Letter from the Executive Board
Right, Greetings everyone. Thank you for choosing the United Nations Human Rights Council. Firstly,
We’d like for each and every one of you to possess a sense of seriousness about the agenda at hand.
You might have heard a lot about UNHRCs being tuned to be a beginner’s committee. Well, We plan
on changing that, from beginner’s to any difficulty committee. Therefore this agenda will aid us in
doing the same, showing the circuit how legally based UNHRC is, and how each decision taken or
recommended by the UNHRC has shaped how human rights work in the current global forum right
now. To add, We as the Executive Board BELIEVE we have enough experience to be on the judging
panel for this very committee, from reading over 100 UNHRC and UNGA resolutions.
As said, We, the Executive Board, have given enough discussion and debate upon how this agenda
works, just so we can give all the participants something they can use to expand their knowledge and
deliver this masterclass of a committee to you, from the circuit to the circuit.
This background guide has been designed to help you get started on your research. However, this
document shouldn’t be your only source of research. Building upon the outlook
presented by this guide, you are expected to carry out your research through authentic sources and
make sure to engage in comprehensive and pragmatic debate throughout the sessions.
We request the delegates not to view this conference as a zero-sum game. Model UN conferences are
collaborative rather than competitive and we would like to keep this spirit alive during our
committee. But more than that, it is a learning platform that we
hope would feed you information on current international affairs, public speaking traits and rational
thinking.
A special thanks to Shankar for suggesting this agenda, and for helping with keeping the spirit of
UNHRC alive :)
With that said, we also hope that you have fun, at the same time, while you are at it, debating,
discussing, and disagreeing with your fellow enthusiasts while tackling something of extreme
significance, making this one a competitive UNHRC committee. May the Force be with you. Cheers.
This is the Rules of Procedure that we will be following -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10eamXSmbtSJ1cqRzstCT4H-9IIKyX5rN/view?usp=sharing
Nithin. K - Chairperson
Ishaan - Vice Chairperson
Sankalp - Director
Introduction to the Committee
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, commonly known as the Office
of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), is a department of the Secretariat of the United
Nations that works to promote and protect the human rights that are guaranteed under international
law and stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. The office was established
by the UN General Assembly on 20 December 1993 in the wake of the 1993 World Conference on
Human Rights. The office is headed by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, who co-ordinates
human rights activities throughout the UN System and acts as the secretariat of the Human Rights
Council in Geneva, Switzerland. The current High Commissioner is Michelle Bachelet of Chile.
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a United Nations System intergovernmental
body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. Its 47 seats are filled
by member states elected for three-year terms. The UNHRC is the successor to the UN Commission on
Human Rights (UNCHR) and is a subsidiary body of the UN General Assembly. The Council works
closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and engages in the
United Nations' special procedures.
The General Assembly established the UNHRC by adopting a resolution on 15 March 2006,
in order to replace the previous UNCHR. The UNHRC addresses human rights-related situations in all
UN member states. The UNHRC also addresses important thematic human rights issues such as
freedom of association and assembly, freedom of expression, freedom of belief and religion, women's
rights, LGBT rights and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities.
The Mandate of the UNHRC
The mandate of the Human Rights council is established by the United Nations General Assembly
resolution - A/RES/60/251 . The link for the same has been attached below for the delegates’
reference.
https://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/A.RES.60.251_En.pdf
Introduction to the Agenda
The Arab-Israeli conflict is a prolonged struggle between Israel and various Arab countries, stemming
from competing nationalist movements in the Middle East. The conflict began in the early 20th
century, when both Jews and Arabs sought to establish a homeland in the territory of Palestine.
Tensions escalated with the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent Arab-
Israeli War, where several Arab states invaded Israel in response to its declaration of independence.
This war resulted in significant territorial changes and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of
Palestinian Arabs, marking the beginning of a long-standing conflict involving multiple wars, uprisings,
and peace attempts.
