25 dec 2012
Israeli minister on provocative tour in Silwan
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- Israeli minister of energy and water Uzi Landau provocatively toured Wadi Hilwe suburb in Silwan in occupied Jerusalem on Monday evening amidst tight security measures.
Eyewitnesses said that Landau, a member of the extremist Yisrael Beiteinu party, started his tour at a settlement outpost to the entrance of Wadi Hilwe then toured a number of other outposts in the suburb.
They pointed out that a big number Israeli soldiers took positions in various areas of the suburb during the tour.
At the same time Israeli municipality teams entered Silwan town and toured shops under heavy security protection.
3 dec 2012
Occupation begins digging tunnel at the entrance of Silwan southern al-Aqsa
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- The Information Center of Wadi Hilweh revealed that the occupation authorities have begun digging a tunnel connecting the Israeli outpost of "Ir David" and the Square of Wadi Hilweh neighborhood, at the entrance to the town of Silwan, south of Al Aqsa Mosque.
According to the Center, the Jerusalem Development Company "Moriah" has distributed a flyer in Wadi Hilweh neighborhood, regarding the arrangements for the traffic movement in the area because of the excavations carried out by the occupation authorities.
It stated that "according to the map attached to the bulletin, the excavation work are concentrated in the Wadi Hilweh's main street in order to build a tunnel for pedestrians, only for settlers and tourists, and which will be linking the Ir David settlement outpost, built on the territory of the town of Silwan, with the Square of Wadi Hilweh neighborhood."
The Centre added in a press statement on Monday that the excavations, conducted by Moriah Company in collaboration with the Jerusalem Municipality, the Israeli police and the Antiquities Authority, will be launched in a few days and will finish in two months
The statement rejected the occupation's allegation describing the project as "evolutionary", stressing that "it is, in the first place, a settlement judaizing project, and would cause serious damage to the residents of Wadi Hilweh, as they will be affected by the closure of the main street of the neighborhood.
For his part, the Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Dr. Ismail Radwan, denounced the occupation procedure, in a press release on Monday.
The Minister said that this new tunnel will only serve the settlers and tourists, and will impose restrictions on the residents of Silwan, who will be forced to use bypass roads due to the closure of the main street.
Radwan considered the continuation of the Israeli policy of Judaizing Jerusalem's historic landmarks as destruction of the historical Islamic monuments of Jerusalem, pointing out that this policy threatens the outbreak of religious wars for which only the Israeli entity will be responsible.
He also condemned the dangerous resolution of establishing 3 thousand new settlement units in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, holding Israel fully responsible for the consequences of such decisions.
Israeli minister on provocative tour in Silwan
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- Israeli minister of energy and water Uzi Landau provocatively toured Wadi Hilwe suburb in Silwan in occupied Jerusalem on Monday evening amidst tight security measures.
Eyewitnesses said that Landau, a member of the extremist Yisrael Beiteinu party, started his tour at a settlement outpost to the entrance of Wadi Hilwe then toured a number of other outposts in the suburb.
They pointed out that a big number Israeli soldiers took positions in various areas of the suburb during the tour.
At the same time Israeli municipality teams entered Silwan town and toured shops under heavy security protection.
3 dec 2012
Occupation begins digging tunnel at the entrance of Silwan southern al-Aqsa
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- The Information Center of Wadi Hilweh revealed that the occupation authorities have begun digging a tunnel connecting the Israeli outpost of "Ir David" and the Square of Wadi Hilweh neighborhood, at the entrance to the town of Silwan, south of Al Aqsa Mosque.
According to the Center, the Jerusalem Development Company "Moriah" has distributed a flyer in Wadi Hilweh neighborhood, regarding the arrangements for the traffic movement in the area because of the excavations carried out by the occupation authorities.
It stated that "according to the map attached to the bulletin, the excavation work are concentrated in the Wadi Hilweh's main street in order to build a tunnel for pedestrians, only for settlers and tourists, and which will be linking the Ir David settlement outpost, built on the territory of the town of Silwan, with the Square of Wadi Hilweh neighborhood."
The Centre added in a press statement on Monday that the excavations, conducted by Moriah Company in collaboration with the Jerusalem Municipality, the Israeli police and the Antiquities Authority, will be launched in a few days and will finish in two months
The statement rejected the occupation's allegation describing the project as "evolutionary", stressing that "it is, in the first place, a settlement judaizing project, and would cause serious damage to the residents of Wadi Hilweh, as they will be affected by the closure of the main street of the neighborhood.
For his part, the Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Dr. Ismail Radwan, denounced the occupation procedure, in a press release on Monday.
The Minister said that this new tunnel will only serve the settlers and tourists, and will impose restrictions on the residents of Silwan, who will be forced to use bypass roads due to the closure of the main street.
Radwan considered the continuation of the Israeli policy of Judaizing Jerusalem's historic landmarks as destruction of the historical Islamic monuments of Jerusalem, pointing out that this policy threatens the outbreak of religious wars for which only the Israeli entity will be responsible.
