Delegate: K.

Sri Sowndarya

Topic: Israel and Palestine conflict

Delegation: Palestine

Committee: UNEP(UnitedNations Environment Program)

Honorable chair, Fellow delegates
Good morning to one and all present here. The Delega on of Pales ne is really pleased to par cipate in this commi ee Of
UNEP.we are very concerned about this issue that Israel and hamas accused each other of viola ng a truce deal that has
brought a pause to gh ng in the Gaza Strip. He cease- re entered its h day Tuesday a er a two-day extension was
announcedApproximately 60 percent of Pales nians (77% in the Gaza Strip and 46% in the West Bank), support armed a acks
against Israelis within Israel as a means of ending the occupa on, while 70% believe that a two-state solu on is no longer
prac cal or possible as a result of the expansion of Israeli se lements.

It is also important to note that perspec ves on the Israel-Pales ne con ict can vary widely, and opinions are shaped by
historical, poli cal, cultural, and individual factors. In general, the Pales nian perspec ve on the con ict is characterized by a
sense of historical injus ce, dispossession, and a desire for self-determina on. Here are key points that represent a common
view from the Pales nian perspec ve:
1. Historical Displacement and Dispossession:
•
Palestinians often view the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, known as the Nakba (catastrophe),
as a historical injustice that resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from
their homes.
2. Occupation of Palestinian Territories:
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The continued Israeli military presence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as the blockade of
the Gaza Strip, is seen as an ongoing occupation by Palestinians. They argue that this occupation
restricts their freedom of movement, economic development, and access to resources.
3. Settlements and Land Con scation:
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The construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank is viewed as a violation of international law by
Palestinians. They see the expansion of settlements as a major obstacle to the establishment of a viable
and independent Palestinian state.
4. Right of Return:
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Many Palestinians assert the right of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to return to their homes,
as stipulated in UN GeneralAssembly Resolution 194. This issue remains a central point of contention in
peace negotiations.
5. Human Rights Concerns:
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Palestinians express concerns about human rights abuses, including restrictions on movement, house
demolitions, and detentions. They argue that these actions by Israeli authorities adversely impact the
daily lives of Palestinians.
6. Quest for Statehood and Recognition:
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Palestinians seek international recognition of their right to self-determination and the establishment of an
independent and sovereign Palestinian state. The lack of progress in the peace process and the absence
of a two-state solution contribute to frustration and disillusionment.
7. Role of International Community:
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Palestinians often call for increased international involvement in resolving the con ict, including through
organizations like the United Nations. They seek a more assertive stance against what they perceive as
violations of international law by Israel.
8. Desire for a Just and Lasting Peace:
•
Despite the challenges and historical grievances, many Palestinians express a desire for a just and lasting
peace. They advocate for a resolution that recognizes their rights, addresses the core issues, and
establishes a framework for coexistence.
•

it's crucial to recognize that the viewpoints within Pales nian society are diverse, and there are individuals and groups who
may have di erent perspec ves on the best path forward. The complex and mul faceted nature of the Israel-Pales ne con ict
underscores the need for inclusive dialogue and diploma c e orts to nd a mutually acceptable resolu on.
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 The rela onship between Pales ne and the Israel-Pales ne con ict is intricate, deeply rooted in historical, poli cal, and social
dimensions. Key elements of Pales ne's rela on to the con ict include:
1. Historical Context - Nakba:
•
Palestine's relation to the con ict is historically anchored in the Nakba, which refers to the Palestinian
exodus that occurred during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. This event resulted in the displacement of a
signi cant portion of the Palestinian Arab population.
2. Establishment of the State of Israel:
•
The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 is a pivotal moment in Palestinian history. Many
Palestinians view this event as a central cause of their displacement and the loss of their homes and land.
3. Occupation and Territorial Disputes:
•
Since the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel has occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.
The ongoing Israeli military presence and the construction of settlements in the West Bank are central
issues in the con ict, shaping the relationship between Palestine and the con ict.
4. Claim to Statehood and Recognition:
•
Despite the challenges posed by the con ict, Palestine has sought international recognition and
statehood. The Palestinian Authority, established in the 1990s as part of the Oslo Accords, governs parts
of the West Bank. However, the absence of a sovereign Palestinian state remains a core issue.
5. Peace Process and Negotiations:
•
The relationship involves periodic attempts at negotiations between the Palestinian leadership and Israel
to nd a resolution to the con ict. The Oslo Accords and subsequent peace talks have aimed at
establishing a two-state solution, but progress has been limited.
6. Gaza Strip and Hamas:
•
The Gaza Strip, governed by Hamas since 2007, adds another layer to Palestine's relationship with the
con ict. The political and military dynamics in Gaza, including con icts with Israel, in uence the overall
situation.
7. Refugee Issue and Right of Return:
•
Many Palestinians are refugees or descendants of refugees who were displaced during the Nakba. The
issue of the right of return for Palestinian refugees to their original homes is a core element in the con ict
and shapes Palestine's stance in negotiations.
8. Human Rights and International Law:
•
Palestinians often emphasize the importance of international law and human rights in addressing the
con ict. They argue that aspects of the Israeli occupation, such as settlement construction and
restrictions on movement, violate international law.
9. Quest for International Recognition:
•
Palestine has sought international recognition and support, including efforts to gain recognition as a state
in international forums. The United Nations General Assembly granted Palestine non-member observer
state status in 2012.
10. Social and Economic Impact:
•
The con ict has had profound social and economic consequences for Palestinians. Issues such as
access to resources, freedom of movement, and economic development are closely tied to the con ict.
11. Diverse Perspectives within Palestine:
•
It's important to note that there are diverse perspectives within Palestinian society. Views on the con ict,
the approach to negotiations, and the desired outcome can vary among Palestinians.
•

