Resolution 605 (1987) of 22 December 1987
The Security Council,
Having considered the letter dated 11 December 1987 from the Permanent Representative of Democratic Yemen to
the United Nations, in his capacity as Chairman of the Group of Arab States at the United Nations for the month
of December.
Bearing in mind the inalienable rights of all peoples recognized by the Charter of the United Nations and
proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
Recalling its relevant resolutions on the situation in the Palestinian and other Arab territories, occupied
by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem, and including its resolutions 446 (1979), 465 (1980), 497 (1981)
and 592 (1986).
Recalling also the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12
August 1949,
Gravely concerned and alarmed by the deteriorating situation in Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied
by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem.
Taking into account the need to consider measures for the impartial protection of the Palestinian civilian
population under Israeli occupation.
Considering that the current policies and practices of Israel, the occupying Power, in the occupied territories
are bound to have grave consequences for the endeavours 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 opening of fire by the Israeli army,
resulting in the killing and wounding of defenceless Palestinian civilians;
2. Reaffirms 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, and to desist forthwith from its
policies and practices that are in violation of the provisions of the Convention;
4. Calls furthermore for the exercise of maximum restraint to contribute towards the establishment of peace:
5. Stresses the urgent need to reach a just, durable and peaceful settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict:
6. Requests the Secretary-General to examine the present situation in the occupied territories by all means
available to him, and to submit a report no later than 20 January 1988 containing his recommendations on ways
and means for ensuring the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilians under Israeli occupation;
7. Decides to keep the situation in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967.
including Jerusalem, under review.
Adopted at the 2777th meeting by 14 votes to none, with 1 abstention (United States of America).