The "Fund For Land Redemption" has secretly bought more than seven acres (30 dunams) of land in Gaza and is negotiating to buy much more land, according to the Ynet news web site.

The Fund, with the help of several millionaires, also is buying large amounts of land throughout Judea and Samaria in an effort to connect neighboring Jewish communities or join them with villages within the pre-1967 border.

The redeemed land in Gaza that ahs been purchased includes a parcel next to Kfar Darom, for which Jews have a legal title. Since its purchases began two decades ago, the Fund has bought more than 5,000 acres (20,000 dunams) throughout Judea, Samaria and Gaza (Yesha), according to Ynet, published by the Hebrew daily Yediot Aharonot

Jordanian law stipulates the death punishment for anyone selling land to Jews, and Palestinian Authority hit squads have murdered several "middle men" in recent years. The sellers usually are farmers who need the money and do not know that the prospective buyer is Jewish.

"G", an Arab land agent, who revealed his commission is 20 per cent of every transaction´s value. He explained, "From the standpoint [of the Arab seller]´ the sale is to Arabs. That is our way of protecting him. It has happened more than once that people have persuaded the seller than I represent Jordanian land developers. Most of the land is next to existing Jewish communities, and they need more."

Former General Security Service (Shabak) agents often are employed by the Fund, ac cording to the report. They provide information on names of those who work and own the land.

Many of the Arab landowners use the money to move to the United States," said one of the millionaires who contributes to the Fund. "That way we not only strengthen Jewish [presence]" but also help Arabs move out, he added. (IsraelNationalNews © 01/28/05)