Understanding the complexi es of Pales ne's rela onship to the Israel-Pales ne con ict is crucial for comprehending the
mul faceted nature of the ongoing geopoli cal and humanitarian challenges in the region.
The Palestinian perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian con ict is complex and multifaceted, re ecting the diversity
of opinions within the Palestinian community. Here are some key points that encompass various aspects of the
Palestinian stance on the con ict:
• National Aspirations:
• Palestinians generally aspire to establish an independent and sovereign state in the West Bank, East
Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as the capital. This vision aligns with the internationally
endorsed two-state solution.
• Right of Return:
• The issue of the right of return for Palestinian refugees is a central and sensitive aspect of the con ict.
Many Palestinians insist on the right of return for those who were displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli
war and their descendants.
• Opposition to Israeli Occupation:
• Palestinians, particularly those in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, oppose what they perceive as Israeli
occupation. The construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the establishment of military
checkpoints are often cited as sources of frustration and impediments to Palestinian daily life.
• Gaza Strip and Blockade:
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 • In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians face unique challenges, including economic hardship, restricted
movement, and the impact of the Israeli blockade. Many Palestinians view the blockade as a form of
collective punishment that exacerbates the humanitarian situation in the territory.
• Jerusalem as the Capital:
• Palestinians consider East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. The status of Jerusalem is a
highly contentious issue in the con ict, with both Israelis and Palestinians claiming the city as their capital.
• International Support and Recognition:
• Palestinians seek international support and recognition for their cause. They often emphasize the need
for the international community to play a role in mediating and resolving the con ict, and they have sought
recognition of Palestinian statehood from various countries and international organizations.
• Diverse Political Perspectives:
• The Palestinian political landscape is characterized by a diversity of opinions and political factions.
Fatah, the Palestinian Authority's leading party, generally supports negotiations for a two-state solution,
while Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, has historically advocated for armed resistance and rejects the
recognition of Israel.
• Peace Process and Negotiations:
• Palestinians have participated in various peace negotiations with Israel over the years. However, the lack
of progress in reaching a nal and comprehensive agreement, along with issues such as settlement
expansion, has led to skepticism among Palestinians about the viability of the peace process.
It's important to recognize that opinions within the Palestinian community can vary, and there are individuals and
groups with differing perspectives on the best path forward for achieving a resolution to the con ict. The
complex nature of the situation underscores the challenges in nding a comprehensive and mutually acceptable
solution.
The Israeli-Palestinian con ict dates back to the nineteenth century the Partition Plan, which sought to divide the British
Mandate of Palestine into Arab and Jewish states.`

The resolu on recommended The crea on of independent Arab and Jewish states and a special interna onal Regime for the
city of jerusalem .The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) typically focuses on environmental issues,
and while it may address the environmental consequences of con icts, it may not directly involve itself in political
resolutions. However, if you are looking for a ctional example of a resolution from the perspective of Palestine
within the UNEP context, considering the environmental aspects of the con ict, it could be framed as follows:

Committee: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Agenda Item: Environmental Impact of the Israeli-Palestinian Con ict
Sponsors: Palestine, [Additional Sponsors]
Signatories: [List of Supporting Nations]

Preambulatory Clauses:
• Recognizing the severe environmental consequences resulting from the prolonged Israeli-Palestinian
con ict, including damage to ecosystems, depletion of natural resources, and pollution.
• Emphasizing the right of all individuals, including those in con ict zones, to live in a healthy environment
and the responsibility of the international community to address environmental challenges arising from
armed con icts.
• Acknowledging the potential for environmental degradation to exacerbate humanitarian issues and
hinder post-con ict reconstruction and sustainable development.

Operative Clauses:
A. Environmental Assessment:
• Calls for an immediate and impartial environmental assessment to be conducted in areas affected by the
con ict, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, to identify and prioritize
environmental challenges.
B. Environmental Remediation:
2. Urges the international community to provide technical and nancial support for environmental remediation
efforts, including the cleanup of hazardous materials, restoration of ecosystems, and rehabilitation of damaged
infrastructure.
C. Humanitarian Assistance:
3. Encourages the coordination of environmental assistance with broader humanitarian efforts to address the
immediate needs of affected populations, including access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.
D. Capacity Building:
4. Calls for capacity-building initiatives to enhance the ability of local communities to manage and sustain their
natural resources, promoting resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
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 E. Cross-Border Cooperation:
5. Emphasizes the importance of cross-border cooperation between Israel and Palestine in addressing shared
environmental concerns, including joint efforts to prevent and mitigate environmental degradation.
F. International Cooperation:
6. Invites the international community, including relevant United Nations agencies and non-governmental
organizations, to collaborate in supporting environmental initiatives that contribute to the sustainable
development of the region.

In conclusion,the israel-pales ne con ict remains a complex and depply rootes issue,a ec ng not only the poli cal and
humanitarian fabric of pales ne. As the delegate of Pales ne ,we rea rm our unwavering commitment to nding a just and
las ng solu on that addresses both the poli cal and environmental dimensions of this protracted con ict.

The environmental impact of the con ict cannot be understated ,with out land,water sources,and ecosystems bearing the
scars of prolonged hos li es.it is impera ve that the interna onal community ,through forums such as the United Na ons
Environment Programme(UNEP),acknowledges and ac vely works towards mi ga ng these environmental challenges
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•