POLITICS > Israel’s ‘Palestinian-only’ bus racism, says Deputy PM

ANKARA – Anatolia News Agency

Turkey’s Bozdağ condemns Israel’s new ‘Palestinian-only’ bus lines. AA photo

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ has slammed Israel over the creation of segregated bus lines for Palestinians, describing the move as racist.

“It is overt racism and discrimination not to allow anyone but Israelis on certain buses. I condemn and denounce this action,” Bozdağ said in a recent interview with Anatolia news agency.

On March 4, Israel launched a bus service that will only carry Palestinian workers from the West Bank to Israel in a move that has drawn sharp criticism from many human rights groups.

When asked about claims that Israel had destroyed historic buildings around the al-Aqsa Mosque, Bozdağ said historical monuments were the common treasure of humanity.

“The world must protect these monuments. Those who raised their voices when Mali’s historic monuments were destroyed need to stand up and say a strong ‘no’ in the same manner and to the same extent when Israel destroys such monuments,” he said.

Al Qaeda-linked militants in northern Mali destroyed historic and religious landmarks in Timbuktu last January in an ongoing conflict in actions that were spurred by their claim that all relics are idolatrous.

March/07/2013

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mara mcglothin

3/7/2013 8:29:30 PM

LIOR From what I can understand from reading the news from many different outlets. I just see this as a more efficient way to move these people from home to work. Many employees and children take school/company vans to work each day, so if there were 50 people in need of this type of transportation, then a bus would be implemented instead of a van. Seems simple to me, but then again in this area nothing is simple or as it appears.

Murat

3/7/2013 7:27:01 PM

In that case, let us really clear up the issue and point to the fundemental truth about all this: Israel is an apertehid regime, led by mostly racists naturally and WB is under a brutal occupation, likes of which have not been seen since WWII. Clear enough?

Lior Uziel

3/7/2013 5:48:29 PM

Let's clear the facts: the separate buses are taking different routes, as Palestinians entering Israel must be checked as they are not Israeli citizens. This separation is based on nationality and passports... It is used to ease the traffic. I hope that's clearer. Two use cases for this to change: Palestinians get an Israeli nationality (don't think this is welcome on any side) or some arrangement of no need for a passport/visa is needed (same as with Turkey and the old friend Syria).

mara mcglothin

3/7/2013 5:18:20 PM

and what do you call the "women only" buses in Turkey?????? Protection? Spot on! RIMON TREE

Richard Wyatt

3/7/2013 4:53:51 PM

Suicide bombers are most unlikely to board a Palestinian-only bus.

Murat

3/7/2013 4:17:41 PM

He may be right, is this the only instance of racism in the world? Double standards of this magnitude does not convince anyone.

Al Rashid

3/7/2013 3:47:21 PM

All racist apartheid nations must be confronted and exposed at every opportunity and Zionists are right at the forefront as well they know. By the way the UN report yesterday on Palestinian children in Zionist custody, described the ill-treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli jails as widespread, systematic and institutionalised". They were subjected to physical abuse during transfer and interrogation and even threatened with sexual assault as reported by the BBC. Where's John Kerry?

Thessalonian

3/7/2013 3:42:29 PM

Even though it does not sound politically correct, it was meant to alleviate friction between Israeli settlers and Palestinian workers from the West Bank commuting to Israel. A possibly good idea which however was not welcomed by all from either side. Two of these buses have already been set on fire... If the Palestinians do not begin to behave themselves, the Israelis will soon start contemplating the rescindment of their work permits. A not so unpopular thought in Israel at this time. Regards

Sal Black

3/7/2013 2:55:42 PM

The AKP's criticisms of Israel would hold far more legitimacy if they held Hamas to the same standards in regards to women's rights in Gaza and the West Bank.

american american

3/7/2013 12:52:10 PM

what sites?

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