‘Israel denies Jordanian, Arab publishers entry to Palestine Book Fair’

AMMAN — The Israeli occupation forces have barred Jordanian and Arab publishers from entering the Palestine International Book Fair, held in the West Bank city of Ramallah, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported in Saturday.

The Jordanian Publishers Association (JPA) denounced the Israeli measure, describing it as "inseparable from the occupation authorities [forces]' siege of the Palestinian people".

In a statement carried by Petra, JPA said that Jordanian and Arab publishers have been denied an entry to the 11th book fair although their books have been already shipped through border crossings to the occupied Palestinian territories.

The association said that the Palestinian Authority has always submitted entry permits for publishers to Israeli occupation authorities to attend the periodical book fair and "have been always accepted except for this time".

"This measure is part of the Israeli policies to destroy all attempts to build bridges with the Palestinian people."

Describing the Israeli measure as "aggression" on culture, history and humanity, the JPA called on concerned sides to intervene and obtain the necessary permits from the Israeli occupation forces.        

Minister of Culture Nabih Shuqum has been scheduled to take part in the fair’s eleventh edition. 

The ten-day event will celebrate Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and features 500 global and Arab publishers.