Security Council Resolutions on Palestine Vetoed by the U.S.

In 1972, the U.S. used its veto power for the first time in the Security Council on the issue of Rhodesia. The second U.S. veto was also cast in 1972 to shield Israel from condemnation after an attack on Syria and Lebanon in flagrant violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Since 1972, the U.S. has cast 35 vetoes regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict. Of those, 23 vetoes relate to the Palestinian issue, particularly the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem. The first of these vetoes was cast on 24 July 1973.

Such vetoes have served to protect Israel from Security Council action and to disassociate the Security Council from the situation in the Middle East, thus preventing it from discharging its responsibilities under the U.N. Charter in this regard. These vetoes have also aimed at de-legitimizing Palestinian attempts to seek redress from the Security Council following Israeli violations of international law, and most recently, of the agreements reached by the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the Government of Israel within the framework of the Middle East peace process. The following is a summary record of the 23 Security Council draft resolutions regarding Palestine that were vetoed by the U.S.

(Please note that the first set of paragraphs in each summary represents the important parts of the preamble of the draft resolution and the second set of paragraph represents the important parts of the operative part of the draft resolution.) 

1. S/10974 of 24 July 1973 (13 in favor, U.S. veto, China did not participate)

Emphasizing further that all Members of the U. N. are committed to respect the resolutions of the Security Council in accordance with the provision of the Charter,

Reaffirming resolution 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967,

Conscious that the rights of Palestinians have to be safeguarded,

Deeply regrets that the Secretary-General was unable to report any significant progress by him or by his Special Representative in carrying out the terms of resolution 242 (1967), and that nearly six years after its adoption a just and lasting peace in the Middle East has still not been achieved;

Strongly deplores Israel’s continuing occupation of the territories occupied as a result of the 1967 conflict, contrary to the principles of the Charter;

Expresses serious concern at Israel’s lack of cooperation with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General;

Expresses its conviction that a just and peaceful solution of the problem of the Middle East can be achieved only on the basis of respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, the rights of all states in the area and for the rights and legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians;

Declares that in the occupied territories no changes which may obstruct a peaceful and final settlement or which may adversely affect the political and other fundamental rights of all the inhabitants in these territories should be introduced or recognized.  

2. S/11940 of 23 January 1976 (9 in favor, U.S. veto, 3 abstentions ? Italy, Sweden, UK, China and Libya did not participate in vote)

Having heard the representatives of parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, representative of the Palestinian people,

Convinced that the question of Palestine is the core of the conflict in the Middle East,

Expressing its concern over the continuing deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, and deeply deploring Israel’s persistence in it’s occupation of Arab territories and it’s refusal to implement the relevant United Nations resolutions,

Reaffirming further the principle of inadmissibility of acquisition of territories by the threat of force,

Affirms: (a) That the Palestinian people should be enabled to exercise it’s inalienable national right of self-determination, including the right to establish an independent state in Palestine in accordance with the Charter of the U.N.;

(b) The right of Palestinian refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors to do so and the right of those choosing not to return to receive compensation for their property;

(c) That Israel should withdraw from all the Arab territories occupied since June 1967;

(d) That appropriate arrangements should be established to guarantee, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries.

3. S/12022 of 24 March 1976 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Deeply concerned further at the measures taken by Israeli authorities leading to the present grave situation, including measures aimed at changing the physical, cultural, demographic and religious character of the occupied territories and, in particular, the City of Jerusalem, the establishment of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories and other violations of the human rights of the inhabitants of those territories,

Recalling and reaffirming the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council calling upon Israel to rescind all measures already taken and to desist from taking any further action which would alter the status of the City of Jerusalem and the character of the occupied Arab territories,

Deplores Israel’s failure to put a stop to actions and policies tending to change the status of the City of Jerusalem and to rescind measures already taken to that effect;

Calls on Israel, pending the speedy termination of its occupation, to refrain from all measures against the Arab inhabitants of the occupied territories;

Calls on Israel to respect and uphold the inviolability of the Holy Places which are under its occupation and to desist from the expropriation of or encroachment upon Arab lands and property or the establishment of Israeli settlements thereon in the occupied Arab territories and to desist from all actions and policies designed to change the legal status of the City of Jerusalem and rescind all such measures already taken to that effect.

