Palestinians accuse Israeli government of complicity as Hawara arson suspects are freed

Palestinians accuse Israeli government of complicity as Hawara arson suspects are freed
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An Israeli police officer scuffles with a protester as Palestinian and Israeli peace activists demonstrate at the entrance of Hawara in the occupied West bank. (AFP)
Palestinians accuse Israeli government of complicity as Hawara arson suspects are freed
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Israeli border police officers block Israeli left-wing activists from staging a solidarity rally on March 3, 2023, in the Palestinian town that was set ablaze by radical Jewish settlers earlier this week. (AP Photo)
Palestinians accuse Israeli government of complicity as Hawara arson suspects are freed
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A delegation from Physicians for Human Rights-Israel survey the aftermath of a rampage by settlers in Hawara, near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Mar. 1, 2023. (AP)
Palestinians accuse Israeli government of complicity as Hawara arson suspects are freed
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Journalists scamper away from tear gas fired by Israeli soldiers toward Palestinians in the West Bank town of Hawara on March 3, 2023. (AP Photo)
Palestinians accuse Israeli government of complicity as Hawara arson suspects are freed
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Palestinian cars burned by rampaging Israeli settlers are dumped onto a scrapyard in Hawara, near Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Feb. 27, 2023. (AP)
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Updated 04 March 2023

Palestinians accuse Israeli government of complicity as Hawara arson suspects are freed

Palestinians accuse Israeli government of complicity as Hawara arson suspects are freed
  • Police said they could not find any evidence linking the settlers to the attacks on Feb. 26, some of which were caught on video
  • Israeli troops reportedly used stun grenades and tear gas to prevent busloads of Israeli peace activists from staging a solidarity rally in the town on Friday

RAMALLAH: Israeli police on Friday released all of the settlers arrested in connection with the burning of homes and vehicles in the occupied West Bank town of Hawara on Feb. 26.
The Ynet news website, affiliated with Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, reported that law enforcement officials said they could not find any evidence linking the settlers to the attacks, some of which were caught on video. About 100 cars and 35 houses were destroyed, and more than 40 houses were partly burned.
Israeli sources also said that two settlers placed in administrative detention on the orders of the Defense Ministry could be released at any moment.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the release of settlers was evidence of the “complicity of the Israeli judiciary in covering up the crime.”
Also on Friday, Israeli troops used stun grenades and tear gas to prevent busloads of Israeli peace activists from staging a solidarity rally in Hawara, protesters said. Soldiers pressed their knees into the necks and backs of demonstrators they had pushed to the ground, according to protesters.
According to Sally Abed, from the group Standing Together, at least two people were briefly detained after the army threw them to the ground, kicked and handcuffed them. In another incident, a group of soldiers reportedly violently pushed Avraham Burg, a former speaker of the Israeli parliament speaker, until he stumbled and fell.

 

The Israeli army said it had declared Hawara a closed military zone and so when Israeli and Palestinian activists ignored the military order, security forces used tear gas and other tactics to disperse the crowds and maintain order.
Kayed Odeh, a 42-year-old shop owner, told Arab News that about 1,500 shops in Hawara had suffered losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars as a result of the siege imposed on the town by the Israeli army since Sunday.
“Life is paralyzed in Hawara: No one goes to work, no student goes to school and the situation here has become like a battlefield in Ukraine,” he said.
“Did we expect the government to imprison a government?” he added, explaining that the settlers are like a law unto themselves. “Dozens of security cameras are installed along the main streets in Hawara to obtain evidence of the settlers’ involvement in terrorism against the townspeople.”
He said it would take at least four months for the town to return to normal following the attacks.
Palestinians and human rights activists condemned the release of the arson suspects.
Shawan Jabarin, director of human rights organization Al-Haq, told Arab News: “An accomplice cannot hold a criminal accountable. The Israeli police, army and intelligence are all part of the crime, whether through their failure to prevent it or their leniency with those involved in the Israeli terrorism carried out by settlers.”

 

He warned that growing right-wing Israeli extremism could lead to large-scale massacres of Palestinians.
“Those released settlers will become heroes in the eyes of the Israeli right and they may be rewarded, and we, as a human rights institution, are warning that what is to come will be worse and more dangerous,” Jabarin added.
Ibrahim Melhem, a spokesperson for the Palestinian government, told Arab News: “Have you heard of a criminal who arrested himself? The Israeli army and police are accomplices in the crime, so we are not surprised by their move.”
Referring to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s recent statement in which he called on the government to wipe out the town of Hawara, Melhem said the settlers had taken that as a green light to attack the town with impunity.
US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Smotrich’s comments “were irresponsible. They were repugnant. They were disgusting.” He added: “And just as we condemn Palestinian incitement to violence, we condemn these provocative remarks that also amount to incitement to violence.”
A delegation led by Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff, the EU’s representative in Palestine, visited Hawara on Friday and said his organization “will continue to demand directly the trial and accountability of those who carried out the settler attacks on the town.” Settler violence “must stop,” he added.

