Britain condemns Israeli barrier as unlawful

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1298763.htm

LONDON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Britain on Thursday condemned as unlawful the barrier being erected by Israel in the West Bank.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw took the opportunity of a meeting in London with Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz to protest against Israeli Defence Force tactics in the Occupied Territories.

Israeli officials say the barrier being erected inside the West Bank is meant to keep out suicide bombers and has thwarted dozens of attacks.

Palestinians call it a bid to annex land they need for a viable state since it snakes deep into the West bank.

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[KDLarsen]

1. And in related news..

.. Israel have decided to boycut the inquery in the Hague, which was to determine if the wall is legal or not.

Even if the verdcit won't mean a thing, I'm interested in seeing the outcome of it - and how fast Israel can react with the "All Europeans are anti-semitists" comment.

[gate of the sun]

2. It is unlawful

I saw an ex Israeli Border Guard speak a few weeks ago and he said this fence was going to practically enclose one city with only a small road remaining free. They are building the fence in occupied territories they have no right to do that. This guard said it was a bad thing though he did say initially it would have been OK had they stayed within proper boundaries.

[Matilda]

3. Yes, it is clearly unlawful, as it's annexing about 60% of the Territories

It's also a monstrous, ugly thing and I wonder what it will do to
the collective psyche of people on both sides - I don't believe
that forcing both peoples to live with such a visible division can
ever promote the cause of peace.

And I don't understand how anyone who loves that beautiful and
amazing land could ever think of building such an eyesore.

[Muddleoftheroad]

4. I don't believe

Forcing people to live under the constant specter of suicide bombings can lead to peace either.

The Peace Fence does what must be done -- it separates the two factions from one another.

[hedgetrimmer]

5. Peace fence is not "peaceable"... peace can not be forced

a fence is in absolute opposition to peace...

this issue requires both sides to give and until that arises both sides will continue to be the victims of their own stubborness....

[Muddleoftheroad]

11. Of course peace can be forced

We did it in WWI and WWII. We did it with the South at the end of the Civil War and the British twice. History is full of examples of forced peace.

Both sides will ultimately give. But Israel cannot give as long as major elements on the other side seek its destruction.

[not systems]

7. The language of defending the indefensible.

"The Peace Fence"

Is that like the "peacekeeper missile" version of peace?

"Apartheid Wall" may be an overstep but isn't "Separation Fence"
a more palatable description than the Orwellian "Peace Fence".

[Muddleoftheroad]

12. Peace Fence

It is what it says it is. It does what it says it does.

Separating two groups that are locked in a deadly struggle is a good thing.

Funny, I love the English commentary considering their storied acts in Northern Ireland.

[JoFerret]

6. Thank you Mr. Straw

.

[Barkley]

8. Words are fine but how about sanctions?

The European Union, UN and USA will have to do more than talk if they are serious in their opposition to Israel's apartheid wall.

This mealy-mouth diplomacy by the West will only fuel dispair and resentment among the Palestinians and Arabs in general.

[cubsfan6969]

9. Gimme a break!

Britain should shut up/ They're already involved in an amoral war in Iraq.

Israel should be allowed to defend their citizens from the suicide bombers. Israel is always portrayed as the bad guy. Why doesn't Europe and others care about Arafat and the rest of the palestinian leadership embezzling millions of dollars for their own use while keeping the rest of the palestinians destitute?

[Orangeone]

10. o.k but

if Israel had sincere motives, why does it cut so much into Palestinian Territory? The World would not mind the wall so much if it wasn't such a transparent land grab.

[cubsfan6969]

15. No land grab

There is so much antisemitism in the world that it doesn't matter what Israel does, they will be ostracised. Don't forget that the wall was built after 37 suicide bombings caused hundreds of deaths. The wall was put because of the outcry from Israeli civilians fearful of their lives. Have you noticed that the suicide bombings have decreased since the wall has been put up?

Anyways, back to Arafat, why isn't his corrupt gov't ever scrutinized by the world press.

[bvar22]

13. "Israel is always portrayed as the bad guy..."

I don't think so.

[cubsfan6969]

14. Check out the European newspapers.

I think so.

[tinnypriv]

16. Not news

This has already been stated in Parliament.

Regardless, the UK position is hypocritical, since it abstains on all UN votes on the topic of the fence, and continues to support Israel in deeds if not words.