13 july 2016
Israeli extremist settlers stormed on early Wednesday morning Islamic holy shrines in Kafl Haris, to the north of Salfit city.
A PIC correspondent quoted local sources as stating that hordes of Israeli extremist settlers stormed Islamic holy sites in Kafl Haris at dawn time and performed sacrilegious rituals.
The settlers yelled anti-Muslim slogans all the way through the assault.
The expert in Israeli illegal settlement activity, Khaled Maali, said the three shrines have been sacred places of worship for the Muslim community in the region.
In a separate development, Israeli settler hordes leveled Palestinian cultivated lands overseeing Deir Ballout area, in northern Salfit.
Local farmers said Israeli settlers have often seized Palestinian lands in the area in favor of illegal settlement expansion. The farmers appealed for an urgent intervention to stop such an illegal misappropriation of their own and only lands.
Researcher Maali said the Israeli occupation authorities have been holding sway over Palestinian lands in favor of 24 illegal settlements, in a barefaced contravention of international humanitarian law and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
A PIC correspondent quoted local sources as stating that hordes of Israeli extremist settlers stormed Islamic holy sites in Kafl Haris at dawn time and performed sacrilegious rituals.
The settlers yelled anti-Muslim slogans all the way through the assault.
The expert in Israeli illegal settlement activity, Khaled Maali, said the three shrines have been sacred places of worship for the Muslim community in the region.
In a separate development, Israeli settler hordes leveled Palestinian cultivated lands overseeing Deir Ballout area, in northern Salfit.
Local farmers said Israeli settlers have often seized Palestinian lands in the area in favor of illegal settlement expansion. The farmers appealed for an urgent intervention to stop such an illegal misappropriation of their own and only lands.
Researcher Maali said the Israeli occupation authorities have been holding sway over Palestinian lands in favor of 24 illegal settlements, in a barefaced contravention of international humanitarian law and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Israeli settler groups stormed Wednesday morning al-Aqsa Mosque via the Israeli-controlled al-Magharibeh gate under heavy police protection.
A state of tension prevailed among Palestinian worshipers who started shouting Takbeer when Israeli settlers tried to perform Talmudic rituals in the holy Islamic shrine.
On the other hand, Israeli police continued to prevent a number of Jerusalemite women from having access to al-Aqsa for allegedly being involved in protests against settlers’ presence in the holy shrine.
Tension remained high in and around al-Aqsa Mosque since early October 2015 after Israeli police repeatedly stormed the site and restricted Palestinians’ access into it, while allowing large numbers of settlers to access the holy site under heavy protection.
For Muslims, al-Aqsa represents the world's third holiest site. Jews, for their part, refer to the area as the "Temple Mount," claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times. Israel occupied the city of Jerusalem during the 1967 war.
It later annexed the city in 1980, claiming it as the capital of the “Jewish state” in a move never recognized by the international community.
A state of tension prevailed among Palestinian worshipers who started shouting Takbeer when Israeli settlers tried to perform Talmudic rituals in the holy Islamic shrine.
On the other hand, Israeli police continued to prevent a number of Jerusalemite women from having access to al-Aqsa for allegedly being involved in protests against settlers’ presence in the holy shrine.
Tension remained high in and around al-Aqsa Mosque since early October 2015 after Israeli police repeatedly stormed the site and restricted Palestinians’ access into it, while allowing large numbers of settlers to access the holy site under heavy protection.
For Muslims, al-Aqsa represents the world's third holiest site. Jews, for their part, refer to the area as the "Temple Mount," claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times. Israel occupied the city of Jerusalem during the 1967 war.
It later annexed the city in 1980, claiming it as the capital of the “Jewish state” in a move never recognized by the international community.
12 july 2016
More than 200 Israeli settlers stormed Tuesday morning al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli police protection.
The Islamic Endowment Department affirmed that 221 Israeli extremist settlers stormed the Mosque in two groups via the Israeli-controlled al-Magharibeh gate under heavy police protection.
Some of the settlers tried to perform Talmudic rituals in total provocation to Palestinian worshipers.
On the other hand, Israeli police continued to prevent a number of Jerusalemite women from having access to al-Aqsa for allegedly being involved in protests against settlers’ presence in the holy shrine.
