British ambassador to Israel: West Bank is largest concentration camp in the world
Palestine-UK, Politics, 10/15/2002

The British ambassador to Israel, Sharard Koffer, has launched strong criticism against the Israeli authorities, describing the West Bank as the "largest concentration camp in the world," a description which was answered by the Israeli government by saying "the era of the British mandate has passed."

Koffer said during his meeting with the coordinator of the Israeli army operations in the West Bank ,lt. Gen. Amous Jalaad, that the West Bank is the " Largest detention camp in the world" adding that " Israel is in need of a leadership that leads to peace," which is not eing made by the Israeli government.

The British ambassador announced that Israel violates the Geneva charters, besides reports which indicate acts of thefts carried out by the Israeli army in the West Bank. The ambassador described what he had seen during an inspection visit in the West Bank saying "I have seen illegal settlements sites ... a humiliation for the Palestinians at the check points and unnecessary demolishing of lands." The British ambassador also complained against the difficulties facing the international relief organizations during its work process and cited excerpts from a UNICEF's report which said that "500 schools in the West Bank are still blocked."

The British ambassador accused Israel of violating the Geneva Convention and the non- professional acts of the Israeli soldiers in the West Bank. He said " I understand the security difficulties and I also know that the Israeli army leadership works professionally, however, the acts in reality conducted by the soldiers are not in the Israeli interests."

Jalaad rejected the statements of the British ambassador. He said that Israel is making its most efforts to facilitate things for the Palestinian society while the Palestinians do not move to fight terrorism." The statements of the British ambassador raised the anger of the Israeli foreign ministry which announced through high ranking sources that "the ambassador has forgotten that the era of the British mandate has gone. He had forgotten what is permitted and what is forbidden. His criticism for the Israeli policy in front of military sides is unacceptable matter."

Previous Stories:
  Israeli forces kill three Palestinians, including one child; houses demolished   (10/14/2002)
  Red Cross President urges Israel to abide by 4th Geneva Convention   (10/12/2002)
  Two Palestinians killed by Israel, 24 new settlement buildings   (10/12/2002)
  UN's top human rights official voices 'extreme concern' over Israeli attack in Gaza   (10/10/2002)
  Arab states discuss UK weapons to Israel   (7/29/2002)
  British spokesman calls for ending Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories   (7/18/2002)

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