Position Paper
Committee: United Nations General Assembly
Agenda: Formulating Strategic Measures to De-escalate Military
Peacefully, with Special Emphasis on Gaza Conflict Resolution and
the Russo-Ukrainian War
Portfolio: The State of Palestine
Delegate: Armish Rahman
I. Introduction: A World in Crisis
The global landscape today is marred by armed conflicts that have uprooted millions,
destabilized entire regions, and undermined the very essence of international peace and
security. As the representative of the State of Palestine, a nation that has long endured
the devastating consequences of occupation and military aggression, we recognize both
the urgency and the complexity of de-escalating violent conflicts through strategic,
multilateral, and peaceful means.
The two most pressing crises—the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and the
Russia-Ukraine war—highlight the need for a firm, principled, and consistent
international approach to conflict resolution. As victims of prolonged occupation, the
Palestinian people stand with all civilians facing the consequences of military aggression
and demand justice through international law, humanitarian relief, and peaceful
negotiation.
II. The Gaza Conflict: Historical Roots and Humanitarian
Collapse
The Gaza Strip, home to over 2 million Palestinians, remains under an illegal and
inhumane blockade imposed by Israel since 2007. This blockade, combined with
repeated military assaults, has created one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time.
The most recent escalation has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, including
women and children, the destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and the displacement
of nearly half of Gaza’s population.
The historical roots of the conflict lie in the 1948 Nakba, the Six-Day War in 1967, and
the ensuing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. International law, including UN
Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, clearly demands the withdrawal of Israeli
forces from occupied territories and affirms the Palestinian right to self-determination.
Yet decades later, the occupation continues, and Gaza remains a besieged, open-air
prison.
Within the United Nations, Palestine has continuously raised its voice against these
injustices. While the General Assembly has passed numerous resolutions in support of
Palestinian rights, meaningful action is often blocked by veto powers in the Security
Council. Despite being recognized by 138 UN member states, Palestine remains without
full UN membership, limiting its ability to enforce accountability.
III. The Russo-Ukrainian War: Sovereignty and Double
Standards
The war in Ukraine, triggered by the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion in 2022,
has similarly led to the deaths of tens of thousands and widespread displacement.
Palestine affirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial
integrity of all UN member states, including Ukraine. As a people living under
occupation, Palestinians deeply understand the cost of foreign military control and
forced displacement.
However, the international response to Ukraine has starkly contrasted with the response
to Gaza and the Palestinian struggle. While Ukraine has rightfully received widespread
support and condemnation of its aggressor, the same urgency and moral clarity are
often missing when addressing Israel's actions in Palestine. This double standard
undermines the credibility of international law and the United Nations’ founding
principles.
IV. Political Realities in the UN System
The State of Palestine has long advocated for peaceful resolution through diplomacy and
adherence to international law. Yet in practice, political dynamics within the
UN—particularly the veto system in the Security Council—have prevented meaningful
accountability and resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In contrast, the UN General Assembly has offered a platform for solidarity and support.
Resolutions recognizing the right of Palestinians to self-determination, condemning
Israeli settlements, and calling for the protection of civilians in Gaza have passed with
majority support, reflecting the global consensus. However, these remain non-binding,
and implementation is largely symbolic.
V. Challenges to De-escalation and Peaceful Resolution
Palestine identifies several critical obstacles to de-escalation in both Gaza and Ukraine:
1. Occupation and Asymmetry
2. Weaponization of Humanitarian Access
3. Lack of Accountability
4. Veto Power and Geopolitical Interests
5. Disinformation and Militarization
VI. Strategic Solutions and Palestinian Initiatives
The State of Palestine proposes the following concrete measures:
A. For Gaza:
- Permanent ceasefire with international monitoring
- Lifting of the blockade
- War crimes investigations
- Two-state solution
B. For Ukraine:
- UN-led negotiations
- Humanitarian corridors
- Military de-escalation
- Equal standards on occupation
C. General:
- Empower the UNGA
- Create a Conflict Accountability Mechanism
- Support multilateral diplomacy
- Promote peace education
VII. Conclusion
The State of Palestine calls upon this Assembly to uphold the principles upon which the
United Nations was founded: justice, equality, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Whether in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, or elsewhere, we must reject the normalization of
war, occupation, and impunity. Our world demands leadership that is consistent, moral,
and rooted in international law.
Palestine remains committed to peace—not as a slogan, but as a right—and we urge the
global community to act not out of convenience, but out of conscience.
The State of Palestine stands ready to collaborate with all peace-seeking nations in
building a more just and secure world.
