hala tours jerusalem

AMERICAN MUSLIM GETAWAY TRAVEL

Exploration • fun • relaxation, carefully curated travel for american muslims.

Embark on exhilarating journeys with your loved ones to some of the world’s most remarkable holiday destinations. Our destinations are thoughtfully chosen to offer you outstanding halal-friendly experiences . Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to bond with like-minded fellow Muslim travelers who understand your unique needs and create lasting friendships. It’s more than just a trip; it’s a chance to connect and meet Muslims from diverse communities, forging lifelong connections.

Embark on our Japan Adventure for an enchanting fusion of time-honored customs and contemporary wonders. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Tokyo, uncover the tranquil splendor of Kyoto, and savor a seamless, Muslim-friendly voyage from start to finish

Discover the birthplace of Bukhari and Tirmidhi on a captivating trip to Uzbekistan. From the grandeur of Samarkand’s Registan Square to the historical charm of Bukhara, you’ll explore their legacies and the Silk Road wonders of Khiva and Shakhrisabz. Dive into the rich history and spirituality of Uzbekistan while experiencing its warm hospitality.

Traveling to Sicily as part of a Muslim group offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s Islamic past. Sicily’s history during the Arab rule from the 9th century is a captivating chapter of cultural exchange and prosperity. Explore and admire Arab-Norman architecture and connect with the island’s rich cultural tapestry. Sicily’s Islamic roots await your exploration.

Spain - Al Andalus

Embark on a journey to Spain, where you’ll immerse yourself in its captivating Islamic heritage. Explore historic mosques, marvel at the enduring legacy of Arab influence in cities like Granada and Cordoba, and connect with the country’s rich culture. Spain’s Islamic roots are ready to be rediscovered on this unforgettable adventure.

South Korea

Join our South Korea Tour for a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Explore Seoul’s vibrant streets, discover the serene beauty of Jeju Island, and enjoy a hassle-free, Muslim-friendly experience throughout your journey.

Colombia, a South American gem, offers diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich heritage. From Cartagena’s historic charm to Bogotá’s cosmopolitan pulse, the country is a tapestry of experiences. With Amazon rainforests, the Andes, and Caribbean coastlines, its natural beauty is unmatched. Colombia’s vibrancy shines through festivals, music, and cuisine. In a Muslim group, you can savor halal dining and enjoy a supportive environment for your religious practices.

Best of Turkey

Allow us to guide you on an enchanting journey through Turkey, where history and modernity seamlessly converge. Explore the mesmerizing architecture of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, indulge in the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine amidst bustling bazaars, and submerge yourself in Cappadocia’s unique culture with its otherworldly landscapes. Turkey’s diverse landscapes, storied history, and lively culture eagerly anticipate your exploration, ensuring an unforgettable travel adventure

Embark on a remarkable journey to Morocco, where ancient traditions merge with stunning landscapes. Explore the bustling markets of Marrakech, wander through the labyrinthine streets of Fes, and marvel at the architectural wonders of Casablanca. From the Sahara Desert’s majestic dunes to the vibrant colors of Chefchaouen, Morocco offers a mosaic of experiences that will enchant your senses and create lasting memories.

The Blessed Sanctuary. The place that Allah Himself sanctified and blessed. A place that the heart of every believer is connected to. Our beloved Prophet (saws) encouraged us to pray in the 3rd holiest site in Islam. On this trip, fulfill that dream of visiting this blessed land and praying in Masjid Al-Aqsa.  Enjoy the honor of the multiplied reward of praying in Masjid Al-Aqsa, experience the religious and historical sites of the city, and meet the loving residents of this beloved city. The entire city and its surroundings are a blessed sanctuary, don’t miss your chance to be a part of that history. 

Alaska Cruise

Marvel at the magnificent creation of Allah SWT as you sail through the alpine frontier of Alaska, gazing in awe at the jagged peaks as they merge with clear pristine waters.  Alaska remains as one of our planet’s last remaining unspoiled destinations.  .

Best of Egypt

Egypt is a place that takes you back in time, not only hundreds of years, but thousands, with a vast and rich history. Amongst the earliest civilizations, it was ruled by ancient Egyptian pharaohs, Persians, Greeks and finally by Muslims around 1400 years ago.

Kenya is the country where safari was born. Discover the dramatic Great Rift Valley, mountain highlands or the coastline of the Indian Ocean with its white sandy beaches. Kenya is also home of the Big Five and you will experience close encounters with lions, elephants, rhinos and many other wildlife. Book your safari to the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve or Amboseli National Park, offering spectacular views Mt. Kilimanjaro towering at 5,895m

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Step into Bosnia, a land brimming with history, breathtaking landscapes, and heartfelt hospitality. Prepare to be enthralled by its hidden gems and distinctive allure. Let the adventure begin!

With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes and world-class beaches, Costa Rica offers some of the best natural sights and experiences in the world, all conveniently packed into one territory. Almost a quarter of the land is preserved within national parks, allowing a wide range of animals and plants to flourish, making Costa Rica an ideal destination for ecotourism. 

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Bring Islamic history and the sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W.) to life with extraordinary Muslim group trips to Palestine and Israel through MEJDI Tours.

As the land of the first qibla, the Holy Land has much to offer, including Salat at the Masjid al-Aqsa, excursions to classic Umayyad and Ayyubid sites, and  MEJDI exclusives , such as home-cooked meals, traditional musical performances, activities with Palestinian artists, students, journalists, poets, refugees, and much more. With special access to hard-to-reach sites—and decades of Israeli-Palestinian relationship building to ensure a smooth, safe trip—MEJDI helps Muslim groups explore their Islamic heritage, connecting travelers to other members of the global ummah, including local imams, sheikhs, policymakers, tribal leaders, and more.

While any company can show you sites and stones, MEJDI helps group leaders choose an honorable path by ensuring your tour is founded on the Islamic tenets of justice, peace, and socially and environmentally responsible  business practices. Just as  our name  means “honor” and “respect” in Arabic, MEJDI’s goal is to honor both clients and communities, enabling groups to honor the areas they visit by supporting Palestinian businesses and engaging with the local Palestinian community. The result is a uniquely  customized tour  like no other that fits your group’s values, needs, and goals.

Renowned and time-honored, these sites are must-sees for a reason.

