Israel occupies more lands by declaring them public parks

RAMALLAH, Jan 18 (KUNA) -- Israel's illicit intention by declaring seven locations in the West Bank as natural reserves is to occupy large swaths of the Palestinian territories, according to a report.
Carving out natural reserves and public parks are part of a plot to seize more Palestinians lands, said the report, released by the National Bureau for Defending Land and Resisting Settlements.
It was alluding to a report issued by the Israeli center for human rights saying that Tel Aviv transformed 20 percent of the Jordan Valley regions into natural reserves and "national gardens." The PLO-run bureau noted that the occupation authorities have prevented Palestinians in the West Bank from cultivating their fields, located within the lands Israel consider as natural reserves or public parks. Moreover, it places stringent terms on Palestinians' construction of buildings while allowing Jewish settlers to expand their outposts.
Israel has seized thousands of donums of lands in Jerusalem under such pretexts. The occupation authorities have also taken over of 350 donums near Bethlehem and 127 donums in Silfit.
Israel strategically is seeking to occupy 62 percent pf the lands in the West Bank. (One donum=1,000 sm). (end) nq.rk