He also condemned the dangerous resolution of establishing 3 thousand new settlement units in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, holding Israel fully responsible for the consequences of such decisions.
- 31 oct 2012
Administrative demolition orders were issued to 10 houses in Silwan and 4 barracks were demolished in Nabi Samuel village.
Jerusalem Municipality officers, accompanied by Israeli forces, delivered administrative demolition orders to 10 houses in Al-Bustan neighborhood and Bir Ayyub in Silwan on 31 October, claimed that the houses were built without permits.
According to Fakhri Abu Diab, a member of the Committee of the defense of Silwan’s prosperities, Jerusalem Municipality officers accompanied by Israeli forces raided Al-Bustan neighborhood and delivered 7 administrative demolition orders to:
Khalil Al-Kadi and his son, whose houses are home to 9 family members.
Abid Sabih(occupents: 7).
S`aaid Radi(occupents: 6) .
The exiled ex-prisoner Sho`aib Abu Sneineh (occupents:7).
Mohammed Maraghe (occupents: 5).
As well as the house of
Abid Al- Qemari ,which includes 6 persons.
Abu Diab noted that those seven houses were built before 2000, and some of them were constructed twenty years ago. He also pointed out that the owners of three of those houses pay building irregularity fine .
Abu Diab explained that the Jerusalem Municipality has been aiming to deliver more administrative demolition orders to houses in Silwan for a long time, , which are more serious than judicial demolition orders, as the name of the owner is not mentioned in the former and as the owner cannot object in the Israeli courts. the administrative orders also allow the municipality bulldozers to demolish the house 24 hours after being handed it to the owner, bearing in mind that they are issued by the municipality and signed by the mayor or any official acting on its behalf.
While judicial demolition orders cannot be implemented by the municipality without a court decision and it could be postponed.
In the same context, Jerusalem Municipality officers delivered administrative demolition orders to Hammouda Siyam’s house and his brother David as well as the house of Abid Al-Razzaq Siyam which is located in Bir Ayyub.
According to Hammouda Siyam, Jerusalem Municipality officers raided his house on the third of Eid Al-Adha, Sunday, october 28th, and photographed it.
Demolition of animal pens in Prophet Samuel:
In addition, four cinder block animal pens belonging to Aid Barrakat and his uncle, were demolished by bulldozers in Prophet Samuel, north of Jerusalem. During the demolition, Israeli forces attacked Aid and used pepper spray on him.
13 nov 2012, 23:01 , Respect -
Maria 2 nov 2012
The activist Kayed Rajabi was released after spending five months in prison
The administration of Nafha prison released the activist Kayed Rajabi, 35, on Sunday, after spending 5 month in Israeli prison. Joy and happiness were pervaded after the release of Rajabi, where he was received by parents and friends.
They carried him on shoulders, especially since his released was in the third day of Eid Al-Adha.
On 23.10.2012 the District Court issued a 5 -month prison sentence to Rajabi and he pay a fine of 2500 NIS. Rajabi was accused of “Israeli forces and settlers” in Silwan.
70 days… Interrogation…Isolation… Torture
Rajabi spend 70 days in prison, during which he faced tough grilling, continuously torture and daily interrogation from 8 am until 5 in the morning as well as his lawyer and family were prevented to visit him, note that he spend Ramadan in the cells.
Sessions for extending his detention were held in secret in the Magistrates Court, where his family or his lawyer was prevented from attending. The Prosecutors were able to obtain a decision from the Israeli Supreme Court that allows continuing the interrogation with Rajabi for an additional month without an indictment against him until the end of the month.
Rajabi pointed out that the prison administration has allowed his family to visit him only twice during the period of detention, but they did not allow to enter clothes for him as well as they refused to move him to the Gilboa prison to serve his period of suspension with his brother Wael Rajabi.
13 nov 2012, 23:01 , Respect -
Maria 2 nov 2012
Release of young men from Silwan
On Friday, November 2, the Israeli police released a number of young men who were arrested in Silwan. Among those who were released are: Omar Farhat Shweki 18, Kanaan Kanaan 22, Montasir Najib19, Ibraheem Abu-Madi 21 and Omar Sidr 19.
However, the Israeli police continued the detention of: Farhat Shweki 50 and his brother Adly 35, the child Bassam Adly Shweki 12, Jameel Taha 20, and the two brothers Mohanad 17 and Mohammad 28, Sajid Al- Goul 17, Moataz Njib 31 and Ahmad Twahy 31 who has the ID of the West Bank.
The Information Center of Wadi Hilweh knew that the Israeli police released all of young men who were arrested.
During the release of young men a number of settlers came to the Maskubiya Jail.
13 nov 2012, 23:01 , Respect -
Maria 2 nov 2012
After spending 2 years in a house arrest, Mahdi al Abassi turns him self in to spend 7 months in prison
Mahdi Amin al Abasi turned him self in on Thursday to spend 7 months in prison after he was charged in throwing stones at the police.
