ABSTRACT
International diplomacy attempting to deal with the refugee issue has since the 1950s focused on resettlement somewhere else, as Israel would not admit any process of return, due to the sensitive demographic nature of Israel. Throughout its history, ‘return’ of Palestinian refugees has to Israel been tantamount to an existential threat. To the Palestinians, the refugee question is the very core of the conflict with Israel, and it has, according to the Palestinian position, not been conceivable to reach a solution without the implementation of UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 194 from 1948. Article 11 of Resolution 194 states that it:
Resolves that the refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or in equity, should be made good by the governments or authorities responsible.
