years old) from the village of Deir Al-Asal, while trying to reach a land belonging to his family isolated by the “racial separation wall" racial west of the village to collect Akob plants. Sources in the village said that martyr Yousif Shawamreh was killed after being shot at by Israeli soldiers whi9le trying to reach his family’s land through two halls in the wall, for collecting Akob plants, the sources added that the boy was accompanied with another two youths who were arrested during the same event. Israeli sources said that the Shawamreh was transferred to Soroka Hospital in Beer Shiva in a serious condition, where he was announced dead in the hospital. Spokeswoman for the Israeli army told AFP that“three suspects sabotaged the security fence in the village of Deir Al-Asal Al-Tahta southwest of Hebron," adding that the army warned them and ordered them to stay away from the area and fired warning shots in the air.(Al-Ayyam)
Washington expresses strong dissatisfaction of Ya'alon’s remarks
The US Administration expressed its strong dissatisfaction of the Israeli Defense Minister, Moshe Ya’alon, statements, accusing the United States of not being interested in the security of Israel, this was expressed by Secretary of State John Kerry expressed John Kerry, where spokeswoman of the US State Department Jennifer Bosacki said yesterday that Foreign Minister John Kerry telephoned Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday morning, and expressed the resentment of the US Government from Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, who claimed that the United States is not interested in protecting the security of Israel.Bosacki said in reply to a question at a daily news brief yesterday regarding Ya’alon criticism of President Obama and his Foreign Minister Kerry: "the Minister (Kerry) expressed during his conversation the error content of the Defense Minister’s statements, and expressed the US commitment to the security of Israel, and that this administration strengthened the US commitment to Israel's security, and increased the level of security and political cooperation over past administrations."(http://www.alquds.com/news/article/view/id/494678)
Netanyahu instructs the army to prepare to strike Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ya'alon instructed the army to continue preparations for a military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities this year, despite the ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the major powers (5+1), as reported yesterdayby Haaretz. Haaretz Quoted Israeli officers attended the closed meetings, held a few weeks ago by some Knesset committees, including the foreign and Security Committee and the Finance Committee, as saying that the closed meetings aimed at reviewing the work of the army during the year 2014. The military officers who attended the meeting spoke briefly on the army's preparations for an attack on Iran, according to three members of Knesset who participated in these meetings.According to these Knesset members, the Israeli army allocated between 10-12 billion shekel, to prepare to attack Iranian facilities, which is the same amount allocated by the army last year for the same task. (http://maannews.net/arb/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=683069)
By an overwhelming majority… Knesset approves extension of the Reunion Prohibition law for another year
According to channel 7 website, Israeli Knesset overwhelmingly ratified extending the law on prohibition of reunion for an additional year. Ratification came after the approval of 42 Member to extend the law, while 15 Member of opposition voted against the law.The law deals with reuniting families that constitute a security threat to Israel, including Palestinian residents of the West Bank and Gaza Strip or foreigners from countries hostile to Israel, in addition to residents of regions in conflict with Israel.(http://arabic.pnn.ps/index.php/israel/84645-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%BA%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%82%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%82-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%AD%D8%B8%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%85%D9%84-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%A2%D8%AE%D8%B1)
Hamas: PA fear popular support of the resistance in the West Bank
Islamic resistance movement Hamas conformed that the ferocious arrests campaign launched by the security services in the West Bank during a Qassam leader funeral Muhammad Al-Hanbali, is an expression of the PA fear of popular support of resistance in the West Bank. Hamas spokesman Husam Badran said in a press statement: "the size of attacks and arrests confirmthe fear and hysteria in the minds of the security services leaders in the West Bank, and their fear of mass marches in support of resistance and martyrs."(http://paltimes.net/details/news/61561/%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%B7%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%B4%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B6%D9%81%D8%A9-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A9.html)
