Running head: Conflict between Israel and Palestine 1

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Introduction
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It is difficult to overstate the complexity and duration of the Israeli-Palestinian

conflict. It's been going on for almost a century, and it's caused innumerable battles, countless

deaths, and endless hardships on both sides. This struggle had its origins in the early 20th

century, when Zionism, a political movement that sought to create a Jewish state in Palestine,

gained momentum. Especially after the world learned of the Holocaust's atrocities, the

worldwide community rallied to support the campaign, and in 1948, Israel was founded. A

large number of Palestinians were forced to leave their homes when Israel was founded.

Therefore the process was not without controversy.

Many wars, riots, and acts of violence have marked the struggle between Israel and

Palestine. In May 2021, Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza

Strip, engaged in a deadly battle. Almost 250 Palestinians and 12 Israelis were killed, and

hundreds of thousands were displaced due to the fighting. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a

major global issue. It has heightened tensions between the Muslim world and Israel and has

repercussions for the entire Middle East region. Human rights, territorial disputes, and the

application of international law all play a part in the war, which has far-reaching

consequences (Yahaya, 2020).

Part One: Conflict Analysis Assignment

Root Causes of the Conflict

The Zionist Movement and the establishment of Israel

The Zionist Movement, which started in the late 19th century to create a Jewish

homeland in Palestine, is mainly responsible for the current conflict between Israel and

Palestine. Movement momentum grew in the early 20th century, eventually leading to the
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 3

creation of Israel in 1948(Yahaya, 2020). In this essay, I will examine how the Zionist

Movement and the creation of Israel contributed to the escalation of tensions between Israel

and Palestine. In the late 19th century, the Zionist Movement emerged in response to rising

anti-Semitism across Europe. European Jews spearheaded the Movement because they

thought creating a Jewish state in what was then the Ottoman Empire's territory of Palestine

was their only chance at safety. Once news of the Holocaust spread, Jewish communities

worldwide rallied behind the cause(Caplan, 2019).

While many in the Zionist Movement celebrated the creation of Israel, the fact

remains that many Palestinians and Israelis disagreed with the action, and the conflict

between the two countries persists to this day. Palestinians have long felt wronged due to

Israel's occupation of their land and the forced relocation of its citizens (Thiessen &

Darweish, 2018). Many Palestinians consider the creation of Israel to be an act of

colonialism, and they want the right to return to their original homes and regain their original

land. The founding of Israel and the Zionist Movement both played crucial roles in fueling

tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The Movement's goal was to create a Jewish

homeland in Palestine, but the local Arabs saw it as an attack on their freedom and safety.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced to leave their homes when Israel was

founded on occupied territory, and they have never given up their fight for justice and the

right to return(Yahaya, 2020).

The displacement of Palestinians from their homes

The displacement of Palestinians from their homes is a critical issue in the conflict

between Israel and Palestine. Palestinians refer to this event as the Nakba, meaning

"catastrophe" in Arabic, which occurred in 1948 when Israel declared independence. The
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 4

Nakba displaced around 750,000 Palestinians who were forced to flee their homes and

become refugees in neighbouring Arab countries. The displacement of Palestinians from their

homes directly resulted from the establishment of the state of Israel, which was created on

land inhabited by Palestinians for generations. The displacement resulted from the war

between Jewish and Arab forces following the declaration of Israeli independence. During

the war, Israeli forces carried out a campaign of ethnic cleansing that involved the destruction

of Palestinian villages and the expulsion of their inhabitants(Caplan, 2019).

Many Palestinians still hold the keys to the homes their families were forced to leave

behind in 1948, and they view the right to return and reclaim their land as a fundamental

right. However, Israel has consistently denied the right of return to Palestinian refugees,

arguing that it would threaten the Jewish character of Israel. The displacement of Palestinians

from their homes has had profound and long-lasting effects on the Palestinian people. The

Nakba remains a profoundly traumatic event in Palestinian history, and the refugee crisis that

resulted from it has yet to be resolved(Yahaya, 2020). Many Palestinian refugees and their

descendants live in refugee camps in neighbouring Arab countries, facing difficult living

conditions and limited opportunities. The displacement of Palestinians from their homes is a

highly contentious issue in the conflict between Israel and Palestine(Caplan, 2019).

Territorial disputes and the right of return for Palestinian refugees

Two of the most divisive aspects of the conflict between Israel and Palestine are

claims to territory and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. Disputes over territory

include the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, all of which Israel conquered

during the 1967 Six-Day War. As part of the 1994 Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority

was founded to create a Palestinian state in these areas, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 5

However, Israel has maintained its illegal settlement construction in the West Bank. It has

maintained its siege of the Gaza Strip, which has severely restricted the Movement of both

people and goods(Kelman & Fisher,2017).

