This week witnessed the arrival of the highly anticipated Palestine Investment Conference in Bethlehem. The lavishly organized three day event from May 21-23 event, which has not been without its fair share of criticism, aimed at attracting foreign investment to the Palestinian territories and to convince eminent international figures in the private sector that Palestine is currently an untapped resource full of potential. In addition, the conference tried to relay any fears that prospective investors may have concerning the current unstable and unpredictable nature of the political climate in the region and advertise that investing in Palestine is a sound investment and that the area is very much “open for business”.
On May 23, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad announced that the conference had help raise $1.4 billion in what he described as “the start of moving the wheel of the economy” which is in dire need of revitalization after forty years of an Israeli occupation that has imposed hundreds of restrictions on movement and access across the Palestinian territories. The investment will supposedly create 35,000 jobs with $500 million of the total sum marked for the real estate sector whereas $65 million will be focused on the high-tech industry.
Although the whole concept of investing in Palestine is welcomed, some analysts fear that the money pledged will simply boost employment and the economy in the short term, entrench the occupation even further by promoting areas of the West Bank to become financially viable and independent while many commentators maintain that it is impossible to plan for the future when the area is so fraught with political uncertainty and while Israel has a colossal grip over any advancements in the Palestinian territories. These experts assert that it is simply naïve and unrealistic not to factor Israel in the whole scenario taking into consideration that no developments can be enforced unless Israel is compelled to lift its restrictions on Palestinians.
While the mere utterance of Hamas and the political stalemate was avoided throughout the business/investment parts of the conference, Gaza was extended its own special session in the Convention Palace in Bethlehem. In this discussion, Palestinian connoisseurs declared that investment can still thrive in Gaza despite the situation. However, although the Palestine Investment Conference adhered to a policy of avoidance regarding Gaza, the media were unable to employ this same strategy as events in the blockaded coastal strip escalated and exacerbated further, offering a complete dichotomy in comparison to the hype and optimism surrounding the conference.
As Salam Fayyad expressed the success of the conference on May 23 as a tool for boosting the Palestinian economy, five Palestinians were killed in Gaza. Three [all member of Hamas’ military wing – al-Qassam Brigades] were killed when Palestinians collided with Israeli forces near the southern city of Rafah. Two members of the al-Quds Brigades [Islamic Jihad’s military wing] were also killed on May 23 near El Bureij in central Gaza.
These deaths came just a day after another Palestinian man was killed during a demonstration against the blockade in Gaza. Israeli forces opened fire at stone throwing protestors who were marching towards the Karni border crossing.
The increased intensity in Israeli actions in Gaza recently has probably been the result of the failed suicide bomb attack on the Erez crossing which ripped a 90-yard hole in the barrier wall. On May 22, a Palestinian allegedly associated with al-Quds Brigades [al-Aqsa Brigades also claimed responsibility] detonated a powerful truck bomb at the main crossing between Israel and Gaza in what the group termed a “message” to Israel that if it doesn’t accept a truce, “Gaza is not going to be a place where you will enjoy stability”.
Two days earlier on the May 20, four more Palestinians, including a 13 year old boy, were killed as the result of Israeli airstrikes. Aside from the teenager, who was decapitated when an Israeli aircraft started to fire at Palestinians launching rockets in northern Gaza, a second strike killed a man [32] who was said to be planting explosives along the barrier fence in central Gaza. Hamas revealed that two of their fighters were killed in a third strike on the south side of Gaza city.
All this violence has occurred while Egypt continues to broker a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. Following the initial delay from Israel in responding to Hamas’ offer for a ceasefire on account of their reservations about forging an agreement with a “terrorist” organization as well as the proposal coinciding with the celebration of their independence, it is now Hamas’ turn to deliberate with Egypt over Israel’s conditions for a ceasefire. After returning from Egypt, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak stated that despite the violence, a deal could be implemented within days. In addition, the former prime minister eased the previous Israeli demand that any ceasefire agreement must involve the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Instead, Barak told Egyptian Lt. General and chief of intelligence Omar Suleiman that Israel’s main concern is for both sides to halt aggression against each other. If this is achieved, then the subjects of the blockade and the release of Gilad Shalit can be discussed.
