Latest news with #NabilAbuRudeineh
Arab News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Jordan raps Israeli minister's visit to Al-Aqsa compound
AMMAN: Jordan condemned a visit by far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday during celebrations marking Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in 1967. 'The practices of this extremist minister and his continued incursions into the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque ... do not negate the fact that East Jerusalem is an occupied city over which Israel has no sovereignty,' said a statement from the Foreign Ministry of Jordan, the custodian of the site. Ben Gvir has long pushed for Jewish prayer rights at the flashpoint site. Most countries consider East Jerusalem to be occupied territory and do not recognize Israeli sovereignty over it. The annual 'Flag March' on Monday drew thousands chanting, dancing and waving Israeli flags shortly after Ben Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Witnesses said a large rally in Jerusalem descended into chaos as far-right Israeli Jews confronted and assaulted Palestinians, fellow Israelis and journalists. A spokesperson for the Palestinian presidency based in the West Bank condemned the march and Ben Gvir's visit to Al-Aqsa. Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, 'repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and provocative acts such as raising the Israeli flag in occupied Jerusalem threaten the stability of the entire region,' Nabil Abu Rudeineh said in a statement. Violence broke out in the walled Old City of East Jerusalem shortly after midday, witnesses said, when young marchers began harassing the few Palestinian shopkeepers who had yet to shutter their stores ahead of the rally. The marchers, mostly young Israelis who live in settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, then began to target Israeli left-wing activists and journalists observing the rally. The demonstrators shouted nationalistic slogans and called for violence against Palestinians. A Palestinian woman and journalists were spat on by a group of young settlers, and nearby Israeli police did not intervene, a Reuters witness said. No arrests were reported as of late afternoon. A police officer at the scene said young Israeli marchers could not be arrested because they were under the age of 18. Moshe, a 35-year-old Israeli settler from the West Bank and supporter of the current right-wing government, walked through a Palestinian neighborhood of the Old City with a rifle slung over his shoulder and his daughter on his shoulders. It was a 'very happy day' because all of Jerusalem was 'under the government of Israel,' he said, declining to give his last name. Left-wing opposition leader Yair Golan, a former armed forces deputy commander, described images of violence in the Old City as 'shocking.' He said in a statement: 'This is not what loving Jerusalem looks like. This is what hatred, racism, and bullying look like.' 'We will keep Jerusalem united, whole, and under Israeli sovereignty,' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting held in East Jerusalem earlier on Monday. Clashes flared throughout the day as left-wing Israeli activists intervened to escort Palestinians away from young far-right Israeli Jews threatening passersby, witnesses said. Journalists covering the rally were repeatedly harassed and, in some instances, assaulted, the Reuters witness said.
Jordan News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Palestinian Presidency Warns of the Dangers of Al-Aqsa Mosque Raids - Jordan News
Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh has warned of the grave dangers posed by the continued Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people — whether through what he described as genocide in Gaza or the ongoing raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque and the raising of the Israeli flag alongside the performance of religious rituals in its courtyards. اضافة اعلان In remarks reported by the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), Abu Rudeineh called on the U.S. administration to take serious action to halt both the war in Gaza and the increasing attacks in the occupied West Bank, including in Jerusalem. He stressed that regional peace and stability are contingent on a just resolution of the Palestinian cause in line with international legitimacy, reiterating that violence in the region will persist until Palestinians secure their legitimate rights, most notably self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Regarding the upcoming international conference on Palestine, scheduled for mid-next month in New York, Abu Rudeineh affirmed that preparations are ongoing to ensure its success by supporting a two-state solution based on the Arab Peace Initiative, and by urging countries that have not yet recognized Palestine to do so in support of its realization on the ground.
