Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Briefly introduce the conflict’s nature (religious, political, and territorial).
• Mention the key factor that has sustained it (historical grievances, territorial disputes, and external influences).

2. Historical Factors

• Balfour Declaration (1917): Mention how the British government promised to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, leading to conflicts with the Arab population. This event began Jewish immigration to Palestine, igniting tension with local Arabs.
• Nakba (1948): Discuss the 1948 Arab-Israeli war following the UN’s 1947 partition plan. The war resulted in the displacement of 750,000 Palestinians, a traumatic event for Palestinians, contributing to deep-rooted resentment.

3. Territorial Disputes

• Indivisibility of Territory: Highlight the competing territorial claims of Israelis and Palestinians, particularly over Jerusalem. Jerusalem holds religious significance for both sides, making the city a central issue in negotiations.
• Occupation and Settlements: Discuss Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories post-1967, the construction of illegal settlements in the West Bank, and the resulting tensions, such as the First Intifada in 1987.

4. Extremism and Violent Responses

• Hamas and Radical Elements: Discuss the role of extremist groups like Hamas and their violent acts (e.g., suicide bombings, rocket attacks), which have hindered peace efforts.
• Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin (1995): Mention how the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by a Jewish extremist undermined the peace process initiated by the Oslo Accords.

5. Third-Party Influence

• US Involvement: Discuss the US’s support for Israel, influenced by the Jewish lobby, and its inability to stop Israeli occupation in Palestinian territories. This has led to distrust and further polarization.
• Iran’s Support for Hamas: Examine Iran’s role in supporting militant organizations like Hamas, which fuels militancy and resistance in Gaza, complicating peace efforts.

6. Conclusion

• Conclude by summarizing the complexity of the conflict, emphasizing the intertwined historical, territorial, and political issues.
• Mention the need for international mediation to address these longstanding issues for a potential resolution.

Relevant Facts for Answer:

Historical Factors:

1. Balfour Declaration (1917): “The British government issued the Balfour Declaration, supporting the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine, which led to conflict with the local Arab population” .
2. Nakba (1948): “In the aftermath of the 1947 UN Partition Plan and the subsequent Arab-Israeli War of 1948, around 750,000 Palestinians were displaced, an event known as Nakba, deeply ingrained in Palestinian memory” .

Territorial Disputes:

1. Indivisibility of Territory: “Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital, which remains one of the most contentious issues in peace negotiations” .
2. Occupation and Settlements: “Israel has maintained control over East Jerusalem and the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War, continuing to build settlements in violation of international law”.

Extremism and Violent Responses:

1. Hamas and Radical Elements: “Hamas has consistently launched rocket attacks on Israeli territory, while Israeli counterattacks have led to numerous casualties in Gaza. This ongoing violence has sabotaged peace initiatives”.
2. Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin (1995): “Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by an Israeli extremist in 1995, undermining the Oslo Accords peace process”.

Third-Party Influence:

1. US Involvement: “The United States, heavily influenced by its Jewish lobby, has long supported Israel, providing military aid and political backing, which has intensified Palestinian grievances”.
2. Iran’s Support for Hamas: “Iran has been a significant backer of Hamas, providing funding and military assistance, further escalating the conflict in Gaza”.