Clashes lead to suspension of work on separation barrier

WORKERS suspended construction yesterday of a section of Israel's West Bank separation barrier after violent clashes erupted between soldiers and Palestinian demonstrators, Israel Radio reported.

The clashes near the village of Iskaka, south of the West Bank city of Nablus erupted when contractors began work on a portion of the barrier meant to protect Ariel, the second-largest Israeli settlement in the West Bank, the radio reported.

The army has confiscated thousands of acres of Palestinian land to begin building the barrier around Ariel, even though the United States has yet to agree to Israel's plan to encompass the settlement.

The construction of the separation barrier would effectively make Ariel part of Israel.

Palestinians are enraged by the structure, which they say is a land grab.