History of the Palestine-Israel Conflict: A Century of Struggle
Map showing British Mandate Palestine (1920-1948)
I. Roots of the Conflict (Late 19th Century - 1917)
A. Ottoman Rule and Demographic Landscape
For nearly four centuries, the region known as Palestine existed under Ottoman control...
Key Demographic Facts (1880):
- Total population: ~450,000
- Muslims: 85%
- Christians: 10%
- Jews: 5%
B. Emergence of Zionism
Theodor Herzl's 1896 pamphlet "Der Judenstaat" catalyzed political Zionism...
II. British Mandate Era (1917-1947)
1917: Balfour Declaration
"His Majesty's Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people..."
1936-1939: Arab Revolt
Arab protests against Jewish immigration and land purchases turned violent...
III. Partition and Nakba (1947-1949)
UN Partition Plan (Resolution 181)
A. UN Resolution 181
The 1947 partition plan proposed:
- Jewish State: 56% of land (including fertile coastal areas)
- Arab State: 43%
- Jerusalem: International zone
B. 1948 War and Its Aftermath
Key statistics:
| Category | Palestinian | Jewish |
|---|---|---|
| Population (1947) | 1.3 million | 630,000 |
| Displaced (1948-49) | 700,000+ | N/A |
IV. The Occupation Era (1967-Present)
A. Six-Day War (1967)
B. Settlement Expansion
C. First Intifada (1987-1993)
V. Peace Process Era
A. Oslo Accords (1993-1995)
B. Camp David Summit (2000)
C. Second Intifada (2000-2005)
VI. 21st Century Developments
A. Gaza Disengagement (2005)
B. Hamas Election (2006)
C. Blockade of Gaza
D. Major Military Conflicts
VII. Current Status (2020s)
A. Settlements Today
B) Palestinian Division
C. Normalization Agreements
VIII. International Perspectives
A. UN Resolutions
B. US Role
C. BDS Movement
"The conflict is not between two equal narratives, but between an occupier and an occupied." - Edward Said
Conclusion: Paths Forward
Analysis of potential solutions...