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The Persistent Turmoil Between Israel And Palestine: A Profound Exploration

Writer's picture: Najib AzadNajib Azad

This opinion piece originally appeared in Eurasiareview on August 08, 2024


The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a deeply rooted and multifaceted issue, has been a source of tension and violence in the Middle East for over a century. Stemming from historical, political, and religious differences, the conflict has had a profound impact on the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the ongoing conflict, examining its historical background, international response, peace efforts, and impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. Understanding the complexity of this conflict is crucial for anyone seeking a comprehensive view of the situation.


Historical Background

The land we now know as Israel and Palestine is steeped in a rich history that spans millennia. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the region has been a cradle of civilization, home to the Canaanites, Philistines, and Israelites, among others. Its history is a tapestry of political, religious, and cultural disputes shaped by the ebb and flow of other nations and empires.

In 63 BC, the Romans took control of the region, renaming it Judea. The Roman rule was met with fierce resistance from the Jewish population, leading to a series of revolts, culminating in the Great Revolt of 66-70 AD. The Roman response was brutal, resulting in the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a significant event in Jewish history that marked the beginning of the Jewish diaspora.

In the 7th century, the region came under Islamic rule following the Muslim conquest of the Levant. Jerusalem, in particular, became a paramount Islamic holy site, as it is believed to be the location where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. The construction of the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque during this period further solidified Jerusalem’s importance in Islam.

The Crusades in the 11th century brought European Christians to the region, seeking to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim rule. These military campaigns resulted in intermittent control over the region by European powers, leading to further religious and political tensions.

The region was part of the Ottoman Empire from the 16th to the 20th century. Ottoman rule saw a mix of relative stability and periods of unrest, as different ethnic and religious groups coexisted within the empire’s boundaries.


Zionism and the Creation of Israel

During the late Ottoman period, the Zionist movement emerged among European Jews, advocating for establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The movement gained momentum in the early 20th century, driven by a desire to create a safe haven for Jews following centuries of persecution and, ultimately, culminating in the Holocaust.

After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to administer Palestine. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, issued by the British government, expressed support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. While welcomed by the Zionist movement, this declaration sparked tensions between the Jewish immigrants and the Arab population already living in the region.


The establishment of Israel in 1948

After World War II and the Holocaust, international support for a Jewish state grew. In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan, dividing Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders. In May 1948, Israel declared independence, sparking the first Arab-Israeli war.

The war, which followed Israel’s declaration of independence, resulted in significant territorial changes. Israel gained control over the majority of the land allocated to the Jewish state, while Jordan occupied the West Bank and Egypt occupied the Gaza Strip.


Decades of Conflict

The decades following Israel’s creation were marked by ongoing conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors, including the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. These wars resulted in significant territorial changes, with Israel capturing the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.

Establishing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1964 marked a turning point in the conflict. The PLO aimed to create a Palestinian state and initially advocated for an armed struggle against Israel. However, in the 1980s, the PLO shifted towards political solutions, paving the way for negotiations and peace processes.

The First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, began in 1987. It was marked by widespread civil disobedience, protests, and violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces. The Intifada brought international attention to the plight of the Palestinians and led to increased efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.


Peace Efforts and International Response

Numerous peace efforts have been made over the years to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United Nations has passed numerous resolutions condemning Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and calling for a two-state solution. However, the lack of enforcement mechanisms and deep-rooted mistrust between the parties involved have hindered the implementation of these resolutions.

The United States has played a significant role in mediating the conflict, often favoring Israel. Recent actions, such as the Trump administration’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the relocation of the U.S. embassy, have sparked widespread protests and condemnation from the Palestinians and the international community.

In addition to international efforts, regional players have also played a role in shaping the conflict. One significant example is the involvement of Iran. Iran has been a major supporter of Hamas, the ruling government in Gaza. It is believed that Iran has provided financial and military support to Hamas, further fueling the conflict.


The Role of the United States and Qatar

Many worldwide hailed the Oslo Accords as a significant step towards peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state. PLO leader Yasser Arafat, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres were even awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts. However, within Israel and the Palestinian territories, there were differing opinions.

From the beginning, Hamas opposed the Oslo Accords, as they did not believe in compromise or negotiation. They saw no value in participating, fearing the consequences if the peace deal were to succeed. There were also far-right Jewish settlers in Israel who opposed the Accords due to their belief in Israeli settlements in internationally recognized Palestinian territories.

