Introduction:
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long-standing, and deeply rooted dispute characterized by competing national aspirations and territorial claims. It is one of the world’s longest-running conflicts, dating back to the mid-20th century. Numerous attempts have been made to resolve the conflict through the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, as well as broader efforts to address the Arab-Israeli conflict.
The publicizing of the administration of the Jewish homeland in Palestine after a wave of Jewish immigration, including the First Zionist Congress in 1897 and the Balfour Declaration of 1917, created early tensions in the region. After World War I, the Mandate for Palestine included a binding obligation to establish a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. These developments heightened sectarian tensions between Jews and Arabs, eventually leading to open conflict.
The 1947 United Nations plan to partition Palestine was never implemented, leading to the Palestine War of 1947-1949. This war further exacerbated the existing tensions and resulted in significant displacement and suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Historical Background:
The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict date back to the 19th century, when Zionist Jews sought to establish a state in Palestine under the Ottoman Empire. In 1917, issued by the British government, expressed support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. However, this announcement contradicted the expectations of the Arab population, leading to tensions and conflicts.
Partition and Wars:
Following the end of British rule in 1948, the United Nations proposed a partition plan to create separate Jewish and Arab states. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab nations, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The war displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and led to the establishment of the state of Israel. Since then, many wars and conflicts have broken out, including the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973, when Israel controlled the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
Key Issues:
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is based on many important issues. The establishment of a Palestinian state, with clear borders and governance remains a Palestinian priority. The status of Jerusalem, which is considered sacred by both Jews and Muslims, is another controversial issue. Additionally, the rights of Palestinian refugees and the security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians are significant factors that need to be addressed.
Peace Initiatives and Challenges:
Over the years, many compromises and negotiations have been undertaken to resolve the conflict. The 1990 Oslo Accords aimed to create a framework for peace, but their implementation faced serious difficulties. Other notable initiatives include the 2000 Camp David Summit and the 2007 Annapolis Conference. However, these efforts have not yet resulted in a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement.
Role of the International Community:
The international community played an important role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the Arab League have been involved in peace negotiations and providing humanitarian aid. However, the different views and interests of these actors often make this process difficult.
Recent Developments
In late December 2022, Israel witnessed the inauguration of its most right-wing and religious government in history. Led by Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party, consists of two ultra-Orthodox parties and three far right parties, including the religious Zionist Party, which joined the West Bank. Those who live in the ultra-nationalist wing of the movement. Netanyahu made significant concessions to his far-right partners to secure a governing majority.
Critics of the government have raised concerns about its focus on expanding and developing Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. This approach poses a significant challenge to the prospects of a two-state solution. Notably, Netanyahu appointed Itamar Ben-Gvir, the leader of the Jewish Power party, who has a conviction for racist incitement against Arabs, as the national security minister. Additionally, Bezalel Smotrich, the head of the Religious Zionism faction, was given a ministerial post overseeing West Bank settlement policy.
The governing coalition has also faced criticism for endorsing discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals on religious grounds. Furthermore, in May 2023, the coalition voted to limit judicial oversight of the government, a move that had been delayed due to nationwide protests in March.
In 2022, both Israelis and Palestinians experienced the highest number of conflict-related deaths since 2015 Unfortunately, tensions continue to rise with almost daily violence in 2023, especially in the West Bank, which will be the deadliest year since 2005. Israeli occupation. Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers have occurred on multiple occasions, and tensions have been further strained by Israel’s approval of five thousand new settler homes in June 2023.
Israeli forces are working hard, including two attacks in one day on Al-Aqsa Mosque and one attack in Ramallah. Rockets fired from helicopters at refugees in Jenin injured 35 people. In May, Israel engaged in a five-day conflict with Gaza armed forces in which Hamas and Israeli forces fired nearly 2,000 missiles. Then in July, Israel launched a large-scale attack on the Jenin refugee camp, sending nearly 2,000 soldiers and carrying out drone strikes. This operation resulted in the death of twelve Palestinians and the injury of fifty, while Israel claimed that all those killed were militants. Israeli Prime Minister said that the attack was not an isolated incident and said that Israel was ready to prevent the camp from becoming a shelter for group forces such as the Jenin Brigades. In response to the raid, Hamas carried out an attack in Tel Aviv and launched missiles at Israel.
