“It is unconscionable that Bethlehem should be allowed to die slowly from strangulation.”

—Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 2005

Bethlehem has historically been a beacon of multiculturalism and coexistence in the Middle East. It has also been integral to the social and economic fabric of Palestinian society.

Construction of Israel’s Wall in and around Bethlehem, ongoing Israeli settlement (colony) expansion, and other Israeli policies designed to sever Bethlehem from occupied East Jerusalem have decimated Bethlehem’s once vibrant economy and transformed the historic city into a concrete ghetto. All this continues despite the International Court of Justice’s July 9th, 2004 opinion, which deemed Israel’s Wall and all of its settlements illegal.

This ghettoization of Bethlehem is not only destroying ancient communities, but is also directly impeding prospects for Middle East peace. Because of Bethlehem’s significance to and historic ties with Palestinian East Jerusalem, Bethlehem’s demise may well mark the beginning of the end of the Two-State solution. For without East Jerusalem there can be no viable Palestinian state, and hence no viable peace.

This fact sheet outlines the grave threats facing Bethlehem, and by extension a viable peace today. The damage visited upon Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the Two-State Solution could potentially be reversed if appropriate action is taken now.

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