General Assembly I
QUESTION OF
STATEHOOD FOR PALESTINE
Seung Youn (Ashley) Shin
Lead Chair of GA I
Introduction
The Israel-Palestine Conflict is a century old conflict that has been acerbated by numerous
attempts for integration and resolution. The tension extends beyond just a territorial dispute; it
is a result of religious intolerance and continued violence.
After World War II, both the Jewish and the Arabs (Palestinians) were looking to make
settlements in the area currently known as Israel. UK, which was in possession of the land
(called British Mandate of Palestine) during that time, gradually withdrew from the area, while a
1947 UN Partition divided the land between the two groups.
When the British left, the Jewish created Israel. Ever since then, there has been much
conflict over the land. Through many wars such as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Six Day War and
the Yom Kippur War, the borders between Israel and its surrounding Arab nations have been
gradually solidified.
The current State of Palestine, which exists in law, was declared as an independent state in
1988 by the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). It is currently an observer of the UN.
However, with parts of its claimed land under current Israeli possession, it exists mostly in
name.
Definition of Key Terms
•
Nationalism: Defined as the “desire by a culturally,
linguistically or historically similar group of people to
form an independent nation”. Both the Jewish and the
Arabs (Palestinians) were driven by a desire for a
nation for their own people.
• State: Defined by international law as having
“permanent population, defined territory, one
government and the capacity to enter relations with
other sovereign nations”. Palestine, although without
its full territory, is considered a State.
• Self-Determination: Nations have the freedom to choose
their sovereignty and political status. This was the
reasoning behind many of Palestinians’ disapproval
with Partition and other solutions.
• Partition: Define as “the cutting of borders in one or
more territories considered by a community to be
home”. The plan proposed in 1947 by the UN to
divide the area into Jewish and Arab states was a form
of a partition, resulting in two separate states.
Definition of Key Terms
• Green Lines “1967 Borders”: The lines established by the
1949 Armistice Agreements between Israel and its
neighboring Arab nations separating the Israeli
territories. It was not meant to be a permanent border,
however, it is referenced modern day as if it was.
• Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO): The
organization that declared statehood for the Palestinian
people in 1974. It evolved to become the Palestinian
Authority and now recognizes Israel’s right to exist and
is the official State of Palestine. Is now the “sole
representative of the Palestinian people”.
• West Bank : An area pictured to the right which is
claimed by the State of Palestine as its territory and
dominated by the Fatah party.
• Gaza: A small area of land bordering Egypt, Israel and
the Mediterranean Sea. The Palestinian Authority,
dominated by Hamas, rules this area.
• Occupied Territories: West Bank, East Jerusalem, Golan
Heights and the Gaza Strip. These territories are known
as such because Israel captured them in 1967 during the
Six Day War.
Topic Summary: History
The Israeli-Palestine Conflict was first roused by a religious
movement called Zionism after World War II, which encouraged
the Jewish to return to their homeland known as Israel. The Arabs
known as Palestinians, who had been living there, felt threatened by
the influx of the Jewish. Later, another movement called
Palestinian Nationalism rose, fueling the Arabs desire for a state.
As the two movements had interests in the same land, there
was tension over who would live there. The British, who had been
in control of that area since WWI, asked for the UN to partition
the area in 1947. The Partition called for separate Jewish and Arab
states, while Jerusalem would become international territory. The
Jewish accepted this plan. The Arabs rejected the Partition in favor
of self-determination, which called for the people of the region to
decide their own system of government. It was agreed upon that
the British would withdraw control over the region.
The 1947 Partition was never implemented because when the
British completely withdrew, the Jewish people announced a
Declaration of Independence, establishing Israel as a nation. The
Palestinians also rejected Jewish presence in their former land.
Topic Summary: History
In response to the increase in Jewish territory, the Arab people became increasingly agitated. In
1964, an organization to defend the Palestinian people, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO),
was born. Extreme units and factions within the PLO used violence to promote their interests, and
became a threat to Israeli security.
In 1988, however, the PLO declared statehood, claiming the lands of East Jerusalem, West Bank
and the Gaza Strip. The Arabs living in the area revolted against the the Israeli rule over Palestinian
territories. This was known as the First Intifada. This uprising ended with the signing of the Oslo
Accords, which was facilitated by the United States in 1993. Both Israel and Palestine strove for a twostate solution, but failed to come to an agreement. The Oslo Accords did, however, lay the foundation
for the Palestinian Authority, which allowed limited Palestinian self-government over the West Bank
and the Gaza Strip. It also, in 1993, led to the PLO recognizing Israel’s right to exist. In 1996, the PLO
formally revoked clauses in its founding charter that called for the dissolution of Israel.
