This is an old revision of this page, as edited by MartinHarper (talk | contribs) at 13:58, 16 November 2003 (the Gaza barrier is likewise inside, not along the border). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 13:58, 16 November 2003 by MartinHarper (talk | contribs) (the Gaza barrier is likewise inside, not along the border)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)In 2003, Israel began construction on a security barrier inside the West Bank, called the "seam zone". There is already a similar barrier inside the Gaza Strip.
Purpose
The Israeli government says the purpose of the security barrier is to prevent terrorists from entering Israeli cities, a problem which has plagued Israel since the start of the Al-Aqsa Intifada. Israel says the barrier is intended to make patrolling the border easier, not to prevent travel across the border in either direction.
Construction
The barrier is a combination of fence, wall, various earthworks and security apparatus.
Reaction
Israeli citizens have shown huge support for the wall.
A United Nations report condemned the barrier as a "blatant grab for land", saying it will split off 14.5 per cent of the West Bank and affect 680,000 Palestinians. The barrier has been criticised by the UN General Assembly which passed a non binding resolution.
Arabic news organisations such as Al-Jazeera call the barrier a seperation wall or an apartheid wall. See also apartheid.