United Nations

S/2011/700
Distr.: General 10 November 2011 Original: English

Security Council

Identical letters dated 9 November 2011 from the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council
I write yet again to draw your attention to the continuous rocket fire emanating from the Gaza Strip. On 6 November 2011, two rockets fell on Kibbutz Zikim, injuring a man who was sleeping in his bed. These attacks follow a significant escalation of rocket fire over the past two weeks, during which more than 60 rockets, missiles and mortars have been fired into the major cities and communities of southern Israel. In the past two weeks alone, one Israeli civilian has been killed and many others have been injured. There is no question that Hamas and the other terrorists in Gaza who carry out these attacks deliberately target Israeli civilians. They leave permanent scars. Dozens have been treated for shock. Homes have been destroyed. Farms have been damaged. More than 200,000 Israeli children were kept out of school last week to ensure their safety, with some returning to playgrounds with gaping holes left by exploding rockets. No people should live under such a spectre of terror and violence. This is the third letter that I have sent to the Security Council in the past two weeks. Yet, we have still not heard a single word of condemnation of these attacks from the Council. Not one word. For each and every Israeli citizen, the Security Council's silence speaks volumes. As rockets continue to fly into Israeli homes, hospitals and schools, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has a responsibility to speak out. It is time for PA President Abbas to finally raise his voice and condemn the terror flowing from the Gaza Strip, without hesitation or equivocation. Every rocket, mortar and missile fired into Israel represents a flagrant violation of international law -- and Israel will continue to hold the Hamas terrorist organization fully responsible for all attacks emanating from Gaza, where it remains in de facto control. To avoid a further escalation, the Security Council and the international community must take immediate action, condemning these attacks unequivocally. All responsible members of the international community have a duty to speak with a common voice and act with a common purpose against the continuous terrorism emanating from the Gaza Strip. 11-58769 (E) 111111

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For any nation, there can be no greater priority, responsibility or obligation than safeguarding the security of its citizens. Israel is no exception. Israel has exercised and will continue to exercise its right to self-defence, as appropriate, and will take all necessary measures to protect its citizens. I should be grateful if you would have this letter distributed as a document of the Security Council. (Signed) Ron Prosor Ambassador Permanent Representative

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