UN Security Council Resolution 1073
Western Wall tunnel
Date	28 September 1996
Meeting no.	3,698
Code	S/RES/1073 (Document)
Subject	The situation in the occupied Arab territories
Voting summary	14 voted for None voted against 1 abstained
Result	Adopted
Security Council composition
Permanent members	China  France  Russia  United Kingdom  United States
Non-permanent members	Botswana  Chile  Egypt  Guinea-Bissau  Germany  Honduras  Indonesia  Italy  South Korea  Poland
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United Nations Security Council resolution 1073, adopted on 28 September 1996, after recalling all resolutions on Jerusalem and noting a letter from Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Arab League, the Council called on Israel to cease and reverse all acts which had resulted in aggravation in the region.^[1]

Background

On 23 September 1996, Israel opened a tunnel linking the Western Wall with an exit near Temple Mount. The opening provoked rioting, which lasted for five days, in the territories which resulted in the deaths of 14 Israelis and 56 Arabs.^[2] A further 300 people were injured.^[3]

Resolution

Concern was expressed at the clashes between Palestinians and Israeli army in Jerusalem, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem and the Gaza Strip which resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides. There was also concern for the wider implications on the Middle East peace process as a whole.

A cessation and reversal of all acts by Israel was urged, while the safety of Palestinians was called for and the resumption of negotiations.^[4]

Resolution 1073 was adopted by 14 votes to none against, with one abstention from the United States.^[1]