• Masjid Al-Aqsa and Qubbat as-Sakhrah (Dome of the Rock)
• Mount of Olives (Jabal Zeitoun)
• Masjid Umar, Al Quds
• Hebron (al-Halil)
• Ibrahmi Mosque and the Tombs of Ibrahim, ‘Ishaq, and Ya’qub
• Islamic Museum
• Rockefeller Museum
• The Dead Sea
• Tomb of David
• Participate in Eid celebrations, such as Ramadan (including Laylat al-Qadr) and Eid al-Adha
• Tours of the Muslim Quarter
• Jumu’ah prayer with local mu’minun
• Luxury spa treatments
• Shopping in the Jerusalem Shuk
• Camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities
• Tour East Jerusalem neighborhood
• Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock (Qubbat as-Sakhrah)
• Akko and the Shrine of the Baha’u’llah
• Caesarea Maritima
• Nimrod’s Fortress
• Christian holy sites (Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Church of the Nativity)
• Jewish holy sites (Western Wall, Masada, Yad Vashem)
• Hamat Gader hot springs
• Crusader history tours
• Rafting, Rappelling, ATV excursions, and other outdoor activities
• Visit Al-Jazzar Mosque in Akko

Behind-the-scenes access and unique experiences only MEJDI can offer.

• the Mahmoud Darwish Museum
• Yasser Arafat’s Tom
• Dinner and homestays in Palestinian homes
• Visits or volunteering in Palestinian refugee camps
• Olive harvesting
• Interfaith meetings
• Visit a Bedouin encampment
• Meet with Palestinian politicians
• Meet with local religious leaders, including the imam of the al-Aqsa Mosque
• Meet with Palestinian artists, students, journalists, poets and writers
• Meet with organization leaders
• Meet with Palestinian and Israeli peace builders and social change activists
• Traditional music performances
• Meet and learn about the Palestinian Christian community
• Dual narrative tours, which use our groundbreaking multiple perspectives approach to tourism to let you hear from guides and speakers representing diverse religious, cultural, political, and ethnic narratives
• Golan Heights
• Horns of Hattin
• Rosh Hanikra
• Visit the former Palestinian villages at Ein Kerem and Lifta
• Druze villages, including Majd al-Shams and Daliyat al-Carmel
• Homestays with local Muslims
• Discussions with Palestinian and Israeli peace builders and social change activists
• Meet with local Muslim leaders, including the imam from the al-Aqsa Mosque
• Meet with Arabs living in Jaffa and Nazareth
• Meet with Israeli politicians
• Meet with Sufi groups
• Learn about the Baha’i community in Akko

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TRANSFORMING YOUR TRIPS

Our passion is creating exceptional tours designed with muslim travellers in mind.

If you're searching for your next adventure, you're in the right place.

Explore our range of group tours designed to connect you with stories from our Islamic heritage, energise in breathtaking natural scenery, enjoy delicious halal food and make lifelong memories with new friends.

3rd trip with HTG - deffo recommend!

Why travel with htg.

Creating incredible trips and lifelong memories is not just our job.  It's our passion.

Planting two trees with every booking

Supporting local communities and economies, hiring local guides, shedding light on muslim heritage #ownyournarrative, giving back to the local community.

Through your ticket purchases we have been able to sponsor one year of tuition and board for one student of religious knowledge at the Karadoz Bey Madrasa in Bosnia, one of the oldest prestigious madrasas in Europe. This is no small feat and would not have been possible without

Reducing our impact on the environment

Our local suppliers are the experts in organising itineraries that protect the local environment, so we only include activities that are sustainable. For example, we offer horse riding in Cappadocia

Nassira, Belgium,

🗓️ 2024 trip calendar 🗓️, 2024 trips are now live, thursday 28th march - tuesday 2nd april 2024, ramadan in the jerusalem of europe 6d/5n, saint lucia, *ladies only* sunday 14th - saturday 20th april 2024, a muslim-women's caribbean retreat: saint lucia unveiled, *ladies only* saturday 20th - friday 26th april 2024, the golden age: adventure in uzbekistan tour: 7d/6n, georgia & azerbaijan, monday 29th april - tuesday 7th may 2024, caucasus chronicles: georgia & azerbaijan expedition 9d/8n, tuesday 21st - saturday 25th may 2024, ✨brand new✨ wild bosnia with hiking, rafting & camping | 5 days/4 nights, thursday 2nd may - saturday 11th may 2024 thursday 30th may - saturday 8th june 2024, the golden age: adventure in uzbekistan tour 10 days 9 nights, *ladies only* saturday 4th may- saturday 11th may 2024, spirit of jordan tour: 8d/7n, saturday 18th - friday 24th may 2024, *ladies only* saturday 25th - thursday 30th may 2024, chasing waterfalls in bosnia herzegovina |6d/5n, saturday 25th may - tuesday 4th june 2024, a captivating odyssey: japan & south korea 11d/10n, tuesday 25th - saturday 29th june  2024, ✨brand new✨ wild bosnia with hiking, rafting & camping | 5d/4n, *ladies only* saturday 22nd - thursday 27th june 2024, thursday 25th - monday 29th july 2024, malaysia & singapore, saturday 27th july - monday 5th august 2024, a golden voyage: singapore & malaysia 10d/9n , saturday saturday 3rd - thursday 8th august 2024, experience bosnia expedition 6d/5n, saturday 7th - friday 13th september 2024, istanbul, turkey, saturday 14th - thursday 19th september 2024, ladies turkiye adventure: istanbul, bursa, sogut 6d/5n, *ladies only* thursday 19th - saturday 28th september 2024, the golden age: adventure in uzbekistan tour: 10d/9n, saturday 5th - friday 11th october 2024, saturday 26th october - saturday 2nd november 2024, spirit of jordan tour: 8d/7n, saturday 26th october - sunday 3rd november 2024, *ladies only* saturday 26th october - friday 1st november 2024, thursday 31st october - saturday 9th november 2024, saturday 2nd - thursday 7th november 2024., saturday 16th- saturday 23rd november 2024, jewel of arabia: oman oasis 8d/7n, saturday 21st - saturday 28th december 2024, spirit of jordan tour 8d/7n,  saturday 21st - saturday 28th december 2024, sunday 17th- thursday 21st december 2023, sarajevo winter break 5d/4n, monday 18th - sunday 24th december 2023, resurrection: andalucia muslim heritage tour 7d/6, sunday 17th december - wednesday 27th december 2023, in the media.

