STUDY GUIDE : UNITED NATION SECURITY COUNCIL {UNSC}
GUIDING MINDS UNITED NATIONS {TGMUN’25}
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Dear Delegates,
Greetings from the Executive Board of the United Nations Security Council at Guiding Minds United
Nations {TGMUN}!
It gives us immense pleasure to welcome you to one of the most prestigious and dynamic committees in
the United Nations, the UNSC, the guardian of international peace and security. The discussions that
unfold within this committee shape the course of global diplomacy, and we are truly excited to witness
the depth of intellect, empathy, and negotiation that each of you will bring to the table.
Our agenda, “The Israel–Palestine Conflict,” stands as one of the most enduring and complex crises
in modern international relations. It is a conflict that transcends borders, woven with history, faith,
displacement, and diplomacy. Through the lens of the UNSC, we will analyze its political,
humanitarian, and legal dimensions, exploring how the Council can fulfill its mandate to maintain
peace while respecting sovereignty, justice, and human dignity.
As delegates, your task is not merely to defend your nation’s policies but to embody the spirit of
international cooperation. The UNSC is unique because its decisions have binding power, your words
and resolutions represent not just debate, but potential action. We encourage you to research
thoroughly, question deeply, and negotiate earnestly. Remember, diplomacy often begins where conflict
seems inevitable.
We also understand that this committee may be the first UNSC experience for some delegates. Do not
be intimidated by the formality of procedure or the intensity of debate. The Executive Board is here to
guide and support you. Be bold, respectful, and solution-oriented, that is the essence of a true
diplomat.
We hope this Study Guide serves as a strong foundation for your preparation. It contains an overview
of the UNSC’s mandate, the historical evolution of the Israel–Palestine conflict, key international
actions, and essential research resources. Take time to understand the nuances behind every statistic
lies a human story, and behind every resolution, a world striving for peace.
We look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue, creative diplomacy, and powerful policymaking
together.
Warm regards,
By :
Shagun Kulshreshth
Chairperson – United Nations Security Council
Contact – [Link]@[Link]
Huzaifa Naveed
Co-Chairperson – United Nations Security Council
Contact – huzaifanaveed4656@[Link]
Table of Contents
1.Introduction to the United Nations Security Council
2.Mandate and Powers under the UN Charter
3.Membership, Veto Power, and Decision-Making
4.Introduction to the Agenda: The Israel–Palestine Conflict
5.Contemporary Developments and the Role of the UNSC
6.Objectives of the Committee
7.Guiding Questions for Delegates
8.Suggested Topics for Debate
9.Research Resources and Recommendations
10. Conclusion
*Kindly read all the content carefully*
1. Introduction to the United Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the most powerful organ of the
United Nations, responsible for ensuring international peace and security. Created
in 1945 after the Second World War, it embodies the international community’s
commitment to prevent the recurrence of global conflict and to respond decisively to
emerging crises.
Unlike other UN bodies, the UNSC’s resolutions are legally binding upon member
states. This power gives the Council unparalleled authority but also immense
responsibility. It can investigate disputes, impose sanctions, authorize
peacekeeping missions, and, if necessary, permit military intervention under
international law.
In Model UN simulations, the UNSC replicates this real-world power dynamic,
challenging delegates to think like diplomats, strategists, and peacemakers all at once.
2. Mandate and Powers under the UN Charter
The UNSC derives its powers from Chapters V–VII of the UN Charter.
● Article 24: Entrusts the Security Council with “primary responsibility for the
maintenance of international peace and security.”
● Article 25: Requires all Member States to comply with Council decisions.
● Articles 33–38: Encourage peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiation,
mediation, arbitration, or judicial means.
● Article 39: Allows the Council to determine the existence of any threat to peace or
act of aggression.
● Article 41: Authorizes non-military measures such as sanctions, embargoes, or
severing diplomatic ties.
● Article 42: Permits military enforcement if peaceful measures fail.
These provisions form the legal backbone for the Council’s actions and also the basis for
delegates’ resolutions during the simulation.
3. Membership, Veto Power, and Decision-Making
The UNSC has 15 members:
● Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and
the United States.
● Non-Permanent Members: Ten countries elected for two-year terms on a
regional rotation.
Each member holds one vote.
Decisions on procedural matters require 9 affirmative votes, while substantive
matters (resolutions, sanctions, peacekeeping operations) require 9 votes including
the concurrence of all P5 members.
This “veto power” often shapes the Council’s dynamics. For instance, the U.S. has
repeatedly vetoed resolutions critical of Israel, while Russia and China have vetoed
resolutions perceived as Western-biased. In simulations, understanding veto
strategy is vital to successful diplomacy.
