Illegal measures? – Guard dog and fence
Photo courtesy of Yesh Din
Palestinians vs. Settlers at High Court
Settlers illegal using attack dogs, fence to prevent Palestinian access to land, petition charges
Attack dogs, a network of roads, and an illegal fence erected by settlers are preventing Palestinian farmers from working their land near Ofra, according to a petition submitted to the High Court of Justice Wednesday.
The petition, filed by residents of the Palestinian village of Silwad and the Yesh Din human rights groups, claims that the settlers' acts constitute "a grave blow to the freedom of movement, right to livelihood, and dignity of Palestinian residents."
According to the petitioners, the settlers set up the illegal obstacles with no interruption, while law enforcement authorities turned a blind eye to these acts.
Yesh Din says that Palestinians have been prevented from accessing their land for nine years now, and has asked the court to order the obstacles' removal.
"These acts contradict international law and even an explicit ruling by the High Court of Justice," Attorney Shlomi Zecharia from Yesh Din said. "Authorities prefer to sit idly by and avoid the duties imposed on them, while creating a reality that perpetuates the violation of human rights."