Even so, tensions existed. In late 2000, a second round of uprisings (Second Intifada) occurred
against Israel.
Topic Summary: History
Later, the Palestinian Authority was split into two because of a conflict between two
factions: Hamas, which currently has authority over the Gaza Strip, and Fatah, the original party
which now holds control over the West Bank. A unity government was formed recently on June
2, 2014 for reconciliation and agreement between the two parties. Recently on December 3rd,
Hamas was willing to extend the unity government for another 6 months, much to the chagrin
of Israel, which designates Hamas as a terrorist group.
Palestine, as a nonmember observer state, can now attend the GA, co-sponsor resolutions,
and join treaties and other UN organizations, much like the Holy See. By the UN calling the
PLO the “State of Palestine”, it is now recognizing the organization as a state.
Topic Summary: Issues
Jerusalem: The Capital City of both States
To the Jews, Jerusalem is holy and sacred as it is the land that was chosen by
God for the Jews to live in. The city is the third holiest city for Muslims, as it
was the first direction of prayer in Islam.
During the 1947 Partition, the city of Jerusalem was designated as a separate
city under international jurisdiction. Both parties, the Jews and the Arabs,
however, rejected the Partition. In the Arab-Israeli war of 1948, when
neighboring Arab states attacked Israel, the Israeli troops took over West
Jerusalem while the Jordanians took control of East Jerusalem. In the Six Day
War of 1967, the Israelis captured East Jerusalem along with the rest of the
West Bank. From then on, Israelis have considered the entire city of Jerusalem
to be their capital. The Israel legislature, Knesset, announced a Basic Law in
1980 that granted the Israeli government to apply Israeli law and administration
to areas under Israeli military control, namely East Jerusalem. Although the
international community condemned this action in UN Resolution 252,
the implementation of measures to prevent or revoke the Israeli
annexation of Jerusalem was poor. Currently, most of the Palestinians in
East Jerusalem are taxed and restricted by Israeli law, unlike other Palestinians in
the West Bank and Gaza Strip. After Jerusalem was annexed into Israel under
the Basic Law of 1980, East Jerusalemites were not given Israeli
citizenship and discouraged from living in the area. On the other hand,
Palestinian officials claim all of Jerusalem as the capital for their own
future Palestinian state, but many Palestinians simply claim East Jerusalem.
Topic Summary: Issues
Refugees: The Population of the State of Palestine
Palestinians were displaced from their original homes in Mandatory Palestine during times of war.
Palestinian refugees, unlike other types of refugees, have a different definition and are cared for by a
specific UN agency, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA), instead of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The refugees and their descendants claim a right of return. Supporters assert that Palestinians
be able to return to their property and land that they had left behind. Opponents claim that the right
of return is unrealistic and was never agreed upon in any resolution between the two parties or by the
UN. The right of return has been recognized by the United Nations under the GA Resolution 194, but
was never implemented because it was a non-binding resolution like all GA resolutions.
Currently, many Palestinian refugees
reside in camps in surrounding Arab nations.
Many of them are unable to find work and are
currently living in poverty. With the exception
of refugees in Jordan, many Palestinians are
unable to attain the citizenship of their
hosting nations, and are therefore
restricted from many of their freedoms.
Topic Summary: Issues
Israeli Security: The Impact of Statehood for
Palestine
The original Palestinian Authority, affiliated with the Fatah
party, served as a government for the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip. However, Hamas, another party created during
the First Intifada (1987-1993) gained legislative votes in
2006, becoming the main party in the Gaza Strip. Although
Fatah has renounced terrorism, Hamas is a militant group
that has been designated as a terrorist organization by
Israel, USA, EU, Jordan, Egypt and others.
Hamas has been known to be associated with many attacks
against Israeli citizens. Acts of terrorism include suicide
bombings and outright locket launching against Israel.
After Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in 2007, Israel
initiated the blockade against Gaza. Israel claims that the
blockade was initiated for security reasons, such as restricting
weapon movement. The blockade has been lessened, but not
lifted. Because of the blockade, many of Gaza’s
infrastructures lack basic essential supplies..
Topic Summary: Issues
Israeli Settlements: The Prevention of Land
for Palestine
Even though the West Bank and East Jerusalem are
part of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Israel
continues to build settlements in the region. The
international community does not approve of
Israel building these settlements in the
Palestinian land. Parties such as Amnesty
International believe that the establishment of
Jewish settlements will threaten the land rights and
freedom of movement of Palestinians. The Israeli
government has planned to construct a barrier
throughout the West Bank that will protect Israeli
communities and block off Palestinians from the
land. This may potentially restrict Palestinians from
accessing land that was once theirs and amenities
that happen to be on the other side of the wall.