4. S/12119 of 29 June 1976 (10 in favor, U.S. veto, 4 abstentions ? France, Italy, Sweden, UK)

5. S/13911 of 28 April 1980 (10 in favor, U.S. veto, 4 abstentions ? France, Norway, Portugal, UK)

Having considered the report of the Committee on the Exercise of Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,

Having heard the representatives of the parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization,

Expressing its concern over the continuing deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, and deeply deploring Israel’s persistence in its occupation of Palestinian and other Arab territories, including Jerusalem, and its refusal to implement the relevant U. N. resolutions,

Affirms: (a) That the Palestinian people, in accordance to the Charter of the U.N., should be enabled to exercise its inalienable national right of self-determination, including the right to establish an independent State in Palestine;

(b) The right of Palestinian refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors to do so, and the right of those choosing not to return to receive equitable compensation for their property;

Reaffirms that Israel should withdraw from all the Arab territories occupied since June 1967, including Jerusalem;

Decides that appropriate arrangements should be established to guarantee, in accordance with the Charter of the U.N., the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in the area, including the sovereign independent State of Palestine, and the right to the right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries.

6. S/14943 of 1 April 1982 (13 in favor, U.S. veto, 1 abstention – Zaire)

Denounces measures imposed on the Palestinian population such as the dismissal of elected mayors by Israeli authorities, as well as the violation of the liberties and rights of the inhabitants of the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip which followed the measures taken by Israel with regard to the Golan Heights, and which could only damage the prospects of peace;

Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to rescind its decision disbanding the elected municipal council of El Bireh and its decision to remove from their posts the Mayors of Nablus and Ramallah; Reaffirms that all the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 continue to apply in full to all of the occupied territories;

Calls upon Israel to cease forthwith all measures applied in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the Syrian Golan Heights, which contravene the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

7. S/14985 of 2 April 1982 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Having considered the letter of the Permanent Representative of Morocco, dated 12 April 1982, conveying the request of His Majesty King Hassan II of Morocco, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee,

Bearing in mind the unique status of Jerusalem and, in particular, the need for protection and preservation of the spiritual and religious dimension of the Holy Places in the City,

Recalling its relevant resolutions pertaining to the status and character of the Holy City of Jerusalem,

Deeply concerned over the sacrilegious acts perpetrated against the sanctity of Al-Haram Al-Sharif in Jerusalem on 11 April 1982 and the criminal acts of shooting worshippers, particularly inside the sanctuary of the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque,

Affirming once more that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in the Time of War of 12 August 1949 is applicable to all territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

Condemns in the strongest terms these appalling acts of sacrilege perpetrated within the precincts of Al-Harem Al-Sharif;

Deplores any act or encouragement of destruction or profanation of the Holy Places, religious buildings and sites in Jerusalem as tending to disturb world peace;

Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to observe and apply scrupulously the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention and the principles of international law governing military occupation and to refrain from causing any hindrance to the discharge of the established functions of the Higher Islamic Council in Jerusalem.

8. S/15185 of 8 June 1982 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Recalling its resolutions 508 (1982) and 509 (1982);

Also taking note of the two positive replies to the Secretary-General of the Government of Lebanon and the Palestine Liberation Organization contained in document S/15178,

Condemns the non-compliance with resolutions 508 (1982) and 509 (1982) by Israel;

Urges the parties to comply strictly with the regulations attached to the Hague Convention of 1907;

Reiterates its demand that Israel withdraw all its military forces forthwith and unconditionally to the internationally recognized boundaries of Lebanon.

