Red Cross 'concerned' over Israel's West Bank barrier

Israel's West Bank barrier has drawn criticism from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which says that it is "increasingly concerned" over the humanitarian impact the barrier will have on the Palestinian community.

The humanitarian organisation has called upon Israel not to plan, construct or maintain the Barrier within occupied territory as, where it deviates from the 'Green Line', it is in breach of international humanitarian law (IHL).

The ICRC said that where the barrier ran into occupied territory, it deprived "thousands of Palestinian residents of adequate access to basic services such as water, health care and education", as well as sources of income such as agriculture and other forms of employment have also been denied to residents.

It said that Palestinian communities situated between the 'Green Line' and the barrier were "effectively cut off from the Palestinian society to which they belong". Also, the construction of the West Bank Barrier continued to give rise to widespread appropriation of Palestinian property and extensive damage to or destruction of buildings and farmland, the ICRC said.

The organisation also condemned "deliberate attacks" against Israeli civilians and stressed that all acts intended to spread terror among the civilian population were in "clear violation" of IHL, and so recognises Israel's right to take measures to "ensure the security of its population".

However, these measures must respect the relevant rules of IHL, the ICRC said.

The Israelis have voiced their disappointment in the ICRC's statement and restated their position that the barrier will cut the number of suicide bombings targeted against Israeli civilians.

(gmcg)