Arab – Israeli Conflict

How it Began Pre-1948 land in question = PALESTINE Jews believed it belonged to them because of Yahweh’s covenant with Abraham (Promised Land) Palestinians = Muslims  They don’t care!

How it Began 1897 Zionist Movement began – Jews from around the world want own homeland Great Britain offered Uganda Jews wanted Palestine 1917 – Balfour Declaration – Great Britain says there will be a Jewish homeland in Palestine

1940’s: World War II / Holocaust More Jews want own country, move to Palestine More international support for Jews Nov. 29, 1947 – UN Resolution 181 – Palestine divided into three parts: Jewish, Arab, Jerusalem (shared) May 14, 1948 Israel declares Independence

II. Wars and the Aftermath Wars—Israel won four Arab-Israeli wars May 15, 1948-49 = Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan invaded to prevent formation of Jewish country Most significant = Six Day War Israel = Surprise attack on Egypt (worried about being invaded)

Six Day War Results Israel beat Egypt, Syria, and Jordan Israel gained control of the rest of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza Strip), Sinai Peninsula, Golan Heights, and eastern half of Jerusalem

RESULTS Palestine no longer existed Many Palestinian Arabs forced to flee to refugee camps 2.7 – 3.6 million Palestinian refugees today Many don’t have adequate food and shelter Limited educational and economic opportunities

What is a refugee? a person who flees for refuge or safety, especially to a foreign country, in times of war or upheaval

More results… Limited educational and economic opportunities 1964 Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) formed to lead fight to regain Palestine UN Resolution 242 (1967) A. Called for an end to declarations of war B. Israeli troops leave territories captured from Arabs

UN Resolution (continued) C. Respect each other’s independence and right to exist D. “Just settlement” to Palestinian refugee problem E. Nothing actually happened…

1974 - Present 1974 Palestine given observer status in UN (world recognized right to exist) Violence from both sides has slowed the peace process

Ongoing Violence A. 1987 – Intifada – Palestinians throw rocks and homemade grenades to get Israeli troops to leave West Bank and Gaza Strip B. Ariel Sharon (leader of Israel) send army into refugee camps to root out terrorists, used excessive violence C. 2nd Intifada started eight years ago D. Both sides refuse to implement peace plans until terrorism stops