Halal Travel Guide regularly participates in global Travel and Halal Economy conferences. Check out what we've been up to!

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Halal in travel global summit 2022, building bridges with food-interview with soumaya, women leadership in the global halal industry, islam channel interview with soumaya hamdi, halal travel guide, halal expo & summit usa 2021, the global tourism forum – leaders summit asia, bringing halal gastro-tourism to the world at foodtrex global summit, "this entrepreneur is redefining travel for millennial muslims" - interview with soumaya hamdi, soumaya hamdi recognised as one of '20 influential women in the travel industry', a sustainable model for halal tourism, women leadership in the global halal industry, we bring muslim travellers together to enjoy incredible experiences, my first adventure with htg.

I recently went to Bosnia with HTG on a woman's only retreat and as it was my first solo trip I was a bit anxious about what the whole experience would hold but I had nothing to worry about as I was made to feel absolutely welcomed and part of the group. Was able to make amazing memories, shared lots of laughs, met wonderful people and truly had a great adventure on this holiday. Ayan

JORDAN TRIP

My first trip with HTG and it has truly been an amazing experience in Jordan! Soumaya had the whole trip very well organized and made sure everyone was taken care of. Definetely recommend booking a trip with HTG! Monia, USA

Adventure in Uzbekistan 2022

At the first instance of being introduced to the itinerary I knew this was a trip seldom found anywhere else. I had been researching about Uzbekistan since just before the pandemic and there didn't seem to be any travel provider that matched my aspirations as well as carrying an Islamic/Muslim-friendly theme. That was until I came across HTG which contained everything and more. Soumaya was very accomodating and supportive during the run up to the trip especially as I was going to be travelling solo. All of the technical, logistical and organisational aspects of the trip were managed brilliantly by sister Soumaya and brother Humoyun allowing me to enjoy the trip seamlessly. Saad, UK

Cappadocia 💕💕💕💕

Went on Cappadocia trip, had an amazing time as usual 🎊 🎉 Soumaya was a great host, always made sure that we were looked after, and always going above and beyond to ensure that we all have a lovely experience🛩💐🌸🦅🌍 Her access to local tour guides, and research is evident, and shows that we always have an authentic and true experience🍸🍹🇹🇷 The hot air balloons, stunning hotel and delicious farewell meal is something that I will remember forever ♥️♥️♥️ Thank you I will be back Insha’Allah xxx Aysha, UK

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Halal hotels jerusalem.

Like other tourists, Muslim travelers coming from Islamic countries have particular requirements when they choose the destination for their vacation. Among these requirements, Muslims are concerned about the availability of halal compliant foods (no pork or alcohol in food) and a clean place to pray.

Many international hotels in Jerusalem  do serve halal  food that is slaughtered in accordance with the teachings of Islamic Sharia and is free of any substances forbidden by Islam such as pork and alcohol.

Other  Islamic countries  such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Oman and Brunei continue to be popular with  Muslim  tourists. Among non-OIC  countries , Singapore, Thailand , the UK, Japan and Taiwan remain the top five respectively, but show improved scores on the index.

Where to Find Halal Food in Jerusalem

Best day tours in jerusalem for muslim travelers.

Jerusalem is a city in Western Asia, on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and is considered holy to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

• Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem
• Bethlehem and Jericho Day Trip from Jerusalem
• Nazareth, Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Jerusalem
• Masada, Ein Gedi and The Dead Sea from Jerusalem
• Dead Sea, Masada at Sunrise & Ein Gedi Nature Reserve Tour from Jerusalem

See all Day Trips in Jerusalem on GetYourGuide.

1. National Hotel – Jerusalem 3* – Halal Hotels Jerusalem

National Hotel is located in one of Jerusalem’s busiest shopping districts, a 5-minute drive from Herod’s Gate, an entrance into Jerusalem’s Old City. Parking and Wi-Fi are both free.

Rooms are air conditioned and spacious, and feature a modern décor. Each has a refrigerator, an LCD TV and en suite bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer.

The Al Watani Restaurant at National Hotel – Jerusalem serves Mediterranean cuisine. You will also find a range of shops selling clothes, beauty products and souvenirs.

In a bustling shopping district, this unpretentious hotel is within 2 km of several major sites of the Old City, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Temple  Mount.

Bright, unfussy rooms with low-key decor provide flat-screen TVs, plus minibars, sitting areas and free Wi-Fi. Room service is available.

Parking is included. Amenities include a casual, contemporary restaurant and a fitness center.

See why so many travelers make National Hotel Jerusalem their hotel of choice when visiting Jerusalem. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a quiet setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you.

Given the close proximity of popular landmarks, such as Skull Hill (Golgotha) (0.2 mi) and Garden of Gethsemane (1.2 mi), guests of National Hotel Jerusalem can easily experience some of Jerusalem’s most well known attractions.

Free wifi is offered to guests, and rooms at National Hotel Jerusalem offer a flat screen TV and air conditioning.

Hotel is in Arab part of Jerusalem,clean,easily accessible to Old City.Sufficient restaurants and takeaways in vicinity.

For muslims,getting to Al Aqsa was a 15 min walk,easily reachable for the fit even if the azaan is called out.The wailing wall and Church of Holy Sepulchre within easy accessibility.The guests staying at the hotel is multinational and multi denominational.

We had rooms on the 3rd floor,comfortable,clean,well serviced.

Definitely enjoyed good sleep. Breakfast was served on the 4th floor,very pleasant,overlooking the city.Very good buffet with American breakfast and Arab food,Omelette bar as well.

Nirvana would greet each guest by name and there would be a chat about the days activities,really refreshing and made you feel like being at “home away from home”.

We used the hotel as a base-visiting Bethlehem and Hebron,Jaffa,Jericho,Jerusalem and surrounds unfortunately not having the opportunity to try the restaurant for dinner.No alcohol is served in this establishment and is totally  halal  friendly.

How much does a room costs at National Hotel – Jerusalem ?

Prices start 138$ /night for Double or Twin Room . The Deluxe Twin Room  is 219 $/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

This twin/double room features air conditioning, cable TV and tile/marble floor.

Where to book online -National Hotel – Jerusalem – Halal Hotels Jerusalem   – you can find the best halal hotels deals in Jerusalem   during Eid al-Adha ,   which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Jerusalem  on Booking.com or Agoda.com or   Expedia.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor .

