On Wednesday evening, Israeli occupation forces arrested a young  Palestinian from Nour Shams camp, east of Tulkarm, at a flying military checkpoint near Jenin.

According to local sources, these forces arrested the young man, Ya’arub Yasser Shehadeh, at a flying checkpoint near the “Harmish” settlement, near the town of Ya’bad.

On Wednesday evening, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant threatened to use excessive force if “riot incidents” continued on the border with the Gaza Strip and affected any settlers or soldiers.

Directing his message to Hamas, Galant said: “We do not want escalation, nor do we seek to fight, but if we reach a point where we must act, Operation Shield and Arrow will be merely a reminder of what can happen to every terrorist element, given the great capabilities that the security system possesses.”

He added: "If Israelis, or any of our soldiers, are harmed, we will not hesitate to use the full force available to us to ensure the safety of citizens and restore calm."

Today, Wednesday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh opened the activities of the “Nablus Expo 2023” exhibition, organized by the Nablus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Acting Governor of Nablus Governorate, Ghassan Douglas, the Mayor of Nablus, Sami Hijjawi, a number of ministers, a number of members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Palestine, and representatives of official and national activities in the governorate participated in the opening.

Shtayyeh said that the event is important and exceptional in an exceptional city, thanking the organizers of the exhibition and the events and institutions of Nablus.

He added: "A few days ago, the Prime Minister of the occupation government declared that between Ebal and Gerizim lies what he does not want, and today from Nablus, between Ebal and Gerizim, a message to the occupier that this city throughout history has taught the invaders a lesson that they have not forgotten in their history. Salutes to Nablus with its martyrs, prisoners, wounded and all... Its fighters.”

He continued: “This event today is the one that breaks the siege on Nablus, and embodies the unity of the situation in Palestine between the river and the sea, that the markets of the city of Nablus will be open to our people from inside and in Jerusalem, that the security situation in Nablus will be at the highest level, and that order and law will be the master of the situation.” “And that Nablus should be beautiful with all its lanes and streets. The beauty of Nablus attracts visitors and the security situation enhances the economy.”

The Prime Minister stressed "the importance of harmony and collective responsibility between all institutions and activities, and with unity a lot can be achieved," saying: "Today we hung the bell and opened a new page in the steadfast town of Beit Iba, which is considered one of the borders of Nablus."

He stressed that the Palestinian economy is strong; The economic growth rate in 2022 reached 3.5%, exports increased 7%, while imports increased 16.5%, and the unemployment rate in Palestine when we took over the government was 21%, and today it is 12.6%, and therefore economic indicators are on the rise, and citizens’ deposits in banks About 17 billion dollars.

The Prime Minister continued: “We are living in a state of financial siege imposed on the government. Donors’ money used to constitute 30% of the total budget, and today it has decreased to 3%. When the money was given to us for political concessions, we did not compromise politically, and today, while we are under financial siege, we will not.” We compromise politically, and President Mahmoud Abbas, and we with him and behind him, adhere to the national constants: defeating the occupation, establishing the state with Jerusalem as its capital, and the right of return for refugees, and since 1988 we have been on the same position.”

He stressed that "national unity is sacred and not a slogan, and we will spare no effort to achieve Palestinian national unity." Emphasizing readiness to provide everything necessary to achieve it.

Shtayyeh stressed the importance of partnership with the private sector, as required of the government to enact stimulating laws and create an attractive environment for investment.

He said, "Since the stifling financial crisis, we have not raised taxes on anyone, despite the rise in prices imposed by the crisis in Ukraine. Rather, we provide support for services and goods provided to citizens. For every cup of water, the government provides one shekel in support, and 20% support from the electricity bill." We supported bakeries so that the price of bread would not rise."

He added: We know that 66% of our people in the Gaza Strip are “refugees,” and 27% of our people in the West Bank are “refugees,” and that is why we were keen to strengthen and provide all the elements of steadfastness and provide support, stressing that “the private sector must be the main operator in any situation.” Economy".

He pointed out that the majority of visits to countries abroad were with the participation of a delegation of businessmen, in order to open doors for investment and achieve profit despite the occupation measures, and we have success stories that we are proud of in the economy.

The Prime Minister said: “We have allocated $400 million to strengthen the Palestinian private sector, by establishing a “sustainability” program for loans with an interest rate of only 1.5%, in addition to supporting economic establishments that have been affected by the “Corona” pandemic.

He called on businessmen and all sectors to meet with the Ministers of Finance and Economy, to inform them of the plans and projects that the government intends to implement, whether from its capabilities or from donor funds, stressing that cash aid had been provided to the industrial zones in Gaza, Jericho, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin, and we are working for it to be a zone. A distinguished industrial sector in Nablus, and today should be a starting point for all of us to restore Nablus to its position.

