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Settlers stage Jerusalem protest Settlers stage Jerusalem protest
(about 1 hour later)
Thousands of Jewish settlers and their supporters are staging a rally in Jerusalem in protest at a curb on settlement building in the West Bank.Thousands of Jewish settlers and their supporters are staging a rally in Jerusalem in protest at a curb on settlement building in the West Bank.
Demonstrators gathered outside the residence of PM Benjamin Netanyahu, days after he ordered a 10-month lull in permits for new settlement homes.Demonstrators gathered outside the residence of PM Benjamin Netanyahu, days after he ordered a 10-month lull in permits for new settlement homes.
The order followed US calls for a total freeze in settlement building.The order followed US calls for a total freeze in settlement building.
Israel said the move was aimed at helping restart peace talks, but Palestinians said it was insufficient.Israel said the move was aimed at helping restart peace talks, but Palestinians said it was insufficient.
Jewish settlers have been angered by the moratorium, ordered by Mr Netanyahu's right-leaning government, ordinarily supportive of settlement activity in the West Bank.Jewish settlers have been angered by the moratorium, ordered by Mr Netanyahu's right-leaning government, ordinarily supportive of settlement activity in the West Bank.
AT THE SCENE Paul Wood, BBC News, Jerusalem There was something of a carnival atmosphere at the protest, which is still going on. Young women danced in circles around a stage where a rock band played - there was candy floss and many placards saying Iran was the enemy and not the settlers, and saying that Mr Netanyahu should listen to his own people and not to the United States.AT THE SCENE Paul Wood, BBC News, Jerusalem There was something of a carnival atmosphere at the protest, which is still going on. Young women danced in circles around a stage where a rock band played - there was candy floss and many placards saying Iran was the enemy and not the settlers, and saying that Mr Netanyahu should listen to his own people and not to the United States.
Settlers' leaders claimed that tens of thousands of people had come - so far, about half way through this demonstration, there are 3,000 or 4,000 at most, but people are still arriving and the aim is probably to hit the main Israeli evening TV news.Settlers' leaders claimed that tens of thousands of people had come - so far, about half way through this demonstration, there are 3,000 or 4,000 at most, but people are still arriving and the aim is probably to hit the main Israeli evening TV news.
Nearly 500,000 Jews live in more than 100 settlements built on occupied territory in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.Nearly 500,000 Jews live in more than 100 settlements built on occupied territory in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Settlement building in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law - although Israel disputes this.Settlement building in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law - although Israel disputes this.
Meanwhile, Israeli anti-settlement movement Peace Now says more homes are under construction per inhabitant in the West Bank than inside Israel despite the recent curbs.Meanwhile, Israeli anti-settlement movement Peace Now says more homes are under construction per inhabitant in the West Bank than inside Israel despite the recent curbs.
The group said 1,167 homes were being built for every 100,000 West Bank settlers, compared to just 836 for the same number of Israeli residents.The group said 1,167 homes were being built for every 100,000 West Bank settlers, compared to just 836 for the same number of Israeli residents.
More buildingMore building
Under the new Israeli policy, permits for new homes in the West Bank will not be approved for 10 months.Under the new Israeli policy, permits for new homes in the West Bank will not be approved for 10 months.
But municipal buildings and about 3,000 homes already under construction will still be allowed to go ahead.But municipal buildings and about 3,000 homes already under construction will still be allowed to go ahead.
Scuffles have erupted in the past week as Israeli settlers held protests and tried to block building inspectors from entering their communities to enforce the new rules.Scuffles have erupted in the past week as Israeli settlers held protests and tried to block building inspectors from entering their communities to enforce the new rules.
Israeli settlement in close-up Palestinian builders' dilemma Obstacles to peace: SettlementsIsraeli settlement in close-up Palestinian builders' dilemma Obstacles to peace: Settlements
But, on the basis of the official figures, Peace Now said "the settler's claims of discrimination and attempts to 'dry out' the settlements have no basis in reality".But, on the basis of the official figures, Peace Now said "the settler's claims of discrimination and attempts to 'dry out' the settlements have no basis in reality".
"Even during the freeze a larger number of housing units than the national average will be built in the occupied territories," it said."Even during the freeze a larger number of housing units than the national average will be built in the occupied territories," it said.
Israeli politicians and media have been referring to the restrictions as a "freeze", although Palestinians say they are far from the total building halt, including in East Jerusalem, that they have demanded.Israeli politicians and media have been referring to the restrictions as a "freeze", although Palestinians say they are far from the total building halt, including in East Jerusalem, that they have demanded.
The BBC's Paul Wood in Jerusalem says the settlers feel betrayed by a government they thought was on their side.The BBC's Paul Wood in Jerusalem says the settlers feel betrayed by a government they thought was on their side.
Israel could just be acting tactically, trying to make the Palestinians look like the roadblock to negotiations, our correspondent says.Israel could just be acting tactically, trying to make the Palestinians look like the roadblock to negotiations, our correspondent says.
But even so, he adds, the Israeli government may have to choose between peace with the Palestinians or peace with the settlers.But even so, he adds, the Israeli government may have to choose between peace with the Palestinians or peace with the settlers.
Are in the area? Have you been affected by the protests? Send us your comments and pictures using the form belowAre in the area? Have you been affected by the protests? Send us your comments and pictures using the form below
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.
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