The Magistrate court sentenced Al Abassi on 21/10/12 and gave him until November 2012 to turn himself in even though he was in a house arrest for 2 years.
Mahdi was arrested 3 times, the first was in 2004, he was arrested for one day, 2006 he was sentenced to serve the community for 150 hours.
The second arrest in 2006 he sent 2 months in al Maskubiye cells after he was accused in throwing Molotov cocktails and he was released under the condition of house arrest and under a bail for a whole year, then they sentenced him to serve the community for 6 more months.
On the 3rd time he was arrested in 18/10/10 and was released in a bail and a house arrest away from Ras al Amoud, then the house arrest was extended even though the court sent him back to his house, then he was sentenced for 7 months in prison accused in throwing stones.
The last arrest was last months for 2 days, accused of throng stones during the Aqsa confrontations and he was released for a house arrest for 5 days and he was investigated in the Maskubiye 2 days ago Investigating Majdi al Abassi.
Same story, the Israeli police investigated MaJjd al Abassi 2 days ago in the Maskubiye police station, he was asked about his cousin Emad al Din that is arrested since last week in the Maskubiye, accused in throwing stones in the Aqsa incidents at 5/10/12
13 nov 2012, 23:01 , Respect -
Maria 3 nov 2012
Silwan’s setterls assaulted the residents of Ras Al-Amud
Dozens of Silwan’s setterls assaulted the residents of Ras Al- Amud neighborhood on Saturday evening, November 3 and provoke them under the protection of the Israeli police.
According to the Information Center of Wadi Hilweh, dozens of settlers from Silwan came to the settlement of “Har Haziteem” in Ras Al-Amud neighborhood and went out toward “Al- Dawar” at the entrance of the neighborhood, in the presence of several members of Israeli police, and provoked the passersby and shopkeepers in the area, where they were shouting “Death to Arabs, this is our land, get out of here…”. Then the situation evolved to verbal altercations that extended to fistfight with a group of Arab young men who were in the area.
The Centre pointed out that a number of other settlers came to the place and clashes erupted, in which stones were thrown between the two sides, the police did not to anything.
In additions, the settlers attacked journalists who came to cover the event, while the responsible of the settlers, Aarry King, was there, who said: “I came here today to prevent bloodbath against the Jews”.
Yesterday evening settlers protested against the police who released all young men who were arrested after stabbing an Israeli settler in Ras Al-Amud neighborhood, demanding the police to re-arrest and imprisoned them for life.
The Centre reported that the settlers tried to raid the mosque in Ras Al-Amud but the young men confronted them and prevented them from entering.
On the other hand, Israeli police detained a boy from Silwan, but they released him after the intervention of Arab young people of Ras Al-Amud.
13 nov 2012, 23:01 , Respect -
Maria 4 nov 2012
An Israeli settler stabbed in Ras Al- Amud neighborhood … and arrest of 4 young men from Silwan
An Israeli settler stabbed near the neighborhood of Ras Al-Amud in Jerusalem, his injury described as moderate.
According to the preliminary information available to the Information Centre of Wadi Hilweh, Israeli forces spread in the area of Ras Al-Amud immediately after the settler was stabbed and they prevented the residents from approaching the place, then instantly they began to check the ID of young men and boys.
The Centre knew that the Israeli forces raided a number of streets and alleys in Silwan and arrested a number of young men, including: Kanaan Kanaan, Sajid Al-Goul, Ahmed Twahya, and the brothres Majdi, Momoataz, montasir najib, as well as the brothers Mohammed, Ahmed and Jamil Taha.
In addition, the Israeli forces raided the monastery “Abonna Ibraheem” in the neighborhood of Ras Al-AMUD.
According to the claim of Israeli police that two young men stabbed an Israeli settler at the age of 35 on his back while he was walking with another settler, they manage to reach the Ras Al-Amud settlement and then they call the ambulance and the police.
13 nov 2012, 23:01 , Respect -
Maria 5 nov 2012
After spending a year and half in house arrest… the young man Shaher Zedani turned himself in to serve his sentenced of one year in prison
Shaher Ziad Zedani, 20, turned himself in to the police of Maskubiya Jail to serve one year in prison, because he was accused of an attempt to kill soldiers in Silwan 2011.
The Israeli District Court issued its judgment against the young man Zedani on 22\10\2012; they gave him until the beginning of this November to give himself up.
Zedani’s family pointed out that the Israeli forces have arrested their son on 6.5.2011 and extended his detention for a week in the Maskubiya Jail, and then he was released but to house arrest until the end of the case. A decision was recently issued to him that sentenced him with one year, after spending about a year and a half in house arrest.
According to Zedani’s family, their son was accused of several charges: assaulting undercover unit, obstructing the work of the police, threatening the lives of the settlers and he was convicted of trying to kill soldiers.