Mass popular reception for the President in the presidential headquarters today
Head of the public service workers Union, Bassam Zakarneh said a mass popular reception will be held today for President Mahmoud Abbas, upon his arrival at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, returning from the United States. Zakarneh said: “The President who insists on the constants of his people and bears all pressures and conspiracies wrapping his and his people, is worthy of gratitude and pride of his instants.” Zakarneh said that “the language of blackmail used by Israel and its agents will not help, and staff salaries will not be swords pointed on the leadership to humiliate it, and that the policy of collective punishment is rejected.” (Al-Ayyam)
Ya’alon's Deputy threatened to resign if the release of prisoners is implemented
Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon of Likud, threatened "to resign from the Government if the release of the fourth batch of the prisoners before Oslo, scheduled for the end of this month, will be implemented,”according to Maariv. The Deputy Minister said that the release of "terrorists" comes at a time when Abbas says that talks will not lead to anything, and the Israeli Government cannot release these "terrorists" to satisfy Minister Tsipi Livni. Danon said: "the Palestinian side is using negotiations to release prisoners, it is not understood how they sit on the negotiations table and at the same time they lead the boycott campaigns.” (Al-Ayyam)
Israel approves construction of 186 housing units in east Jerusalem
The local planning and building Committee of the Israeli Jerusalem municipality approved the construction of 186 settlement units in occupied east Jerusalem.Israeli sources said according to the plan 40 housing units will be built in the settlement of "Pisgat Ze'ev" and 146 housing units in the Jewish settlement of Har Homa (Jabal Abu Ghneim), south of Jerusalem, which the Palestinian side demands as part of their capital in the negotiations. Pepi Alalo, Member of the local Committee for planning and building, and member of "Meretz", told “Walla” website that "the municipality intensified ratification of construction lately, where they (in the municipality) believe that ‘big guys’ are very busy in the Crimean crisis, or that the municipality of Jerusalem concluded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had surrendered and that the chances of reaching an agreement with the Palestinian side are very low. The municipality is well aware that construction in Har Homa will harm the imposition of an agreement with the Palestinians, and reduces opportunities ofUS Secretary of State John Kerry to reach what we want-the separation of Jewish and Arab neighborhoods for the principle of two capitals for two States... We are losing our last hope." (http://www.maannews.net/arb/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=682827)
Son of Abbas: negotiations are useless; one state is the solution
The New York Times quoted the son of President Mahmoud Abbas "Tariq" as saying that the peace talks between the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli occupation is "useless", and that "one State" which includes Jews and Arabs is the perfect solution.The remarks partly quoted by Yediot Ahronot, also stated that Tariq rejected the idea of extending the negotiations with the Israeli occupation, and that the Palestinian Authority must move forward in international institutions to respond to the stalling of the occupation. Tariq Abbas also suggested that his father resolve the Palestinian Authority, and hand over responsibilities of the West Bank to the Israeli occupation, saying: "If you do not want to give me independence as a state, give me at least civil rights, this is the easiest solution, in a peaceful way, we don't want to fight, and not hate anyone, and we don't want to shoot anyone. We want to be under the law.” (http://www.qudsn.ps/article/39718)
Occupation arrested four young Palestinians from Qalqilya
The Israeli occupation forces arrested today four young Palestinians of Azzoun, east of Qalqilya, after raiding their homes.According to eyewitnesses the Israeli occupation forces raided the town at dawn and arrested four young Palestinians after a wide search for dozens of homes, the arrested Palestinians are:Thae’r Fares Jamari (22 years old), Mahmoud Ghalib Badwan (23 years old), Ja’far Sami Adwan, (24 years old) and Mohammed Imad Al Radwan (23 years old).(http://www.raya.ps/ar/news/854565.html)
Netanyahu: some advice me to sign a peace agreement with Abbas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “some officials in the negotiations told me to hurry up in the negotiations with President Mahmoud Abbas, there is no more time for you, we do not know who will be the next Palestinian leadership."Netanyahu questioned according to channel 7: "will the Palestinian leadership change and everything will turn over our heads and the PA will not commit to agreements signed with them?” (Al-Ayyam)