Meanwhile, Hamas also visited Egypt this week returning on May 22, having consulted with Omar Suleiman over a status update with respect to Israel, reiterating that any condition which stipulates the release of Gilad Shalit would seriously derail the peace effort. Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya said that “we have listened to the Israeli responses…these responses require clarification and some answers and we await these answers in a few days. We hope they will be positive so that the siege on our people can be lifted”. Palestinian President Abbas, who is detached from the peace talks, shared his opinion by stating that “I cannot say that we have satisfactory news. Until now there are still obstacles”. As this deal is still experiencing areas of dispute, the fighting continues.
Amidst the indirect discussions between Hamas and Israel, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told her French counterpart Bernard Kouchner that the international community must shun Hamas. Referring to the bombing at Erez a statement from Livni’s office reported that this example should “demonstrate to the international community that while it demands that Israel take care of the situation in Gaza and open the crossing points, Hamas, which controls Gaza, is not interested in improving the lives of the population and doesn’t take even minimal responsibility”. These words from Tzipi Livni came in rebuttal to information leaked out earlier this week that the French had been conducting talks with Hamas “for several months” although these contacts did not amount to negotiations.
In other news, police continue to investigate Israeli Prime Minister Olmert’s corruption allegations, questioning him for a second time in three weeks on May 23. Police are trying to ascertain whether Olmert dispensed any favors in exchange for funds he received from US businessman Morris Talansky while campaigning for Mayor of Jerusalem. Although Olmert has repeatedly asserted that he is guilty of no malpractice, there are more forceful and persuasive sections within the Knesset who are calling for his resignation. A poll in Yedioth Ahronoth on May 23 reveled that 51% of Israelis questioned have no confidence in the incumbent prime minister.
Israel unveiled plans on May 21 to build 286 new houses in the Jewish settlement of Beitar Illit near Bethlehem, in complete defiance of their road map obligations. The Middle East Quartet has encouraged Israel to freeze settlement expansion in the West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem, but Israel officials maintain that the construction is “aimed at providing a solution to the urgent needs of natural growth in Jerusalem and the lack of housing solutions for young couples in the ultra-orthodox community”.
Lastly, US President George Bush in a speech to the Middle East World Economic Forum in Egypt on May 18 signifying the end of his trip to the region announced that “I firmly believe that with leadership and courage, we can reach that peace agreement this year…this is a demanding task, and it requires action on all sides…Palestinians must fight terror and continue to build the institutions of a free and peaceful society. Israel must make tough sacrifices for peace and ease restrictions on Palestinians”. The president’s last speech concerning the peace process given in Israel for their 60th anniversary strangely omitted Palestinian statehood aspirations and instead highlighted the staunch friendship it has with Israel which seriously angered Palestinian President Abbas who said that “we don’t want the Americans to negotiate on our behalf…all that we want from them…is a minimum level of neutrality”.
UN Resolution 1325
Date posted: February 03, 2021
By MIFTAH
Kerry talks peace while Israel bars UNESCO mission [May 19 - May 25]
Date posted: May 25, 2013
By MIFTAH
President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both met with US Secretary of State John Kerry this week in the latter’s fourth visit to the region since he assumed office.
After meeting with the two to ostensibly find ways to restart stalled negotiations between the two sides, Kerry urged on May 24 both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to take "hard decisions" to revive the peace process.
"We're getting toward a time now when hard decisions need to be made," he said at the end of his visit.
Kerry admitted a day before after meeting with the two leaders that there was skepticism and cynicism about his efforts to revive talks.