2. Hashimi Hotel 3* – Muslim Friendly Hotels Jerusalem

The HaShimi Hotel is located in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem. It boasts a beautiful roof top terrace with magnificent views over the city, and an elegantly landscaped garden.

The very modern and artistic interiors feature marble floors, stairs and railings. The entire hotel’s colour scheme is beautifully done in whites, beiges and maroons, with rich gold detailing.

The building is over 425 years old, and is a perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day sightseeing in the city. All historical and religious sites are walking distance from the hotel.

A 4-minute walk from Church of the Holy Sepulchre, this unpretentious hotel in the Old City is an 11-minute walk from Damascus Gate tram stop and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Unfussy rooms for up to 5 guests feature free Wi-Fi, TVs and mini fridges, as well as shared or en suite bathrooms.

Hot drinks are complimentary. There’s a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. Married couples are welcome.

Al Hashimi Hotel and Hostel is located at Old City, Jerusalem, Israel. It offers air-conditioned accommodation rooms, all of which have a cable television, private toilet and bath, telephone, and an Internet connection. Some of its amenities include restaurant and cafe, tours and city trips, room service, and safe deposit boxes.

While staying here, you can visit some interesting places like Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Dome of the Rock, and Via Dolorosa.

In the middle of the old town of Jerusalem this is a nice and quiet oasis. The rooftop terrace with wiev to the temple mount is so nice and relaxing. The  muslim staff is friendly and serviceminded. The whole place has a lot of atmosphere. Rooms are big, updated and clean.

You have to carry your bags, because no car can drive you to the hotell. The nearest gate is Damascus Gate, 7-8 minutes to walk. But when you are installed, everything is within walking distance.

Absolutely amazing hotel with brilliant staff who serve you with a smile, always want to talk about Jerusalem and try their utmost to cater to your every need. The breakfast is amazing and the chef is the most humble and friendliest person you’ll meet.

The hotel is situated in the Old City and if you know your history then you’ll know the buildings are all over 500 years old and right in the hustle and bustle. It is about 2/3 star and they are trying their best to work with what they have. If you want modern contemporary then this is not the place for you. However, Hashimi is perfectly situated to most well known sites. If you’re  Muslim , it is 5 mins walk to Al Aqsa. If you’re Christian, it is literally round the corner from Via Dolorosa and close to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. If you’re Jewish, it’s about 5 mins from The Western Wall. Hotel is in the  Muslim  Quarter of Jerusalem and owners are  Muslim .

The rooms are of good size, fully air conditioned with en suite. No ironing facilities but tea/coffee is available 24/7 in the hotel lobby.

The best way to feel the spirit of Jerusalem Old City is to spend a night there.

Hashimi Hotel is located in the  Muslim Quarter so you are close to all tourist attractions. Nice staff, good breakfast and the best thing- roof terrace with the panoramic view of the Old City.

This is a budget hotel, in a delightful old building, with a mostly  Muslim clientele, and is perfectly charming in every way.

The location inside the Damascus Gate is best appreciated from the rooftop which is a wonderful vantage in the Old City. Rooms are very adequate, but not luxury. The staff were extremely warm and accommodating to our party of North and South American Christians and Jews.

How much does a room costs at Hashimi Hotel ?

Prices start 86$ /night for Budget Double Room.   The Twin Room is 99 $/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

This twin room features a cable TV and air conditioning

Where to book online -Hashimi Hotel – Muslim Friendly Hotels Jerusalem   – you can find the best halal hotels deals in Jerusalem   during Eid al-Adha ,   which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Jerusalem  on Booking.com or Agoda.com or   Hotels.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor .

3. Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem 5* – Halal Hotels Jerusalem

Set in a grand 1920s building, this high-end hotel is 1 km from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, 2 km from the Western Wall and 55 km from Ben Gurion Airport.

Ornate rooms feature free Wi-Fi, minibars, safes and flat-screen TVs, along with espresso machines. Upgraded quarters add balconies or terraces. Suites include living areas, saunas and/or whirlpool tubs. Room service is available 24/7.

Amenities include complimentary breakfast, an atrium restaurant, an old-world bar and a cozy kosher-Italian fusion eatery, as well as a garden terrace, a beauty salon and a fitness center. Valet parking is available for a surcharge.

We had the King Executive room, which had a small balcony overlooking the Agron street and the  Muslim  cemetery/Mamila pool. The bed was quite comfortable, air conditioning worked like a charm (it was hot outside), and the bathroom was the best we had in Israel.

The open attrium downstairs is great for meeting people and having drinks. The breakfast was included in the rate and is huge.

There is literally anything you could want, and you can order special egg dishes or french toast. Service is quite attentive, and we never ran out of their delicious coffee – also try the fresh squeezed orange juice.

The location is great for seeing the Old City (about 15 minutes to Jaffa gate) and the Mamilla mall (about 5 minutes away). Many, many good restaurants.

How much does a room costs at Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem ?

Prices start 595$ /night for King Superior Room . The King Junior Suite is 945 $/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

This suite has air conditioning, seating area and iPod dock.

Where to book online – Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem – Halal Hotels Jerusalem   – you can find the best halal hotels deals in Jerusalem   during Eid al-Adha ,   which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Jerusalem  on Booking.com or Trip.com or   Expedia.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor .

Best Hotels in Jerusalem

Find the best deals for hotels & apartments and resorts in Jerusalem. Check with Booking.com or Hotelscombined.com for best prices & hotels in Jerusalem.

Day Tours in Jerusalem

Looking for day tours in Jerusalem and beyond? Check our Partners in Jerusalem for day tours: GetYourGuide.com or Klook.com .

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Step into Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda Market (aka, the “shuk”) and experience the tastes, smells, and personalities of an authentic Middle Eastern shuk. We’ll have a drink with a Yemenite healer, taste Middle Eastern spices, bite into the freshest local fruit, indulge in gourmet cheeses, sample a surprisingly wide variety of Halva, treat ourselves to hot from the oven pastries, all the while meeting the personalities behind the counter.

What Will I Experience?

A guaranteed treat for all of your senses, uzi-eli: “the etrog man”.

There’s no better way to start your day than with Uzi-Eli the Yemenite healer. A third generation healer, Uzi-Eli draws from his family traditions and the teachings of Maimonides to create healing drinks and natural remedies for good health and happiness. He’s famous for his uplifting etrog drink. We’ll hear his story, good humor, and see what special drink he has to offer.

