Comments for Protest to go on against Israeli occupation of Christian-owned land at http://www.pres-outlook.org , comment 1 to 2 out of 2 comments http://www.pres-outlook.org Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:08:15 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/9723-protest-to-go-on-against-israeli-occupation-of-christian-owned-land.html#comment-5297 Sloppy reporting … does not include the background of or accurate facts about the case. For those who don't know (probably 99% of those who read this), by agreement the “West Bank” is comprised of three areas. 96% of Arabs live in areas administratively controlled by the Palestine Authority. The area in question is, by agreement with the P.A., under Israeli military control. The reason why Israel asked (and was permitted to) keep control of this site is that terrorists have long used the site, located on a hill, as a base to shoot at and murder drivers (both Arab and Israeli) on a nearby road. The Israelis built a watchtower there (and) the killing stopped. Beginning in 2006, Israeli troops no longer used the site regularly (though it remained under Israeli jurisdiction) and some nearby townspeople put up swing sets other toys without consulting local government. Almost immediately, the attacks resumed. Since the P.A. is not able or willing to prevent these shootings, the Israeli Army has no choice but to resume responsibility for the area (which is Israeli land) to prevent more deaths. The claim that the land is “owned’” by Christians is untrue. Their own government — the Palestine Authority, which was elected by them — expropriated the land many years ago. Any complaints should be made to their own government, not Israel, who received the land in a signed agreement. And there is plenty of undeveloped land available to build another playground and hospital (which is not even a real project as there is no funding and no completed permits). Anyone who has either been to the area or seen a map will immediately recognize that. The problem from the P.A.'s point of view is that they will have to either pay for that land or face political consequences, whereas if they take over Israeli land they will have it for free. If the Outlook would actually do some research or ask for the Israeli narrative instead of repeating what they are told by the P.A., it would get some actual facts. Kerry Hurwitz Boston, Mass. - Kerry Hurwitz Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:45:14 +0100 http://www.pres-outlook.org/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/9723-protest-to-go-on-against-israeli-occupation-of-christian-owned-land.html#comment-5288 Sloppy reporting which does not include the background of or accurate facts about the case. For those who don't know (probably 99% of those who read this), by agreement the 'West Bank' is comprised of three areas. 96% of Arabs live in areas administrativelly controlled by the Palestine Authority. The area in question is, by agreement with the PA, under Israeli military control. The reason why Israel asked (and was permitted to) keep control of this site is that terrorists have long used the site, located on a hill, as a base to shoot at and murder drivers (both Arab and Israeli) on a nearby road. The Israelis built a watch tower there are the killing stopped. Beginning in 2006, Israeli troops no longer used the site regularly (though it remained under Israeli jurisdiction) and some nearby townspeople put up swing sets other toys without consulting local government. Almost immediately, the attacks resumed. Since the PA is not able or willing to prevent these shootings, the Israeli Army has no choice but to resume responsibility for the area (which is Israeli land) to prevent more deaths. The claim that the land is 'owned' by Christians is untrue. Their own government - the Palestine Authority, which was elected by them - expropriated the land many years ago. Any complaints should be made to their own government, not Israel, who received the land in a signed agreement. And there is plenty of undeveloped land available to build another playground and hospital (which is not even a real project as there is no funding and no completed permits). Anyone who has either been to the area or seen a map will immediately recognize that. The problem from the PA's point of view is that they will have to either pay for that land or face political consequences, wheras if they take over Israeli land they will have it for free. If the Outlook would actually do some research or ask for the Israeli narrative instead of repeating what they are told by the PA, it would get some actual facts. - Happy and Proud Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:29:26 +0100