He said: “On the anniversary of the martyrdom of the fighter Saad Sayel, a tender was issued to establish a hospital bearing his name, which was awarded to one of the companies in Nablus to begin construction on the hospital, and the necessary funds were provided for that, to complete the ring road, and to re-establish a dialysis unit to cover the governorates of the northern West Bank.” All in coordination with the Palestinian Red Crescent.

The Prime Minister continued: “No one is above the law, and the security services have instructions from President Mahmoud Abbas to prevent tampering in the internal affairs, and we will be on the lookout for anyone who tampers with the economy and security of the country, to preserve the promising future for the sake of the youth, and we will not allow a repetition of what happened in the Hebron Governorate.” A condemnable act.”

For his part, Douglas said, "Nablus broke the siege with the unity of its institutions, which decided from the first moment to restore the prestige of Nablus as an economic capital, and thwart plans aimed at further political siege with the steadfastness of the Palestinian leadership and all sectors of the Palestinian people."

He stressed that achieving security and safety is what gives the opportunity to organize such exhibitions, and to think about mobilizing determination to build the nation and strengthen popular resistance against the occupation’s measures.

In turn, the head of the Nablus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sameh Al-Masry, said, “Nablus is considered the economic capital of Palestine and the owner of civilization and history,” stressing the continuation of work to raise the banner of success, development, and achievement despite the occupation’s measures.

He added, "The approval of an event such as Expo Nablus 2023 was done by the Chamber's Board of Directors in order to break the obsession of fear, strengthen the economy and the national product, restore life to Nablus, and continue working to achieve all these goals."

For his part, President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Abdo Idris, said that this achievement is the beginning of the return of Nablus’ status to its era, stressing that the Palestinian private sector is the fence for preserving the nation and formulating policies for future generations, calling for unified efforts and integration between the various governorates of the nation in organizing these important events.

In the same context, the CEO of the Telecommunications Company, Abdul Majeed Melhem, stressed that the exhibition will contribute to defining the identity of Nablus, displaying the products for which it is famous, and creating a state of progress in light of the difficult circumstances.

The coordinator of events and institutions in Nablus, Zahi Anabtawi, pointed to the efforts exerted by all corners of the governorate’s institutions and their combined efforts to make this exhibition a success, which indicates that joint work is the only guarantee of the success of the missions.

For his part, the media spokesman, member of the Board of Directors of the Nablus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Yassin Dweikat, said that the exhibition will last for five days, with the participation of 70 participants who are owners of companies and factories from various governorates of the country, in addition to 30 participants who own services such as restaurants, sweets, and others.

He added that the exhibition is being held on an area of about 30 dunums, divided into several sectors. In order to provide all requirements for visitors, including services and entertainment for children and a theater for holding national, religious, folklore and other events, an employment day will also be held on the sidelines of the exhibition on September 30 of this year, especially for new graduates and those looking for job opportunities. This will provide a qualitative addition to other exhibitions, and will be a link between employers and graduates.

He pointed out that Nablus Governorate suffered a lot as a result of the siege imposed on it, with economic losses in all sectors estimated at 30-40%.

Teacher Iyad Al-Souki from Jenin Boys’ Basic School in Jenin Education qualified as one of the 50 best teachers in the world, as part of the Global Teacher Award organized by the Varkey Foundation.

The Ministry of Education confirmed in a statement issued this evening, Wednesday, that this new achievement coincides with the current preparations to commemorate the activities of World Teachers’ Day, which demonstrates the excellence of our male and female teachers and the high confidence in the educational cadres who are at the forefront of the educational scene in all forums, despite the challenges ahead.

“Education” called for every possible effort to be made; To support the market teacher and ensure that he reaches the title of the first teacher in the world, expressing his appreciation to all the supporting staff and bodies that support every effort that would enhance the presence of the Palestinian teacher and his access to advanced positions; In a way that ensures the elevation of Palestine’s name in scientific and academic forums, regionally and internationally.

The Ministry indicated that it had invited teachers and motivated them to participate in this global competition.

A delegation from the Central Elections Commission met on Wednesday evening with a delegation representing the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip to discuss holding local elections.

Earlier today, Chairman of the Central Elections Committee Hanna Nasser, and an accompanying delegation of committee officials, arrived in the Gaza Strip through the Beit Hanoun “Erez” checkpoint.

Issam Abu Daqqa, a leader in the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, told Al-Quds.com that all the factions in the follow-up committee for the national and Islamic forces that participated in the meeting, including the Fatah movement, stressed the necessity of holding elections, and that they are the right of the Palestinians in Gaza.

