Settlements/Hebron/Illegal occupation – Letter from CEIRPP Acting Chairman

LETTER DATED 20 FEBRUARY 1980 FROM THE ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE

COMMITTEE ON THE EXERCISE OF THE INALIENABLE RIGHTS OF THE

PALESTINIAN PEOPLE ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE

SECURITY COUNCIL

On behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, I wish to draw your attention to the latest decision reportedly taken by the Israeli Cabinet which authorizes Israeli settlement in the heart of the Arab city of Al-Khalil situated in the territories illegally occupied by Israel since 1967.

This decision, following on other similar decisiors taken by the Government of Israel, is but another step towards strengthening its annexation of the occupied Arab territories in flagrant violation of international law, world public opinion and General Assembly and Security Council resolutions.

Once more, Israel has clearly demonstrated that it is bent on a policy of annexation of the illegally occupied Arab territories and that its protestations of being a peace-loving member of the United Nations, dedicated to finding a comprehensive solution to the problem of the Middle East, have no basis in good faith.

Reports in the Israeli press already warn of the tension that exists in Al-Khalil and the possibility of violence in the face of Israel's acts of provocation.  The Committee feels strongly that immediate action should be taken to prevent any escalation of tension in the area.

The Security Council has adopted resolutions, particularly resolution 452 (1979), which recognize the dangerous consequences of Israel's defiant acts and consider them as a serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

The Committee feels that further urgent action needs to be taken by the United Nations, and in particular by the Security Council, to convince Israel of the danger of its settlement policies and the necessity for its immediate and complete withdrawal from the illegally occupied territories.

I request that this letter be circulated as a document of the Security Council.

(Signed) Falilou KANE

 Acting Chairman

 Committee on the Exercise

 of the Inalienable Rights

 of the Palestinian People