"I know this region well enough to know there is skepticism, in some quarters there is cynicism, and there are reasons for it. There have been bitter years of disappointment," he said. Still, he maintained: "It is our hope that by being methodical, careful, patient, but detailed and tenacious, that we can lay on a path ahead that can conceivably surprise people and certainly exhaust the possibilities for peace."
British foreign secretary William Hague was also in the region visiting with leaders on both sides and even visited the Bedouin community of Khan Al Ahmar between Jerusalem and Jericho, whose residents are under the threat of displacement.
On May 23, Hague was poignantly clear on where his country stands on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. "Israel has lost some of its support in Britain and in other European countries over time - this is something I've often pointed out to Israeli leaders -because of settlement activity, which we condemn,” he said.
"We strongly disagree with settlements on occupied land. Israel is a country we work with in many ways but we do disapprove of settlements,” he maintained, adding that: "We want to see both Israelis and Palestinians really commit themselves to the peace process while there is still a chance of a two-state solution."
In Khan al Ahmar, Hague listened to the residents’ grievances from Israeli efforts to push them out to make way for more settlement expansion. "We (in Britain) strongly condemn the building of settlements and recognise they are a severe threat to a two-state solution,” he told the people there.
On March 21, Israeli forces demolished two residential buildings in the Jabal al-Mukabbir in East Jerusalem. Earlier, they demolished two Palestinian homes in al-Tur, all under the pretext of unlicensed construction. Dozens of people have been left homeless from the demolitions.
A UNESCO fact-finding mission was supposed to arrive this week to look into Israeli measures in the Old City of Jerusalem and their impact on the archeological, cultural and heritage significance of the place, but was denied entry by Israel on May 20. Israel justified its decision by saying Palestinians were trying to politicize the visit.
"The Palestinians were not respecting the understandings,” an Israeli foreign ministry official said. “The visit was supposed to be professional, (but) they were taking measures that showed they were politicizing the event and not letting the delegation focus on professional sides of it," the official said.
UNESCO maintained that the mission was not cancelled, but postponed, the agency’s spokeswoman Sue Williams said.
The Palestinians said they expected Israel to pull something like this. “We weren't surprised by this decision because we believed that Israel's agreement to (allow the mission) was not convincing," minister of foreign affairs Riyad Al Malki said.
The Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt was reopened on May 22 after a five day closure. Egyptian soldiers and policemen closed the crossing following the kidnapping of seven Egyptian soldiers in Sinai, only reopening it after the soldiers were freed. Over 2,400 Palestinians had been stranded on both sides of the crossing during the days of the closure.
Extremist Israelis extended their attacks this week all the way to the Negev desert. On May 19, residents of the Retamim Kibbutz attacked the nearby Bedouin village of Bir Hadaj and set fire to a tent, according to head of the local village council, Salman Ibin Hamid
"The setters of Retamim are acting like they are in the West Bank," Ibn Hamid said. "These people have the mentality of the occupying settler to attack every Arab."
Finally, on May 23, the US appointed Gen. John Allen as special envoy on security issues in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. According to a US official, Allen will deal with the U.S. position on Israeli security needs and the security arrangements that would accompany the establishment of a future Palestinian state.
Al Nakba commemorated amid increasing settler attacks [May 12 - May 18]
Date posted: May 18, 2013
By MIFTAH
This week Palestinians commemorated the 65th anniversary of the Nakba, the catastrophe of 1948 on May 15, with a variety of activities, demonstrations and events throughout the Palestinian territories and outside of its borders. Festivals were held in Ramallah and Nablus in addition to several protests and confrontations with Israeli occupation forces. In Jerusalem, clashes broke out between protesters and Israeli police and border guards when Palestinians commemorating Al Nakba, raising Palestinian flags and facing off with Jewish settlers and soldiers. Thirty people were wounded or arrested during the clashes in addition to six Israelis.
The Jerusalem clashes come at a time when settler break-ins to Al Aqsa have been on the rise amid increasing calls by extremist Jewish groups to make a presence at the compound. The break-ins have become a near daily event. Muslim worshippers and Palestinian youths have kept constant vigil at the mosque to stave off the break-ins which included settler groups who used children as a cover to enter the compound on the occasion of Shavuot.