The humanitarian crisis resulting from the Arab-Israeli conflict has been one of the most complicated
crises at hand. The initial 1948 war led to the displacement of around 750,000 Palestinians, who
became refugees in neighbouring countries. This created a protracted refugee problem that continues
today, with millions of Palestinians living in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Lebanon,
Jordan, and Syria, often in poor conditions with limited access to basic services.
Subsequent conflicts, such as the Six-Day War in 1967 and the ongoing tensions in Gaza, have
exacerbated the humanitarian situation. Many Palestinians in the occupied territories face restrictions
on movement, access to healthcare, education, and employment, contributing to high levels of
poverty and unemployment. Periodic outbreaks of violence have led to casualties, destruction of
infrastructure, and psychological trauma for both Palestinians and Israelis. The conflict has created a
cycle of violence and retaliation, with civilians on both sides often bearing the brunt of the hostilities,
leading to a sustained humanitarian crisis in the region.
The First Arab-Israeli War
The 1948 war was the culmination of a civil war, which took place from November 1947 to May 1948,
between the Jews and Arabs living in the British mandate of Palestine. The conflict between Israel and
Arab forces outside Palestine began on May 15, 1948, when those forces swooped in from
neighboring countries just hours after British forces withdrew from Palestine and Israel had declared
its independence. A series of armistice agreements with the neighboring countries of Egypt (February
24, 1949), Lebanon (March 23, 1949), Transjordan (April 3, 1949), and Syria (July 20, 1949) brought a
formal end to the war and established de facto borders for the newly created State of Israel. The
borders of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip—which during the war came under Jordanian and
Egyptian occupation, respectively—were also created by these treaties.
The conflict also resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. Approximately 750,000 Palestinian Arabs
were displaced or fled their homes due to fighting, fear of massacres, or were expelled by Israeli
forces. Many of these refugees ended up in neighboring countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria,
where they faced challenging living conditions in overcrowded refugee camps. These conditions have
persisted for decades, as many of these refugees and their descendants have remained in refugee
camps with limited rights and poor access to basic services, creating a prolonged humanitarian
situation.
The war also saw the displacement of some Jewish communities from Arab countries and territories,
although on a much smaller scale. The humanitarian impact of the 1948 war set the stage for ongoing
conflict and hostilities in the region, with unresolved issues regarding refugees and the right of return
for Palestinians remaining central to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
https://undocs.org/A/RES/181(II) - Resolution 181
The Second Arab-Israeli War
The Six-Day War, fought between June 5 and June 10, 1967, was a brief but highly significant conflict
between Israel and its neighboring Arab states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The war began after a
period of escalating tensions, including Egypt’s closure of the Straits of Tiran, the expulsion of United
Nations peacekeepers from the Sinai Peninsula, and mobilization of Egyptian troops along Israel’s
border. Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egypt, rapidly defeating Egyptian forces and
gaining control of the Sinai Peninsula. Within days, Israel also captured the West Bank from Jordan
and the Golan Heights from Syria.
The Six-Day War had significant humanitarian consequences, particularly for the Palestinian and
Syrian populations living in the newly occupied territories. It caused the displacement of around
300,000 Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Many were forced to leave their homes and
became refugees in neighboring countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. This displacement
compounded the existing refugee crisis from the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, worsening conditions in
already overcrowded refugee camps, which were often under-resourced and provided inadequate
living conditions.
Following the war, Israel's occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza Strip, and Golan Heights
placed these territories under military rule. This has had a long-lasting impact on the daily lives of the
residents. Palestinians in these areas have faced numerous hardships, including movement
restrictions, land seizures, house demolitions, and limited access to essential services. These
challenges have contributed to high poverty rates, unemployment, and socio-economic difficulties.
The war resulted in substantial casualties, with thousands of soldiers and civilians killed or injured on
both sides. The intense and rapid fighting led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, homes, and
farmland, especially in the West Bank and the Golan Heights.
