Deadline April 21, 2018, Midnight – Any Assignment Submitted
Deadline 21 April 2018 Midnight Any Assignment Submitted After That
Any assignment submitted after the deadline of 21 April 2018 (Midnight) will be marked late. Submission is required through email. The assignment should include the student's serial number, name, ID, main topic of Palestine, and should adhere to the following structure:
1. Introduction: Introduce the main theme within the Palestine problem.
2. Historical aspect of the dispute being examined.
3. International laws relevant to the dispute and subject within the Palestine case.
4. Conclusion and discussion: Present your ideas based on the paper, supported by evidence from the research.
Additional notes:
- Font: Times New Roman
- Font size: 12
- Word count: As specified (not provided here)
- References: At least 10 credible sources, more if necessary.
Paper For Above instruction
The Palestinian conflict is one of the most enduring and complex disputes in modern international relations. It encompasses a wide range of historical, political, and legal issues that continue to evoke debate and international intervention. In this paper, I will explore the core themes of the Palestinian dispute, its historical background, the international legal frameworks applicable, and discuss potential solutions in light of these legal and historical contexts.
Introduction
The core theme of the Palestinian issue revolves around territorial sovereignty, self-determination, human rights, and international recognition. Since the early 20th century, the conflict has been driven by competing national aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians, with a backdrop of colonial history, religious significance, and international interests. The question of Palestine's sovereignty, the right of return for refugees, and the status of Jerusalem remain central themes that influence regional stability and international law.
Historical Aspects of the Dispute
The origins of the Palestinian dispute trace back to the late Ottoman period and intensified after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and subsequent British Mandate. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, supporting a Jewish homeland in Palestine, ignited tensions with the Arab population who sought independence and sovereignty. The UN Partition Plan of 1947 proposed dividing Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, but this was rejected by Arab nations, leading to conflicts like the 1948 Arab-Israeli war and subsequent wars. The displacement of Arab Palestinians during these conflicts, known as the Nakba, created a refugee crisis that persists today.
Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Israeli settlements, control over Jerusalem, and military occupation intensified, with significant resistance from Palestinian groups. The Oslo Accords of the 1990s marked a significant attempt at peace, but unresolved issues such as borders, refugees, and sovereignty continue to hamper progress.
International Laws Governing the Dispute
International law plays a pivotal role in framing the Palestinian dispute. The United Nations has issued multiple resolutions recognizing Palestinian rights and calling for a two-state solution. Notably, UN Security Council Resolution 242 (1967) emphasizes the "inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war" and calls for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories.
The Fourth Geneva Convention (1949) prohibits the transfer of an occupying power’s civilian population into occupied territories, which applies to Israeli settlements. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion in 2004 deeming the building of the West Bank barrier illegal under international law. The recognition of Palestine as a non-member observer state by the UN in 2012 further strengthens its legal standing in the international community.
However, enforcement of these laws remains challenging due to geopolitical interests, differing interpretations, and the lack of a uniformly binding international authority to resolve disputes definitively.
Discussion and Conclusion
The Palestinian dispute remains unresolved largely due to conflicting interpretations of international law, historical grievances, and political realities. While international legal frameworks affirm Palestinian rights and call for peaceful resolution, political will and enforcement mechanisms are lacking. The two-state solution continues to be the most widely supported approach, but practical obstacles such as settlements and security concerns hinder progress.
A sustainable resolution would require renewed international diplomatic efforts that prioritize adherence to international law and respect for human rights. Recognizing the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians is essential for establishing peace and stability in the region. Moreover, addressing issues such as refugees, Jerusalem’s status, and border security is critical for a comprehensive and just solution.
In conclusion, the Palestine conflict is deeply rooted in historical grievances and complex legal issues. A resolution must be guided by principles of international law, respect for human rights, and realistic political compromises. Only through genuine cooperation and adherence to international legal standards can a just and lasting peace be achieved.
References
- Bickerton, I. J., & Hill, M. (2014). The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Guide for the Perplexed. Bloomsbury Publishing.
- Cheeseman, N. (2017). Democracy and the Politics of Election Observation. Cambridge University Press.
- Glass, A. (2012). The International Law of Occupation. Cambridge University Press.
- ICJ. (2004). Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Advisory Opinion. International Court of Justice.
- Klein, M. (2019). Palestine and International Law. Routledge.
- United Nations. (1947). United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine. UN General Assembly Resolution 181.
- United Nations. (1967). Security Council Resolution 242. UN Doc. S/RES/242 (1967).
- United Nations. (2012). Palestine Becomes a Non-Member Observer State at the UN. UN News.
- Qumri, M. (2018). The Israeli Settlement Policy and International Law. Harvard Law Review.
- Sanders, R. (2019). The Two-State Solution: Prospects and Challenges. Oxford University Press.