Model UN Background Guide

Committee: SPECPOL (GA4)
Topic: Israeli-Palestinian Question
Conference Year: 2025

Topic Background

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the most protracted and complex disputes in modern international relations. Rooted in competing nationalisms and territorial claims, the conflict traces back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of the British Mandate for Palestine following World War I and the subsequent waves of Jewish immigration. The creation of the State of Israel in 1948, the Arab-Israeli wars, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians (Nakba) set the stage for decades of hostility.

The conflict centers on issues including borders, the status of Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees’ right of return, security concerns, and mutual recognition. The Oslo Accords in the 1990s marked a significant attempt at peace, establishing the Palestinian Authority and envisioning a two-state solution, but subsequent violence and political shifts have stalled progress.

The issue remains on the SPECPOL agenda due to persistent instability in the region, periodic escalations of violence, humanitarian concerns in Gaza and the West Bank, and stalled peace negotiations. The recent years have seen renewed tensions over settlement expansion, the status of Jerusalem, and intra-Palestinian political divisions, alongside shifting regional dynamics following normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states (Abraham Accords). The international community continues to seek durable solutions to uphold peace, security, and human rights.

Key Actors

States

• Israel: Central party to the conflict, with security concerns and claims over Jerusalem and settlements.
• Palestinian Authority (PA): Governs parts of the West Bank, seeks statehood and international recognition.
• Hamas: Governs Gaza Strip, designated as a terrorist organization by many states, opposes recognition of Israel.
• United States: Historically Israel’s strongest ally, often mediates peace efforts, though its role has fluctuated with administrations.
• Arab States: Including Egypt and Jordan (both have peace treaties with Israel), and Gulf countries such as UAE and Bahrain, which have normalized relations with Israel. Other Arab League members maintain solidarity with Palestinians.
• European Union: Active in diplomacy and humanitarian aid, supports a two-state solution.
• Iran: Supports Palestinian armed groups, notably Hamas and Islamic Jihad, opposing Israel’s legitimacy.

International Organizations

• United Nations: Through the General Assembly, Security Council, and agencies like UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), the UN plays a key role in humanitarian assistance and political efforts.
• Quartet on the Middle East: Comprising the UN, US, EU, and Russia, the Quartet facilitates peace negotiations and monitors developments.
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Engaged in humanitarian relief and protection of civilians.

Bloc Positions

1. Western Bloc (United States, Canada, EU countries)

Generally supports Israel’s right to security while endorsing a negotiated two-state solution. The US often acts as a mediator and provides military and economic aid to Israel. European countries emphasize human rights and oppose settlement expansion, advocating for renewed negotiations and Palestinian statehood under conditions of security and recognition of Israel.

2. Arab and Muslim States

Traditionally united in support of Palestinian self-determination, opposing Israeli occupation and settlement activity. Countries like Egypt and Jordan maintain peace treaties but advocate strongly for Palestinian rights. Some Gulf states have shifted towards normalization with Israel but continue to express support for Palestinian political rights and humanitarian needs. Iran and allied groups reject Israel’s legitimacy altogether and support armed resistance.

3. Non-Aligned and Developing Countries

Many countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America emphasize the right to self-determination and condemn occupation and human rights violations. They tend to support Palestinian statehood and call for international law adherence, often voting in favor of resolutions critical of Israeli policies.

4. Israel and Its Allies

Israel and its closest allies prioritize security concerns, oppose unilateral Palestinian moves at the UN, and emphasize direct bilateral negotiations without preconditions. They often resist international pressure regarding settlements and Jerusalem, viewing them as internal matters or security necessities.

Past UN Action

• Resolution 181 (1947): Partition plan recommending separate Jewish and Arab states.
• Resolution 194 (1948): Addresses Palestinian refugees’ right of return.
• Resolution 242 (1967): Calls for withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories occupied in the Six-Day War and recognition of all states’ sovereignty.
• Resolution 338 (1973): Calls for ceasefire in Yom Kippur War and implementation of 242.
• Resolution 2334 (2016): Reaffirms illegality of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories and calls for cessation of settlement activity.
• Numerous General Assembly resolutions emphasize Palestinian rights and condemn occupation; UNRWA continues to provide aid to Palestinian refugees.
• Special reports and fact-finding missions have addressed human rights violations and humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the West Bank.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can the international community effectively support a resumption of meaningful Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations?
2. What measures can be adopted to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and improve conditions in the West Bank?
3. How should the issue of Israeli settlements and their impact on the feasibility of a two-state solution be addressed?
4. What role should the UN and other international actors play in ensuring the protection of human rights and international law compliance?
5. How can the rights and status of Palestinian refugees be incorporated into a comprehensive peace framework?
6. What confidence-building measures can be recommended to reduce violence and foster trust between the parties?
7. How can intra-Palestinian political divisions be addressed to create a unified Palestinian negotiating position?

Further Reading

• UN Documents: Official Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, Secretary-General reports on the Middle East peace process, and UNRWA annual reports provide authoritative insights into the UN’s role and legal framework. These documents offer primary sources on international law, peace efforts, and humanitarian responses.

• Think-Tank Reports: Analyses from institutions such as the International Crisis Group, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Brookings Institution provide in-depth policy evaluations, conflict analyses, and proposals for peacebuilding. They often include historical context, current dynamics, and recommendations for diplomatic engagement.

• News Outlets and Regional Media: Reporting from reputable international news organizations (e.g., Al Jazeera, Reuters, BBC) and regional sources offers up-to-date information on developments, public sentiment, and political shifts. These sources help understand the evolving realities on the ground and the perspectives of different stakeholders.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a nuanced understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian question as they prepare to engage in SPECPOL 2025 discussions. The complexity of the issue requires balancing historical grievances, security concerns, humanitarian needs, and diplomatic efforts toward a just and lasting peace.