Northern Palestine fighting – Acting Mediator – Press release

UNITED NATIONS

Department of Public Information

Press and Publications Bureau

Lake Success, New York

Press Release PAL/370

6 November 1948

REPORT ON NORTHERN PALESTINE FIGHTING

Dr. Ralph Bunche, United Nations Acting Mediator in Palestine, who is now in Paris for the General Assembly, issued his report on the recent fighting in Northern Palestine.

The report reveals that the fighting developed as a result of the occupation by forces of Fawzi Kaukji of hill positions two kilometres within the truce lines.

Dr. Bunche said that as a result of the operations in Northern Palestine, there has been a significant change in the general military position in that area.

Israeli forces, he stated, have occupied the area in Galilee formerly occupied by Kaukji's forces, and have crossed the Lebanese frontier.

Bunche goes on to say that Israeli forces now hold positions two to six ____ inside the southeast corner of Lebanon, involving some fifteen Lebanese villages which are occupied by small Israeli detachments.

Bunche's reports reveals that United Nations Observers had reported extensive looting of villages in Galilee by Israeli forces, who carried away goats, sheep and mules.

This looting, United Nations Observers report, appeared to have been systematic as army trucks were used for transportation.

This situation, states the report, created a new influx of refugees into Lebanon.

Dr. Bunche's report will come before the Security Council at its next meeting, probably early next week.

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