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Sharon Proposes “Unilateral Separation” From Palestinians

HeadlineDec 19, 2003

Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon, Thursday warned he would take unilateral actions in the Occupied Territories to entirely isolate the Palestinian population, if the Palestinian leadership did not take increased actions against militants. Sharon outlined a plan of what he called “unilateral separation.” Under the plan Israel would greatly accelerate the building of a controversial wall through the West Bank. Israel would consolidate settlers into larger more fortified settlements. The number of Israeli troops in the West Bank and Gaza would increase to protect these new larger settlements. According to The Guardian of London the Palestinians would end up with a shrunken state, criss-crossed by heavily protected Jewish settlements. Sharon warned “If Israel unilaterally draws a border the Palestinians will receive much less than they would have received through direct negotiations.” Sharon’s threat was received poorly by both the Palestinians and the U.S. At the White House press secretary Scott McClellan said “The United States believes that a settlement must be negotiated and we would oppose any effort–any Israeli effort–to impose a settlement,” Palestinian chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat told CNN: “With this unilateral approach, they may make peace with Israelis; they’ll not make peace with Palestinians.”

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