The Israel-Palestine conflict is a protracted struggle rooted in historical, political, and territorial disputes. Its origins trace back to the late 19th century with the emergence of Zionism, a movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in response to widespread anti-Semitism in Europe.
Concurrently, Palestinian Arabs, who had been residing in the region for centuries, aspired to self-determination.
In 1917, the Balfour Declaration by the British government expressed support for “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people,” without compromising the rights of existing non-Jewish communities. This declaration intensified Jewish immigration to Palestine, leading to escalating tensions between Jewish and Arab communities.
Following World War II and the Holocaust, international support for a Jewish state grew. In 1947, the United Nations proposed partitioning Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. Jewish leaders accepted the plan, leading to the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948. However, Arab leaders rejected the partition, resulting in the first Arab-Israeli war. The conflict led to the displacement of approximately 700,000 Palestinians, an event Palestinians refer to as the Nakba, or “catastrophe.”
Subsequent conflicts, including the Six-Day War in 1967, saw Israel capturing the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, territories with significant Palestinian populations. These areas remain central to the conflict, with Palestinians seeking to establish an independent state comprising these territories, while Israel maintains varying degrees of control over them.
Efforts to resolve the conflict have included the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, which established a framework for Palestinian self-governance in parts of the West Bank and Gaza. Despite these initiatives, key issues such as the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the expansion of Israeli settlements have impeded a lasting resolution.
In recent years, the conflict has seen significant developments. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, involving rocket barrages and cross-border incursions, resulting in substantial casualties. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza, marking one of the most intense escalations in the conflict’s history.
The hostilities have led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with widespread destruction of infrastructure, including homes, schools, and hospitals. The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 45,000 Palestinian deaths as of December 2024.The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians.
In January 2025, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas facilitated the release of hostages and prisoners. Ninety Palestinian prisoners, including women and teenagers, were released from Israeli jails, while Hamas freed three Israeli women held in Gaza. The truce also allowed for the entry of over 630 humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza, addressing critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Thousands of Palestinians have begun returning to their heavily damaged homes, with reports indicating that approximately 90% of Gaza’s buildings have been destroyed during the conflict. The ceasefire, set to last 42 days, includes plans for further hostage exchanges and significant aid deliveries.However, the stability and long-term success of the ceasefire remain uncertain.
The international community continues to advocate for a sustainable resolution to the conflict. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser al-Kidwa have proposed a comprehensive peace plan.Their proposal includes ending the war in Gaza, exchanging hostages and prisoners, and establishing political structures in Gaza linked to, but independent from, the Palestinian Authority. They also advocate for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with land swaps to address existing settlements, and an international trusteeship to administer Jerusalem’s Old City. This initiative aims to inspire new leadership and garner international and regional support to create a more stable and prosperous future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Despite these efforts, significant challenges persist. The deep-rooted historical grievances, security concerns, and political divisions on both sides continue to hinder progress toward a lasting peace. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as both parties and the international community seek a resolution to this enduring conflict.