Pereg: Gourmet Spices

Experience a treat for all your senses! Pereg was established in 1906 as a family business, and the secrets of spices have been passed down from generation to generation. Sample beautiful, aromatic, tasty spice mixtures and learn how to spice up rice the Pereg  way.

Fresh Fruit Stand

We’ll stop at a classic shuk fruit stand and take a taste of whatever is the freshest fruit the vender has to offer us.

Basher Fromagerie: Gourmet Cheeses

A cheese adventure you won’t forget! When Eli Basher took over his grandfather’s shuk stand he converted it into a center for epicurean shuk shoppers. Sample the finest cheeses from Israel and abroad and enjoy the entertaining expertise of the shop’s staff.

Halva Kingdom: Master’s of Halva

Whole sesame halva, shredded halva, halva bars, halva chunks. Cappuccino halva, pecan halva, chocolate chip halva, craison halva, pistachio halva – who knew there were so many types of halva?! Sample delectable halva you never even knew existed and learn about how this delectable treat is created.

Pastry Stand

We’ll end off with dessert! Take a fresh pastry and one for the road.

How early should I have my coffee?

Rise n’ shine for the exciting day ahead.

The group will meet at 9:00am in Davidka Square (the intersection of Jaffa Road and Nevi’im Street)

Anything else I need to know?

A few important tips to remember for your tour.

– Comfy shoes are the best fit for the shuk.

– Approx tour length: 1.15

– Stops along the tour may vary depending on who’s offering the freshest treats that morning.

More of Israel for the lowest price anywhere- Guaranteed!

What’s included, we’ve got you covered.

– All food sampling (yum!)

– A unique treat for your taste buds!

–Tour Guides for this Israel Tour are certified by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism

Tour package pricing below is per person double occupancy in hotels, contact us for single & triple tour package rates.

Shuk experience jerusalem day tour:, pricing per family/group: $350, request info below and we'll send over full tour details.

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Passover 2024: Five hidden gems of Israel to experience on Hol Hamoed

This list unveils five gems, scattered across israel from north to south, offering unforgettable experiences for you and your family..

The House of Colors – Daliat al-Carmel

The Coastal Park – Tel Aviv

Park ariel sharon – hiriya, dead sea bikes – ovnat, neot semadar art center.

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A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a special time of spiritual journey for Christians. It is a time when we recommit ourselves to living a Christian life as a life of pilgrimage and walk where Jesus walked. 

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State Department Arabic Spox Quits to Protest U.S. Support for Israel

Hala Rharrit, the Arabic-language spokesperson for the State Department, has quit in protest against U.S. support for Israel in the war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza who murdered 1200 in an unprovoked terror attack on October 7.

The Times of Israel reported (via Reuters):

WASHINGTON — The Arabic language spokesperson of the US State Department has resigned, citing her opposition to Washington’s policy related to the war in Gaza, in at least the third resignation from the department over the issue. … “I resigned April 2024 after 18 years of distinguished service in opposition to the United States’ Gaza policy,” she writes on social media website LinkedIn. A State Department spokesperson, asked about the resignation in today’s press briefing, says the department has channels for its workforce to share views when it disagrees with government policies.

Another official, Josh Paul, the former director of the Office of Congressional & Public Affairs for the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs,  resigned in October. In a statement at the time, he said: “I am leaving today because I believe that in our current course with regards to the continued – indeed, expanded and expedited – provision of lethal arms to Israel – 1 have reached the end of that bargain.”

The State Department is viewed as a haven for anti-Israel activists. The Jewish Insider publication recently revealed that the department has held anti-Israel “listening sessions” for disgruntled staff to complain about support for Israel, which the vast majority of Americans support.

Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News and the host of Breitbart News Sunday on Sirius XM Patriot on Sunday evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT). He is the author of the recent e-book, “ The Zionist Conspiracy (and how to join it) ,” now available on Audible. He is also the author of the e-book, Neither Free nor Fair: The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election . He is a winner of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak .

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Shalva National Center – Family Tour

Visit the Shalva National Center and experience the magic of inclusion first hand. Shalva, located in the heart of Jerusalem, provides an all- encompassing range of services for thousands of people with disabilities from infancy to adulthood and their families.

Tour the Shalva National Center and see firsthand our life transforming programming, leading-edge therapies, inclusive educational frameworks, social and recreational activities, employment training, respite and family support.

During the hour long tour visitors will learn the story of Shalva, its vision, the challenges, and get an insider’s glimpse of our many varied activities within the center. The tour begins with a movie about the history of Shalva and continues with a walking tour of the state of the art facility.

Tours take place twice a month.

Groups and families over 10 people can request a private tour.

Tour: 1 hour Ages: Whole family Languages: English or Hebrew Cost: Free

Book a tour and dine at Café Shalva

Plan to stop in for a delicious breakfast or lunch before or after your tour. Café Shalva is a family friendly, boutique café, offering a dairy menu of Mediterranean- Italian fusion cuisine. Enjoy an array of wholesome breakfasts, rich pastas, fresh fish, vibrant seasonal salads and delicious desserts. The café is an equal opportunity work setting with a staff comprised of adults with and without disabilities working side-by- side.

The café’s menu and management was developed in partnership with elite culinary establishments, Derech Hagefen in Beit Zayit and Café Itamar, and its interior design is artistically crafted to inspire newfound understandings of inclusion and acceptance.

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Experience Israel in a whole new way… the history, the ancient stories, and the cuisine.

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Israel needs no introduction. However, your valued memories are shaped by the approach to this history-laden land. The key to absolutely loving Israel is our individually-guided groups for a more personal experience. From the north to the south, our tours will help you explore all of what the Holy Land has to offer. The most sacred places on earth will come alive for you.

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BRINGING LIFE TO THE BIBLE!

WELCOME TO THE HOLY LAND

Founded in 1998, PJJ Tours is recognised today as one of the most professional and reputable tour operators in Israel and Palestine. 

At PJJ tours, we specialise in exceptional, authentic and spiritual experiences in the Holy Land. 

Our tours give pilgrims a chance to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.  We can take you to the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Baptismal site on the banks of the River Jordan, via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, and so much more.

Browse our website to learn about our carefully curated packages, or contact us to build your personalised experience for a meaningful journey.  

We look forward to making your visit to the Holy Land serene and stressless.  

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!

