United Nations Security Council Resolution 340

A forest of national flags welcomed a delegation of US Senators who came to Israel (FL62043414)

United Nations Security Council Resolution 340 was adopted on 25 October 1973, during the Yom Kippur War. The resolution was passed in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria.

Background

The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War, began on 6 October 1973 when Egyptian and Syrian forces launched a coordinated attack against Israel on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The conflict saw significant military engagements and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.

Provisions of the Resolution

United Nations Security Council Resolution 340 called for an immediate and complete ceasefire between the warring parties. It also mandated the establishment of a United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) to supervise the ceasefire and ensure the withdrawal of forces to the positions they held prior to the outbreak of hostilities.

The key provisions of the resolution included:

• An immediate cessation of all military activities.
• The deployment of the UNEF to monitor the ceasefire.
• The withdrawal of all forces to the positions they held before 22 October 1973.

Implementation

Following the adoption of Resolution 340, the United Nations quickly mobilized the UNEF, which was composed of troops from various member states. The force was tasked with monitoring the ceasefire lines and ensuring that both sides adhered to the terms of the resolution.

Impact

The implementation of Resolution 340 played a crucial role in de-escalating the conflict and preventing further hostilities. It also paved the way for subsequent peace negotiations, including the Camp David Accords and the eventual signing of the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty in 1979.

See also

• Yom Kippur War
• United Nations Security Council
• United Nations Emergency Force
• Camp David Accords
• Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty