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West Bank barrier change ordered West Bank barrier change ordered
(about 1 hour later)
The Israeli Supreme Court has ordered the government to redraw the route of the West Bank barrier near a town that has been a key focus of protest. Israel's supreme court has ordered the government to redraw the route of the West Bank barrier near Bilin village, a key focus of anti-barrier protest.
The court accepted an appeal by residents of Bilin, who had argued that the barrier prevented them from reaching 50% of their farming land. The court accepted an appeal by Bilin residents, who had argued that the barrier prevented them from reaching 50% of their agricultural land.
Weekly protests against the barrier have been held in Bilin for two years. Weekly protests against the barrier have been held there for two years.
The Israeli government says the barrier is a security measure but Palestinians view it as an illegal land grab.The Israeli government says the barrier is a security measure but Palestinians view it as an illegal land grab.
The International Court of Justice issued an advisory ruling in 2004 that the barrier breached international law where it is built on occupied territory and should be dismantled.The International Court of Justice issued an advisory ruling in 2004 that the barrier breached international law where it is built on occupied territory and should be dismantled.
'Not necessary'
Correspondents say the latest ruling is an embarrassing blow to the Israeli government at a place which has come to symbolise opposition to the barrier.
"We were not convinced that it is necessary for security-military reasons to retain the current route that passes on Bilin's lands," the chief justice, Dorit Beinish, wrote.
The ruling will prevent a planned expansion of a contentious new settlement project, Matityahu East, which is being built in defiance of the Israeli authorities.
One of the Bilin protest organisers, Abdullah Abu Rahma, called the court decision "wonderful" and called for it to be implemented immediately.
The Israeli defence ministry which is responsible for building the barrier said in a statement it would "study the ruling and respect it".
All Israeli settlements in the West Bank, land captured by Israel in the 1967 war, are deemed illegal under international law, but Israel disputes this.