PALESTINE

MAP OF PALESTINE:

                                    Map of Palestine: the Gaza Strip and the West Bank

The above map shows the location of the Gaza Strip and of West Bank in Israel.  The land that was given to the Palestinians for limited self government was chosen by Israel, and not the Palestinians themselves.  As a result, many areas continue to be under dispute.  The most hotly disputed area is Jerusalem itself, where the dispute is complicated by the location of both Israeli and Arab holy sites.  The issue of land is likely to remain the biggest stumbling block to a permanent solution, with Jerusalem being the biggest obstacle of all.

         

  

    

                Map of Jerusalem

                   Map of Israel

"COUNTRY" REPRESENTATIVES:

 

Andy

Yasser Arafat - President of the Palestinian Council, 

Leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)
Leader of Fatah terrorist group, which is the military arm of the PLO
Leader of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA)
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for a peace agreement between the PLO and Israel
Is committed to achieving peace

"Whoever stands by a just cause                                     cannot possibly be called a terrorist"

 

Sarah

Ahmed Qurei - Prime Minister

Also known as "Abu Ala"
Prime Minister of Palestine
Member of PLO
Veteran of the Peace negotiations
Leading member of Arafat’s mainstream Fatah faction
One of the architects of the Oslo peace accords signed with Israel in 1993
which lead to Palestinian autonomy in the West bank and Gaza strip
Deeply believes in peace with Israel; against violence

 

"COUNTRY" PROFILE:

Palestine is not recognized as a country; rather, it is a territory that is made up of two tracts of land: Gaza Strip and the West Bank.  The Palestinian people strive to have a homeland that is sovereign and is recognized by all.  This ideal is made difficult by the fact that the two Palestinian territories are not adjacent to each other, but are separated by Israel.  

The Palestinian Authority, which is headed by Yasser Arafat, has been working to evolve more democratic structures.  The position of Prime Minister has been created, to build greater depth in the Palestinian leadership.  The Palestinian Authority has also taken over responsibility for security in the Palestinian areas, although Israel intervenes as soon as Israeli security is breached.   These ongoing interventions by Israel have made it difficult for the Palestinians to achieve real self government.  

FAST FACTS:

Capital City: East Jerusalem
Other Major Cities: Gaza City, Jericho
Population: 3.5 million
Intended seat of government: East Jerusalem
Major language: Arabic
Major religion: Islam
Currency: Jordanian Dinar, Israeli Shekel
Land Area: 6,170 sq km.

WEBSITES CONSULTED:

 Information:

www.cnn.com

www.bbc.co.uk

http://www.odci.gov

www.cbs.com

  1. Timeline:

http://www.mideastweb.org

www.historylearningsite.co.uk

www.time.com

www.bbc.co.uk 

 Maps:

www.cbc.ca

www.cnn.com

www.globalsecurity.org

   

 Pictures:

www.tokohindonesia.com

www.leksikon.org

 

SIMULATION ROLE:

Palestine is a nation which has forever been at war.  The Palestinian people do not know what life is like in a peaceful nation.  We want to bring those people peace.  Although we were originally regarded as a terrorist organization, the Palestinian Authority , which has evolved out of the PLO, was recognized by the Clinton Administration in the US as the legitimate voice of Palestinians.  The US also accepted the aim of establishing two separate states for Israel and Palestine.  

As such, the role of Palestine in the conflict is one of a central player.   During transitional negotiations, the role of Palestine is to convince the international community that their claims and aspirations are valid and just.  After a permanent settlement is reached, the role of Palestine will evolve to one of co-existence with Israel.  

SELECTED TIMELINE: 

Year

Event

1896 - 1916
Zionist Movement
1916
Skyes-Picot Agreement, signed by Britain and France to divide Arab region into zones

1917

Britain issue Balfour Declaration which was viewed by Arabs and Jews as promising “National Home” for the Jews in Palestine.

1918
Jews migrate  to Palestine after WWI
1929
San Remo Conference

1930-1936

Fighting between Palestinian Arabs and Jews claimed lives of 130 Arabs and 133 Jews

1937
 The Peel Commission

1947

Responsibility of Palestine is given to the UN

Although Jews account for only one third of the population, Jews are given 57% of Palestine. 

Arabs are given 43% of Palestine, and do not support this move

US offers full diplomatic support to Israel

1948

Israel War of Independence: declares Israel as the Jewish State

The UN General Assembly approves Resolution 194, which recognizes the rights of Palestinians who were expelled by the Israeli army

1953

The Palestine Liberation Movement, which became Fateh, is founded

1964

Israel annexes East Jerusalem and begins construction of Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank

1964

Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is founded. Yasser Arafat is the leader.

1967

  The 1967 war

1973

Egypt and Syria attack Israel, killing 8,500 Arab soldiers

1987
the First intifada (uprising)
1991
International peace summit in Madrid
1993
Secret Oslo talks-->The Palestinians would recognize Israel if Israel phased out settlements
1994
Birth of the Palestinian Authority
1995
Oslo II 
The assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, the Israeli Prime Minister, by a Jewish extremist
2000
The second intifada
2003
Operation Defensive Wall: Israel constructs a wall to separate Palestine, and Israel. The wall is built through the West Bank (Palestinian land).  Considered illegal by the UN