Israel Palestine Conflict Explained | Full History, Timeline & Reality (Simple Guide)

• 
  

Israel–Palestine Conflict Explained (Step by Step – Full Story in Simple Words)

Introduction:-

The conflict between Israel and Palestine is one of the world’s longest and most emotional struggles. But why is this happening? And why was Israel created in Palestine?

Let’s explore the full story, step by step, in simple language —

Step 1: What Was Palestine Before the Conflict?

• Before 1900, Palestine was a peaceful land.

• Mostly Arab Muslims lived there, along with Christians and some Jews.

• It was ruled by the Ottoman Empire (Turkish rule).

• All communities lived together, more or less peacefully.

Step 2: The Birth of Zionism (Late 1800s)

• Jews in Europe faced heavy discrimination, hate, and violence.

• In the 1890s, a movement called Zionism began — demanding a Jewish homeland.

• Zionists believed Palestine was their ancient homeland, and they wanted to return.

• This was a political as well as religious movement.

Step 3: British Rule and the Balfour Declaration (1917)

• After World War I, Britain took control of Palestine.

• In 1917, the Balfour Declaration was issued — Britain supported the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

• This was done without consulting the Arab people already living there.

Step 4: Jewish Immigration Increases

• More Jews started moving to Palestine — especially after facing persecution in Europe.

• After World War II and the Holocaust, where 6 million Jews were killed by Hitler, sympathy grew for Jews.

• The world supported their right to a safe country — and the focus remained on Palestine.

Step 5: UN Partition Plan (1947)

The United Nations made a plan to divide Palestine into two parts:

• One part for Jews (Israel)

• One part for Arabs (Palestine)

• Jerusalem would be an international city

• Jews accepted the plan.

• Palestinians and Arab countries rejected it, saying:

“We’ve lived here for generations. Why should we give up our land?”

Step 6: Creation of Israel & First War (1948)

• On 14 May 1948, Israel was declared an independent country.

• The next day, Arab countries attacked Israel.

• Israel won the war, but over 700,000 Palestinians were forced to leave their homes — this event is called Nakba (Arabic for "The Catastrophe").

Step 7: 1967 War and Occupation

In the Six-Day War (1967), Israel captured:

• West Bank (from Jordan)
• Gaza Strip (from Egypt)
• East Jerusalem

These areas were supposed to become part of Palestine, but now they were under Israeli control.

Step 8: Rise of Resistance (PLO & Hamas)

• Palestinians formed groups like:

• PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) – wanted an independent Palestine

• Hamas – a militant group based in Gaza, considers armed resistance necessary

• Israel sees Hamas as a terrorist group, while Palestinians see them as freedom fighters.

Step 9: What Is the Situation Today?

Who Controls What?

• Israel controls:
• The full territory of Israel
• East Jerusalem
• Borders, airspace, and sea of Gaza
• Large parts of West Bank through settlements

• Palestinians control:

• Small parts of West Bank (via Palestinian Authority)

• Gaza Strip (controlled by Hamas)

But Israel controls most movement, resources, and permits.

Step 10: Why Peace Is So Difficult?

• Distrust between both sides

• Jerusalem: Both claim it as capital

• Settlements: Israel keeps building on Palestinian land

• Refugees: Palestinians want the right to return

• Violence: Hamas rocket attacks & Israeli airstrikes

• No strong leadership willing to compromise

Step 11: Role of Other Countries

• USA: Strong supporter of Israel

• Iran: Supports Hamas and anti-Israel groups

• Egypt & Jordan: Sometimes act as peacemakers

• UN & EU: Support two-state solution

• India: Maintains ties with both sides

• This conflict is also shaped by global politics and alliances.

Step 12: Why Was Israel Created in Palestine Only?

Let’s go deeper into the core question:

1. Religious & Historical Reason

• Jews believe Palestine is their promised land from 3,000 years ago.

• Their ancient kingdoms were in Jerusalem and around it.

2. Zionist Movement

• Jews wanted a safe homeland after centuries of suffering.

• Zionism chose Palestine for historical and emotional reasons.

3. Holocaust

• After Hitler’s genocide, the world felt guilty and supported Jewish migration to Palestine.

4. Western Political Support

• Britain’s Balfour Declaration

• UN’s partition

• USA’s continued backing — helped Israel become strong

5. But What About Palestinians?

• They say:

“Why should we pay the price for Europe’s crimes?”

• Their land was taken

• Their homes were destroyed

• Their state was never created

Step 13: What Can You Do As a Reader?

• Don’t fall for hate or one-sided media

• Support peace, not violence

• Speak for human rights and justice

• Share this article to spread awareness

• Pray and hope for a better future for both people

Final Words

• This is not just a political fight.

• It’s a human struggle for dignity, land, and life.

• Israelis want security.

• Palestinians want freedom.

• Both deserve peace.

• We don’t need to pick sides.

Found This Helpful?

• Share this article on social media

• Comment your thoughts or questions

• Follow this blog for more youth-friendly explainers