9. S/15255 of 25 June 1982 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Recalling its resolutions 508 (1982) and 509 (1982),

Recalling also 512 (1982), which, inter alia, calls upon all parties to the conflict to respect the rights of the civilian populations,

Seriously concerned at the constant deterioration of the situation in Lebanon,

Profoundly apprehensive of the dangers of the extensions of the within Beirut, its capital,

Demands once again that all the parties comply strictly with the provisions of paragraph 1 of resolution 508;

Demands the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces, engaged round Beirut, to a distance of x kilometers and the simultaneous withdrawal of the Palestinian armed forces from West Beirut, which shall retire to positions to be determined;

Further requests the Secretary-General to make proposals to the Security Council, in consultation with the Government of Lebanon and with its agreement, for the installation of a U.N. force to take up positions beside the Lebanese interposition force;

Requests the Secretary-General, as an immediate measure, to station U.N. military observers, by agreement with the Government of Lebanon, with the instructions to supervise the cease-fire and disengagement in West Beirut and round Beirut.

10. S/15347/Rev.1 of 6 August 1982 (11 in favor, U.S. veto, 3 abstentions ? Togo, UK, Zaire)

Deeply indignant at the refusal of Israel to comply with the decisions of the Security Council aimed at terminating the bloodshed in Beirut,

Strongly condemns Israel for not implementing resolutions 516 (1982) and 517 (1982); Demands that Israel immediately implement these resolutions fully;

Decides that, in order to carry out the above-mentioned decisions of the Security Council, all the States Members of the U.N. should refrain from supplying Israel with any weapons and from providing it with any military aid until the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese territory.

11. S/15895 of 1 August 1983 (13 in favor, U.S. veto, 1 abstention – Zaire)

Affirming that the situation in the occupied Arab territories remains grave and volatile and that the Israeli settlement policies and practices constitute a major obstacle to all efforts and initiatives towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East,

Affirming once more that the regulations annexed to the Hague Conventions of 1907 and the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in the Time of War, of 12 August 1949, are applicable to the Arab territories occupied by Israel in 1967, including Jerusalem,

Reaffirms all its relevant resolutions;

Determines that the policies and practices of Israel in establishing settlements in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied in 1967, including Jerusalem, have no legal validity, constitute a major and serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East and are in contravention with article 49 (6) of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949;

Calls once more upon Israel, the occupying Power, to abide scrupulously by the provision of the above-mentioned Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949, to rescind its previous measures, to desist from taking any action which would result in changing the legal status and geographical nature and materially affecting the demographic composition of the Arab territories in 1967 and, in particular, not to transfer parts of its own population into the occupied territories and not to force transfers of Arab populations from these territories;

Strongly deplores the continuation and persistence of Israel in pursuing those policies and practices and calls upon the Government and the people of Israel to rescind those measures, to dismantle the existing settlements, to desist from expanding and enlarging the existing ones and, in particular, to cease on an urgent basis from the planning, constructing and establishment of new settlements in the Arab territories occupied in 1967, including Jerusalem;

Rejects all Israeli arbitrary and illegal actions, especially those which result in the expulsion, deportation and forcible transfers of Arab populations from the occupied Arab territories;

Condemns the recent attacks perpetrated against the Arab civilian population in the occupied Arab territories, especially the killing and wounding of students at the Islamic College of the Arab city of Al-Khalil on 26 July 1983;

Calls upon all States not to provide Israel with any assistance to be used specifically in the connection with the settlements in the occupied territories;

Reaffirms its determination, in the event of non-compliance by Israel with the present resolution, to examine practical ways and means in accordance with relevant provisions of the Charter of the U.N. to secure he full implementation of the present resolution.

12. S/17459 of 13 September 1985 (10 in favor, U.S. veto, 4 abstentions ? Australia, Denmark, France, UK)

Recalling its resolutions 468 (1980), 469 (1980) and 484 (1980); Taking note of the General Assembly resolution 35/122 of December 1980,

Stressing the urgent need to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East; Affirming again that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

Deplores the repressive measures taken by Israel since 4 August 1985 against the civilian Palestinian population in the Israeli occupied territories especially in the West Bank and Gaza and expresses serious concern that the persistence of Israeli authorities in applying such measures would lead to further deterioration of the situation in the occupied territories;

Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to immediately stop all repressive measures including curfews, administrative detentions and forceful deportation and to release forthwith all detainees and refrain from further deportations;

Further calls upon Israel to abide scrupulously by the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in time of War, of 12 August 1949.

