Bethlehem suffering because of Israel's land Confiscation Policy

Thursday February 15, 2007 22:22 by Palestine News Network

Bethlehem and Jerusalem are the hardest hit this year by settlement expansion and land confiscation. Today in the south central West Bank Israeli forces said they will confiscate 17 dunams of land.

Bethlehem and Jerusalem are the hardest hit this year by settlement expansion and land confiscation. Today in the south central West Bank Israeli forces said they will confiscate 17 dunams of land.

Commander of the Central Region made the announcement. Western Bethlehem's Batir Village land will be used for “military purposes,” and the Wall, according to the notices. The illegal Wall will run near the railroad that was built on land confiscated in 1948. Batir's 3,000 residents will live in a virtual Canton.

Their movement will be extremely hindered, and nearly cut off from both Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Chairman of the southern West Bank's Land Defense Committee, Khalid Al Azzeh, said that workshops with lawyers will be arranged for Saturday.

East of Bethlehem in Harmela Village, Israeli forces issued home demolition orders to Ahmed Al Zeir and his son Ali. Israeli forces claim the men need their permission to have built in the West Bank village.

bethlehem | israeli settlement | news report saed at imemc dot org