THE PALESTINIAN-ISRAELI CONFLICT
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
2.0 Overview ................................................................................................................................................. 3
3.0 British Mandate (League of Nations Mandate) 1920 .............................................................................. 4
4.0 Main Causes and Factors Contributing to The Conflict.......................................................................... 6
4.1
Political and National Aspirations ................................................................................................ 6
4.2
Territorial Disputes ...................................................................................................................... 7
4.3
Religious and Cultural Differences ............................................................................................... 8
4.4
Water Rights ................................................................................................................................ 9
5.0 Analyzing the Impact Of The Conflict On The Region And Its People. .................................................... 9
5.1
Regional Stability and Security .................................................................................................... 9
5.2
Humanitarian and Socio-Economic Consequences ................................................................... 10
5.3
Diplomatic and Geopolitical Ramifications ................................................................................ 10
5.4
Social and Cultural Effects.......................................................................................................... 10
5.5
Infrastructure and Development ............................................................................................... 10
5.6
Regional Diplomacy and Peace Efforts ...................................................................................... 11
6.0 Efforts and Challenges in Conflict Resolution. ....................................................................................... 11
6.1
Efforts at Conflict Resolution ..................................................................................................... 11
6.1.1 Accords of Oslo (1993–1995) ..................................................................................................... 11
6.1.2 Camp David Summit (2000) and the Taba Talks (2001).............................................................. 11
6.1.3 The Annapolis Process (2007–2008) .......................................................................................... 12
6.1.4 The Two States Solution ............................................................................................................. 12
6.2 CHALLENGES IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION .......................................................................................... 12
6.2.1 Entrenched Positions and Lack of Trust ..................................................................................... 12
6.2.2 Occupation and Settlement Expansion ...................................................................................... 12
6.2.3 Regional Dynamics and External Actors ..................................................................................... 12
6.2.4 Domestic Politics and Leadership Changes ................................................................................ 13
6.2.5 The Complexity of the Issues ..................................................................................................... 13
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................... 13
References................................................................................................................................................... 14
Appendix A .................................................................................................................................................. 17
1.0 Introduction
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a long-standing and complex geopolitical issue that has its roots
in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. it is an ongoing military and political struggle centered
around land and self-determination within the territory of the former Mandatory Palestine. The
primary issue at hand appears to be the long-standing conflict over land that originated over a
century ago. Presently, diplomats in the region are perplexed by the question of why, after such a
prolonged period, these two states cannot reconcile. Many scholars argue that the resolution of this
issue, crucial for Israel to become an integrated part of the region, lies within the realms of religion,
history, and culture. Peace in the region will be achieved through a transformation in religious
beliefs. The United Nations' 1947 partition plan proposed the creation of two separate states in
Palestine, one for the primarily Arab population and the other for the predominantly Jewish
population. The plan was supported by a predominantly Christian council, resulting in the
establishment of a Jewish state. (Imseis, 2021)
2.0 Overview
Pre-State Israel (1897-1947) Theodor Herzl and other founders established the Zionist movement
in 1897 to establish a Jewish state in Palestine as a response to the pervasive antisemitism and
persecution of Jews in Europe. (American jewish commitee, 2024) Origins and Initial Wars (Late
19th - mid 20th century): the growth of Zionist nationalism, which demanded that a Jewish
homeland be established in Palestine, which was then a part of the Ottoman Empire. The British
government's 1917 Balfour Declaration, called for "the establishment in Palestine of a national
home for the Jewish people." Jewish immigration to Palestine is rising, which is causing tensions
and disputes with the Arab populace. The 1948 Arab-Israeli War ensued after the British Mandate
for Palestine ended in 1948 and the State of Israel was proclaimed. (BBC, 2024)
1967 Six-Day War, where Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and East
Jerusalem, leading to the Israeli occupation of these territories.
1973 Yom Kippur War between Israel and a coalition of Arab states.
1987-1993 First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against the Israeli occupation.
1993 Oslo Accords, an attempt to establish a framework for peace and the creation of the
Palestinian National Authority. (Reuters, 2024)
2000-2005 Second Intifada, a period of intense violence and Palestinian uprising.
