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Israeli–Palestinian conflict

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The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long-standing political and military struggle. It focuses on land and self-determination within the territory of the former Mandatory Palestine.

Cia-is-map2
Cia-is-map2

Both Israelis and Palestinians seek to govern themselves in this region. The dispute involves many complex issues. These include borders, security, and water rights. It also covers the status of Jerusalem and Israeli settlements. Other key factors are the permit regime and Palestinian freedom of movement.

Bil'in (22)
Bil'in (22)

The conflict remains a major focus of international politics and law.

The struggle began with the rise of Zionism in the late 19th century. Zionism was a movement in Europe that aimed to establish a Jewish state.

Balfour declaration unmarked
Balfour declaration unmarked

Zionist leaders sought to create a homogeneous Jewish settlement in Palestine. This often involved the denial of Palestinian national aspirations. In 1917, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration. This document expressed support for a "Jewish homeland" in Palestine. After World War I, Britain took control of the Ottoman region. They established it as the British Mandate for Palestine. This period saw rapid growth in the Jewish population, known as the Yishuv.

As Jewish immigration increased, tensions grew between Jews and Arabs. These tensions involved land ownership and economic competition. A major event was the 1936 Arab general strike. This led to the Palestinian Revolt, which lasted from 1936 to 1939.

Jaffa 1936
Jaffa 1936

The revolt demanded an end to British colonial rule. The British responded with heavy repression. This repression weakened Palestinian national leadership and military capabilities. Many Palestinian leaders were imprisoned, exiled, or killed. The revolt also caused severe damage to the Palestinian economy. At the same time, the Jewish-controlled sector of the economy expanded.

In 1947, the United Nations adopted a partition plan to divide the land. This triggered a civil war that led to the 1948 Palestine war. During this war, the State of Israel was founded.

Hagana Ship - Jewish State at Haifa Port (1947)
Hagana Ship - Jewish State at Haifa Port (1947)

More than half of the Palestinian Arab population fled or was expelled. By the end of the war, Israel held most of the territory. Egypt took control of the Gaza Strip. Jordan took control of the West Bank. This changed the map of the region significantly.

Woman nakba dress jug
Woman nakba dress jug

The Six-Day War in 1967 changed the situation again. Israel captured the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Since then, Israel has occupied these Palestinian territories.

6DayWarEnglish
6DayWarEnglish

This occupation led to the construction of Israeli settlements. Many people view these settlements as illegal. The occupation also created a system of institutionalized discrimination. Some critics refer to this as Israeli apartheid. This includes denying Palestinian refugees their right of return to lost properties. In 1987 and 2000, two Palestinian uprisings occurred. These are known as the first and second intifadas.

Intifada in Gaza Strip (FL45884501)
Intifada in Gaza Strip (FL45884501)

In recent years, the situation has become even more difficult. In 2007, Israel tightened its blockade of the Gaza Strip.

October 2023 Gaza−Israel conflict
October 2023 Gaza−Israel conflict

This policy isolated Gaza from the West Bank. Israel began framing its relationship with Gaza through the laws of war. Since 2006, Israel has fought several wars with Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza. In October 2023, Hamas-led armed groups attacked Israel. This attack resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths. Following these attacks, a new war began in Gaza. This war has caused massive destruction and a humanitarian crisis.

An aerial view showing destruction in Rafah after Israeli forces withdrawal and as the ceasefire took hold, Gaza Strip
An aerial view showing destruction in Rafah after Israeli forces withdrawal and as the ceasefire took hold, Gaza Strip

Many scholars have described these actions as genocide.

The international community has long sought a peaceful resolution. Most countries support a two-state solution. This plan suggests two separate states based on the 1967 borders. It also calls for a just resolution for Palestinian refugees.

Israel and Palestine Peace
Israel and Palestine Peace

However, public support for this solution has decreased lately. Israel has shown interest in maintaining the occupation instead of a permanent settlement. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion. The court determined that Israel continues to illegally occupy the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The search for a lasting political settlement remains a central global challenge.

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🖼️ Images & Media (35)
File:Balfour declaration unmarked.jpg
Balfour declaration unmarked.jpg
File:Jaffa 1936.jpg
Jaffa 1936.jpg
File:A 1936 caricature published in the Falastin newspaper on Zionism and Palestine.png
A 1936 caricature published in the...
File:Hagana Ship - Jewish State at Haifa Port (1947).jpg
Hagana Ship - Jewish State at Haifa Port...
File:Cia-is-map2.png
Cia-is-map2.png
File:6DayWarEnglish.png
6DayWarEnglish.png
File:Intifada in Gaza Strip (FL45884501).jpg
Intifada in Gaza Strip (FL45884501).jpg
File:Bil'in (22).jpg
Bil'in (22).jpg
File:Allenby Street bus bombing III.jpg
Allenby Street bus bombing III.jpg
File:October 2023 Gaza−Israel conflict.svg
October 2023 Gaza−Israel conflict.svg
File:An aerial view showing destruction in Rafah after Israeli forces withdrawal and as the ceasefire took hold, Gaza Strip.jpg
An aerial view showing destruction in...
File:Israel and Palestine Peace.svg
Israel and Palestine Peace.svg

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