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An Overview of Where Jesus Himself Spent His Time!

THE BASILICA OF THE ANNUNCIATION

At the Basilica of the Annunciation, also known as the Church of the Annunciation, you'll get to visit the site of the house of the Virgin Mary, and where the Angel Gabriel appeared to her and announced to her that she would conceive Jesus, the son of God.

THE CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY

The Bible tells the story of the birth of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem.  With us, you can experience the place of Jesus' nativity and the field where an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, announcing the birth of a saviour, Christ the Lord.

BAPTISMAL SITE ON THE RIVER JORDAN

Located on the banks of the River Jordan, you'll get to be baptised at the same location where it is believed that John the Baptist performed the baptism of Jesus.

MT. OF TEMPTATION

At the edge of the Judean desert, overlooking the Jericho oasis, the lowest city on earth, lies the Mt. of Temptation.  It is here that Satan attempted to tempt Jesus, who had spent 40 days and nights in the desert.

SEA OF GALILEE

Much of Jesus' ministry occurs on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water. It is in Capernaum, on the northern shore of the lake, that the Bible says Jesus performed many of his miracles, and on the Mt of Beatitudes that he delivered the Sermon on the Mount to his followers.

CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION (MT. TABOR)

Visit the site where it is believed that Jesus transfigured and became a radiant glory upon a mountain.  Here is where Jesus spoke with Moses and Elijah, and Jesus is called "son" by God.  It is one of the significant events that took place in Jesus' life, believed to be one of the miracles of Jesus.

VIA DOLOROSA AND THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, along the Via Dolorosa and the Stations of the Cross, until you reach the place of his final sacrifice - Golgotha. Here stands the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where you can experience the final four stages of the passion of Christ.

CHAPEL OF THE ASCENSION

Housing a slab of stone thought to contain one of Jesus' footprints, the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mt. of Olives sits at the location where it is traditionally believed that Jesus ascended to heaven after his Resurrection.

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Israel’s war on Gaza updates: Evidence of torture, executions in mass grave

Palestinian Civil Defence says it would cooperate with an independent investigation into three separate mass graves containing 392 bodies.

This live page is now closed. You can continue to follow our coverage of the war in Gaza here.

• The Palestinian Civil Defence says it will cooperate with an independent investigation into three separate mass graves containing 392 bodies.
• Demands for “answers” from Israeli leaders reverberate as the grisly effort to dig up corpses buried in Khan Younis continues.
• A Hamas official says the group is “serious” about releasing captives, but only with a ceasefire.
• A senior Israeli official says the military is “moving ahead” with its planned ground invasion of Rafah, ignoring a growing chorus of international warnings to call it off.
• At least 34,305 Palestinians have been killed and 77,293 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attacks stands at 1,139, with dozens still held captive in Gaza.

That’s a wrap from us

Thank you for joining us for updates on everything related to Israel’s war on Gaza.

For more news, analysis and opinion on the conflict, click  here .

A look at what happened today

We will be closing this live page soon. Here’s a quick recap from today:

• The Palestinian Civil Defence said it will cooperate with an independent investigation into three separate mass graves  containing 392 bodies.
• Pro-Palestine student protests continued across the US, with Georgia State Patrol officers using stun guns and arresting protesters on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta.
• Khalil al-Hayya, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, reiterated that the group will not accept a truce deal without a permanent ceasefire.
• A senior Israeli official said the military is “moving ahead” with its planned ground invasion of Rafah.
• Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi denounced “forced migration” after Israel said it plans to attack Rafah city.
• The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) says its aid ship bound for the Gaza Strip was delayed after Israel initiated an “administrative roadblock”.
• The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that at least eight people were killed in an Israeli air raid in central Gaza’s Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood.
• Israeli forces killed a Belgian aid worker and his seven-year-old son in an attack in Rafah, prompting Belgium to summon its Israeli envoy.
• Israeli far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has called for cutting ties with the Palestinian Authority.

Chef Jose Andres mourns WCK workers killed in Gaza

Celebrity Chef Jose Andres says the seven aid workers killed by Israeli forces in Gaza were “the best of humanity” during a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral that was attended by hundreds.

The attack on an aid convoy for Andres’s charity, World Central Kitchen (WCK), earlier this month prompted worldwide condemnation.

At the service, Andres praised each of the workers – Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, John Chapman, Jacob Flickinger, Lalzawmi Frankcom, James Henderson, James Kirby, and Damian Sobol – during an emotional eulogy, his voice cracking repeatedly.

“The seven souls we mourn today were there so that hungry people could eat,” he said, referring to residents of Gaza. “They risked everything to feed people they did not know.

“They were the best of humanity. Their examples should inspire us to do better, to be better,” he said.

Andres said WCK continues to demand an investigation into the actions of the Israeli forces against its workers and that the official explanation was not good enough.

“There is no excuse for these killings. None,” he said.

Photos: Student pro-Palestine protests continue across the US

The protesters at George Washington University are not planning to leave anytime soon

Reporting from Washington DC, US

The students here at George Washington University have the same template as the students at Columbia.

They’re looking for the university to divest, to declare what interests they have in companies linked to Israel, and also, they’re looking to make sure that anyone who is involved in these protests will get an amnesty afterwards.

However, in the last hour or so, we’ve also seen a number of barriers placed on the edge of the square. They were very quickly removed, but they’re not far away.

The number of police in nearby streets has increased. We are told the Secret Service was here as well, but they have cycled away and are no longer on site.

A number of accesses to the square have been blocked, and in the building over my shoulder, the police have set up essentially a temporary command structure where they are talking about what they can do.

Now, seven o’clock local time … was given essentially as a deadline for the encampment to go away. It’s not clear then what the university administrators will do.

What is clear is that the Metropolitan Police Department has been called in to help because the numbers are just too big for George Washington’s own police to deal with.

The mayor has said that it has to be done peacefully if the protesters are to be moved.

The people here are not planning to leave anytime soon. They will stay until the university meets its demands.

US campus protests for Palestine spread to the University of Pennsylvania

Social media video verified by Al Jazeera shows students at UPenn setting up a “Gaza encampment” the likes of which have been seen at Columbia University and on other campuses.

Many student protests have been met with violent crackdowns by local police departments.

