THE Israel-Gaza conflict, with its intricate historical origins and multifarious characteristics, has been marked by a plethora of violent incidents and strained relationships among the involved parties.
In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of this conflict, it is imperative to delve into its historical background and examine the key events that have shaped its trajectory.
Historical background
The origins of the Israel-Gaza conflict can be traced back to the early 20th century, when tensions between Jewish and Arab communities in the region began to escalate.
The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 further exacerbated these tensions, leading to a series of armed conflicts between Israel and its neighboring Arab states.
The Gaza Strip, a narrow piece of land located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, has been a focal point of this conflict due to its strategic significance and its proximity to Israel.
Key events
Numerous pivotal occurrences have exerted a substantial influence on the Israel-Gaza conflict over the course of its chronicle.
Notably, the Six-Day War in 1967 culminated in Israel’s acquisition of dominion over the Gaza Strip, as well as additional regions such as the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
This occupation has been a major source of contention between the parties involved, as it has led to the displacement of Palestinian populations and the establishment of Israeli settlements in these territories.
The Yom Kippur War holds immense historical consequence as it served to intensify and exacerbate the pre-existing intricate tensions among the parties involved.
The Yom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War, was a significant military conflict that took place between Israel and a coalition of Arab states, primarily Egypt and Syria, in October 1973.
This war holds great importance in the history of the Middle East, as it marked a turning point in the regional power dynamics and had far-reaching implications for the subsequent peace negotiations.
The Yom Kippur War was initiated by the Arab coalition on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, which added a symbolic and religious dimension to the conflict.
The Arab states sought to regain territories lost to Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967, and they launched a coordinated surprise attack on Israeli positions in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights.
The initial stages of the war witnessed significant gains for the Arab forces, as they managed to penetrate deep into Israeli-held territories.
This caught Israel off guard and exposed the vulnerabilities in their military preparedness. However, Israel quickly mobilised its forces and launched a counter-offensive, pushing back the Arab forces and reclaiming lost territories.
The Yom Kippur War had profound implications for the regional balance of power. It demonstrated the military capabilities of the Arab states and shattered the perception of Israeli invincibility that had prevailed since the Six-Day War.
This led to a reassessment of strategies and policies by both sides, ultimately paving the way for peace negotiations in the years that followed.
In summary, the Yom Kippur War was a pivotal event in the history of the Middle East, with its impact extending beyond the military realm.
It highlighted the complexities of the Arab-Israeli conflict and set the stage for future diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the longstanding disputes in the region.
The Oslo Accords
Another pivotal event in the conflict’s history was the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, which aimed to establish a framework for peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO).
However, the implementation of these accords faced numerous challenges, leading to a breakdown in trust and a resurgence of violence in the region.
The Oslo Accord represented a significant milestone in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, as it marked the first direct negotiations between the two parties. It outlined a phased approach to resolving the conflict, with the ultimate goal of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement.
The accord established a Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, granting limited self-governance to the Palestinian people.
The Oslo Accord encompassed various key components, including the recognition of Israel’s right to exist and the renunciation of violence as a means to achieve political objectives.
It also addressed issues such as the status of Jerusalem, the establishment of borders, the return of Palestinian refugees, and the security arrangements for both parties.
However, the Oslo Accord faced numerous challenges and criticisms. Some argued that it did not adequately address the core issues of the conflict, such as the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state and the resolution of the Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. Additionally, the accord faced opposition from extremist groups on both sides, leading to acts of violence and terrorism that undermined the peace process.
Despite its limitations and subsequent setbacks, the Oslo Accord remains a significant milestone in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
It paved the way for subsequent negotiations and agreements, such as the Camp David Summit in 2000 and the Annapolis Conference in 2007. The accord demonstrated the potential for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the complex and deeply rooted Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The key players of the Oslo Accords
The Oslo Accords, a significant agreement in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, were negotiated by Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat, two key figures who played a crucial role in the process.
Yitzhak Rabin
The assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, former Prime Minister of Israel, is a significant event in the country’s history. On Nov 4, 1995, Rabin was fatally shot by a Jewish extremist named Yigal Amir, who opposed Rabin’s efforts to make peace with the Palestinians.
During his tenure, Rabin played a pivotal role in the peace process between Israel and Palestine, particularly through his involvement in the Oslo Accords. These accords, signed in 1993, aimed to establish a framework for resolving the conflict and achieving a lasting peace between the two parties.
Some argue that Rabin’s approach was driven by a pragmatic understanding of the need for a negotiated settlement, while others contend that his actions were shaped by a desire to secure Israel’s long-term security and stability.
Yasser Arafat
Yasser Arafat, a Palestinian leader, played a significant role in the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) and was instrumental in the fight for Palestinian statehood.
Arafat’s leadership in the PLO was marked by his commitment to the Palestinian cause and his willingness to use violence to achieve his goals.
Arafat played a significant role in the peace process between Israel and Palestine. He was a signatory to the Oslo Accords, which aimed to establish a framework for peace between the two sides.
Notwithstanding the collaborative endeavors of both parties and the international community to seek a viable resolution for this conflict, the presence of malevolent clandestine forces persists, actively perpetuating the conflict to further their own ulterior motives at the expense of innocent lives, particularly women and children.
Moreover, the assassination of Rabin in 1995 and the demise of Arafat in 2004 exerted a profound influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
This lamentable occurrence not only engendered a phase of escalated tensions and violence but also engendered inquiries regarding the trajectory of the peace process.
Conclusion
In essence, comprehending the underlying causes of the present conflict necessitates an examination of the historical progressions and the proactive role played by leaders seeking a concession.
This elucidation is of paramount significance in our pursuit to grasp the origins of the ongoing conflict. – Oct 20, 2023
Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd (ARRESCON), a think tank specialising on strategic national and geo-political matters.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main pic credit: SCMP
