Israel Responsible for Over $1Bn in Damages

Israel Responsible for Over One Billion Dollars in Damages to East Jerusalem Palestinians

Alternative Information Center Press Conference
Wednesday March 14th 10:30am
Daila, 4 Queen Shlomzion Street, West Jerusalem

In the recently published bulletin, The Separation Wall in East Jerusalem - Economic Consequences, Shir Hever, Researcher of the Alternative Information Centre ( AIC) highlights that construction of the Israeli Separation Wall has to date resulted in 1.2 billion dollars in damages to East Jerusalem Palestinians;194 million dollars annually.

Compared to areas affected by the Separation Wall outside of the Jerusalem area, the Jerusalem Wall is particularly damaging as it cuts through a major urban area, directly and adversely affecting over 200,000 people on a daily basis - especially workers, school children and families. Among other negative effects, the Separation Wall has caused household income for Palestinian families in East Jerusalem to fall (in real terms) by about 17.5% since construction began.

The Separation Wall was deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice in 2004. In December of 2006 the United Nations established a process to ensure that Palestinians will be compensated for damages incurred due to Wall construction. The Wall is creating a growing future debt for Israel and Israelis.

As we approach the 40th year of the Israeli Occupation of East Jerusalem, discussions that provide a nuanced understanding of the current policies and practices of occupation employed by Israel are of growing importance. At the press conference, Shir Hever will present a discussion of the economic impacts of the Separation Wall, including economic strangulation within, and the centrality of East Jerusalem in achieving a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis. A copy of The Separation Wall in East Jerusalem - Economic Consequences, as well as other informational resources, will be distributed to those present.

The press conference will be in English.

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The International Solidarity Movement (ISM) is a Palestinian-led non-violent resistance movement committed to ending Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian land. We call for full compliance with all relevant UN resolutions and international law.

For specific media inquires such as interview requests, photo usage, etc. please email the ISM Media Office at media@palsolidarity.org

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