The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long and deep-rooted conflict that dates back to the late 19th century. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the history of the conflict, including key events and milestones. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long and multifaceted struggle for territorial control, self-determination and political sovereignty. It dates back to the late 19th century and gained significant international attention in 1948 following the adoption of UN Resolution 181, known as the Partition Plan.

The United Nations passed Resolution 181 in 1947, which aimed to divide the British Mandate of Palestine into two separate Arab and Jewish states.  This resolution paved the way for the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. However, Israel’s declaration of independence sparked the first Arab-Israeli war, which resulted in an Israeli victory but displaced 750,000 Palestinians. After the first Arab-Israeli war, this land was divided into three parts: the State of Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Tensions in the region intensified with the conflicts between Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Syria.

The Six-Day War began in June 1967 with a preemptive Israeli strike against Egyptian and Syrian forces.  After the war, Israel gained control of the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria. The result of this war significantly influenced the territorial dynamics of the region.

Egypt and Syria fought the Yom Kippu War (1973), also known as the October War, in an attempt to regain lost territories. Although the conflict did not result in significant territorial changes, it did lead to negotiations over previously ceded lands. In 1979, the Camp David Accords were a milestone that led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. The agreement improved relations between Israel and its neighbours but left the issue of Palestinian self-determination unresolved.

Following this, the first intifada began in 1987 with a Palestinian uprising in the West Bank and Gaza Strip against the Israeli government. The 1993 Oslo Accords laid the foundation for Palestinian autonomy, leading to the creation of the Palestinian Authority and mutual recognition between the parties. In 1995, the Oslo II Accords expanded these agreements and required Israel to withdraw troops from certain areas.

The Second Intifada began in 2000, which led to Israel’s construction of a barrier wall around the West Bank in 2002. This action met with international opposition. Hamas’s victory in the 2006 Palestinian Authority elections led to heightened factionalism, leading to violence between Hamas and Fatah. Despite attempts at reconciliation, differences persisted.

The military confrontation between Israel and Hamas in the summer of 2014, resulted in significant casualties and destruction. The Trump administration’s policy changes, including moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, have further complicated the situation.  The Abraham Accords settled relations between Israel and several Arab states but were rejected by Palestinian leaders.

Tensions in East Jerusalem escalated in early 2021, leading to protests and violence.  This escalated into a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hamas in May 2021, leading to a cease-fire after significant casualties and damage. The conflict continued, with a major escalation in October 2023. It marked a significant turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leading to Israel’s declaration of war and a deadly ground invasion of Gaza. The humanitarian situation has worsened and millions of Palestinians face displacement and dire living conditions.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a complex and protracted dispute with deep historical roots. He witnessed various wars, negotiations, and attempts at peace. The future of the conflict remains uncertain as humanitarian issues, territorial disputes and political issues play a central role in its resolution. An understanding of history and key events is essential to understanding the complexity of this ongoing conflict.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has indeed created serious humanitarian problems. International humanitarian law (IHL) plays an important role in addressing these issues.  According to IHL, all parties to an armed conflict must adhere to fundamental principles such as the protection of civilians, the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, and the provision of humanitarian assistance.

To solve humanitarian problems in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both sides must adhere to the principles of international law alongside the international community. This includes ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians, enabling the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and protecting critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools.  In addition, it is vital to respect the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons.

The long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be sought within the framework of international law, especially UN resolutions. A two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine live side by side within recognized borders, is the approach commonly proposed. However, specific details and conditions require negotiation and agreement by the parties involved, taking into account Israeli and Palestinian rights and demands. Mediation and international diplomacy are necessary to achieve a just and sustainable solution to the conflict by international law.