Situation in the OPT – Letter from Palestine

of the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the

United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

I am instructed by the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, which has the powers and responsibilities of the Provisional Government of Palestine, to bring the following to your immediate attention:

The situation in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, continues to deteriorate at an alarming pace.  Israel, the occupying Power, remains persistent in its violation of human rights, international law and the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, as well as Security Council resolutions.

Since the Al Haram Al Shareef massacre, which took place in Jerusalem on 8 October 1990 and resulted in the killing of 22 and the wounding of hundreds of Palestinians at the hands of Israeli soldiers, Israel, the occupying Power, is still escalating its attacks on unarmed Palestinian civilians.

On 18 October 1990, Palestinians living in Gaza witnessed unbearable measures of repression at the hands of Israeli soldiers, resulting in the wounding of 31 Palestinians from live ammunition, 52 from tear gas-related injuries and 36 from severe beatings.  Furthermore, and also on 18 October 1990, a 65-year-old Palestinian woman in Nablus was beaten to death at the hands of Israeli soldiers.

Just today, 19 October 1990, Israeli military forces injured 40 Palestinians in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, with live ammunition and rubber bullets.

As is already known, Israel has rejected Security Council resolution 672 (1990) and has refused to receive the mission that was to be sent by the Secretary-General.  This, in addition to the aforementioned situation, requires immediate action from the Security Council.

I should be grateful if you would arrange to have the text of this letter circulated as an official document of the General Assembly, under agenda items 23, 35 and 77, and of the Security Council.

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90-26814  1939e (E)