Erekat praised the heroic struggle of the people of Bil’in

Victory of bil’in struggle against the wall

Today, Chief Palestinian Negotiatior Dr. Saeb Erekat commented on the Israeli Court of Justice decision to move the route of the Wall in Bil’in. He praised the heroic struggle and steadfastness of the people of Bil’in, as well as the international supporters and Israeli peace activists who conducted hundreds of peaceful demonstrations, leading to this decision.

Dr. Erekat stressed that it was important to remind Israel that ''it is time to create bridges, not walls’’.

Today, the Israeli High Court of Justice ordered the state of Israel to redraw, partially dismantle and rebuild the route of around 1 km section of the Wall, which was built on Palestinian land belonging to Bili'in villagers.

Dr. Saeb Erekat stressed that the Wall should be dismantled, and reiterated his call on the Israeli government to end its occupation of all of the Palestinian territory (including East Jerusalem) occupied in 1967. He reminded the international community of the International Court of Justice ruling of the 9th of July 2004, according to which the construction of the Wall is ''contrary to international law’’ and Israel is obliged to cease the Wall’s construction, dismantle the existing structure, and make reparations for any damage caused by its construction.

Dr. Erekat also noted that despite this symbolic victory achieved in Bil’in, the route of the wall still deviates from internationally recognized armistice lines and is still in violation of international law, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice.