GS1/GS2 Paper
Syllabus: World History/ Role of UN
Source: UN
Context: UN commemorated the mass displacement of Palestinians, known as the Nakba, for the first time in its history.
What is Nakba (catastrophe)?
It refers to the mass displacement and exodus of Palestinians that occurred in 1948 when Israel was established. It resulted in approximately 700,000 Palestinians being forced to leave their homes, becoming refugees.
Why were Palestinians displaced?
Palestinians were displaced primarily as a result of the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. The displacement occurred during the Arab-Israeli war that followed Israel’s declaration of independence.
A brief timeline of the Israel-Palestinian issue:
- Early 20th century: Jews and Arabs both claim historical and ancestral connections to the land of Palestine.
- 1917: Balfour Declaration expresses support for a Jewish national home in Palestine
- 1947: The United Nations proposes a partition plan, recommending separate Jewish and Arab states in Palestine.
- 1948: Israel declares independence, leading to the Arab-Israeli war.
- 1967: The Six-Day War takes place, with Israel gaining control of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.
- 1993: The Oslo Accords are signed, establishing a framework for peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
- Current situation: Israel occupies the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with the construction of Israeli settlements and separation barriers impacting Palestinian territories.
Status of Palestinian Refugees:
The status of Palestinian refugees remains a significant and unresolved issue. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), there are approximately 6 million registered Palestinian refugees. Many of them continue to live in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Views of the International Community:
The international community supports a two-state solution, where Israel and a future independent Palestine exist side by side. Various peace talks and initiatives, such as the Camp David Summit in 2000 and the Annapolis Conference in 2007, have aimed to resolve the conflict but have not yet resulted in a final agreement. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed normalization agreements with Israel.
Views of India:
India’s views on the Israel-Palestinian issue have evolved over time. Historically, India supported the Palestinian cause and recognized the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. However, in recent years, India has adopted a more balanced approach and emphasized its commitment to a two-state solution. India supports the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel.
Conclusion:
The UN marking 75 years since the displacement of 700,000 Palestinians recognizes historical injustice, affirms Palestinian rights, advocates for a peaceful resolution, and shows solidarity with Palestinians.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (UPSC 2018)
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2015)
The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to
- a) Central Asia
- b) Middle East
- c) South-East Asia
- d) Central Africa
Ans: B
