Committee: United Nations High Commissioner for

Refugees (UNHCR).

Chair: _______

Topic: Israel Airplanes Bombing Gaza’s Refugees.

1. INTRODUCTION:

The conflict between Israel and Palestine remains one of the world’s most enduring disputes,
rooted in deep historical grievances, territorial disputes, and national aspirations. In recent
years, military escalations have intensified, particularly affecting the Gaza Strip, a densely
populated area where many refugees live under precarious conditions. One critical
development has been the airstrikes by Israeli forces, often conducted in response to militant
attacks from Gaza, including rocket fire by Hamas. These airstrikes have targeted what Israel
describes as militant infrastructure, such as weapons caches and tunnels used by armed
groups. However, the densely populated nature of Gaza has led to significant collateral
damage, with airstrikes impacting civilian areas, including refugee camps like Rafah and
Jabalia. The destruction has resulted in severe humanitarian crises, with widespread
casualties, including women and children, and extensive damage to essential infrastructure.
Refugee camps, already struggling with overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and resource
shortages, have been left even more vulnerable, exacerbating issues of displacement and
trauma among the population.

The humanitarian impact has been devastating. International aid organizations, including
UNRWA, have struggled to deliver relief due to damaged infrastructure and ongoing
hostilities. Medical facilities are overwhelmed, and access to necessities like food, water, and
medicine is critically limited. The UN and humanitarian agencies have issued calls for
restraint and emphasized the need for adherence to international humanitarian law, which
mandates the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Legal and ethical questions have also
emerged. Human rights organizations and the international community have raised concerns
about the proportionality and legality of these airstrikes. There have been calls for
independent investigations to determine if these actions constitute war crimes, particularly
when civilian casualties are involved. The UN has highlighted the moral responsibility of all
parties to prioritize civilian safety and work towards a peaceful resolution.

International reactions remain mixed. While some nations condemn the violence and urge an
immediate ceasefire, others, like key allies of Israel, often defend its right to self-defense.
The ongoing conflict has sparked global protests and renewed debates over the viability of a
two-state solution, highlighting the complex interplay between security needs and
humanitarian imperatives.
2. HISTORY OF THE CONFLICT

Early 20th Century

 1917: Balfour Declaration - The British government expresses support for the
establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.
 1920: British Mandate - The League of Nations grants Britain the mandate to govern
Palestine, leading to increased Jewish immigration and rising tensions with the Arab
population.

Mid 20th Century

 1947: UN Partition Plan - The UN proposes partitioning Palestine into separate

Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international control. The plan is
accepted by Jews but rejected by Arabs.
 1948: Creation of Israel - Israel declares independence, leading to the first Arab-
Israeli war. Neighboring Arab states invade, but Israel emerges victorious, expanding
its territory.
 1948-1949: Nakba - Over 700,000 Palestinians flee or are expelled from their homes
during the conflict, an event known as the Nakba (Catastrophe).
 1967: Six-Day War - Israel captures the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and
Golan Heights, significantly altering the region's geopolitical landscape.

Late 20th Century

 1973: Yom Kippur War - Egypt and Syria launch a surprise attack on Israel during
Yom Kippur. The conflict ends with a ceasefire, but it leads to significant geopolitical
shifts.
 1978: Camp David Accords - Egypt and Israel sign a peace treaty, with Egypt
recognizing Israel in exchange for the return of the Sinai Peninsula.
 1987-1993: First Intifada - A Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation in the
West Bank and Gaza, marked by widespread protests and violence.
 1993: Oslo Accords - Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) sign
agreements aimed at achieving a peace treaty and establishing Palestinian self-
governance in parts of the West Bank and Gaza.

Early 21st Century

 2000-2005: Second Intifada - A second, more violent Palestinian uprising against

Israeli occupation, leading to significant casualties on both sides.
 2005: Gaza Disengagement - Israel unilaterally withdraws from the Gaza Strip, but
maintains control over its borders, airspace, and maritime access.
 2006: Hamas Election Victory - Hamas wins the Palestinian legislative elections,
leading to a split with Fatah and control over Gaza.
 2008-2009: Gaza War - A major conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza,
resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.
Recent Developments

 2014: Gaza Conflict - Another major conflict between Israel and Hamas, with heavy
casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza.
 2020: Abraham Accords - Israel normalizes relations with several Arab countries,
including the UAE and Bahrain, shifting regional dynamics.
 2021: Escalation of Violence - Renewed violence between Israel and Hamas, leading
to significant casualties and destruction in Gaza.

3. RELEVANT TOPICS

 Casualties and Displacement: Airstrikes have caused significant civilian casualties

and worsened displacement. The destruction of homes leaves many without shelter,
while critical infrastructure damage hampers aid delivery.
 War Crimes Allegations: Accusations of war crimes arise, especially when civilian
areas are targeted. Investigations are called for to determine violations of international
law.
 Israeli Security Concerns: Israel cites the threat from Hamas and rocket attacks as
justification for its military actions. The difficulty lies in operating within densely
populated areas, where civilian casualties are hard to avoid.
 Cycles of Violence: The conflict is marked by repeated escalations, perpetuating
trauma and insecurity for both populations. Breaking this cycle requires
comprehensive peace efforts.
 Blockade of Gaza: The blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt has crippled Gaza’s
economy and worsened humanitarian conditions. Calls for easing restrictions have
grown louder amid the ongoing crisis.

