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Israeli Court Rules West Bank Barrier is Legal
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=EFE9FC:3919ACA

Petition by Palestinian villagers complained that segment of barrier
near Qalqilya cuts them off from rest of West Bank





Israeli security barrier (File photo)

Israel's top court ruled Thursday, that the barrier being built in and
around occupied West Bank land is legal - rejecting an earlier
decision by the International Court of Justice in The Hague, against
the barrier.

Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the West Bank barrier is legal due
to specific security needs. But, the court has also ordered the
government to reroute parts of the barrier to minimize hardships for
Palestinians living along its route.

The Justices described as flawed last year's International Court
ruling against the barrier, saying that decision did not take into
account Israel's security needs.

Israel has said all along it would not abide by the International
Court ruling and argues the network of razor wire fences and concrete
walls is necessary to keep out Palestinian attackers.

But, large portions of the barrier are built on Palestinian land and
Palestinians argue the project is simply an Israeli land grab.

 








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