Abu Daqqa stated that all factions expressed their willingness to overcome obstacles to make the elections a success, including the leadership of the Hamas movement, which confirmed its readiness to do so as it is the current party managing the situation in Gaza.

He pointed out that the delegation of the Elections Commission expressed its willingness to make more efforts and make contacts with the government as it is the one responsible for issuing the decision regarding holding the elections, indicating that the committee will put the government in a state of readiness of the factions to hold the elections, and that the conditions in the sector are favorable for this step, and that everyone will make every effort. Every effort is made to make it a success as a prelude to student and general elections later.

Regarding whether the Palestinian government obstructed during the past few days the arrival of the committee’s delegation to Gaza, the leader of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine denied that news, indicating that it was for technical reasons related to the necessary permit arrangements on the part of the occupation.

For his part, a member of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian People’s Party, Walid Al-Awad, said that this meeting was the culmination of a general meeting held last August, after which an invitation was sent to the Chairman of the Elections Committee to visit the Gaza Strip and meet with the factions, considering that the committee is the executive body, and a decision must be issued by the Council of Representatives. Ministers hold elections.

Al-Awad indicated in an interview with Al-Quds.com that the meeting emphasized overcoming obstacles, and that there is a consensus on the necessity of holding local elections as soon as possible.

He pointed out that it was agreed to send a message to Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh, in which the factions confirm their preparations to hold elections and work to overcome all obstacles facing them.

Al-Awad stated that the current step will focus on conveying this message orally through the head of the Central Elections Commission, and then a written message will be sent by the factions to the Prime Minister, which will include 3 points, related to confirming that the elections will be held in accordance with the applicable local elections law, and that a decision will be issued. The government will set its date, and executive supervision will be from the Elections Commission in accordance with previously concluded agreements.

For his part, Hisham Kahil, Executive Director of the Central Elections Committee, said in statements to reporters after the end of the meeting, that the committee’s delegation arrived at the invitation of the National Forces Follow-up Committee, and the factions were heard, all of which expressed their willingness to hold these elections and remove all obstacles to them.

He pointed out that the committee was prepared to convey this positive atmosphere, and the factions’ assurances it brought about the necessity of holding elections, to decision-makers in the Palestinian government in Ramallah.

He pointed out that there will be other meetings in the near future, and that the committee will seek to overcome all obstacles and will make every effort necessary to achieve this popular demand in Gaza.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) condemned, in the strongest terms on Wednesday, Israel's admission into the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This decision, taken by the Departments of Homeland Security and State, not only undermines the rights of Americans of Palestinian and Arab descent, but also makes practices... Israeli discrimination is part of the American program.

According to the first Arab American human rights organization, “Israel has not shown equal treatment towards American citizens, and the two-month assessment conducted by the United States government is completely inadequate.”

The US administration's decision came in the wake of a lawsuit filed by ADC on Tuesday evening, which states that "DHS is not following the law by redefining the meaning of reciprocity, a basic principle of the Visa Waiver Program that requires participating countries to treat all American citizens equally." ".

Arab Americans Against Discrimination (ADC) said, “What is disturbing is that the United States government moved forward with this announcement despite its knowledge of the lawsuit, and no ruling has been issued yet in this case, and ADC will remain committed to pursuing all legal options to protect the civil rights of Arab Americans.” And the Palestinians.”

As the organization said in its statement, “It is disturbing that the separate and unequal apartheid system imposed by Israel on Palestinians, a system applied to Americans as well, is now supported by the United States government.”

The ADC's position has been consistent and firm: Israel should not be granted entry into the Visa Waiver Program as long as it continues to discriminate against Arab Americans, especially Palestinian Americans. We have engaged in good faith with both the Department of Homeland Security and State, highlighting our concerns about Israeli policies and practices. It is extremely disappointing that our sincere efforts and concerns have been ignored. The basic principle of “blue is blue,” in reference to the color of American passports, has been ignored.

“By endorsing an equal system for American citizens, our government has given tacit approval to Israel’s biased policies and apartheid measures,” said Abdul Ayoub, ADC’s national executive director. “This decision sends a stark message that not all American passport holders are viewed equally.” ".

In turn, Chris Habibie, Director of National Government Affairs and Advocacy at ADC, said that Israel’s record of discrimination against Arab Americans, especially Palestinian Americans, is neither short-lived nor accurate, “and the Biden administration’s welcoming of Israel into this program is not only a blatant endorsement of this discrimination, but it is also an insult.” To the expected basic standard of universal equal treatment of Americans regardless of their race.”

