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Dec 01 , 2001 Israeli road constructed in area C

On Jabel Abu Ghnaim now sits the Israeli settlement known as Har Homa. This settlement, construction of which has not yet been completed, is being built on land confiscated from citizens of Beit Sahour, and has provoked much concern and anxiety in the area. Not only have local people lost their land to an Israeli settlement, its proximity to Beit Sahour, Bethlehem and numerous smaller villages has left locals feeling vulnerable and threatened. At the base of the settlement is an Israeli military outpost; numerous attacks on Beit Sahour have emanated from here, as well as from the Military camp on the eastern side of the town, which has been under Israeli control since 1967. The town has been subject to repeated bombings, shooting and rocket attacks since last September.

On Wednesday 28th November, a bulldozer and 2 tanks commenced construction of a road through land which lies between the Har Homa settlement and Beit Sahour. The area in question is classed as Area C, ie. Israeli controlled, but has been owned by various residents of Beit Sahour for generations.

Issa Rishmawi, one of the land-owners concerned, contacted Beit Sahour Municipality. Suzan Sahori, International Relations Officer, issued a plea to international diplomats to assist and investigate the Israeli intentions. This resulted in a visit from UNSCO – the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

Earlier yesterday afternoon, Andrew Gilmour (Chief, Regional Affairs) of UNSCO, accompanied by 2 colleagues, escorted representatives from Beit Sahour Municipality and Issa Rishmawi to inspect what exactly has been done and where.

The base for a road, estimated to be approximately 5km long, has been formed. At the moment it runs from Beit Sahour, through Tel Al Diq and stops in the middle of a field on the edge of Na'aman. Directly ahead is another field of trees, many of which will be destroyed.

In addition to the destruction of land and property, the motive for building this road is unknown. The route appears to be circuitous, and its destination is unclear. The owners of the land have no idea what is going on, have received no notification from any authorities regarding this road and were too afraid to go near the Israelis to try and find out for themselves.

Whilst in the Na'aman area a couple of residents came out and described their situation to the UN representatives. They were told that since 1990 no expansion of the village has been allowed as Israeli authorities have told residents that they live within the boundary of Jerusalem, however the residents do not have Jerusalem ID, they only have Palestinian Authority ID. This implies they are West Bank residents, not Jerusalemites.

One man told of his 6-year court battle to save his house; each time his case comes before the Supreme Court a reason is found to adjourn to another date. As `Jerusalem residents' they are prohibited from building any structure without a special permit.

The construction of this road has also cut through the water supply pipe to the village and despite attempts to repair it the village has been without water for over 24 hours. Residents have to rely upon bottled water. A resident explained that the Israelis would not allow them to bury the supply pipe to safeguard it.

There is great concern regarding the implications the building of this road has. It is still not clear what the purpose is however ARIJ (the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem) are conducting an investigation and a full report will be issued soon.

For more information please contact:
Georgina Reeves on 055 840 767
Issa Rishmawi on 052 818 379
Beit Sahour Municipality on 02 277 3830