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.
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. 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.
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 3 rd, 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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