SUPPORT FOR BEDOUIN VILLAGERS IN THE NEGEV

That this House is gravely concerned at plans by the Israeli government to demolish the Israeli-Arab village, Umm al-Hiran, in the Negev area of Israel; notes with dismay that it reportedly intends to evict the 500 Bedouin residents of the village, which has existed for nearly 60 years, with the aim of establishing a new, Jewish-only settlement named Hiran in its stead; considers that the Bedouin villagers are full citizens of Israel but are being treated as though they have no rights; further notes the reports that the Israeli government plans to charge the villagers for the cost of the demolition of their own homes; understands that village leaders say there is no need to evict them as the Jewish settlers can move onto a site next door and live as neighbours; and calls on the Israeli government to cease its harsh and unnecessary actions immediately.