13. S/17769/Rev. 1 of 29 January 1986 (13 in favor, U.S. veto, 1 abstention – Thailand)

Reaffirming that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

Bearing in mind the specific status of Jerusalem and, in particular, the need to protect and preserve the unique spiritual and religious dimensions of the Holy Places in the City,

Recalling and reaffirming its resolutions relevant to the status and character of the Holy City of Jerusalem, in particular resolutions 252 of 21 May 1968, 267 of 3 July and 271 of 15 September 1969, 298 of 25 September 1971, the consensus statement made by the President of the Security Council on 11 November 1976, resolutions 465 of 1 March 1980, 476 of 30 June 1980 and 478 of 20 August 1980,

Strongly deploring the continued refusal of Israel, the occupying power, to comply with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council,

Deeply concerned at the provocative acts by Israelis, including members of the Knesset, which have violated the sanctity of the Haram Al-Sharif in Jerusalem,

Strongly deplores the provocative acts which have violated the sanctity of the sanctuary of Haram Al-Sharif in Jerusalem;

Affirms that such acts constitute a serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, the failure of which could also endanger international peace and security;

Determines once more that all measures taken by Israel to change the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure or status of the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, or any part thereof, have no legal validity and that the policy and practices of Israel of settling parts of its population and new immigrants in those territories constitute a flagrant violation of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and also constitute a serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East;

Reiterates that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, which have altered or purport to alter the character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem and in particular the "basic law" on Jerusalem are null and void and must be rescinded forthwith;

Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to observe scrupulously the norms of international law governing military occupation, in particular the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and to prevent any hindrance to the discharge of the established functions of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem, including any cooperation that the Council may desire from countries with predominantly Muslim populations and from Muslim communities in relation to its plans for the maintenance and repair of the Islamic Holy Places;

Urgently calls on Israel, the occupying power, to implement forthwith the provisions of this resolution and the relevant Security Council resolutions. 

14. S/19466 of 29 January 1988 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Expressing its grave concern over the increasing sufferings of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territories,

Bearing in mind the inalienable rights of all people recognized by the Charter of the U.N. and proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Reaffirming that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

Commending the International Committee of the Red Cross for its activities in the occupied territories,

Commending also the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (U.N.R.W.A.) for its invaluable work,

Conscious of the urgent need to resolve the underlying problem through a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement, including a solution to the Palestinian problem in all its aspects,

1. Expresses its deep appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report;
2. Calls upon Israel, as the occupying Power and as a High Contracting Party to the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to accept the de jure applicability of the Convention to the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and to fully comply with its obligations under that convention;
3. Recalls the obligation of all the High Contracting Parties, under article 1 of the Convention, to ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances;
4. Calls again upon Israel to desist forthwith from its policies and practices which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people;
5. Requests Israel to facilitate the task of the International Committee of the Red Cross and of the UNRWA and requests all Members to give them their full support;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to monitor the situation in the occupied territories by all means available to him and to make regular and timely reports to the Council;
7. Affirms the urgent need to achieve, under the auspices of the U.N., a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Arab/Israeli conflict, and integral part of which is the Palestinian problem, and expresses its determination to work towards that end.

15. S/19780 of 14 April 1988 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Expressing its grave concern over the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territories,

Reaffirming its resolutions 605 of 22 December 1987, 607 of 5 January 1988 and 608 of 14 January 1988,

Recalling the report of the Secretary-General of 21 January 1988 (S/19443),

Having been apprised of the deportation by Israel, the occupying Power, of eight civilian Palestinians on 11 April 1988 and of its decision to continue the deportation of Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories,

Gravely concerned and alarmed by the measures adopted by Israel against the civilian Palestinian people and its persistent policy of taking measures of collective punishment, such as the recent demolition of homes in the village of Beita,

Also expressing grave concern over the action taken by the forces of the occupying Power against Sheikh Saad Eddin El-Alami, Head of the Supreme Islamic Council who was assaulted and beaten in the Haram Al Sharif in Jerusalem, on 1 April 1988,

Reaffirming once again that the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to Palestinian and other Arab territories, occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

