Israel to expel 120 pro-Palestinian activists

[News_Editor]

Israel to expel 120 pro-Palestinian activists

2011-07-10 04:42:29 GMT+7 (ICT)

JERUSALEM (BNO NEWS) -- Israel is ready to deport 120 foreign pro-Palestinian activists who were refused entry into the country over the past few days within 48 hours, Immigration and Population Authority officials said on Saturday.

Haaretz newspaper reported that four activists from Germany and Holland were released and authorized to enter Israel after they pledged not to participate in violent protest activities. According to police, anyone "who wanted to protest in a legitimate and non-violent manner was permitted to enter" Israel.

It is still unclear if the Immigration and Population Authority will be able to deport the activists within 48 hours as foreign airlines that operate in Israel have said that they would have a hard time flying large groups of activists home.

Meanwhile, Ma'an News Agency reported that hundreds of Palestinians and foreign activists gathered at the Qalandia checkpoint north of Jerusalem to urge the international community to implement a International Court of Justice ruling to demolish the separation wall.

In 2004, the International Court of Justice ruled that the separation wall, which Israel began constructing in 2002, was illegal. Eighty-five percent of the wall runs through the West Bank annexing significant areas of Palestinian land.

Israeli security forces on Friday detained 30 pro-Palestinian activists as they arrived to a Tel Aviv airport and prevented them from entering the country. The individuals intended to enter Israel as part of the 'Welcome to Palestine' campaign which included solidarity visits to Palestinian territories.

Israel's Transportation Ministry previously issued a list of 342 passengers, including 200 activists, who were expected to arrive during the weekend and that will not be allowed to enter the country. The document was submitted to all airlines, local and foreign.

The mass influx of activists came ahead of the arrival of the Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The 'Freedom Flotilla II' consists of ten ships carrying more than 500 Palestinian activists from around the world. Currently, seven vessels are still docked in Greece under authorities' orders, two were sabotaged and rendered unable to sail and a French one is en route towards Gaza Strip.

In May 2010, nine pro-Palestinian activists were killed and dozens more were injured when Israeli commandos boarded a ship participating in the 'Freedom Flotilla I'. The incident caused global outrage over alleged excessive force, but Israel has denied that and said its commandos were being attacked.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-10