The United States of America announced on Wednesday that it would exempt Israeli citizens from entry visas to its territory, and thus Tel Aviv would join the American visa exemption program.

This came in a joint announcement by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, who confirmed that Israel has met all the required conditions and joined the list of countries exempt from entry visas.

It is expected that the exemption for Israelis from entry visas will come into effect next November. The procedure stipulates the necessity of registering on the ESTA website 72 hours before traveling to the United States and allows a stay of 90 days for tourist and commercial purposes.

Israeli settlements “have no legal legitimacy and constitute a flagrant violation of international law and UN resolutions,” said UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wensland.

This came during the monthly session of the UN Security Council to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue, which was devoted today, Wednesday, to presenting the Secretary-General’s 27th report on the implementation of Resolution 2334 on settlements, which the Council approved in 2016.

He called on the government of Israel to immediately stop all settlement activities, stressing that the absence of a meaningful peace process to end the Israeli occupation leads to a serious deterioration throughout the occupied Palestinian territory.

Wensland said, “The occupation authorities are still continuing to submit settlement projects and settlement construction operations, as they have submitted plans to build 6,300 housing units in Area C of the West Bank, including retroactively ‘legitimizing’, under Israeli law, three settlement outposts.” Near the “Eli” settlement. Approximately 3,580 housing units were “developed” in occupied East Jerusalem.”

He added: “The demolition and confiscation of Palestinian-owned buildings throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continued during the period covered by the report from June 15 to September 19 under the pretext of not obtaining building permits, which is almost impossible for people to obtain.” The Palestinians obtained it, as the Israeli authorities demolished, confiscated, or forced people to demolish 238 buildings, which led to the displacement of 183 people, including 46 women and 91 children. He pointed out that 32 of these buildings were funded by donors.

In his briefing, Wensland specifically referred to the incident in which the Sub Laban family was expelled from their home in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem, which they had lived in since the 1950s, and handed it over to settlers on July 11.

Wensland noted that Security Council Resolution No. 2334 (2016) calls for “immediate steps to be taken to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terrorism, as well as all acts of provocation and destruction,” explaining, “Unfortunately, daily acts of violence continued, as people were killed.” 68 Palestinians, including 18 children, were killed by Israeli security forces during demonstrations, security operations, attacks or alleged attacks against Israelis, and other incidents.”

He said: “I remain deeply concerned about the continued expansion of Israeli settlements and outposts in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with over 10,000 housing units provided in this reporting period alone. The settlements further entrench the occupation, inflaming Violence, obstructing Palestinians’ access to their lands and resources, and systematically eroding the ability of the Palestinian state to survive as part of the two-state solution.”

He reiterated that “the demolition and confiscation of Palestinian buildings, including internationally funded humanitarian projects, involves numerous human rights violations and raises concerns about the risk of forced transfer,” calling on “the Government of Israel to end this practice, in line with its international obligations, and allow Palestinian communities to build and meet their needs.” its development needs.

Saudi Arabia's non-resident ambassador to Palestine postponed a planned visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque on Wednesday, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

The cancellation came amid criticism made by some Palestinians on social media, who viewed the visit as validating the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem.

Some called for the Saudi delegation to be prevented from entering the mosque.

Quoting a Palestinian source in Ramallah, Haaretz reported that Nayef al-Sudairi, the Saudi ambassador, postponed the visit after hearing "about the sensitivity of the matter" and understanding the "criticism and implications" surrounding it. 

The Israeli daily newspaper added that the diplomat planned to visit the mosque at a later date. 

The Wednesday visit was not officially announced and was not coordinated with the Islamic Waqf, a joint Jordanian-Palestinian Islamic trust, Haaretz added.

The Waqf administers the affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque and often handles visits by official delegations. 

Sudairi, who is also Riyadh's ambassador to Jordan, arrived in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday to meet with Palestinian officials.

During his visit, the first by a Saudi official to the West Bank since the Palestinian Authority (PA) was established, Sudairi met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki and top PLO official Hussein Al-Sheikh.

Sudairi said the kingdom was "working towards establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital".

His trip comes against the backdrop of a warming of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. 

Deals to establish formal ties between Arab states and Israel are unpopular among Palestinians and supporters of the Palestinian cause.

They are viewed as rewarding Israel for its treatment of the Palestinians, which UN experts and rights groups say amounts to apartheid. 

Sudairi's entry to the West Bank and the now-cancelled visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque would not be possible without the consent of Israeli authorities.

Getting such approvals is seen by many Palestinians as a tacit acceptance of Israeli control over the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are both under illegal Israeli occupation.