Recalling in particular the provisions of article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and expressing alarm that Israel has continued to transfer its civilian population into the territory it occupies and has equipped those settlers with arms which have been used against the civilian Palestinian people,

1. Urges Israel, the occupying Power, to abide immediately and scrupulously by the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and to desist forthwith from its policies and practices that are in violation of the provisions of the Convention;
2. Urges further Israel to rescind the order to deport Palestinian civilians and ensure the safe and immediate return to the occupied Palestinian territories of those already deported;
3. Urges once again Israel to desist forthwith from deporting Palestinian civilians from the occupied territories;
4. Condemns those polices and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, that violate the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories, and in particular the opening of fire by the Israeli army, resulting in the killing and wounding of defenseless Palestinian civilians;
5. Affirms the urgent need to achieve, under the auspices of the U.N., a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Arab/Israeli conflict, an integral part of which is the Palestinian problem, and expresses its determination to work towards that end.

16. S/20463 of 17 February 1989 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Bearing in mind the inalienable rights of all peoples recognized by the Charter of the U.N. and proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Gravely concerned over the increasing suffering and continued violation of the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

Gravely concerned in particular over the imposition of new measures by Israel, the occupying power, which have led to increased injuries and deaths of innocent Palestinian civilians, including children,

Considering that the current policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, in the occupied territories are bound to have grave consequences for the endeavors to achieve comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East,

Recalling the obligation of the High Contracting Parties under article 1 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances,

Conscious of the need to end the Israeli occupation and to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East,

1. Strongly deplores Israel’s persistent policies and practices against the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially the violation of the human rights, and in particular the opening of fire that has resulted in injuries and deaths of Palestinian civilians, including children;
2. Strongly deplores also the continuing disregard by Israel, the occupying Power, of the relevant decisions of the Security-Council;
3. Confirms once more that the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949 is applicable to the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories;
4. Calls upon Israel, the occupying power, to abide by the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, as well as to comply with its obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention and to desist forthwith from its policies and practices that are in violation of the provisions of the Convention;
5. Affirms the urgent need to achieve, under the auspices of the U.N., a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict, an integral part of which in the Palestinian problem, and expresses its determination to work towards that end.

17. S/20677 of 8 June 1989 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Having considered the letter dated 31 May 1989 from the Permanent Representative of Sudan to the U.N., in his capacity as Chairman of the Group of Arab States at the U.N. for the month of May,

Bearing in mind the inalienable rights of all peoples recognized by the Charter of the U.N. and proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Recalling that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Palestinian and the other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

Recalling its relevant resolutions on the situation in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, and in particular its resolutions 466 (1979), 465 (1980), 607 (1988) and 608 (1988),

Recalling the Secretary-General’s report of 21 January 1988 pursuant to resolution 605 (1987), and in particular the recommendations contained therein (S/19443),

Expressing its grave concerns and alarm over the increasing sufferings of the Palestinian People in the occupied Palestinian territory,

Having been apprised if the recent violations of the human rights of the Palestinian People in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem,

1. Strongly deplores those policies and practices of Israel, the Occupying Power, which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied territory as well as vigilante attacks against Palestinian towns and villages and the desecration of the Holy Koran;
2. Calls upon Israel, as the Occupying Power and as a High Contracting Party to the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to accept the de jure applicability of the Convention to the Palestinian and other Arab Territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and fully comply with its obligations under that Convention and in particular its "responsibility for the treatment accorded to the protected persons by its agents";
3. Recalls the obligations of all High Contracting Parties, under article 1 of the Convention, to ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances;
4. Demands that Israel desist forthwith from deporting Palestinian civilians from the occupied territory and ensure the safe and immediate return of those already deported;
5. Expresses great concern about the prolonged closure of schools in parts of the occupied territory, with all its adverse consequences for education of Palestinian children, and calls upon Israel to permit the immediate reopening of those schools;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to monitor the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory by all means available to him, to make timely reports to the Council, including recommendations on ways and means to ensure respect for the Convention and protection of Palestinian civilians in the occupied territory, including Jerusalem;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to submit the first such report no later than 23 June 1989;
8. Decides to keep the situation in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, under review.