Palestinians who were forced to flee their homes during the 1948 conflict and their

descendants have long advocated for the "right of return," or the ability to return to one's

original residence and property. Forcibly displaced people who have fled their homes due to

war or persecution have a legal right to request to return to those areas(Yahaya, 2020).

Meanwhile, Israel has always been adamantly against granting Palestinian refugees the right

to return, claiming that doing so would challenge Israel's Jewish character. Because the

demand for the right of return is tied to the problem of Palestinian statehood, it is inextricably

entangled with territorial disputes and the right of return for Palestinian refugees(Caplan,

2019).

Major Conflicts and Events

Significant conflicts between Israel and Palestine, including wars and uprisings

Wars and uprisings have been among the many essential conflicts and events

highlighting the struggle between Israel and Palestine during the past century. These are only

a few of the most significant wars and other events:

From 1917 through 1948, the Zionist Movement and the British Mandate

In order to establish a Jewish state in what was then Palestine, which the Ottoman

Empire ruled, the Zionist Movement was launched in the late 19th century. The British

Mandate was formed in Palestine after World War I, and the Zionist Movement kept
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 6

expanding and settling more Jews there. Since the Palestinians saw the surge of Jewish

immigration as a danger to their sovereignty and way of life, tensions between Jews and

Arabs rose dramatically during this time(Yahaya, 2020).

War of Independence and Palestinian Emigration, 1948

As Israel broke away from British rule in 1948, its Arab neighbours attacked. As a

result of the ensuing conflict, sometimes called the War of Independence, about 750,000

Palestinians were compelled to leave their homes and seek safety in neighbouring Arab

countries. The conflict also established Israel's de facto borders, which now include the West

Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem(Caplan, 2019).

The Israeli Occupation and the Six-Day War, 1967

The Six-Day War broke out when Israel attacked Egypt, Jordan, and Syria before they

could attack Israel in a preemptive strike in 1967. Israel came out on top and now controls the

occupied territories of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. Human rights

breaches, acts of violence, and the growth of illegal settlements have all persisted throughout

the occupation.

The First Intifada occurred between 1987 and 1993.

From its inception in 1987, the First Intifada has been the name given to the

Palestinian revolt against Israeli occupation. Violence against Israeli civilians and military

personnel and widespread civil disobedience defined the Intifada. Parts of the West Bank and

Gaza Strip were given to the Palestinian Authority to rule themselves after the

Intifada(Caplan, 2019).
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The Second Intifada, 2000–2005

Beginning in 2000 and continuing until 2005, the Second Intifada was a Palestinian

uprising against Israeli occupation. There were several attacks on Israeli civilians and

soldiers, including suicide bombings and shootings, during the Intifada. After the Second

Intifada, Israel reoccupied some West Bank and built a barrier to keep Palestinians

out(Väyrynen, 2023).

Gaza War of 2006

The Islamic terrorist group Hamas won elections in the Gaza Strip in 2006 and has

ruled the territory since. Hundreds of Palestinians and Israelis were killed in the ensuing

confrontation between Hamas and Israel, commonly called the Gaza War.

Palestinian Conflict, 2014

Over 2,000 Palestinians and 72 Israelis were killed in the most recent battle between

Hamas and Israel in 2014. During the conflict, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes, artillery

fire, and ground operations in the Gaza Strip. There has been a continual cycle of violence

and mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians due to these disputes and occurrences. Finding

a solution that respects the rights and ambitions of both Israelis and Palestinians is essential if

the two sides are ever to live in peace (Thiessen & Darweish, 2018).

The most recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in 2021

Almost 250 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed during an 11-day confrontation

between Israel and Hamas in May 2021. Tensions first flared out in East Jerusalem during the

holy month of Ramadan, when Israeli police fought with Palestinian pilgrims at the Al-Aqsa
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 8

Mosque. As Israel carried out airstrikes and announced plans to remove Palestinian families

from their houses in the Sheikh Jarrah area of East Jerusalem, the unrest spilt to the Gaza

Strip (Kelman & Fisher,2017).