Meanwhile, deputy head of Islamic Movement inside the Green Line called for intensifying Palestinian presence in the holy shrine as Israeli extremist groups call for carrying out mass break-ins into al-Aqsa on Tuesday.
Tensions remain high in and around al-Aqsa Mosque since early October 2015 after Israeli police stormed the parameters and restricted Palestinians’ access into it, while allowing large numbers of settlers to access the holy site surrounded by tight security.
For Muslims, al-Aqsa represents the world's third holiest site. Jews, for their part, refer to the area as the "Temple Mount," claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times. Israel occupied the city of Jerusalem during the 1967 war.
It later annexed the city in 1980, claiming it as the capital of the “Jewish state” in a move never recognized by the international community.
The Islamic Endowment Department affirmed that 221 Israeli extremist settlers stormed the Mosque in two groups via the Israeli-controlled al-Magharibeh gate under heavy police protection.
Some of the settlers tried to perform Talmudic rituals in total provocation to Palestinian worshipers.
On the other hand, Israeli police continued to prevent a number of Jerusalemite women from having access to al-Aqsa for allegedly being involved in protests against settlers’ presence in the holy shrine.
Meanwhile, deputy head of Islamic Movement inside the Green Line called for intensifying Palestinian presence in the holy shrine as Israeli extremist groups call for carrying out mass break-ins into al-Aqsa on Tuesday.
Tensions remain high in and around al-Aqsa Mosque since early October 2015 after Israeli police stormed the parameters and restricted Palestinians’ access into it, while allowing large numbers of settlers to access the holy site surrounded by tight security.
For Muslims, al-Aqsa represents the world's third holiest site. Jews, for their part, refer to the area as the "Temple Mount," claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times. Israel occupied the city of Jerusalem during the 1967 war.
It later annexed the city in 1980, claiming it as the capital of the “Jewish state” in a move never recognized by the international community.
A horde of 20 Israeli settlers stormed on Tuesday Islamic holy shrines in Kafl Hares town, to the north of Salfit city.
A PIC journalist quoted eyewitnesses as stating that fanatic Israeli settlers have flocked to the town since the early morning hours and performed sacrilegious rituals.
The assault triggered a state of panic and anger across the town.
A PIC journalist quoted eyewitnesses as stating that fanatic Israeli settlers have flocked to the town since the early morning hours and performed sacrilegious rituals.
The assault triggered a state of panic and anger across the town.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) launched at dawn Tuesday a large-scale raid and search campaign across West Bank and occupied Jerusalem.
19 Palestinians were arrested and two others were injured during the campaign. The clashes broke out when hundreds of Israeli settlers stormed under heavy military protection Youssef tomb east of Nablus.
Local sources affirmed that nearly 1,600 Israeli settlers stormed the tomb including head of the West Bank settlement regional council Yossi Dagan and military officials.
The sources told a PIC reporter that Palestinian youths threw stones and empty bottles at 15 Israeli buses carrying hundreds of settlers.
In their turn, Israeli forces fired a hail of rubber bullets and teargas bombs. Ten Palestinians were injured including five who choked on teargas.
Earlier yesterday, Israeli forces arrested five Palestinians from Hawara town in the city. In Jenin, Israeli forces arrested a young man after storming Barqa town, west of the city, which led to the outbreak of violent clashes.
Several local homes were also stormed and searched during the raid. Similar clashes were reported in Qabatia town after being stormed by Israeli forces. In Qalqilia, violent clashes broke out when Israeli forces stormed its neighborhoods amid heavy firing of teargas bombs and rubber bullets.
Seven locals were arrested during the confrontations. A young man suffered rubber bullet injury in his foot while several others suffered from effects of teargas inhalation.
In al-Khalil, Israeli forces stormed overnight and at dawn today several towns and villages which led to the outbreak of clashes with local youths.
Local sources said that the clashes broke out when Israeli forces stormed al-Shyoukh town amid heavy firing of teargas bombs and rubber bullets. Palestinian youths responded by stoning the military vehicles.
At least two locals were shot and injured during the clashes, while dozens others suffered from effects of teargas inhalation. Israeli forces also intensified their presence in Sa'ir town, which led to the outbreak of clashes at the main entrances to the town.
Similar raids and arrests were carried out in Dura town, west of the al-Khalil. Local homes and a mosque were stormed during the campaign under the pretext of looking for “wanted” persons.
