Israel using bogus archaeological digs as cover
to take Palestinian land, British government says
posted over 9 years ago
LONDON: Israeli settlers are colonizing Palestinian territory under the guise of moving in to areas to protect historic archaeological sites, the British government has said.
Ministers say they are concerned that the Israeli government agency in charge of preserving historic artefacts is undermining efforts for peace in the region by working with a group of "radical" settlers.
The "Elad" settler group is known for aggressively colonizing Palestinian areas, including evicting Palestinian residents from homes in urban areas.
"We are aware of the link between the Elad (settler) group and the Israel Antiquities Authority. We are concerned that this link has led to Israel Antiquities Authority's support of radical settler activities in and around the Old City under the guise of tourism and protection of Jewish history," Conservative foreign office minister Baroness Anelay said.
"Such actions not only aggravate mounting pressures in East Jerusalem but serve to increase tension around the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif and further complicate future attempts to negotiate a political resolution on the city."
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Ministers say they are concerned that the Israeli government agency in charge of preserving historic artefacts is undermining efforts for peace in the region by working with a group of "radical" settlers.
The "Elad" settler group is known for aggressively colonizing Palestinian areas, including evicting Palestinian residents from homes in urban areas.
"We are aware of the link between the Elad (settler) group and the Israel Antiquities Authority. We are concerned that this link has led to Israel Antiquities Authority's support of radical settler activities in and around the Old City under the guise of tourism and protection of Jewish history," Conservative foreign office minister Baroness Anelay said.
"Such actions not only aggravate mounting pressures in East Jerusalem but serve to increase tension around the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif and further complicate future attempts to negotiate a political resolution on the city."
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Click the website button to read the full article.
