Palestine post-1948
The creation of the state of Israel in 1948 marked the beginning of a new era for Palestine, one of conflict and turmoil that persists to this day. The displacement of Palestinian Arabs, who had been living on the land for generations, led to a wave of violence and resistance. The reasons for this conflict are complex and multifaceted, rooted in historical, political, and ideological factors. This article will explore the main causes of the Palestinian attacks against Israel since 1948, examining the key events and players involved.
Historical context: pre-1948
To understand the roots of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it is necessary to go back to the early 20th century when Zionist activists, seeking to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, began to buy land and settle there. The British, who controlled Palestine at the time, supported this endeavor, leading to increasing tensions between the Jewish and Arab populations. The Arab Revolt of 1936-39, which demanded an end to Jewish immigration and land purchases, was brutally suppressed by the British. The United Nations partition plan of 1947, which proposed dividing Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, was rejected by the Arab countries and led to the outbreak of violence.
Israeli independence and Palestinian displacement
The declaration of the state of Israel in May 1948 triggered a mass exodus of Palestinian Arabs from their homes and villages. This displacement, known as the Nakba or "catastrophe," resulted in the creation of hundreds of thousands of refugees who fled to neighboring countries or were forced into camps in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Israeli government justified this displacement as a necessary measure for the security of the Jewish state, but the Palestinians saw it as a deliberate attempt to dispossess them of their land and identity. The Nakba remains a deeply traumatic event in Palestinian history, fueling a sense of injustice and resentment that has been passed down through generations.
Palestinian refugees: their plight
The plight of Palestinian refugees, who now number over five million, remains one of the most pressing issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many live in dire conditions in refugee camps, with limited access to education, health care, and employment. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees, but its mandate has been repeatedly challenged by Israel and the United States. The lack of a resolution to the refugee issue has been a major obstacle to peace negotiations, as the Palestinians demand the right of return for themselves and their descendants to their ancestral homes.
Arab-Israeli Wars and Palestinian resistance
The Arab-Israeli wars of 1948, 1967, and 1973 were major turning points in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Each war resulted in further territorial gains for Israel and further displacement for Palestinians. The 1967 war, in particular, marked the beginning of Israeli military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which continues to this day. Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation took many forms, including guerrilla warfare, terrorism, and political activism. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), founded in 1964, emerged as the main umbrella group for Palestinian resistance, with the goal of establishing a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
PLO: goals, ideology, and tactics
The PLO, led by Yasser Arafat, advocated for armed struggle against Israel as a means of achieving Palestinian self-determination. Its ideology was based on a mixture of Palestinian nationalism, socialism, and pan-Arabism. The PLO carried out numerous attacks against Israeli targets, both inside and outside of Israel, which led to a wave of international condemnation and Israeli retaliation. The PLO also engaged in diplomacy, seeking recognition of the Palestinian cause and negotiating with Israel in various forums. The PLO’s influence waned in the 1990s, as a new generation of activists emerged, calling for more radical and decentralized forms of resistance.
Israeli military occupation and its effects
The Israeli military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which began in 1967, has had a profound impact on Palestinian society. Palestinians living under occupation face restrictions on their movement, access to resources, and political rights. Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law, have been built on Palestinian land, further entrenching the occupation. The Israeli government argues that the occupation is necessary for security reasons, but the Palestinians view it as a form of colonialism and oppression. The occupation has been a major driver of Palestinian resistance and has contributed to the rise of radical groups like Hamas.
Intifadas: causes and consequences
The first Intifada, which began in 1987 and lasted until 1993, was a popular uprising against Israeli occupation. It was characterized by nonviolent protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience. The Intifada led to a shift in international opinion, as the world began to recognize the legitimacy of the Palestinian cause. The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, were a result of the Intifada, as both sides recognized the need for a negotiated settlement. The second Intifada, which began in 2000, was more violent and resulted in a high number of casualties on both sides. It was sparked by the failure of the Oslo process to deliver on Palestinian aspirations for statehood and an end to the occupation.
Oslo Accords: hopes and disappointments
The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993 and 1995, were hailed as a breakthrough in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They established the Palestinian Authority (PA) as an interim self-governing body in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with the aim of creating a Palestinian state within five years. The Accords were based on the principle of land for peace, whereby Israel would withdraw from occupied territories in return for recognition and security guarantees. However, the Accords failed to deliver on their promises, as Israeli settlement expansion continued and the peace process stalled. The failure of Oslo led to a rise in violence and a loss of faith in the possibility of a negotiated settlement.
Second Intifada: escalation of violence
The second Intifada, which began in 2000, was sparked by the failure of the Oslo process to deliver on Palestinian aspirations for statehood and an end to the occupation. It was marked by bombings, rocket attacks, and Israeli military incursions. The violence led to a high number of casualties on both sides and deepened the sense of mistrust and animosity between Israelis and Palestinians. The Intifada ended in 2005, but its legacy remains, as the conflict continues to simmer and the prospects for peace seem increasingly remote.
Gaza Strip: Hamas and the Israeli blockade
The Gaza Strip, which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007, is perhaps the most acute example of Palestinian suffering and resistance. The blockade, which restricts the movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza, has led to a humanitarian crisis, with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza, has been a major player in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, advocating for armed resistance and rejecting the legitimacy of Israel. The Israeli government has launched several military campaigns against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life.
Conclusion: unresolved conflict and prospects for peace
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the most intractable and complex conflicts in the world. Despite numerous attempts at negotiation and peace-building, a solution has remained elusive. The causes of the conflict are deeply rooted in history, identity, and politics, and the positions of both sides remain deeply entrenched. The ongoing violence, oppression, and suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for a just and lasting peace. Until both sides are willing to make the necessary compromises and address the underlying issues, the conflict will continue to simmer, with no end in sight.
