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Note to Prendergast UN HA\ 972 2 5BK7401 NY CABUi KUUM 1^1 UOii/ OU.'< Note to Prendergast UN - ISRAEL RELATIONS 1. Events over the last few weeks related to the safety, movement and protection of UN staff and property create serious cause for concern. In order to address these specific and broader concerns, I met with the IDF Co- ordinator for the Territories, Major —General Amos Gilad on 5 December and with (for the first time since his recent appointment) the Israeli Minister of Defence, Shaul Mofaz today. I have requested a meeting with the Israeli Foreign Minister for later in the week. 2. The killing of Iain Hook in Jenin on 23 November and Osama Tahrawi and Ahlam Kandil, two locally employed UNRWA staff in Gaza on 6 December has tragically illustrated the very real and serious dangers that all UN staff are now facing in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Whilst the circumstances surrounding Ian Hook's death have not been conclusively determined (I understand the SG has been presented with the UNSECOORD report), it should be noted with some serious concern that the deaths of Mr. Hook, Mr. Tahrawi and Mr. Kandil occurred as a result of actions initiated by the IDF. All three were killed after the IDF proceeded with proactive military operations, using infantry and such heavy weaponry as tanks and attack helicopters, inside densely populated UNRWA refugee camps. At the very least, the disproportionate use of such force (as we have continually warned) is exacting an ever greater toll on Palestinian civilian lives, and as we have witnessed, of those UN staff who are there to help them. 3. In addition, we were last week notified of new measures, which would impose further restrictions (as part of new Israeli security measures) on the movement of UN staff and other international workers. The new measures stipulate that all non-diplomats leaving the Gaza Strip (with the exception of myself, Mr. Hansen and a handful of other senior officials, this covers almost all UN international staff) travel in teams of at least two. 4. The IDF have explained the measure as temporary (car checking at Erez Terminal was initially introduced as "temporary" over five years ago), to guard against 'hot warnings' of impending suicide attacks against Israeli soldiers. Even in security terms such pre-conditions to movement are at best puzzling (UN staff usually travel in clearly marked UN vehicles and the determination of 'diplomat' or 'other' can only be determined after the soldier has inspected relevant documents) and place impractical restrictions on UN staffs' ability to work. 12 '02 21:54 FAX 972 2 5687401 -» NY CABLE KOOM 1^003/003 5. As you are aware, the IDF has also continued to disregard, in specific cases, the integrity of UN property. A particularly grave recent example is the deliberate destruction of a WFP warehouse in central Gaza (as reported by WFP) on 1 December. UNRWA has continued to report incidences were the IDF has entered and commandeered UNRWA buildings and facilities such as schools and clinics during Israeli army incursions into Palestinian areas. 6. Whilst the timing of recent incidents is likely coincidental, the net result has been to further complicate what is an already complex relationship between the Government of Israel and the UN. I do believe, however, that we must continue to raise our concerns forcefully and consistently with senior representatives from the Government of Israel, especially as they impact on the safety and treatment of our staff and as they relate to the humanitarian situation in general. 7. I will report to you on my discussions with the MOD and other senior GOT representatives on these matters. May I also suggest that we take up this issue next week in New York. Best regards. Terje Roed-Larsen 11 December 2002 cc: Riza if.
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