The Information Centre of Wadi Hilweh noted that the young man Shaher was arrested for five times, the first arrested was at the age of 16 years.
One of the arrests was house arrest, then he was re-arrested in 2011 and again he was imposed of house arrest until a court decision issued to him that imprisoned him for a year.
The Court refused to ease the conditions of house arrest and allow him to go to work, knowing that he was arrested twice during his house arrest; the most recent was in the last month.
13 nov 2012, 23:02 , Respect -
Maria 5 nov 2012
Muhammad Samih al Abassi, arrested child, has his house raided and searched
On Sunday, Israeli forces raided the house of Samih al Abassi in Al Madares Street. In Batn al Hawa, Silwan they searched the house- messing up its furniture- a few hours after arrest of 17-year old Muhammad.
Al Abassi’s uncles house was also raided. Members of the family were held in one room whilst the house was searched. The uncle and his son were also held for an hour and a half by the Israeli authorities, despite the fact that they are both ill.
Israeli officers have refused to tell the family why the raid took place and why Al Abassi has been arrested, claiming the case is classified. They were told that their soon would be presented to court on Monday.
Muhammad Samih Al Abassi was arrested on Sunday near Shoufat camp, before he was transferred to Maskubiye station.
He was previously under house arrest for a year and half and most recently was allowed to leave his house until 3pm. He was accused of throwing stones at Israeli
13 nov 2012, 23:09 , Respect -
Maria 8 nov 2012
Israeli forces attack the welcome party of newly freed prisoner Mohammad Odeh
Israeli forces attacked the reception party for released Jerusalem prisoner Mohammad Odeh in Silwan.
They fired live and rubber bullets at the people of Silwan who came to welcome the released prisoner.
Following this attack there were violent confrontation in the town between the residents and Israeli forces. According to the Wadi Hilweh Information Centre, 4 young men were injured by rubber bullets and one Israeli soldier was injured with stones.
Undercover forces then took away Silwan resident, 31-year old Mohammad Abu Tayeh, whilst he was in Ein Allouzi neighbourhood. Undercover forces were reported to have been in the car of settler guards.
Eye witnesses suspect that another young man was taken by the undercover forces but this is not yet clear.
After the clashes in Ein Allouzi neighbourhood the Israeli forces enhanced their presence in the neighbourhood. They went to the Abassi family home and prevented the family from leaving it.
Israeli forces wound 4, arrest 2 in Silwan
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- Israeli undercover agents arrested two citizens in Silwan town in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday evening, local sources said.
They said that clashes took place between the invading unit and inhabitants of Lawze and other suburbs in the town during which young men threw stones at the soldiers.
The sources said that the soldiers fired tear gas and metal bullets at the youths wounding four of them other than those treated for breathing difficulty.
Locals said they were welcoming a liberated prisoner when the soldiers stormed the area.
13 nov 2012, 23:09 , Respect -
Maria 8 nov 2012
District Court imprisons activists Ziad Zaidani and Sheikh Musa Odieh
Ziad ZaidaniSheikh Musa Odeh
On Wednesday, the District Court issued an imprisonment sentence for activists and members of the Committee for the defense of Silwan’s homes. The court ease the sentence issued against them by the Magistrates Court last June.
Ziad Zaidani, the 57 year old activist, was ordered to serve two months in prison rather than the four he was initially sentenced to whilst 54 year old Sheikh Musa Odieh was given a 3 month sentence as apposed to the initial 5 month sentence after appeals made by their lawyer.
They must begin their sentence on the 18h of November 2012. They were accused of throwing stones and assaulting police officers.
Zaidani is a resident of Al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan. His house is threatened with demolition for the establishment of the so-called “Biblical King’s Park “. He is the father of nine children; the oldest is twenty-eight years old and the youngest is just ten.Most of them have been subject to detention, exclusion, imprisonment and house arrest. During this week his son, Shaher, turned himself in to serve a year in prison.
Sheikh Musa Odeh is a resident of Al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan.His house is also threatened with demolition by the King David Tourist Park. He is the father of five children, the oldest is 28 years and the youngest is 12 years. His three sons have been subject to imprisonment, exclusion and the threat of demolition on their home.
His youngest son, Mosalam Odeh, has been subjected to harassment and has been pursued by the police as well as being continuously investigated and detained.
...Read more 13 nov 2012, 23:10 , Respect -
Maria 8 nov 2012
Muhammad Abu Tayeh was presented to the judge of the Magistrate court
The Israeli magistrate court extended on Thursday the arrest of the 31 years old Muhammad Tawfik Abu Tayeh until Friday ignoring his health conditions.
The prosecution accused Abu Tayeh in throwing stones and fireworks during the confrontations that happened in Silwan last evening, and attacking the undercover unit and the cops and destroying their operation.
Abu Tayeh rejected these accusations saying he was on his way to the hospital at the moment.
The scars were so clear on Abu Tayeh, a lot of swelling on his face and different scars as well, the undercover unit arrested him while he was in Ein al Lawze area.