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Headlines
** Protest and solidarity with an Arab teacher attacked by Israeli police in front of her pupils (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
** A preparatory meeting of the joint Egyptian-Palestinian Committee (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
** Al-Hamdallah: the German Palestinian partnership is an example to promote sustainable development in Palestine (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
** Jenin: Israel arrested 12 Palestinians and injured dozens with tear gas in Zabouna (Al-Ayyam)
** Gants: we will continue to target those who try to attack us everywhere and anytime (Al-Ayyam)
** Cairo: 2 officers and 6 Jihad activists died (Al-Ayyam)
** Funeral of 4 remains of martyrs in Nablus and Bethlehem (Al-Quds)
** 3 Palestinian martyrs in Syria (Al-Quds)
**Leveling 5 settlement sites in Salfit (Al-Quds)
** A Syrian soldier killed in the Israeli attack (Al-Quds)
** Al-Haq: this is how the Israeli army killed judge Zuaiter at Al-Karamah crossing (Al-Quds)
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Front Page Photos
Al- Quds:.Hebron – relatives of young martyr Yousef Al-Shawamreh during his funeral in Deir Al-Asal
Al-Ayyam: 1) Hebron - Citizens participate in the funeral of martyr Yousef Al-Shawamreh in Deir Al-Asal, 2) Jerusalem – citizens collect some of their belongings after their home was demolished by the occupation in Beit Hanina, 3) Israeli army deployed in the Golan Heights yesterday.
Al Hayat Al Jadida:.. Citizens participate in the funeral of martyr Yousef Al-Shawamreh in Deir Al-Asal.
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Voice of Palestine News
Jerusalem:
Sources at the occupation municipality conformed during the late hours of last night, that the municipality is about to implement more demolition operations of house of residence in occupied Jerusalem. This confirmation came after demolition of three caravans belonging to two families in Beit Hanina and Al-Ashqareya, north of Jerusalem, one of these caravans was installed instead of a two floor house belonging to citizen Badwan Al-Salaymaeh and was demolished last year in Wadi AL-dam in Beit Hanina, the occupation came back yesterday and demolished the mentioned caravan, which resides 20 citizens.
With regards to Al-Aqsa, Rabbi Yehuda Glick called his followers to join him in storming Al-Aqsa today, this came after the occupation police prevented him from entering Al-Aqsa for 10 days on the background of his practices inside the mosque. More than 100 soldiers and settlers stormed Al-Aqsa yesterday under protection of the occupation police.
Finally, the Israeli Government approved yesterday the law preventing reunion of Palestinian families. This decision is a renewal of a law approved 12 years ago preventing reunion of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza with their families inside the green line.
Inside the green line:
Q: Israeli Deputy Defense Minister threats of resigning if the last batch of prisoners is released.
Yes, Deputy Defense Minister threatened of resigning, this means that the Israeli Government might witness more resigns of other ministers who also threatened with the same action if the last batch of prisoners is released. Head of the Jewish House party, which is the party of Deputy Defense Minister, Naftali Bennett said that it is not easy to talk about withdrawing for the coalition, but it is clear that the situation is very tensed in the Israeli government. Uri Areal also said in the past that he would resign if the release takes place.
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Voice of Palestine Interviews
** Jamal Amr, construction specialist, on occupation’s current excavations under Al-Aqsa.
Q What is different in these excavations?
The difference is that these excavations are wider and deeper in the Palestinian land under Al-Aqsa, the most sensitive place, where the occupation continues to prepare for establishing a huge building of 16,00 square meters, in a place near Al-Aqsa, at the entrance of Wadi Helwa, the fact is that these tunnels aims at establishing a city called the “City of David”, and this is their way of presenting their false biblical narrative, this will lead to eventually establishing the third Temple.
Q: this coincides with falsifying history and the thievery of antiquities in the area.
This is what we see here, we see how they steel antiquities from this area, this area includes Umayyad palaces, the stones disappeared, it included a cemetery and it also disappeared with other antiques during their excavations. This is a heritage not important only for Palestinians but for the whole world. We are witnessing the third and last part of the crime with excavations in this area.
