Situation in the OPT/Settlements – Letter from Palestine

Letter dated 13 December 1991 from the Permanent Observer

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.

Israeli violence and illegal practices continues and is escalating against the Palestinians living under occupation in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel's iron-fist policy is still on the rise. This reflected itself not only in the prolonged curfews imposed and the cruel treatment of the Palestinians, but also in an increase in the settlers illegal activities in the occupied territory. The Israeli occupying Power is expanding, and at a fast pace, the building of settlements and the confiscation of homes and lands of Palestinians, the latest of which is the confiscation of six Palestinian homes in the neighbourhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem. Moreover, the Israeli cabinet endorsed and approved the take-over, as well as the building, of 200 new housing units in Silwan. All of this will take place under the protection of the, Israeli police. In the meantime, many Palestinian families are being displaced and remain homeless.

These violations by the occupying Power, Israel, cannot and should not continue. The international community and particularly the United Nations as a body should act effectively and responsibly to stop these violations and in protection of the Palestinian people living under the inhumane and illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory; and furthermore, to ensure respect of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949.

Palestine calls upon the United Nations to intervene in this matter for the protection of Palestinians and for safeguarding the peace talks that are under way. This behaviour is not encouraging and will not enhance the peace process.

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 75, and of the Security Council.

(Signed) Dr. Nasser AL-KIDWA

Permanent Observer of

Palestine to the United Nations

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