(IsraelNN.com) The Regional Council municipal governing body of the Jewish communities in the Shomron (Samaria) issued a sharp response to the International Committee of the Red Cross on Sunday, following the Red Cross’ attempt to facilitate an Arab land-grab. 

“This is just another instance of foreign agencies provoking tensions between Arab and Jewish residents of the area,” stated spokesman David HaIvri.  He was referring to the attempt by the Red Cross (ICRC) and some 50 Arabs to clear a large parcel of land adjacent to the Tapuach Junction checkpoint on Sunday morning. The IDF ejected them from the area, but the Red Cross – which stated that there had been a “mis-coordination” with the IDF – said the initiative would resume on Monday.

“These lands have not been cultivated in decades,” HaIvri said, “and are not registered to any individual Arab. If they were private property, all the owner would need to do would be to show his documentation. This area has been used by a Jewish shepherd for many years, with no objections by neighboring Arabs – and suddenly, in comes the Red Cross, looking for fights.”

“Instead of leading provocations,” HaIvri continued, “I would expect the Red Cross to make a real effort on behalf of Gilad Shalit, who has been captive for over three years with no visits by the Red Cross.” IDF soldier Shalit was captured by Hamas terrorists in Gaza nearly 3.5 years ago, and has never been visited by a neutral body.

Regarding the Red Cross plan to return on Monday, Shomron Regional Council Land Committee Chairman Eli Rosenfeld has brought the status of this area to the attention of the local IDF command, as well as the close-by community of Kfar Tapuach, in an attempt to ensure that the area is not taken over by residents of neighboring Arab villages.