Situation in the OPT incl. Jerusalem – Letter from Palestine

GENERAL ASSEMBLY SECURITY COUNCIL

Fifty-first session Fifty-first year

Agenda items 33, 35 and 85

THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

QUESTION OF PALESTINE

REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO

  INVESTIGATE ISRAELI PRACTICES

  AFFECTING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE

  PALESTINIAN PEOPLE AND OTHER ARABS

  OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

Letter dated 25 September 1996 from the Permanent Observer

of Palestine to the United Nations addressed to the

Secretary-General

Following my letter to you dated 24 September 1996 (A/51/400-S/1996/779), I wish to inform you that the Israeli occupying army has today, 25 September 1996, shot dead one Palestinian civilian and wounded approximately 160 other civilians.

Many Palestinians throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, were taking part in demonstrations in protest of the illegal, provocative action of opening the tunnel under the Western Wall of Al-Aqsa Mosque.  The Israeli troops immediately used violence, including gunfire, against the demonstrators.  Moreover, several recent statements by Israeli officials have indicated an intention to continuously challenge international legitimacy and Israel's obligations as an occupying Power.

The events of today increase the urgency of the matter and I trust that the Security Council will take the necessary steps in this regard.

I would be grateful if you would arrange to have the text of the present letter circulated as a document of the General Assembly, under agenda items 33, 35 and 85, and of the Security Council.

   (Signed)  Nasser AL-KIDWA

Permanent Observer of Palestine

    to the United Nations

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96-25321 (E)   250996