Al-Ahram Weekly
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Israel resuming war on Gaza enrages Arabs, the world - Region
Israel's renewal of deadly airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday has sparked widespread condemnation, with Arab and world leaders denouncing the attacks that killed at least 413 Palestinians and wounded over 500. The strikes, which mark the most intense occupation army escalation since a ceasefire was brokered in January, have fuelled concerns about a return to full-scale war in the region. "So far, 413 martyrs have arrived in hospitals in the Gaza Strip," the Palestinian health ministry stated, adding that many victims remained trapped under the rubble. Palestinians: Calls for international action Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the global community to intervene, calling on world powers to "compel" Israel to halt its "aggression" in Gaza. His spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, condemned the strikes and demanded immediate action to prevent further escalation. During a cabinet meeting, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa echoed these calls, emphasizing the need for urgent diplomatic efforts to end the violence. Hamas also condemned the renewed offensive, accusing Israel of using mass civilian casualties to impose a "surrender agreement." Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri told AFP that the strikes were intended to undermine the ceasefire deal and warned that the United States was "complicit" in the escalation. Egypt: Deliberate attempt to displace Palestinians Egypt, a key mediator in past ceasefires, strongly condemned the attacks. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, in a call with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, denounced the Israeli offensive as an attempt to "make Gaza uninhabitable and force Palestinians into displacement." The Egyptian foreign ministry labelled the strikes a "dangerous escalation" with "serious consequences for regional stability" and called on the international community to act immediately to prevent further violence. Arab fury Qatar, which has played a central role in ceasefire negotiations, warned that Israel's actions risk "igniting the entire region" and jeopardizing security. Jordan's government spokesman, Mohammed Momani, described the Israeli strikes as "aggressive and barbaric." Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry strongly denounced the bombing of "unarmed civilians." Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry statement voiced "Saudi Arabia's condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms of the Israeli occupation forces' resumption of aggression... and their direct bombardment of areas populated by unarmed civilians." Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit called the attacks "an inhuman act" and accused Israeli leaders of "risking the lives of hostages and Palestinian civilians for political gain." "Leaders of the Israeli occupation are waging an internal battle at the expense of the blood of children and women in Gaza, risking the lives of Israeli hostages in the strip," Aboul Gheit said in a statement. International backlash Iran condemned the airstrikes as "a continuation of genocide and ethnic cleansing," blaming the United States for its "direct responsibility" in the attacks. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei warned of the "catastrophic consequences" of the situation for global peace and security. The European Union's aid commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, urged an immediate return to the ceasefire, stating: "Civilians have endured unimaginable suffering. This must stop." Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: "We are following with great concern the resumption of fighting in Gaza... which jeopardizes the objectives we are all working towards: the release of all hostages and a permanent end to hostility and the restoration of full humanitarian assistance in the (Gaza) Strip." France condemned the strikes and warned that they "jeopardize hostage release efforts and threaten Palestinian civilians." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concern that the escalation "puts at risk the objectives we are all working towards: securing a permanent ceasefire and restoring humanitarian aid." Russia also denounced Israel's renewed military offensive, with the foreign ministry calling it "deeply regrettable" and warning against actions that "lead to the death of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure." Renewed war shatters ceasefire The latest strikes come amid stalled ceasefire negotiations. The initial truce agreement, in place since January, saw Hamas release 33 captives and Israel free 1,800 Palestinian detainees. However, talks have since broken down. Hamas has pushed for the second phase of negotiations that would include the release of remaining captives, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a permanent ceasefire, as stipulated in the deal. Israel, however, is pushing to extend the first phase until mid-April, conditioning further talks on the "total demilitarization" of Gaza and the removal of Hamas from power. With no agreement in sight, Israel has cut aid and electricity to Gaza, further worsening the humanitarian crisis in the densely populated enclave. Since the beginning of the war, Israel has killed at least 48,572 people in Gaza, the vast majority of whom are women and children. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
The Independent
24-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Israel sends tanks into occupied West Bank for first time in 20 years
