Right-wing settlers expelled

Settlers pack their bags for Jerusalem

Israeli police have removed right-wing Jewish activists who set up an outpost in the Arab village of Abu Dis, outside Jerusalem.

Police drove most of the few dozen would-be settlers, mostly young men, away in police cars and a group of about 10 who locked themselves in a vehicle were removed later.

The group had gathered in Abu Dis on Wednesday to demonstrate for a new Jewish neighbourhood there.

Police remove barbed wire

Police said their removal was "to prevent friction between Israelis and Palestinians".

The demonstrators planted trees and put up tents and fencing, saying they intended to remain until the Jerusalem authorities, which have approved a settlement on land in a small part of the village under their control, started building.

Handover delayed

Most of Abu Dis is under Palestinian civilian control and is one of three villages whose full transfer to the Palestinians was approved by the Israeli Government and parliament on 15 May.

However, the handover was delayed in the wake of an outbreak of violence in the Palestinian territories.

Israel has touted Abu Dis as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

But the Palestinians are demanding that their capital should be in Jerusalem.