New Israeli aggression against Qalqilia

Introduction

In the morning of October 20th , 2001, the inhabitants of the peaceful city of Qalqilia woke up amidst sounds of fire shootings and roaring of Israeli tanks which were storming the city center in a new military operation aimed at re-occupying it. The city is classified as zone A which is completely under the Palestinian authority according to Oslo agreements. The Israeli actual re- occupation of the city lasted until November 5th, 2001. Then, the Israeli occupation forces left the city and tightened their siege around it.

Once the Occupation forces left, the size of damage inflicted on the city became apparent.  The municipality of Qalqilia pointed to the following losses and violations caused by the attacking forces in Zone A:

• Losses in roads, bridges and  sewage are estimated at 432 000 US $;

• Losses in water networks are estimated at 43 000 US $;

• Losses in electricity networks and traffic lights are estimated at 681 000 US $;

• Damage done to houses, private and public buildings are estimated at 75 000 US $.

The total amount of direct financial losses as a result of this aggression against Qalqilia is estimated at 1.2 Million dollar. This amount excludes other losses caused by the halt of businesses, closure of markets and destruction of foodstuffs and agricultural goods, which are estimated at 4 million dollars.  

Background to Qalqilia governorate

 It is located on the green line north west of the West Bank. Among Palestinian governorates, it has the smallest area – 163 KM2 . The population of this governorate  are 82 000 inhabitants, 40 000 of whom live in the city and the remaining number live in the country side in zones B and C.

The city itself is the only area classified as zone A with a total area of only 3.5 square kilometers. The city is surrounded with fertile valleys and enjoys an abundance of water, therefore, it is known for orange and guava groves, in addition to vegetable fields, see map.

 Israeli violations in Qalqailia

 Qalqilia's close location to the Mediterranean -only 14 aerial km – has made it the focal point of Israeli political and military decision-makers. Accordingly, the Israeli occupation, since its early days, started to encircle this Palestinian population center with settlements from all sides. To achieve this goal, the following violations have taken place:

1.     The construction of the Israeli settlements partially or totally built on Qalqilia land as follows:

Source: Soil & Maps Dept. – Land Research Center- Arab Studies Society/ Jerusalem.

The six settlements above are built on land confiscated from both Qalqilia and Salfit governorates. The total area of settlements built on Qalqilia land is 5436 dunums, while the remaining 2798 dunums are taken from Salfit district.    

• The total area of Qalqilia city is 3500 dunums which means that the total area of Israeli settlements is much bigger than the city itself.
• The area of the Israeli settlements built on Qalqilia land exceeds half of the total area of all Palestinian towns and villages in Qalqilia district which is estimated at 9882 dunums.

2.     The construction of a cement wall with the height of 2-3 meters to separate between the city of  Qalqilia and the Palestinian villages of Taiba and Muthaleth inside the green line.

3.     The establishment of Ariel colonial block on Qalqilia and Salfit land which is considered the biggest block in the West Bank Gaza Strip.

4.     The construction of a new bypass road on Qalqilia land under the name of Trans Samaria 2 which is located south of the already built Trans Samaria 1 linking between the Jordan valley and the Mediterranean. The Palestinians are not allowed to use these two roads which reflects the racist policy of the Israeli entity.

The Trans Samaria 1  bypass road created a half circle starting in Taiba village to the west of Qalailia up to Tsofim settlement in the north east of the city. Trans Samaria 2 created another half circle to the south east of the city. The two roads meet to close the circle, and consequently, isolate the city of Qalqilia from is countryside.

Violations committed in Qalqilia as a result of  the latest aggression:

1. Violations against roads: 

Source Qalqilia Municipality

2. Violations against running water systems: 

Source Qalqilia Municipality

 3. Violations against electricity networks: 

Source: Qalqilia Municipality

Prepared by
The Land Research Center
LRC