In 1995, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by an Israeli right-wing extremist, and Hamas carried out numerous attacks against Israeli civilians, resulting in many deaths. In the post-9/11 world, Israel justified its heavy-handedness by likening their fight against Hamas to the American war on terror.

During this time, Hamas’ founder, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, was assassinated by an Israeli attack helicopter, and many of Hamas’ leaders relocated to neighboring countries. Their suicide attacks in Israel significantly decreased by 2005. In a surprising move, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, known for his hard-line stance and support of settlements, withdrew all Israeli military forces and settlements from the Gaza Strip.

However, this decision was made unilaterally by Israel without any input from the Palestinians. This ultimately led to Hamas gaining control of the Gaza Strip and the current situation we witness today.

In 2005, Hamas decided to participate in elections against Fatah, the ruling organization in the PLO. The U.S. pushed for these elections, and after Hamas won George W Bush, the U.S. congratulated Hamas and the people of Palestine for holding and winning transparent elections. However, soon, the U.S., EU, and Israel boycotted the new Hamas-controlled government. Israel imposed an economic and political siege on Gaza, causing dire consequences for the Palestinian people.

This led to immense pressure on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to cancel the election results and forcibly remove Hamas from p3waztower. This created tension between Hamas and Fatah, and by 2007, they were on the brink of a civil war. Saudi Arabia intervened and brokered the Mecca Agreement, creating a unified government between Fatah and Hamas.

Israel and the U.S. refused to accept a unity government with Hamas, leading to rising fear within Hamas that they would be overthrown. In response, Hamas launched an attack in Gaza, leading to a bloody civil war and, ultimately, Hamas taking complete control of the Gaza Strip.

Israel responded with a blockade on Gaza, tightly controlling the flow of food, water, and electricity into the territory. This, combined with the 16-year blockade, has resulted in Gaza becoming one of the most densely populated and poorest areas on Earth, with high unemployment rates. Hamas, during this time, has relied on tunnels for smuggling supplies, and Iran has been a significant supporter, providing weapons and funds.

Qatar has also provided significant financial aid to Gaza, with over a billion dollars in assistance. Hamas raises funds from various sources, including taxes, donations, and charities.

Overall, the Oslo Accords, while many view them as a groundbreaking step towards peace, have faced opposition and led to a complex and challenging situation in the region.

It is essential to note the role of the United States and Qatar in shaping the dynamics of the conflict. In 2007, the United States and other Western countries pushed for Palestinian elections, which resulted in a victory for Hamas. Despite concerns from the Palestinian Authority (PLO) about the legitimacy of the election process, the George W. Bush administration congratulated Hamas and the Palestinian people for conducting what they deemed transparent elections.

Following the election, Hamas and the PLO attempted to form a united government through the mediation of Saudi Arabia. However, the PLO leadership was imprisoned and eventually forced out of the country. This led to a division between the West Bank, controlled by the PLO, and Gaza, controlled by Hamas.


Impact on Ordinary Citizens

The ongoing conflict has profoundly impacted the lives of ordinary citizens on both sides. Palestinians living in the occupied territories face daily hardships, including restrictions on movement, limited access to resources, and a lack of economic opportunities. And, for those in Ghaza, despite being killed by the nonstop rockets, hundreds of children and women die due to daily starvation. 

The conflict has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, with both Israelis and Palestinians bearing the brunt of the violence. Civilian casualties, including women and children, are a tragic consequence of the ongoing conflict.


Conclusion

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a profoundly complex issue with deep historical, political, and religious roots. Understanding its complexities and nuances is crucial for informed public discourse and effective policy-making. While peace remains elusive, efforts towards dialogue, negotiation, and a just resolution are essential to alleviating the suffering of ordinary citizens and creating a path toward a more stable and peaceful future.

In conclusion, after the assassination of Ismail Hania in Iran’s most secure and no-dangerous zone, it is unlikely that Iran will launch a full-scale attack on Israel, as they have been warned. Recent events have shown that the U.S. and Israeli counter systems defused their drone missiles. Additionally, it is essential to acknowledge the involvement of external actors, such as the United States and Qatar, in shaping the dynamics of the conflict. The U.S. support for Hamas in the 2007 elections and Qatar’s financial contributions have added complexity to the conflict.

Unfortunately, the current controlled war between Israel and Palestine is neither leading to a large-scale war nor a lasting peace. Routine fighting and acts of violence continue to claim the lives of thousands of ordinary citizens daily. Efforts towards a just and lasting resolution must be made to bring about a peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.


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