SUBMITED BY : FAROOQUE ALI , SAFDAR HUSSAIN , AIJAZ
ROLL # : 20, 24, 38
SUBJECT : ISRAEL PALESTINE CONFLICT AND UNO ROLE
SEMISTER : 6TH
SECTION : A
SESSION : 22-27
DEPARTMENT : LAW
UNIVERSITY : UNIVERSITY OF SARGODHA
SUBMITED TO : FOZIA SHAHEEN
Background:
The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict trace back to the late 1800s. In 1947, the
proposed splitting the British-controlled territory of Palestine into separate Jewish
and Arab states. This plan set the stage for the declaration of the State of Israel on
May 14, 1948. The announcement triggered the first Arab-Israeli War, which
concluded in 1949 with an Israeli victory. As a result of the conflict, approximately
750,000 Palestinians were displaced, and the land was divided into three main areas:
the newly established State of Israel, the West Bank (located along the Jordan River),
and the Gaza Strip.
Causes of war Israel-Palestine
1. Social Causes
Historical grievances: Both Israelis and Palestinians have deep-rooted historical
narratives tied to the land, leading to mutual mistrust and resentment.Displacement
and refugee crisis: The displacement of Palestinians after the creation of Israel in
1948 (Nakba) has caused generations of refugees, worsening social tensions.
2. Political Causes
Territorial disputes: Disagreements over borders, especially regarding the West
Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.Lack of political resolution: Repeated failure
of peace talks and political agreements, like the Oslo Accords, has fueled ongoing
hostilities.
3. Religious Causes
Sacred sites: Jerusalem holds religious significance for Jews, Muslims, and
Christians. Disputes over access and control of sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque and
Temple Mount intensify conflict.
Religious nationalism: Extremist ideologies on both sides sometimes use religion
to justify violence or territorial claims.
4. Economic Causes
Blockades and restrictions: Economic blockades on Gaza have led to poverty and
limited access to basic resources.Inequality and unemployment: High
unemployment rates and poor living conditions, especially among Palestinians,
contribute to instability.
5. External Influence/International Factors
Foreign support: Military and financial support from external powers (e.g., U.S.
support for Israel, Iranian support for groups like Hamas) perpetuates the
conflict.Geopolitical interests: Regional powers often use the conflict for their own
strategic purposes, undermining peace efforts.
United nations Partition Plan (1947)
After World War II, the UN proposed to divide Palestine into two separate states:One
for Jews One for Palestinian Arabs Jerusalem was to be an international city due to
its religious importance. This was called UN Resolution 181, but it led to
disagreements and violence.
2. The 1967 War and UN Response
After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel occupied Gaza, the West Bank, and East
Jerusalem. Around 500,000 Palestinians became refugees. The UN passed
Resolution 242, calling for: Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories A peaceful
solution for refugee.
3. Call for Peace Talks (1973-1974)
After more fighting in 1973, the UN passed Resolution 338 encouraging direct peace
talks. In 1974, the UN: Recognized the rights of Palestinians, like independence and
the right to return and gave the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) observer
status at the UN
4. Peace Conferences and Plans
1991: The Madrid Peace Conference began peace talks between Israel, Arab
countries, and Palestinians.
2002: The UN supported a two-state solution (Israel and Palestine living side by
side).
2002: The Arab Peace Initiative proposed full peace if Israel withdrew from
occupied lands.
2003: The Quartet (UN, USA, EU, Russia) released the Road Map for Peace.
2003: The Geneva Accord was created by peace activists on both sides.
5. Later Peace Efforts and Setbacks
2007-2008: The Annapolis Peace Process failed to reach a final agreement.
2008-2009: Israel’s military operation in Gaza led to UN Resolution 1860, calling
for a ceasefire.
6. Recognition of Palestinian State
2012: Palestine was granted non-member observer state status at the UN – a big step
toward global recognition.
2014: The UN marked the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian
People.
7. UN Condemns Settlements (2016)
The UN passed Resolution 2334, which: Declared Israeli settlements in occupied
areas illegal called for an end to settlement activity.
Conclusion: UN’s Ongoing Role
The UN has played an important role by: Proposing peace solutions supporting
Palestinian rights calling for negotiations and international law.But peace has not
been achieved, and the conflict continues. The UN remains involved in seeking a
just and lasting solution