 

While the EU representatives were in Hawara, extremist Israeli parliamentarian Tzvi Sukkot arrived in the town and tried to disrupt their conversations using a loudspeaker.
Burgsdorff said: “We made extensive contacts to stop what is happening on the ground, and unfortunately, this intervention was late.” He added that his team will continue its efforts to prevent such attacks against the Palestinian people.
He also demanded compensation for the arson victims, and said his delegation’s visit “constitutes a message of solidarity from the international community with the people of Hawara and neighboring villages.”
Hagai Elad, director general of Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem, said the Israeli government was sponsoring the attacks by settlers by providing them with immunity from any repercussions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Muin Dumaidi, Hawara’s mayor, said the attacks have dealt a psychological blow to residents. He also expressed hope that protection might be provided for Hawara and neighboring villages.
Meanwhile, residents of the town have installed early-warning systems and provided whistles to alert the population in case of any further attacks by settlers. This is similar to the system used by Israelis to warn people of Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza.
Early-warning sirens were used for the first time in Hawara on Thursday evening as dozens of settlers approached the town to attack houses on its outskirts. Odeh, the local shop owner, said alarms have been fitted to loudspeakers at six mosques.


Eritrea releases 166 Yemeni fishermen held for months 

Eritrea releases 166 Yemeni fishermen held for months 
Updated 13 sec ago

Eritrea releases 166 Yemeni fishermen held for months 

Eritrea releases 166 Yemeni fishermen held for months 
  • First group of 115 released fishermen arrived in the Red Sea town of Khokha on Tuesday,
  • Second group of 51 arrived on the same day in the coastal region south of the port city of Mocha

AL-MUKALLA: Eritrean authorities have released 166 out of 267 detained Yemeni fishermen, but have refused to hand back their vessels or their personal belongings.

Locals said on Wednesday that the first group of 115 released fishermen arrived in the Red Sea town of Khokha on Tuesday, while a second group of 51 arrived on the same day in the coastal region south of the port city of Mocha.

The fishermen were detained by the Eritrean authorities five months ago while working in international waters.

A local fisherman, who requested anonymity, told Arab News: “We sent boats (to Eritrea) to transport the freed fisherman home because the Eritrean authorities refused to return their seized boats and other property. Their sole possession is the clothing they wear.”

The Yemenis have demanded that the authorities free the remaining 101 fishermen currently being held.

Hundreds of Yemeni fishermen have been jailed in Eritrea in recent years for allegedly violating Eritrean waters, a claim rejected by the Yemenis.

The dispute between Yemen and Eritrea over water rights in the Red Sea erupted into a brief conflict in 1995 over the island of Greater Hanish. A ruling later determined that the territory belonged to Yemen.

Separately, foreign envoys in Yemen and human rights organizations have condemned the Iran-backed Houthis for abducting 17 members of the Baha’i religious minority after attacking its gathering in Sanaa last week.

US Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin said in a tweet: “We condemn the May 25 Houthi raid on a peaceful gathering of Baha’i in Sanaa resulting in the forced disappearance of at least 17 people.

“We stand with the people of Yemen and their right to freedom of religion, expression, and association.”

Human Rights Watch also condemned the action while urging the Houthis to set those held free and refrain from persecuting religious minorities.

Niku Jafarnia, Yemen and Bahrain researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement: “The Houthis have systematically violated the rights of minorities in Yemen and show no sign of letting up on the pressure.

“The international community should stand in solidarity with the Baha’i community and exert pressure on the Houthi authorities to release the detained people immediately.”

Yemeni organizations, including the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms, also strongly condemned the actions of the Houthis.


Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile over 23 times limit of 2015 deal: IAEA

Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile over 23 times limit of 2015 deal: IAEA
Updated 42 min 29 sec ago

Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile over 23 times limit of 2015 deal: IAEA

Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile over 23 times limit of 2015 deal: IAEA

VIENNA: The UN nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that Iran’s estimated stockpile of enriched uranium had reached more than 23 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers.
According to a confidential International Atomic Energy Agency report seen by AFP, Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile was estimated at 4,744.5 kilograms (10,459 pounds) as of 13 May. The limit in the 2015 deal was set at 202.8 kilograms.


