A Century of Conflict in Israel and Palestine
From the creation of Israel in 1948 to today’s diplomatic stalemate, the conflict continues to define the politics and security of the Middle East.
Historical Roots of the Conflict:
The longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict is marked by Israeli demands for security in a region it has historically viewed as antagonistic and Palestinian aspirations for their own sovereign state.
The modern State of Israel was proclaimed by its founding father, David Ben-Gurion, on May 14, 1948, aiming to provide a refuge for Jews escaping persecution. While the establishment of Israel was celebrated by many Jews, Palestinians remember this event as the Nakba or "catastrophe," citing their dispossession and the hindrance of their statehood ambitions.
The subsequent war led to approximately 700,000 Palestinians — half of the Arab population under British-ruled Palestine — fleeing or being expelled from their homes. These individuals sought refuge in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. It's essential to note that Israel challenges claims that they forcefully displaced Palestinians and emphasizes their defense against five…
