PRESS RELEASE
Settlement escalation in the Gaza Strip
Ref.,: 75/2000
Date: 11th June, 2000
Since 2 June 2000, the Israeli Occupying Forces are excavating the Palestinian land surrounding ‘Slou’ settlement located in Mawasi, in Rafah, area under the Israeli security control. PCHR is concerned that such escalation manifests the first step towards the expansion of settlements and subsequent further annexation of the Palestinian land.
According to information gathered by PCHR Field Worker, such activities are occurring during night time. From 2 June up to 11 June 2000, approximately 10 dunams of land have already been excavated and leveled. That land is located in front of the “Slau” settlement, from the southern side of the settlement, north of the sea road. That piece of land was part of a land of 679 dunams.
PCHR is deeply concerned with the expansion and installation of settlements in the Gaza Strip and reaffirms its condemnation of the Israeli Occupying Forces policy exercised at the expense of the Palestinian land.
Furthermore, PCHR considers such policy to be illegal and calls upon the International Community, in particular the High Contracting Parties to the IV Geneva Convention to take their responsibility and intervene against the Israeli continuing violations of the IV Geneva Convention and of the human rights of Palestinians.
“END”