Impact of these events on the local and international communities

Over several decades, millions of people worldwide have been affected by the

continuous conflict between Israel and Palestine. Some of the ways in which the conflict has

affected these locals are listed below:

The violence has had a catastrophic effect on the daily lives of Palestinians and

Israelis in the region. For decades, Palestinians have been under military occupation, forced

to relocate, and victims of human rights abuses such as mobility restrictions, home

demolitions, and physical violence at the hands of Israeli settlers and soldiers. There has been

a rise in violence and insecurity in Israel, primarily as a result of terrorist strikes by

Palestinian militant groups. The Israeli siege of Gaza has caused significant shortages of

food, medication, and other basic necessities, and the conflict has contributed to the

deterioration of infrastructure and services across the region. Many people's lives have been

upended, and many families have been torn apart, because of the violence(Thiessen &

Darweish, 2018).

International Implications of the Conflict

Implications of the conflict for the Middle East region

Israeli-Palestinian hostilities have exacerbated regional unrest and heightened tensions

with Arab countries. Arab populations, especially those in neighboring countries, have grown
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 9

increasingly frustrated and angry due to the lack of progress towards a durable peace solution

(Väyrynen, 2023).

The conflict has contributed to the growth of extremist organizations like Hamas and

Hezbollah, which have used the Palestinian cause as a rallying cry and justification for their

own violent operations. Tensions and conflicts in the region, such as the Syrian civil war and

the ongoing crisis in Yemen, have been exacerbated by this conflict(Yahaya, 2020).

Implications for the Muslim world and the relationship with Israel

Israel's ties with Muslim countries, especially in the Middle East, have been severely

tested by the conflict. While some Muslim countries, like Egypt and Jordan, have established

diplomatic ties with Israel, many others have refused to recognize it and have maintained a

policy of non-engagement. Many Muslim countries and groups have expressed their support

for Palestinian independence and self-determination, showing that the Palestinian cause has

served as a unifying issue for the Muslim world as a whole. The conflict has made matters

worse, adding to the mistrust and animosity that already existed between Israel and Muslim

countries(Cohen-Chen et al., 2017).

The role of the United Nations in resolving the conflict

The United Nations has been instrumental in trying to end the Israeli-Palestinian

conflict. The United Nations has issued multiple resolutions demanding an end to Israeli

settlements in occupied Palestinian territory, the creation of a Palestinian state, and the

peaceful resolution of the conflict. The United Nations (UN) has participated in peace talks

and efforts to foster communication between the warring parties. Humanitarian aid is

provided to millions of Palestinians in the occupied territories and nearby countries by the
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 10

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Despite the

UN's best efforts, the conflict has persisted for decades and no meaningful peace solution has

been reached. Promoting discussion, preserving human rights, and supporting efforts to

peacefully resolve the conflict remain essential for the United Nations and other international

organizations(Yahaya, 2020).

Critical Issues in the Conflict

The Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, notably the West Bank and East

Jerusalem, is a significant source of Palestinian grievances. Israel has occupied these areas

since the 1967 Six-Day War, much to the chagrin of the international community. Israeli

settlement building on occupied Palestinian land, restrictions on the Palestinian Movement

and access to resources, and Israeli security forces' disproportionate use of force are all

examples of human rights abuses that have distinguished the occupation.There has been little

hope for a sustainable peace agreement between Israel and Palestine so long as Israeli forces

remain in control of occupied Palestinian territory(Alon & Bar-Tal, 2016).

Part Two

Establishing a dialogue

Conflict between Israel and Palestine has persisted for decades, with recurrent

outbreaks of violence and tension. Initiating communication between conflicting parties is an

essential part of any plan to resolve the issue at hand. This essay will discuss the necessity of

a neutral third party mediator to promote fair and transparent negotiations in the context of

the Israel-Palestine conflict, as well as the relevance of creating a venue for dialogue.One of

the primary objectives of initiating talks between Israel and Palestine is to foster a climate of
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 11

mutual trust. Building trust between the people involved in a negotiation is crucial because it

facilitates cooperation and compromise. Years of bloodshed and enmity have severely

destroyed confidence between Israel and Palestine. A place where people can talk openly and

honestly is essential for restoring trust(Alon & Bar-Tal, 2016).

It is crucial that everyone involved in a conversation feels heard and respected so that

compromises may be reached that benefit everyone: the two countries, their neighbours, and

other international bodies. During negotiating, everyone's opinions must be heard and

considered. While direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine could be beneficial, their

mutual distrust and enmity over the years could make that a challenging prospect. An

impartial mediator can help in these situations. A mediator can help facilitate the discourse,

guarantee that the negotiations are fair and transparent, and create a more positive and

constructive climate. The mediator can also suggest creative alternatives to help the parties

establish common ground(Yahaya, 2020).

