The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 was a significant legislative action responding to the humanitarian and political crises following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Adopted in December, the resolution called for the establishment of a Conciliation Commission tasked with meditating between Israel and the Arab states, with a primary focus on addressing the plight of Palestinian refugees. This reflected the international community's recognition of the immediate need to resolve the ongoing conflicts and the humanitarian situation resulting from the war, which had produced a considerable number of displaced persons. It was an effort to create a framework for peace, emphasizing negotiation and dialogue as essential means to achieve a resolution.

The resolution not only aimed at providing assistance to the displaced but also proposed the right of refugees to return to their homes or receive compensation for their losses. This aspect of the resolution has since remained contentious, as the differing interpretations of the right of return have fueled continued tension between the parties. By establishing the Conciliation Commission, the UN sought to promote a path towards peaceful coexistence, albeit amidst an increasingly complex and intertwined political struggle that would persist for decades.

The passing of Resolution 194 marked a pivotal moment in international diplomacy regarding the conflict, as it was among the first formal recognitions of the need for a structured response to the aftermath of hostilities. The UN's involvement signaled a broader commitment by the international community to engage with the peace process and seek resolution through collective effort and multilateral dialogue.