THE PALESTINIAN-ISRAELI CONFLICT

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction...........................................................................................................................................4
2.0 Overview...............................................................................................................................................4
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.

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 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