** Abdulal Al-Anani, General Manager of the Prisoners’ Club, on release of the last batch of prisoners.
Q: Media reported names of prisoners to be released in the last batch, is this list official and received by the Israeli side?
According to the agreement with the Israelis under the sponsorship of the US, the last part of prisoners before Oslo, 32 prisoners, should be released, their names are known, we have the names, and the leadership insists on these prisoners, it is not up to the Israelis to decide the names. Now we are waiting for Israeli to commit to the agreement and release the prisoners despite the many statements of politicians in Israel trying to use the prisoners’ issue as a bargaining card against the Palestinian leadership. In case Israel did not implement the agreement we will consider ourselves free to do whatever is needed.
Q: But you did not receive anything from the Israeli side indicating the implementation, postponement of cancelation of the release?
We a insist on their release and we reject any postponement as means of pressure on the Palestinian leadership, President Obama demanded the release in his meeting with President Abbas, and President Abbas demanded the release of more prisoners and Palestinian leaders in Israeli jails, like Saadat and Barghouti and Shobaki, so the fourth batch is not the end, we demand the release of all Palestinian prisoners.
** Feras Al-Omari, General Manager of “Yousef Al-Sedeiq organization for defending prisoners”, on Danon’s threat to resign is case of releasing the last batch of prisoners.
Q: How do you view the Deputy Defense Minister threats of resigning?
We think these threats reflects the Israeli occupation mentality, which consider our people who demands his legitimate right, as non-worthy of these rights, and having their own state. These are not the only threats, other Knesset members and Ministers issued such threats of the last batch of prisoners are released.
** Dr. Jawad Naji, National Economy Minister, on a Palestinian – American agreement to hold and investment conference before the end of the year.
Q: Was it agreed to hold this conference before the end of the year?
Let me clarify that during receiving the American Economic Attaché in my office yesterday, we discussed a lot of issue, some of these were issues related to eth Prague conference with regards to Kerry’s plan, during the discussion the Americans offered their support to implement the Kerry plan, among the idea discussed was that if we are talking about investment conferences for Palestine, these should be held in Palestine, so the Americans showed their willingness to cooperate with us in order to organize such a conference this year. We hope to bring more investments to Palestine, since this the best way for development and economy in Palestine.
Q: Did the Americans agree to hold such conference is Palestine?
Yes they did welcome the idea and promised to coordinate with the official American side and they will let us know if things developed.
Q: You said that Kerry’s plan also stresses supporting the Palestinian economy, does holding this conference is related to progress in the negotiations?
In all may meeting with donors, also Americans and European, we are talking to them without any relations to the political issue, we told them more than once that we can’t accept any financial aid conditioned with political processes. And I told the Americans that whenever we want to implement any economic plan under this situation of occupation, this will place obstacles and they will have to deal with these obstacles through contacts with the Israelis, but this is not related to the political process.
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More Headlines
Khaled: negotiations are over and we will face any step contradicting with the position of the "Executive Committee"
Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Member of the political Bureau of the Democratic front, Taysir Khaled, said that the Executive Committee’s position is clear with regard to the negotiations, rejecting any agreement or any ideas that will harm the Palestinian rights, based on resolutions of international legitimacy, and that nothing can replace these as analternative reference to international legitimacy, and that any extension of the negotiations must be with an Israeli commitment to a full cessation of settlement activities, in accordance with a specific time period, and clear reference.Khalid said in a statement yesterday evening:“the talks ended, there was an American consistency with the Israeli side, and the US Administration only proposes the Israeli ideas." Khaled added that “we will face any step contradicting with Executive Committee’s position.” (http://samanews.com/ar/index.php?act=post&id=193717)
Worshippers expel extremist Feiglin for Al-Aqsa courtyards
Worshippers in Al-Aqsa Mosque managed to expel today Israeli Knesset Deputy President Moshe Feiglin from the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards, after confronting him and some settlers who accompanied him. Meanwhile, Al-Aqsa witnesses a tense situation amid major deployment of special unit forces of the Israeli police. (http://qudsnet.com/news/View/269225/)
Five were injured today of Israeli police attacks in Al-Aqsa mosque after settlers stormed Al-Aqsa and toured its courtyards. (http://safa.ps/details/news/124942/)
Source close to President Abbas: we live the worst relationship with the Egyptian regime
A senior official acknowledged yesterday that the Palestinian Authority's relationship with the regime in Egypt is at its worst since ever. The official close to Abbas accused in a statement to Al-Jazeera.net, the regime in Egypt, led by Minister of Defense Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of supporting dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan. The official expressed his surprise of this support, describing it as“a clear support", stressing that these attempts will not succeed "because the Palestinian people knows him well.” (http://paltoday.ps/ar/post/193592/)
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Arab Press
Risks, yes, but for what outcome?
