Topic: Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Territories
Country: New Zealand
Delegate Name: Tatum Culhane
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All New Zealand position papers GLIMUN 2013 committees
With Israel’s victory in the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel acquired territory beyond its borders of the Sinai Peninsula. This territory included, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. These “occupied territories” offered Egypt a strategic buffer in case of conflict; however, they have also been responsible for tension between Egypt and its neighbors. In 1982, Egypt withdrew from the Sinai to establish relations with Egypt, and eventually withdrew from the Gaza Strip. Israel established settlement efforts in the West Bank that have been said to have negative impacts on the Palestinian communities. These settlements have resulted in displacement of thousands of Palestinian families. Israel’s occupation of the territories violates the UN Security Council Resolution 242 that ended the Six-Day War. However, Israel claimed that the occupation of these areas is necessary to ensure Israel’s national security. The settlement issue continues to cause difficult affairs to arise.
New Zealand believes that there must be an effort between Israel and Palestine to resolve the issue at hand. New Zealand has had a long standing history with Israel, but in the recent years, conflict has become prominent. Also, New Zealand recognizes the effect Israel’s decisions have had on the Palestinian people. Impeding access to basic resources such as water and medical aid is not correct. For the sake of the people involved, New Zealand is able to identify the fact that help is needed. New Zealand is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, who believe in racial equality and world peace. And as of the moment, Israel is not treating the Palestinians equal, and they are violating UN Security Council Resolution 242.
As a nation, New Zealand believes in peace and equality. New Zealand believes in the need for resolution between Israel and Palestine. As a country who deems it correct to aid others, New Zealand would be willing to help resolve the conflict when called upon. A resolution that returns basic rights to the Palestinian people and evokes peace will be supported by New Zealand. New Zealand hopes that in the near future, there will be peace between Egypt and Palestine.