A whole family, a husband, his son, and wife were arrested from their house in Dura and taken to an unknown detention center. Another young man was arrested during the campaign, while a woman was injured when Israeli forces violently stormed her house. Two more arrests were carried out in occupied Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Israeli Soldiers Kidnap Eleven Palestinians In Qalqilia, Nablus, And Jenin
Israeli soldiers invaded, on Tuesday at dawn, the northern West Bank districts of Qalqilia, Nablus, and Jenin, searched homes and kidnapped ten Palestinians.
The Qalqilia office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has reported that the soldiers invaded the city from various directions before storming into homes and searching them.
It added that the soldiers kidnapped seven Palestinians identified as Fares Nazzal, 35, Hindi Mahmoud Zeid, 22, Anas Saleh Farraj, Yousef Qaher Abu Shehab, 22, Amin Abdul-Rahman Abu Sa’sa’, 28, Mosheer Sa’id J’eidi and Sharhabeel Shobaki.
The soldiers also fired many gas bombs and concussion grenades during the invasion; no injuries were reported.
In addition, the soldiers invaded Huwwara town, south of Nablus and kidnapped three Palestinians, identified as Mohammad Nasser al-Huwwari, Mujahid Daoud Odeh and Ahmad Ziyad Khammous.
The soldiers stopped the three Palestinians while driving near Ibn Sina College in Huwwara, allegedly for driving and an unlicensed car, and abducted them.
Also in Nablus, dozens of Israeli colonists, and soldiers, invaded Qabr Yousef (Joseph Tomb), in Nablus, leading to clashes with local youths, who hurled stones and empty bottles on the military vehicles, while the soldiers fired live rounds and rubber-coated steel bullets.
The soldiers also hurled a concussion grenade at a Palestinian car with Israeli license plates, causing it to crash into another vehicle.
In addition, the soldiers invaded Burqin town, south of Jenin, and kidnapped a young man, identified as Mohammad Yousef Khaled Khallouf, 22, after storming his family home and searching it. The family said the soldiers detonated the front door of their property, before invading the property.
Furthermore, the soldiers invaded Qabatia town, and Mothallath ash-Shuhada village, near Jenin, and clashes with local youths who hurled stones on the invading army vehicles.
19 Palestinians were arrested and two others were injured during the campaign. The clashes broke out when hundreds of Israeli settlers stormed under heavy military protection Youssef tomb east of Nablus.
Local sources affirmed that nearly 1,600 Israeli settlers stormed the tomb including head of the West Bank settlement regional council Yossi Dagan and military officials.
The sources told a PIC reporter that Palestinian youths threw stones and empty bottles at 15 Israeli buses carrying hundreds of settlers.
In their turn, Israeli forces fired a hail of rubber bullets and teargas bombs. Ten Palestinians were injured including five who choked on teargas.
Earlier yesterday, Israeli forces arrested five Palestinians from Hawara town in the city. In Jenin, Israeli forces arrested a young man after storming Barqa town, west of the city, which led to the outbreak of violent clashes.
Several local homes were also stormed and searched during the raid. Similar clashes were reported in Qabatia town after being stormed by Israeli forces. In Qalqilia, violent clashes broke out when Israeli forces stormed its neighborhoods amid heavy firing of teargas bombs and rubber bullets.
Seven locals were arrested during the confrontations. A young man suffered rubber bullet injury in his foot while several others suffered from effects of teargas inhalation.
In al-Khalil, Israeli forces stormed overnight and at dawn today several towns and villages which led to the outbreak of clashes with local youths.
Local sources said that the clashes broke out when Israeli forces stormed al-Shyoukh town amid heavy firing of teargas bombs and rubber bullets. Palestinian youths responded by stoning the military vehicles.
At least two locals were shot and injured during the clashes, while dozens others suffered from effects of teargas inhalation. Israeli forces also intensified their presence in Sa'ir town, which led to the outbreak of clashes at the main entrances to the town.
Similar raids and arrests were carried out in Dura town, west of the al-Khalil. Local homes and a mosque were stormed during the campaign under the pretext of looking for “wanted” persons.
