Overview of Resolution 2334
The Adoption of Resolution 2334
On December 23, 2016, the United Nations Security Council adopted a historic resolution known as Resolution 2334, which called for an immediate halt to all Israeli settlement activities in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. This resolution was the result of concerted efforts by nations including New Zealand, Malaysia, Senegal, and Venezuela, and it passed with a vote of 14-0, with the United States opting to abstain rather than veto the measure.
The Background of the Israeli Settlements
Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem have long been a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel has maintained control over these territories, leading to a significant increase in settlements considered illegal under international law. The adoption of Resolution 2334 marked a turning point in the international stance towards these settlements, reinforcing the longstanding view that they are a major barrier to peace.
The Significance of the Resolution
International Response and Reactions
The passing of Resolution 2334 was met with varied reactions across the globe. Many nations and organizations welcomed the resolution as a step towards achieving a peaceful two-state solution while criticizing Israel's expansion of settlements. Conversely, Israeli officials condemned the resolution, arguing that it undermined their claims to land and weakened negotiations.
The Impact on Future Negotiations
By affirming that Israeli settlements have no legal validity, Resolution 2334 aimed to shift the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian dialogue. It was seen as a call to re-establish a basis for negotiations that acknowledged Palestinian rights and aspirations in the context of international law. As the political landscape evolved, this resolution continued to influence discussions around the peace process in the years that followed.
Fun Fact
The Rare US Abstention
Resolution 2334 is particularly notable for the U.S. abstention. This marked a significant departure from the United States' previous policy of vetoing resolutions critical of Israel, highlighting a shift in diplomatic relations and contributing to a broader discussion of human rights within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on Israeli Settlements
To delve deeper into the subject of Israeli settlements and Resolution 2334, consider these insightful works: "One Land, Two States: Israel and Palestine as Parallel States" by Mark Braverman, and "The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Very Short Introduction" by Toine van Teeffelen. These texts provide comprehensive perspectives on the challenges and possible solutions in the ongoing conflict.
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