Situation in the OPT/Applicability of Fourth Geneva Convention – Note, statement by SecCo President

NOTE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

After consultations, the President of the Security Council issued the following statement on behalf of the members of the Council, on 26 August 1988:

"The members of the Security Council are gravely concerned by the continued deterioration of the situation in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, and especially by the current grave and serious situation resulting from the closing-off of areas, the imposition of curfews and the consequent increase in the numbers of injuries and deaths that have occurred.

"The members of the Council are profoundly concerned by the persistence of Israel, the occupying power, in continuing its policy of deporting Palestinian civilians in contravention of Security Council resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention, as demonstrated on 17 August 1988 by its expulsion of four Palestinian civilians to Lebanon and its decision to expel 40 more.  The members request Israel immediately to desist from deporting any Palestinian civilians and immediately to ensure the safe return of those already deported.

"The members of the Council consider that the current situation in the occupied territories, described in paragraph 1 above, has grave consequences for endeavours to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

"The reaffirm that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, and request the high contracting parties to ensure respect for the Convention.

"Recalling Security Council resolutions, the members of the Security Council will keep the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, under review."

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