ISREAL-PALESTINE ISSUE

INDIA’S STANCE

Indias allies:
Countries considered India's closest include the United Arab Emirates, Russian
Federation, Israel, Afghanistan, France, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the United States.
Russia is the largest supplier of military equipment to India, followed by Israel and
France.

OPENING STATEMENT:

Thank you chair. India stands before this esteemed gathering to discuss the Israel-
Palestine conflict, a matter of profound importance and complexity. India, as a nation
deeply committed to peace, stability, and justice, approaches this issue with careful
consideration, recognizing that Israel is a valued ally.

India maintains a strong and steadfast friendship with Israel, built upon shared values
and mutual respect. We appreciate Israel's commitment to regional stability and its
contributions to science, technology, and various fields that benefit humanity. We
acknowledge Israel's right to exist and defend itself, and we stand firmly by our ally in its
quest for security.

At the same time, India has consistently supported the Palestinian people's right to self-
determination and statehood. We understand the aspirations of the Palestinian
population for a homeland of their own and empathize with their historical struggle.
India remains steadfast in its call for a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to this
conflict through dialogue, negotiations, and a two-state solution, ensuring that both
Israel and Palestine coexist within secure and recognized borders.

In addressing this conflict, we recognize the complexities and sensitivities involved. India
remains committed to engaging constructively and impartially with the international
community to encourage peace and stability in the region. We urge all parties to come
to the table, renounce violence, and work towards a future where both Israelis and
Palestinians can live side by side in peace, prosperity, and security.
In the spirit of diplomacy and cooperation, India is ready to play a positive and
constructive role in any initiative that seeks to bring lasting peace to the Israel-Palestine
conflict while honoring our cherished friendship with Israel. Let us collectively strive for a
world where the aspirations of both nations can find a peaceful and equitable
resolution.

Thank you.

OR

India stands before you today in this esteemed forum to address one of the most
pressing and longstanding conflicts of our time—the Israel-Palestine conflict. We
approach this issue with a profound commitment to peace, stability, and justice,
understanding the complexities that surround it.

As a nation that has always championed the cause of self-determination, India

recognizes the legitimate aspirations of both the Israeli and Palestinian people for
statehood and security. We firmly believe that a comprehensive, just, and lasting
resolution to this conflict can only be achieved through dialogue, negotiations, and a
two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist in harmony within secure and
recognized borders.

We empathize with the suffering and loss experienced by the people on both sides and
call for an immediate cessation of violence and hostilities. India believes that it is
imperative to uphold international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter
in resolving this conflict, which should include addressing issues such as borders,
refugees, Jerusalem, and security.

India continues to support the Palestinian people's right to statehood, while also
acknowledging Israel's right to exist and defend itself. We call upon all stakeholders to
demonstrate restraint, foster mutual trust, and engage in constructive negotiations. It is
only through dialogue, compromise, and a genuine commitment to peaceful
coexistence that a just and durable solution can be reached, ensuring a future where
both Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and prosperity.

In the spirit of diplomacy and cooperation, India is ready to engage actively in any effort
that aims at resolving this enduring conflict, working alongside the international
community to bring an end to the suffering and build a future of hope for all in the
region.
 Thank you

OR

India stands before you in this distinguished assembly to address the Israel-Palestine
conflict, a deeply complex and protracted issue. We are committed to the principles of
dialogue, negotiation, and the two-state solution. We urge all parties to cease hostilities,
uphold international law, and work towards a just and lasting resolution. India supports
the Palestinian people's right to statehood and recognizes Israel's right to exist and
defend itself. Let us work together to forge a path to peace and stability, where both
nations coexist harmoniously.