By Daoud Kuttab
The need for Israel and Palestine, the parties to decades long conflict, to take risks for peace are obvious and expected.
As such, US President Barack Obama’s public call on Monday on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to take risks for peace sounds hallow if not addressed to the Israelis as well.
Palestinians often respond to customary calls for the need to compromise by showing maps with Israeli settlements that have expanded exponentially, encroaching on Palestinians’ land.
A map of mandatory Palestine where the Jewish population at beginning of the 20th century was a mere 8 per cent has now become a dominant presence, displayed during pro-Palestinian campaigns around the world.
The Palestinian president showed his own map to Obama when the two met, according to chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat.
Erekat, speaking at a Washington DC think tank, called the document an “ugly map” that showed just how many new Jewish settlements had been built in areas intended for the state of Palestine just in the eight months since the face-to-face talks begun.
Talk to the Palestinians about risks to peace when witnessing continued Israeli military occupation, colonial expansion and failure to provide any tangible fruits of peace talks is ludicrous.
Some Israelis claim that the release of Palestinians imprisoned for over 20 years (before the 1993 Israeli-Palestinian memorandum of peace) is some proof that the Israelis are indeed agents of peace.
Palestinian officials scoff at such claims, noting that the release had already been agreed to at the Sharm El Sheikh summit, during the time of US president George Bush and Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon.
Furthermore, the release of the 104 prisoners was in exchange for a commitment by the Palestinians not to join any UN agency during the nine-month period of talks, a promise that Palestinians kept.
Palestinian officials regularly complain about the way merchandise sold once and paid for should not be sold again. Israelis are notorious at reselling old merchandise, over and over again, and getting, politically, top price for it.
Back to taking risks for peace and the reproach that Palestinians are the ones to miss golden opportunities for peace: it is true that Palestinians wish they had accepted some previous offers, but this should not be a reason for accepting what is being put on the table.
Justice and fairness must exist in any offer Palestinians are asked to take risks for.
After all, Palestinian leaders cannot take chances on any agreement they know the Palestinian public will reject.
Abbas has promised to submit any agreement reached with the Israelis to a national referendum. This means that it is not enough for Abbas to take chances and risks; he needs to be able to convince his people that these risks are necessary for peace.
Surveys produced using newly developed RIWI technologies, that randomly choose Palestinians, have shown that nearly two out of three Palestinians are opposed to Palestinians’ recognizing Israel as a Jewish state.
Nearly similar stats apply to Palestinians rejecting Israel’s long-term presence in the Jordan Valley and ask that Palestinians have access to East Jerusalem.
Both Palestinians and Israelis must take risks for peace.
The Israeli army has control over the Palestinian territories and lives. International law requests that Israel end its illegal occupation and colonialisation of Palestinian lands.
Israel continues to change the goalposts, adding conditions that are not in any current agenda, such as recognizing Israel as a Jewish state.
The time has come for the US to join the rest of the world and demand that Israel give up its 46-year-old occupation.
The Palestinian government and security forces under Abbas have provided a high degree of coordination and protection of Israel, including protecting illegal settlers.
Palestinians are demanding less than 22 per cent of Palestine; they have made many concessions for peace. Taking further risks without any clarity on issues such as borders and settlements is akin to political suicide.