A whole family, a husband, his son, and wife were arrested from their house in Dura and taken to an unknown detention center. Another young man was arrested during the campaign, while a woman was injured when Israeli forces violently stormed her house. Two more arrests were carried out in occupied Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Israeli Soldiers Kidnap Eleven Palestinians In Qalqilia, Nablus, And Jenin
Israeli soldiers invaded, on Tuesday at dawn, the northern West Bank districts of Qalqilia, Nablus, and Jenin, searched homes and kidnapped ten Palestinians.
The Qalqilia office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has reported that the soldiers invaded the city from various directions before storming into homes and searching them.
It added that the soldiers kidnapped seven Palestinians identified as Fares Nazzal, 35, Hindi Mahmoud Zeid, 22, Anas Saleh Farraj, Yousef Qaher Abu Shehab, 22, Amin Abdul-Rahman Abu Sa’sa’, 28, Mosheer Sa’id J’eidi and Sharhabeel Shobaki.
The soldiers also fired many gas bombs and concussion grenades during the invasion; no injuries were reported.
In addition, the soldiers invaded Huwwara town, south of Nablus and kidnapped three Palestinians, identified as Mohammad Nasser al-Huwwari, Mujahid Daoud Odeh and Ahmad Ziyad Khammous.
The soldiers stopped the three Palestinians while driving near Ibn Sina College in Huwwara, allegedly for driving and an unlicensed car, and abducted them.
Also in Nablus, dozens of Israeli colonists, and soldiers, invaded Qabr Yousef (Joseph Tomb), in Nablus, leading to clashes with local youths, who hurled stones and empty bottles on the military vehicles, while the soldiers fired live rounds and rubber-coated steel bullets.
The soldiers also hurled a concussion grenade at a Palestinian car with Israeli license plates, causing it to crash into another vehicle.
In addition, the soldiers invaded Burqin town, south of Jenin, and kidnapped a young man, identified as Mohammad Yousef Khaled Khallouf, 22, after storming his family home and searching it. The family said the soldiers detonated the front door of their property, before invading the property.
Furthermore, the soldiers invaded Qabatia town, and Mothallath ash-Shuhada village, near Jenin, and clashes with local youths who hurled stones on the invading army vehicles.
A horde of extremist Jewish settlers on Monday evening set fire to plots of cultivated land in Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah city.
Afterwards, the settlers obstructed the movement of fire trucks and tried to prevent their crews from extinguishing the flames, according to local eyewitnesses.
The fire caused extensive damage to the agricultural area, which is owned by Palestinian farmers from the village.
Recently, a number of arson attacks on Palestinian homes and property reportedly took place in the West Bank.
Afterwards, the settlers obstructed the movement of fire trucks and tried to prevent their crews from extinguishing the flames, according to local eyewitnesses.
The fire caused extensive damage to the agricultural area, which is owned by Palestinian farmers from the village.
Recently, a number of arson attacks on Palestinian homes and property reportedly took place in the West Bank.
11 july 2016
Violent clashes broke out Sunday evening in Takoa town in al-Khalil between local youths and Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) after Israeli settlers carried out provocative acts in the area.
Local activist Mohamed Badran affirmed that the clashes broke out when Israeli settlers closed the main road in the town and started chanting anti-Arab slogans while raising Israeli flags under the protection of Israeli forces.
During the clashes, Israeli forces fired rubber bullets and teargas bombs at the protesters.
Along the same line, Israeli forces stormed Sunday evening Sa'ir town which was subjected to a large-scale raid and arrest campaign over the past days.
On the other hand, Israeli forces closed Beersheba road, south of al-Khalil, and prevented Palestinian movement in order to provide protection for a march for the settlers during which they chanted racist slogans calling for deporting and killing Arabs.
IOF soldiers also tightened restrictions on Palestinians living near the road. In occupied Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested a 22-year-old young man from Issawiya town east of the city for allegedly being involved in a stone-throwing incident.
Local activist Mohamed Badran affirmed that the clashes broke out when Israeli settlers closed the main road in the town and started chanting anti-Arab slogans while raising Israeli flags under the protection of Israeli forces.
During the clashes, Israeli forces fired rubber bullets and teargas bombs at the protesters.
Along the same line, Israeli forces stormed Sunday evening Sa'ir town which was subjected to a large-scale raid and arrest campaign over the past days.
On the other hand, Israeli forces closed Beersheba road, south of al-Khalil, and prevented Palestinian movement in order to provide protection for a march for the settlers during which they chanted racist slogans calling for deporting and killing Arabs.
