DRAFT RESOLUTION II Palestinian women* The Economic and Social Council, Having considered with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General concerning the situation of Palestinian women and assistance provided by organizations of the United Nations system,12 Recalling the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women,13 in particular paragraph 260 concerning Palestinian women and children, and the Beijing Platform for Action14 adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women, Recalling also its resolution 1997/16 of 21 July 1997 and other relevant United Nations resolutions, Recalling further the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women15 as it concerns the protection of civilian populations, Concerned about the stalemate facing the Middle East peace process, including the lack of implementation of the agreements reached in Washington D.C. between the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Government of Israel, and the deterioration of the socio-economic conditions of the Palestinian people as a result of the Israeli positions and measures, Concerned also about the continuing difficult situation of Palestinian women in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and about the severe consequences of continuous illegal Israeli settlements activities, as well as the harsh economic conditions and other consequences for the situation of Palestinian women and their families, resulting from the frequent closures and isolation of the occupied territory, 1. Stresses its support for the Middle East peace process and the need for speedy and full implementation of the agreements already reached between the parties; 2. Reaffirms that the Israeli occupation remains a major obstacle for Palestinian women with regard to their advancement, self-reliance and integration in the development planning of their society; * For the discussion, see chap. III, paras. 60-62. 12 E/CN.6/1998/2/Add.2. 13 Report of the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace, Nairobi, 15-26 July 1985 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.85.IV.10), chap. I, sect. A. 14 Report of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, 4-15 September 1995 (United Nations publication, Sales No. 96.IV.13), chap. I, resolution 1, annex II. 15 General Assembly resolution 48/104. -6-