PRESS RELEASE

Increased Settlement Activities in Central Area of Gaza Strip

 

Ref: 87/99

Date: 6 September 1999

Israeli authorities have recently accelerated attempts to confiscate more land in the Gaza Strip. On 25 August 1999 the settlers of Netzarim settlement established a 450 metre long water pipe from the settlement to a piece of land (estimated at 500 dunams) located to the south of the settlement. This act paved the way, in essence, to expand the borders of the settlement to the south. The Netzarim settlement is located to the north of the road connecting the Coastal Road and Salaheddin Street (the main central road through the Gaza Strip, connecting the north with the south).

The Netzarim settlement was established in 1972 as a military camp and the centre for the Shin Beit (Israeli General Intelligence Service), and ended up as a settlement of more than 40 Jewish families. The settlement constitutes a major tension point since it is located near a major road resulting in a high degree of potential contact with Palestinians, and frequent resultant clashes. Israeli authorities have repeatedly closed this major road, causing suffering to Palestinian civilians and restricting their freedom of movement.

Since the Oslo Accords, in 1994, Israeli authorities have repeatedly expanded the borders of the settlement. 300 dunams of land were annexed from the western side of the settlement, 150 dunams were annexed from the north, and 250 dunams were annexed from the south. A total of 700 dunams of land has been confiscated for the expansion of the settlement since the signing of the Oslo Accords. In addition the military post positioned on the western side of the settlement has also been expanded. Recently construction activities were witnessed in the settlement, including the construction of a Synagogue and 35 additional houses, all of which are still empty.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reiterates its condemnation of Israeli settlement activities in the Palestinian Occupied Territories. Such activities are illegal according to international law and UN resolutions. PCHR once again calls on the international community in general, and the High Contracting Parties to the IVth Geneva Convention in particular, to take a stand against these grave breaches of the Geneva Convention, and to intervene to put an end to them.

 

For More Information Contact:

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

Tel/Fax: (+) 9727 2824776 / 2823725

E-mail: pchr@trendline.co.il, Web page: www.pchrgaza.org