While supposedly negotiating the end to the Occupation and the emergence of a Palestinian state, Israel has continued to develop a Matrix of Control over the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem through land expropriation, settlement expansion, the construction of exclusively 'Israeli' roads, an economic closure and the creation of controlling "facts" on the ground. The dismantling of the Matrix of Control is the key to achieving a just peace.
Patrons of ICAHD UK
Prof Marc Ellis
Uri Fruchtmann
Prof Colin J Green
The Rt Rev Michael Langrish
(Bishop of Exeter)
Prof Ilan Pappe
John Pilger
Prof Avi Shlaim
Clare Short MP
Revd Stephen Sizer
Baroness Jenny Tonge
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The Role of ICAHD in Resisting Israeli Occupation Policies
Since 1967 over 12, 000 Palestinian homes have been destroyed for political reasons, leaving 70, 000 people homeless. Israel has benefited by the acquisition of most land on the West Bank and nearly all the water. Although Israeli law, planning regulations and legal procedures are used to give this policy a façade of legitimacy, it is in violation of the 4th Geneva Convention and numerous UN Resolutions. The Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions was established in 1997 to oppose Israel's demolition of Palestinian homes. Its goal is a just peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Besides physically resisting demolitions by standing in front of bulldozers (for which Palestinians even when accompanied by Israelis or journalists have been shot), ICAHD members mobilise Israelis and Palestinians to rebuild demolished homes in an act of resistance which has proved an effective vehicle of grassroots peace-making. In protecting homes ICAHD defies attempts at ethnic cleansing. It also vigorously opposes closures, land expropriation, settlement expansion, by-pass road construction, the separation wall and the destruction of orchards and olive groves.
A House of Commons report in 2004 1 found that as a result of Israeli policies, the Palestinian economy had all but collapsed, rates of malnutrition in parts of the Occupied Territories were as severe as anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa and the disruption of education has been so relentless its consequences will last for generations. In the last 3 years,with the building of the Separation Wall, and continuous expansion of settlements, settlement roads, and ongoing house demolitions, the situation has got much worst, exarcebated more by the boycott by the West of the freely elected Hamas government. In response to thiis, ICAHD is becoming increasingly adept at using Israeli law to thwart oppressive government policy. In addition, it provides practical support to Palestinian families by helping them cope with traumatic aspects of occupation, filing police claims and by subsidising legal assistance.
ICAHD's familiarity with the realities on the ground gives it unmatched authority in its frequent contacts with diplomats, politicians and the international media. It is becoming a powerful voice both in Israel and abroad. The support of the international community is crucial.
ICAHD UK exists to help raise awareness in the UK of Israel's gradual annexation of the Occupied Territories, and to raise funds in Britain for ICAHD's campaigns in Israel/Palestine. ICAHD UK will inform and influence decision-makers in the UK as well as help to mobilise public support for a just peace. Where opinions are increasingly polarised, ICAHD UK will bring together people who might otherwise find it difficult to identify common ground for co-operation. Donating or otherwise supporting ICAHD UK is an opportunity to make a contribution to justice and peace in the Middle East.
1 House of Commons International Development Committee, January 2004.
ICAHD says:
'As Israelis, we believe that the only chance for a genuine peace is one that enables the Palestinians to establish what we have, a viable and truly sovereign state of their own. A just peace will also provide all the peoples of our region with the security, dignity, freedom and economic opportunities they deserve. The future may witness the emergence of a regional confederation enhancing the viability of each of our societies to cope with a global reality.'
By supporting ICAHD UK, you are helping ICAHD realise this vision in the Middle East - go to How You Can Help
To see a selection of statistical information on house demolitions, click here.
