The Arab League attacked Wednesday Israel's separation fence, saying the structure is a "violation of international law" and suggesting its architects be arrested.
The 22-member group's testimony highlighted the third and final day of testimony before the Hague International Court of Justice, which is examining the legality of the barrier.
The Arab League echoed efforts by other participants this week to put the spotlight not only on the West Bank barrier, but on Israel's 37-year occupation of the Palestinian territories.
For his part, Michael Bothe, head of the Arab League's legal team, told the justices that the barrier goes well beyond "security concerns".
He explained the barrier is meant to lead "consolidation of the unlawful Israeli settlements" in the West Bank while making life "burdensome, even impossible" for the Palestinian people.
"The true purpose of the wall is ... not legitimate. It is a means to change the legal status quo of the occupied territories," Bothe said.
"The wall does not stand between terrorists and potential victims. It stands between the farmer and his land, between the employee and his employer, between the merchant and client, between child and school ... between patient and doctor, between the faithful and his or her holy places," The AP cited Bothe as saying.
Describing the barrier as a "grave breach" of international law governing occupied lands, he suggested that those responsible for the structure be brought to justice.
"All state parties are thus obliged to prosecute offenders which happen to find themselves within their power or to extradite them to a state willing to prosecute them." (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
