The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people is one of the longest and most violent disputes globally, with roots dating back over a century. It has seen numerous wars, uprisings, and crackdowns, with ongoing consequences still felt today, including the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Before 1948, Israel was created when Britain took control of Palestine after World War One, leading to tensions between the Arab and Jewish populations. The United Nations voted to split Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states in 1947, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
The Six-Day War in 1967 changed boundaries in the Middle East, with Israel capturing territories such as the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The status of the West Bank remains disputed, with Israel controlling the area and Palestinian aspirations for an independent state.
Jerusalem is a key point of contention, claimed as the capital by both Israel and the Palestinians. The Gaza Strip, surrounded by Israel and Egypt, has been the site of numerous conflicts, with Hamas in control and facing Israeli blockades.
The ongoing conflict has seen numerous casualties and suffering on both sides, with international bodies like the UN condemning Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The dispute over land, borders, and rights continues to be a major issue in the region.