Israel has expanded its military operation in the occupied West Bank, deploying tanks in the north of the Palestinian territory for the first time in 20 years. Palestinian authorities condemned the 'dangerous escalation' after the Israeli defence minister said troops would stay in parts of the territory for a year and that tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians would not be allowed to return. Eyewitnesses saw several tanks moving along unpaved tracks into Jenin, a longtime stronghold of the armed resistance against Israel. Israel has intensified its crackdown on the Palestinian territory, vowing to eliminate militancy. The offensive began in the northern West Bank on 21 January, two days after the current ceasefire in Gaza took effect, and has since expanded to surrounding areas. Israel's escalation followed bomb blasts on three buses in separate parking depots in Tel Aviv 's suburbs on Thursday night. Another explosive device was found and safely dismantled. The buses were empty at the time, resulting in no injuries. Investigators subsequently arrested two Jewish Israelis and a Palestinian for their suspected involvement in the bombings, The Times of Israel reported. On Sunday, Mr Netanyahu said his troops would stay in the West Bank 'as long as needed' and that the deployment of tanks for the first time in 20 years signified one clear message: 'We are fighting terrorism with all means and everywhere.' Israel controls vast swathes of the West Bank while the Palestinian Authority governs other areas. Though Israeli troops frequently raid areas run by the Palestinian Authority, they usually withdraw after their operations. The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the latest Israeli military action as ' a dangerous escalation of the situation in the West Bank' and called on the international community to step in against what it described as illegal 'aggression'. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the deployment of tanks. 'This is a dangerous Israeli escalation that will not lead to stability or calm, and we warn of this dangerous escalation,' he said. Israeli forces have been raiding Palestinian homes and demolishing vital infrastructure with bulldozers for nearly a month, primarily targeting Jenin and Tulkarem, Al Jazeera reported. 'Even if they stay, we will return to the camp at the end,' Mohamed al-Sadi, who was displaced from Jenin, told the Associated Press news agency. 'This camp is ours. We have no other place to go.' Palestinians see the deadly raids as an attempt to tighten Israeli control over the West Bank, where three million people live under military rule. The Israeli army said tanks had been deployed in Jenin for the first time since the end of the Second Intifada, or uprising, in 2005. Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said he and prime minister Netanyahu had ordered the military to 'increase the intensity of the activity to thwart terrorism' across all West Bank refugee camps. 'We will not allow the return of residents, and we will not allow terrorism to return and grow,' Mr Katz said. 'I have instructed the military to prepare for a long stay over the coming year in the purged camps and not to allow residents to return and terrorism to grow back.' He had previously directed the military to prepare for 'an extended stay' in several urban refugee camps in the West Bank, now 'emptied of residents' after around 40,000 Palestinians fled. Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, Israel has killed over 800 Palestinians in the West Bank. Additional reporting by agencies.
Al Jazeera
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Israel expands West Bank offensive, says troops to remain ‘for next year'
Israel says it is expanding its military offensive across the occupied West Bank and preparing for troops to remain in some refugee camps 'for the next year'. Defence Minister Israel Katz on Sunday said the army had 'evacuated' three refugee camps in the northern West Bank and had been ordered to remain there 'to prevent the return of [Palestinian] residents'. 'So far, 40,000 Palestinians have evacuated from the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarem and Nur Shams, which are now empty of residents,' he said in a statement. 'I have instructed [soldiers] to prepare for a prolonged presence in the cleared camps for the next year and to prevent the return of residents and the resurgence of terrorism,' he added. For more than a month, Israeli forces have been raiding Palestinian homes and using bulldozers to destroy critical infrastructure. The assaults have largely focused on Jenin and Tulkarem. The Israeli army said tanks have been deployed in Jenin for the first time in the West Bank since the end of the second Intifada, or uprising, in 2005. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the decision to deploy tanks in the northern West Bank. 'This is a dangerous Israeli escalation that will not lead to stability or calm, and we warn of this dangerous escalation,' he said. Since January 19 when the Israel-Hamas ceasefire came into effect in the Gaza Strip, Jenin and its adjoining refugee camp have been under Israeli siege and at least 27 Palestinians have been killed there. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the military to carry out an 'intensive' operation in the West Bank after explosions on Thursday on empty buses near Tel Aviv in what Netanyahu's office described as an attempted mass attack. No casualties were reported in the explosions, and no group has claimed responsibility. In Nablus, at least eight people were arrested during Israeli raids while two others were taken into custody at Beit Hanina, a neighbourhood in northern East Jerusalem. Israeli bulldozers also destroyed electrical lines and waterlines in the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin, Wafa said, adding that Israeli soldiers again set up a military checkpoint at the entrance to al-Issawiya, another neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem. Israel has killed more than 800 Palestinians in the West Bank since the war in Gaza erupted on October 7, 2023.
