Arab–Israeli conflict

Arab–Israeli Conflict

The Arab–Israeli conflict refers to the political tension, military conflicts, and disputes between a number of Arab countries and Israel. The roots of the conflict are complex and involve historical, religious, and political factors.

Historical Background

Ottoman and British Mandate Periods

The region known as Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire until the end of World War I. Following the war, the League of Nations granted Great Britain the mandate over Palestine. During this period, tensions grew between the Jewish and Arab populations.

Rise of Nationalism

Both Jewish and Arab nationalism grew during the early 20th century. The Zionist movement sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, while Arab nationalism opposed the establishment of a Jewish state.

Key Events

1948 Arab–Israeli War

The 1948 Arab–Israeli War, also known as the War of Independence for Israelis and the Nakba ("catastrophe") for Palestinians, began following the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. Neighboring Arab states invaded the newly declared state, leading to a conflict that resulted in significant territorial changes and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

Six-Day War

In June 1967, the Six-Day War broke out, during which Israel captured the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights. This war significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of the region.

Yom Kippur War

The Yom Kippur War of 1973 saw a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria on Israel during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. The conflict ended with a ceasefire and led to subsequent peace negotiations.

Peace Efforts

Camp David Accords

The Camp David Accords of 1978 were a significant step towards peace, resulting in the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty in 1979. This was the first peace agreement between Israel and an Arab country.

Oslo Accords

The Oslo Accords of the 1990s were a series of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) aimed at achieving a peace treaty based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 242.

Current Issues

Israeli Settlements

The issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank remains a major point of contention. These settlements are considered illegal under international law by most countries, though Israel disputes this.

Palestinian Statehood

The question of Palestinian statehood and the recognition of a Palestinian state remains unresolved. Efforts to achieve a two-state solution have been ongoing but face significant challenges.

Conclusion

The Arab–Israeli conflict is a complex and multifaceted issue with deep historical roots. Despite numerous efforts at peace, the conflict continues to affect the region and the world.

See Also

• Israeli–Palestinian conflict
• Middle East peace process
• Arab League

References

• "Arab-Israeli wars". Encyclopaedia Britannica.