Topic: Question of Palestinian Statehood
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Sreten Franovic
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Philippines position papers GLIMUN 2012 committees
Proposals for a Palestinian state currently refers to the proposed establishment of an independent state for the Palestinian people in Palestine on land that was occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War of 1967 and earlier to that year for 18 years (1949) by Egypt (Gaza) and by Jordan (West Bank). The proposals include the Gaza Strip, which is currently controlled by the Hamas faction of the Palestinian National Authority, the West Bank, which is administered by the Fatah faction of the Palestinian National Authority, and East Jerusalem which is controlled by Israel under a claim of sovereignty. The proclaimed State of Palestine is currently recognized by 131 countries. The Israeli military commander exercises usufructuary rights in accordance with international law, but he is not the legal sovereign of the disputed territory. The permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people over the natural resources of the Palestinian territories has been recognized by 139 countries. Under agreements reached with Israel, the Palestinian Authority exercises de jure control over many natural resources, while interim cooperation arrangements are in place for others.
The Philippines has recognized Palestine as a state since 1989. The Philippines believes they need to be a separate state in order to help to cease the violence and restore any peace that might be available. The Philippines believes that there is no reason to not consider them as a state, seeing as that they are more developed then many countries that are currently recognized as developed.
The Philippines would like to see more UN action on the issue. There should be another vote held on the topic, or at least some sort of resolution passed. The Philippines are not divulging much time or energy on the topic, but are clear on their point that Palestine should be considered as a state, and have a seat in the United Nations.
