(29 Jul 2003)
1. Aerial view over West Bank, 15 -16 km west of Jenin
2. Various aerials over West Bank
3. Aerial over security fence
4. Zoom in to fence snaking along for kilometres
5. Aerial following fence, Palestinian towns and Israeli settlements close to fence
6. Car by fence, camera follows fence to corner, pull out to see fence surrounding land
STORYLINE:
The first stage of work on an Israeli barrier intended to prevent suicide bombers infiltrating from West Bank Palestinian towns and cities is complete and cutting off thousands of Palestinians from their land and jobs on the other side of the fence.
Palestinians accuse Israel of using the fence, which is built largely on thousands of acres of seized Palestinian farmland, to annex territory in the absence of a final peace agreement ruining chances for a viable Palestinian state.
The first 245 kilometre (150 mile) stretch that frequently veers deep into the West Bank, separates Palestinian farmers from a crucial swath of orchards, olive groves and other crops. Promised agricultural gates to allow them access to those lands have yet to appear.
In some places, the fence cuts six kilometres into the narrow West Bank.
The first section of the fence complex, traps whole communities between the barrier and Israel's "green line" with the West Bank.
Unable to enter Israel and now having to filter through checkpoints to reach the West Bank interior, residents of those hamlets are left without easy access to medical clinics, schools and their jobs.
However, Israelis feel the failure of previous peace efforts and three years of bloodshed have left them with no choice but to unilaterally fence off the frontier.
They say the barrier will not become a border for a Palestinian state.
The Palestinians are looking to the United States to place pressure on Israel to freeze the project and alter the route.
The separation fence is expected to be at the centre of talks between Israeli Prime Minster Ariel Sharon and US President George W. Bush in Washington on Tuesday.
Sharon discussed the issue extensively on Monday with US National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice arguing that the fence is nothing more than a necessary security measure.
The US administration is expressing concern that the fence may hinder efforts to push forwards with the regional peace plan known as the "Road Map".
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