Lebanon judge questions central bank chief over Munich arrest warrant

Lebanon judge questions central bank chief over Munich arrest warrant
Updated 31 May 2023

Lebanon judge questions central bank chief over Munich arrest warrant

Lebanon judge questions central bank chief over Munich arrest warrant
  • Salameh has been the subject of a series of judicial probes both at home and abroad
  • Lebanese judge Imad Qabalan questioned Salameh over accusations of "money laundering, fraud, embezzlement and illicit enrichment"

BEIRUT: A Lebanese judge questioned central bank chief Riad Salameh on Wednesday after Beirut received a second Interpol Red Notice targeting him, this time following an arrest warrant from Munich, a judicial official said.
Salameh has been the subject of a series of judicial probes both at home and abroad into the fortune he has amassed during some three decades in the job.
France earlier this month issued an arrest warrant for Salameh after he failed to appear for questioning in Paris.
On Wednesday, Lebanese judge Imad Qabalan questioned Salameh over accusations of “money laundering, fraud, embezzlement and illicit enrichment,” the judicial official said, requesting anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media.
Two days earlier, Lebanon received an Interpol Red Notice pursuant to the arrest warrant issued in absentia by Munich’s public prosecutor, according to the judicial official.
Last week Qabalan had questioned Salameh, banned him from traveling, confiscated his French and Lebanese passports and released him pending investigation, after receiving the first Interpol Red Notice, issued following the French arrest warrant.
An Interpol Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant but asks authorities worldwide to provisionally detain people pending possible extradition or other legal actions.
Lebanon does not extradite its nationals but Salameh could go on trial in Lebanon if local judicial authorities decide the accusations against him are founded, an official previously told AFP.
Qabalan on Wednesday again banned Salameh from travel and released him pending investigation, the judicial official said.
He also requested Salameh’s file from the judiciary in Munich and noted that “only the Lebanese judiciary has the authority to try him,” the official added.
In March 2022, France, Germany and Luxembourg seized assets worth 120 million euros ($130 million) in a move linked to a probe into Salameh’s wealth.
In February, Lebanon charged Salameh with embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion as part of its own investigations.
The domestic probe was opened following a request for assistance from Switzerland’s public prosecutor looking into more than $300 million in fund movements by Salameh and his brother.
Salameh, who was questioned for more than an hour on Wednesday, again “denied all charges against him” and said wealth came from private sources, the official added.
Salameh continues to serve as central bank governor. His mandate ends in July.
Activists say the travel ban helps shield him from being brought to justice abroad — and from potentially bringing down others in the entrenched political class, which is widely blamed for endemic corruption in the crisis-hit country.
His brother Raja was due to appear for questioning in France on Wednesday, but his lawyer said he was unable to attend due to medical reasons and the judge postponed the session for two months, the official added.


UAE launches quality mark for local products

UAE launches quality mark for local products
Updated 31 May 2023

UAE launches quality mark for local products

UAE launches quality mark for local products
  • The label will signify that the item meets national quality and safety standards, boosting its competitiveness in foreign markets

DUBAI: The UAE government has launched Made in the Emirates, a new quality mark for Emirati-produced products.

The label will signify that the item meets national quality and safety standards, boosting its competitiveness in foreign markets, the Emirates News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Saba Sanabel flour, made by Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Establishment, was the first to bear the Made in the Emirates label.

The mark has also been issued to Yas Electronic Systems for traffic management technologies, Euro Pack Industries for biodegradable plastics, and Rubber Plas Tech LLC for food contact materials.

The new quality mark is in line with the UAE’s strategy for industry and advanced technology, which aims to support the growth of national industries while enhancing the reputation of the country’s industrial products and increasing exports to global markets.

Companies can apply for a license to use the Made in the Emirates mark directly through the website of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
 


Jordanian university grants 10 scholarships to mark royal wedding

Jordanian university grants 10 scholarships to mark royal wedding
Updated 31 May 2023

Jordanian university grants 10 scholarships to mark royal wedding

Jordanian university grants 10 scholarships to mark royal wedding
  • Crown Prince Hussein will marry Saudi citizen Rajwa Al-Saif on Thursday

AMMAN: Jordan’s Zarqa University has granted 10 scholarships in honor of the upcoming wedding of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and Saudi citizen Rajwa Al-Saif, the Jordan News Agency reported.

The university said on Wednesday that the scholarships would be given to students from central Zarqa governorate.

Dr. Mahmoud Abu Shaira, chairman of the university’s board of directors, congratulated King Abdullah II, Queen Rania Abdullah and the Jordanian people on the royal wedding, which takes place on Thursday, and wished the couple a happy life together.