Israel -Palastine Conflict

 Israel -Palastine Conflict

    The Israel-Palestine conflict is a longstanding and complex dispute that has spanned over a century. At its core, it is a struggle for land, identity, and self-determination between two peoples: the Israelis and the Palestinians.

   The conflict's roots can be traced back to the late 19th century, during Jewish immigration to Palestine,under Ottoman rule, began to increase. This influx of Jewish settlers led to tensions within the existing Arab population, who had been living in this  region for centuries. Following World War I, the British took control of Palestine and, in 1917, issued the Balfour Declaration, which expressed support for the establishment of  Jewish homeland in Palestine.

    After World War II, the United Nations proposed a partition plan, dividing the territory into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international administration. However, this plan was rejected by Arab leaders, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the establishment of the state of Israel.

    Since then, the conflict has escalated into multiple wars, including the 1967 Six-Day War, the 1982 Lebanon War, and the 2008-2009 Gaza War. The dispute centers on the status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which were occupied by Israel during the 1967 war. Palestinians claim these territories as their own, while Israel maintains control, citing security concerns.

    The status of Jerusalem is another contentious issue, with both Israelis and Palestinians claiming the city as their capital. Additionally, Palestinians demand the right to return to their ancestral homes in Israel, a claim rejected by Israel.

    Peace efforts have been made, including the 1993 Oslo Accords and the 2000 Camp David Summit, but a lasting resolution remains elusive. The conflict continues to this day, with periods of relative calm punctuated by outbreaks of violence.

    A comprehensive solution must address the core issues driving the conflict, including borders, settlements, Jerusalem's status, and Palestinian refugees' rights. However, a path forward remains uncertain, and the situation remains a major source of instability in the Middle East.

Thank You 

By Hiba P,

Second Year BA English Language and Literature Student.