24 sept 2017
Nearly 53 mosques and churches in the occupied Palestinian territories have been vandalized by unknown perpetrators, who are believed to be extremist settlers, since 2009, according to Israeli data.
The latest of these attacks was on Wednesday and it targeted St. Stephanos Church in Beit Jamal Monastery near Beit Shemesh for the third time in five years, Haaretz newspaper reported.
The paper pointed out that many items were broken in the attack including the windows, some furniture, and a statue of the Virgin Mary.
In 2013, a firebomb was thrown at the church and hateful slogans were written on the walls, and in 2016, gravestones were vandalized in the monastery's cemetery. No suspects were arrested in the two incidents and no indictments were filed.
Haaretz said that between 2009 and July 2017, over 53 churches and mosques in the West Bank and the 1948 occupied Palestinian territories were vandalized based on data given by Israel's Ministry of Public Security.
The data show that seven people, whom identities and motives remained unknown, were convicted, while only nine indictments were filed. Around 45 cases were closed, and it is claimed that investigations in the other cases are still ongoing.
The Ministry did not present further details about the perpetrators and whether indictments were filed in each given case. However, it is likely that some extremist Jewish groups are behind these racist attacks.
According to the Hebrew newspaper, nine Christian and Islamic holy sites were vandalized in 2014 and 2015. In 2016, three similar attacks were recorded, but there were four in the first half of 2017.
01/04/16 Lehava Leader Again Calls for Torching Jerusalem Churches
The latest of these attacks was on Wednesday and it targeted St. Stephanos Church in Beit Jamal Monastery near Beit Shemesh for the third time in five years, Haaretz newspaper reported.
The paper pointed out that many items were broken in the attack including the windows, some furniture, and a statue of the Virgin Mary.
In 2013, a firebomb was thrown at the church and hateful slogans were written on the walls, and in 2016, gravestones were vandalized in the monastery's cemetery. No suspects were arrested in the two incidents and no indictments were filed.
Haaretz said that between 2009 and July 2017, over 53 churches and mosques in the West Bank and the 1948 occupied Palestinian territories were vandalized based on data given by Israel's Ministry of Public Security.
The data show that seven people, whom identities and motives remained unknown, were convicted, while only nine indictments were filed. Around 45 cases were closed, and it is claimed that investigations in the other cases are still ongoing.
The Ministry did not present further details about the perpetrators and whether indictments were filed in each given case. However, it is likely that some extremist Jewish groups are behind these racist attacks.
According to the Hebrew newspaper, nine Christian and Islamic holy sites were vandalized in 2014 and 2015. In 2016, three similar attacks were recorded, but there were four in the first half of 2017.
01/04/16 Lehava Leader Again Calls for Torching Jerusalem Churches
Israeli settlers on Sunday burned dozens of olive trees in Kafr Kalil, south of Nablus, as preparations for olive-picking got underway in the occupied territories.
According to eye-witnesses, Israeli settlers from the nearby Brakha outpost torched olive trees planted on Palestinian land near Hawara checkpoint.
The Palestinian locals were shocked as they caught sight of dozens of olive trees reduced to ashes.
According to eye-witnesses, Israeli settlers from the nearby Brakha outpost torched olive trees planted on Palestinian land near Hawara checkpoint.
The Palestinian locals were shocked as they caught sight of dozens of olive trees reduced to ashes.
detailed figures on the break-ins
2,079 Israeli settlers have stormed holy al-Aqsa Mosque, in Occupied Jerusalem, since the start of September, Hebrew media reported Sunday.
Citing statistics conducted by Israel’s so-called temple mount organizations, the Hebrew-speaking 0404 news site said the number of settlers who broke into the site in September has seen an increase of 161% compared to September last year.
According to the site, during the past Hebrew year, 22,552 settlers stormed al-Aqsa, up from 14,094 settlers in the previous year, making a leap of up to 60%.
The highest number was recorded on August 9, when 1,264 settlers showed up at the site to mark the so-called destruction of the temple anniversary.
In August, 4,369 Israeli settlers defiled the plazas of al-Aqsa Mosque.
