U.N General Assembly Palestine: A Historical Overview

Introduction:
The United Nations General Assembly has played a pivotal role in shaping the international community's response to the Palestinian issue. Its resolutions, debates, and declarations have helped to define the parameters of the conflict and have served as a platform for both dialogue and confrontation.
Historical Background:
The United Nations was established in 1945 with the mission of maintaining international peace and security. The Palestinian issue was one of the first major challenges it faced. In 1947, the General Assembly passed Resolution 181, which proposed the partition of Palestine into two independent states, one Arab and one Jewish. This resolution was not implemented, and the subsequent Arab-Israeli war led to the creation of the State of Israel.
The 1967 Resolution:
In 1967, the General Assembly passed Resolution 242, which called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories occupied in the Six-Day War and the recognition of the "sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area." This resolution has become the cornerstone of international efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement of the conflict.
The 1973 Resolution:
In 1973, the General Assembly passed Resolution 3236, which recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. This resolution was a major breakthrough in the international recognition of the Palestinian cause.
The 1974 Resolution:
The General Assembly passed Resolution 3246 in 1974, which affirmed the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to establish an independent state. This resolution was a significant step in the development of international support for the Palestinian people.
The 1975 Resolution:
In 1975, the General Assembly passed Resolution 3379, which equated Zionism with racism. This resolution was controversial and was subsequently repealed in 1991.
The 1984 Resolution:
In 1984, the General Assembly passed Resolution 39/49, which called for the convening of an international conference on the Middle East. This resolution was not implemented, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continued without a comprehensive settlement.
The 2000 Resolution:
The General Assembly passed Resolution 55/2 on the Middle East in 2000. This resolution called for the establishment of a Palestinian state on the basis of the 1967 borders and for a just and lasting peace in the region.
The 2002 Resolution:
The General Assembly passed Resolution 57/143 in 2002, which called for an end to Israeli violence and the implementation of the Road Map for Peace. This resolution was largely ignored by Israel.
The 2006 Resolution:
The General Assembly passed Resolution 61/29 on the Middle East in 2006. This resolution called for the cessation of Israeli military operations, the lifting of the siege on Gaza, and the resumption of negotiations.
The 2009 Resolution:
In 2009, the General Assembly passed Resolution 64/14, which called for a comprehensive peace settlement and the establishment of a Palestinian state. This resolution was welcomed by the Palestinian Authority but was rejected by Israel.
The 2012 Resolution:
The General Assembly passed Resolution 67/19 on the Middle East in 2012. This resolution called for the resumption of peace negotiations and the establishment of a Palestinian state on the basis of the 1967 borders.
The 2016 Resolution:
The General Assembly passed Resolution 71/3 on the Middle East in 2016. This resolution condemned Israeli settlements and called for their removal.
The 2018 Resolution:
In 2018, the General Assembly passed Resolution 73/17 on the Middle East. This resolution condemned Israeli violence and called for the protection of Palestinian civilians.
:
The United Nations General Assembly has played a significant role in the international response to the Palestinian issue. Its resolutions and declarations have helped to define the parameters of the conflict and have served as a platform for both dialogue and confrontation. The future of the Palestinian issue remains uncertain, but the General Assembly will continue to play a key role in shaping its course.