By Eleanor Randall

On 26 November, 2024, a press conference was held by representatives from Libya, Ghana, the State of Palestine, Ireland, New Zealand and Sudan regarding the topic of the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of UN personnel. They specifically highlighted Resolution KK, jointly written by Representatives of  Palestine and Israel, even in their time of conflict.

Representative Tyson Thompson of Palestine wants to clarify that “[We] do not represent Palestinian citizens in Gaza and do not represent Hamas in Gaza, but only the PLO and the Fatah in the West Bank.” When relaying this information to Israel and the body, it opened up a conversation for conflicting states to work together. Thompson continues with “Palestine is actively working with Israel to try and restore the relationship they had in the past, to prove that conflicting nations can come together and support each other while still having topics or issues we defer on.”

Resolution KK delivers on the humanitarian aid front by developing outreach programs to help train and prepare UN peacekeepers. Training the peacekeepers and briefing them on the situation will create awareness and understanding of what is happening within the conflict and can lead to a quicker resolution. Specific to the Palestine and Israel conflict there is proposed Jewish and Arab support within the outreach to further the peacekeepers’ understanding of the religious and cultural situation. “[The Resolution is] broad enough to help others and themselves,” said Representative Jordan Wathen of the State of Palestine, while also focusing on preserving their own sovereignty.

The Representatives of the State of Palestine wanted to emphasize the imperativeness for other States to sign on this resolution, because two conflicting countries are agreeing and working together on this topic. Representatives from other countries that have complicated relationships with other Member States have joined together to sign this resolution. The State of Palestine wants to prove they can make history and eventually gain UN membership status.