February 23, 2010

Bethlehem – Ma’an – The committee of Palestinian factions in Bethlehem declared a general strike on Tuesday in Bethlehem governorate in protest of Israel’s claim on sites in Bethlehem and Hebron as "heritage sites."

The factions urged schools, institutions, and shops to participate in the strike.

The committee also called on Palestinians to participate in Friday noon prayers close to Rachel’s Tomb, one of the sites designated as an Israeli heritage location despite its location on Palestinian land.

In addition, the committee urged the public to join the demonstration in Beit Sahour at 10:30am on Sunday near Oush Ghrab, the military base recently reoccupied by the Israeli military.

Palestinians in Hebron clashed with Israeli troops on Monday in the wake of the Israeli pronouncement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement came during his government's weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday. In addition to Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem and Hebron's Ibrahimi Mosque, both located in major Palestinian cities, the list also includes the West Bank sites of Herodion, Qumran, and Susiya.

Top PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat condemned the move, saying, "The unilateral decision to make Palestinian sites in Hebron and Bethlehem part of Israel shows there is no genuine partner for peace, but an occupying power intent on consolidating Palestinian lands."