Pursuing peaceful de-escalation in the
Israeli-Palestine conflict: A Pakistani view
Committee: UNHRC
Country: Pakistan
Agenda: Peaceful de-escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict
SAVE GAZA FROM GENOCIDE:
History:
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a complex political and territorial dispute between Israelis and Palestinians over their homeland.
The conflict has deep historical, religious, and cultural roots, leading to competing national aspirations and enduring tensions. The
1967 Six-Day War saw Israel capture territories, leading to conflict and increased tensions. The international community supports a
two-state solution, but consensus on the terms remains difficult.
Pakistan’s stance:
The Israel-Palestine conflict is a global issue that holds particular significance for Pakistan. This enduring struggle, marked by
historical complexities, religious roots, and competing national aspirations, resonates with Pakistan's commitment to justice and
self-determination, especially within the Muslim world. As of 2021, Pakistan remains one of the staunchest supporters of the
Palestinian cause. The statistics are stark, with millions of displaced Palestinians and over 5.8 million registered refugees under the
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Pakistan's stance, while not officially recognizing Israel, is
deeply rooted in its advocacy for the Palestinians' right to self-determination. Pakistan actively participates in international efforts
for de-escalation and peace, recognizing the relevance of the issue to its region and beyond.
The Israel-Palestine conflict is relevant to Pakistan because it mirrors the struggle for justice and self-determination that has defined
Pakistan's history. Pakistan's active involvement in seeking a resolution aligns with its commitment to international peace and its
support for the rights of oppressed people, particularly in Muslim-majority regions. As the conflict persists, Pakistan continues to be
a vocal advocate for de-escalation, hoping to contribute to a lasting solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist in
peace.
CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL ACTIONS:
Statements by the UN officials:
Statement of the Secretary-General: UN Secretary-Generals Ban Ki-moon and António Guterres have expressed concern over
Israel and Palestine's situation, calling for meaningful negotiations on a two-state solution. They emphasize respecting international
law, and human rights, and addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Resolution of the United Nations Security Council: The United Nations Security Council has passed several resolutions
condemning acts of violence, calling for an end to violence, and emphasizing the need for a two-state solution for peace and security
between Israel and Palestine.
Speech of the United Nations General Assembly: The United Nations General Assembly's speeches addressed the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting its humanitarian impact and the need for a peaceful resolution, with leaders from various
countries expressing concerns and calling for renewed peace efforts.
Statement of the Human Rights Council: The UN Human Rights Council has issued statements and reports on human rights
violations in the region, examining both sides' conduct and highlighting issues like civilian casualties, settlement expansion, and
restrictions on movement.
Input of major NGOs:
Several major Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are working on the Israel-Palestine conflict, focusing on humanitarian aid,
peacebuilding, human rights, and development efforts. Notable NGOs include Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Oxfam
International, Médecins Sans Frontières, UNICEF, B'Tselem, and Peace Now. Amnesty International monitors human rights
violations, Human Rights Watch researches, Oxfam provides aid, MSF offers medical services, UNICEF supports child health
programs, B'Tselem advocates for an end to the occupation, and Peace Now advocates for a two-state solution and coexistence
between Israelis and Palestinians.
Important UN treaties:
The United Nations Security Council's Resolutions 242 and 338, both issued in 1973, emphasized the right of all states in
the region to live in peace and security.
The United Nations General Assembly issued Resolutions 181, 194, 3236, and 3379, addressing the partition of Palestine
into Jewish and Arab states, Palestinian refugees, and the rights of the Palestinian people, including self-determination, and the
revocation of Zionism in 1991.
The Oslo Accords (1993-1995) established a framework for Israel-Palestine relations, dividing the West Bank into Areas A, B,
and C. The Camp David Accords (1978) and Peace Treaty with Egypt (1979) led to Israel's withdrawal from the Sinai
Peninsula and peace, altering regional dynamics.
The Fourth Geneva Convention (1949) safeguards civilians during armed conflict and prohibits transferring a power's
population into occupied territories, ensuring Israeli sovereignty.
How these agendas affected Pakistan and their response:
Pakistan has historically supported the Palestinian cause diplomatically and politically, not officially recognizing Israel as a state. This
support has sparked strong emotions among Pakistanis, particularly for religious and humanitarian reasons. As the conflict escalates,
mass protests and demonstrations in support of the Palestinian people have occurred in Pakistan, reflecting a sense of solidarity with
the Palestinian people. Pakistan's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict affects its position in the Islamic world, as its support for
the Palestinian cause has strengthened its credibility among other Muslim-majority countries and shaped its role in regional and
international forums. The conflict indirectly impacts Pakistan's military and strategic considerations, including relations with
countries like the United States, which has historically been a close ally of Israel. Pakistan has provided humanitarian and financial
support to the Palestinian people during crises and actively participated in international forums to express support for the
Palestinian cause.
Policies Pakistan would like the UN to adopt:
Two-State Solution: The UN supports a two-state solution, with Palestine as an independent, sovereign, and viable state living
peacefully alongside Israel on pre-1967 borders.