Thank you

Certainly, when presenting a stance on a complex and sensitive issue like the Israel-
Palestine conflict, it's important to be prepared for potential counterarguments. Here
are some key points to defend India's position:

1. India's Consistency: Emphasize India's consistent support for the two-state solution,
which reflects international consensus. This stance aligns with various United Nations
resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 242 and 338, and international
principles.
2. Israel's Right to Exist: Reiterate that India recognizes Israel's right to exist and defend
itself, in accordance with international law and norms. This recognition is not in
contradiction with supporting Palestinian rights.
3. Valuing Peace and Security: Stress India's commitment to peace, stability, and justice
in the region, and how these principles guide its stance. India's advocacy for peaceful
coexistence of both Israel and Palestine underscores its pursuit of regional stability.
4. Empathy and Support for Palestinian Rights: Highlight India's understanding of the
historical struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination and statehood. India's
support for Palestinian rights is not mutually exclusive with its friendship with Israel.
5. International Engagement: Point out India's willingness to engage constructively and
impartially with the international community. India's diplomacy aims to promote a
peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and negotiations.
6. Peaceful Coexistence: Emphasize that India's primary goal is to see both Israelis and
Palestinians live side by side in peace, prosperity, and security. This vision aligns with the
broader international objective of achieving lasting peace in the region.
7. Non-Partisanship: Clarify that India's position is rooted in its commitment to
international law and norms, rather than favoring one side over the other. India respects
the rights and aspirations of both parties.
8. Offer of Diplomacy: Highlight India's willingness to actively engage in any initiative
that promotes a peaceful and equitable resolution to the conflict, showcasing India's
commitment to being part of the solution.

By consistently reinforcing these key points and reiterating India's commitment to peace
and justice in the region, you can effectively defend India's position in the face of
counterarguments

India has historically maintained a balanced and principled stance in the Israel-Palestine
conflict, aiming to promote peace and stability in the region while upholding its own
interests and values. Here are some points that reflect India's positive role in the conflict:

1. Support for the Two-State Solution: India consistently advocates for a two-state
solution, which aligns with international consensus and the aspirations of both Israelis
and Palestinians. This stance underscores India's commitment to a just and lasting
resolution.
2. Recognition of Israel: India recognized the State of Israel shortly after its own
independence in 1947. This early recognition demonstrates India's commitment to
upholding international norms and recognizing Israel's right to exist.
3. Historical Ties: India has maintained friendly relations with Israel for decades. These ties
are not solely based on political interests but also on shared values, such as democracy,
technological innovation, and economic cooperation.
4. Empathy for Palestinian Aspirations: India has consistently expressed empathy and
support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and statehood. This
shows India's commitment to justice and respect for the historical struggles of the
Palestinians.
5. Diplomatic Engagement: India has been actively engaged in diplomacy and supported
international efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. India's contributions to
various peace initiatives underscore its commitment to resolving the issue through
diplomatic means.
6. UN Commitment: India upholds the principles of the United Nations Charter and
international law in its stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. This reflects its
commitment to the rule of law and peaceful dispute resolution.
7. Offer of Mediation: India has expressed its readiness to play a constructive role in
mediating the conflict if required by both parties. This willingness to facilitate dialogue
and negotiation is a positive aspect of India's stance.
8. Humanitarian Assistance: India has provided humanitarian aid to Palestinians,
demonstrating its commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
9. Respect for International Norms: India's position is in line with international norms
and is not perceived as taking sides, contributing to its reputation as a responsible and
impartial actor.

These points collectively highlight India's balanced and positive role in the Israel-
Palestine conflict, emphasizing its commitment to peace, stability, and justice while
maintaining meaningful relationships with both parties involved

The stance of other countries on the Israel-Palestine issue in a Model United Nations
(MUN) simulation can vary widely depending on the country's real-world foreign policy
and the specific dynamics of the MUN conference. However, I can provide some general
stances that various countries might take in such a simulation:

1. United States: The United States traditionally supports Israel and its right to exist and
defend itself. It often advocates for a two-state solution but may also block or oppose
resolutions critical of Israel in the Security Council.
2. Israel: In an MUN context, Israel would typically emphasize its right to exist and the
need for security due to past conflicts and security concerns. It might also advocate for
direct negotiations with the Palestinians.
3. Palestine: Palestine often highlights its struggle for self-determination and statehood,
as well as the plight of Palestinian refugees. It typically calls for international support for
its cause, condemnation of Israeli actions, and recognition as a state.
4. Arab League Countries: Many Arab League nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and
Jordan, express solidarity with the Palestinian cause and support a two-state solution.
They may also condemn Israeli settlements and call for an end to the blockade of Gaza.
5. European Union: The EU generally supports a two-state solution, advocates for
negotiations, and provides humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territories. It may also call
for an end to settlement construction and emphasize respect for international law.
6. Russia: Russia often supports a two-state solution and emphasizes the need for
dialogue. It might also call for international support to resume peace talks and criticizes
unilateral actions by any party.
7. China: China often supports a two-state solution and emphasizes the importance of
peaceful negotiations. It might also advocate for an end to violence and humanitarian
assistance for the Palestinians.
8. Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): NAM countries may advocate for a balanced
approach, supporting the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians. They typically call for a
two-state solution and an end to violence.
9. Iran: Iran is known for its support of Palestinian groups, such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
In an MUN context, Iran may express strong criticism of Israel and advocate for
Palestinian rights, but it might also call for a one-state solution.
10. African Union: African countries often call for a two-state solution and support the
rights of Palestinians. They may also express concern about the humanitarian situation
in Gaza and the West Bank.

It's important to remember that the stance of each country in an MUN simulation can be
influenced by its real-world foreign policy, its alliances and relationships with other
countries, and the specific context and resolution being discussed in the simulation

WHAT HAPPENED IN 2023?

An ongoing armed conflict between Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas and Israel and its
defense forces began on 7 October 2023, with a coordinated surprise offensive on Israel. The
attack began in the morning with a barrage of at least 3,000 rockets launched from the Hamas-
controlled Gaza Strip against Israel.

Which country is supporting Hamas?

Iran, led by President Ebrahim Raisi, has maintained a longstanding alliance with
Hamas. Iranian support for the Palestinian group includes financial aid and the provision
of military supplies.

In 1947, when the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution that
recommended establishing the state of Israel alongside a Palestinian state, a newly
independent India voted against. Then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma
Gandhi, and other Indian nationalists were sympathetic to the Jewish cause, but
they opposed the partition of what was the British mandate for Palestine and advocated
for a federal arrangement with guarantees for minority religious rights for Jews. In their
view, the creation of a Jewish state would disenfranchise the Arab inhabitants of the
region.

Pragmatic considerations also shaped Indian officials’ position. With a substantial

Muslim population in its own borders, India could not afford to ignore their sentiments.
An overture toward Israel could have adverse effects on the fragile legitimacy of the new
state, particularly stirring turmoil among Indian Muslims, who had just experienced the
trauma of the Partition of India. At the time, India also wanted to present itself as a
standard-bearer against colonialism and to demonstrate its solidarity with newly
decolonized Arab states, which were also being courted by Pakistan.

India formally recognized the state of Israel in 1950, and it allowed the country to open
a consulate in Mumbai in 1953. For much of the Cold War, Indo-Israeli contacts were
limited; New Delhi still wanted to avoid alienating the Arab world and sought to appease
the Muslim population at home. It wasn’t until 1992 that India granted full diplomatic
recognition to Israel, including the opening of the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi. With
the Cold War over and the impending Oslo Accords—which sought rapprochement
between Israel and the Palestinians—India chose to end its policy of keeping Israel at a
safe distance.

At the same time, India maintained strong support for Palestine. In 1974, India was the
first non-Arab country to recognize the PLO as the “sole and legitimate representative of
the Palestinian people,” and the next year, a PLO office was set up in New Delhi. India
was again the first non-Arab country to recognize the state of Palestine when it was
proclaimed in 1988. In multilateral votes after India and Israel normalized ties, India
consistently sided with the Palestinian position, including support for Palestine’s
application for complete United Nations membership.

After Hamas launched a multipronged attack against Israel from Gaza over the
weekend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, quite appropriately, sharply upbraided
Hamas’s horrific actions. However, he has so far expressed no concern about the dire
plight of the Palestinians trapped in Gaza. “We stand in solidarity with Israel at this
difficult hour,” he posted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and
their families.” After speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,
Modi added, “India strongly and unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and
manifestations.” Neither statement nodded at people in Gaza.