2008-2009, 2012, and 2014 to date Gaza Wars between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in
Gaza.
3.0 British Mandate (League of Nations Mandate) 1920
After the Ottoman Empire was defeated in World War I, the British Mandate over Palestine was
created in 1920. With the intention of creating a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine
and preserving the civil and religious rights of the current Arab population, the League of Nations
entrusted Britain with the territory's administration. (Avital Ginat, 2018) The area that is today
Jordan, Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip was part of the British Mandate of Palestine. The
mandate came about as a result of the British occupation of territories that the Ottoman Empire
had previously controlled. Its goal was to advise and support the territories administratively until
they were able to stand on their own. Britain was mandated to carry out the Balfour Declaration's
goal of creating a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine with the Arab Palestinians.
Later, after the Arab Kingdom in Damascus fell during the Franco-Syrian War, Transjordan (now
Jordan) was added to the mandate. From 1923 to 1948, the mandate was in effect. (umich, n.d)
The map below in Fig 3.0 was the map of Palestine created in 1924 by British.
Fig 3.0 Palestine map created by the British War Office in 1924 the original map in the National Library of Scotland
in Edinburgh
4.0 Main Causes and Factors Contributing to The Conflict.
The 1880s can be seen as the birth of Zionism, as they were the era that saw the greatest Jewish
migration to the Middle East, primarily from the Russian Empire and Eastern Europe. What was
about to emerge were Israel's first agricultural settlements. Jewish immigration and land purchases
were later prohibited by the Ottoman authorities in the 1890s. A Jewish state in Palestine was the
goal of the World Zionist Organization, which was founded in 1897 during the first Zionist
Congress. Ten years later, the company's local office in the Palestinian city of Jaffa was opened.
The group demanded that Jews be protected by the law in 1908 and launched a methodical and
aggressive Jewish settlement program that resulted in the 1917 Balfour Declaration. which is seen
by many as the beginning of the conflict. (Huma Baqai & Sabiha Mehreen, 2021)
4.1 Political and National Aspirations
Statehood and National Identity: Both Israelis and Palestinians aspire for statehood and national
self-determination, leading to competing claims over sovereignty and control of territory. Borders
and Security, Issues related to borders, security, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees
have been sources of contention and have contributed to the protracted nature of the conflict.
(Avital Ginat, 2018)
4.2 Territorial Disputes
Aside from conflicting claims over land, there are also demographic considerations that complicate
the delineation of borders. It is crucial to acknowledge Israel's aspiration to preserve itself as a
Jewish nation when considering the issue of Palestinians' right to return to the territories. As a
result, Israel is reluctant to incorporate the Gaza Strip but is determined to maintain authority over
the Jordan Valley, which lies on the border with Jordan. The dispute primarily revolves around
land, which holds significant religious and strategic significance for Islam, Christianity, and
Judaism, the three major monotheistic faiths. (Mercedes Melon, 2022) After the Six-Day War of
1967, Israel occupied territories that had been controlled by Jordan and Egypt, including the West
Bank and the Gaza Strip. Since the start of the second Intifada at the end of 2000, many Israeli
settlements have been built in the West Bank, particularly in the suburbs of Jerusalem. Under the
Oslo Accords, the West Bank has been divided into three zones: Zone A is under Palestinian
control, covering approximately 18% of the territory of the West Bank; Zone B is under Palestinian
civil control and Israeli security control, covering approximately 22% of the territory; and Zone C
is under full Israeli control, covering approximately 60% of the territory. Indeed, control over the
West Bank arises from the international context following the Six-Day War, which has caused
disputes to arise concerning the interpretation of international law by both parties. These disputes
have contributed to the stalling of the peace process on several occasions. (Ali and James2020)
Fig 4.0 Palestine under the 1947 UN Partition Plan, and with the 1949 armistice lines. Source: Palestinian Academic
Society for the Study of International Affairs. Source (FARSAKH, 2021)
4.3 Religious and Cultural Differences
Israel is a society with a diverse economy, politics, and ideology, made up of various Jewish groups
with different backgrounds. Jewish racial exclusivity limits the rights of non-Jewish citizens and
subjects them to discrimination. On the other hand, the PLO asserts that rights are granted through
citizenship, whether the individual is a Palestinian Arab or Jew. The debate regarding Palestinian
identity, whether it is solely tied to the land of Palestine or has legal and civic ties common in the
Western world, holds significant importance. If it is the former, religious arguments could be used
to assert Palestinian identity over Israel. (FARSAKH, 2021) The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has a
strong religious aspect. For Jews, Muslims, and Christians, Jerusalem has great religious and
symbolic importance. A significant area of disagreement has been Jerusalem's status. Fighting has
resulted from control over religious sites, such as the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Jerusalem is the third most important Islamic shrine after Mecca and Medina, (Rubin, 2023) and
Muslim leaders are mindful of their responsibility as Custodians of the Holy Places. The religious
fervor not only strengthens Palestine's claim to the land-based on Christian arguments but also
serves as a driving force for Israel's Jewish settlers. Some people fear that a second religious war,
like that of the Middle Ages, may break out.
