Background of the Conflict – Israel / Palestine

Background of the conflict between Israel and Palestine is a long-standing and deeply complex issue with roots that can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It involves a clash of national identities, territorial disputes, and historical grievances. Here’s a brief overview of key aspects of the conflict:

Historical Context

Late 19th Century: The roots of the conflict can be partially traced to the growth of nationalist movements among Jews (Zionism) and among Arabs in the Ottoman Empire. Jewish immigration to Palestine increased, driven by the desire for a homeland where Jews could escape persecution.
1947-1948: Following the end of British Mandate for Palestine, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. This proposal was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders. In 1948, the State of Israel was declared, leading to the first Arab-Israeli war. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians became refugees.
1967 Six-Day War: Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula. This significantly shaped the territorial and political landscape of the conflict.

Palestine Partition Map Majority Proposal

A sketch map of the plan on partition of Palestine, with economic union, proposed by the majority of the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine. The plan envisages the division of Palestine into 3 parts: a Jewish state, an Arab State (dark tint), and the City of Jerusalem (white), to be placed under an International Trusteeship system. 1947, United Nations (Lake Success).

Key Issues

Territorial Disputes: The status of Jerusalem, borders, and Israeli settlements in the West Bank are major sticking points. Palestinians seek the establishment of an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital, areas that were occupied by Israel during the 1967 war.
Security Concerns: Israel cites security concerns as reasons for retaining control over certain territories and for military actions. The construction of barriers and checkpoints, as well as military operations, are viewed as necessary for the security of its citizens.
Refugees: The right of return for Palestinian refugees who were displaced in 1948 and their descendants is a critical and contentious issue.
Violence and Incitement: Both sides accuse each other of incitement and violence. The conflict has seen periods of intense violence, uprisings (Intifadas), and numerous attempts at negotiation.

Attempts at Peace

Several attempts have been made to resolve the conflict, including the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, which created the Palestinian Authority and set a framework for future negotiations, and the Camp David Summit in 2000. Despite these efforts, the background shows a lasting peace agreement has not been achieved, and the conflict persists, marked by cycles of violence and temporary ceasefires.

The background shows that the situation is highly dynamic, influenced by changes in political leadership, regional dynamics, and international intervention. It remains one of the most challenging and intractable conflicts in modern history. A long-standing and deeply complex issue with roots that can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Members of Security Council Vote on Palestine’s Participation

The members of the Security Council vote in favour of permitting the observer for Palestine to participate in the Council’s discussion on the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. 05 October 1990. UN Photo.

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