Eye witnesses told the Information Center of Wadi Hilwe that the unit and the police attacked Abu Tayeh while he was walking to the hospital and started beating him in his face and head with their hands and feet, he fell to the ground and fainted and the soldier took him to the police car.
According to the prisoner Abu Tayeh, the police started beating him from 8pm until 10pm in the Wadi al Rababe area, then he was investigated from 11pm till 2am, then was transferred to Hadasa Ein Karem’s hospital to be treated, he was transferred from there at 8am to the court and stayed their 7 hours until his trial started, he was still with his hospital uniform.
The confrontations in Silwan started after the Israeli forces attacked the gathering that was welcoming the released prisoner Muhamad Abd Odeh using live ammo and robber bullets towards the gathering.
Abu Tayeh have 2 kids, Tawfik (3) and Teem (1.5)
13 nov 2012, 23:10 , Respect -
Maria 8 nov 2012
Doctor Abd al Baset Abu Armile testifies against Jawad Siyam
Jawad Siyam, Director of the Wadi Hilwe Centre, was surprised to hear a testimony against him during his trial from Doctor Adb al Baset Abu Armile. Eye witnesses say that Armile was taken to the court to testify against Jawad.
Armile claimed that he treated a person by the name of Ali Jawad after Jawad tried to kill him. He also claimed that some men associated with Jawad threatened the same man in Salah Edin street. Threats included the kidnapping of him and his children. After the hearing in court today Jawad was held in court until all other witnesses had left the area.
13 nov 2012, 23:10 , Respect -
Maria 13 nov 2012
5 People from Jerusalem, including 2 children, have had their arrests extended. One young girl has been released under house arrest.
The Information Center of Wadi Hilwe can identify these people as:
Muhammad Sultan al Abassi (12) and Ayman al Abassi (13), both these boys’ arrests were extended until Wednesday so that charges can be pressed against them for throwing stones and wielding molotov cocktails. Ibrahim al Abassi (17) has had his arrest extended until tomorrow. Two brothers, Malek (17) and Omar Mhesen (28) also continue to be held.
Malek’s arrest was extended until his legal procedure is complete, the date of which is currently unspecified. The Israeli forces arrested Malek last week at Shoufat camp. Malek was assaulted physically and is bruised and injured as a result of the assault and arrest. Malek’s brother, Omar’s arrest was extended until 28th November and is to be presented to a probation officer at this time.
The prosecution are charging him with attacking the security officials at Hadasa Ein Karem when Omar was there visiting his brother Malek.
The court released a young girl from Silwan under conditions of the house arrest, after a 1000 NIS bail was paid. The minor is only allowed out of the house to attend school. She was arrested after being held for investigation at Al Maskubiye Police Station on Sunday.
3 dec 2012, 22:31 , Respect -
Maria 13 nov 2012
Ground Cracks in Silwan due to Israeli Excavations
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- Ground and earth collapses occurred in the main street of the Neighborhood of Wadi Helwe in Silwan due do the Israeli excavations in the area.
The Wadi Helwe Information Center pointed out that these collapses and cracks in the earth are caused by the excavations carried out by the Elad Settlement Association and the “Antiquities Authority” in the town of Silwan under their houses and streets.
It is also important to note that the earth landslide took place above a tunnel connecting Silwan to Al-Buraq, the southern wall of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The People of Silwan stated that “cracks and landslides occurred after the heavy downpour that hit Jerusalem”, noting that that this happens continuously since 2008 until today, pointing out that what Elad Association is doing has political aims.
Moreover, the Center made it clear that there is evidence that the excavation was carried out by the Elad Association and not the Jerusalem Municipality, and that the workers carried out maintenance works on the tunnels and kept them secret. The center pointed out that a hole appeared in one of the classrooms of the UNRWA school, causing injury to a number of schoolgirls.
See pictures of collapses in Silwan.
3 dec 2012, 22:32 , Respect -
Maria 13 nov 2012
House demolished in Al Tor, another house in Bet Haneena self-demolished
On Tuesday Israeli bulldozers demolished the house of Adel Aramin in Khillet at Ein, Al Tor without warning.
He had been living in the four room house since 2006 with his wife and four children. His wife is currently pregnant.
Israeli forces surrounded the house while Aramin was working. They took out some of the furniture and then demolished the house. Aramin found out about the demolition through neighbours who called him.His lawyer tried to stop the demolition through a court order, but was too late as the house had already been demolished.
Aramin has said that he did not received a demolition warrant from the municipality and that during the demolition no warrant was shown. He was fined 50,000 NIS for building the property and is still paying this off.
Self demolition in Bet Hanina
Bet Hanina resident Ali Ahmad G’adaide demolished part of his house after getting a demolition warrant from the Municipality of Jerusalem accusing him of building without a permit.
