International delegation statement in the refugee camps around Bethlehem for the protection of Palestinian civilians

The latest news is not encouraging. The situation of Palestinian
cities, villages and refugee camps is becoming more and more critical.
The army wants to unleash a heavy retaliation to silence Palestinian
people's resistance.
We fear that civilians will be involved in these attacks, even more than
one week ago.
In these days, several international delegations are visiting Palestine
territories, to act as an interposition force and avoid new violence, as
well as offer protection and solidarity to the Palestinian civilians,
especially in refugee camps.
Some days ago more than 30 people have come from Italy, Germany, United
States and Switzerland as guests in the Deheishe camp - Bethlehem - and
today they have already been prevented from going to Jerusalem.
Roads are completely blocked and check points are closed for anybody.
In the last hours United Nations and USA authorities have ordered the
evacuation of any foreigner from Ramallah.
Arafat himself has declared through international televisions to fear
for his own safety.
Our presence in Palestinian refugee camps and villages is in this moment
more than needed and we ask to all associations, individuals and civil
society to pressure their own government and international institutions
to stop Sharon's army and the useless logic of retaliation.

International Delegation
Deheishe Refugee Camp
IBDAA Cultural Center
coordintifada@yahoo.it