18. S/20945/Rev.1 of 7 November 1989 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Having considered the letter dated 3 November 1989 from the Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the UN, in his capacity as Chairman of the Group of Arab States for the month of November,

Recalling its relevant resolutions on the situation in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, in particular resolution 605 (1987) of 22 December 1987,

Taking note of General Assembly resolution 44/2 of 6 October 1989,

Bearing in mind the inalienable rights of all peoples recognized by the Charter of the UN and proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Recalling also the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,

Alarmed by the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

Having heard the statements concerning the policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, and the conduct of its troops and agents in those territories, as manifested in the town of Beit Sahur, other towns and refugee camps,

Taking into account the immediate need to consider measures for the impartial and international protection of Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation,

Considering that the current policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, in the occupied territory are bound to have grave consequences for the endeavors to achieve comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East,

1. Strongly deplores those policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, which violate the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories, and in particular the siege of towns, the ransacking of the homes of inhabitants, as has happened at Beit Sahur, and the confiscation of their property and valuables;
2. Reaffirms once again that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem;
3. Calls once again upon Israel, the occupying Power, to abide immediately and scrupulously by the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, and to desist forthwith from its policies and practices that are in violation of the provisions of the Convention;
4. Calls upon all High Contracting parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to ensure respect for it, including the obligation of the occupying Power under the Convention to treat the population of the of the occupied territory humanely at all times and in all circumstances;
5. Calls upon Israel to desist from committing such practices and actions and lift its siege;
6. Demands that Israel return the confiscated property to its owners;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to conduct on-site monitoring of the present situation in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, by all means available to him, and to submit periodic reports thereon, the first such report no later than 15 November 1989.

19. S/21326 of 31 May 1990 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Having listened to the statement by His Excellency President Yasser Arafat,

Reaffirming that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, is applicable to the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

Gravely concerned and alarmed by the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

Establishes a Commission consisting of three members of the Security Council, to be dispatched immediately to examine the situation relating to the policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, in the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, occupied by Israel since 1967;

Requests the Commission to submit its report to the Security Council by 20 June 1990, containing recommendations on ways and means for ensuring the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilians under Israeli occupation;

Requests the Secretary-General to provide the Commission with the necessary facilities to enable it to carry out its mission;

Decides to keep the situation in the occupied territories under constant and close scrutiny and to reconvene to review the situation in the light of the findings of the Commission.

20. S/1995/394 of 17 May 1995 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Reaffirming its pervious resolutions on the status of Jerusalem, including resolutions 252 (1968), 267 (1969), 271 (1969), 476 (1980), 478 (1980) and 672 (1990),

Expresses concern over the recent declaration of Israeli expropriation orders of 53 hectares of land in East Jerusalem,

Reaffirming the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949, to all territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem,

Aware of the negative impact of the above-mentioned expropriation on the Middle East peace process, which started in Madrid in October 1991 on the basis of the Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973),

Aware also that in the Declaration of Principles of 13 September 1993 Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization agreed to postpone negotiations on final status issues, including Jerusalem, until the second stage of the peace process,

Determined to provide the necessary backing to the Middle East peace process,

1. Confirms that the exportations of land by Israel, the occupying Power, in East Jerusalem is invalid and in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions and provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949;
2. Calls upon the Government of Israel to rescind the expropriation orders and to refrain from such action in the future;
3. Expressing its full support for the Middle East peace process and its achievements, including the Declaration of Principles of 13 September 1993 as well as the following implementation agreements;
4. Urges the parties to adhere to the provisions of the agreements reached and to follow up with the full implementation of those agreements;
5. Decides to remain seized of the matter

.