Developing trust-building measures

There has been a lot of bloodshed, hatred, and resentment between the Israelis and the

Palestinians for a very long time. Establishing mutual trust between adversaries is crucial for

keeping the peace in the long term. Using the Israel-Palestine conflict as an example, this

essay will discuss the value of adopting trust-building measures as a conflict management

method and offer some concrete instances of such measures. The lack of trust between the

Israelis and the Palestinians is a major obstacle to peace. Violence, political posturing, and

broken pledges have all worked to destroy confidence over the years, making it impossible to

imagine how genuine peace may be reached. Taking steps to build trust between the parties

can provide a more pleasant and productive environment for discussions (Yahaya, 2020).
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 12

To restore trust between Israel and Palestine, several confidence-building actions are

possible. Freeing prisoners is one way to show good faith and earn people's trust. Both sides

might show their dedication to peace by releasing detainees; Israel could do so by releasing

Palestinian inmates, and Palestine could do so by releasing Israeli prisoners. This could

improve the mood at the negotiating table and lead to more trust between the parties

involved. Mutually beneficial business endeavours are yet another option for fostering mutual

trust. Israel and Palestine can strengthen their relationship through collaborative economic

endeavours, including cross-border infrastructure projects and cooperative ventures. These

actions can potentially increase economic growth, raise living standards, and generate

employment opportunities for people in both countries. They may also aid in reducing the

distance that has existed between the two groups for so long(Yahaya, 2020).

Negotiate a comprehensive agreement

The conflict between Israel and Palestine is both complex and protracted. When

trying to end a problem for good, it's best to work toward a settlement that resolves every

underlying issue. Under the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, this essay will discuss the

significance of negotiating a comprehensive deal as a conflict management approach, and

will outline the essential components of such an agreement.Successful conflict management

in the Israel-Palestine conflict must include negotiations for a complete deal between the two

parties. The right of return for Palestinian refugees, Israeli settlement construction in the

West Bank, and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory are just some of the

fundamental issues that need to be resolved in such an accord.

International mediators should be actively involved, and negotiations should be

founded on the norms of international law (including relevant UN resolutions). This would
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 13

aid in making talks more equitable, open, and consistent with global norms.All parties'

legitimate interests should be accommodated in the all-encompassing agreement. This means

that the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and land, as well as the security

concerns of Israel and Palestine, must be addressed in the deal. In addition to being realistic

and long-lasting, the agreement should be subject to appropriate systems for monitoring and

enforcement to make it feasible, sustainable, and enforceable(Yahaya, 2020).

A Palestinian state could be created as part of a larger peace deal. For this to happen,

Israeli troops would have to leave the West Bank and a new Palestinian state would have to

be established with East Jerusalem as its capital. As a result, Palestinians would be able to

establish their own institutions and regain their self-respect.The question of Israeli

settlements in the West Bank is also central to any comprehensive accord. Since 1967, Israeli

settlement construction in the West Bank has been a major roadblock to peace talks.

Provisions for the evacuation of these settlements and compensation for people who have

been displaced could be included in the complete agreement.

Another critical issue that must be addressed in a comprehensive agreement is the

right of return for Palestinian refugees. This would entail facilitating the return of Palestinian

refugees to their pre-war homes and lands or providing compensation for their

losses(Thiessen & Darweish, 2018). This would be a tremendously helpful move toward

peace.Any plan for conflict management involving the Israel-Palestine issue must include

negotiations for a complete agreement. Such an agreement should be grounded in

international law and require the active participation of international mediators in order to

accommodate the legitimate interests of all parties involved. The creation of a Palestinian

state, the evacuation of Israeli settlements from the West Bank, and the resolution of the
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 14

refugee issue might all be central tenets of such an accord. A full deal would be a significant

step towards a more peaceful and stable future for the area, notwithstanding the difficulty and

complexity of the process.

Implementing the agreement

An important part of conflict management in the Israel-Palestine conflict is seeing an

agreement through to completion. Making an agreement work requires making sure its

provisions are followed and that both sides are dedicated to seeing it through. In this paper, I

will talk about why it's so crucial to put the agreement into action and what methods can be

employed to do so.Making sure everyone is on the same page is a major hurdle when trying

to put an agreement into action. There is a long history of mistrust and antagonism between

the parties in the Israel-Palestine conflict, which can make it challenging to create the

confidence and cooperation needed to implement a deal. Hence, a firm dedication from all

sides is necessary to make the agreement function(Thiessen & Darweish, 2018).

