JERUSALEM: Israeli police on Tuesday evicted a Palestinian family from the east Jerusalem home in which they lived for over half a century, making way for Israelis deemed the legal occupants.
Plans for the eviction had been criticized by the EU, UN and various Western governments, though not the US.
Fahamiya Shamasneh, 75, told AFP police arrived unannounced before dawn and forced her out of the house along with her husband Ayoub, 84, their son and his family.
The couple had lived in the house in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of east Jerusalem near the historic Old City for 53 years.
An AFP journalist saw young Jewish men moving into the building after the family were escorted out. “It is the hardest day,” Fahamiya Shamasneh said tearfully on the street after being evicted. She said she was heating milk for her grandchildren when “they knocked on the door and said ‘open, it’s the police.’
“They took us out and threw us outside. What greater injustice is there than this? Maybe we will sleep in the street.”
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it would seek to support the family financially to find another home.
The Shamasnehs had for years been fighting a court battle against Jewish claimants who said the building was their family property, which they fled when east Jerusalem was occupied by Jordanian troops in the 1948 war that led to the creation of the Jewish state. Under Israeli law, if Jews can prove their families lived in east Jerusalem homes before the 1948 war they can demand that Israel’s general custodian office release the property and return their “ownership rights.”
During that war, thousands of Jews fled Jerusalem as Jordanian-led Arab forces seized the city, while hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled from land that was later to become Israel.
No such law exists for Palestinians who lost their land.
The Shamasnehs say they had paid 250 shekels ($70) a month to the general custodian since 1967, an arrangement used by the settlers’ side as proof that the family acknowledged its status as tenants. In 2013 the Israeli Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Jewish claimants.
Tuesday’s eviction was the first in the neighborhood since 2009, according to Israeli anti-occupation group Peace Now.
Israel sees Jerusalem as its undivided capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern sector as their future capital. Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community. Around 200,000 Israeli Jews now live in east Jerusalem in settlement homes considered illegal under international law.
Scott Anderson, head of UNRWA’s West Bank operations, said such expulsions made peace between Israelis and Palestinians harder to achieve.
“We all support the two-state solution and a negotiated peace process. The expansion of settlements is not helpful to that end,” he told AFP.
Peace Now says the house is part of a larger process of establishing settlements in Sheikh Jarrah.
“The eviction of the Shamasneh family, who resided in the house since 1964, is not only brutal but it is also indicating a dangerous trend that could threaten a future compromise in Jerusalem,” the Israeli NGO said in a statement.
Arye King, director at the Israel Land Fund and a de facto spokesman for much Jewish settlement growth in Jerusalem, told AFP last month he wanted the area to go “back to being a Jewish neighborhood.”
“It is happening slowly, slowly,” he said.
Palestinian family evicted from Jerusalem home of 50 years
Palestinian family evicted from Jerusalem home of 50 years
Audi strengthens partnership with Key Car Rental
Audi Saudi Arabia and Samaco Motors, the exclusive dealer for Audi cars in the Kingdom, are celebrating their enduring partnership with Key Car Rental, a partner since 1998. The collaboration has grown stronger over the years, with Key Car Rental selecting a curated fleet of Audi vehicles to meet the diverse needs of premium rental customers across the Kingdom. The partnership has enjoyed an increase in the purchase of Audi cars, with a diverse fleet including Audi A4, A6 and A8 models, in addition to the Audi Q2 and Q3 now also available across rental points of sales across the Kingdom.
To honor the partnership, Audi and Key Car Rental recently hosted a celebration at the Audi showroom in Jeddah. The event marked the delivery of the latest additions to Key Car Rental’s growing premium rental fleet and highlighted the increasing demand for Audi vehicles in the Saudi rental market. Top management from both Key Car Rental and Audi Saudi Arabia were in attendance, as well as representatives from sales and marketing divisions, all of whom celebrated the continued success of this collaboration.
“The continuous expansion of our fleet with Audi range has been a significant milestone for Key Car Rental, marking a new era in our service offering with the help of Audi’s seamless operations, which has greatly contributed to increasing our sales and customer satisfaction,” said Khalid Baghdadi, CEO of Key Car Rental.
Key Car Rental demonstrated unwavering trust in Audi’s product portfolio, by purchasing 100 units of the Audi Q2 and Q3 models, which were strategically distributed across their PoS locations throughout the Kingdom.
This bold move underscored the growing demand for the luxury segment within the Saudi rental market. The entry SUV models Audi Q2 and Q3 perfectly balance premium, performance, and affordability, meeting the needs of customers who seek premium quality at a competitive price point. The Q2, compact yet efficient, combines urban versatility with Audi’s cutting-edge design, making it ideal for those who value agility and style. Meanwhile, the Q3 offers a refined driving experience, blending performance and comfort to provide the perfect solution for customers seeking a practical, yet premium vehicle.
“This collaboration has been a significant turning point for us. The addition of these vehicles to our fleet highlights our commitment to providing exceptional, premium experiences for both business and leisure clients,” said Saleh Aljerwi, COO of Key Car Rental.
