Abduction of an Israeli soldier – Letter from Israel

GENERAL ASSEMBLY SECURITY COUNCIL

Forty-ninth session Forty-ninth year

Agenda item 142

MEASURES TO ELIMINATE INTERNATIONAL

  TERRORISM

Letter dated 13 October 1994 from the Permanent Representative of

Israel to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

I wish to draw your attention to the grave situation created by the abduction of Israel Defence Forces Corporal Nachshon Waxman by Palestinian terrorists affiliated with the Hamas organization.

According to intelligence sources, Corporal Waxman is being held captive in the Gaza Strip.  In accordance with the Declaration of Principles signed by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, and with the subsequent Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area signed by the parties, the responsibility for the life, welfare and safe return of Corporal Waxman lies with the Palestinian Authority.

The Israeli Cabinet held a special meeting yesterday, in which Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin briefed the Cabinet on the abduction of Corporal Waxman and on the Prime Minister's contacts with the Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization regarding this issue.

Hamas, which also claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jerusalem four days ago in which 2 people were killed and 13 wounded (see A/49/498-S/1994/1150), is inspired by a radical, fundamentalist ideology.  It has repeatedly declared its commitment to opposing the peace process by violent means, and to carrying out acts of terrorism directed against Israel and Israelis.  Israel calls upon the international community to combat the fundamentalist terrorist threat posed by Hamas and similar organizations.

I should be grateful if you would have this letter circulated as a document of the General Assembly, under agenda item 142, and of the Security Council.

                                       (Signed) Gad YAACOBI

Ambassador

Permanent Representative of

Israel to the United Nations

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94-39820 (E)  131094