Violation: stop-work orders for 3 residential and commercial structures.
Location: Al Bayader, Sabastya.
Date: February 6, 2013.
Details:
On February 6, 2013, the Israeli Occupation Authorities handed 3 Palestinians of Sabastya stop-work orders for 3 structures on the pretext of unlicensed construction in area classified ‘C’ according to Oslo. The orders set March 9, 2013 as the date of a hearing session to be held before the Organization and Construction committee in Beit El Military Court to decide on the fate of the structures.
Table 1: targeted structures:
Victim | Family members | Area (m2) | Structure | remarks |
Ahmad Sakha | 6 | 80 | Restaurant | Notified previously picture 1 |
Naser Bahlaq | 11 | 400 | Hotel | Notified previously picture 2 |
Nahed Sakha | 9 | 300 | cafe | Notified previously picture 3 |
Total | 26 | 780 |
It is clear that the Israelis tend to destroy the Palestinian economy and turn it into a dependable one’ in addition, the aggression shows the Israeli intention to destroy infrastructure and the service industry in the Palestinian territories.
Nael al Sha’ir, head of Sabastya Muncipal Council, stated: ‘the targeted structures are vital for the town’s economy knowing that the structures that were built over 6 years ago are necessary for the tourism industry in the town which largely depends on tourism in its income due to the existence of Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic ruins. If the Israeli orders are carried out, they will have drastic effects on the town’s economy.‘
Sabastya:
Sabastya is located 15 km to the north of Nablus; it is known for having a number of Islamic, Canaanite, Phoenician, Byzantine and Islamic ruins. Sabastya was first established in 800 A.D.
The town’s total area is 5600 dunums including 1670 dunums reserved for construction. It is inhabited by over 4700 people. Tourism and agriculture are the main sources of income but the Israeli measures make life more complicated.