4. Introduction to the Agenda: The Israel–Palestine Conflict
The Israel–Palestine conflict is one of the most protracted and polarizing issues in
international diplomacy. At its essence, it is a territorial and national struggle
between two peoples- the Jews and the Palestinians, each claiming the same
homeland. However, it is also a deeply emotional and ideological conflict rooted in
religious identity, displacement, and the legacy of colonialism.
The conflict traces its origins to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the rise
of Jewish nationalism, or Zionism, and Arab nationalism in the Middle East. The
Balfour Declaration of 1917, issued by the British government, expressed support
for “a national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, which was then under
Ottoman and later British control. This declaration laid the groundwork for
political and demographic changes that would later intensify tensions between
Jewish immigrants and the Arab population.
In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan dividing Palestine into two
states, one Jewish and one Arab with Jerusalem under international administration.
While Jewish leaders accepted the plan, Arab leaders rejected it, arguing that it
violated the rights of the Arab majority. When Israel declared its independence in
1948, neighboring Arab states invaded, resulting in the first Arab–Israeli war. The
war concluded with Israel’s victory and the displacement of nearly 700,000
Palestinians, an event remembered as the Nakba, or catastrophe.
Subsequent wars, including those of 1956, 1967, and 1973, further altered the
geopolitical landscape. Israel’s victory in the 1967 Six-Day War led to the
occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights,
territories still central to the modern conflict. Resolution 242, passed by the UNSC
after the war, called for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories in exchange
for peace, a principle known as “land for peace.”
The 1993 Oslo Accords marked a significant, though fragile, breakthrough by
recognizing the Palestinian Authority and establishing limited Palestinian
self-governance. However, subsequent years have been characterized by broken
agreements, the rise of militant factions such as Hamas, expanding Israeli
settlements, and recurrent violence. The humanitarian toll, especially in Gaza,
continues to mount, with blockades, airstrikes, and displacement creating severe
suffering for civilians.
5. Contemporary Developments and the Role of the UNSC
Today, the conflict remains one of the gravest humanitarian crises in the
world. The Gaza Strip endures severe restrictions, widespread poverty,
and repeated cycles of war. The West Bank remains under occupation,
fragmented by settlements and checkpoints. Jerusalem continues to
symbolize both faith and division, with each side claiming it as its capital.
The Security Council has been deeply involved since the beginning,
adopting resolutions such as 181 (Partition Plan), 194 (Right of Return),
242 and 338 (Land for Peace), and 2334 (Condemnation of Settlements).
However, political realities, especially the use of vetoes have often
prevented unified action. Delegates must critically examine why
diplomatic progress has stalled and how the Council can restore its
effectiveness in addressing this decades-long crisis.
6. Objectives of the Committee
As delegates in this committee, you are expected to analyze the
situation through political, legal, and humanitarian lenses. You must
identify the barriers to peace, assess the roles of state and non-state
actors, and explore realistic frameworks for coexistence. The goal is
not to assign blame, but to find balance to acknowledge historical
grievances while crafting policies that prioritize security, justice, and
human dignity for all people involved.
Your resolutions should aim to uphold the UN Charter’s principles of
sovereignty, human rights, and peace, while remaining diplomatically
practical and implementable.
7. Guiding Questions for Delegates
1.How can the Security Council ensure sustained humanitarian access to
conflict-affected regions?
2.Should Palestine be granted full UN membership, and what implications
would this have?
3.What diplomatic strategies can realistically promote a two-state or
alternative solution?
4.How can external powers and regional actors be engaged in constructive
dialogue?
5.What mechanisms can prevent escalation and civilian casualties in future
conflicts?
*Reach out if more questions needed
8. Suggested Topics for Debate
The Israel–Palestine conflict spans decades of political disputes, humanitarian crises, and international negotiations. To
structure the committee’s discussion and ensure comprehensive deliberation, delegates are encouraged to focus on the
following subtopics and themes. These suggested topics are designed to guide your research, speeches, and working
papers toward productive and realistic outcomes:
1. Ceasefire and De-escalation Mechanisms
○ Immediate steps to establish a sustainable ceasefire between Israel and armed groups in Gaza.
~The role of peacekeeping forces or UN monitoring missions in reducing hostilities.
~Frameworks for confidence-building measures between conflicting parties.
2. Humanitarian Access and Civilian Protection
○ Ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza and the West Bank.
~Addressing civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction of essential infrastructure.
○ Strengthening the role of UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies amid funding challenges.
3. Legal and Human Rights Concerns
○ Compliance with international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention.
○ Examination of alleged war crimes and accountability mechanisms.
○ The legal status of Israeli settlements and Palestinian resistance movements.