4. CURRENT HAPPENINGS

 In 2024, a series of airstrikes targeted Gaza, ostensibly aiming to dismantle militant

infrastructure. However, these strikes have hit refugee camps, such as Rafah and
Jabalia, causing dozens of civilian deaths and injuring hundreds, including women
and children. The attacks have drawn international condemnation but have also been
defended by some allies of Israel as necessary security measures. Humanitarian
corridors have been established to deliver aid, but challenges persist due to damaged
infrastructure and ongoing violence.
5. KEY POINTS (They will be addressed during the sessions)

1. Humanitarian Impact

 Displacement: Address the issue of displacement and the conditions in refugee

camps, highlighting the humanitarian crisis.

2. International Humanitarian Law

 War Crimes: Debate whether the bombings constitute war crimes and the
implications for international accountability.

3. Political and Strategic Objectives

 Israel's Security Concerns: Discuss Israel's stated objectives, such as targeting

Hamas militants and preventing rocket attacks.
 Effectiveness and Consequences: Analyze the effectiveness of these actions in
achieving security objectives and the broader consequences for regional stability.

4. Humanitarian Aid and Access

 Blockades and Restrictions: Discuss the impact of blockades and restrictions on the
delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
 International Response: Evaluate the response of international organizations and
countries in providing aid and calling for ceasefires.

5. Media and Public Perception

 Media Coverage: Analyze how media coverage influences public perception and
international opinion on the conflict.
 Propaganda and Misinformation: Discuss the role of propaganda and
misinformation in shaping narratives on both sides.

6. Long-Term Solutions

 Peace Process: Debate the prospects for a renewed peace process and the role of
international mediators.
 Reconstruction and Development: Discuss plans to reconstruct Gaza and long-term
development to prevent future conflicts.
6. UN ACTIONS

The United Nations has taken several actions in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza,
particularly regarding the bombings and the humanitarian crisis.

Condemnation and Calls for Ceasefire

 Human Rights Office Statements: The UN Office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights (OHCHR) has condemned the bombings in Gaza, stating that the
attacks on refugee camps could amount to war crimes. The OHCHR has emphasized
the need for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, which includes
the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack.
 Calls for Ceasefire: The UN has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire to
allow for humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The Secretary-General and other
UN officials have urged both sides to de-escalate the conflict and return to
negotiations.

Humanitarian Aid and Support

 UNRWA Efforts: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been providing critical support to the
affected populations in Gaza. This includes distributing food, water, and medical
supplies and offering shelter to those displaced by the conflict.
 Humanitarian Appeals: The UN has launched several humanitarian appeals to raise
funds for emergency relief efforts in Gaza. These appeals aim to address the
population's immediate needs, including food security, healthcare, and shelter.

Investigations and Accountability

 Special Committee Reports: The UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli

Practices has released reports documenting the impact of the conflict on Palestinian
civilians. These reports highlight the extensive destruction caused by the bombings
and the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
 Calls for Accountability: The UN has called for accountability for violations of
international humanitarian law. This includes investigating alleged war crimes and
ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

Advocacy and International Pressure

 Diplomatic Efforts: The UN has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to

mediate the conflict. This includes working with international partners and regional
actors to promote peace initiatives and support a negotiated settlement.
  Public Statements: UN officials have made numerous public statements condemning
the violence and calling for respect for human rights. These statements aim to raise
awareness and mobilize international support for the affected populations.

7. BLOCK ANALYSIS

1. Israel: Justifies the strikes as a defense against Hamas, claiming that militants use
civilian areas for cover. Israeli officials emphasize their efforts to minimize
civilian casualties but argue that the use of human shields by Hamas complicates
operations.
2. Palestine: Condemns the bombings as war crimes and highlights the
disproportionate suffering of civilians. Palestinian leaders call for international
intervention and stress the need for an end to the occupation and recognition of
Palestinian statehood.
3. United States: A key ally of Israel, often supports its right to self-defense while
occasionally urging restraint. The U.S. provides military aid to Israel and has
vetoed resolutions critical of Israeli actions but also funds humanitarian aid to
Palestinians.
4. United Kingdom: Balances support for Israel’s security with concerns about
humanitarian impacts. The UK calls for proportional responses and renewed
efforts toward a two-state solution, providing aid to Gaza while advocating for
dialogue and de-escalation.
5. Other Actors: Countries like China and Russia support Palestinian statehood and
condemn Israeli settlements, while Egypt plays a mediation role, facilitating
ceasefire talks. The EU emphasizes humanitarian relief and the importance of
upholding human rights.

8. REFERENCES

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the region. Free Press Unlimited.

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refugee-camps-israel-hamas-war-1.7018274

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continues in wake of ICC arrest warrant news. Democracy Now!

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