APARTHEID WALL Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Apartheid Wall" refers to a barrier constructed in the West Bank by the Israeli government, which gained global attention due to its controversial nature. It comprises a network of walls, fences, and checkpoints that separates Israel from the Palestinian territories, mainly the West Bank, and has a significant impact on the daily lives of Palestinians living in those areas.
The Apartheid Wall is viewed by critics as a symbol of the Israeli policy of apartheid, a term historically associated with South Africa's oppressive system of racial segregation. Opponents argue that the wall effectively creates a physical separation between Jewish settlers and Palestinians, leading to the isolation and marginalization of Palestinian communities. Critics also claim that the wall restricts the movement of Palestinians, imposes economic hardships, and undermines their human rights, including access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Proponents of the barrier, on the other hand, argue that its construction is a security measure necessary to prevent terrorist attacks against Israel. They contend that the wall has effectively reduced the number of attacks from the West Bank, protecting Israeli citizens. Advocates also believe that the wall can be seen as a temporary solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, aiming to promote stability and security in the region.
The term "Apartheid Wall" is often used in discussions and debates surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, representing the diverging perspectives on its purpose, impact, and legitimacy.
Etymology of APARTHEID WALL
The term "Apartheid Wall" is a phrase used to refer to the Israeli barrier or separation wall that was constructed in the West Bank. It is not a word with etymology in the traditional sense, as it is a compound phrase created to draw a parallel between the policies implemented during the era of apartheid in South Africa and the Israeli barrier.
The term "apartheid" originates from Afrikaans, a language spoken in South Africa. It is a combination of the Afrikaans word "apart" (meaning "separation" or "apartness") and the Dutch word "heid" (meaning "hood" or "state"). Apartheid was the name given to the official policy of racial segregation and discrimination promoted by the South African government from 1948 until early 1994.
