Source Note #10: UN Security Resolution 242
Summary: UN Security Resolution 242 formed the basis for all peace negotiations in the Middle East.
Topic: Should the Obama administration continue to fund Israel’s defense?
Category: Institutional – government
What is it? Webpage with the text of the resolution.
Title: Resolution 242
Publication Information: Nov. 22, 1967; website publication not listed
Author: British ambassador Lord Caradon
Location: http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/RESOLUTION/GEN/NR0/240/94/IMG/NR024094.pdf?OpenElement
Accessed: Feb. 10, 2009
Support:
Charter of the United Nations
UN Security Resolution 242 is a document full of, at the time, new information and ideas; therefor, it only cites one other source. Its citation of the United Nations Charter stipulates that all member states have sworn a commitment to its principles; consequently, adhering to the Charter requires establishing peace in the Middle East.
Audience and Agenda:
UN Security Council Resolution 242 was drafted in the aftermath of the Six Day War and has become one of the most referenced UN resolutions in peacemaking in the Middle East. Among the main countries entering into talks were Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon. British ambassador Lord Caradon drafted UN Resolution 242; it won out over four other drafts under consideration.
Usefulness:
UN Security Council Resolution 242 has become a cornerstone in modern diplomacy in the Middle East. The Camp David Accords specifically cite both 242 and 338. However, there has been much dispute over the specific wording of the resolution and what borders it dictates Israel must return to. The resolution says, in order for peace to be achieved, “withdrawal of Israel armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict” must occur. The lack of definite article preceding “territories” has caused disagreement over which borders Israel must return to. The drafters of the resolution state they were not prepared to dictate which borders should become permanent and deliberately created vague wording.
The issues of borders remains a point of contention today as a two-state solution becomes the only viable option. Even during Israel’s recent election, the issue of national security and peace with Palestine remained a major factor.
Works cited:
UN Security Resolution 242
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