Letter: History under Israeli bulldozers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Your leading article "Danger: Israeli colonialism at work" (19 March), and Patrick Cockburn's reports on the intended bulldozing of Har Homa have been percipient. Netanyahu's policy is obviously to make impossible Palestinian possession of East Jerusalem and even the pretence of a Palestinian state.
However, an aspect of this project on Har Homa to which no reference has been made is the damage to the historical heritage of Palestine. The Israeli government is extremely sensitive about any potential damage to the Jewish archaeological record. At Har Homa the bulldozing will destroy at least half-a-dozen Christian sites including 5th- and 6th-century Byzantine monasteries and the church at Bir Qadismu on the spot where Mary rested on her way to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus. What about the protection of that archaeological heritage?
Peace can never come whilst Netanyahu continues pursuing the agenda of creating Eretz Israel. Is it not time that the international community decided to exert political and economic pressure on Israel's present government? And can that not begin with the withdrawal of the trade and financial benefits the European Union has bestowed on Israel?
ANDREW FAULDS MP
(Warley East, Lab)
House of Commons
London SW1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments