Situation in the OATs/Fourth Geneva Convention – SecCo President statement

At the 1922nd meeting, on 26 May 1976, the President made the following statement:

"Following the request submitted by Egypt on 3 May 1976,1/ the Security Council held seven meetings between 4 and 26 May to consider the situation in the occupied Arab territories.  After consulting all the members, the President of the Council concludes that the majority of the members agreed on the following.

"Grave anxiety was expressed over the present situation in the occupied Arab territories; concern was also expressed about the well-being of the population of those territories.

"The Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,2/[Link] is applicable to the Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967.  The occupying power was therefore called upon to comply strictly with the provisions of that Convention and to refrain from and rescind any measure which would violate them.  In this regard, the measures taken by Israel in the occupied territories which alter their demographic composition or geographical character, and in particular establishment of settlements, were deplored. Such measures, which a cannot prejudge the outcome of the efforts to achieve piece, constitute an obstacle to peace.

"The Security Council should continue to follow the situation closely."

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1/ Ibid., document S/12066.

2/ United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, p. 287.