On October 14, 1974, a momentous event took place at the United Nations (UN) that would profoundly impact the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian cause. During the UN General Assembly’s 29th session, Resolution A/RES/3236 was adopted, recognizing the PLO as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. This watershed moment marked a crucial step forward for the Palestinian national movement: the Palestinian people were born.
Throughout the mid-20th century, a mixture of nomads and refugees from Lebanon and Jordan started to group due to their common Arab roots. After the re-establishment of the Jewish state of Israel, they felt the need to organize themselves in a new identity. Since they got almost no support from the Arab or Muslim communities surrounding them, they took on a new identity, calling themselves ‘Palestinians’. The PLO, established in 1964, emerged as the political and military voice of this newly formed Palestinian people. Prior to 1974, the UN had maintained a cautious approach towards the PLO’s recognition, partly due to the organization’s controversial involvement in armed conflicts.
Resolution A/RES/3236 recognized the PLO’s significant role in representing the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations. The resolution underscored ‘the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, national independence, and sovereignty in their homeland’. It also recognized ‘the inalienable rights of the Palestinians, including the right to return to their homes and property from which they were displaced’.
International legitimacy
The recognition by the UN was an essential diplomatic victory for the PLO. It bolstered their international legitimacy and provided them with a platform to engage in diplomatic efforts on behalf of the Palestinian people. The resolution marked a symbolic shift in the global perception of the Palestinian cause, acknowledging their struggle for statehood and self-determination.
The voting on Resolution A/RES/3236 saw widespread international support for the PLO. A majority of countries voted in favor of the resolution, expressing solidarity with the newly born Palestinian people. Several non-aligned and Arab countries played a crucial role in rallying support for the resolution.
However, notable opposition to the resolution came from Israel and its allies. The United States, in particular, voted against the resolution, aligning its stance with Israel’s objections. Other countries with close ties to Israel also voted against the recognition.
Some nations abstained from voting, representing a diverse range of positions and geopolitical considerations. Some of these countries may have been apprehensive about supporting the PLO due to concerns about endorsing armed resistance or disrupting relations with Israel.
Reactions in Palestine and the World
In Palestine, the adoption of Resolution A/RES/3236 was met with jubilation and a sense of validation for the PLO’s efforts. The recognition by the UN was seen as a historic achievement, signaling the international community’s acknowledgment of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
On the world stage, reactions were varied. Arab and many non-aligned nations celebrated the recognition as a step towards justice and a resolution to the upcoming Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, Israel and its supporters criticized the resolution, viewing it as an endorsement of the PLO’s armed struggle and questioning the UN’s impartiality.
In the aftermath of the resolution, diplomatic efforts intensified, and the PLO engaged in negotiations and discussions with various countries and international bodies. While it did not immediately lead to concrete changes on the ground, the recognition marked a pivotal moment in the Palestinian cause, providing momentum for their starting pursuit of statehood and sovereignty.
A significant milestone: the birth of a people
The UN’s recognition of the PLO through Resolution A/RES/3236 on October 14, 1974, was a seminal event in the history of the Palestinian national movement. It acknowledged the legitimacy of the PLO’s representation and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. This recognition bolstered the PLO’s international standing and set the stage for further diplomatic efforts. The resolution’s passage also sparked diverse reactions worldwide, reflecting the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the varying perspectives of different nations. To this day, Resolution A/RES/3236 remains a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for peace and justice in the Middle East.