Yom Kippur
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War or the Ramadan War, began on October 6, 1973,
when a coalition of Arab states, led by Egypt and Syria, launched a surprise attack on Israel on Yom
Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The war was a coordinated effort by Egypt and Syria to
reclaim territories lost to Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967—specifically, the Sinai Peninsula for
Egypt and the Golan Heights for Syria.
The war resulted in substantial loss of life and injuries. Estimates suggest that around 2,800 Israeli
soldiers and 8,500 Arab soldiers were killed, with thousands more wounded on both sides. The
intense combat led to high casualty rates, affecting families and communities across the region. The
conflict caused significant displacement, particularly in the Golan Heights and along the Suez Canal.
Civilians on both sides fled their homes to escape the fighting, with many remaining displaced for
months or even years. In Syria and Egypt, the war also contributed to existing refugee crises,
particularly for those displaced by earlier conflicts.
Lebanon Wars
The 1982 Lebanon War, also known as the First Lebanon War, began when Israel invaded southern
Lebanon. The invasion aimed to expel the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which had been
using Lebanon as a base for attacks against Israel. Israel's military campaign extended all the way to
Beirut, resulting in a prolonged siege of the city. The war caused extensive casualties and destruction,
with Beirut heavily bombarded and civilian areas caught in the crossfire.
The 2006 Lebanon War, also known as the Second Lebanon War, was triggered by Hezbollah's cross-
border raid into Israel, which resulted in the capture of two Israeli soldiers. Israel responded with a
large-scale military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, which involved intense aerial
bombardments and a ground invasion. The war lasted 34 days and ended with a UN-brokered
ceasefire.
The 1982 Lebanon War resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties. Estimates suggest that
around 15,000-20,000 people, mostly Lebanese civilians, were killed. The conflict also caused
widespread displacement, with hundreds of thousands of people fleeing their homes to escape the
violence. The war also led to the infamous Sabra and Shatila massacre, where hundreds of Palestinian
refugees were killed by a Lebanese Christian militia allied with Israel.
The 2006 Lebanon War also had a devastating humanitarian impact. Around 1,200 Lebanese, mostly
civilians, and 165 Israelis, including both soldiers and civilians, were killed. The war led to the
displacement of approximately one million Lebanese people and thousands of Israelis, causing
massive disruptions to everyday life and creating a refugee crisis as people sought safety in other
parts of the country or abroad.
Israel-Palestine Conflict (Ongoing)
The conflict's modern phase began when the Palestinian territories were politically divided after the
2006 Palestinian legislative elections. Hamas, an Islamist militant group, won a majority in the
Palestinian Legislative Council, leading to a violent split with the secular Fatah party, which controlled
the Palestinian Authority. This division resulted in Hamas taking control of the Gaza Strip in 2007,
while the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority retained control of the West Bank.
The conflict has resulted in significant displacement of Palestinians. Following the 1948 and 1967
wars, many Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes, leading to a long-standing refugee
crisis. Today, there are millions of Palestinian refugees and their descendants living in camps in the
West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. These camps are often
overcrowded and lack basic services, leading to poor living conditions and limited economic
opportunities.
Since 2007, Israel, with Egypt’s cooperation, has imposed a land, air, and sea blockade on the Gaza
Strip following Hamas’s takeover of the territory. This blockade restricts the movement of people and
goods into and out of Gaza, severely limiting access to essential supplies, including food, medical
equipment, fuel, and construction materials. The blockade has led to a humanitarian crisis
characterized by high levels of poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and a crumbling healthcare
system. The Gaza Strip’s economy has been devastated, with most of its population relying on
international aid for survival.
Timeline
2000-2004: The Second Intifada
2000: The Second Intifada (Al-Aqsa Intifada) begins in September after Ariel Sharon's visit to the
Temple Mount, sparking widespread protests and violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli
forces. This period saw a sharp increase in casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis, with restricted
access to essential services.