At the same time, 19 brides and grooms toured the site.
A chart published on the Hebrew site provides detailed figures on the break-ins carried out throughout the year.
2,079 Israeli settlers have stormed holy al-Aqsa Mosque, in Occupied Jerusalem, since the start of September, Hebrew media reported Sunday.
Citing statistics conducted by Israel’s so-called temple mount organizations, the Hebrew-speaking 0404 news site said the number of settlers who broke into the site in September has seen an increase of 161% compared to September last year.
According to the site, during the past Hebrew year, 22,552 settlers stormed al-Aqsa, up from 14,094 settlers in the previous year, making a leap of up to 60%.
The highest number was recorded on August 9, when 1,264 settlers showed up at the site to mark the so-called destruction of the temple anniversary.
In August, 4,369 Israeli settlers defiled the plazas of al-Aqsa Mosque.
At the same time, 19 brides and grooms toured the site.
A chart published on the Hebrew site provides detailed figures on the break-ins carried out throughout the year.
22 sept 2017
The preparations for the olive season is underway, and despite the joy and happiness it brings, farmer Mahmoud Suleiman from Qarawat Bani Zeid north of Ramallah is afraid to leave his wife and small child alone under his olive trees for the fear of being attacked by the wild pigs, released by Israeli settlers, which attack Palestinian fields and lands in different areas of the West Bank.
Suleiman told the PIC reporter, “We appealed for combatting wild pigs, the response of officials was that they can’t be eliminated because the Israeli occupation prevents shooting them, and capturing and poisoning them didn’t work out because they exist in large numbers.”
Big danger
With every olive season, farmers from the West Bank villages and towns appeal to all concerned bodies to help them stop the destruction of their crops and the widespread swine attacks against fields, mountains and valleys.
Agricultural Engineer Ibrahim Al-Hamad, the Director of the Ministry of Agriculture in the city of Salfit, confirms to the PIC reporter that the attacks of wild pigs increase against farmers during the olive season following their entry into their lands, calling for caution, pointing out that the olive season will begin on 6 October 2017 in the hot areas of West Bank this year.
Farmer Nader Masri from the town of Deir Istiya deliberately dumps stones at nearby caves and inside dense trees to kick the wild pigs out of his land while preparing for the olive season.
“The risk of the wild pigs is very high,” he told the PIC reporter. “The farmer may be attacked when alone and if the pigs were giving birth. Thus, he throws stones at them from afar to drive them away.”
Farmers from the villages and towns of Qalqilya are campaigning against the wild pigs to protect the olive season; however, their efforts to eliminate them are insufficient, according to farmers. Farmer Jamil Al-Ali from Azzun says he poisoned eggs and poultry litter but all his efforts were in vain.
Unsuccessful means
The farmers confirmed that all methods were tried to exterminate the herds of boars, but they all failed, and shooting them would only work; which is difficult due to the large number of Israeli settlements, checkpoints and watchtowers in the province, which prohibit shooting them.
Researcher Dr. Khalid Maali charged Israeli settlers of being responsible for releasing wild boars in farmers’ lands to destroy their corps, which settlers think is the best way to effectively fight Palestinian farmers and expel them from their lands, leaving them without care, and without costing them much.
He debunked the justification of the committees and institutions of nature protection of the Israeli occupation, which prevent the killing of wild boars to maintain the ecological balance, by saying that there are no predatory animals to maintain the ecological balance. Israeli settlers kill wild boars if they enter the settlements, though in small numbers because settlements are surrounded by barbed wire and walls, he noted.
Suleiman told the PIC reporter, “We appealed for combatting wild pigs, the response of officials was that they can’t be eliminated because the Israeli occupation prevents shooting them, and capturing and poisoning them didn’t work out because they exist in large numbers.”
Big danger
With every olive season, farmers from the West Bank villages and towns appeal to all concerned bodies to help them stop the destruction of their crops and the widespread swine attacks against fields, mountains and valleys.
