[R-G] Let's resist the wall until it falls

[Tim Murphy]

The Palestinian National Campain to resist the Separation Apartheid Wall

Let’s resist the wall until it falls

Dear Sir/Madame,

On June 23rd 2003, Israel started the construction of what it calls a
“security fence,” but what the world overwhelmingly recognizes as a
“separation or colonization wall.” This wall is to be built in three phases
and by the time it is finished, 55% of the West Bank would be captured. The
West Bank which includes east Jerusalem makes up 22% of historical Palestine
and along with Gaza is intended to form a future viable and independent
state for the Palestinians is accordance with President Bush’s June 2001
vision of two states living side by side in peace.

The construction of the “colonization wall” is a grave violation of human
rights, international law, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention, and most
importantly the international will. The Wall will seize the wealthiest
Palestinian agricultural land and will manage to increase the area available
for the development of illegal settlements built on privately owned
Palestinian land. The Wall is designed to grant Israel control over the
water resources which exist on the western and eastern sides of the West
Bank. The western and eastern sides will become “security zones” providing
linkage between the Green Line and the Jordan Valley while dividing the
Palestinian urban areas and neighborhoods into isolated communities, which
are completely surrounded by Israel.

The myth that this wall separates Palestinians form Israelis needs to be
addressed. In the first phase alone, the route of the wall moved into
Palestinian territories some 20 kilometers at some points in order to
incorporate illegal Jewish settlements built near the Green Line, while
leaving 23 settlements, home to 196,000 Israeli settlers on the Palestinian
side of the wall and inside the Jerusalem envelope.

The already constructed northern part of the Wall has resulted in the
uprooting of 83,000 trees, the damaging of 35,000 meters of irrigation
networks and the demolishing of 280 Palestinian homes. Frighteningly, these
numbers are expected to at least triple by the time the wall is completed.

This wall is a direct violation of Palestinian rights guaranteed by the UN
Declaration of Human Rights. The right of movement has been severely
impacted by the gates and electronic fences that are accompanied by remote
controlled machine guns to assure that no one living close to the wall can
move around. Concomitantly, the right to work and have an adequate standard
of living has been gravely curtailed, as Palestinians are imprisoned behind
concrete walls. Moreover, the right to property has all but disappeared as
55% of the land belonging to the Palestinians that forms a significant part
of the West Bank will be confiscated by Israel. Last but not least, the
right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of mental or physical health
and education has been devastated by the inherent lack of resources brought
on by the above restrictions.

Israel has disclosed plans that it intends to annex the strategic Jordan
River Valley to Israel. A senior Israeli official said the plan for the wall
that would cut the Jordan River Valley off from the rest of West Bank has
been approved. Nineteen small illegal Israeli settlements dot the Jordan
River Valley, a parched, hot strip of barren land punctuated by two main
oases — the Palestinian towns of Jericho and Jiftliq.

Palestinians and the international community, including the US, fear the
partition's route will harden into a de facto border and prejudice
negotiations. It is clear to the international community that’s this wall
encroaches beyond its ‘security’ purpose. It goes along with Sharon’s
long-standing concept of a permanent arrangement with the Palestinians that
would give them control over populated enclaves around the West Bank, while
ensuring that Israel would maintain control over the entire periphery.

President Bush was quoted as saying: “there is a difference between security
and land acquisition.” It is that kind of leadership and stance we expect
from the protector of human rights, international law and democratic values,
which should apply to all. While the American administration has been vocal
in its opposition of the wall, it has been weak in its actions, resulting in
growing mistrust for the American role and evenhandedness in making Middle
East peace. It is time to take a stance with justice and with human rights.
It is time to think of the future and put an end to this land theft for the
sake of true peace in the region.

We call upon you, our world leaders and the Israeli Prime Minister to take a
brave stance for justice and human rights. One can only lead through good
will and equality for only then can one trust others’ intentions and
cooperate accordingly. “With great powers come great responsibilities,” so
we turn to you to save the Palestinian existence along with what is left of
Palestinian land. Without justice there can never be peace, we simply turn
to you and expect from you to uphold the values you preach and give peace a
chance.


The Palestinian National Campain to resist the Separation Apartheid Wall

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http://www.minfo.gov.ps/remove.htm

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