Dr. Ralph Bunche at Arab-Israeli Armistice Talks
1949
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The United Nations attempted to negotiate a settlement to the war between the new state Israel and Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Transjordan (modern Jordan), Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen as well as internal attacks by Palestinian Arabs. On September 17, U.N. mediator Count Folke Bernadotte of Sweden was assassinated in Jerusalem. His successor was Dr. Ralph J. Bunche, a black diplomat from the United States.
In March 1949, terms of an armistice developed by Bunche were accepted by both Arabs and Israelis. Unfortunately the armistice did not solve the underlying bitterness between the two groups. Palestinians refused to live under Israeli rule, and 600,000 Palestinians moved into refugee camps in neighboring Arab states. These Arab states refused to recognize Israel's right to exist. Because the United States recognized Israel, U.S. relations with Arab states were strained, opening opportunities for the Soviets to expand their influence in this strategic region. Dr. Bunche's peacemaking efforts, however, earned him the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize.
In March 1949, terms of an armistice developed by Bunche were accepted by both Arabs and Israelis. Unfortunately the armistice did not solve the underlying bitterness between the two groups. Palestinians refused to live under Israeli rule, and 600,000 Palestinians moved into refugee camps in neighboring Arab states. These Arab states refused to recognize Israel's right to exist. Because the United States recognized Israel, U.S. relations with Arab states were strained, opening opportunities for the Soviets to expand their influence in this strategic region. Dr. Bunche's peacemaking efforts, however, earned him the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Information Agency.
National Archives Identifier: 6802720
Full Citation: Photograph 306-PS-52-565; Dr. Ralph Bunche at Arab-Israeli Armistice Talks; 1949; Master File Photographs of U.S. and Foreign Personalities, World Events, and American Economic, Social, and Cultural Life, ca. 1953 - ca. 1994; Records of the U.S. Information Agency, Record Group 306; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/bunche-armistice-talks, April 18, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.