Agricultural Engineer Ibrahim Al-Hamad, the Director of the Ministry of Agriculture in the city of Salfit, confirms to the PIC reporter that the attacks of wild pigs increase against farmers during the olive season following their entry into their lands, calling for caution, pointing out that the olive season will begin on 6 October 2017 in the hot areas of West Bank this year.
Farmer Nader Masri from the town of Deir Istiya deliberately dumps stones at nearby caves and inside dense trees to kick the wild pigs out of his land while preparing for the olive season.
“The risk of the wild pigs is very high,” he told the PIC reporter. “The farmer may be attacked when alone and if the pigs were giving birth. Thus, he throws stones at them from afar to drive them away.”
Farmers from the villages and towns of Qalqilya are campaigning against the wild pigs to protect the olive season; however, their efforts to eliminate them are insufficient, according to farmers. Farmer Jamil Al-Ali from Azzun says he poisoned eggs and poultry litter but all his efforts were in vain.
Unsuccessful means
The farmers confirmed that all methods were tried to exterminate the herds of boars, but they all failed, and shooting them would only work; which is difficult due to the large number of Israeli settlements, checkpoints and watchtowers in the province, which prohibit shooting them.
Researcher Dr. Khalid Maali charged Israeli settlers of being responsible for releasing wild boars in farmers’ lands to destroy their corps, which settlers think is the best way to effectively fight Palestinian farmers and expel them from their lands, leaving them without care, and without costing them much.
He debunked the justification of the committees and institutions of nature protection of the Israeli occupation, which prevent the killing of wild boars to maintain the ecological balance, by saying that there are no predatory animals to maintain the ecological balance. Israeli settlers kill wild boars if they enter the settlements, though in small numbers because settlements are surrounded by barbed wire and walls, he noted.
Israeli Occupation Forces on Friday closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque in al-Khalil city and banned Muslim worshipers from performing Friday prayer. Meanwhile, the holy site was opened for settlers to celebrate Jewish New Year in its internal and external plazas.
Coordinator of Human Rights Defenders, Imad Abu Shamsiyeh, told SAFA news agency that IOF soldiers blocked all the barriers and gates to the mosque and barred Awqaf employees from accessing the holy place or calling for prayers from inside, starting from Thursday evening until Friday evening.
Israeli occupation authorities each year close the gates of al-Ibrahimi Mosque before Muslims for nearly ten days in order to allow settlers celebrate Jewish holidays within the holy shrine facilities.
Coordinator of Human Rights Defenders, Imad Abu Shamsiyeh, told SAFA news agency that IOF soldiers blocked all the barriers and gates to the mosque and barred Awqaf employees from accessing the holy place or calling for prayers from inside, starting from Thursday evening until Friday evening.
Israeli occupation authorities each year close the gates of al-Ibrahimi Mosque before Muslims for nearly ten days in order to allow settlers celebrate Jewish holidays within the holy shrine facilities.
Three Palestinian youths were injured on Friday afternoon after the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) quelled the anti-settlement weekly march of Kafr Qaddum.
Popular resistance coordinator in Kafr Qaddum, Murad Shtewi, said that dozens of IOF vehicles and soldiers broke into the town and heavily fired live and metal bullets injuring three Palestinian citizens who were treated in the field.
The activist reported that the Palestinian youths of Kafr Qaddum foiled an ambush set up by IOF soldiers in an abandoned house to arrest those participating in the peaceful march.
Kafr Qaddum march is launched on a weekly basis with the participation of Palestinian citizens, foreign solidarity activists and Israeli peace activists to demand opening the town's road that has been closed for 14 years for the benefit of the settlers of the nearby Kedumim settlement.
Meanwhile in Ramallah, local sources reported that limited clashes broke out between Palestinians and IOF soldiers in Nabi Salih village to the west of the city, according to Quds Press.
Different clashes were reported in several areas in al-Khalil after the IOF broke into Duwwar al-Sihha area following Friday prayer.
Local sources said that dozens of IOF soldiers abruptly raided the area and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the Palestinian youths who responded by throwing stones and empty bottles.
In the same context, the Israeli soldiers in large numbers raided Duwwar Ibn Rushd and al-Dawawir areas in the center of al-Khalil city.
