The Arab-Israeli Conflict

Where is Israel?

What is the background of the conflict? Jews scattered by Romans all around Empire, eventually the world. Land known as Israel used to be called Palestine. This land was home to both Arabs (majority) and some Jews. Came under British control after WWI.

What is Zionism? Movement to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Started to grow in popularity in the late 1800s. Anti-Semitism helped convince many Jews to move to Palestine.

How did the nation of Israel begin? After WWII & the Holocaust, more Jews than ever moved to Palestine. The United Nations divided Palestine into a Palestinian Arab part and an Israeli Jewish part. Israel declared its statehood in All countries around it declare war immediately. Israel wins.

What was the Six Day War? Another war between Israel and all of its Arab neighbors. Again, all nations attack Israel. Israel beats them all again. Israel then takes over the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, & the Sinai Peninsula. Israel then starts to build settlements in the Occupied Territories. This is illegal.

What is the PLO? The Palestinian Liberation Organization Their goal was to liberate Palestine: in other words, drive the Israelis out. Their methods were both political and violent. Now they are known as the Palestinian Authority. –They have given up violence and agreed to negotiate with Israel.

What is Hamas? A group that wants to destroy Israel. They are considered terrorists by most governments, including our own. They use violence but have also run for and won power through elections. They control the Gaza Strip currently.

What is being done to bring peace? Ongoing negotiations between different groups: Israel, the PA, Hamas, etc. The US, European, and Arab nations are helping (and sometimes hurting) this process. Each group has many things they want that go against another group. This makes compromise hard. You’ll see how hard when we do our simulation.

What are the main areas of conflict? The existence of Israel. –This is mostly an issue for Hamas. The city of Jerusalem. –Who controls it? Who has access to it? Israeli settlements in Occupied Territories. –Thousands of Israelis live in OTs. Palestinian refugees from Israeli territory. –Millions have never seen their “homes”. Guarantee of safety for Israel & sovereignty for Palestine.