Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Century of Struggle

Historical Overview

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the world’s most enduring disputes, with roots stretching back over a century. At its core lies competing national movements - Zionism and Palestinian nationalism - both claiming historical and religious ties to the same land.

Origins of the Conflict

Late 19th - Early 20th Century

The modern conflict began with the rise of the Zionist movement in the late 19th century, advocating for a Jewish homeland in historic Palestine. At the time, Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire with a predominantly Arab population.

British Mandate Period (1917-1948)

1917: Balfour Declaration - Britain promises a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine
1920s-1930s: Increasing Jewish immigration leads to Arab-Jewish tensions
1936-1939: Arab Revolt against British rule and Jewish immigration
1947: UN Partition Plan proposes dividing Palestine into Jewish and Arab states

Key Turning Points

1948 - Creation of Israel and the Nakba

May 14, 1948: Israel declares independence
Arab states reject partition and invade
700,000+ Palestinians become refugees (the “Nakba” or catastrophe)
Israel controls 78% of historic Palestine after armistice

1967 Six-Day War

Israel captures West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights
Begin of Israeli military occupation of Palestinian territories
UN Resolution 242 calls for withdrawal from occupied territories

First Intifada (1987-1993)

Palestinian uprising in occupied territories
Leads to Oslo Peace Process

Oslo Accords (1993-1995)

Mutual recognition between Israel and PLO
Creation of Palestinian Authority
Framework for future negotiations

Second Intifada (2000-2005)

Collapse of Camp David Summit
Violent uprising with suicide bombings and military operations
Construction of West Bank barrier/wall begins

Current Dynamics

Gaza Under Hamas (2007-Present)

Hamas takes control of Gaza Strip
Israeli blockade imposed
Multiple wars: 2008-09, 2012, 2014, 2021, 2023

West Bank Realities

Continued settlement expansion
Palestinian Authority limited control
Daily military occupation

Jerusalem

Divided city with contested sovereignty
Holy sites for three religions
Flashpoint for violence

Core Issues

Borders: Final boundaries of Israeli and Palestinian states
Jerusalem: Status of the holy city
Refugees: Right of return for Palestinian refugees
Settlements: Future of Israeli settlements in occupied territories
Security: Guarantees for both peoples
Water Rights: Control of scarce water resources
Recognition: Mutual recognition of rights and statehood

Human Cost

The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and affected millions more:

Displacement and refugee crises
Economic hardship and restrictions on movement
Psychological trauma across generations
Destruction of homes and infrastructure
Loss of life on both sides

International Dimensions

The conflict extends far beyond the region:

US diplomatic and military support for Israel
Arab and Muslim world solidarity with Palestinians
UN involvement and numerous resolutions
International peace efforts and mediation attempts
Global protests and activism
Accusations of war crimes and human rights violations

Recent Developments (2020-2025)

Abraham Accords normalize relations between Israel and several Arab states
Continued settlement expansion in West Bank
Rising violence and military raids
October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent Gaza war
International Court of Justice proceedings
Growing international recognition of Palestinian state

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the most intractable disputes in modern history, with deep emotional, religious, and political dimensions that make resolution extremely challenging. Understanding its complexity requires acknowledging the legitimate aspirations and grievances of both peoples while recognizing the human cost of continued conflict.