The IOF dispersed a protest organized to the south of al-Khalil in demand for opening the entrance of Khirbet Qalqas which has been blocked for nearly 17 years.
The participants, including the journalists who were covering the event, were attacked with tear gas canisters and sound bombs.
The IOF also prevented Palestinian worshipers and Awqaf officials from entering the Ibrahimi Mosque in al-Khalil on Friday and allowed settlers only to enter the site to celebrate the Jewish holidays.
Local sources said that the IOF closed all the checkpoints and metal detectors leading to the Mosque, adding that even the Adhan (call for prayer) was banned in the site on Friday.
Popular resistance coordinator in Kafr Qaddum, Murad Shtewi, said that dozens of IOF vehicles and soldiers broke into the town and heavily fired live and metal bullets injuring three Palestinian citizens who were treated in the field.
The activist reported that the Palestinian youths of Kafr Qaddum foiled an ambush set up by IOF soldiers in an abandoned house to arrest those participating in the peaceful march.
Kafr Qaddum march is launched on a weekly basis with the participation of Palestinian citizens, foreign solidarity activists and Israeli peace activists to demand opening the town's road that has been closed for 14 years for the benefit of the settlers of the nearby Kedumim settlement.
Meanwhile in Ramallah, local sources reported that limited clashes broke out between Palestinians and IOF soldiers in Nabi Salih village to the west of the city, according to Quds Press.
Different clashes were reported in several areas in al-Khalil after the IOF broke into Duwwar al-Sihha area following Friday prayer.
Local sources said that dozens of IOF soldiers abruptly raided the area and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the Palestinian youths who responded by throwing stones and empty bottles.
In the same context, the Israeli soldiers in large numbers raided Duwwar Ibn Rushd and al-Dawawir areas in the center of al-Khalil city.
The IOF dispersed a protest organized to the south of al-Khalil in demand for opening the entrance of Khirbet Qalqas which has been blocked for nearly 17 years.
The participants, including the journalists who were covering the event, were attacked with tear gas canisters and sound bombs.
The IOF also prevented Palestinian worshipers and Awqaf officials from entering the Ibrahimi Mosque in al-Khalil on Friday and allowed settlers only to enter the site to celebrate the Jewish holidays.
Local sources said that the IOF closed all the checkpoints and metal detectors leading to the Mosque, adding that even the Adhan (call for prayer) was banned in the site on Friday.
20 sept 2017
The Israeli government has set fixed dates for the presence of members of the Knesset (MKs) at the al-Aqsa Mosque—the third holiest site in Islam, Israel’s Channel 2 reported Wednesday.
The government decision came in response to an appeal filed to the Supreme Court demanding that MKs be given green light to visit al-Aqsa Mosque.
Last month, the Israeli government allowed far-right MKs to storm al-Aqsa, sparking tension across Occupied Jerusalem.
On Wednesday morning, at least 131 Israeli settlers defiled the site under heavy police escort. At the same time, Israel’s alleged temple mount advocates continue to launch calls for mass break-ins at al-Aqsa with the advent of Jewish holidays.
The government decision came in response to an appeal filed to the Supreme Court demanding that MKs be given green light to visit al-Aqsa Mosque.
Last month, the Israeli government allowed far-right MKs to storm al-Aqsa, sparking tension across Occupied Jerusalem.
On Wednesday morning, at least 131 Israeli settlers defiled the site under heavy police escort. At the same time, Israel’s alleged temple mount advocates continue to launch calls for mass break-ins at al-Aqsa with the advent of Jewish holidays.
Israeli minister of public security Gilad Erdan has decided to expand the system that allows Israeli individuals to possess firearms licenses, claiming this measure would contribute to confronting Palestinian lone-wolf attacks in the occupied territories.
According to Israel Hayom newspaper, the decision targets, in particular, the graduates of combat units, although they finished their military service.
Israeli officers of high ranks, like lieutenants and sergeants, are already allowed to possess and carry weapons outside the army’s establishments.
Such step would allow Jewish settlers, who served in the army and received shooting training, to kill Palestinian citizens at the pretext they were intending to carry out attacks.
