Israeli–Palestinian conflict

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is a long-running political and military conflict over land, sovereignty, security, and self-determination in the territory of former Mandatory Palestine.

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is a long-running political and military conflict over land, sovereignty, security, and self-determination in the territory of former Mandatory Palestine. It has involved wars, uprisings, occupation, negotiations, and repeated crises, including the Gaza war that escalated after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on Israel. The conflict continues to shape regional politics and international diplomacy.

Historical background

The conflict developed in the early 20th century as Jewish and Arab nationalist movements made competing claims to the same territory. The 1947 UN partition plan and the 1948 Arab-Israeli war left unresolved questions of statehood, refugees, and borders.

Occupation and disputed territories

Since the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel has controlled the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, though the status of these territories remains disputed internationally and politically. Core issues include settlements, movement restrictions, security, and Palestinian statehood.

Peace efforts

The Oslo process in the 1990s established a framework for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, but a final settlement was not reached. Later diplomatic efforts have repeatedly stalled over borders, Jerusalem, refugees, and security.

Recent escalation

The conflict intensified dramatically after Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, followed by Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The war has caused large-scale casualties, displacement, and renewed international attention.

International dimensions

The conflict has drawn sustained involvement from the United Nations, the United States, and other international actors. It remains central to broader Middle East diplomacy and to debates over international law, humanitarian access, and state recognition.