Topic: Question of Palestinian Statehood
Country: Haiti
Delegate Name: Sam Oostendorp
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Haiti position papers GLIMUN 2012 committees
Conflict between the Israel and Palestinian people has gone on too long. This is a problem that has been around for many years, and as time goes on, it only gets worse. These two states have proved to be threats to one another and not a day goes by without a casualty. Over the past century, the area of Palestinian land has decreased substantially, and the Israeli people have gotten a little too comfortable with their borders. The Israeli government has done little to solve this problem and it is the United Nations responsibility to resolve this issue.
The ideal solution would be to divide the two states, supplying each with adequate and equal land area for their needs. It is important that we choose to create borders for these two states that does not require an excess of relocation, and maintains the necessary cities and landmarks within each country. The Palestinians are in control of the Gaza Strip and West Bank and should remain in the control of Palestine. The largest city, Gaza, should be made the new capital of Palestine. A compromise to connect the west bank and the Gaza strip under Palestinian authority and give Israel full control of Jerusalem may be a practical solution. In short, the south and west portion of Israel should be converted into Palestine, under full control of Palestine, and the north and east portion of Israel, should belong to the Israeli people, under full control of the Israeli government. Jerusalem should be nationally recognized as the capital of Israel. After this solution is carried out, it is up to the two countries to handle their internal affairs, such as type of government, rights of their citizens, etc.
The current situation in Israel is counterproductive and dangerous. The stubbornness of the Israeli government has proven to escalate the situation, and further the two states from a peaceful resolution. In order for a solution to be reached, the two states must come to terms with one another and realize the necessity of this solution. If necessary, the wall that currently exists between the two may be reconstructed to provide both privacy, and security for both countries. Although this option is not suggested, it may be necessary.
Haiti would also like to see the United Nations follow up on this change to ensure the security of both nations. It is important that checkpoints be created on the border to both promote trade, and regulate the incoming and outgoing of both Israeli and Palestinian people between the two countries. The hope is that this division of Israel would result in less conflict between Israeli people and Palestinian people due to the fact that the borders would then on be internationally recognized, and secured. The main reason for conflict currently, is border disputes; with the creation of internationally recognized borders, these disagreements would hopefully subside.