2002:
March: The Israeli army launches Operation Defensive Shield, the largest military operation in the
West Bank since 1967, resulting in heavy casualties and significant destruction of infrastructure.
June: Israel begins construction of the West Bank barrier (often referred to as the "Separation Wall"),
citing security reasons. Palestinians and international organizations express concerns about its
humanitarian impact, particularly on access to healthcare, education, and employment.
2003: The international community, including the United States, the European Union, Russia, and the
United Nations, proposes the "Roadmap for Peace," aiming to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
However, violence and settlement expansion continue.
2005-2009: Disengagement and Continued Conflict
2005:
August: Israel unilaterally disengages from the Gaza Strip, evacuating all Israeli settlers and military
forces. However, Israel maintains control over Gaza's borders, airspace, and maritime access.
December: Hamas wins the Palestinian legislative elections, leading to tensions with Fatah and
concerns over future peace negotiations.
2006:
June: The Gaza-Israel conflict escalates after the capture of an Israeli soldier by Palestinian militants,
leading to an Israeli military offensive in Gaza.
July-August: The Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah causes significant displacement and
humanitarian concerns in Lebanon.
2007: The political and geographical split between Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza
deepens, leading to separate governance and increased humanitarian challenges, particularly in Gaza.
2008-2009:
December-January: Operation Cast Lead (Gaza War) is launched by Israel in response to rocket fire
from Gaza. The conflict results in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction, leading to
a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
2010-2014: Blockades, Conflicts, and UN Recognition
2010:
May: The Gaza flotilla incident occurs when Israeli forces intercept a flotilla attempting to break the
naval blockade of Gaza, resulting in the deaths of nine activists. The blockade continues to contribute
to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
June: Israel eases the land blockade on Gaza under international pressure, but many restrictions
remain.
2011:
September: The Palestinian Authority submits a bid for full membership at the United Nations. While
the bid does not succeed, it reflects growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood.
2012:
November: Operation Pillar of Defense, an eight-day conflict between Israel and Gaza, leads to further
civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns.
November: The UN General Assembly grants Palestine non-member observer state status, a symbolic
victory for the Palestinian cause.
2014:
July-August: Operation Protective Edge, another major conflict between Israel and Hamas, results in
over 2,100 Palestinian deaths, including many civilians, and significant destruction in Gaza. The war
exacerbates the humanitarian situation in the region.
2015-2019: Stalemates and Escalations
2015:
October: A wave of violence, often referred to as the "Knife Intifada," begins, characterized by
individual attacks on Israelis. Israeli responses lead to increased casualties among Palestinians, further
straining the humanitarian situation.
2017:
December: The United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announces plans to
move its embassy there, sparking widespread protests and violence in the region. Humanitarian
agencies express concerns about the impact on peace efforts.
2018:
March-December: The Great March of Return protests in Gaza lead to violent confrontations between
protesters and Israeli forces. Over 200 Palestinians are killed, and thousands are injured, worsening
the humanitarian crisis.
2019:
November: The United States declares that it no longer considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank
to be illegal, a move criticized by the international community and seen as undermining the peace
process.
May: The UN reports that over two million Palestinians in Gaza are in need of humanitarian
assistance, with the blockade, internal divisions, and recurrent conflicts contributing to the crisis.
2020-2022: Pandemic, Escalations, and Diplomatic Shifts
2020:
January: The Trump administration releases its "Peace to Prosperity" plan, proposing a two-state
solution that is widely rejected by Palestinians as biased towards Israel.
May: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank,
with limited healthcare resources and economic challenges.
2021:
May: A significant escalation occurs in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, starting with clashes in
Jerusalem and leading to an 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas. The fighting results in
hundreds of deaths, mostly Palestinians, and extensive damage in Gaza.
September: The United Nations issues warnings about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in
Gaza, citing the ongoing blockade, economic collapse, and the aftermath of the May conflict.
