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Gang Arrested for Plotting to Sell Palestinian Land to Israeli Settlement Firms

General view of the Israeli settlement of Efrat, in the occupied West Bank February 7, 2017. (Reuters)
General view of the Israeli settlement of Efrat, in the occupied West Bank February 7, 2017. (Reuters)
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Gang Arrested for Plotting to Sell Palestinian Land to Israeli Settlement Firms

General view of the Israeli settlement of Efrat, in the occupied West Bank February 7, 2017. (Reuters)
General view of the Israeli settlement of Efrat, in the occupied West Bank February 7, 2017. (Reuters)

Palestinian intelligence managed to arrest a gang that was suspected of selling Palestinian property to Israel, a high-ranking intelligence source said on Monday.

The suspects worked as an organized gang. Four of the detainees, including a lawyer, acted as the leaders of this group. They are suspected of planning to sell Palestinian lands to Israeli settlement firms.

The lands are spread in several regions, including Jerusalem, Qalqilya, Nablus and Tulkarm. A 48-year Arab Palestinian broker residing in Israel aided the suspects in their operations.

Palestinian intelligence reported that one of the fugitive suspects, along with the broker, is currently taking shelter in Israel. The cost of the deals, had they been struck, would have reached 8 million Jordanian dinars.

After completing intelligence follow-up procedures, the suspects were arrested and all measures they were taking to complete the deal were stopped. The suspects were referred to the Public Prosecution to carry on legal procedures.

The Palestinian intelligence requested that citizens exercise full caution when selling land, especially in the Israeli-occupied Jerusalem, border regions and areas close to settlements, stressing that citizens should notify relevant authorities regarding any suspicious activity.

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Arab World

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.