For centuries, the area now known as Israel and Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire, known as Greater Syria.
The population consisted mainly of Muslim and Christian Arabs, with a smaller Jewish community in cities like Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed.
2. British Mandate and the Roots of Conflict (1920–1948)
After World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the League of Nations granted Britain control over Mandatory Palestine.
The Balfour Declaration of 1917 expressed British support for a “national home for the Jewish people,” conflicting with Arab aspirations for independence.
Tensions between Jewish and Arab populations escalated, leading to increasing violence and clashes.
3. The UN Partition Plan and the 1948 Arab-Israeli War
In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan to create separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city.
The Jewish leaders accepted the plan, while Arab leaders rejected it, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Israel declared independence in 1948, leading to an invasion by neighboring Arab states. Israel emerged victorious, gaining control over much of the territory.
The war resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, many of whom became refugees in neighboring countries.
4. Post-1948: Territories and Ongoing Conflict
West Bank and Gaza Strip: After the war, Jordan took control of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while Egypt controlled Gaza. Israel controlled the rest of the former British Mandate territory.
In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights, marking a turning point in the conflict.
5. Attempts at Peace: Oslo Accords and Two-State Solution
The Oslo Accords (1990s) brought Palestinian Authority (PA) control over parts of the West Bank and a framework for a potential two-state solution.
Despite these agreements, Israeli settlements in the West Bank, disputes over Jerusalem, and ongoing violence have prevented the realization of a Palestinian state.
6. The Current Situation
Israeli Control and Palestinian Territories: Israel maintains significant control over the West Bank, with settlements and military presence, while Hamas governs the Gaza Strip.
Recent Developments (October 2024):
The region has experienced increased violence and military operations between Israel and Hamas, leading to significant casualties on both sides.
International Reactions: Many countries have called for de-escalation, while some have expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself and others for the Palestinian right to self-determination.
Humanitarian Concerns: Reports indicate severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza due to blockades, displacement, and limited access to essential supplies.
7. Key Issues in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Status of Jerusalem: Both sides claim Jerusalem as their capital, adding to tensions.
Israeli Settlements: Expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank remains a significant obstacle to peace.
Palestinian Statehood: Calls for a sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza have been stalled by political disputes, lack of consensus, and security concerns.
8. Conclusion: Pathways to Peace or Prolonged Conflict?
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the world’s most enduring and complex geopolitical issues.
While the two-state solution remains a formal goal of many international actors, achieving it requires resolving long-standing grievances, ensuring security, and addressing humanitarian concerns on both sides.
