Israelis in conflict over Darfur refugees

July 8, 2007 (JERUSALEM) — The fate of 60 Darfur refugees was in limbo Sunday as Israeli government departments passed along responsibility for the Sudan asylum seekers.

Residents of Rahat and Beersheba gave the refugees food and shelter during the weekend but Sunday they moved the group to a compound in Jerusalem in an effort to spur some action from federal officials, Ynetnews.com reported.

City officials said they did not have the money or resources to care for the refugees and called Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to take charge. Olmert’s office, however, said the responsibility lies with the defense department.

Committee for Darfur Refugees spokesman Eitan Schwartz lashed out at the government’s failure to step forward and help those seeking shelter from the carnage in Darfur.

“For over two years, the government has thought that if it buries its head in the sand, the problem will disappear,” Schwartz said.

The refugees, who entered Israel via Egypt, must prove they are from from Sudan, said Vered Swaid, an Olmert adviser.

Those who did not come from Darfur or southern Sudan would be returned to their countries of origin, he said.

(UPI)