According to Israel Hayom newspaper, the decision targets, in particular, the graduates of combat units, although they finished their military service.
Israeli officers of high ranks, like lieutenants and sergeants, are already allowed to possess and carry weapons outside the army’s establishments.
Such step would allow Jewish settlers, who served in the army and received shooting training, to kill Palestinian citizens at the pretext they were intending to carry out attacks.
Hordes of Israeli settlers on Wednesday morning stormed holy al-Aqsa Mosque via the Maghareba Gate.
131 Israeli settlers, escorted by police troops, stormed al-Aqsa as part of the morning break-in shift.
Dozens more are expected to show up at the site in the next few hours.
131 Israeli settlers, escorted by police troops, stormed al-Aqsa as part of the morning break-in shift.
Dozens more are expected to show up at the site in the next few hours.
19 sept 2017
Jewish temple mount and settler groups have incited their followers and supporters to intensify their break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque and participate in massive marches in the Old City of Jerusalem on Wednesday evening and the next two days to mark the Jewish new year.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police have put its forces on high alert and intensified their presence in and around the Old City of Jerusalem to provide protection for the Jewish groups who intend to desecrate the Aqsa Mosque and its vicinity en masse on the eve of Rosh Hashanah.
The Jewish settlers are known for behaving provocatively and violently towards Arabs during their celebrations, and they are expected to repeat their assaults on Palestinian citizens and their property during intended marches in the Old City.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police have put its forces on high alert and intensified their presence in and around the Old City of Jerusalem to provide protection for the Jewish groups who intend to desecrate the Aqsa Mosque and its vicinity en masse on the eve of Rosh Hashanah.
The Jewish settlers are known for behaving provocatively and violently towards Arabs during their celebrations, and they are expected to repeat their assaults on Palestinian citizens and their property during intended marches in the Old City.
113 Israeli settlers broke Tuesday morning into al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, via the Israeli-controlled Maghareba Gate.
According to the PIC reporter, hordes of Israeli settlers, escorted by policemen, broke into al-Aqsa Mosque as part of the morning break-in shift and carried out a round of sacrilegious tours.
Dozens more are expected to show up at the site during the afternoon break-in shift.
Earlier on Monday, Israeli Jewish settlers’ groups called for increasing raids of al-Aqsa Mosque during the Jewish holidays which start on Thursday.
According to the PIC reporter, hordes of Israeli settlers, escorted by policemen, broke into al-Aqsa Mosque as part of the morning break-in shift and carried out a round of sacrilegious tours.
Dozens more are expected to show up at the site during the afternoon break-in shift.
Earlier on Monday, Israeli Jewish settlers’ groups called for increasing raids of al-Aqsa Mosque during the Jewish holidays which start on Thursday.
18 sept 2017
Dozens of Israeli settlers have stormed Monday morning the al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem under Israeli police protection.
Quds Press affirmed that 69 settlers, escorted by heavily-armed Israeli troops, entered the holy Islamic site through the Israeli-controlled Bab al-Maghariba early today.
The settlers staged lengthy stopovers in various parts of the al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard during the incursion.
Israeli policemen were heavily present at the entrance gates to the Mosque; and thoroughly checked the identity cards of Palestinian worshipers.
Israeli police have been targeting Jerusalemite youths for allegedly being affiliated to a banned group called “Al-Aqsa Youths.”
25 Jerusalemites including two women are detained so far.
Quds Press affirmed that 69 settlers, escorted by heavily-armed Israeli troops, entered the holy Islamic site through the Israeli-controlled Bab al-Maghariba early today.
The settlers staged lengthy stopovers in various parts of the al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard during the incursion.
Israeli policemen were heavily present at the entrance gates to the Mosque; and thoroughly checked the identity cards of Palestinian worshipers.
Israeli police have been targeting Jerusalemite youths for allegedly being affiliated to a banned group called “Al-Aqsa Youths.”
25 Jerusalemites including two women are detained so far.
Settlement outposts ensure Israel’s security and protects Israelis from outsider threats, Israel’s Army Minister Avigdor Lieberman claimed on Sunday evening.