UPenn seized for Palestine pic.twitter.com/yXldxvVd4D — hate5six (@hate5six) April 25, 2024

Houthis claim to have targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden

The spokesperson for the Iran-aligned group, Yahya Saree, says it targeted an Israeli ship, the MSC Darwin, in the Gulf of Aden.

The Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November in what they say is a  campaign of solidarity with Palestinians and against Israel’s continuing war on Gaza .

Britain said on Thursday the Royal Navy warship HMS Diamond had shot down a missile fired by the Houthis from Yemen targeting a merchant vessel.

“The UK continues to be at the forefront of the international response to the Iranian-backed Houthis’ dangerous attacks on commercial vessels, which have claimed the lives of international mariners,” British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said in a statement

Saree said the group had also fired a number of “ballistic and winged missiles” at several targets around Eilat in southern Israel.

WATCH: Students call on French government to help Palestine

Watch our report on students at Sorbonne University, who are protesting on campus in support of Palestinians.

France threatens new sanctions against Israeli settlers

President Emmanuel Macron’s office says France is considering extending sanctions on Israeli settlers behind violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank after the prime minister spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

The two leaders “firmly condemned recent Israeli announcements about settlements” in the occupied West Bank, “which are contrary to international law”, Macron’s office said in a statement.

On February 28, “extremist Israeli settlers” were banned from entering French territory. Last week, the EU imposed sanctions on four Israeli settlers and two settler organisations for violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem.

Since the start of the year, Israeli authorities have declared nearly 1,100 hectares (2,720 acres) of the West Bank to be “state land” – twice as much as in the previous record year in 1999, according to the settlement watchdog Peace Now.

To learn more about the Israeli settlers and why they live on Palestinian lands, you can read our in-depth explainer here . Or you can read about how Israeli settlers have been expanding illegal outposts during Israel’s war on Gaza here .

Palestinian PM thanks Germany for plans to reinstate UNRWA funding

Muhammad Mustafa says he “appreciates” Germany’s announcement this week that it plans to resume funding for UNRWA, the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency.

Germany had paused funding for the organisation, which provides services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and countries like Lebanon and Jordan, earlier this year, after the Israeli government accused it of complicity in the October 7 attacks.

An independent review of the allegations by former French FM Catherine Colonna found that Israel had not provided significant evidence to back up its claims.

WATCH: How Gaza’s children are preparing for Israel’s invasion of Rafah

As an Israeli ground assault on Gaza’s last “safe zone” looms, two children in Rafah brace for it.

“We’re afraid people will resort to killing each other for food,” 11-year-old Husam says as he recounts his daily battle to secure basic necessities like food, water and sanitation in Rafah during Israel’s war on Gaza.

Husam is one of more than 600,000 children who have sought refuge in the city, the designated “safe zone” in southern Gaza. But since March, the Israeli government has threatened to extend a military invasion there, too, casting a shadow of fear that has been building for months. “A person’s psyche wears out with fear. It’s a slow death,” Husam says as he reflects on what lies ahead.

Watch Al Jazeera’s episode of Close Up :

Israel places ‘roadblock’ to delay ‘Gaza Freedom Flotilla’: Aid coalition

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), a movement composed of campaigns and initiatives working to end the Israeli blockade of Gaza, says its aid ship bound for the enclave has been delayed from leaving Turkey.

The coalition said in a statement, “All the required paperwork has been submitted to the port authority, and the cargo has been loaded and prepared for the trip to Gaza.”

“However, today we received word of an administrative roadblock initiated by Israel in an attempt to prevent our departure”.

“Israel is pressuring the Republic of Guinea Bissau to withdraw its flag from our lead ship – Akdeniz [“Mediterranean]. This triggered a request for an additional inspection, this one by the flag state, that delays our April 26 planned departure”.

The coalition said this was another “example of Israel obstructing the delivery of life-saving aid to the people in Gaza who face a deliberately created famine”, adding that it was not the first time Israel had used “these kinds of tactics to stop our ships from sailing”.

Aid workers from 40 countries are due to deliver 5,000 tonnes of aid to Gaza using the Akdeniz.

US State Department Arabic spokesperson resigns in opposition to Gaza policy

The Arabic language spokesperson of the US State Department has resigned, citing her opposition to Washington’s policy related to Israel’s war on Gaza.

Hala Rharrit was also the Dubai Regional Media Hub’s deputy director and joined the State Department almost two decades ago as a political and human rights officer, the department’s website showed.

She wrote on LinkedIn, “I resigned April 2024 after 18 years of distinguished service in opposition to the United States’ Gaza policy”.

Nearly a month earlier, Annelle Sheline of the State Department’s human rights bureau announced her resignation, and State Department official Josh Paul resigned in October.

A senior official in the US Education Department, Tariq Habash, who is Palestinian-American, had stepped down in January

Israeli military says it is providing CENTCOM with security, logistics for maritime aid initiative

The Israeli military says it has approved collaborative efforts for the Joint Logisitics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) initiative led by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

It said it would provide security and logistics support for the JLOTS initiative, which includes a temporary floating pier to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

As we reported earlier, a United Nations team visiting the pier had to seek shelter in a bunker “for some time” yesterday after the area came under fire.

Gaza Civil Defence issues heat warning to displaced Palestinians

As temperatures soar in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Civil Defence has warned that conditions are ripe for “the expansion of the spread of epidemics and diseases among [displaced Palestinians], especially among children and pregnant women”.

“Drink plenty of water, try to ventilate the place, keep children away from the sun’s rays, especially at peak heat times, and be sure to wipe their bodies with cold water constantly”, spokesperson Mahmoud Basal said in a statement on Telegram, speaking to the thousands of displaced Palestinians currently sheltering in tents.

Photos: Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Hospital mourn their relatives killed by an Israeli bombardment

US says Gaza aid pier construction has begun

Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters that construction of the pier, announced in March by US President Joe Biden, has started.

The pier will receive ships carrying desperately needed aid for the people of Gaza, thousands of whom are facing imminent famine .

“I can confirm that US military vessels, to include the USNS Benavidez, have begun to construct the initial stages of the temporary pier and causeway at sea,” Ryder told reporters.

The UN has warned Gaza faces famine and has complained of “overwhelming obstacles” to getting aid into and distributing it around the enclave.

Ryder said the Pentagon was tracking some type of mortar attack in Gaza that caused minimal damage in the staging area for the pier. The UN stated earlier today that one of its teams, inspecting the staging area, had to take cover for several hours when bombs struck nearby.