Speaking at an Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) meeting last week, the Norwegian foreign minister said that "time was running out" for a two-state solution for Palestine.

The Norwegian foreign minister has said that the only way to resolve the decades-long Israel-Palestine conflict is through a "one-state solution" with "equal rights for all."

Anniken Huitfeldt made the statement during a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), a UN body tasked with delivering aid to Palestinians, last week in New York.

Huitfeldt said that while Norway believes that a two-state solution remains "the best way to secure peace and security for both people," time is about "to run out" for such a proposal.

The top diplomat said that the current situation - where Israel continues to violently occupy the Palestinian territories and deny Palestinians their rights - is "moving towards a one-state reality without equal rights for all."

Israel has illegally occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem since 1967 following the Six-Day War, with violence and violations of rights intensifying since Benjamin Netanyahu’s current government came to power in December 2022.

Huitfeldt called the lack of equal rights for Palestinians "unacceptable," suggesting that a single state be created where Palestinians are granted equal rights alongside Israelis.

Many Palestinian activists have advocated for this solution before and it was first proposed by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the 1970s.

However, Israel has refused to grant Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip equal rights or to withdraw from these territories and allow Palestinians to establish an independent state there.

The Norwegian foreign minister also highlighted the ALHC’s failure to realize its goals concerning Palestinian issues. Nonetheless, Huitfeldt said progress had been made in several fields, with hospitals and schools being built.

In her speech, she urged Israel to refrain from actions "undermining" the Palestinian Authority, and to lift restrictions on the use of land in Israeli-controlled Area C and the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.

She further called on the parties to "seek a political solution."

"If there is no end to the occupation and no progress on the political front, any achievements will only have limited effect," she said.

The meeting coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Oslo Accords, which was marked this month.

The agreement was signed as a step towards a solution for the conflict, based on a two-state vision. However, talks have stalled for over a decade amid Israel's refusal to withdraw from the West Bank and East Jerusalem

Palestinians have been subject to increasing violence under Israeli occupation, with hundreds being killed and injured in military raids since March 2022.

Settler attacks have also increased and settlement expansion has been greenlighted by Israel's far-right government. All settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal under international law.

Netanyahu’s cabinet includes extremist ministers who have incited racism and violence against Palestinians, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir.

More than 200 Palestinians have been killed so far this year, in one of the highest annual death tolls in the occupied territories.

Today, Wednesday, the Israeli police arrested a young Palestinian and assaulted a Palestinian girl in the Damascus Gate area of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The police deliberately provoke Jerusalemites in the area, while tension still prevails in the occupied city of Jerusalem.

Germany and the United States have reaffirmed support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict after Netanyahu exhibited a map which omitted the Palestinian territories.

The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed Germany's rejection of a UNGA speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he showed a map of Israel covering the entire area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Both Germany and the US, strong allies of Israel, expressed reservations towards Netanyahu's map that omitted the Palestinian Territory and appeared to be another rejection of the two-state solution.

"Showing a map that does not depict territories that are occupied or annexed, so to speak, is something that we naturally reject and that is of no help with regard to the efforts to reach a negotiated two-state solution," German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sebastian Fischer said. 

This stance was warmly welcomed by Ramallah.

"The [Palestinian] Foreign Ministry thanks the German foreign ministry spokesman for not accepting this lie and misinformation," the Palestinian foreign ministry said in a statement. 

"The ministry demands from the rest of countries to clarify their position regarding Netanyahu's policies of annexation and confiscation." 

US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller also reaffirmed Washington's support for a two-state solution.

"I'm not going to get into any discussion about the map that the prime minister chose to use. I will say that the President has been clear that the United States will continue to support a two-state solution," Miller told journalists. 

Netanyahu's stunt at the UNGA comes amid a warming of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia - with both countries believed to be on course to establish formal diplomatic relations. 

Today, Wednesday, Israeli occupation forces arrested two young Palestinians at the southern entrance to the city of Hebron.

According to local sources, those forces stationed at the military checkpoint located at the southern entrance to the city of Hebron in the Al-Harayeq area arrested two young men, whose identities are not yet known, from inside a vehicle.

The United Nations General Assembly’s General Debate was held on Tuesday, September 19, and runs through Tuesday, September 26. 

Top world leaders, from China to Russia, to Saudi Arabia to South Africa reiterated their governments positions towards Palestine and it rights. 

The following are a selection of some of statements made by world leaders or top representatives of their respective governments. 

China: Support Palestine’s Quest for Justice

Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China:

“The Palestinian issue is at the core of the Middle East issue. The fundamental way out lies in the two-state solution.

