Conflict overview
The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is a decades-old struggle between Israelis and Palestinians that manifests in political and military tension as well as periods of relative peace and cooperation. Historically, the conflict has stemmed from the claim to the same land between the two parties.
Origins
- The Ottoman Empire controlled Palestine from the 16th century until the end of World War I in 1918. After World War I, Palestine was placed under British control.
- The British mandate for Palestine was established with the goal of creating a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
- The mandate led to increased Jewish immigration to Palestine, which in turn led to tensions with the local Arab population.
1948 Arab–Israeli War
- In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly voted to partition Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab.
- The Arab states rejected the partition plan, and the 1948 Arab–Israeli War began.
- The war resulted in the creation of the State of Israel and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
Six-Day War and occupation
- The Six-Day War in 1967 resulted in Israel occupying the Palestinian territories of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and the Sinai Peninsula.
- The occupation has been ongoing for over 50 years and has been marked by violence, human rights abuses, and attempts at peace negotiations.
Ongoing conflict and efforts for peace
- The Israeli–Palestinian conflict continues to be a major source of instability in the Middle East.
- Numerous attempts to resolve the conflict through peace talks and negotiations have been made, but no lasting agreement has been reached.
- The conflict remains one of the most complex and intractable in the world.