The call to take risks for peace should be addressed to the aggressor and not the victim.(http://jordantimes.com/risks-yes-but-for-what-outcome)
Hamas, Fatah prepare for Gaza student elections
By Haze Balousha
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Palestinian factions in Gaza, including Fatah, began preparations to participate in university student elections as part of national reconciliation initiatives proposed by Hamas. The elections were said to be held in the second semester of the next academic year, but no exact date has been set. Fatah may not be able to compete in the elections with a single list in light of its internal disputes, while Hamas may also face difficulties in the elections, considering its political and financial crisis.
Hamas, Fatah and other factions agreed on creating a supreme national commission to monitor student elections as well as union elections in Gaza. However, union elections faced more obstacles that go beyond those that were resolved by mutual agreement.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a representative of Hamas in the commission, said that as a first step, the factions agreed during their meetings to hold student elections imminently and task student committees with drafting an electoral law according to proportional representation.
“Holding union elections will need more time. A committee comprising different union blocs was formed to hold discussions about the mechanisms before heading to elections. So far, one meeting was held, but it was not attended by Fatah’s representative,” Abu Zuhri added.
The factions only agreed to hold student elections because Hamas and Fatah are concerned about participating in union elections amid the current political situation, which is taking its toll on the two major factions on the Palestinian scene. They fear union elections might affect their popularity.
A well-informed source on the course of agreements related to university and union elections told Al-Monitor, “Fatah is concerned about its internal problems, which led the movement to throw a wrench in the works of reaching a final agreement on union elections.” Noha al-Buhaisi, a member of the Supreme Leadership Committee and the one in charge of al-Shabiba, the student branch of Fatah in Gaza, noted that the movement has started its preparations for student elections to choose representatives for all universities within a democratic process.
“There is an agreement within all organizational spheres of the movement to hold internal elections to choose unified lists for university and institution elections, and the list will be done within a month,” Buhaisi told Al-Monitor.
A Fatah source explained to Al-Monitor, however, that Fatah cannot possibly hold internal elections to sort out the electoral lists, since the movement has concerns about members backing the dismissed Fatah official Mohammad Dahlan. “This was shown in the elections of the workers union in al-Azhar University, the stronghold of Fatah. The list was selected while the elections did not lead to an agreement between the factions affiliated to [Palestinian President Mahmoud] Abbas and Dahlan,” the source said.
“The majority of Fatah’s active actors in Gaza support Dahlan. However, some do not voice their support fearing the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah will cut off their salaries. If any internal elections were held, Dahlan’s faction will win, which means he will have full control of all the branches of Fatah [in Gaza], which Abu Mazen does not want,” the source added.
The tension between Abbas and his political rival Dahlan reached its peak as they contended for power within Fatah in Gaza, the West Bank, and even Lebanon. The most recent incident was a clash between supporters of the two Fatah rivals at al-Azhar University in Gaza on March 17.
Abdel Rahman Hamad, member of the Supreme Leadership Committee in Fatah, tried to downplay fears of the impact of internal conflicts on the popularity of the movement in any upcoming elections, whether it was student or union elections.
“There are some flaws within Fatah, and we, as the leadership committee, are taking full responsibility to eliminate these flaws. We will certainly participate in the elections through one unified list,” Hamad told Al-Monitor.
Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a professor of political science at al-Azhar University, told Al-Monitor, “It would be very hard for Fatah to participate in elections through a single list as disputes that are taking place now between Abu Mazen and Dahlan would have clear repercussions on the future of the movement and its mechanisms for dealing with elections.”
On the other hand, Hamas — which will have a better position in student elections than its political rival Fatah — is not rushing into holding elections all at once. It is taking its time to see the results of these elections before participating in more influential elections.
A Hamas source told Al-Monitor that the movement was relatively confident about the elections. “We conducted internal polls to learn of the opinion of students in universities and to see if Hamas would win the same number of seats it has now or even more, or if its share would decrease in comparison to that of Fatah.”
“We are going through a political crisis right now, and Palestinians are dissatisfied with the current situation. This, however, did not increase the popularity of Fatah, which is undergoing a dire plight. At least, we will be participating in the elections with a single list, while Fatah will have more than one, which will increase our chances to win,” the source added.