Ryder added that US forces had not started moving anything to that area yet and there were no US forces on the ground.

UN says mandate required to take custody of Gaza mass grave evidence

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the United Nations secretary-general, told Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey during a press briefing that while the organisation is collecting information on mass graves discovered at Nasser Hospital , a mandate is required from a UN legislative body in order to take custody of any evidence.

“We’ve called for an international investigation. How that will take place? It’s unclear at this time. There are certain parts of this organisation that have the authority to do that,” Dujarric said.

“In the meantime, it’s important that all forensic evidence be well preserved,” he added.

It is not antisemitic, pro-Hamas to point out number of Palestinians killed, wounded in Gaza: Sanders

US Senator Bernie Sanders has told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, in a post on X, that it was “not antisemitic or pro-Hamas” to point out that “in a little over six months”, his “extremist government” has killed 34,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 77,000.

In an attached statement, Sanders said his comments were in response to the Israeli prime minister’s remarks yesterday that criticism of the Israeli government’s policies was antisemitic.

“Mr. Netanyahu. Antisemitism is a vile and disgusting form of bigotry that has done unspeakable harm to many millions of people. But, please do not insult the intelligence of the American people by attempting to distract us from the immoral and illegal policies of your extremist and racist government,” Sanders wrote in his closing remarks.

No, Mr. Netanyahu. It is not antisemitic or pro-Hamas to point out that in a little over six months your extremist government has killed 34,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 77,000 – 70% of whom are women and children. You will not distract us from this immoral war. pic.twitter.com/oDaiyU4ipD — Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 25, 2024

It’s time to declare Israel a rogue state

Another day, another tragedy in Gaza. At the time of writing, rescuers were pulling bodies out of the rubble after an Israeli air strike on a residential building in southern Gaza’s city of Rafah.

Meanwhile, a few miles away in Khan Younis, the grisly effort of digging up bodies buried in mass graves on the grounds of the Nasser Hospital continues.

The Palestinian death toll is now more than 34,300, and 1.1 million people in Gaza are experiencing catastrophic levels of food insecurity.

The world is also on edge, as many fear a wider regional war after Iran sent a retaliatory barrage of drones and missiles into Israel following Israel’s strike on the Iranian consular building in Damascus.

Since then, Iran’s air defences brought down three suspected Israeli drones over the central city of Isfahan. Ignoring calls for caution from around the world – including from its closest partner and protector, the United States – Israel remains determined to conduct a costly ground operation in Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are sheltering.

Commentators and political figures have declared that Israel is a “liability” and that its leaders have “lost” their way.

Read more here .

Pro-Palestine student demonstrators in Washington, DC say they are ‘facing repression’ from their universities

Students from several universities in the Washington Metropolitan Area have joined forces to demand their schools cut ties to Israel and for an end to Israel’s assault on Gaza.

Yasmine, a student leading the protests that have grown into an encampment, says they are calling for their universities to “divest from any companies that sell weapons or technology” to Israel.

They are also calling on their universities to drop all charges against students “who spoke up or students who are pro-Palestine”, Yasmine told Al Jazeera.

“Many of us are … facing repression and charges and hearings from our universities for simply protesting,” she said.

Many of the protesters, she added, wear masks because of the “heavy targeting and the heavy doxing … against us”.

Students do expect the police to intervene later today in a bid to break up the gathering, according to Al Jazeera’s Patty Culhane, reporting from Washington, DC.

‘Clean water remains scarce in Rafah’: UNRWA

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees ( UNRWA ) says there is a lack of sufficient clean water and waste disposal in Rafah.

In a post on X, it said that hot temperatures in conjunction with these shortages have “sparked new fears of disease outbreaks”.

"Clean water remains scarce in #Rafah & long queues are everyday reality" Blistering temperatures in #Gaza added to daily misery faced by people & sparked new fears of disease outbreaks amid lack of sufficient clean water & waste disposal @UN_News_Centre https://t.co/SanPb1RBGw — UNRWA (@UNRWA) April 25, 2024

Israeli gov’t seeks another extension on ultra-Orthodox conscription dispute

The Israeli government has sought another deferral on a looming Supreme Court-enforced deadline for it to come up with a new military conscription plan that would address mainstream anger at exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews .

The court, hearing appeals that described the decades-old waiver as discriminatory, had given March 31 as the original deadline. That was extended to April 30 at the request of the government, which argued it was busy waging its war on Gaza.

In a new request, the Justice Ministry asked for a deferral to May 20, citing a lag in appointing a government lawyer and “significant national-security events” of recent days that had halted government work on a conscription blueprint.

The ultra-Orthodox conscription waiver has become especially charged as Israel’s armed forces, made up mostly of teenage conscripts and older civilians mobilised for reserve duty, are overstretched.

The ultra-Orthodox make up 13 percent of Israel’s 10 million population, a figure expected to reach 19 percent by 2035 due to the community’s high birth rates.

Egypt in renewed mediation push for Gaza truce: Report

Egypt has asked for a follow-up meeting with Israel in renewed efforts to mediate a deal for a ceasefire and the release of captives in the Gaza Strip, two Egyptian security sources told the Reuters news agency.

Egyptian, Israeli and US officials held in-person and remote meetings on Wednesday that sought concessions to break a deadlock in months-long negotiations for a truce in Israel’s war on Gaza .

Egypt believed Israel had shown more willingness to allow displaced Palestinians from Gaza to return towards the north of the enclave in a way that limited security checks and procedures for those not suspected of militant activity, they added.

The ability of civilians to return to northern Gaza unimpeded and the pull-back or repositioning of Israeli forces have been sticking points in previous rounds of ceasefire negotiations in which Egypt and Qatar have acted as mediators.

A meeting between Egyptian and Israeli officials was expected to take place on Friday in Cairo, the sources said, with further meetings with Hamas contingent on the result.

Pier site in Gaza comes under fire during UN visit

A UN spokesperson says a UN team in the Gaza Strip visiting the site for a pier and the staging area for maritime aid operations had to seek shelter in a bunker “for some time” yesterday after the area came under fire.

Two rounds landed about 100 meters (300 feet) away, but there were no injuries and the team was eventually able to continue the tour, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

The pier has been criticised by the UN and aid agencies as a complicated workaround for delivering aid via existing land routes, as calls on Israel to allow sufficient aid into the Gaza Strip through its land borders continue.