21. S/1997/199 of 7 March 1997 (14 in favor, U.S. veto)

Expressing deep concern at the decision of the Government of Israel to initiate new settlement activities in the Jabal Abu Ghneim area in East Jerusalem,

Expressing concern about other recent measures that encourages or facilitate new settlement activities,

Stressing that such settlements are illegal and a major obstacle to peace,

Recalling its resolutions on Jerusalem and other relevant Security Council resolutions,

Confirming that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken by Israel which purport to alter the status of Jerusalem, including expropriation of land and properties thereon, are invalid and cannot change that status,

Reaffirming its support for the Middle East Peace Process and all its achievements, including the recent Agreement on Hebron,

Concerned about the difficulties facing the Middle East Peace Process, including the impact these have on the living conditions of the Palestinian people, and urging the parties to fulfil their obligations, including under the agreements already reached,

1. Calls upon the Israeli authorities to refrain from all actions or measures, including settlement activities, which alter the facts on the ground, pre-empting the final status negotiations, and have negative implications for the Middle East Peace Process;
2. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to abide scrupulously by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, which is applicable to all the territories occupied by Israel since 1967;
3. Calls upon all parties to continue, in the interest of peace and security, their negotiations within the Middle East Peace Process on its agreed basis and the timely implementation of the agreements reached.

22. S/1997/241 of 21 March 1997 (13 in favor, 1 abstention, U.S. veto)

Recalling its relevant resolutions, in particular those concerning Jerusalem and Israeli settlements,

Aware of General Assembly resolution 51/223 of 13 March 1997,

Stressing its support for the Middle East Peace Process and the need for the implementation of the agreements and commitments reached,

Demands that Israel immediately cease construction of the Jabal Abu Ghneim settlement in East Jerusalem, as well as all other Israeli settlement activities in the occupied territories;

Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on the developments in this regard.  

23. S/2001/270 of 27 March 2001 (9 in favor, 4 abstentions (U.K., France, Ireland, Norway), 1 veto (U.S.), 1 did not vote (Ukraine))

Reaffirming the need for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967, and 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973 and reaffirming also all its previous relevant resolutions, including its resolution 1322 (2000) of 7 October 2000,

Expressing its grave concern at the continuation of the tragic and violent events that have taken place since September 2000, resulting in many deaths and injuries, mostly among Palestinians,  

Reiterating the need for protection of all civilians as expressed in its resolutions 1265 (1999) and 1296 (2000),

Expressing its determination to contribute to ending the violence, protecting Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories and promoting dialogue between the Israeli and Palestinian sides,

Expressing its support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East peace process,

Reiterating the need for Israel, the occupying Power, to abide scrupulously by its legal obligations and its responsibilities under the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949,

 

 

1. Calls for the immediate cessation of all acts of violence, provocation and collective punishment, as well as the return to the positions and arrangements which existed prior to September 2000;    
2. Calls upon the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to implement promptly and without preconditions the understandings reached at the Summit convened at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, of 17 October 2000;    
3. Urges a resumption of negotiations within the Middle East peace process on its agreed basis, taking into account the previous positive developments in the negotiations between the two sides and calls on them to reach a final agreement on all issues, on the basis of their previous agreements, with the objective of implementing resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973);    
4. Expresses grave concern at recent settlement activities, in particular the recent decision to expand the settlement at Jabal Abu Ghneim and calls for full cessation of settlement activities;    
5. Calls on the parties to take the following immediate steps:

 
 
1. resumption of contacts at all levels on implementation of reciprocal commitments including in the field of security previously made by both sides;
2. an end to the closures of the occupied Palestinian territories to permit resumption of full normal activities of daily life;
3. the transfer by Israel to the Palestinian Authority of all revenues due, in accordance with the Paris Protocol on Economic Relations of 29 April 1994;
4. additional confidence building measures by both sides including unequivocal public statements in support of all commitments made at Sharm El-Sheikh and of this resolution;

 

 

1. Expresses full support for the work of the Fact-Finding Committee established at Sharm El-Sheikh, calls upon all parties to cooperate fully with it, and looks forward to its report;    
2. Appeals to the international donor community to extend, as rapidly and as generously as possible, economic and financial assistance to the Palestinian people, and stresses in this regard the importance of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee;    
3. Requests the Secretary-General to consult the parties on immediate and substantive steps to implement this resolution and expresses the readiness of the Council to act upon receipt of the report to set up an appropriate mechanism to protect Palestinian civilians, including through the establishment of a United Nations observer force;    
4. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.