Situation in the OPT/Bir Zeit University/Illegal occupation – Letter from CEIRPP Chairman

Letter dated 8 December 1980 from the Chairman of the Committee on

the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to

the Secretary-General

In my capacity as of the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,I have the honour to refer to my letter dated 19 November 1980 (A/35/648-S/14261), addressed to you by the Acting Chairman of the Committee, concerning the outrage attack by the Israeli Government in the Palestinian territories illegally occupied by Israel.

The Israeli Government, not content with firing on the students of Bir Zeit University, has now given further proof of its arrogance and disregard for the world public opinion by arresting Mr. Gabbi Baramki, President of Bir Zeit University, probably under the pretext that he allowed the students to observe a "Palestine Week".

It is obvious that the Israeli authorities have now stopped pretending that they were guided by national security requirements on that occasion, and that they are overtly repressing any attempt by the Arab inhabitants of the occupied territories to express their political opinions.  That is simply one more example of the violation by Israel of the fundamental principles of international law.

The Committee is seriously concerned about the pursuit by the Israeli Government of such a policy, which is boound to exacerbate tension in the region and constitute a serious threat to international peace and security.

I should be obliged if you would have  the text of this letter distributed as a document of the General Assembly, under agenda item 24, and of the Security Council.