Israelis critical of decision to deport Sudanese

Four dozen sent back to Egypt under new 'hot return' policy

By ICEJ News

20 Aug 2007

Israeli activists assisting Sudanese refugees fleeing into the country sharply criticized the government's expulsion back into Egypt on Sunday of 48 refugees, mainly from the war-torn Darfur region.

The group infiltrated over the weekend from Sinai but were sent right back under a new "hot return" policy - meaning they will be returned to Egypt within hours of crossing the border. Some Israelis question the legality of the policy, however, noting that anyone who claims asylum in a UN member state is entitled under international law to at least a hearing.

Over 1200 Sudanese refugees have crossed illegally from Egypt into Israel so far this year. Israel has decided to keep a quota of 500 Darfur refugees while the remainder, mainly south Sudanese Christians, will be either returned to Egypt or sent to another country willing to host them.

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has launched an effort to assist Israel in caring for these Sudanese refugees - please Click Here to donate to this urgent humanitarian relief effort.

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