Topic: The Situation in Israel/Palestine
Country: Jordan
Delegate Name: Kathleen Fallon
School: Forest Hills Northern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Jordan position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
The Jewish people have a history of persecution due to anti-semitism across Europe. At the end of the second World War, the United Nations voted to recommend a partition of Palestine, dividing it into separate Arab and Jewish states. The ideology of zionism not only inspired the need for a Jewish ‘homeland’, but also resulted in the immigration of Jews to Israel. Israeli aggression began at inception of the country, driving Palestinians out into refugee camps starting in 1948. Newly immigrated Jews eventually began absorbing occupied Palestinian land and assets, resulting in tension and aggression between the two for the great majority of Israel’s existence. The Palestinian people have no formal nation, as well as limited rights. The worth of the little land remaining has left the majority of the population in poverty. The difference in the standard of living is concerning, and the relationship between the two states poses a threat internationally.
Jordan grants citizenship to any Palestinian refugees who flee to Jordan in the wake of Israeli aggression. Refugees can thus assimilate into our society, allowing them to join governing bodies through the “one family” ideology. However, generosity has limits. With approximately two million refugees, we cannot realistically extend this welcome to Iraqi Palestinians and other refugees arriving from any country besides their state of origin. The size and strength of our nation is highly limited, and the expenditures on refugees has become an economic burden. Additionally, the large Palestinian demographic in Jordan has begun to threaten our stability. Not only are they half our our population, but they also hold assets in the private economic sector, which results in frequent and various tensions within our communities. Although we are closely tied to the Palestinians and their cause, the economic and social strain they have resulted in is cause for dire changes in policy.
UNRWA is the primary UN body responsible for overseeing Palestinian refugees in the near east. Although member nations oftentimes provide financial support through this body, in recent years donation numbers have been down, resulting in less UNRWA backing towards host countries. In effect, the economic pressure on countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria is greater than ever. In order for continued maintenance of refugee camps in our countries, financial input from member states and NGO’s is absolutely vital. It is also important to mention the General Assembly’s most recent efforts on the issue, approving various resolutions concerning Palestinian welfare and assets in Israeli-occupied territories.
Perhaps the greatest question is whether or not a two-state solution is realistic and achievable. At the rate that Israel continues to invade and occupy Palestine, it seems almost impossible to maintain solid bounds between the two states. Jordan believes strongly that a two-state solution, resulting in a creation of an independent Palestinian state, is the sole way to solve the conflict. A start would be the emphasis on General Assembly Resolution 194, which returns and protects the assets of refugees, a right that Israel continues to refuse for those who have fled the West Bank. Jordan also wishes for a re-emphasis on Security Council Resolution 2334, which calls for an end to Israeli settlements. Even if a two-state solution is the goal, Jordan understands that the priority is to aim for a comprehensive resolution that requests more funding for the UNRWA, as well as more support for host countries and UN missions in the area. It is a necessity to take into account the economic, social, and political repercussions on nations outside of Israel and the West Bank in order to create a resolution that is both impactful and widespread.
