Local UNA branch to propose peace solution for Palestine

The Bexhill and Hastings branch of the United Nations Association will hold a public seminar on 25 October to discuss issues of war and peace, when it will put forward a proposal for how peace could be secured in Palestine. Bea Rogers explains the thinking behind the session.

A seminar on peace and war is planned for Bexhill on Saturday 25 October by the local branch of the United Nations Association. At a time when too many governments believe that war is the answer, and somehow inevitable, we are advocating a serious approach to peace. This will be our contribution to the United Nations Day of Peace 2025.

The first part of the programme focuses on how peace begins where we are in mind and spirit, working through the nation, and comes to fruition with international policy through the UN – the ultimate (though flawed) peace-making body.

And then in the second part, as an example of how to end all wars, we will introduce a draft proposal that advocates a new approach for Securing Peace in Israel and Palestine. There is already a brave peace movement in Israel itself, and this needs international support. We will introduce our own proposal, a new approach for securing peace in the region.

This is an open meeting and everyone is welcome. There is no charge and refreshments will be served.

Background

On 14 May 1948, in accordance with a UN General Assembly Resolution (GA181/1947), the UN partitioned Palestine to create the two new states of Israel and Palestine. But the partitioning was unjust in favour of Israel, which triggered armed opposition from the Palestinians. This has led to perpetual warfare, opening the way for Israel to illegally annex and occupy Palestinian territories, thus changing borders and causing mass displacement of Palestinians.

Since then, various peace agreements have interspersed the wars. But none of them have been led by the UN and so none of them have resulted in permanent peace. However, in response to the absolute horror of the latest Israel/Palestine War, the majority of the UN Member States attending a General Assembly Conference on 28-30 July expressed overwhelming support for a two-State solution as part of securing a permanent peace and justice agreement for Israel and Palestine.

At this year’s 80th Session of the General Assembly in September, they confirmed their action plan as the New York Declaration.

Israel-Palestine: Are Two States the Solution? Seminar arranged by the Bexhill and Hastings branch of the United Nations Association Saturday 25 October, 1.45–4.45pm. St. Peter’s Community Centre, Church Street, Bexhill Old Town, TN40 2HE (a 20-minute walk from Bexhill Station, or served by bus 98 and 99. Parking is available in Manor Barn car park).

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