UN Resolution 242

Definition

UN Resolution 242 is a pivotal resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council on November 22, 1967, following the Six-Day War. The resolution calls for the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied during the conflict and emphasizes the need for all states in the region to recognize each other's sovereignty and right to live in peace. It aimed to provide a framework for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East after the hostilities of both the Suez Crisis and the Six-Day War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resolution 242 calls for 'withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict' but does not specify which territories, leading to varied interpretations.
2. The resolution highlights the 'inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war,' emphasizing principles of international law.
3. It stresses the importance of achieving a just settlement for the Palestinian refugee problem as part of the peace process.
4. Resolution 242 has been cited repeatedly in peace negotiations and is often viewed as a cornerstone document for future Israeli-Arab dialogues.
5. The resolution reflects a shift in international diplomacy, marking increased UN involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts following the Six-Day War.

Review Questions

• What are the key components of UN Resolution 242, and how do they relate to the outcomes of the Six-Day War?
  • UN Resolution 242 primarily calls for Israel to withdraw from territories occupied during the Six-Day War while emphasizing respect for sovereignty and peace among all states in the region. The resolution emerged as a response to the significant territorial changes brought about by the war and aimed to establish a framework for future peace efforts. It also highlights the need for a just solution to the Palestinian refugee situation, linking it directly to regional stability and security.
• How did UN Resolution 242 influence subsequent peace negotiations in the Middle East after its adoption?
  • UN Resolution 242 has played a crucial role in shaping subsequent peace negotiations by serving as a foundational document for dialogue between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Its principles have been referenced repeatedly in various peace agreements, including the Camp David Accords and Oslo Accords, indicating its lasting impact on diplomatic efforts. The resolution’s call for mutual recognition and withdrawal from occupied territories continues to be central to discussions around achieving lasting peace in the region.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of UN Resolution 242 on Israeli-Arab relations and its effectiveness in promoting peace in the region.
  • While UN Resolution 242 set an important precedent for addressing territorial disputes and advocating mutual recognition, its effectiveness has been limited by differing interpretations of its terms, particularly regarding which territories should be withdrawn. The varying responses from Israel and Arab states have contributed to ongoing tensions and cycles of violence. Over time, the resolution has underscored challenges faced by international diplomacy in reconciling competing narratives and interests, making it a complex yet critical reference point in efforts toward peace in Israeli-Arab relations.

Related terms

Six-Day War: A brief conflict in June 1967 between Israel and neighboring Arab states, resulting in significant territorial gains for Israel.

Suez Crisis: A diplomatic and military confrontation in late 1956 involving Egypt, Israel, France, and Britain over control of the Suez Canal.

Peace Process: The ongoing negotiations and efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader Arab-Israeli relations.