The Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Condensed Timeline Illustrated: Analysis

Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has caused a significant loss of life, with approximately 15,000 people, including 10,000 women and children, being killed in over 50 days. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israel has refused to comply and it is uncertain whether the four-day humanitarian truce will be extended.

The devastating impact of the conflict in Gaza and the increasing death toll has sparked protests around the world, thrusting the Israeli-Palestinian issue into the global political spotlight.

This conflict dates back almost a century to World War I, when Britain promised to establish a national home for Jewish people in Palestine through the Balfour Declaration. This led to a large-scale migration of Jews to Palestine, driven by those fleeing Nazism in Europe. Consequently, the Jewish population in Palestine rose from 6% to 33% between 1918 and 1947.

However, the demographic change caused alarm among Palestinians, leading to the Palestinian revolt from 1936 to 1939. Zionist organizations continued to campaign for a Jewish homeland, and armed Zionist militias began attacking Palestinians, forcing many to flee. Zionism, a political ideology that emerged in the 19th century, advocated for the creation of a Jewish homeland.

Amid escalating violence, the United Nations stepped in and adopted Resolution 181 in 1947, which called for the partition of Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. This resulted in the allocation of approximately 55% of the land to Jews and 45% to Arabs, with Jerusalem designated as a separate international territory.

However, the situation remains complex as Israel captured East Jerusalem and the West Bank during the Six-Day War in 1967, an action not recognized by the international community. The Old City in occupied East Jerusalem holds religious significance for Christians, Muslims, and Jews, with the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known as al-Haram al-Sharif to Muslims and Temple Mount to Jews, situated there.

Prior to the establishment of Israel in 1948, more than 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes by Zionist militias, leading to the Nakba or catastrophe. The Six-Day War in 1967 further displaced approximately 300,000 Palestinians.

Israel declared the annexation of East Jerusalem in 1980, but it is still considered an occupied territory by the international community. Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

In 1993, the Oslo Accords were signed by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, aiming to achieve peace within five years. The agreements divided the occupied West Bank into three parts and offered limited rule for the newly created Palestinian Authority over 18% of the land, while Israel maintained control over the rest.

Unfortunately, the Oslo Accords gradually broke down, and Israeli settlements in the West Bank grew rapidly. The settlement population grew from around 250,000 in 1993 to up to 700,000 in September of this year. This, along with the construction of a separation wall, has fragmented Palestinian communities and limited their mobility.

Israel’s blockade on Gaza began in 2007 after the Hamas group came to power, and it continues to this day. The territory remains occupied by Israel, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which Palestinians desire as part of their future state.

There are roughly 5 million Palestinians residing in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, with an additional 1.6 million Palestinian citizens of Israel. The remaining population lives in other countries, including various Arab nations. In comparison, there are approximately 14.7 million Jews worldwide, with 84% living in Israel and the United States, and the rest residing in countries such as France, Canada, Argentina, and Russia.

It should be noted that the sources provided, Al Jazeera, are generally credible and well-regarded in reporting on Middle East affairs. However, it is always important to critically evaluate sources and consider potential biases or agendas that may influence the presentation of information.

This article provides a historical overview of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, presenting key events and illustrating the complex nature of the issues at hand. It does not appear to contain misinformation, but rather seeks to inform readers about the historical context and current situation in the region.

However, it is essential for readers to seek out multiple sources and perspectives to develop a comprehensive understanding of the conflict. The prevalence of fake news and the polarized political landscape can influence public perception and make it challenging to discern the objective truth. Hence, critical thinking and a nuanced approach are crucial when navigating this issue.

Source: Aljazeera news: Israel-Palestine conflict: A brief history in maps and charts