2022:
January-March: Israeli military operations intensify in the West Bank, leading to frequent clashes and
increasing Palestinian casualties. Gaza continues to face severe humanitarian challenges due to the
ongoing blockade.
April: Tensions spike in Jerusalem during Ramadan, with violent clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque
resulting in injuries and arrests.
May-June: Sporadic rocket fire from Gaza prompts Israeli airstrikes. Israel announces new West Bank
settlement plans, escalating tensions further.
July-August: The situation in Gaza deteriorates, with over 80% of the population relying on aid. West
Bank violence peaks, with a significant rise in casualties.
September-October: Palestinian leaders highlight the humanitarian crisis at the UN. A brief escalation
in Gaza involving rocket fire leads to renewed violence.
November-December: The year ends with persistent violence in the West Bank and Gaza, and
humanitarian appeals for aid continue amid worsening conditions.
2023: Conflict with Hamas
January-March:
Israeli military operations intensify in the West Bank, particularly in areas like Jenin, Nablus, and
Hebron. These raids target suspected militants but also result in significant civilian casualties. By the
end of March, over 800 Palestinians are reported dead, including women and children. The raids spark
protests and further violence, leading to additional deaths and injuries on both sides.
April:
During the holy month of Ramadan, tensions in Jerusalem reach a boiling point. Clashes erupt
between Israeli police and Palestinian worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a site of
significant religious importance for both Muslims and Jews. The violence results in dozens of injuries
and arrests.
In response to the events in Jerusalem, Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza begin launching
rockets into Israel. Israel responds with airstrikes targeting Hamas infrastructure, leading to a
significant escalation. Over 30 Palestinians are killed in the airstrikes, including several children. Three
Israeli civilians were also killed by rocket fire.
May-June:
A full-scale conflict erupts between Israel and Hamas in May, lasting 11 days. The conflict, one of the
most intense since 2021, sees heavy rocket fire from Gaza and devastating Israeli airstrikes. Over 200
Palestinians are killed, including 60 children and 30 women, with thousands more injured. On the
Israeli side, 12 people, including two children, are killed.
The conflict leaves Gaza in ruins, with widespread destruction of homes, schools, and healthcare
facilities. The UN estimates that over 58,000 people are displaced. The healthcare system, already
fragile due to years of blockade and conflict, is overwhelmed, leading to severe shortages of medical
supplies. Electricity and clean water are also in short supply, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
A ceasefire is eventually brokered by Egypt and Qatar, but it remains fragile, with sporadic violations
reported in the following weeks.
July-August:
Clashes between settlers, Palestinian residents, and Israeli forces lead to further casualties. By
August, the total Palestinian death toll for the year exceeded 20,000, with thousands more injured.
The UN and NGOs report that over 80% of Gaza’s population is reliant on humanitarian aid. Severe
restrictions on movement, compounded by the destruction from the May conflict, make it difficult for
aid to reach those in need.
September-December:
Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank continues to escalate, with reports of
attacks on Palestinian homes, farms, and businesses. The violence contributes to a sense of insecurity
and fear among Palestinian communities.
International organizations issue urgent appeals for humanitarian aid to address the worsening
situation in Gaza. However, access remains severely restricted, and funding shortfalls hamper relief
efforts.
2024: Ongoing Tensions
January-March:
The year began with renewed clashes in the West Bank, particularly in areas around Nablus and
Hebron. Israeli raids on Palestinian towns and refugee camps lead to significant casualties, with over
50 Palestinians killed by the end of March. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing shortages
of essential supplies and services due to the blockade, now in its 17th year.
April-June:
Clashes erupt in Jerusalem during religious holidays, leading to injuries and fatalities on both sides.
As of 13 May 2024, the U.N. has reported that the 35,000 who have died in the conflict includes 7,797
minors, 4,959 women and 1,924 elderly with confirmed identities. 52% of those with confirmed
identities are women and minors, and 40% are men; the U.N. does not differentiate between
combatant and civilian deaths
July-August:
A severe heat wave hits the region, exacerbating the already dire living conditions in Gaza. With
limited access to electricity and clean water, many residents face life-threatening conditions.
