The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Synopsis

No conflict in the world has lasted as long, generated as many news headlines, or incited as much controversy as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Yet, despite, or perhaps because of, the degree of international attention it receives, the conflict is still widely misunderstood. While Israelis and Palestinians and their respective supporters trade accusations, many outside observers remain confused by the conflict's complexity and perplexed by the passion it arouses. The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know® offers an even-handed and judicious guide to the world's most intractable dispute. Rather than presenting a traditional, narrative history, this book employs an accessible question-and-answer format. Writing in an engaging, jargon-free style, Dov Waxman, a leading expert on the Middle East, provides clear and concise answers to common questions, from the most basic to the most contentious. Covering the conflict from its nineteenth-century origins to the latest developments of the twenty-first century, this book explains the key events, examines the core issues, and presents the competing claims and narratives of both sides. Readers will learn what the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is all about, how it has evolved over time, and why it continues to defy diplomatic efforts at a resolution.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Roots of the Conflict

* Examines the historical, religious, and geopolitical factors that have shaped the conflict, including the Balfour Declaration and the establishment of the British Mandate in Palestine.
* Real Example: The Balfour Declaration (1917) promised a Jewish homeland in Palestine, laying the foundation for the conflict.

Chapter 2: The Birth of Israel and the 1948 War

* Describes the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent Arab-Israeli War.
* Real Example: The Deir Yassin massacre (1948), where Israeli forces killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians, intensified tensions.

Chapter 3: The Continuing Conflict

* Documents the ongoing violence, including the Six-Day War (1967), the Yom Kippur War (1973), and the first and second Intifadas (1987-1993 and 2000-2005).
* Real Example: The Camp David Accords (1978) between Israel and Egypt, which resulted in a peace treaty but failed to address the Palestinian issue.

Chapter 4: The Oslo Accords and the Peace Process

* Details the Oslo Accords (1993-1995), which established the Palestinian Authority and aimed to resolve the conflict through negotiations.
* Real Example: The Oslo II Accord (1995) created a Palestinian Legislative Council and expanded the Authority's powers.

Chapter 5: Failed Negotiations and Renewed Violence

* Discusses the challenges and failures of the peace process, including the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (1995) and the ongoing settlement activity in the West Bank.
* Real Example: The Second Intifada (2000-2005) erupted after the failed Camp David II Summit (2000).

Chapter 6: The Gaza Strip and the Hamas Takeover

* Focuses on the Gaza Strip, its governance by Hamas, and the numerous conflicts with Israel, including the Gaza War (2008-2009) and the Great March of Return (2018-2019).
* Real Example: The Gaza blockade (2007-present), imposed by Israel and Egypt, has caused economic hardship and humanitarian crises.

Chapter 7: The International Dimension

* Explores the role of international actors and organizations, including the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union, in mediating and addressing the conflict.
* Real Example: The United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 (1967), which called for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories and Palestinian refugee return.

Chapter 8: The Future of the Conflict

* Examines different perspectives on possible solutions, including the two-state solution, the one-state solution, and the status quo.
* Real Example: The Abraham Accords (2020), which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries, have raised questions about the prospects for regional peace.

Chapter 9: Conclusion

* Summarizes the main themes and debates surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and discusses ongoing challenges and opportunities for resolution.
* Real Example: The continuing calls for a just and equitable solution that respects the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.