Israel Vs Palestine: What is The History Behind This Conflict?
London, 7 May 2024
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a complex and long-standing dispute that has deep historical roots. It dates back to the late 19th century when Zionist individuals and groups began pushing for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. This region, which was under Ottoman rule at the time, holds significant religious and cultural importance for both Jews and Muslims, leading to conflicting claims over the land.
The Balfour Declaration and Zionist Immigration
One of the key turning points in the conflict was the British government's issuance of the Balfour Declaration in 1917. This declaration expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, sparking a wave of Jewish immigration to the region. As more Jewish immigrants arrived, tensions between the Jewish and Arab populations in Palestine escalated.
The Creation of Israel and Arab-Israeli Wars
In 1948, following the atrocities of World War II and the Holocaust, the United Nations adopted a partition plan that called for the creation of separate Jewish and Arab states in Palestine. The state of Israel was established in May 1948, leading to a war between Israel and its Arab neighbours. This conflict marked the beginning of a series of Arab-Israeli wars that would shape the region's geopolitical landscape for decades to come.
Occupation and Settlements
In the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. The ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, along with the expansion of Israeli settlements in these areas, has been a major point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The construction of settlements is considered illegal under international law and has been a major obstacle to peace negotiations.
Peace Process and Roadblocks
Over the years, numerous peace initiatives have been proposed to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the Oslo Accords in the 1990s and the more recent peace efforts led by the United States. However, negotiations have often broken down due to disagreements over key issues such as borders, security, refugees, and the status of Jerusalem. The lack of progress in the peace process has only served to deepen the animosity between the two sides.
Human Rights Concerns
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has also raised serious human rights concerns, with both sides accusing each other of human rights abuses. Palestinians have raised concerns about Israeli military operations, settlements, and restrictions on movement, while Israelis have cited security threats and acts of violence perpetrated by Palestinian militant groups. In conclusion, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply entrenched and multi-faceted dispute that has defied resolution for decades. The historical background of the conflict, along with issues such as occupation, settlements, and human rights abuses, continue to fuel tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. For lasting peace to be achieved, both sides will need to make difficult compromises and work towards a just and lasting solution to the conflict. (Research and edit by The Decision Maker International Relations editors. Angelos Tsigkopoulos contributed to this article)