A deep historical overview reveals the roots of this struggle and its ongoing implications.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict: A Century of Strife Explained
Israel-Palestinian Conflict: A Century of Strife Explained
The enduring and complex conflict between Israel and the Palestinians continues to shape lives and geopolitics.
The Israel-Palestine conflict remains one of the most enduring and violent territorial disputes in modern history, rooted in over a hundred years of complex events. From wars and uprisings to international interventions, the conflict has evolved through multiple phases, impacting millions.
The historical background of Israel dates back to when Britain acquired control over Palestine following World War I, succeeding the Ottoman Empire. Palestinians and Jewish settlers coexisted amid rising tensions, particularly as the UK endorsed the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, a move that many Palestinian Arabs opposed. The Jewish population increased significantly in the 1930s and 1940s, as many sought refuge from European persecution, reaching around 30% by 1947, compared to the majority who were Palestinian.
In 1947, the UN proposed partitioning Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, which was met with resistance from Arab nations, leading to heightened conflict. Following Israel's declaration of independence in 1948, surrounding Arab armies invaded, marking the beginning of what Israelis refer to as their War of Independence but is known among Palestinians as the Nakba, or 'Catastrophe'. This event resulted in roughly 750,000 Palestinians being displaced.
Fast-forward to 1967, the Six-Day War saw Israel achieve significant territorial control by capturing the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank from neighboring countries. The lasting occupation of these areas has since intensified disputes over land rights, sovereignty, and the legitimacy of settlements that Israel has established.
Today, the West Bank, where about three million Palestinians reside, exists under Israeli military dominance, despite the Palestinian Authority managing parts of it. The presence of Israeli settlements, viewed as illegal by the international community, continues to be contentious, with Israel asserting its historical claims over the land.
In Jerusalem, both Israelis and Palestinians lay claim to the city, particularly regarding East Jerusalem, which is vital for both parties due to its religious significance. Control over crucial religious sites contributes to ongoing tensions.
Gaza, home to 2.3 million people, has faced humanitarian crises amid blockades, wars, and escalating violence, particularly influenced by the actions of Hamas. The recent escalation began with an unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulting in extensive casualties and an ongoing military response from Israel.
The political landscape continues to shift, with recent developments signaling international views on Palestinian statehood, influenced by various historical contexts and contemporary realities. With significant numbers of Palestinian refugees—descendants from the 1948 era—reclamation of rights, refugee status, and the discussion of the two-state solution remain central themes among a complex web of national and international politics.
As the conflict endures, both sides express starkly divergent narratives and aspirations for their future—highlighting the challenging path toward peace and coexistence in a divided world.
The historical background of Israel dates back to when Britain acquired control over Palestine following World War I, succeeding the Ottoman Empire. Palestinians and Jewish settlers coexisted amid rising tensions, particularly as the UK endorsed the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, a move that many Palestinian Arabs opposed. The Jewish population increased significantly in the 1930s and 1940s, as many sought refuge from European persecution, reaching around 30% by 1947, compared to the majority who were Palestinian.
In 1947, the UN proposed partitioning Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, which was met with resistance from Arab nations, leading to heightened conflict. Following Israel's declaration of independence in 1948, surrounding Arab armies invaded, marking the beginning of what Israelis refer to as their War of Independence but is known among Palestinians as the Nakba, or 'Catastrophe'. This event resulted in roughly 750,000 Palestinians being displaced.
Fast-forward to 1967, the Six-Day War saw Israel achieve significant territorial control by capturing the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank from neighboring countries. The lasting occupation of these areas has since intensified disputes over land rights, sovereignty, and the legitimacy of settlements that Israel has established.
Today, the West Bank, where about three million Palestinians reside, exists under Israeli military dominance, despite the Palestinian Authority managing parts of it. The presence of Israeli settlements, viewed as illegal by the international community, continues to be contentious, with Israel asserting its historical claims over the land.
In Jerusalem, both Israelis and Palestinians lay claim to the city, particularly regarding East Jerusalem, which is vital for both parties due to its religious significance. Control over crucial religious sites contributes to ongoing tensions.
Gaza, home to 2.3 million people, has faced humanitarian crises amid blockades, wars, and escalating violence, particularly influenced by the actions of Hamas. The recent escalation began with an unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulting in extensive casualties and an ongoing military response from Israel.
The political landscape continues to shift, with recent developments signaling international views on Palestinian statehood, influenced by various historical contexts and contemporary realities. With significant numbers of Palestinian refugees—descendants from the 1948 era—reclamation of rights, refugee status, and the discussion of the two-state solution remain central themes among a complex web of national and international politics.
As the conflict endures, both sides express starkly divergent narratives and aspirations for their future—highlighting the challenging path toward peace and coexistence in a divided world.
