Israeli–Palestinian conflict

Israeli–Palestinian conflict
Conflict	Israeli–Palestinian conflict
Partof	the Arab–Israeli conflict
Caption	Map of Israel and the Palestinian territories
Date	Mid-20th century – present
Place	Israel, West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights
Status	Ongoing

Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is a protracted national and political struggle over land, identity, and self-determination primarily between Israelis and Palestinians. Central issues include mutual recognition, borders, security, water rights, control of Jerusalem, Israeli settlements, Palestinian freedom of movement, and the Palestinian right of return. The conflict has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of competing Zionist and Palestinian nationalist movements. It has resulted in numerous wars, uprisings, and acts of violence, and remains a major source of instability in the Middle East.

Background and origins

The modern conflict emerged from the overlapping territorial claims of two nationalist movements during the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent British Mandate for Palestine. Key events include the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which expressed British support for a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, and the subsequent 1947 United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, which proposed separate Jewish and Arab states. The rejection of this plan by Arab leaders and the 1948 Arab–Israeli War that followed led to the establishment of the State of Israel, the displacement of a large portion of the Palestinian Arab population (an event known as the Nakba), and the fragmentation of the territory between Israel, Jordan, and Egypt.

Major wars and conflicts

Several full-scale wars have defined the military dimensions of the struggle. Following the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, major conflicts include the Six-Day War in 1967, where Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan, the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, and the Golan Heights from Syria. The Yom Kippur War of 1973 was another major interstate conflict. Subsequent decades have been marked by more localized but intense hostilities, including the First Intifada and Second Intifada, as well as repeated wars between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in Gaza, such as Hamas, including operations like Cast Lead, Protective Edge, and Swords of Iron.

Peace process and negotiations

Formal attempts to resolve the conflict through negotiation began in earnest after the Madrid Conference of 1991. This led to the secret Oslo Accords in the 1990s, signed by Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat, which established the Palestinian Authority and a framework for future talks. Subsequent efforts included the Camp David 2000 Summit hosted by Bill Clinton, the Arab Peace Initiative, and negotiations led by figures like Ehud Olmert and Mahmoud Abbas. These processes have repeatedly stalled over irreconcilable differences on core issues, with notable mediation attempts by the United States, Norway, and Egypt.

Core issues and disputes

The fundamental disputes preventing a final status agreement are often categorized as follows: the status of Jerusalem and its holy sites like the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque; the borders of a potential Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines; the fate of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank; the right of return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants; and security arrangements, including the control of airspace, borders, and the demilitarization of a Palestinian entity. The division of Palestinian governance between Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza further complicates resolution.

International involvement and positions

The conflict draws significant global diplomatic attention. The United States has been a primary ally of Israel, providing substantial military aid and often mediating, while many European Union members advocate for a two-state solution and criticize settlement expansion. Key international organizations involved include the United Nations, with its numerous relevant bodies like the UN Security Council and UNRWA, and the International Court of Justice, which has issued advisory opinions. Regional actors like Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Qatar play varying roles, from peace treaties with Israel to support for Palestinian factions.

Humanitarian and human rights concerns

The prolonged occupation and recurring violence have created severe humanitarian challenges. In the Gaza Strip, blockades and conflicts have led to crises documented by organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Issues include restrictions on movement due to the Israeli West Bank barrier and checkpoints, the humanitarian impact of settlement policies, and allegations of violations of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention. Palestinian militant rocket attacks and Israeli military operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties and raised questions of proportionality, with cases often referred to the International Criminal Court.

Category:Arab–Israeli conflict Category:20th century in Israel Category:21st century in Asia