UN Resolution 242

Definition

UN Resolution 242 is a United Nations Security Council resolution adopted on November 22, 1967, in the aftermath of the Six-Day War, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied during the conflict and emphasizing the need for a just settlement of the refugee problem. This resolution is crucial as it laid the groundwork for future peace initiatives in the Middle East.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. UN Resolution 242 was passed unanimously by the Security Council and is considered a cornerstone for future peace processes in the Middle East.
2. The resolution emphasizes two key principles: withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories and acknowledgment of every state’s right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries.
3. The language of the resolution is significant as it does not specify which territories should be returned, leading to varying interpretations that have complicated peace efforts.
4. It calls for a just settlement of the refugee problem, which is central to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
5. Resolution 242 has been referenced repeatedly in subsequent peace negotiations, including the Camp David Accords and the Oslo Accords.

Review Questions

• How did UN Resolution 242 address the aftermath of the Six-Day War, and what were its immediate implications for Israel and its neighbors?
  • UN Resolution 242 directly addressed the consequences of the Six-Day War by calling for Israel's withdrawal from territories occupied during the conflict. Its immediate implications included setting a framework for negotiations aimed at achieving peace between Israel and its neighbors. The resolution aimed to balance territorial concessions with guarantees for security and recognition of Israel’s right to exist, which became pivotal for future discussions on resolving ongoing tensions.
• Discuss how the interpretation of UN Resolution 242 has influenced various peace initiatives in the Middle East since its adoption.
  • The interpretation of UN Resolution 242 has significantly influenced numerous peace initiatives due to its ambiguous language regarding territorial withdrawal. Different stakeholders have interpreted its call for withdrawal variably; while some advocate for complete return to pre-1967 borders, others argue for modifications based on security concerns. This divergence has complicated peace talks, as seen in frameworks like the Oslo Accords and Camp David Summit, where each side's understanding of 'land for peace' varied greatly.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of UN Resolution 242 as a basis for achieving lasting peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and discuss potential alternative approaches.
  • The effectiveness of UN Resolution 242 as a basis for lasting peace has been mixed. While it provided a foundational framework for negotiations, its vague language has led to different interpretations that hindered progress. Additionally, unresolved issues such as Palestinian refugees and mutual recognition continue to pose significant challenges. Potential alternative approaches could involve more direct negotiations that encompass broader regional dynamics or utilizing third-party mediation to create clearer agreements on territory and rights that build on or expand beyond Resolution 242.

Related terms

Six-Day War:

A brief conflict in June 1967 between Israel and its neighboring states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, resulting in significant territorial gains for Israel.

Land for Peace: A principle derived from UN Resolution 242 that suggests Israel would withdraw from occupied territories in exchange for peace and recognition from its neighbors.

Palestinian Refugees: Individuals who were displaced during the Arab-Israeli conflict, particularly during the 1948 war and the Six-Day War, and are a central issue in peace negotiations.