4.4 Water Rights
In this dry area, having access to water supplies is essential. The battle has been more intense due
to disputes over water rights. Water shortages affect Palestinians because of distribution
inequalities and restrictions. (Erin J. Hill, 2024)
5.0 Analyzing the Impact Of The Conflict On The Region
And Its People.
5.1 Regional Stability and Security
Security Concerns: The conflict has contributed to regional insecurity, with periodic escalations
leading to tensions and military confrontations, affecting neighboring countries and the broader
Middle East. Extremism and Radicalization, the prolonged conflict has fostered extremism and
radicalization, affecting regional dynamics and posing wider security risks. (unav.edu, 2024)
5.2 Humanitarian and Socio-Economic Consequences
Displacement and Refugees: As a result of the conflict, there are now a significant number of
Palestinians living in refugee camps, which affects surrounding nations and global humanitarian
operations. (unav.edu, 2024)
Economic Impacts: Trade and economic growth have been hampered by the conflict, which has
increased socioeconomic inequality and limited regional economic cooperation.
5.3 Diplomatic and Geopolitical Ramifications
Regional Alliances: The conflict has shaped the stances and actions of surrounding nations and
international powers, as well as regional alliances and geopolitical dynamics. Diplomatic
impasses: Attempts to resolve the problem have occasionally put a strain on regional diplomacy,
resulting in hostilities and arguments amongst regional players. (usip, 2021)
5.4 Social and Cultural Effects
Intercommunity Relations: The conflict has affected the social and cultural exchanges between the
many communities in the area, which affects how Israelis and Palestinians as well as other groups
perceive each other. Psychological Toll: Trauma, stress, and a sense of insecurity have been
experienced by those impacted by the conflict, both as people and as groups. (unav.edu, 2024)
5.5 Infrastructure and Development
Infrastructure and Services: The conflict has impacted the quality of life for people in the region
by undermining the development of infrastructure and access to necessary services. Exchanges of
knowledge and culture, the conflict have occasionally impeded these kinds of interactions,
reducing chances for understanding and collaboration. (usip, 2023)
5.6 Regional Diplomacy and Peace Efforts
Peace Initiatives: The conflict has dominated diplomatic and regional peace initiatives, impacting
larger endeavors to advance stability and peace in the area. Regional Cooperation: The conflict has
occasionally made it more difficult for regions to work together and integrate, which has an impact
on the possibility of larger cooperation and development. (usip, 2023)
6.0 Efforts and Challenges in Conflict Resolution.
6.1 Efforts at Conflict Resolution
6.1.1 Accords of Oslo (1993–1995)
The Oslo Accords comprised a set of agreements between the Palestine Liberation Organization
(PLO) and the Israeli government, with the objective of instituting a peace framework and forming
the Palestinian National Authority. The two-state solution (establishing separate Israeli and
Palestinian states) was widely supported. The agreements included a schedule for the Israeli
military's gradual withdrawal from the occupied territories and the Palestinians' eventual takeover
of administrative authority. (history.com, 2018)
6.1.2 Camp David Summit (2000) and the Taba Talks (2001)
The goal of these talks was for the Israelis and Palestinians to come to a comprehensive peace
deal, facilitated by the United States. But in the end, the negotiations were unable to result in a
definitive agreement because neither party could come to a consensus on matters like Jerusalem's
status or the Palestinian refugees' right of return. (Jeremy Pressman , 2023)
6.1.3 The Annapolis Process (2007–2008)
To relaunch the peace process, the Israeli and Palestinian leaders met at the United States-hosted
Annapolis Conference. The negotiations eventually stopped, and no final agreement was achieved,
despite some progress. (inss.org, 2021)
6.1.4 The Two States Solution
The main foundation for resolving conflicts has been the two-state solution, which asks for the
creation of an independent Palestinian state in addition to the State of Israel. (Lucy Kurtzer, 2023)
The international community, which includes the United Nations, has supported this strategy as a
possible means of achieving enduring peace.