“China will continue to support the Palestinian people in pursuing the just cause of restoring their national lawful rights. 

“We should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and observe the purposes and principles of the UN charter. China opposes hegemonism.” 

Russia: Palestine is Waiting

Sergei Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia:  

“Full normalization of the situation in the Middle East is impossible without resolving the main issue – the settlement of the protracted Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. “The Palestinians have been waiting more than 70 years after a solemn promise of a state, but the Americans, who have monopolized the mediation process, are doing everything they can to prevent it. We urge all responsible nations to join forces and pave the way for direct negotiations between Palestine and Israel.“It is encouraging that the Arab League is gaining a second wind and revitalizing its role in the region’s affairs.”

Saudi Arabia: Stability Rests on Justice

Faisal bin Farhan, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia: 

“The stability of the region rests on a just and comprehensive solution for the Palestinian cause and the establishment of a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

”Saudi Arabia “rejects and condemns all the unilateral steps that constitute a blatant violation of international laws and which contribute to the collapse of regional and international peace efforts and are hindering the path of diplomatic solutions. 

”South Africa: Dignity Denied

Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa

“We must work for peace in the Middle East. For as long as the land of the Palestinians remains occupied, for as long as their rights are ignored and their dignity denied, such peace will remain elusive. “The actions of the government of Israel have imperiled the possibility of a viable two state solution. “The principles of the UN Charter on territorial integrity and on the prohibition on the annexation of land through the use of force must be applied in this situation.”

Chile: Don’t Be Silent

Gabriel Boric, President of Chile, Gabriel Boric:

The world must “not (..) remain silent when we see the illegal occupation of Palestine and the inability of Palestine to form a state. We must recognize their rights under international law.” 

UN member states must support the “establishment of an independent Palestinian State.”

Colombia: Double Standards

President Gustavo Petro of Colombia:

“The war in Ukraine benefits the world powers, while their approach to Palestine is different. “The United Nations should as soon as possible hold two peace conferences — one on Ukraine and the other on Palestine.  “This would lead the way in helping to bring peace to all regions of the planet, because both of these alone can bring an end to hypocrisy as a political practice.”

Brazil: Security Palestine 

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil:  

“It is disturbing to see that old conflicts have not been resolved yet, and their threats are increasing little by little. “This is clearly demonstrated by the difficulty of securing the establishment of a state for the Palestinian people.”

Cuba: Solidarity with Palestine  

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez, President of Cuba:

“We reiterate our solidity with the cause of the Palestinian people.”

Bolivia: Self Determination 

Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, President of Bolivia:

He urged the international community to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and allow its people to exercise their right to self-determination in a free, independent and sovereign state with the occupied Jerusalem as its capital.

“Current crises demand a strong United Nations, consistent with the principles that created it, committed to peace, maintaining its intergovernmental character without subordination to any hegemonic power.” 

Turkiye: Permanent Peace 

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkiye:

“Permanent peace in the Middle East is only possible through a lasting solution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.“We will continue to support the Palestinian people and State in their struggle for their legitimate rights on the basis of international law. To reiterate once again, without the creation of an independent and contiguous Palestinian State, based on 1967 borders, it is also difficult for Israel to find the peace and security it seeks.“In this context, we will pursue our efforts, so that the historic status of al-Quds, especially Al-Haram Al-Sharif is respected.”

Jordan: Future of Palestine

Abdullah II, King of Jordan: 

“No architecture for regional security and development can stand over the burning ashes of this conflict. “Without clarity on where Palestinians’ future lies, it will be impossible to converge on a political solution to this conflict. “Five million Palestinians live under occupation—no civil rights; no freedom of mobility; no say in their lives.“The basic requirement for that right is the establishment of their own independent and viable state, on the June 4th, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living alongside Israel in peace, security, and prosperity.”

Five people were killed today, Wednesday, in a shooting crime inside an inhabited house in the village of Basma Taboun in the Galilee region.

According to local sources, five people (three men and two women) in their thirties were killed after sustaining very serious injuries, and another (49 years old) was injured and taken by intensive care vehicle to the hospital.

The escalating murders in Palestinian society within the 1948 territories have witnessed the killing of 176 people (not including those killed in this crime) since the beginning of this year, including 11 women.

American officials announced that Israel will benefit from the United States visa exemption program, in a decision that the Jewish state had been waiting for for a long time, but it faced criticism from democratic parliamentarians and pro-Palestinian organizations.

This decision, which is supposed to become official on Wednesday, comes after a mutual agreement on visa exemptions concluded between the United States and Israel last July and was under testing for several months, as these officials explained, refusing to reveal their names.