He has been living in a 70sq meter house with a “Zinco” roof since 1967. In September 2011 he added another 70 meters and then recieved a demolition warrant which gave him to option to demolish the property himself or pay for the the Municipality to do it.
- 25 sept 2012
Occupation plans to demolish 3,700 houses in Silwan
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- The Committee for the Defense of Silwan said that the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem plans to demolish 3,727 homes in Jerusalem houaing 1,500 Jerusalemites a prelude to establish Talmudic gardens in the town.
Meir Margaret, Israeli member of the Jerusalem Municipal Council, has informed the committee that the municipality has been discussing demolishing houses in Silwan in the presence of police officers, contractors and housing associations, the Committee's Chairman, Fakhri Abu Diab, said.
Abu Diab told Safa news agency, on Sunday, that the occupation started handing the demolition orders on houses extensively since the beginning of this month in order to complete administrative and legal measures to start demolition operations.
The municipality handed on Sunday randomly 10 demolition notices not issued by the Israeli court for the demolition of 10 Jerusalemite houses built since more than a decade in the town of Silwan.
Abu Diab, owner of one of the houses threatened with demolition, said that Jerusalem municipality and the Israeli police continue terrorizing the Jerusalemites in Silwan in order not to protest against the demolition of their homes.
Deliani: Occupation Completes Demolition Procedures of Silwan Houses
On Monday 24th September, member of the Fatah party's revolutionary council, Demetri Deliani, said that the Israeli occupation is completing its legal procedures in Jerusalem municipality in preparation for the demolition of 88 residential units in the village of Silwan, south of al-Aqsa Mosque.
Deliani said in a press release that the occupation continues to escalate in Silwan village and distributes the illegal demolition orders in the village. In addition to, the occupation continues to arrest the minors, raid the houses and support settlers in their attacks against the residents.
He revealed that targeting Silwan is part of a bigger plan to seize and destroy al-Aqsa mosque. The occupation claims that Silwan is the city of David, where the Jewish temple exists and therefore they want to seize Silwan to reach al-Aqsa mosque under these claims and false pretexts.
Deliani also said that the defence of Silwan and its houses is like defending al-Aqsa and Jerusalem, and any failure will put our people in a very critical situation. We call on the Arab and Muslim world to visit Jerusalem and support its people to defend their right to preserve their holy sites, civilization and culture from the occupation and its attempts to judies the area.
13 nov 2012, 22:50 , Respect -
Maria 29 sept 2012
Palestinian young man electrocuted, brutally beaten in Silwan
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- The Israeli occupation forces on Friday evening kidnapped a 20-year old young man in Silwan district and physically assaulted him using a stun gun.
Director of Wadi Hilwa center Jawad Siyam said Israeli soldiers brutally attacked Mohamed Zeitoun without reason.
Siyam added that there were no confrontations of any type between Palestinian young men from the district and Israeli soldiers.
"He was beaten brutally for long minutes and then electrically shocked prior to his arrest," he affirmed.
He noted that following the incident, different popular committees in Silwan started looking for the whereabouts of the young man, especially as he was kidnapped by Israeli soldiers and not policemen.
13 nov 2012, 22:50 , Respect -
Maria 30 sept 2012
Arson attack on Al-Bustan protest tent
Vandals set fire to the Al-Bustan protest tent on Sunday night, 30 September. The attack occurred between the hours of midnight and 1am, with fire causing damage to the tent itself, carpets and signs within before local youth managed to put out the flames.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center stated that the attack is an attempt to set back the achievements of Silwan’s grassroots campaign to resist the Israeli takeover of the neighborhood and displace its residents.
The arson attack is not the first: last year trees were set fire to in Wadi Hilweh and Wadi Rababa; in 2008 the Wadi Hilweh solidarity tent was set alight.
13 nov 2012, 22:50 , Respect -
Maria 2 oct 2012
Palestinian MP Khaled Abu Arafe denied treatment in prison
Former Palestinian Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Khaled Abu Arafe continues to be denied medical treatment by Israeli prison officials, the Palestinian Prisoners Committee reports.
Arafre, who is currently held in Galboa Prison, suffers from serious stomach problems but has not been granted access to a medical official.
Arafe stated that he has received medication, but it is unknown whether the medicine he has received is safe for consumption given that he cannot seek the assistance of a medical professional.
13 nov 2012, 22:50 , Respect -
Maria 2 oct 2012
Extremists vandalize Franciscan Monastery in Old City
The Franciscan Monastery of San Salvador in the Old City of Jerusalem was vandalized by right-wing extremists today, who scrawled offensive slogans on the monastery’s gates.
The attack was identified as part of the “price tag” campaign, a revenge campaign practiced by Israeli extremists against non-Jewish groups of Israeli society.
Dimitri Dilani, the head of the Palestinian National Christian Coalition, stated that the extremists’ actions are a reflection of the extremist government who represents their views, which are on the rise throughout Israel. Dilani said that the government works openly with the group responsible for the vandalism, and that its actions hurt all religious minorities, including Christians and Muslims.
