Cengizer: Wall will not Contribute to Security
Cengizer instead suggested that Israel should focus on the Road Map peace plan.
Cengizer reminded that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rendered an important decision concerning the legality of the wall constructed in the occupied territories. Cengizer explained, "The legality of Israel’s construction of this wall is in question since the wall is constructed contrary to the Fourth Genava Conventions, that is, in a territory under invasion."
The ICJ indicated last week that the wall violated the freedom of the Palestinians and the UN should therefore take a determined attitude to resolve this situation. Although the ICJ decision was non-binding, it managed to open the way for the UN to step in and have a say in the issue.
The 730 km ‘security wall’ that Israel is building in the West Bank is composed of barbed wire, electronic systems and concrete blocs. The wall, costing US$3.4 billion, is one of the most expensive projects Israel has undertaken. The wall is expected to be completed by the end of 2005. The construction of the wall began in June 2002.
When the construction of the wall is finished it will cover the region where 220 thousand settlers are living in the West Bank, except for East Jerusalem. It is said that 14.5 percent of the West Bank territories, an area of 850 square kilometers, will remain in the region under the surveillance of Israel.