Today, Wednesday, the Israeli occupation forces arrested a young Palestinian near the town of Ya`bad, west of Jenin.

According to local sources, the occupation forces arrested a young Palestinian whose identity is still unknown, while he was passing his vehicle through the “Dotan” military checkpoint established on the lands of the town of Ya’bad.

The Israeli General Security Service (Shin Bet) claimed, on Wednesday, that it had arrested a cell that planned a series of attacks against Israeli targets, including an attempt to assassinate public figures, at the behest of Iranian authorities.

According to the Shin Bet statement, two of the detainees are residents of the occupied interior, while 3 residents of Jenin were arrested in the West Bank.

The investigation revealed that the cell members were asked to smuggle weapons into Israel and the West Bank, and were also asked to plan the assassination of public figures.

Today, Wednesday, an Israeli special force, "Musta'arabiun," kidnapped a freed Palestinian prisoner from his workplace in the Al-Salam neighborhood, east of Tulkarm.

According to local sources, special forces, "Musta'ariboun", supported by an occupation army force, raided a commercial store selling vegetables in the Al-Salam neighborhood, and kidnapped Muhannad Adnan Abu Talal (24 years old), a resident of Nour Shams camp, east of Tulkarm.

European Parliament President Roberta Mitsola expressed her hope that the European Union would begin negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova to join it by the end of the year, calling for not “disappointing” the hopes of these two candidate countries.

In an interview on Tuesday with European Newsroom, which includes European news agencies including Agence France-Presse, the Maltese official said in response to a question about the date proposed by European Council President Charles Michel to expand the European Union in 2030, “Instead of focusing on... History: Although it is good to have a date on the table, let us focus on starting accession negotiations by the end of the year, hopefully.”

She added, "If Ukraine and Moldova are ready, accession negotiations can begin and then measures can be taken gradually, step by step. Each country follows its own path, but let us not disappoint the hopes of millions of people who consider Europe their home."

The President of the European Parliament has always shown her support for Ukraine and its accession to the European Union. She was the first official of a European Union body to visit Kiev, in April 2022, after the start of the Russian invasion of the country.

In June 2022, the European Union granted Ukraine candidate status for EU membership in a symbolic gesture, as well as to Moldova. In return, he refused to grant this status to Georgia, demanding more reforms from Tbilisi.

In order to move to the next stage of opening accession negotiations, the European Commission has set seven criteria for Kiev as conditions for starting accession negotiations, in particular strengthening the fight against rampant corruption and carrying out judicial reforms.
In an interim assessment in June, the Commission assessed that two criteria had been met and that the other five criteria were “at a certain level of progress”.

The Commission is supposed to submit a report at the end of October on the status of the progress made by Ukraine and Moldova before the 27 member states discuss the issue during the Brussels summit in mid-December.

These negotiations may take some time before they lead to accession.
In addition to Ukraine, five countries from the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia) and Moldova received candidate status for accession. Some of them began accession negotiations more than ten years ago. While negotiations with Türkiye stopped several years ago.

Today, Wednesday, Israeli bulldozers began demolishing commercial facilities and stalls near the Al-Jalama military checkpoint, northeast of Jenin.

Commercial establishments and stalls are the only source of livelihood for their owners in that area, and most of them have been in place for years.

Today, Wednesday, Israeli occupation forces arrested two young Palestinians from the village of Umm Salmouna, south of Bethlehem.

According to local sources, the occupation forces arrested Shaher Yousef Taqatqa (20 years old) and Shaher Ahmad Taqatqa (19 years old), after they reviewed their intelligence services in the “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, which is located on citizens’ lands, south of Bethlehem.

Israeli occupation bulldozers continue to bulldoze dozens of dunams of citizens’ lands in the town of Bruqin, west of Salfit.

The Governor of Salfit, Major General Abdullah Kamil, said that these practices of bulldozing come within the framework of the accelerating occupation annexation and expansion projects to undermine the Palestinian dream of establishing an independent state and liberation from the occupation.

In turn, Director of the Bruqin Municipality, Amin Sabra, said: “The occupation bulldozers continue to bulldoze approximately 50 dunums of citizens’ lands, to expand the “Bruqin” settlement established on citizens’ lands, and to build new settlement units.”

Sabra pointed out that the occupation has been working to bulldoze the lands adjacent to the settlement for some time, and aims to annex it to the settlement and expand it, noting that these lands belong to the citizens of the town of Burqin.

Sabra explained that the area of the town of Bruqin is approximately 13,000 dunums, and that the structural plan is 1,480 dunums, and the remainder of the area is classified as “C” in which work and construction are prohibited, including lands that were seized for the benefit of the settlements established on their lands, which are “Bruqin, Industrial Ariel, and Burkan.” The new pastoral outpost is on the north-eastern side of the town.

