JERUSALEM, Mar. 8, 01 (CWNews.com) - Israeli soldiers have imposed a blockade on the primarily Christian village of Bir Zeit in the West Bank on Wednesday, according to local sources, digging a trench and a blockade across roads entering the town.
The blockade affects up to 25 Palestinian villages and 65,000 residents, and water pipes and telephones lines have reportedly been cut as well, although phone services was still available in some locations. The complete closure also denies access to food supplies and health care services.
The blockade comes as students at Bir Zeit University, the major Palestinian academic institution, were to begin their new term on Wednesday. As the siege of the town began, 6,000 students, faculty, and staff were prevented from reaching the university campus.
Father Iyad Twal, the local Catholic priest, said that cellular phones are the only means of communication with the outside world. "This is the first day Sharon will take power, God help the souls of people in the days to come," Father Iyad said as he pleaded for Americans to raise their voices in protest. "Please keep our brothers and sisters in your prayers and raise your voices to put an end to this brutal occupation, and let the people live!!!"
According to Dr. Albert Aghazarian of the public relations department of Bir Zeit University and other residents of the 25 villages affected, there have been no recent clashes or demonstrations in the area. Furthermore, there have been no shootings from these villages at Israeli soldiers or settlers. Local sources said the siege was being imposed as a form of collective punishment for the ongoing unrest.
Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
8. mars 2001