IOF soldiers also tightened restrictions on Palestinians living near the road. In occupied Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested a 22-year-old young man from Issawiya town east of the city for allegedly being involved in a stone-throwing incident.
The Israeli occupation army on Sunday afternoon closed the entrance to al-Aroub refugee camp, north of al-Khalil city, with mounds of dirt and rocks.
A local source told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that an Israeli bulldozer escorted by soldiers closed the main road leading to the camp after a car boarded by Jewish settlers was attacked with stones.
The car was hurled with stones as it was traveling on Road 60 near the camp. The attack caused panic among the settlers and damage to their vehicle, according to the Israeli media.
Earlier, dozens of Orthodox Jewish settlers from Otniel settlement in al-Khalil organized a march to Road 60 in protest at the army's failure to protect settlers in West Bank settlements.
A local source told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that an Israeli bulldozer escorted by soldiers closed the main road leading to the camp after a car boarded by Jewish settlers was attacked with stones.
The car was hurled with stones as it was traveling on Road 60 near the camp. The attack caused panic among the settlers and damage to their vehicle, according to the Israeli media.
Earlier, dozens of Orthodox Jewish settlers from Otniel settlement in al-Khalil organized a march to Road 60 in protest at the army's failure to protect settlers in West Bank settlements.
10 july 2016
Israeli fanatic settlers on early Sunday morning broke into Muslims’ the holy al-Aqsa Mosque. 18 Israeli settlers stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque via the Maghareba Gate at around 7:30 a.m.
Israeli police troops and special units escorted the Israeli assailants all the way through the break-in. The peaceful Muslim worshipers kept chanting “Allah is the Greatest” in protest at the sacrilegious assault.
The Maghareba Gate—one of the al-Aqsa gates from which Israeli settlers have often broke into the site—had been closed during the last 12 days of Ramadan and the first days of the holy Eid festival.
At least 1,357 Israeli settlers and soldiers stormed the al-Aqsa place of worship in June. 67 Muslim worshipers from different nationalities were left injured by Israeli bullet fire and teargas canisters as they maintained vigil at the Qibli Mosque (at al-Aqsa compound) during holy Ramadan.
Israeli settler gangs also called for mass break-ins at the holy al-Aqsa Mosque next Tuesday to mourn the Israeli settlers who died in the Jerusalem Intifada.
Israeli police troops and special units escorted the Israeli assailants all the way through the break-in. The peaceful Muslim worshipers kept chanting “Allah is the Greatest” in protest at the sacrilegious assault.
The Maghareba Gate—one of the al-Aqsa gates from which Israeli settlers have often broke into the site—had been closed during the last 12 days of Ramadan and the first days of the holy Eid festival.
At least 1,357 Israeli settlers and soldiers stormed the al-Aqsa place of worship in June. 67 Muslim worshipers from different nationalities were left injured by Israeli bullet fire and teargas canisters as they maintained vigil at the Qibli Mosque (at al-Aqsa compound) during holy Ramadan.
Israeli settler gangs also called for mass break-ins at the holy al-Aqsa Mosque next Tuesday to mourn the Israeli settlers who died in the Jerusalem Intifada.
Israeli so-called temple mount organizations backed up a request made by the family of the Israeli female settler, Hillel Yaffe, to storm al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday.
The break-in aims at performing funeral oration for the female settler Hillel who was killed in Kiryat Arba settlement in al-Khalil and Rabbi Michael Mark who was killed days earlier.
A funeral oration is expected to be performed all along the event. According to the PIC reporter, the family invited 250 settlers to participate in the event.
Israeli police affirmed that they will approve the request in case of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval.
The temple mount organizations addressed dozens of its fanatic backers on social media networks calling on them to participate in Sunday's incursion.
The break-in aims at performing funeral oration for the female settler Hillel who was killed in Kiryat Arba settlement in al-Khalil and Rabbi Michael Mark who was killed days earlier.
A funeral oration is expected to be performed all along the event. According to the PIC reporter, the family invited 250 settlers to participate in the event.
Israeli police affirmed that they will approve the request in case of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval.
The temple mount organizations addressed dozens of its fanatic backers on social media networks calling on them to participate in Sunday's incursion.
