Bethlehem, 24-12-07: Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi MP, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, visited occupied Bethlehem today, the biblical birthplace of Jesus now encircled by the Israeli Apartheid wall.
Dr. Barghouthi met with the head of the municipality, with the heads of several Christian communities and with the people of the city. He visited houses and neighbourhoods directly affected by the Israeli Apartheid wall and praised the steadfastness of Palestinians under duress, who must cope with an illegal occupation affecting all aspects of their daily life.
Dr. Barghouthi stated that the Apartheid wall is illegal under international law, a fact established by the International Court of Justice‘s ruling on 9 July 2004. He added "Palestinians are struggling for their rights as recognised under international law. They have the moral high ground and the steadfastness of the people of Bethlehem is a message to the world: Israel must obey international law and end the occupation. The wall must fall."