Settlers in the West Bank have wreaked havoc this week as well. On May 17, three Palestinians were injured in clashes in Urif south of Nablus when dozens of settlers set fire to lands in three area-villages: Urif, Einabus, and Asira al-Qibliya. The settlers also attacked citizens and threw burning tires at people’s homes.
Jewish extremists attacked inside the Green Line as well. On May 14, extremists set fire to three cars and sprayed racist graffiti on a mosque south of Haifa, according to Israeli media reports.
"Price-tag" and "Eviatar," which is thought to refer to the name of a settler stabbed to death last week, were found on the mosque’s walls in addition to the Star of David. In Safed, even farther north, racist graffiti with the words "Arabs out" was found on walls in the city.
On May 13, Israeli settlers exhumed a number of graves and sprayed racist graffiti in the Sawiya village in Nablus. Ghassan Daghlas, head of the PA settlement activity file, said settlers from the Alia settlement were responsible for the damage.
On the same day settlers from Tel Hatimar begin building a religious school for children on Al Khader lands in the Bethlehem area.
The Israeli army meanwhile, uprooted over 1,200 olive tree saplings on May 16 and razed land Palestinian farmer in the northern West Bank, according to Daghlas. He said the army dug up over 40 dunums of farm land and demolished a water tank and stone walls in Ras Karker, near Nablus.
On May 17, three Palestinian laborers were wounded in Beit Ula northwest of Hebron after Israeli forces fired rubber-coated steel bullets and unleashed police dogs at them according to Issa al-Amla, coordinator for the popular struggle committee. He said Omar Al-Amla, 31, and Abdulkadir Al-Amla, 28, suffered multiple dog bites to the neck and hands. A third laborer, Jihad Saleem, was shot in the leg.
In Jerusalem on May 17, Israeli forces raided the home of Iyad al-Awar and insisted on taking his two children 6-year-old Qassam and 5-year-old Nasrallah for “interrogation”. While their father prevented the forces from arresting his boys, Israeli soldiers handed him a warrant ordering him to bring his children to the Russian Compound for questioning.
"We arrived to the Russian Compound and the troops wanted to take my kids for investigation; I refused and they beat me in the ear and the leg. My kids started crying and were so scared from the troops. They took my kids by force," al-Awar said.
Israeli Intelligence officers apparently questioned the children about their detained cousin Shadad, and asked if they had seen him throwing stones or Molotov cocktails at Israeli forces, Al Awar said.
On the same day however, Palestinians scored a tiny victory in the Jerusalem suburb of Abu Dis when they were able to tear a hole through part of the separation wall. Protesters marking the Nakba anniversary ripped a 4-meter hole in it, eyewitnesses said. Clashes ensued between the protesters and Israeli soldiers who fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets. Several injuries were reported.
Peace Now reported on May 16 that the Israeli government planned to grant retroactive approval to four West Bank settlement outposts it had previously pledged to at least partially demolish.
The Israeli state attorney's office said that settlers had purchased the private Palestinian land on which they built, thus paving the way for the government to give its blessing.
"In the response, the government declares its intention to legalize four outposts, in isolated areas," Peace Now said in a statement, adding that the strategy was an affront to US Secretary of State John Kerry's efforts to revive dormant Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. "The intention to legalize outposts as new settlements is no less than a slap in the face of Secretary Kerry's new peace process," Peace Now said.
On May 14, Hamas and Fatah agreed in Cairo to form a national unity government within three months during which they would finalize and approve the Palestine National Council elections law. The two sides, represented by Fatah leader Azzam Al Ahmad and Hamas politburo member Mousa Abu Marzouq, came to the agreement under Egyptian sponsorship and said President Abbas would immediately begin talks on the new government formation. Once the government is formed, general elections can be held.
