For More Information, Call:
Land and Water Establishment For Release 12:30 pm Tel: (972) (02) 812364/824559 December 29, 1994 Fax: (972) (02) 811072
Israeli Government Chooses Settlements Over Peace
Israeli bulldozers clearing land for the expansion of the Jewish settlement of Afrat are continuing their work, which began 22 December, on the lands belonging to Palestinian residents of the Al Khader village near Bethlehem. Afrat is located near Al Khader, on land that was confiscated from this village in 1979. The expansion is taking place some two kilometers from the Afrat settlement, but is being claimed by the settlers for a neighborhood.
The clearing of the land has taken place under the protection of the Israeli army, giving official recognition to the legitimacy of the actions of the settlers. Palestinians from Al Khader and the surrounding area, along with progressive Israeli organizations dedicated to stopping settlement expansion, are continuing their peaceful demonstrations against the work of the settlers. On December 27, however, 50 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were arrested by the Israeli army at Al Khader. All the Israelis were released on 28 December, but nearly all the Palestinians remain in prison.
The Israeli government has refused to give a decision to halt the work, saying that they are waiting for a legal decision from the government's legal advisor.
Land and Water Establishment, which represents the villagers of Al Khader, has applied to the Israeli Supreme Court to stop the work until the case is considered by the court. Until now, the court has not yet given a decision either about stopping the work or considering the legality of the Israeli settlers land confiscation and expansion.
The land on which the settlers plan to build is 500 dunums (1 dunum = 1000 m²).
The residents of Al Khader have planned a massive demonstration against these illegal activities by the settlers on Friday, 30 December. Attendance has been encouraged from all over the West Bank, and representatives will be present from every Palestinian faction and from progressive Israeli groups and Knesset members.