Understanding the Arab-Israeli Conflict and Its Impact
The Uprising and Historical Context
The uprising began in 1936. In 1945, 1,200,000 Jews and 600,000 Arabs lived in Palestine. In 1947, the UN adopted a resolution to partition Palestine into two states: 55% of the territory for Jews and 45% for Arabs. International control of Jerusalem was established between the Arab-Israeli War.
Major Conflicts in the Region
The Arab-Israeli War of 1948, the Second Arab-Israeli War of 1956, the Six-Day War of 1967, and the Yom Kippur War of 1973 were significant events. The Lebanon War followed in 1975.
Creation of the Palestinian National Authority
After the first Arab-Israeli War, Palestinian citizens of Israel faced marginalization. Many decided to move to the occupied territories and Arab countries, resulting in approximately 900,000 Palestinians living in refugee camps. This situation stimulated national consciousness and helped organize resistance.
Formation of the Palestine Liberation Organization
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was founded in 1964, with Yassir Arafat as its main leader. Initially, the PLO engaged in terrorist acts against Israel, both in Palestine and globally. By the end of the 1980s, urban guerrilla tactics were employed by Palestinians against the Israeli army, known as the Intifada. Violence was a constant, and the UN contributed to negotiations.
Establishment of Palestinian Self-Government
The Jeri Treaty approved Palestinian self-government in Gaza. The Palestinian National Command was created, with Yassir Arafat serving as the first president until his death in 2004.
Challenges of Fragile States
The new state would maintain the old colonial boundaries, but many were artificial divisions between peoples. As a result of war, many regions experienced significant turmoil. Civil wars erupted, with factions within countries, such as Nigeria and the Congo, fighting against each other. Conflicts also arose among neighboring countries, such as the dispute between Morocco and Mauritania.
Political Issues and Governance
Governments and administrations often struggled to take charge, leading to political problems. Poor decisions frequently resulted in instability. Additionally, many states were established under dictatorial regimes, which suppressed political freedom.