Navigating the Israel-Gaza Strip conflict: A comprehensive analysis

Madhurjya Saikia

(madhurjyatu15@gmail.com)

The Israel-Palestine issue is a long-standing and deeply complex conflict that has shaped the political landscape of the Middle East for over a century. Rooted in historical, religious, and territorial disputes, this conflict revolves around the competing claims of Israelis and Palestinians to the same land, particularly in the region known as historic Palestine. The rise of the anti-Semitism movement against Jews in Europe was a trigger point, which later gave rise to the demand for the Jewish state through the Zoinism movement by Theodre Herzl. The origins of this conflict can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when a wave of Jewish immigrants began settling in Palestine (this migration was called Aliyah), which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. The culmination of World War I, with the defeat of the Ottomans, led to the issuance of the Balfour Declaration in 1917 by the British government, which expressed support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. This declaration laid the groundwork for the subsequent influx of Jewish settlers and tensions with the Arab Palestinian population, setting the stage for decades of strife, negotiations, and wars.

After World War II, the Israel-Palestine issue underwent a significant transformation that continues to shape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The aftermath of the war witnessed a substantial increase in Jewish survivors and displaced persons seeking refuge, many of whom aspired to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which was then under British control. In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan known as UN Resolution 181, which recommended the division of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states (including the West Bank and Gaza Strip), with Jerusalem under international administration. The Jewish leadership accepted this plan, but the Arab states rejected it, leading to the outbreak of the First Arab-Israeli War in 1948. The war resulted in the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs. Since then, the Israel-Palestine conflict has been marked by numerous wars, Intifadas (Palestinian uprisings in 1987 and 2000), peace negotiations, and ongoing disputes over borders, settlements, and the status of Jerusalem. Key events, such as the Six-Day War in 1967 (UN resolution 242) and the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, have shaped the dynamics of the conflict. The issues of Palestinian statehood, refugee rights, and the status of Jerusalem remain contentious and unresolved, leading to recurrent cycles of violence and diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution.

Hamas, an Islamist political and militant organization, rose to prominence in the Gaza Strip during the early 1990s. Initially, it focused on providing social services and gained popularity through charitable activities. In the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, Hamas won a majority, leading to its control of the Gaza Strip. This electoral victory triggered a political and military standoff with the rival Palestinian Authority, which controlled the West Bank. Since then, Hamas has governed Gaza, maintaining its own security forces and engaging in sporadic conflicts with Israel. It is recognized as a terrorist organization by some countries but enjoys significant support among Palestinians in Gaza due to its role as both a political entity and a resistance movement. The conflict between Hamas and Israel since 2000 has been characterized by recurring cycles of violence and tenuous ceasefires. After the outbreak of the Second Intifada in 2000, Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian organization, intensified its attacks against Israeli targets, including suicide bombings and rocket launches. In 2006, Hamas won Palestinian legislative elections, leading to its control of the Gaza Strip. This resulted in a political and territorial divide, with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority’s control and Gaza under Hamas. Since then, there have been multiple conflicts, including wars in 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014, characterized by rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel and Israeli airstrikes in response. Ceasefires, often brokered by international mediators, have been short-lived. Since 2015, the Gaza Strip and Israel have experienced intermittent escalations of violence, including several major conflicts. Periods of relative calm have been punctuated by sporadic rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has launched numerous terror attacks against Israel, including rocket barrages targeting civilian areas, suicide bombings, and border clashes. These attacks have resulted in casualties, damage, and ongoing security concerns for Israeli citizens and authorities.

Jerusalem holds profound religious significance for Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, making it one of the most revered and contested cities in the world. For Muslims, Jerusalem is the third holiest city after Mecca and Medina. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City is believed to be the site from which the Prophet Muhammad embarked on his Night Journey to the Heavens. It’s a place of spiritual and historical importance for Muslims worldwide. In Christianity, Jerusalem is where many key events in the life of Jesus Christ occurred, including the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a major pilgrimage site for Christians and is considered the holiest Christian site in Jerusalem. In Judaism, Jerusalem is central to religious identity. The Western Wall, a remnant of the ancient Jewish Temple, is a site of prayer and pilgrimage. Jewish history and tradition are deeply intertwined with Jerusalem, making it a symbol of spiritual and historical continuity. This multi-faith connection to Jerusalem has contributed to the city’s enduring significance and ongoing conflicts over its control and status.

In September 2020, the Abraham Accords were bilateral agreements signed between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, mediated by the United States, to normalize diplomatic relations. The Abrahamic Accords brought Israel’s relations with Arab countries out into the open and shifted the paradigm of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Again, the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor (IMEC) was announced on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in New Delhi, 2023, when a memorandum of understanding was signed between the European Union and countries, namely India, the USA, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Germany, and Italy. The implementation of IMEC demands the diplomatic normalization of West Asian countries. So, the USA tries to mediate towards normal diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict necessitates a comprehensive approach. First and foremost, both parties must engage in sincere, direct negotiations with international mediation to address core issues, including borders, refugees, Jerusalem, and settlements. A two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine exist side by side with secure and recognized borders, remains the most viable path to peace. Robust security arrangements are vital to ensure the safety of both Israelis and Palestinians. Investment in economic development and humanitarian aid can alleviate poverty and despair. People-to-people dialogue, cultural exchanges, and international support are essential for fostering mutual understanding and garnering the necessary pressure for a fair and lasting resolution. Empowering moderate leadership on both sides and recognizing the long-term commitment required are also crucial elements in achieving sustainable peace.

In conclusion, the Israel-Gaza Strip conflict is a multifaceted and deeply entrenched issue with historical, political, and humanitarian dimensions. Its resolution remains elusive, and the cycle of violence has left a lasting impact on the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians. It is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy, engage in meaningful negotiations, and work towards a just and lasting solution. This should encompass addressing the core issues of borders, refugees, Jerusalem, and settlements while ensuring the security and well-being of both sides. International support, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people dialogue can play pivotal roles in fostering mutual understanding and building a path towards peace in this troubled region. Ultimately, a peaceful coexistence between Israel and Gaza is not only desirable but essential for the stability and prosperity of the entire Middle East.