Quoted by the Israeli daily Jerusalem Post, Lieberman said: “From my perspective its clear, that the(y) . . . are the State of Israel’s true defensive wall.”
“At the end of the day, what is determinative is who is in the field. The settlements have always been the pioneers of the pioneers of [Israel’s] security,” Lieberman added
He also promised to complete a plan to protect all the settlements with smart fences and better access roads by November.
There is no budget yet for the plan, Lieberman stated, but if it can be executed, it will provide security for many years to come.
He said the “construction boom” also includes the marketing of 3,500 settler homes and the advancement of plans for 7,500 to 8,000 others.
Lieberman gave an infuriating speech in defense of illegal settlements on the eve of US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York on Sunday.
Lieberman promised to continue supporting settlement building in the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli minister explained that he had done more for settlement building than anyone else in the last 17 years, which includes granting official status to the municipal committee that governs al-Khalil’s Israeli community.
Quoted by the Israeli daily Jerusalem Post, Lieberman said: “From my perspective its clear, that the(y) . . . are the State of Israel’s true defensive wall.”
“At the end of the day, what is determinative is who is in the field. The settlements have always been the pioneers of the pioneers of [Israel’s] security,” Lieberman added
He also promised to complete a plan to protect all the settlements with smart fences and better access roads by November.
There is no budget yet for the plan, Lieberman stated, but if it can be executed, it will provide security for many years to come.
He said the “construction boom” also includes the marketing of 3,500 settler homes and the advancement of plans for 7,500 to 8,000 others.
Lieberman gave an infuriating speech in defense of illegal settlements on the eve of US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York on Sunday.
Lieberman promised to continue supporting settlement building in the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli minister explained that he had done more for settlement building than anyone else in the last 17 years, which includes granting official status to the municipal committee that governs al-Khalil’s Israeli community.
Hundreds of Israeli settlers joined a reverly held overnight Sunday near the Ibrahimi Mosque in the southern occupied West Bank province of al-Khalil.
Israeli settler hordes flocked to the square leading to Joseph’s Tomb and installed scaffoldings and audio-visual equipment before they proceeded with anti-Arab chants and dances.
The Israeli settlers yelled slogans declaring al-Khalil province and the Ibrahimi Mosque Jewish property. Israeli flags were spotted on the walls of the holy site.
Addressing the masses, a fanatic Israeli rabbi lauded the establishment of an Israeli municipality in occupied al-Khalil and the reinforcement of Israeli sovereignty over the city.
Hundreds of Israeli soldiers also showed up on and around the stage to protect the settlers.
A PIC news correspondent said Israeli army patrols prevented the Palestinians from passing through Abu al-Rish checkpoint and the electronic gates pitched near the western entrance to the site to perform their daily prayers.
3,000 Israeli Settlers Storm Ibrahimi Mosque for New Year Festivities
Around 3,000 Israeli settlers broke into the courtyards of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, southern West Bank, under pretext of celebrating Jewish holidays and marking the Jewish New Year, which starts on Thursday.
Israel forces stormed the old city of Hebron, turning it into a military zone, while hundreds of Israeli soldiers and special forces spread out, in the city, to provide protection to the settlers as they stormed the Mosque, according to local media.
Palestinian residents in the old city reported loud celebrations, as settlers freely used fire crackers and played loud music during late night hours.
The Ibrahimi Mosque and the old city of Hebron have always been subjected to ongoing Israeli violations, especially that the city is surrounded by illegal settlements inhibited by around 500,000 extremist settlers.
Israel continues to violate the sanctity of Muslim holy places. Settlers still storm Al-Aqsa mosque despite the rise of protests and tensions in July this year as well.
Meanwhile, PNN further reports, Israeli forces also raided a number of neighborhoods in the neighboring town of Beit Ula and Surif, while setting up checkpoints at roads leading to Hebron, where soldiers stopped cars and checked passengers’s identity papers.
(VIDEO)
Israeli settler hordes flocked to the square leading to Joseph’s Tomb and installed scaffoldings and audio-visual equipment before they proceeded with anti-Arab chants and dances.