Israel announces new settlement expansions in the West Bank, further straining relations with the
Palestinian Authority.
As of 30 August 2024, over 42,000 people (40,602 Palestinian and 1,478 Israeli) have been reported as
killed, including 116 journalists (111 Palestinian, 2 Israeli and 3 Lebanese) and over 224 humanitarian
aid workers, including 179 employees of UNRWA.
September:
As of September 1st, the situation remains critical. The fragile ceasefire in Gaza holds, but tensions are
high, and the humanitarian crisis shows no signs of abating. The international community continues to
call for a resolution to the conflict, but the prospects for peace remain elusive. Humanitarian
organizations warn that without significant intervention, the situation in Gaza and the West Bank will
continue to deteriorate.
Humanitarian Effects in Palestine and Arab
Occupied Territories: Overview
The humanitarian situation in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as in
Arab-occupied territories, has been marked by decades of conflict, blockades, military operations, and
a lack of political resolution. The effects have been devastating for millions of people, manifesting in
high casualty numbers, mass displacement, severe infrastructural damage, and widespread poverty.
1. Casualties and Injuries:
The conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups has resulted in a significant loss of life, particularly
among civilians. Key figures from recent years:
● 2022: Over 230 Palestinians killed in conflict-related incidents, including over 150 in the West
Bank, making it one of the deadliest years since 2005. Israeli casualties are lower, with most
deaths occurring during rocket attacks from Gaza.
● 2023: By mid-year, over 300 Palestinians had been killed in the West Bank and Gaza due to
Israeli military operations, settler violence, and internal clashes. The 11-day conflict in Gaza in
May alone resulted in over 200 Palestinian deaths.
● Children and Women: A significant portion of casualties are children and women, especially in
Gaza, where the Israeli military operations often target densely populated areas.
2. Displacement:
● Gaza Strip: The Israeli blockade, in place since 2007, coupled with repeated military
operations, has caused large-scale displacement. During conflicts such as the 2021 and 2023
escalations, tens of thousands of people were displaced within Gaza. For example, the May
2023 conflict displaced over 58,000 Palestinians, many of whom were already living in refugee
camps.
● West Bank: Settler expansion and violence have displaced thousands of Palestinians,
particularly in East Jerusalem and Area C of the West Bank. Demolitions of Palestinian homes,
often due to lack of Israeli-issued building permits, are a common cause of displacement.
● UNRWA Data: According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), over 5.9
million Palestinian refugees are registered in the region, many of whom live in overcrowded
camps with limited access to basic services.
3. Destruction of Infrastructure:
● Gaza: Multiple Israeli military operations have severely damaged Gaza’s infrastructure. For
example:
○ 2021 Conflict: Over 1,000 housing units were destroyed, and thousands more were
severely damaged.
○ 2023 Conflict: Over 18,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, alongside critical
infrastructure like roads, hospitals, and schools.
○ Gaza’s only power plant operates at limited capacity, resulting in electricity shortages,
while water treatment facilities are often targeted, leading to widespread
contamination of drinking water.
● West Bank: Israeli demolitions, particularly in Area C, have targeted homes, schools, and
agricultural land. Between 2021 and 2022, over 700 Palestinian structures were demolished,
displacing hundreds of families.
4. Access to Basic Services:
● Healthcare: Gaza's healthcare system is on the verge of collapse, with severe shortages of
medicine and equipment. The destruction of hospitals during military operations exacerbates
the situation. As of 2022, over 50% of essential medicines were at zero stock.
● Water and Sanitation: The water situation in Gaza is dire, with 97% of water sources unsafe
for human consumption due to contamination. The destruction of water treatment plants
during conflicts, compounded by the blockade, leaves many residents without access to clean
water.
