The Arab-Israeli Conflict UPSC
The Arab-Israeli Conflict The Arab-Israeli conflict is one of the most enduring and complex conflicts in the Middle East, with roots that trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It involves political, territorial, and religious dimensions, and has seen numerous wars, uprisings, and attempts at peace. Here’s a detailed overview: Historical Background Early Zionism and Arab Nationalism: Zionist Movement: Emerged in the late 19th century with the goal of establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine, then part of the Ottoman Empire. Arab Nationalism: Grew in response to Ottoman rule and later Western colonialism, emphasizing the independence and unity of Arab peoples. British Mandate Period (1920-1948): The League of Nations granted Britain the mandate over Palestine, which included the Balfour Declaration’s promise of a Jewish homeland while ensuring that the rights of non-Jewish communities would not be prejudiced. Increasing Jewish immigration to Palestine and land purchases led to tensions and conflicts between Jewish and Arab communities. Key Events and Wars 1948 Arab-Israeli War (War of Independence/ Nakba): Following the UN Partition Plan in 1947, which proposed the division of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, the State of Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948. The neighboring Arab states (Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq) invaded, leading to a war that ended with an armistice in 1949. Israel expanded its territory, while the West Bank and Gaza Strip came under Jordanian and Egyptian control, respectively. The war created a significant Palestinian refugee crisis, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced. Six-Day War (1967): A preemptive strike by Israel against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria led to a swift victory for Israel, which captured the Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights. This war significantly altered the geopolitical landscape and exacerbated the conflict. Yom Kippur War (1973): Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. Initial Arab gains were reversed by Israeli counterattacks. The war led to a renewed emphasis on diplomacy and eventually the Camp David Accords. Peace Efforts and Agreements Camp David Accords (1978): Brokered by US President Jimmy Carter, leading to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel in 1979. Egypt recognized Israel, and Israel returned the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. Oslo Accords (1993-1995): Negotiations between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) resulted in mutual recognition and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Aimed to achieve a two-state solution, but implementation faced numerous challenges. Other Initiatives: Camp David Summit (2000): Attempted to resolve the conflict but ended without an agreement. Arab Peace Initiative (2002): Proposed by Saudi Arabia, offering normalized relations between Arab states and Israel in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories and a “just settlement” of the Palestinian refugee problem. Ongoing Issues Territorial Disputes: Settlements: Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this. The expansion of settlements is a major point of contention. Borders: The borders between Israel and a potential future Palestinian state remain undefined. Status of Jerusalem: Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital. East Jerusalem, captured by Israel in 1967, is particularly contentious. Refugees: The right of return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants remains a critical issue. Palestinians seek the right to return to homes lost in 1948, while Israel fears this would undermine its Jewish character. Security and Violence: Periodic violence, including rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli military operations, continues to destabilize the region. Groups like Hamas, which controls Gaza, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, are significant actors in the conflict. International Involvement United States: A key ally of Israel, providing military and economic support, and playing a significant role in peace negotiations. United Nations: Has passed numerous resolutions regarding the conflict, though implementation has been limited. European Union: Supports a two-state solution and provides aid to the Palestinians. Arab States: Their involvement has shifted over time, with some countries like Egypt and Jordan making peace with Israel, while others remain adversarial. Recent Developments Abraham Accords (2020): Agreements brokered by the US leading to normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. These accords represent a significant shift in regional dynamics. Ongoing Violence and Tensions: The conflict remains unresolved, with periodic escalations in violence, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. Issues such as settlement expansion, political instability within the Palestinian territories, and the status of Jerusalem continue to hinder peace efforts. Conclusion The Arab-Israeli conflict is deeply rooted in historical, political, and religious issues. Despite numerous efforts at peace, it remains unresolved, with significant impacts on the lives of those in the region and broader geopolitical implications. Lasting peace will require addressing complex and interwoven issues, including mutual recognition, security concerns, and the rights of refugees. 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