The Israeli settlers yelled slogans declaring al-Khalil province and the Ibrahimi Mosque Jewish property. Israeli flags were spotted on the walls of the holy site.
Addressing the masses, a fanatic Israeli rabbi lauded the establishment of an Israeli municipality in occupied al-Khalil and the reinforcement of Israeli sovereignty over the city.
Hundreds of Israeli soldiers also showed up on and around the stage to protect the settlers.
A PIC news correspondent said Israeli army patrols prevented the Palestinians from passing through Abu al-Rish checkpoint and the electronic gates pitched near the western entrance to the site to perform their daily prayers.
3,000 Israeli Settlers Storm Ibrahimi Mosque for New Year Festivities
Around 3,000 Israeli settlers broke into the courtyards of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, southern West Bank, under pretext of celebrating Jewish holidays and marking the Jewish New Year, which starts on Thursday.
Israel forces stormed the old city of Hebron, turning it into a military zone, while hundreds of Israeli soldiers and special forces spread out, in the city, to provide protection to the settlers as they stormed the Mosque, according to local media.
Palestinian residents in the old city reported loud celebrations, as settlers freely used fire crackers and played loud music during late night hours.
The Ibrahimi Mosque and the old city of Hebron have always been subjected to ongoing Israeli violations, especially that the city is surrounded by illegal settlements inhibited by around 500,000 extremist settlers.
Israel continues to violate the sanctity of Muslim holy places. Settlers still storm Al-Aqsa mosque despite the rise of protests and tensions in July this year as well.
Meanwhile, PNN further reports, Israeli forces also raided a number of neighborhoods in the neighboring town of Beit Ula and Surif, while setting up checkpoints at roads leading to Hebron, where soldiers stopped cars and checked passengers’s identity papers.
(VIDEO)
17 sept 2017
Hundreds of Jewish settlers at dawn Sunday stormed Awarta town, southeast of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, at the pretext of performing rituals at what they believe to be holy sites.
Local sources told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that several troops aboard military vehicles were deployed in different neighborhoods of Awarta before dozens of buses carrying settlers came in.
They added that the settlers performed rituals at three different locations of the town, pointing out that Facebook pages belonging to settlers had announced the organization of overnight mass visits to alleged Jewish holy shrines in Awarta.
Local sources told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that several troops aboard military vehicles were deployed in different neighborhoods of Awarta before dozens of buses carrying settlers came in.
They added that the settlers performed rituals at three different locations of the town, pointing out that Facebook pages belonging to settlers had announced the organization of overnight mass visits to alleged Jewish holy shrines in Awarta.
Dozens of Israeli settlers stormed on Sunday morning al-Aqsa Mosque—the third holiest site in Islam—in Occupied Jerusalem.
130 Israeli settlers, escorted by policemen, broke into al-Aqsa Mosque via the Maghareba Gate as part of the morning break-in shift and carried out a round of sacrilegious tours.
At the same time, the peaceful Muslim worshipers have been subjected to tough crackdowns and restrictions by the Israeli police near the main entrances to the site.
Several worshipers have been searched and dozens more have had their IDs seized while attempting to enter al-Aqsa to perform their daily prayers.
More Israeli settlers are expected to storm the site during the one-hour afternoon shift.
A few hours earlier, Palestinian instructor Hanadi Hulwani was kidnapped by the Israeli occupation forces from her home in Jerusalem’s neighborhood of Wadi al-Jouz.
130 Israeli settlers, escorted by policemen, broke into al-Aqsa Mosque via the Maghareba Gate as part of the morning break-in shift and carried out a round of sacrilegious tours.
At the same time, the peaceful Muslim worshipers have been subjected to tough crackdowns and restrictions by the Israeli police near the main entrances to the site.
Several worshipers have been searched and dozens more have had their IDs seized while attempting to enter al-Aqsa to perform their daily prayers.
More Israeli settlers are expected to storm the site during the one-hour afternoon shift.
A few hours earlier, Palestinian instructor Hanadi Hulwani was kidnapped by the Israeli occupation forces from her home in Jerusalem’s neighborhood of Wadi al-Jouz.