Hamas does not seem to be going through an internal crisis as dire as that of Fatah. This will be to the advantage of Hamas if it decides to participate in elections, whether on the level of student councils, unions, municipalities, or parliament. Yet, Hamas fears that its popularity will dwindle in favor of other parties, or that one of the two Fatah factions will settle the dispute and face Hamas on its own.(http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/03/fatah-hamas-student-elections-dahlan-abbas.html)
Now justice has to be done
Jordan Times Editorial
Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour’s persuasive speech at the special session of the Lower House of Parliament on the killing of Judge Raed Zuaiter must have swayed many deputies from among those who had threatened to cast a vote of no-confidence in his government if their demands for a series of diplomatic and punitive measures against Israel were not adopted.
In his address to the MPs, the prime minister outlined several developments preceding the casting of the vote.
The “deep regret” expressed by Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the killing set in motion a series of positive developments, including Israel’s consent to take part in a joint investigation, with Jordan, into the murder case.
Among the MPs’ demands were also the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador to the Kingdom, recalling the Jordanian ambassador from Tel Aviv and rescinding the 1994 Wadi Araba Peace Treaty with Israel.
Ensour responded by saying that such moves would give the Israelis a pretext to cancel the joint investigation, encourage them to expedite unilateral actions targeting Islamic and Christian shrines in Jerusalem and hinder efforts to help Jordanian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The reasoning must have been enough to convince parliamentarians; 81 changed course and voted in favour of the government; 29 voted against and 20 abstained.
The outcome of the vote is a victory for Ensour but also for common sense.
As long as Israel goes along with investigating the killing of the judge in good faith, it is hoped that the perpetrator/s, if found guilty, will be held accountable commensurately.
A no confidence vote would have derailed the government efforts to get to the bottom of things. It would have been counterproductive at several levels and would have served only some Israelis.
Now the government can carry out the investigation that should render justice to the victim and his family, and use its mandate to follow up on all the issues mentioned as reasons for not severing ties with Israel.(http://jordantimes.com/now-justice-has-to-be-done)
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Opinions
Obama and the protection of Israeli interests
Al-Khaleej Editorial
When US President Barack Obama calls on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting to take "tough decisions and risks" in order to reach a settlement with Israel ", it is actually Palestinians to pay a price they can’t pay.
What are hard decisions required? US President did not define those, but there is no doubt that he mentioned them to the Palestinian leader.
The Palestinians have given over 20 years of negotiations every possible compromiseto reach a settlement, but the Israeli side was maneuvered with more requests, because it wants a settlement under its conditions.
The Palestinians accepted a state on part of their land, and acknowledged the existence of Israel. Arabs issued their “land for peace” initiative, they even accepted the swaps recently, and Israel still rejects, bargains and set conditions and requires more concessions that no one knows its extent and boundaries.
Israel swallows more Palestinian land and expands settlements, Judaize the land, practices abuse, aggression and racism against Palestinians and rejects their right to return, and demands the recognition of a "Jewish State", and considers it has the right to keep a military presence in the Jordan Valley to protect its security… All of these violate international legitimacy and international law, and contrary to the right to self-determination, guaranteed by all religions and laws.
What the Palestinian people have yet to provide in order to satisfy Israel and the United States,so a settlement can become possible?Are there any "tough decisions" they have to take other than be capitulated to the Israeli demands "and give up what remains of existence and rights?
The truth is that "Difficult decisions" are needed the United States, for it to practice the role of honest broker that implements the resolutions of international legitimacy, not to be working for Israel and fulfilling its interests, it should practice pressure on the party who does not abide by the laws and legitimacy, Israel, and not practice pressure on the Palestinians who do not have anything else to renounce to please Washington and Tel Aviv.
US President's words indicate that the United States does not sponsor negotiations but onlyprotects the interests of Israel.(http://www.alkhaleej.ae/studiesandopinions/detailedpage/E84EE347-061A-4666-98F9-C849785A1832)
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