In 2014, Key Car Rental successfully facilitated more than 29,000 Audi rentals across Saudi Arabia, with a growing selection of models available for customers to choose from.
“This partnership with Key Car Rental has been instrumental in driving Audi’s growth in the region. As we continue to strengthen our presence, we are proud to offer a diverse fleet of vehicles that elevates the rental experience in Saudi Arabia for local customers and the increasing business travel and leisure tourism the Kingdom continues to enjoy,” said Simon Horabin, general manager of Audi Saudi Arabia.
Where We Are Going Today: Just Taco
If you are craving bold flavors and authentic Mexican street food, Just Taco in Riyadh is worth a visit. Known for its lively atmosphere and delicious menu, the restaurant combines casual dining with a fun twist.
The menu features flavorful choices such as the taco mix platter, offering a variety of tacos packed with authentic Mexican spices. For sharing, the loaded nachos are a hit, with crispy tortilla chips topped with gooey cheese, jalapenos and fresh pico de gallo.
Another standout is the cheesy fries with pulled beef, a hearty dish that combines creamy, savory and crunchy elements.
The food impresses with its freshness and quality, ensuring every bite is flavorful. With reasonable prices, it is an excellent spot to experience authentic Mexican cuisine.
Just Taco has quickly become a favorite for taco enthusiasts in Riyadh, offering consistent quality and memorable flavors.
The cozy ambiance, highlighted by vibrant green and yellow decor, creates a cheerful and welcoming vibe. Friendly staff further enhance the experience, making it a great choice for casual meals with friends or family.
One potential drawback is the shared-gender restroom, which may not suit everyone. However, the excellent food and lively atmosphere more than compensate for this.
For more information, visit their Instagram: @justtaco.sa.
Isak fires Newcastle to victory at struggling Spurs
- Spurs’ ambition of a top- four finish already looks over after a run of one win in eight league games since a stunning 4-0 victory at Premier League champions Manchester City.
- Tottenham sit 11th in the table, but a spirited performance from Postecoglou’s stretched squad deserved more as Newcastle were left clinging on in the closing stages.
LONDON: Under-fire Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said he was angry his injury-ravaged side did not get their rewards for a battling performance as Alexander Isak’s strike earned in-form Newcastle a 2-1 win on Saturday.
Both sides struck inside the first six minutes as Anthony Gordon’s controversial equalizer canceled out Dominic Solanke’s opener for Spurs. Isak then scored for the seventh consecutive Premier League game to claim a sixth straight win in all competitions for Newcastle.
The Magpies remain in fifth but move level on points with fourth- placed Chelsea in the battle for a place in next season’s Champions League. Spurs’ ambition of a top-four finish already looks over after a run of one win in eight league games since a stunning 4-0 victory at Premier League champions Manchester City.
Tottenham sit 11th in the table, but a spirited performance from Postecoglou’s stretched squad deserved more as Newcastle were left clinging on in the closing stages.
“I’m so proud, so happy with this group of players the way they played and I’m really angry that they didn’t get the rewards they deserved today,” said Postecoglou.
“I loved everything. The players were given an enormous task and didn’t make any excuses. We deserved to win the game today.”
Spurs were without first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario along with defenders Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies through injury plus the suspended Rodrigo Bentancur.
The loss of stand-in ‘keeper Fraser Forster to illness meant Postecoglou was forced to throw in Brandon Austin for his Spurs debut.
Slow starts, particularly at home, have been a major part of Spurs’ struggles under Postecoglou but they got off to a flyer. In front of the watching new England manager Thomas Tuchel, Solanke did his case for international recognition no harm with a fine downward header from Pedro Porro’s cross on four minutes.
The lead lasted barely over two minutes, albeit the equal- izer arrived in controversial circumstances.
Joelinton blocked Lucas Bergvall’s pass with his arm to gift Bruno Guimaraes possession and the Brazilian fed in Gordon to fire home. However, a VAR review deemed Joelinton’s handball was not deliberate and the goal stood. Isak needs no help to find the net on current form but got it from an under-manned Spurs defense seven minutes before half-time.
Radu Dragusin deflected Jacob Murphy’s low cross onto the foot of the Swedish striker, who took his tally for the season to 14 goals in all competitions.
Spurs were dealt a further blow as Dragusin, who had been a doubt due to illness, was forced off at the break, leaving Postecoglou without a single natural center back to choose from.
Midfielder Archie Gray and fullback Djed Spence deputized manfully as Tottenham did all the pressing in the second half.
Brennan Johnson blasted off the post after Pape Sarr’s effort had been parried by Martin Dubravka.
Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen
- Visitors are warmly welcomed by actors representing different regions of the Kingdom
RIYADH: From the northern to the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s Souq Al-Awaleen unites the diverse cultures of the Kingdom.
Visitors are greeted with warm welcomes from actors representing each region, allowing them to appreciate the variety of Saudi traditions and the distinct traditional outfits of every area.
Guests can explore the culture of coastal cities, like Jeddah, and mountainous regions such as Asir, experiencing a true melting pot of Saudi culture. They can don the flower headbands and traditional attire of the southern people, and take part in the Ardah dance from the central Najd region, brandishing Arabian swords.
