comprehensive and durable peace in the Middle East. It is astounding that this simple fact should have baffled-or seemed to have baffled-so many learned policy-makers and scholars, particularly in the United States. No people in the world should be expected unilaterally to abdicate its national and individual rights in exchange for nothing. Not only would that be putting the cart before the horse, but it would also be tantamount to highway robbery and blackmail. 72. If the Israeli leadership declares openly and almost daily that it will in no circumstances recognize the PLO or redeem Palestinian rights, except as exercised on temporary Indian reservations, why should the Palestinian people, the aggrieved party, recognize their tormentors and usurpers? It takes two to make an agreement. If one is refused recognition, then the other’s claim to legitimacy will be legally null and void. Indeed, Israel was created by General As- sembly resolution 181 (IT) adopted in 1947, which provided for the establishment of a Jewish State alongside a Palestinian State. An ephemeral $ri~ tr~ompli would be an act of force that would be chal- , Ienged continually and in full measure and cannot therefore be the basis of a just or durable peace to which we all aspire and which we seek. 73. The Egyptian-French draft resolution requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Coun- cil, as well as all the parties concerned, including the representatives of the Palestinian people-and every- 8 one knows who they are-to make prop<~sals ;wI perhaps set up a full-fledged mechanism OI- machincr); under United Nations auspices to pursue by political means the aforementioned objectives. There \vc~ld have to be a conference, specialized committees ;~nd many sub-committees to sort out the rights of the parties to the conflict, which are numerous and almu- 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the potential for a comprehensive and durable peace. The author is emphasizing the need for mutual recognition and respect for the rights of both parties, as well as the importance of a just and equitable solution. The text does not mention economic development, natural resources, or industry, but rather focuses on the political and human aspects of the conflict.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, International relations