What do Palestinians and Israelis want? Both want to establish independent states (one Jewish and one Arab) on the same land. Historic ties Kingdom of Israel ca bce – 700s bce Arab control AD 600s – early 1900s Religious ties most holy sites for Jews 3 rd holiest site for Muslims

Why do they fight? World War I – Mandated Territories: Middle East was divided among Western European countries Balfour Declaration the British promised Arabs independence at the same time they supported the Zionist mvt

Why do they fight? The Holocaust: 1930s-1940s Dramatic increase in number of European Jews migrating to Palestine. Many Arabs not happy with increase. World pressure increased to create a Jewish state.

Why do they fight? UN Plan : create 2 states; one Jewish and one Arab Jewish reaction: supported the plan (declares statehood in 1948) Arab Reaction: did not support the plan; did not want to give up more than half their land to a Jewish minority

After 2 attacks by it’s Arab neighbors, once in 1948 and again in 1967, Israel won and gained control over what would be Palestinian territory according to the UN Plan. Why do they fight?

refugees hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled from or were kicked out of their homes many still live in refugee camps others have become citizens of other Arab countries Occupied Territories –West Bank –Gaza Strip –Golan Heights buffer zones: protect Israel from neighbors illegal according to international law

Why do they fight? Settlements built by the Israelis in the Occupied Territories effects on Palestinians –loss of homes –denied access to water –job loss –unemployment –low paying jobs

Why have there been problems with peace? lack of trust –both sides do not follow through on promises –violence on both sides continues to increase internal pressures – extremist don’t want to compromise

current situation Palestinians have full control in Gaza and in some areas of the West Bank. All settlements in Gaza and some in West Bank have been dismantled.

current situation Wall on the green line protection barrier in the West Bank to keep terrorist out. Similar barriers exist in the Gaza Strip and near Syria and Lebanon.