● Education: Repeated damage to schools and educational infrastructure in Gaza and the West
Bank has disrupted the education of hundreds of thousands of children. In Gaza, 83 schools
were damaged during the 2021 conflict, affecting over 400,000 students.
5. Economic Impact:
● Blockade of Gaza: Gaza’s economy has been crippled by the blockade, which restricts the
movement of goods and people. Over 80% of Gaza’s population relies on humanitarian aid,
with unemployment rates exceeding 50%. The destruction of commercial and industrial
infrastructure during conflicts further cripples any potential for economic recovery.
● West Bank: Movement restrictions, including checkpoints, the separation barrier, and settler
violence, limit economic activity. Unemployment and poverty rates remain high, particularly
in marginalized areas like Hebron and the Jordan Valley.
6. Long-Term Psychological Impact:
● Trauma: Years of conflict, violence, and displacement have caused widespread psychological
trauma, particularly among children. In Gaza, over half of all children are believed to suffer
from some form of PTSD. The frequent exposure to violence, destruction, and the loss of loved
ones has deeply affected Palestinian society.
7. Humanitarian Aid Shortfalls:
Despite the dire need for humanitarian assistance, funding shortfalls have left many Palestinians
without adequate support:
● UNRWA and International Agencies: UNRWA, the main provider of aid to Palestinian refugees,
faces chronic funding shortages. In 2022, it had to reduce its services due to a $100 million
funding gap, affecting education, healthcare, and food distribution programs for millions of
Palestinians.
Key Figures (as of 2022-2023):
● Palestinian Casualties (2022): Over 230 Palestinians killed, over 9,000 injured.
● Palestinian Casualties (2023): Over 300 killed, thousands injured by mid-year.
● Gaza Displaced (2023): 58,000+ displaced in May alone.
● Unemployment in Gaza: 50-60%, with over 80% relying on aid.
● Housing Units Destroyed (2023): 18,000+ homes damaged/destroyed.
Relevant International Treaties and
Conventions
Abraham Accords - bilateral agreements on Arab–Israeli normalization signed between Israel and
the United Arab Emirates and between Israel and Bahrain on September 15, 2020.
Oslo Accords - pair of interim agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization
Oslo Accords II - Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, envisioned the
establishment of a Palestinian interim self-government in the Palestinian territories.
Balfour Declaration - Public statement issued by the British Government in 1917 during the First
World War announcing its support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people"
in Palestine
Stimson Doctrine - policy of nonrecognition of states created as a result of a war of aggression.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - multilateral treaty that commits nations
to respect the civil and political rights of individuals, including the right to life, freedom of religion,
freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, electoral rights and rights to due process and a fair trial.
Refugee Law - branch of international law which deals with the rights and duties states have vis-a-
vis refugees.
Right to Self Determination - refers to a people's right to form its own political entity, and
internal self-determination is the right to representative government with full suffrage.
Note from Executive Board
This brings an end to the background guide. This is an exhaustive guide, and by no means must limit
the amount of research you do for this committee. We as the executive board will be looking mainly
at logic, content, research, analysis and most importantly, LEGALITIES.
Legalities are basically international law and conventions that can help improve the current situation
at hand.
Other than that, We as the Executive Board hope you all do your best towards achieving something
amazing in this committee, considering we all are expecting something worthwhile to happen, posing
this particular committee up high in the circuit, setting the standards for the same.
We as the EB will also be preparing well enough, making sure we are qualified enough to judge all of
you. To add, no form of bias will be happening. Everyone will be treated equally, and respect will be
given, as received. (Which means decorum is big in this committee.)
Well, This is the end of the Background guide. We hope you gained a bit of knowledge on this
committee while studying this, and we really hope we helped you in learning something new,
considering that is what MUNs are inclined to do. Hoping to see fierce debate in committee, Keep
your friends close, but your enemies closer. Also, in memory of Arjun, who helped write this BG but
unfortunately couldn’t make it to the conference, We hope we can make a masterclass of a
committee for him.
Bring the 707 out. Good Luck.
XO
