AUT: Important information on the Occupied Territories of Palestine

[bryanat@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Press Release 12.6.99

SETTLERS DEFY SUPREME COURT DECISION
IDF BARS ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN NONVIOLENT PROTEST

This morning in the fields of the West Bank village, Azun Atmeh
south of Kalkilia, the well-known picture: local Palestinians men,
women and children holding a  demonstration together with Israeli peace
activists.

Around them: soldiers of the Israeli Army and Border Guards protecting
the uprooting and digging works which settlers had begun, preventing the

protesters from even coming close.

The fact that the Palestinians held in their hands the verdict of the
Israeli Supreme Court that the land (C-Area) is theirs did not make any
difference:  the settlers of the nearby Oranit settlement don't care
and nobody stops them. In this C-Area of the Wild West Bank the Israeli
army sees it as its task only "to protect Israeli citizens" however
illegal,
and irresponsible they choose to behave.

"You should represent the will of the Israeli people! Less than three
weeks ago, there was an overwhelming vote against the settlers!" called
Uri
Avnery upon them, in a direct address to the soldiers from amidst the
rally.

If such a thing would at least make headlines, in an Israeli paper or
somewhere else:

SETTLERS DEFY SUPREME COURT DECISION AND CONTINUE ILLEGALGRABBING OF
PALESTINIAN LANDS, WITH SILENT ARMY SUPPORT.

SO FAR PALESTINIANS PROTEST NONVIOLENTLY,  JOINED BY ISRAELI PEACE
ACTIVISTS.

IF BARAK CONTINUES HIS DEAFENING SILENCE, EXPLOSION MAY NOT BE FAR OFF.

Telephone #'s in Israel:

Details:  Adam Keller - 03-5565804
             Mahmud Amer (Kalkilia Trade Unions) 09-2942162 /
Mobile Phone: 052-435645





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