OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

Counterpunch: 'We Didn't Know' Will Be No Excuse - The Wall

Israel's occupation of the Palestinian Territories passed through a profound transformation during the last several months. Through a series of policy changes and military orders, the West Bank "security fence" has gradually revealed itself to be the backbone of a comprehensive new system of land theft, imprisonment, collective punishment...and worse. The question is not whether it is a "political fence" or a "security fence", but whether it is an engine of ethnic cleansing.

In the past ninety days Israel has established a clear pattern of using its "security fence" to deny Palestinian farmers access to their own lands. Much of the olive harvest in the northern West Bank hangs dead on the trees because farmers have been 'caged' for weeks at a time. Entire villages have been issued permits to farm that give them as little as two days outside the barrier - for the entire year. Even if you have a permit, you must hope the soldiers open the gate for a few minutes on your appointed day, and open it again when you return from your labors.

In the past sixty days, Israel revealed its willingness to use deadly force to protect its "fence". It relaxed its rules of engagement, and shot an unarmed Palestinian dead for disobeying orders; he touched the wall.

Download B'Tselem's New Map of the West Bank: Settlements CHECK IT

Karte der Seperations Mauer: Map of the Separation Barrier

More than a quarter of a million Palestinians will be trapped in enclaves to the east and west of the main barrier.
The barrier will separate approximately 200,000 Palestinians who live in East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank.
Over 100 Palestinian communities will be separated from their agricultural land.
16% of the West Bank will be surrounded by barriers.