Topic: Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Territories
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Ryan Collison
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Cuba position papers GLIMUN 2013 committees
Since 1967 and the end of the Six Day War, Israel has occupied territories in the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. These territories were set up to provide Israel with fortified buffer zones in case of further conflict. Despite their withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip, tensions are still high between Israel and Palestinians whose lives have been affected by Israel's occupation of the other territories. Many people no longer have access to basic necessities like water and food, and because of the Israeli settlements, they have limited means of acquiring them.
Israel's occupation of these territories is a direct violation of UN Security Council Resolution 242, and yet Israel has made no move to evacuate. Saying that this land is essential to national security gives them no right to stay and ruin the lives of the thousands of Palestinians affected by this. Many people have been forced out of their homes and deprived of their basic human rights because Israel believes that they need these settlements to protect themselves. This is an outrage, and Israel's actions need to be met with decisive action.
For many years, Cuba has lent their support for Palestine in their efforts to be recognized as an independent nation. Cuba has provided much help for the prominent Palestine Liberation Organization, providing training and financial and diplomatic support.
Cuba is in support of the affected Palestinians who wish to retake their land from the Israeli State. We would like to see Israel take action and make plans for a withdrawal from these territories as they serve no true purpose other than Israel's personal economic gain. If Israel truly wished to use this land as strategic defense zones, then they should consult with surrounding nations and work out a solution that would benefit all. In the end, however, this occupation only helps Israel and hurts neighboring Palestinians. In order for peace to return to the Middle East, Israel needs to stop the construction of new settlements and return the land that was taken from the Palestinians many years ago.
