While the world looks elsewhere, Israel continues its methodical assault on the West Bank. The video above was shot yesterday in the Palestinian village Wadi Rasha. The village is located north of Jerusalem and caught in the area between the green line (Israel's internationally recognized border) and the separation barrier. This area is called the seam zone and has been the site of the most intense ethnic cleansing in the West Bank as Israel is colonizing the area with the expectation that the barrier will become its new border if it is forced into a two state agreement.
The PLO Negotiations Affairs Department created the map on the right where you see Wadi Rasha, south of Qalqilya (click to enlarge). Wadi Rasha has already been subjected to home demolitions and intense restrictions over any freedom of movement. As the video shows, Israel is also destroying any chance for livelihood to force the residents out.
The resident of Wadi Rasha says it better than any commentator could:
The industrial area of Alfe Menashe was built on land stolen from us. Now they steal the land that you see here. We have no other income but through our land.
This village has been here since about 150-200 years ago. Givat Tal has been there for 3.5 or 4 years. Alfe Menashe has been there for 25 years. I am 38 years old, older than it. I was born in this village. I am not allowed to build houses. I am not allowed to pass (into Israel) to go to work. I am not even allowed to pass to my own land. As you see, they stole from me everything. They left all the village 33 dunams from 1500.
The courageous act of Palestinians to stay on their land in the face of this campaign is a profound act of daily nonviolent resistance that is often ignored. Additionally, as the video shows, international and Israeli activists offer much needed solidarity in the face of the destruction. Unfortunately it may be too late.
