UN chief raps Israel over security barrier

Israel was today found in violation of a UN resolution demanding that Israel halt construction of a barrier that in places juts deep into the West Bank and dismantle the section already built.

In a report to the General Assembly, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the construction of the barrier – a network of fences, walls, razor wire and trenches – was in violation of international law and “could damage the longer-term prospects for peace.”