Martin: West Bank barrier is ‘choking’ people

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Micheál Martin said a “separating barrier” or wall between Israel and the West Bank is “choking” the Palestinian people, who cannot travel to Israel for work, medical care or education.

Martin expressed his concerns during a meeting yesterday with Israeli Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni.

He visited a refugee community and school close to the barrier, and said it is having a “choking impact on the economy and social life”. Martin said the wall is severely damaging the economy, which could fuel violence in the long term.