6.2 CHALLENGES IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION
6.2.1 Entrenched Positions and Lack of Trust
Citing security concerns or past grievances, both the Israeli and Palestinian leadership have been
hesitant to make the required concessions for a comprehensive peace agreement. Attaining a
mutually agreeable solution has been challenging due to the recurring cycles of violence and the
resulting lack of trust between the two sides. (Scher, 2018)
6.2.2 Occupation and Settlement Expansion
One of the main challenges to the peace process has been the ongoing expansion of Israeli
settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are forbidden by international law. One point of
contention has been the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with the Palestinians
demanding an end to the occupation as a condition for peace. (press.un, 2021)
6.2.3 Regional Dynamics and External Actors
The efforts to resolve conflicts have been hampered by the involvement of regional powers like
Iran and the Arab states as well as the impact of international actors like the United States. A
coordinated strategy to resolve the issue has been difficult to attain due to the varying interests and
goals of these various entities. (Zaha Hassan, 2021)
6.2.4 Domestic Politics and Leadership Changes
The pursuit of a peace accord has frequently been subordinated to domestic political concerns,
such as the necessity to retain public support. The peace process has also been hampered by shifts
in political leadership in both Israel and the Palestinian territory. (Hesham Youssef, 2023)
6.2.5 The Complexity of the Issues
The conflict involves a complex web of issues, including the status of Jerusalem, the right of return
for Palestinian refugees, and the security concerns of both sides. Resolving these multifaceted
challenges has proven to be an immense challenge, requiring difficult trade-offs and compromises
from both parties. (Yossi Mekelberg, 2018)
Conclusion
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is influenced by a combination of historical, political, religious,
and socio-economic factors. Addressing the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflict
requires a comprehensive and inclusive approach that considers the legitimate concerns and
aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the broader regional context.
Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires a holistic understanding of the internal
challenges within Israeli and Palestinian societies, alongside strategic international engagement
and a rights-based approach to conflict resolution. By acknowledging and navigating these
complexities, meaningful progress toward a peaceful resolution can be pursued.
References
Ali, M. S., & James, M. (2020). Six-Day War that Changed the Middle East. International Journal of History
and Cultural Studies (IJHCS), 6(1), 7-10. ihs-humanities.com
American jewish commitee. (2024). Timeline: Key Events In The Israel-Arab And Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.
Retrieved from American jewish commitee: https://www.ajc.org/IsraelConflictTimeline
Avital Ginat. (2018, dec). British Mandate for Palestine. Retrieved from 1914-1918-online.:
https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/british_mandate_for_palestine
BBC. (2024, Apr 5). Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explained. Retrieved from BBC:
https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44124396
Erin J. Hill. (2024, may 23). What are Some Causes of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict? Retrieved from
culturalworld: https://www.culturalworld.org/what-are-some-causes-of-the-israeli-palestinianconflict.htm
FARSAKH, L. H. (2021). RETHINKING STATEHOOD. Oakland, California: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS.
Hesham Youssef. (2023, oct 23). How the Israel-Hamas War Impacts Regional Relations. Retrieved from
united state institute of peace: https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/10/how-israel-hamaswar-impacts-regional-relations
history.com.
(2018,
Aug
21).
Oslo
Accords.