It is crucial to set up processes for monitoring and evaluating progress in order to

guarantee the agreement's successful implementation. One option is to establish a third-party

monitoring group to keep tabs on the agreement's implementation and make sure everyone is

playing by the rules. The oversight group can report on the situation on a regular basis and

point out where changes are needed.Providing aid and support to the parties is also crucial to

the agreement's successful implementation. In this respect, the international community can

play a pivotal role by providing the parties with financial and technical assistance to help

them carry out the terms of the agreement. The parties' capacity to implement the agreement

successfully can be bolstered by providing resources for infrastructure rebuilding and the

creation of economic possibilities in affected areas, as well as training and technical

 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 15

support.Last but not least, a well-defined strategy for handling disagreements that may occur

throughout implementation is crucial. In order to achieve this goal, it may be necessary to

create a system for resolving disagreements that is accepted by all parties and meets certain

criteria for fairness, transparency, and impartiality. The mechanism needs to be made such

that conflicts can be settled rapidly and easily without resorting to violence or other types of

conflict(Thiessen & Darweish, 2018).

In conclusion, carrying out the terms of an agreement is an essential part of conflict

management in the Israel-Palestine dispute. A successful implementation of the agreement

requires a firm commitment from all parties, the establishment of tools for monitoring and

evaluating progress, the provision of support and assistance, and a defined process for

resolving conflicts. Following these steps, a stable peace in the area can be established.

Building a sustainable peace

People on both sides of the conflict between Israel and Palestine have suffered greatly

over the course of its many decades. Achieving a durable and sustainable peace has been

difficult despite the many conflict management solutions that have been suggested and

applied over the years. This paper will analyze the Israel–Palestine conflict and discuss the

significance of constructing a lasting peace as a conflict management technique.Addressing

issues like poverty, inequality, and injustice are essential to constructing lasting peace.

Economic growth and social cohesion are two ways to accomplish this goal. Having a more

secure and wealthy society is a good first step in reducing the chances of war. Job creation,

infrastructure investment, and increased commerce are just a few examples of how to boost

the economy and alleviate poverty. There is a strong correlation between social initiatives
 Conflict between Israel and Palestine 16

that attempt to improve access to education, healthcare, and social inclusion, and increased

social cohesion and integration in a society(Thiessen & Darweish, 2018).

Promoting cooperation and conversation across international borders is also crucial to

establishing lasting peace. It can be useful in easing tensions and paving the way for a more

harmonious coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. To better understand and respect

one another, for instance, the two communities can work together on cultural and educational

projects. Likewise, international economic cooperation and trust-building projects are a win-

win.The political concerns at the heart of the conflict must also be resolved if a lasting peace

is to be built. This includes resolving issues like Israeli settlement expansion into the West

Bank and the right of return for Palestinian refugees in a fair and just manner. Getting there

will entail bargaining and giving ground on both sides, as well as the support of the global

community.

Last but not least, constructing a lasting peace necessitates constant evaluation and

assessment to ensure that goals are being met and gains are maintained. This necessitates the

installation of systems to track and assess how well the agreement is being put into action. A

joint monitoring committee comprised of representatives from both sides and the

international community is one example of a potential arrangement (Thiessen & Darweish,

2018). Finally, any plan for dealing with the Israel-Palestine conflict must include efforts to

create lasting peace between the two sides. To do so calls for working to resolve the political

issues at the heart of the conflict in a fair and just manner, boosting cross-border cooperation

and conversation, promoting economic development, and setting up systems for continual

monitoring and evaluation.

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References

Alon, I., & Bar-Tal, D. (2016). Role of trust in conflict resolution. Cham: Springer.

Caplan, N. (2019). The Israel-Palestine conflict: contested histories. John Wiley & Sons.

Cohen-Chen, S., Crisp, R. J., & Halperin, E. (2017). A new appraisal-based framework

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Kelman, H. C., & Fisher, R. J. (2017). The Role of National Identity in Conflict Resolution:

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C. Kelman: A Pioneer in the Social Psychology of Conflict Analysis and Resolution

(pp. 101-125). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

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Thiessen, C., & Darweish, M. (2018). Conflict resolution and asymmetric conflict: The

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Väyrynen, R. (2023). To settle or to transform: perspectives on the resolution of national and

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Allan Rosas (pp. 279-299). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

Yahaya, J. U. (2020). President Trump Peace Strategy: Emerging Conflict Between Israel and

Palestine. International Affairs and Global Strategy, 82, 25-37.