The immersive experience continues as actors reenact everyday life, such as teaching in a classroom. Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.
Additionally, guests can step into an old prison to imagine life behind bars, and browse a selection of nostalgic toys that offers a delightful trip down memory lane.
Each corner of the souq tells a unique story, offering authentic handicrafts, traditional attire and an array of spices that capture the essence of various regions.
HIGHLIGHT
Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.
One of the standout attractions in the souq is the horror house themed around Saudi folklore, known as Al-Sa’alawa. The chilling experience is inspired by tales of a mysterious creature that has captivated the imagination of many.
The Al-Sa’alwa tent offers a thrilling horror house experience that immerses visitors in the legends of Saudi folklore. Osama Al-Balawai, an actor in the tent, describes the creature Al-Sa’alwa, which has become the subject of various interpretations.
Some view it as a ghost, others as a male figure, while some believe it takes the form of a beautiful woman. Regardless of its form, caution is advised when encountering this enigmatic being.
“Join us at the Al-Sa’alwa tent for an unforgettable experience,” Al-Balawai told Arab News. “Will you emerge safe, or will you be captivated by the legend?
“We encourage you to visit Souq Al-Awaleen to partake in this thrilling adventure. We can’t wait to see you there!”
In addition to the horror experience, Arab News discovered Bin Ghaith Textiles, a fabric shop in the market. Owner Hassan passionately shared his love for textiles, highlighting their historical significance.
“My passion is textiles and the history behind them,” he said. “I collect organic fibers and enjoy exploring what people wore before the rise of synthetic materials. This gives me a chance to connect with history.”
Hassan said that his interest lies in the organic materials used in the past, such as linen, cotton, silk and wool, contrasting sharply with today’s disposable fashion culture.
“The market is the heart of any city,” he said. “It reflects the identity of the place, offering insights into its culture and history.”
This year marks Hassan’s second time at Souq Al-Awaleen, where he appreciates the diverse crowd that arrives to explore the rich tapestry of Saudi heritage.
“The younger generation is especially curious about what their ancestors wore and how textiles have evolved,” he said. “It’s essential to preserve this knowledge and tradition.”
The market, which offers free entry, also hosts handicrafts, folk art and live performances. Local artisans have a platform to showcase their work, and visitors can take part in workshops focusing on traditional Sadu weaving and pottery.
In addition to its artisanal offerings, Souq Al-Awaleen serves up a taste of authentic Saudi cuisine at Sufrat Al-Deira. The atmosphere evokes a bygone era, enhanced by cooking demonstrations and other cultural performances.
This year’s Riyadh Season runs until March 2025 and has already drawn more than 13 million attendees, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Elaborate military tunnel complex linked to Assad’s palace
- On the slopes of Mount Qasyun, secret tunnels links a military complex to the presidential palace
- During Assad’s rule, Qasyun was off limits to the people of Damascus
DAMASCUS: On the slopes of Mount Qasyun which overlooks Damascus, a network of tunnels links a military complex, tasked with defending the Syrian capital, to the presidential palace facing it.
The tunnels, seen by an AFP correspondent, are among secrets of president Bashar Assad’s rule exposed since rebels toppled him on December 8.
“We entered this enormous barracks of the Republican Guard after the liberation” of Damascus sent Assad fleeing to Moscow, said Mohammad Abu Salim, a military official from Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), the dominant Islamist group in the alliance that overthrew Assad.
“We found a vast network of tunnels which lead to the presidential palace” on a neighboring hill, Salim said.
During Assad’s rule, Qasyun was off limits to the people of Damascus because it was an ideal location for snipers — the great view includes the presidential palaces and other government buildings.
It was also from this mountain that artillery units for years pounded rebel-held areas at the gates of the capital.
An AFP correspondent entered the Guard complex of two bunkers containing vast rooms reserved for its soldiers. The bunkers were equipped with telecommunications gear, electricity, a ventilation system and weapons supplies.
Other simpler tunnels were dug out of the rock to hold ammunition.
Despite such elaborate facilities, Syria’s army collapsed, with troops abandoning tanks and other gear as rebels advanced from their northern stronghold to the capital in less than two weeks,.
On the grounds of the Guard complex a statue of the president’s brother Bassel Assad, atop a horse, has been toppled and Bassel’s head severed.
Bassel Assad died in a 1994 road accident. He had been the presumed successor to his father Hafez Assad who set up the paranoid, secretive, repressive system of government that Bashar inherited when his father died in 2000.
In the immense Guard camp now, former rebel fighters use pictures of Bashar Assad and his father for target practice.
Tanks and heavy weapons still sit under arched stone shelters.
Resembling a macabre outdoor art installation, large empty rusted barrels with attached fins pointing skyward are lined up on the ground, their explosives further away.
“The regime used these barrels to bomb civilians in the north of Syria,” Abu Salim said.
The United Nations denounced Bashar’s use of such weapons dropped from helicopters or airplanes against civilian areas held by Assad’s opponents during Syria’s years-long civil war that began in 2011.