This attack is the second in the last month, with the same group vandalizing and setting fire to the walls of the Monastery of Latrun.
13 nov 2012, 22:50 , Respect -
Maria 3 oct 2012
Israeli politician joins settlers in swarming Al-Aqsa
Violent confrontations occurred yesterday when over one hundred Israeli settlers swarmed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in celebration of the Jewish holiday of Sukkoth.
Israeli politician Moshe Fijlin of the Likud party was amongst the settlers, whose visit en masse was protected by Israeli military forces.
Tensions had been running high in the Old City since early morning, when several Palestinians were arrested, including a woman from Jerusalem. Verbal and physical confrontations had also been initiated by Israeli forces.
A crowd of worshipers attempted to prevent three large cohorts of settlers from passing through the gates to Al-Aqsa when they arrived, leading to police intervention. One guard of Al-Aqsa, Issam Najib, was arrested.
Seven people were then arrested by police inside the compound, including: Fakhri Abu Diyab, a Silwan activist, An’am Kalambo of Jerusalem; Eilem Masateb, a young student; and three unnamed men.
Police confiscated the identity cards of many worshipers present, and prevented all men under the age of 45 from entering the compound that day.
13 nov 2012, 22:50 , Respect -
Maria 4 oct 2012
Three Silwan men arrested at Hizme checkpoint after soccer match
Right to left, Ahmad al-A’war and Mohmmad al-A’war on the way to the soccer match
Three Palestinian youth from Silwan were arrested by Israeli forces at Hizme checkpoint on Thursday, October 4.
Ahmad Najib (22),
Reyad al-A’war (22), and
Ashraf Shweki (18)
were on their way home to Ras al-Amoud neighborhood of Silwan from a soccer game when they were stopped at the checkpoint.
Officers claimed that their ID cards were not clear and required further investigation before taking the men off the bus they were traveling on and placing them under arrest.
13 nov 2012, 22:50 , Respect -
Maria 5 oct 2012
Al-Tur residents resist raid on school
Israeli forces shocked residents in Al-Tur on Thursday when a raid on Shamile school was attempted.
Students, staff and residents mobilized quickly to protect the school, with a call issued from the mosque’s speakers rallying the people of Al-Tur to hold back the armed forces.
Israeli forces launched the raid claiming that school students had thrown stones at them from the street. Horse-mounted police and undercover units surrounded the school, locking its gates.
A student’s mother told Silwanic that: “We ran to the school as soon as we heard the call from the loudspeaker. When we arrived, we saw them locking the main gate to the school, while on the other side a unit was attempting to break the gate.”
A 19-year old university student was searched and arrested by police, who attempted to strip-searched him in public. Residents managed to stop the search by surrounding the police with cameras.
Israeli police issued traffic fines to over 20 vehicles parked in the school car park, several of them belonging to teachers.
The Parents Committee announced a strike across Municipality schools in response to the attempted raid.
The raid is the most recent in a targeting of schools and their students, who are often searched, physically assaulted or arrested by Israeli forces on the way too and from class.
Last week a guard at the girls school of Al-Tur was stopped by police and denied access to the school before being arrested. He was detained for one day then sentenced to a week of house arrest and ordered to pay a fine.
Two students were also attacked and threatened with arrest by Israeli forces earlier in the day
13 nov 2012, 22:50 , Respect -
Maria 7 oct 2012
Israeli forces attack hospitalised man
A Palestinian man was attacked by Israeli forces outside Makassed Hospital in Al-Tur on Saturday, 6 October.
Hani Abu al-Hawa was already heavily injured from an earlier beating by Israeli forces, and was treated in the emergency room of Hadasa Hospital in Assawiye for facial injuries.
Witnesses report that Hawa was accused by Israeli forces of throwing a bottle at them while he was standing across the road from the Makassed Hospital.
He was still recovering from an attack an Hadasa Hospital, when Israeli forces attacked him inside the emergency room, beating his face until his nose bled.
Hawa’s brother Wael Abu al-Hawa stated that his brother remains in hospital and is under arrest there.
He is expected to undergo investigation as soon as he is discharged from hospital. Wael condemned the attack on his brother, adding that he already suffers from diabetes and has received treatment for kidney problems for the past 25 years.
13 nov 2012, 22:50 , Respect -
Maria 9 oct 2012
Right-wing extremists attack orthodox monastery
The St. George Monastery in East Jerusalem was attacked by Israeli extremists on Monday, terrifying nuns praying inside.
The monastery, a component of the East Jerusalem Orthodox church is near the conservative Jewish neighborhood of Meah Shearim.
Bishop Atallah Hanna stated that extremists threw empty bottles at the church, causing panic inside.
The monastery is headed by Roman Orthodox Patriarch Daniel.