4. Status of Jerusalem and Holy Sites
○ Debating the sovereignty and administrative status of Jerusalem.
○ Managing access and religious freedoms for all communities.
○ Internationalizing the administration of holy sites to prevent further conflict.
5. Palestinian Statehood and Recognition
○ The implications of granting Palestine full UN membership.
○ Reassessing the two-state versus one-state solution frameworks.
○ The feasibility of re-establishing meaningful peace negotiations.
6. Regional and International Involvement
○ Evaluating the impact of neighboring Arab states and organizations such as the Arab League.
○ The influence of U.S. foreign policy, the European Union, and other global actors.
○ The role of the Abraham Accords in reshaping Middle Eastern diplomacy.
7. Security and Counterterrorism Measures
○ Balancing state security with the protection of human rights.
○ Addressing the presence and influence of militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
○ Preventing the spread of extremism through education and economic development.
8. Economic Reconstruction and Development
○ Strategies for rebuilding Gaza’s economy and infrastructure post-conflict.
○ Lifting or easing blockades to promote trade and mobility.
○ International financial aid and development initiatives for long-term peace.
9. Refugees and the Right of Return
○ The status and resettlement options for Palestinian refugees.
○ Revisiting the implications of UN Resolution 194 on return and compensation.
○ Integrating refugee rights within future peace frameworks.
10. Future Frameworks for Peace and Coexistence
● Exploring alternative models such as confederation or shared governance.
● Creating educational and cultural exchange initiatives to foster trust.
● The potential role of digital diplomacy and youth movements in conflict resolution.
9. Research Resources and Recommendations
1) United Nations Information System on the Question of Palestine (UNISPAL) – official UN archive of
👉
historical and current documents
[Link]
2) UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) – Occupied Palestinian Territory –
👉
situation updates, maps, and data
[Link]
👉
3) UNICEF – Humanitarian Impact of the Gaza Blockade – report on child welfare and living conditions
[Link]
4) UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) – official reports, updates,
👉
and appeals
[Link]
5) Council on Foreign Relations – Israeli–Palestinian Conflict Tracker – overview, timelines, and key
👉
developments
[Link]
6) Security Council Report – The Middle East including the Palestinian Question – analysis of UNSC
👉
meetings and resolutions
[Link]
7) ReliefWeb – Updates on the Occupied Palestinian Territory – humanitarian briefings and response
👉
reports
[Link]
8) Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – reports on human rights
👉
violations and legal issues
[Link]
👉
9) BBC News – Israel–Palestinian Conflict Explained – background, key events, and map resources
[Link]
👉
10) The Guardian – Israel–Palestine Conflict Coverage – international perspectives and current analysis
[Link]
10. Conclusion
The Israel–Palestine conflict is far more than a geopolitical struggle, it is a living
testament to humanity’s deepest contradictions: the yearning for freedom, the pain of
displacement, the fear of insecurity, and the fragile hope for peace. For over seven
decades, this conflict has challenged the conscience of the international community and
tested the very ideals on which the United Nations was founded.
As future diplomats and global citizens, delegates must approach this issue not as distant
observers but as stewards of justice and peace. Each resolution clause, every moderated
caucus, and each diplomatic conversation in this committee holds the potential to
reimagine the future of millions. The Security Council has, time and again, attempted to
mediate, intervene, and reconcile, but progress has remained elusive, not because peace
is impossible, but because the path to it demands courage, empathy, and compromise.
In debating this agenda, you are not merely discussing borders or treaties; you are
confronting questions of human dignity, self-determination, and coexistence. The
challenge before the UNSC is to balance legality with morality, sovereignty with
compassion, and realism with idealism. The ultimate goal is not simply to cease
hostilities but to restore humanity to a region where loss has long overshadowed hope.
You are encouraged to think beyond short-term solutions. Consider frameworks that
foster dialogue, development, and reconciliation. Reflect on the power dynamics within
the Council itself, how can it overcome political divisions and act as a truly neutral
guardian of peace? Remember that diplomacy is not about choosing sides, but about
choosing peace, even when it is the harder choice.
The Israel–Palestine conflict endures as one of the greatest tests of international
cooperation in modern history. Let this committee be a place where thoughtful discussion
transcends rhetoric and where compassion informs policy. Your research, reasoning, and
rhetoric together can illuminate paths that history has not yet taken.
As you enter this debate, carry with you not only the mandate of your nation but also the
responsibility of global citizenship. Let your words reflect wisdom, let your negotiations
embody empathy, and let your resolutions echo the United Nations’ founding promise
that “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” remains not just a phrase
in the Charter, but a living mission in our time.
Peace begins not in treaties, but in understanding. It begins here, in this council, through
you.