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Israel plans 300 new homes for Jewish settlers
By Miriam Ward, RSM, Rutland Herald 11/1/2003
"Israel plans 300 new homes for Jewish settlers" (Rutland Herald, Oct. 29). Not mentioned is that Sharon, at the same time, issued demolition orders for 12 out of 18 Palestinian homes in the village of Akaba.Two years ago Israeli peace activists and international critics saved the only health clinic in Akaba from being demolished by Israeli bulldozers. Once again Akaba is threatened. Demolition orders have been issued not only for the homes, but also the kindergarten and village mosque. According to Gush Shalom (Israeli Peace Bloc), the villagers pose no security threat. Their only "sin" is they live on land that Sharon wants to annex for the projected Eastern Wall which will cut off the Jordan Valley from the rest of the West Bank. If Sharon succeeds, the Palestinian lifeline will be totally blocked. With two-thirds of their homes demolished, the social, cultural and religious infrastructure of Akaba destroyed, Palestinians feel that Sharon just wants them "out."Akaba stands as symbol and paradigm of a harsh form of ethnic cleansing used against Palestinians while Israeli settlements expand. Everyday Israeli bulldozers are destroying lives and livelihoods. Will the world remain silent?
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