Israel - Apartheid?

John Dugard, a South African lawyer and UN special rapporteur on human rights in Palestinian territories, has recently likened Israel’s policy towards Palestinians to the apartheid of South Africa. He cites the restriction of movement in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), with its over 500 checkpoints and roadblocks; the Wall being constructed in the West Bank, separating Israelis from Palestinians; and the constant military attacks of civilian areas. In his words: "Can it seriously be denied that the purpose of such action is to establish and maintain domination by one racial group (Jews) over another racial group (Palestinians) and systematically oppressing them? Israel denies that this is its intention or purpose. But such an intention or purpose may be inferred from the actions described in this report."

The former United States President, Jimmy Carter, has made similar claims in his book Palestine: Peace not Apartheid; although, in my opinion, his criticism of Israel seems overly motivated by his religious beliefs.

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