13 nov 2012, 22:50 , Respect -
Maria 11 oct 2012
Sweep of arrests through East Jerusalem
Amir al-Qadmani, 17
A sweep of arrests were made throughout Jerusalem by Israeli forces on Thursday, 11 October. The operation began in Shuafat Camp, Ras al-Khamis camp and Ras Shehade, then moved through Sawane and the Old City.
Ten men and youth were arrested in Ras al-Khamis Camp and Ras Shehade between midnight and early morning.
Several houses were raided and searched. Amongst those arrested were 19-year old Izhak G’atet and 16-year old Muhammad Abu Rumuz.
Forces raided a home in the Bab al-Hadid neighborhood of the Old City near Al-Aqsa Mosque and arrested Luai Hadib, 27, when an argument broke out.
Amir al-Qadmani, 17, was arrested in Sawane.
From Silwan, Sarhan Sarhan (27), his brother Khaldoun Sarhan (26), and Samer Adkikak were arrested when their houses were raided.
Israeli forces were aggressive towards the men’s families during the arrests.
The Awad family home was raided in Bir Ayyub and the Ata Rayan home in Al-Bustan.
Forces used sniffer dogs during the raid, and kept their sirens ringing into the night, provoking extreme anxiety in family members, many of whom were searched by armed forces.
Fifteen-year old Salah Aweda was also arrested the following day.
13 nov 2012, 22:51 , Respect -
Maria 12 oct 2012
Police arrest boys on school trip
Muhammad Abed al-Hafez Abu Rumoz
Two children were detained by Israeli police on Friday, 12 October, before being released 5 hours later.
Muhammad Abed al-Hafez Abu Rumoz, 16, and Fadi al-Kilani were arrested while on a school trip at Gu’s Beach then held at the police station in Tabariya.
The boys were accused of “making trouble”, an accusation they denied which was confirmed by eyewitnesses.
13 nov 2012, 23:01 , Respect -
Maria 12 oct 2012
Second police attack on Ras al-Amoud primary school in a week
Israeli police and undercover officers attacked a group of school children in Silwan on Tuesday, 9 October.
Officers entered the grounds of Ras al-Amoud primary school and hit, swore at and attempted to arrest a number of students, said Issam al-Abbasi, secretary of the Silwan Parents’ Committee.
The attack is the second on the school in the past week: the week before, an undercover unit harassed students just outside school grounds. Last year students were attacked by Israeli officers firing tear gas at them while they walked to school.
Another time the school was raided and one student arrested; a teacher was also arrested when he attempted to intervene and held in Maskubiye Prison for the rest of the day.
The Parents Committee has appealed to the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ministry of Education to keep police and armed forces away from the school, but the problems persist, with undercover officers in particular, continuing to visit the school of 2,000 students, from 7 to 15 years old.
Al-Abbas said that a letter will be sent to the chief of police and the mayor of Jerusalem calling for an immediate ban to be placed on police visiting schools.
Al-Abbas stated that a strike may be called if their demands are not taken seriously: “Israel is terrorizing our children in school to keep them from their education – this is a political act.”
13 nov 2012, 23:01 , Respect -
Maria 12 oct 2012
IOF assaults school students in Silwan
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- In new racist attack, undercover units backed up by the occupation forces attacked on Thursday morning a number of students of Silwan school, sparking fear and panic among the students.
Issam Abbasi, the secretary general of Silwan's central parent committee- Ras al-Amud, said in a press statement that a number of undercover occupation policemen protected by the Israeli police assaulted a number of students of Silwan elementary and secondary schools while on their way to their schools, and they tried to arrest them. The students returned immediately to their homes for fear of the forces stationed near the school.
He added that the number of student in the two schools is about 2000 students aged between 7-15 years, pointing out that this is the second attack on students during one week, where a number of undercover policemen were deployed at the school last week and tried to provoke the students.
He pointed out that the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have attacked several times on the students of the two schools during the past year, beating and throwing tear gas on them while they were heading to school where they have stormed the school to arrest one of the students.
For its part, Wadi Hilwah Information Center warned against attacking and arresting the students before and after leaving school by the Israeli forces leading to serious repercussions on the educational process on the one hand and on the psyche of the students on the other hand, referring to the Israeli attempt to storm al-Tur school last week.
13 nov 2012, 23:01 , Respect -
Maria 17 oct 2012
IOF storms Silwan, arrests citizens
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed Silwan town in occupied Jerusalem at dawn Wednesday and rounded up a number of young men including two brothers.
Wadi Hilwa information center said that a joint force of the Israeli army, police and intelligence stormed the town and launched an arrest campaign, mentioning the names of three youths who were taken in the process.
The Israeli police had also arrested a 33-year-old Jerusalemite on Tuesday night while returning to his home in Tur suburb.
Samer Abu Sebatan, a father of four children, was charged with throwing stones at Israeli security forces who barged into the Aqsa mosque two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the Magistrate court in the holy city ordered house arrest on a 12-year-old child from Bustan suburb in Silwan town. The court said that Muslim Oda should be held in his uncle’s home in Mukabir area until 23/10/2012.