Situation in the OPT/Hebron – Letter from Morocco

LETTER DATED 25 MARCH 1980 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

OF MOROCCO TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT

OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

On behalf of the members of the Islamic Conference, I have the honour to express to you our grave concern at the most recent decisions and measures taken by the Israeli occupation authorities in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The expropriation by the occupation authorities of additional Arab lands north of the Holy City of Jerusalem, and the confiscation by those authorities of 150 hectares of land in the village of Al-Khadar near Bethlehem, are further proof, if any were needed, of Israel’s determination to annex the territories which it has been occupying since 1967.

We would also express our indignation at the decision taken by the Israeli cabinet on 23 March 1980, authorizing the establishment of two Jewish religious institutions in the Palestinian town of Al-Khalil (Hebron).  This decision shows once again how relentlessly the Israeli occupation authorities are pursuing their policy of transforming the political, demographic, structural and cultural character of the occupied Arab and Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem.

The assumption of such an attitude on the morrow of the unanimous adoption by the Security Council, on 1 March 1980, of resolution 465 (1980) constitutes a violation of that resolution and the other relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council, and is evidence of the challenge which Israel continues to hurl at the international community.

The recent attitude of the Israeli occupation authorities is bound to aggravate the already anxious situation in the occupied Arab and Palestinian territories.  The Israeli Government alone will bear full responsibility for the grave consequences of its expansionist policy.

The members of the Islamic Conference are convinced that the international community will be capable of meeting the Israeli challenge and taking the necessary measures to bring Israel into compliance with the rules of international law and the resolutions of the United Nations.

I would request you to have this letter circulated as a Security Council document.

(Signed) Abdellatif FILALI

Ambassador, Permanent Representative

of the Kingdom of Morocco

Chairman of the Islamic Group

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