Today, Wednesday, the Israeli authorities demolished the tents of the residents of the village of Al-Araqib, deprived of recognition and threatened with uprooting and displacement in the Negev in the 48 lands, for the 222nd time in a row, since their first demolition on July 27, 2010.

This is the 11th time that the Israeli authorities have demolished the tents and homes of the people of Al-Araqib since the beginning of this year, after demolishing them 15 times in 2022, and 14 times in the year before last.

The people of Al-Araqib insist on staying and clinging to their land, and they re-erect their tents every time, made of wood and a nylon cover, to protect them from the extreme heat in the summer and the extreme cold in the winter, and to confront plans to uproot and displace them from their land.

The Israeli authorities have continued to demolish Al-Araqib since 2010 in their repeated attempts to push the villagers into frustration, despair, and migration from their lands.

Today, Tuesday, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the State of Palestine, the Consul General in Jerusalem, Ambassador Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, laid a wreath on the tomb of the martyr President Yasser Arafat, at the presidential headquarters in the city of Ramallah.

Ambassador Al-Sudairi was received by the President's Advisor for Diplomatic Affairs, Magdi Al-Khalidi.

Ambassador Al-Sudairi, accompanied by Advisor Al-Khalidi, also visited the Martyr Yasser Arafat Museum, toured its corridors and learned about the most important events that the Palestinian issue took place and the historical stations in the life of the late President Yasser Arafat.

The European Union said on Wednesday that it met for the first time with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Palestine, Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi.

He added in a brief statement, “We look forward to working together for the Palestinians and building on the Peace Day efforts that were jointly launched last week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.”

Yesterday, Tuesday, President Mahmoud Abbas received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, at the presidential headquarters in the city of Ramallah.

President Abbas accepted the credentials of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, as Ambassador Extraordinary, Non-Resident Plenipotentiary to the State of Palestine, and Consul General in the city of Jerusalem.

Today, Wednesday, Israeli violent settlers attacked farmers in the village of Umm Safa, northwest of the city of Ramallah.

According to local sources, dozens of settlers, protected by the occupation army, attacked farmers with stones in the lands of the southern region of the village, without causing any casualties.

The sources added that citizens rushed to confront the settlers’ attack and defend their lands.

The Israeli occupation forces are scheduled to close the archaeological area in the town of Sebastia, northwest of Nablus, starting next Sunday, during the Jewish holidays.

According to local sources, the occupation has informed the owners of shops and tourist facilities in the vicinity of the archaeological area in the town, to close them completely, until the end of the Jewish holidays, when they will set up special tents for the settlers at the archaeological site.

Today, Wednesday, the Israeli occupation forces arrested a young Palestinian from the Karkafa area in the center of Bethlehem.

According to local sources, the occupation forces arrested the young Palestinian, Moaz Saad al-Din al-Shweiki (32 years old), after they raided and searched his house.

Today, Wednesday, Israeli occupation forces bulldozed the foundations of a water pond in the village of Artas, south of Bethlehem.

According to local sources, the occupation forces bulldozed the foundations of a water pond to irrigate crops. Under the pretext of not being licensed.

The Al-Atan area has been subjected to continuous violations by the occupation for some time, represented by the demolition of homes, stopping construction in others, and repeated attacks by settlers.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who currently holds the position of Vice Chairman of the National Security Council, announced on Tuesday that he visited a military training site in eastern Ukraine, noting that the Russian army has recruited 325,000 people since the beginning of the year.

In a video clip posted on the Russian VKontakte social media network, Medvedev said, “I visited the training site near the front line on the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic by order of President” Vladimir Putin.

He added that his inspection visit showed that the training provided at this site was “adequate” and that the soldiers demonstrated “strong determination” and “firmness,” in addition to their “spirit of victory.”

Since the start of the war, many senior Russian officials have visited Ukraine, most notably Putin, who in March made a surprise visit to Mariupol, the war-ravaged city in southern Ukraine, before heading in April to the Lugansk region in eastern Ukraine.

In the video clip, Medvedev announced that the Russian army has recruited more than 325,000 people since the beginning of the year, 45,000 more than the previous tally announced by Moscow at the beginning of September.

He explained that between January 1 and September 26, “more than 325,000 people were accepted” into the Russian armed forces.

Since the spring, the Russian army has been carrying out a large-scale voluntary recruitment campaign, accompanied by many advertisements on the streets and on the Internet promising future soldiers lucrative salaries, social benefits, and banking facilities.