The Israel-Palestine conflict is a long-standing and deeply rooted conflict between two peoples over the land area known as historical Palestine, which includes present-day Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. The conflict has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when nationalist movements gained momentum in various parts of the world, including the Middle East.

Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries:

• Zionism: In the late 19th century, the Zionist movement emerged among Jews in Europe, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The movement was led by Theodor Herzl, who believed that Jews needed a national homeland to escape anti-Semitism.
• Ottoman Empire: During this time, Palestine was a part of the Ottoman Empire. Jewish immigration to Palestine increased, leading to tensions between Jewish immigrants and the Arab population.

Post-World War I:

• British Mandate: After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine. The Balfour Declaration in 1917 expressed British support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, further fueling tensions between Jews and Arabs.

Post-World War II:

• United Nations Partition Plan (1947): After World War II and the Holocaust, the issue of Jewish refugees and the desire for a Jewish homeland gained international sympathy. In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan that would create separate Jewish and Arab states in Palestine, with Jerusalem as an international city. The plan was accepted by Jews but rejected by Arabs, leading to increased violence.

1948 Arab-Israeli War (War of Independence):

• Creation of Israel: On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was declared, leading to a war between the newly established Israel and neighboring Arab states (Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon). Israel won the war and expanded its territory beyond the UN partition borders.

Post-1948:

• Palestinian Refugees: The 1948 war resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, leading to the creation of the Palestinian refugee issue. Many Palestinians ended up in refugee camps in neighboring Arab countries.

1967 Six-Day War:

• Israeli Expansion: In 1967, Israel fought a war with Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, significantly enlarging its territory.

Post-1967:

• Palestinian Nationalism: The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), under the leadership of Yasser Arafat, emerged as a prominent advocate for Palestinian rights and statehood. The PLO conducted various acts of resistance and terrorism against Israel.

Oslo Accords and Peace Process:

• 1993 Oslo Accords: Israel and the PLO signed the Oslo Accords, which envisioned a process leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. However, the peace process faced numerous challenges, including territorial disputes, Israeli settlements, and the status of Jerusalem.

Recent Years:

• Gaza Conflict: Israel has engaged in multiple military conflicts with Hamas, the Islamist militant group in the Gaza Strip, leading to significant humanitarian crises and loss of life.

Current Situation:

The conflict continues with sporadic violence, peace talks, and international efforts to find a lasting solution, with issues such as borders, refugees, settlements, and the status of Jerusalem remaining contentious points of negotiation.

Please note that the situation in the region is complex and continuously evolving, with new developments shaping the dynamics of the conflict.

The Open View

October 14, 2023