UN Resolution 242 Promoting Middle East Peace
UN Security Council Resolution 242 was adopted to outline principles for peace negotiations in the Arab-Israeli conflict following the Six-Day War. It called for the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the conflict and the recognition of every state's right to live in peace. The resolution was primarily aimed at creating a framework for future discussions between Israel and its Arab neighbors, setting a precedent for subsequent peace initiatives.
Adopted by the UN Security Council in 1967.
Calls for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories.
Emphasizes peace with secure borders for all states.
Forms basis for future Arab-Israeli negotiations.
What Happened?
In the aftermath of the Six-Day War in June 1967, which dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, the United Nations Security Council convened to address the worsening situation. The adoption of Resolution 242 marked a crucial step in shaping the framework for peace negotiations between Israel and the Arab states. The resolution called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories captured during the war, which included the Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights. It emphasized the need for peace and security for all sovereign states in the region, highlighting the importance of mutual recognition and coexistence. This aspect reflected a shift in international attitudes towards the conflict, offering a balanced approach to address both Israeli security concerns and the rights of the Palestinian people.Resolution 242 established several principles that would guide future negotiations, advocating for a just settlement of the refugee problem and acknowledging the right of all states in the area to exist in peace within secure and recognized boundaries. The resolution’s vagueness in certain areas, particularly regarding what constituted “occupied territories,” and the lack of specificity about Palestinian rights would become contentious issues in later discussions. However, the resolution was a landmark diplomatic effort that underscored a growing international commitment to resolving one of the most persistent conflicts of the time. It would serve as a basis for various peace initiatives over the following decades, shaping the dialogue around Arab-Israeli relations.
Why Does it Matter?
Resolution 242 remains significant as it set a precedent for international mediation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shaping peace negotiations in subsequent years. Its call for territorial withdrawal and acknowledgment of the rights of all states emphasized the need for a balanced approach to achieving lasting peace. The principles outlined in this resolution have been revisited in numerous peace talks, signaling its enduring relevance in the quest for stability in the region.