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Continued Israeli Closures Hinder Palestinian Students’ Education June 6, 2001For the fifth consecutive day, the Israeli occupation forces are imposing a roadblock on the Ramallah-Birzeit Road, denying access to vehicles, and forcing people to walk about 500 meters from one end of the checkpoint to the other. As a result, less than 20 percent of the students and faculty members of Birzeit University were able to reach the campus, and classes could not be held, making today the fourth day where classes have been completely disrupted. Reaching breathless, the elderly, children and physically disabled are finding it more and more difficult to commute between their villages and Ramallah – a major commercial city on which the 65,000 inhabitants of the 35 surrounding villages rely. Breaking all international laws, the Israeli forces even denied the entry of United Nations vehicles, transporting foodstuffs, oil, gas and medical supplies to the surrounding villages, whose provisions are slowly being depleted. During the day, a number of students went to the checkpoint to peacefully protest the closure, but were soon met with rubber bullets and tear-gas. Three students sustained injuries in the head and abdomen and were transferred to the field hospital set up in the village of Surda. Despite the rumor that the Israeli government has issued an order to ease the harsh measures they have imposed since Saturday, June 02, the roadblocks are still jammed with cars, each vehicle searched at ease by the Israeli occupation forces, causing delays of more than two hours for people to reach their homes, jobs and schools. Unlike students around the world, who at this time of year are either done with their Spring semester, or in the midst of exams, Birzeit University students are still in the middle of their second semester, which most probably will be extended until the end of July if the roadblocks are not removed, and students are not allowed easy access to the University. The numerous replies and letters of support to yesterday’s appeal have been very encouraging. We would like to request your continued support in placing pressure on the Israeli government and the international community to end the Israeli measures of collective punishment and to remove all the roadblocks in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestinian students, like their counterparts all over the world, should have access to free passage to their educational institutions, and the right to study in a stress-free environment. Please continue writing to the contacts below, and we would appreciate you spreading this message to all your friends and colleagues to help us achieve our goals.
Call the nearest Israeli Embassy in your area
Send your protests to the Israeli Government
Birzeit University |