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Israel approves new route for security barrier

The Israeli government has approved the route to be taken around Jerusalem for it`s controversial security barrier, leaving four Arab areas of the city lying outside it. The decision will make it more difficult for 55,000 Palestinian residents to reach the city`s schools and hospitals. Palestinians say the barrier is a land grab and prejudices final status talks, Israel says it is for security needs as the Palestinians have done nothing to rein in terrorists. Israel`s Supreme Court has ruled several times on the barrier`s route, often requiring the government to adjust it.

Israel has set a new deadline of September 1, 2005 for the barrier`s completion around Jerusalem, which it claims as it`s eternal capital, after deciding last week that it was necessary to speed up construction in order to keep out suicide bombers.

In addition to speeding up construction, the government of Ariel Sharon approved decisions meant to ease the "humanitarian" impact of the barrier, saying Israel would provide transport and crossing points for residents in the Arab suburbs, and that Israel will build new schools and hospitals on the side of the barrier that will most likely fall under Palestinian jurisdiction. It is estimated that around 230,000 Arabs live within the city limits.