Model UN：The Gaza Conflict – Voices from a Divided World
This week, VLA hosted a Model United Nations activity that brought global politics to life right in our own classroom, which was turned into a security council. Each student became a diplomat, representing a real country and its official stance on the ongoing Gaza issue. With placards in hand and minds set for discussion, participants stepped into the shoes of world leaders, navigating one of the most pressing and controversial topics in today’s headlines.
The history of the Middle Eastern wars and the Gaza conflict is one of the most complex and long-standing struggles in modern times. The roots trace back to the early 20th century, when both Jews and Arabs sought nationhood in the same land under the British Mandate of Palestine. In 1947, the United Nations proposed dividing the land into two states, one Jewish and one Arab — a plan accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by most Arab ones. The following year, Israel declared independence, prompting surrounding Arab states to invade in what became the first Arab-Israeli war.
Onsite record of Haiti seminar
Over the decades, several wars and uprisings followed — notably in 1967 and 1973 — shaping today’s borders and tensions.
After Israel captured Gaza and the West Bank in 1967, conflict over territory deepened, and peace efforts such as the Oslo Accords in the 1990s failed to deliver lasting stability. In 2007, Hamas, an Islamist militant and political organization, seized control of Gaza after a power struggle with Fatah. Since then, Israel and Egypt have maintained a blockade over the region, citing Hamas’s rocket attacks and militant activity.
Gaza has since witnessed repeated wars — in 2008, 2014, and again in 2023 — each marked by devastating humanitarian consequences. Hamas governs Gaza internally and operates an armed wing responsible for rocket attacks and tunnel operations, while Israel responds with large-scale military campaigns.
Reports from international organizations and journalists have also documented that some Palestinian children are exposed to military-style training or indoctrination by militant groups — a tragic aspect of the cycle of violence that robs young generations of peace and normal childhoods. Beyond politics and ideology, the Gaza conflict reveals the profound human cost of war, where civilians — especially children — continue to suffer most. Recently, a new surprise offensive made by terrorist organization Hamas has once again broken the silence. Since April, over 67000 people have lost their lives.
After a brief introduction and a reading of a proposal based on UN Security Council Draft Resolution 583 (2025) — a calling for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire — the debate officially began. One by one, delegates delivered their opening speeches, each offering their unique perspectives on the conflict.
The room was charged with energy — from the calm diplomacy of Japan to the fiery conviction of Russia. The representative of China, speaking passionately in English with a heavy Chinese accent, sparked laughter and entertainment among the audience. Even the chair showed signs of entertainment.
Country Speeches and Key Positions
The participants’ speeches revealed a sharp division of opinions:
China, Russia, and Allies:
This bloc firmly supported an unconditional ceasefire, calling for the immediate end of violence and humanitarian suffering. They emphasized that peace should never come with preconditions and that the priority must be saving lives. “Ceasefire first, negotiation later,” one delegate declared, echoing the voices of many developing nations that stand for global stability and compassion.
The United States:
In contrast, the delegate representing the U.S. opposed the resolution’s unconditional nature. They argued that Hamas’s role and continued aggression must first be addressed before any ceasefire could be truly effective. “Without accountability, peace won’t last,” the U.S. delegate argued. Their speeches reflected the complex balancing act between moral responsibility and geopolitical strategy.
Debate in Action
Once speeches concluded, the floor opened for heated exchanges. Delegates cross-examined each other’s points, challenged logic, and defended their nations’ principles. Every argument felt like a glimpse into real-world diplomacy — passion mixed with reasoning, national interest with moral ideals.
At times, the discussion became intense — alliances formed, others fractured, and new perspectives emerged. Delegates quickly learned that international politics isn’t just about who’s right or wrong; it’s about how you persuade, negotiate, and build consensus.
The Final Vote
After nearly an hour of debate, the voting began. Each delegate raised their placard to cast a nation’s decision.
For the Resolution (Ceasefire): China, Russia, and allied nations
Against the Resolution: The United States
The results mirrored the divisions on the actual global stage, making the simulation feel strikingly real. Students experienced firsthand how diplomacy works — and how challenging it is to reach agreement when values, interests, and strategies collide.
Beyond the Debate
At the end of the event, the moderator guided everyone to reflect on what the simulation truly meant.
“Today wasn’t just about Gaza,” one student shared. “It was about understanding that every global issue has multiple truths — and every side believes they’re right.” – (personal thought by Frank)
Through this experience, participants learned more than just politics. They learned perspective — how empathy, communication, and critical thinking can coexist with conflict and disagreement.
Takeaway
The Gaza MUN activity reminded us that leadership starts with listening, that peace requires courage, and that dialogue is still humanity’s best hope. At VLA, we believe that giving youth the space to think, speak, and debate global issues helps them grow not only in skill — but in awareness, compassion, and responsibility.
English Author: Frank Ding；Video editor：David Li
Author Bio：
Frank Ding is a grade 8 student in Pilgrim Wood Public School. He enjoys Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time, exploring topics related to quantum computing, playing basketball, and walking the dogs in his family.
