A Land of Harmony Before the Storm
In 1850, Palestine was home to approximately 500,000 inhabitants, predominantly Arabs. The population consisted of 400,000 Muslims (80%), 75,000 Christians, and 25,000 Jews, alongside a small Druze community. For centuries, these groups lived in relative harmony. However, the late 19th century brought a significant shift with the emergence of Zionism—a political movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish state in response to discrimination and violence faced by Jews in Europe. Initially, various territories were considered for this endeavor, but the Zionists ultimately chose Palestine.
Zionism's Dawn
The initial waves of Zionist immigration to Palestine in the late 1800s were small and caused little disruption. However, as the number of immigrants grew, the intent of establishing a Jewish state became clear. Alarmed by these developments, the indigenous Palestinian population began resisting the growing Zionist presence, leading to escalating tensions and violence.
The Partition Plan
After World War II, the newly formed United Nations, influenced heavily by the United States and the United Kingdom, proposed partitioning Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. Despite Jews constituting only one-third of the population and owning less than 7% of the land, the UN’s 1947 resolution allocated 56% of Palestinian territory to a Jewish state. This decision ignored the overwhelming opposition of the Palestinian majority.
By March 1948, Zionist militias launched a premeditated campaign of ethnic cleansing, displacing over 750,000 Palestinians—250,000 of them before the formal declaration of the State of Israel on May 15, 1948. The British Mandate ended that same day, and neighboring Arab nations intervened militarily but were ultimately defeated. The subsequent 1949 armistice agreements expanded Israel’s control to 78% of British Mandate Palestine. Jordan assumed control of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while Egypt administered the Gaza Strip.
The 1967 Blitz
In 1967, Israel launched a military campaign that resulted in the occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. This expansion displaced another 500,000 Palestinians. Israel’s territorial gains exacerbated tensions and set the stage for further conflict, including the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, which led to the massacres of Sabra and Shatilla, leaving tens of thousands dead or homeless.
Voices of Resistance
In December 1987, the First Intifada erupted—a widespread Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. The Israeli response was marked by significant force, leading to widespread casualties and destruction. In 1995, the Oslo Accords initiated a framework for peace, including phased Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian territories. However, Israel’s continued expansion of settlements and policies of land confiscation undermined these efforts.
The Wall of Division
In 2002, Israel began constructing a separation barrier, often referred to as the Apartheid Wall, further expropriating Palestinian land and demolishing homes. The International Court of Justice declared the wall illegal in 2004. In 2005, Israel withdrew settlers from Gaza but imposed a stringent blockade, severely restricting the territory’s access to resources and economic opportunities.
Hamas and the Fragmented Cause
In 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections. Israel, the US, and the EU refused to recognize the new government, leading to financial and political isolation for the Palestinian Authority. Internal divisions deepened, culminating in Hamas taking control of Gaza and Fatah administering the West Bank.
That same year, Israel launched military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, killing thousands of civilians and causing widespread destruction. Despite international condemnation, including accusations of war crimes by Amnesty International, no meaningful action was taken against Israel. The cycle of violence persisted, with continued casualties and humanitarian crises.