written by Operation Dove and edited by CPT.
[Note: According to the Fourth Geneva Convention, the Hague Regulations, the International Court of Justice, and several United Nations resolutions, all Israeli settlements and outposts in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal. Most settlement outposts are considered illegal also under Israeli law.]
At-Tuwani – On the morning of Tuesday, 11 May 2010, Palestinians from At-Tuwani village found that the fence built between At-Tuwani and Havat Ma’on outpost had been destroyed during the night. At-Tuwani residents erected the wire netting about two months ago, in an attempt to protect the village from Israeli settler raids (such as happened on 26 January 2010; see 27 January 2010 CPTnet release.) and in response to the ongoing and rapid expansion of the nearby Ma’on settlement and Havat Ma’on outpost.
The settlement expansion most affects Palestinian lands near the fenced area. In September 2009, settlers set up six new caravans and began construction on the foundations of twelve new houses. During the months of March and April 2010, settlers have completed several houses and building activities continue.
On the morning of 11 May, Palestinian villagers found that someone had bent and ripped up fence poles along the path running between lands still managed by Palestinians and lands already confiscated by the settlement. They suspect that the perpetrators of this action are Israeli settlers from the outpost.
This property damage follows several recent acts of violence and vandalism by Israeli soldiers and settlers.
Operation Dove and Christian Peacemaker Teams have maintained an international presence in At-Tuwani and the South Hebron Hills since 2004.
Pictures of the damaged fence are available here.
