UN Resolution 242

Definition

UN Resolution 242 is a pivotal United Nations Security Council resolution passed in November 1967, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied during the Six-Day War and emphasizing the right of all states in the region to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries. This resolution laid the groundwork for future peace negotiations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, playing a significant role in the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. UN Resolution 242 was adopted unanimously by the UN Security Council shortly after the end of the Six-Day War in June 1967.
2. The resolution is often cited as the basis for future peace negotiations, highlighting the need for secure and recognized borders for all states involved.
3. It calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories occupied during the war, but does not specify which territories or how much land should be returned.
4. Resolution 242 introduced the concept of 'land for peace,' suggesting that Israel's return of occupied territories would lead to peace agreements with neighboring Arab states.
5. The resolution has been referenced in numerous peace initiatives since its adoption, reflecting its lasting significance in the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Review Questions

• How did UN Resolution 242 influence subsequent peace negotiations in the Arab-Israeli conflict?
  • UN Resolution 242 set a framework for future peace negotiations by emphasizing the need for secure and recognized borders, while also introducing the principle of 'land for peace.' This principle suggested that Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories could lead to normalized relations with Arab states. As a result, this resolution became a cornerstone for various diplomatic efforts, shaping how both sides approached negotiations in subsequent years.
• Discuss the main components of UN Resolution 242 and their implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations.
  • The main components of UN Resolution 242 include calls for Israel to withdraw from occupied territories and recognize the right of all states in the region to exist in peace. These stipulations highlighted a balance between security for Israel and sovereignty for Palestinian people. The implications are profound, as they set expectations for territorial compromises and highlighted the need for diplomatic solutions to achieve lasting peace, even amidst ongoing disputes about land rights.
• Evaluate how UN Resolution 242 has been interpreted differently by various stakeholders in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over time.
  • UN Resolution 242 has seen various interpretations that reflect differing perspectives among stakeholders. For Israel, it has been viewed as recognizing its right to exist securely while advocating caution regarding territorial withdrawals. Conversely, many Palestinians and Arab nations interpret it as an affirmation of their claims to occupied lands, pushing for full withdrawal as essential to peace. This divergence illustrates the complexities of international diplomacy surrounding the conflict, as each side uses Resolution 242 to support its political goals, complicating efforts toward a unified resolution.

Related terms

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

Land for Peace: A principle that emerged from UN Resolution 242 suggesting that Israel should return occupied territories in exchange for peace with its Arab neighbors.

Oslo Accords: A series of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) aimed at achieving a peace treaty and establishing Palestinian self-governance.