8 july 2016
Rina Ariel, whose daughter Hallel was murdered in her bed by a terrorist in June, asked to be allowed to give a short ceremony with 250 supporters on site; ‘Recently,’ said Rina. ‘200 thousand Muslims performed a mass prayer at the site. Would a Jewish group comprised of a tenth of that number not be allowed to convene there for a single hour?’
Rina Ariel, the mother of 13-year-old Hallel Ariel who was murdered late June by a 17-year-old terrorist, has asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow her, her family and a goup of their supporters to visit the Temple Mount this upcoming Tuesday, where they wish to conduct a memorial ceremony in honor of her daughter.
“I am allowing myself to send you this urgent message,” Ariel wrote the prime minister. “Even as you are busy with your diplomatic work in Africa, as I excuse myself based on blood, the blood of my daughter Hallel, who was murdered in her own bed.” Rina explained what the site means to them, saying that “We and Hallel have always felt a deep connection to the Temple Mount.
We visited it and will continue to do so, as we believe that it is the house of God, and that it gives strength and life to each and every house in Israel. And as it is only from there that all deficits can be filled, it is only from there that we will receive any sense of solace. For this reason we are asking to perform the mitzvah of visiting the Temple Mount and praying there for the ascent of Hallel’s soul this coming Tuesday, with 250 people who have pledged to join and comfort us. It is very important to me that the event be coordinated with the police and not carried out in any manner of confrontation.”
Representatives of the Ariel family met with Jerusalem District Commander Police Chief Yoram Halevi last Wednesday, in an effort to organize the event. The police suggested that the family hold the gathering at the Temple mount’s northern gate instead of at the Mughrabi Gate that stands closer to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The family agreed, but the police still requested Netanyahu’s final approval on the matter, which is why Rina Hallel decided to write to him herself.
“I am asking you now to make an exception, due to Hallel’s horrifying murder, and to grant us this event. Please do not divide us into groups, but allow all 250 of us to stand together at the Temple Mount. I would like to give a short speech there, as would a few others, in what would amount to no more than one hour’s time.” Ariel stressed that “Just recently, 200 thousand Muslims performed a mass prayer at the site. Would a Jewish group comprised of a tenth of that number not be allowed to convene there for a single hour?”
The Prime Minister’s Office has yet to issue a statement in response to the Ariel’s request.
Rina Ariel, the mother of 13-year-old Hallel Ariel who was murdered late June by a 17-year-old terrorist, has asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow her, her family and a goup of their supporters to visit the Temple Mount this upcoming Tuesday, where they wish to conduct a memorial ceremony in honor of her daughter.
“I am allowing myself to send you this urgent message,” Ariel wrote the prime minister. “Even as you are busy with your diplomatic work in Africa, as I excuse myself based on blood, the blood of my daughter Hallel, who was murdered in her own bed.” Rina explained what the site means to them, saying that “We and Hallel have always felt a deep connection to the Temple Mount.
We visited it and will continue to do so, as we believe that it is the house of God, and that it gives strength and life to each and every house in Israel. And as it is only from there that all deficits can be filled, it is only from there that we will receive any sense of solace. For this reason we are asking to perform the mitzvah of visiting the Temple Mount and praying there for the ascent of Hallel’s soul this coming Tuesday, with 250 people who have pledged to join and comfort us. It is very important to me that the event be coordinated with the police and not carried out in any manner of confrontation.”
Representatives of the Ariel family met with Jerusalem District Commander Police Chief Yoram Halevi last Wednesday, in an effort to organize the event. The police suggested that the family hold the gathering at the Temple mount’s northern gate instead of at the Mughrabi Gate that stands closer to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The family agreed, but the police still requested Netanyahu’s final approval on the matter, which is why Rina Hallel decided to write to him herself.
“I am asking you now to make an exception, due to Hallel’s horrifying murder, and to grant us this event. Please do not divide us into groups, but allow all 250 of us to stand together at the Temple Mount. I would like to give a short speech there, as would a few others, in what would amount to no more than one hour’s time.” Ariel stressed that “Just recently, 200 thousand Muslims performed a mass prayer at the site. Would a Jewish group comprised of a tenth of that number not be allowed to convene there for a single hour?”
The Prime Minister’s Office has yet to issue a statement in response to the Ariel’s request.
