Israel Palestine Conflict

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Map of Palestine before 1917 until Today

1917 - Balfour Declaration

The Balfour Declaration, issued by British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour, expressed support for a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This declaration sparked violence in the Islamic world and unrest in Palestine, eventually leading Britain to leave the region.

1948 - UN Partition Plan

The UN proposed a partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. While accepted by the Jewish community, it was rejected by the Arab world, leading to an invasion of Israel by surrounding Arab countries. Despite the odds, Israel won and declared independence, while Egypt took control of Gaza.

1964 - Formation of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)

The PLO was created to fight for Palestinian independence as Israel had taken control of around 60% of Palestinian land.

1967 - Six-Day War

In this brief but transformative war, Israel fought Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, capturing the Golan Heights from Syria, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza from Egypt.

1973 - Yom Kippur War

During the Yom Kippur War, Syria and Egypt launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in significant casualties and shifts in the geopolitical landscape.

1975 - UN Grants Observer Status to PLO

The UN invited the PLO, giving it observer status, allowing it to participate in discussions but without voting rights on resolutions.

1978 - Camp David Accord

The first US-brokered peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, where Israel returned the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt and Syria regained control of the Golan Heights.

1981 - Israel Recaptures Golan Heights

Israel reoccupied the Golan Heights, sparking criticism from the US and tensions in the region.

1987 - First Intifada

The First Intifada began as tensions escalated in the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinians declared statehood through armed resistance, introducing the concept of "jihad" into geopolitical conflict.

1993 - Oslo Accord

The Oslo Accord was a peace agreement between Israel and the PLO, mediated by the US. The PLO formally recognized Israel, aiming to end the longstanding conflict.

2000-2005 - Second Intifada (Gaza Uprising)

Triggered by Hamas' opposition to the Oslo Accord, the Second Intifada erupted, leading to prolonged violence in Gaza and the West Bank.

2005 - Israel Withdraws from Gaza

Following significant unrest, Israel withdrew from Gaza, transferring control to Hamas, which emerged as the primary Palestinian authority in the area.

2007 - Fatah and Hamas Split

Disputes over leadership led to a division between the Palestinian territories, with Mahmoud Abbas controlling the West Bank and Hamas establishing governance in Gaza.

2012 - UN Upgrades PLO Status

The UN elevated the PLO’s status to a non-member observer state, allowing it greater representation and influence within the UN framework.

2013 - Peace Talks with Mahmoud Abbas

Peace discussions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, led by Abbas and mediated by the US, sought a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

2014-2018 - Hamas-Israel Clashes

Amid stalled peace talks, violent incidents flared as Hamas attacked Israel, igniting further conflict, especially in Gaza.

2020 - Abraham Accords

Brokered by the US, the Abraham Accords normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, marking a significant regional shift.

2022 - Israel Raids Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jenin Refugee Camp

These Israeli actions sparked outrage and increased tensions, particularly among Palestinian communities.

2023 - Hamas Launches Al-Aqsa Flood Operation

In response to previous Israeli raids, Hamas launched a large-scale operation, killing 1,600 Israelis. This attack, termed the Third Intifada, drew global condemnation.

2024 - Targeted Israeli Strikes

Following the October 7th attack, Israel vowed to retaliate, launching operations to eliminate key leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah.

List of Key Leaders Eliminated

• Hezbollah: Taleb Abdallah (June 12, 2024), Mohammed Nasser (July 3, 2024), Fuad Shukr (July 30, 2024), Ahmed Wahbi (Sept 20, 2024), Hassan Nasrallah (Sept 27, 2024)
• Hamas: Saleh Al-Arouri (Jan 2024), Marwan Issa (March 2024), Mohammed Deif (Oct 7, 2024), Yahya Sinwar (Oct 17, 2024)

India's Stance on the Israel-Palestine Conflict

India was one of the first countries in the world to recognize Palestinian statehood, maintaining a longstanding commitment to the Palestinian cause. Over the years, India largely distanced itself from Israel, focusing on supporting Palestine.

However, 2017 marked a turning point when, for the first time, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel. This visit began a new era in India-Israel relations. Currently, India has criticized the recent attacks on Israel and stands by Israel against acts of terror. India is pursuing a policy aimed at achieving immediate peace in the region.

Given that India does not officially recognize Hamas or Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, it continues to maintain a balanced approach in its ties with Israel, Iran, and the Arab world—each being a key partner for India. India’s strategy reflects a careful equilibrium in its regional relationships.

My Opinion

Israel has inflicted considerable damage on Hamas and Hezbollah, with around 45,000 Palestinian casualties, including women, children, and infants. With the recent death of Yahya Sinwar, I believe this is the best time to end the war and work toward peace. Though Jerusalem has seen much bloodshed, a new chapter of peace and dialogue could bring about lasting change and allow a new flower to blossom on that land.