Attack in Ramat Gan – Letter from Israel

Letter dated 24 July 1995 from the Permanent Representative of

Israel to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

I would like to draw your attention to a grave act of terrorism which was perpetrated by Palestinian extremists today in Israel.

At 8.40 a.m. local time, a terrorist detonated a bomb on a commuter bus travelling in rush hour traffic in the town of Ramat Gan in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.  According to the latest accounts, the explosion killed five Israelis and injured 33, four of them critically.

Sources from the fundamentalist organization Hamas have claimed responsibility for the attack, which was carried out by a suicide bomber.

The attack took place as Israeli and Palestinian negotiators continued their discussions on further implementation of the Declaration of Principles signed by Israel and the PLO on 13 September 1993.  The attack was intended not only to kill Israelis, but to derail the peace process as well.  The attacker and those who sent him are enemies of peace and of the people of the Middle East who seek a better future – Arab and Jew alike.

Israel will not allow terrorism to upset the progress made thus far in implementing the Declaration of Principles.  Israel remains committed to working with the Palestinians towards achieving peace.  At the same time, Israel will take all measures necessary to combat terrorism and ensure the security of its citizens.

Israel calls upon all Member States to unequivocally condemn this crime and to join in supporting the peace process.

I should be grateful if you would have the present letter circulated as a document of the General Assembly under item 149 of the provisional agenda, and of the Security Council.

(Signed)  Gad YAACOBI        

Ambassador         

Permanent Representative of

Israel to the United Nations

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* A/50/150.

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