From: Ismail Zayid

Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2001 9:17 PM

Subject: Will's astonishing ignorance of international law.

The Editor,
Newsweek

15 Feb. 2001

Dear Editor:

On reading George Will's article {"After Barak-Benign Neglect" Feb. 19}, one wonders if international law has any value in his reckoning. He speaks of "Barak's astonishing concessions to the Palestinians". Is he aware that Israel has been allowed to maintain an illegal occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza for over 33 years, in defiance of international law and Security Council resolutions? The Jewish settlements in these areas are illegal and in violation of Security Council resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention.

The Palestinians are not asking for concessions , from Barak, Will or Sharon. They are merely asking for Israeli compliance with international law. I do not recall Mr. Will showing willingness to negotiate or bargain with Saddam Hussein over his illegal occupation of Kuwait. Must Israel remain above international law?

yours sincerely

Ismail Zayid, MD.