Retrieved
https://www.history.com/topics/middle-east/oslo-accords
from
history.com:
Huma Baqai & Sabiha Mehreen. (2021). A Journey From Arab-Israeli to Palestinian-Israeli Conflict. Karachi,
Pakistan. Retrieved from file:///C:/Users/ADMIN/Downloads/Abraham-Accords-A-Journey-fromArab-Israeli-to-Palestinian-Israeli-Conflict.pdf
Imseis, A. (2021). The United Nations plan of partition for Palestine revisited: On the origins of Palestine's
international legal subalternity. Stan. J. Int'l L.. The United Nations Plan of Partition for Palestine Revisited:
On the Origins of Palestine's International Legal Subalternity 57 Stanford Journal of International Law 2021
(heinonline.org)
inss.org. (2021, may 4). The Annapolis Process: A Missed Opportunity for a Two-State Solution? Retrieved
from inss.org: https://www.inss.org.il/publication/annapolis/
Jeremy Pressman . (2023). Visions in Collision: What Happened at Camp David and Taba? Retrieved from
belfercenter.org:
https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/visions-collision-what-happenedcamp-david-and-taba
Lucy Kurtzer. (2023). The Latest on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: 4 Key Issues. Retrieved from usip:
https://www.usip.org/blog/2021/06/latest-israeli-palestinian-conflict-4-key-issues
Mercedes Melon. (2022). The Forcible Transfer of the Palestinian People from the Jordan Valley. Retrieved
from uruknet: https://www.uruknet.info/?s1=7&p=88356&s2=28
press.un. (2021, oct). ‘We Can No Longer Lurch from Crisis to Crisis’ in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Special
Coordinator Warns Security Council, Urges Parallel Steps by All Parties. Retrieved from press.un:
https://press.un.org/en/2021/sc14668.doc.htm
Reuters. (2024, may 15). What is the history of the Israel-Palestinian conflict? Retrieved from Reuters:
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/what-is-history-israel-palestinian-conflict-2024-0514/
Rubin, U. (2023). Between Jerusalem and Mecca: Sanctity and Redemption in the Qurʾān and the Islamic
Tradition.Rubin,U.(2023).https://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=DczbEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR5
&dq=Jerusalem+is+the+third+most+important+Islamic+shrine+after+Mecca+and+Medina.&ots=KSi85Nr
Gud&sig=E9WehWJU5nzrCwGYtlH1T20d2f8&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Jerusalem%20is%20the%20thir
d%20most%20important%20Islamic%20shrine%20after%20Mecca%20and%20Medina.&f=false
Scher, d. (2018). A POLICY PROPOSAL TO INCREASE TRUST BETWEEN THE PARTIES ENTRENCHED IN THE
ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT. Baltimore, Maryland.
umich.
(n.d).
British
Mandate
of
Palestine.
Retrieved
from
umich:
https://websites.umich.edu/~sarhaus/MapsAndTimelines/Fall2007/Gryniewicz/British_Mandate
_of_Palestine.htm
unav.edu. (2024, oct 10). War in Palestine and its Impact on Western countries. Retrieved from unav.edu:
https://www.unav.edu/en/web/global-affairs/war-in-palestine-and-its-impact-on-westerncountries
usip. (2021). The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Amid a New Reality and a New Region. Retrieved from
usip.org:
https://www.usip.org/publications/2021/05/israeli-palestinian-conflict-amid-newreality-and-new-region
usip. (2023, oct). How the Israel-Hamas War Impacts Regional Relations. Retrieved from usip:
https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/10/how-israel-hamas-war-impacts-regional-relations
Yossi Mekelberg. (2018). Israeli–Palestinian Peacemaking . Retrieved from chathamhouse.org:
https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/publications/research/2018-07-24-israelipalestinian-peacemaking-mekelberg-shapland.pdf
Zaha Hassan. (2021, apr). Approaching Peace: Centering Rights in Israel-Palestine Conflict Resolution.
Retrieved
from
carnegieendowment.org:
https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2021/05/approaching-peace-centering-rights-inisrael-palestine-conflict-resolution?lang=en
Appendix A
Fig A 1 Palestine map created by the British War Office in 1924 the original map is in the National Library of
Scotland in Edinburgh
Fig A 2 Palestine under the 1947 UN Partition Plan, and with the 1949 armistice lines. Source: Palestinian
Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs. Source