Committee: United Nations Security Council

Country: People’s Republic of China

Delegate: Kleidi Memo

Topic: Israel – Palestine conflict

Background of the topic
In 1947, the UN adopted Resolution 181, which aimed to divide the British Mandate of Palestine
into Palestinian Arab and Jewish states. On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was created,
sparking the first Arab-Israeli War. The war ended in 1949 with Israel’s victory, but 750,000
Palestinians were displaced and the territory was divided into 3 parts: the State of Israel, the
West Bank (of the Jordan River), and the Gaza Strip. Since then, the State of Israel started a
series of massive settlements in the Palestinian territories, which still continues today. After the
six-day war of 1967, Israel gained territorial control over the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip
from Egypt; the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan; and the Golan Heights from Syria.
Several attempts to reach an agreement were made until the Oslo Accords in 1993 were reached.
The 1993 Oslo Accord mediated the conflict, setting up a framework for the Palestinians to
govern themselves in the West Bank and Gaza, and enabled mutual recognition between the
newly established Palestinian Authority and Israel’s government. In 1995, the Oslo Accords
expanded on the first agreement, adding provisions that mandated the complete withdrawal of
Israel from 6 cities and 450 towns in the West Bank. In 2000, sparked in part by Palestinian
grievances over Israel’s control over the West Bank, a stagnating peace process, Palestinians
launched the second intifada, which would last until 2005. Despite opposition from the
International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, the Israeli government
approved the construction of a barrier wall around the West Bank in 2002.
In the summer of 2014, clashes in the Palestinian territories sparked a military confrontation
between Israel and Hamas. Hamas fired nearly three thousand rockets at Israel, and Israel
retaliated with a major offensive in Gaza. In 2015, the State of Palestine announced it will no
longer be bound by the Oslo Accords.
Country stance and past actions
As a permanent member of the UNSC, the PRC recognizes both the State of Israel and the State
of Palestine. While the government of Palestine cannot enforce its control on the Gaza Strip, the
PRC also recognizes the governance of Hamas in the Gaza region. China intends to keep good
relations with both countries, thus it seeks to cooperate with both sides by finding a mutual
agreement that will appease both sides in this conflict. The PRC views this conflict as vital for
peace and stability in the Middle East region. Through great consideration, the PRC does not
believe in the appeasement of one side only. Therefore, China believes that the two-state solution
is the only right solution.
Proposed solutions
The conflict between Palestine and Israel is on the verge of continuous escalation, with spillover
effects also increasing. It is in the interests of all sides to find a comprehensive and fair solution
to the Palestinian question. For the international community to take swift action and focus its
efforts on a peaceful resolution of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict, China recommends the
following points:
 The establishment of an independent State of Palestine and peaceful coexistence between
Palestine and Israel. Establishing a Palestinian State with full sovereignty, based on the
1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the inalienable right of the
Palestinian people as well as the key to resolving the question of Palestine. Mutual
recognition by the state of Israel and the state of Palestine will be achieved.
 An end to the Israeli settlements that will be followed by a limited Palestinian right to
return.
 The demilitarization of Hamas, which is going to be followed by an amnesty for its
members and an end to the military conflict in the Gaza Strip.
 The deployment of UN Peacekeeping forces in the borders of Israel and Palestine, that
will guarantee peace and security, and thus prevent the militarization of Palestine, which
might possess a threat to Israel.
 The development of the State of Palestine will be observed by a committee that will
include the People’s Republic of China, the United States of America, and the Arab
League.
 Jerusalem will be divided between Israel and Palestine, whereas stated before East
Jerusalem will be part of Palestine and West Jerusalem will be part of Israel. While East
Jerusalem will be established as Palestine’s capital city, Israel will also have the right to
make West Jerusalem its capital city. Both sides will be able to move freely in Jerusalem,
and UN Peacekeepers will be deployed to ensure peace and security in the city and
prevent any escalation between Israelis and Palestinians. Furthermore, checkpoints will
be established on both sides.
 International organizations sponsored by the UN will observe the development of human
rights between Israelis and Palestinians.
 Both Israel and Palestine will ensure freedom of movement between each other
territories, thus Israel will not block the movement of Palestinians in the enclaved
territories.
 Israel will not make attempts to block Palestine’s road toward UN membership.
 Efforts to promote peace through development and cooperation between the Palestinians
and Israel.