The United Nations and the Palestinian Question: A History of Veto Power and Diplomatic Efforts

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations has been at the forefront of the Palestinian question since 1947, when the organization's General Assembly voted to divide Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. This decision has led to a complex and often contentious history of diplomatic efforts, veto power, and escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinian people. As the UN General Assembly meets to revive the two-state solution, a timeline highlights key events and resolutions that have shaped the fate of the Palestinians.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 181 in November 1947, dividing Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, with a special international zone for Jerusalem. Zionist leaders accepted the resolution, but it was opposed by Arab states and the Palestinians.
  • The 1967 Six-Day War led to the UN Security Council adopting Resolution 242, which called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories occupied during the conflict, including the West Bank, Gaza, and east Jerusalem. However, linguistic ambiguities between the English and French versions complicated the scope of the required withdrawal.
  • Yasser Arafat, head of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), delivered his first speech to the UN General Assembly in 1974, and the UN General Assembly recognised the Palestinians' right to self-determination and independence.
  • In 1993, Israel and the PLO signed a "declaration of principles" on Palestinian autonomy, and Yasser Arafat returned to the Palestinian territories to form the Palestinian Authority.
  • The UN Security Council has used its veto power to protect its close ally Israel, with the US vetoing more than 30 times since 1972.
  • In 2016, the Security Council called on Israel to stop building settlements in the Palestinian territories for the first time since 1979, and in 2024, the Palestinians renewed their request for full state membership, which was vetoed by the US.

Statistics:

  • At least 760,000 Palestinians fled their homes or were expelled in 1948, an event known as the "Nakba."
  • The UN Security Council has used its veto power 30+ times since 1972 to protect its close ally Israel.
  • In 2016, the Security Council called on Israel to stop building settlements in the Palestinian territories for the first time since 1979.
  • In 2024, 142 of the 193 UN member states unilaterally recognised a Palestinian state.

Sources:

  • AFP |
  • Resolution 181 (1947): United Nations General Assembly
  • Resolution 242 (1967): United Nations Security Council
  • Yasser Arafat's 1974 speech to the UN General Assembly:
  • Oslo Accords (1993): Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization
  • Resolution 1397 (2002): United Nations Security Council
  • Resolution 2334 (2016): United Nations Security Council