Major Parties involved
Israel: Is attacked by, and attacks Palestine. Military controls and establishes settlements in Palestine and
does not diplomatically recognize it as a state.
State of Palestine: Settlements established into its land. Currently holds observer status in the UN and is
recognized by 135 nations around the world.
United States: Does not recognize Palestine as a state, but does negotiate and hold talks with the PLO, the
recognized Palestinian representative. Supports and funds Israel.
Egypt: First Arab nation to recognize Israel (1980). Also one of the first to recognize the Palestinian state.
Trades with both nations, and sometimes negotiates peace between the two nations. Sometimes
supports/supplies Gaza through the Rafah border. Palestinians may freely enter Egypt without visa.
Jordan: Hosts many Palestinian Refugees and gives them citizenship. Has had diplomatic relations with Israel
since 1994.
Lebanon: Hosts many Palestinian Refugees, who are restricted from citizenship and jobs. Does not have any
diplomatic/economic ties with Israel.
Saudi Arabia: Hosts many Palestinian Refugees, who are restricted from citizenship and jobs. Does not
officially recognize Israel, but both US allies who oppose Iran’s expansion.
Syria: Has not established diplomatic ties with Israel. Refugees fleeing Syria due to war.
As of 30 October 2014, 135 (69.9%) of the 193 member states of the United
Nations have recognised the State of Palestine. Many of the countries that do not
recognise the State of Palestine nevertheless recognise the PLO as the
"representative of the Palestinian people". On 29 November 2012, the UN
General Assembly passed a motion changing Palestine's "entity" status to "nonmember observer state" by a vote of 138 to 9, with 41 abstentions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_recognition_of_the_State_of_Palestine
Timeline
May 1916, Britain inherits the region after fall of Ottoman Empire.
29 November 1947, UN General Assembly adopts the Partition Plan. However, it was never
implemented because Palestine rejected the plan.
1949, War between Israel and surrounding Arab nations (Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria) ends.
Green lines were established as territories.
5 June 1967, Israel strikes preemptive strikes on Egypt, starting the Six Day War. Israel gained many
territories that are extremely controversial today. Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egypt
after a war.
8 December 1987, First series of Palestinian uprisings against Israel (First Intifada).
15 November 1988, PLO establishes the State of Palestine.
30 October 1991, Madrid Conference. More nations recognize Israel and the Jordan-Palestine joint
delegation and Israel begin the peace process.
1993, Oslo Accords. Created Palestinian Authority that exercised some authority of West Bank and
Gaza. Official end of the First Intifada.
September 2000, Second Intifada begins. Due to violence, Israel halts the peace process.
Timeline
12 September 2005, Israel’s disengagement plan comes into place. Israel militarily removed its
presence and removed communities in Gaza, but still has border, airspace, and
naval control there.
25 January 2006, Hamas acquires landslide victory in PLO elections. It is designated as a terrorist
organization by certain Western nations and Israel.
June 2007, Hamas gains control of Gaza. Gaza blockade is tightened.
29 November 2012, Palestine acquires nonmember observer status in the UN.
July 2013, Israel and Palestine enter peace process once again.
April 2014, Hamas and PLO forge a unity government. In response, Israel halts the peace talk
process.
3 Dec 2014, Hamas, although it advocated for the termination of the unity government after its 6
month term, is ready to extend the government for another 6 months.
UN Involvement
A/RES/181 (II) : Recommended the partition of the British Mandate of Palestine into two states;
one Jewish, one Arab.
A/RES/273: Admission of Israel into the UN as a member
A/RES/67/19: Recognizes State of Palestine as a nonmember observer state.
S/RES/1397 : First Security Council Resolution to propose a two state solution to the conflict. Also
condemned the establishment of Jewish settlements in Palestinian territory.
More can be found at http://unispal.un.org/unispal.nsf/res.htm
Possible Solutions
1. Two State Solution
As proposed and attempted to be implemented numerous times, the two state solution calls for two
separate states in the region. Although this solution has been pushed for (especially to revert back to
the Green Lines), it has occurred without much success due to the mistrust and the continued
violence between Israel and Palestine. Currently, a Security Council resolution calling for Israel to
pull out of Palestinian Occupied Territories by 2017 may become a ground for peace talks, but the
United States does not approve of the fact that there is a deadline for Israeli withdrawal.
2. Partial Disarmament
The reason why many peace talks have been cancelled is that the violence occurring at the borders
and within territories harm the potential for peace. If both nations could partially disarm to a point
where they feel safe with the weapons but not enough to initiate severe attack, trust between the
two nations may grow to a definite peace.
3. Establish borders through mutual agreements
Violence may occur because of the Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory and because of the
lack of respect for Israel’s security and borders by Hamas. If borders could be established, Palestine
would also have land to qualify for statehood without question.
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