The UN's Dilemma and Response to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
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The UN's Dilemma and Response to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Xunjie Zhang 1*
1 Southwest University of Political Science and Law
*Corresponding author: Zhuangxunjie12138@icloud.com
Published on 5 November 2025
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LNEP Vol.115
ISSN (Print): 2753-7056
ISSN (Online): 2753-7048
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-513-4
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-514-1
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Abstract

The United Nations has deep roots in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, having evolved alongside its emergence and development. More than merely acting as an "external" mediator, it has become a key architect of the conflict's historical narrative, legal framework, and proposed two-state solution. This study examines its multifaceted challenges—including "power politics" (the U.S. routinely using veto power to protect Israel in the Security Council), "weak implementation of resolutions" (as seen with Resolution 242), and "bilateral confrontational stances"—all unfolding within this complex historical and institutional context. This study examines the United Nations’ mediation efforts in the prolonged Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a case-based analysis of its multiple challenges and response strategies. Utilizing case studies and textual analysis, it dissects relevant UN resolutions, declarations, and practical interventions. Key research questions include: Why has the UN struggled to effectively advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process? What pathways could overcome these obstacles? The analysis unfolds in four parts: Part I traces the historical roots of the conflict, evaluates the UN's evolving role and challenges, and proposes solutions. This study concludes that the UN's difficulties stem from power politics, weak resolution enforcement, and opposing stances. Nevertheless, it remains indispensable by fostering international consensus, advancing the "two-state solution," and innovating peace mechanisms—serving as the cornerstone for achieving a just and lasting peace.

Keywords:

United Nations, Israel-Palestine conflict, regional conflicts

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Zhang,X. (2025). The UN's Dilemma and Response to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,115,1-7.

References

[1]. United Nations. (1947). Resolution 181 (II). Future government of Palestine. A/RES/181(II).

[2]. Weiss, T. G., & Daws, S. (Eds.). (2018). The Oxford Handbook on the United Nations (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

[3]. Allen, S. H. (2021). The Two-State Solution: An International Law Perspective. Journal of Palestine Studies, 50(3), 45–62.

[4]. Pingmin Li. (2000) The Roots of the Conflict between British Division and A Yi. [M] Shanghai Social Sciences Press, pp. 4

[5]. Zhongying Ren. (2005) The Ethnic and Religious Roots of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. [J] Journal of Weinan Normal University, November.

[6]. Wang Lian. (2015). Middle East Politics and Society. Peking University Press.

[7]. International Crisis Group. (2024). The Israel-Palestine Crisis: Containing the War and Avoiding a Regional Conflagration. Middle East Report N°240.

[8]. OCHA. (2024). Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #150. [Online] Availablenat: https: //www.ochaopt.org/content/hostilities-gaza-strip-and-israel-flash-update-150

[9]. United Nations. (1945). Charter of the United Nations, Chapter V, Article 99.

[10]. United Nations General Assembly. (2023). Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations. A/RES/ES-10/21

[11]. Hurd, I. (2019). The UN Security Council and the International Rule of Law. Global Governance, 25(1), 1–18.

[12]. Luck, E. C. (2018). UN Security Council: Practice and Promise. Routledge.

[13]. Qingmin Zhang. (2020). The Role and Dilemmas of the United Nations in the Israeli-Palestinian Issue. International Forum, 22(5), pp. 23–40.

[14]. Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations. (2015). Political Statement on the Suspension of the Veto in Cases of Mass Atrocities. [Online] Available at: https: //onu.delegfrance.org/

[15]. United Nations Security Council. (2016). Resolution 2334 (2016). S/RES/2334

[16]. Dongyan Li. (2019). The Evolution and Reform of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. International Political Studies, 4(56-72).

[17]. Koops, J. A., & Tercovich, G. (2020). A European Return to United Nations Peacekeeping? Opportunities and Challenges. International Peacekeeping, 27(5), 709-735.

References

[1]. United Nations. (1947). Resolution 181 (II). Future government of Palestine. A/RES/181(II).

[2]. Weiss, T. G., & Daws, S. (Eds.). (2018). The Oxford Handbook on the United Nations (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

[3]. Allen, S. H. (2021). The Two-State Solution: An International Law Perspective. Journal of Palestine Studies, 50(3), 45–62.

[4]. Pingmin Li. (2000) The Roots of the Conflict between British Division and A Yi. [M] Shanghai Social Sciences Press, pp. 4

[5]. Zhongying Ren. (2005) The Ethnic and Religious Roots of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. [J] Journal of Weinan Normal University, November.

[6]. Wang Lian. (2015). Middle East Politics and Society. Peking University Press.

[7]. International Crisis Group. (2024). The Israel-Palestine Crisis: Containing the War and Avoiding a Regional Conflagration. Middle East Report N°240.

[8]. OCHA. (2024). Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #150. [Online] Availablenat: https: //www.ochaopt.org/content/hostilities-gaza-strip-and-israel-flash-update-150

[9]. United Nations. (1945). Charter of the United Nations, Chapter V, Article 99.

[10]. United Nations General Assembly. (2023). Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations. A/RES/ES-10/21

[11]. Hurd, I. (2019). The UN Security Council and the International Rule of Law. Global Governance, 25(1), 1–18.

[12]. Luck, E. C. (2018). UN Security Council: Practice and Promise. Routledge.

[13]. Qingmin Zhang. (2020). The Role and Dilemmas of the United Nations in the Israeli-Palestinian Issue. International Forum, 22(5), pp. 23–40.

[14]. Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations. (2015). Political Statement on the Suspension of the Veto in Cases of Mass Atrocities. [Online] Available at: https: //onu.delegfrance.org/

[15]. United Nations Security Council. (2016). Resolution 2334 (2016). S/RES/2334

[16]. Dongyan Li. (2019). The Evolution and Reform of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. International Political Studies, 4(56-72).

[17]. Koops, J. A., & Tercovich, G. (2020). A European Return to United Nations Peacekeeping? Opportunities and Challenges. International Peacekeeping, 27(5), 709-735.

Cite this article

Zhang,X. (2025). The UN's Dilemma and Response to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,115,1-7.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

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Volume title: Proceedings of ICILLP 2025 Symposium: Property Law and Blockchain Applications in International Law and Legal Policy

ISBN: 978-1-80590-513-4(Print) / 978-1-80590-514-1(Online)
Editor: Renuka Thakore
Conference website: https://2025.icillp.org/London.html
Conference date: 21 November 2025
Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media
Volume number: Vol.115
ISSN: 2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

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