Peaceful Negotiations: The call for renewed negotiations between Israel and Palestine, involving international mediators, is being
made to address key issues like borders, refugees, Jerusalem, and security.
Ending Settlement Activities: Advocates for halting Israeli settlement construction in occupied Palestinian territories, including
East Jerusalem, as it is considered illegal under international law and hinders the peace process.
Right of Return: The UN General Assembly Resolution 194 guarantees the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes or
receive compensation for their losses.
Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction: The request is to provide international humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of
Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, including funding for essential services, reconstruction, and development projects.
Respect for International Law: The text emphasizes the significance of adhering to international law, specifically the Fourth
Geneva Convention, which safeguards civilians during conflict, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Protection of Civilians: The call is for the protection of Palestinian civilians, especially children, from violence, displacement, and
human rights abuses, and condemns any excessive use of force against them.
Jerusalem as a Shared Capital: The international consensus is that East Jerusalem should serve as the capital of a future
Palestinian state, ensuring freedom of worship and access to religious sites for all faiths.
Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS): Support non-violent campaigns like BDS to pressure Israel to comply with
international law, end the occupation, and respect Palestinian rights.
Promotion of Dialogue: The initiative aims to promote diplomatic dialogue and confidence-building between Israelis and
Palestinians, involving civil society, youth, and women, to promote understanding and cooperation.
Specific plans for the UN to undertake:
Pakistan advocates for a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem
as its capital. It supports diplomatic, political, and humanitarian initiatives to resolve the conflict, with specific plans and actions
aimed at the United Nations.
Resolution of the Security Council: Pakistan can support the implementation of existing United Nations Security Council resolutions
related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For example, United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 call on Israel to
withdraw from the occupied territories and fairly resolve the Palestinian refugee problem.
Peacekeeping mission: Pakistan has a history of significant participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. We could propose
sending United Nations peacekeeping forces to help maintain peace and stability in the region.
Humanitarian aid: Pakistan will likely emphasize the importance of providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians, especially those living
in refugee camps. This could include food, medical supplies, and assistance in rebuilding conflict-affected areas.
Protection of civilians: Pakistan wants to emphasize the need for the United Nations to ensure security and protect Palestinian
civilians and their rights. This may involve monitoring and reporting on human rights violations in the region.
Israel's diplomatic isolation: Pakistan has supported efforts to diplomatically isolate Israel through measures such as boycotts,
divestment, and sanctions (BDS). He could seek UN approval for such measures.
Support for the Palestinian state: Pakistan will likely push the United Nations to recognize the State of Palestine and grant it full
membership. This is a symbolic but important step in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Ongoing dialogue: Pakistan will encourage the United Nations to facilitate and encourage diplomatic dialogue between Israel and
Palestine to resolve contentious issues, such as borders, refugees, and Jerusalem.
Plans for country members:
Pakistan's views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will align with the broader Muslim world's and OIC principles. The country is
expected to urge other member states to take various actions and measures to resolve the conflict.
Diplomatic activities: Recognize the State of Palestine and establish diplomatic relations with this country. Support international
efforts toward a two-state solution, including at the United Nations.
Humanitarian aid: Provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, especially those living in refugee camps, including
financial assistance, medical supplies, and food aid.
Wishing for peace: The text advocates for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through diplomatic channels and encourages
meaningful negotiations between both sides, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law, particularly the Fourth
Geneva Convention, regarding civilian protection during armed conflict.
Civil society participation: Encourage civil society organizations and citizens to raise awareness of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and
support initiatives that promote peace, justice, and Palestinian rights.
Boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS): Support or carry out measures related to BDS campaigns against Israel aimed at
pressuring Israel to change its policies towards the Palestinians.
Resolution of the National Assembly: Adopt parliamentary resolutions or declarations expressing solidarity with the Palestinian
people and calling for a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Contribution to peacekeeping: Consider providing troops or resources to United Nations peacekeeping missions in the region, to
maintain peace and security during and after negotiations. Specifically to promote educational and cultural exchange programs to
promote mutual understanding between people of different backgrounds in the region.
Why Pakistan's ideas will work:
Pakistan supports a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, based on adherence to international law, moral principles, and
historical context. This belief is based on the complex nature of the conflict and the numerous factors that have made it difficult to
resolve. However, success cannot be guaranteed due to the numerous factors at play.
International Consensus: The two-state solution, supported by numerous UN member states and international organizations, is
widely regarded as the most effective path to a peaceful resolution.
UN Resolutions: The UN Security Council's Resolutions 242 and 338 advocate for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied
territories and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Right to Self-Determination: Pakistan and its supporters argue that the two-state solution respects the right to self-determination of
Israelis and Palestinians, allowing each to have their own independent and sovereign state.
Historical Context: Advocates argue that historical conflicts have highlighted the need for two separate states for Israelis and
Palestinians, aiming to resolve grievances and end ongoing conflicts.
Regional Stability: Supporters argue that the establishment of a Palestinian state would enhance regional stability, decrease
tensions, and foster cooperation in the Middle East.
