Introduction
Hamas—a Palestinian militant organisation having control over the Gaza Strip—brutally attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, from all three sides, i.e., land, water, and air, which resulted in hundreds of casualties. Besides, a multitude of Israeli civilians and soldiers were held captive in the Gaza Strip. The next day, Israel retaliated and declared war on Hamas. Reportedly, till December 27, 2023, approximately more than 20,000 people have been killed by Israeli strikes, whereas 52,000 are injured and thousands are burried under the rubble of collapsed buildings. As per the UN estimates, 1.9 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents are displaced. On the other hand, more than 1000 casualities and 8,730 injured people have been reported in Israel, as well. The supply of food, water, and fuel to Gaza was also cut off by Israel, causing a cruel humanitarian crisis in this place. Consequently, the decades-old war between Israel and Palestine was restored, which forced the regional and global powers to step in.
Background of Israel-Palestine Conflict
Zionism is the national movement of the Jewish people, aiming to restore a Jewish homeland, typically in Palestine or the Biblical land of Israel. Fueled by the 19th-century surge in European nationalism and rising antisemitism, Theodor Herzl, an Austro-Hungarian Jewish journalist and political activist, convened the First Zionist Congress in 1897. The congress proposed a plan advocating Jewish migration to Palestine and the acquisition of land through negotiations with the local population, addressing the challenges faced by the Jewish community and laying the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the State of Israel in the mid-20th century and other conflicts.
Location of Israel
Israel, regarded as the ‘nation for start-ups’, is a small country located in West Asia. Its size is the same as that of one of India’s north-eastern states, such as Manipur or Meghalaya. To its north, there is Lebanon, while to its south, there is Egypt. To its east lie Jordan and Syria, while to its west lies the Mediterranean Sea. There are many sacred sites in this country, which are equally revered by Christians, Jews, and Muslims. This country has a complicated past. At present, most of the population in Israel is Jewish, with some Christian and Muslim minorities.
Key Areas in Israel-Palestine Region
Gaza Strip
The Gaza Strip is a coastal Palestinian region, around 140 square miles (or 363 square km) in area, along the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Israel and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Alongside West Bank, it comprises the State of Palestine, with Israel situated between the two territories. Governed by the politico-military entity Hamas since its electoral victory in 2006, the Gaza Strip is subject to control measures by Israel over its airspace and coastline, as well as restrictions on goods entering the territory. Gaza also shares its border with Egypt in the South.
West Bank
The West Bank is a landlocked territory bordered by Israel and Jordan, with the Dead Sea forming part of its boundary. It is nearly 2,173 square miles and includes a section of Jerusalem. West Bank is administered by Fatah, a political outfit that was formerly known as the Palestinian National Liberation Movement.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is situated on a plateau in the Judean Mountains between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. Bordered by Palestinian territories, it is under the control of the State of Israel since 1967. The city is administratively divided into Jewish-majority West Jerusalem and predominantly Palestinian East Jerusalem, encompassing the Old City. With immense significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem serves as the operational centre for the Israeli government, housing both the Knesset (the Unicameral legislature of Israel) and the residences of the president and prime minister. This cultural and religious nexus has a profound impact on the global history and geopolitics.
Israel and Palestine: Points of View
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply rooted in historical, religious, and cultural narratives that shape the perspectives of both Israelis and Palestinians. Israelis emphasise their historical and religious connection to the land, dating back to the biblical times. Following the Holocaust, Israel became a refuge for Jews worldwide, serving as a defence against global anti-Semitism and threats from the neighbouring nations. The UN’s 1947 Plan approved the establishment of a Jewish State, further solidifying Israel’s legitimacy in the eyes of many Israelis.
Security concerns are paramount for Israelis, especially in the face of past wars and terror attacks. The contentious issues surrounding the West Bank and Gaza underscore the prioritisation of security in Israeli perspectives. Some Israelis question the commitment and capability of the Palestinian leadership to address these safety concerns.
On the other hand, Palestinians, too, have a deep-rooted historical and cultural bond with the territory, and the foundation of the State of Israel resulted in a significant number of Palestinian refugees. Palestinians perceive Israel’s control over Gaza as a form of oppressive colonisation, leading to widespread suffering. Advocacy for the refugees’ repatriation rights, as outlined in the UN Resolution 194, is a key aspect of the Palestinian perspective.
The United Nation General Assembly Resolution 194(III) was adopted at the end of the 1947–49 Palestine War. It laid certain principles to reach a final settlement and return Palestinians refugees to their homes. As per the resolution, “refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible.”
The establishment of Israeli settlements in the West Bank is considered unauthorised by global standards, posing obstacles to the formation of a viable Palestinian State. This issue further contributes to the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as both sides hold steadfast to their historical narratives, security concerns, and aspirations for statehood. The ongoing tensions and divergent perspectives make finding a lasting resolution to the conflict a challenging and multifaceted endeavour.
Israel-Palestine Conflict: Reasons
One of the oldest and longest-lasting wars in the history of the world, the Israel-Palestine conflict often leads to dreadful situations, causing mass destruction in the region. Let us understand the major reasons of this conflict.
Several historians believe that the Israel-Palestine conflict has its origin in a colonial act that took place over a century ago. In November 1917, the Balfour Declaration came into being. It was a short letter, merely of 67 words, written by Arthur James Balfour, Britain’s the then foreign secretary to the nominal head of the British Jewish community, Lionel Walter Rothschild. However, it shook Palestine so terribly that it is still reeling under its effect. It served as Britain’s official support for the establishment of a national home for the Jews in Palestine, as they had been subject to treachery and cruelty at the hands of the Europeans for many years. But Palestine was inhabited by Arab natives, which formed its majority of population.
At the end of the First World War, the Ottoman Empire collapsed. So, all the nations that were under its control were divided among the Allied Powers (i.e., France and Britain) who won the War. At that time, the League of Nations issued a British Mandate, under which Britain was asked to administer the countries to the east of the Mediterranean until they became capable of standing alone. As a result, Palestine came under the control of the Great Britain. As the British Mandate continued from 1923 to 1948, the British worked towards achieving the objective mentioned in the Balfour Declaration. Mass Jewish immigration started from Europe, particularly to escape Nazism. The lands of the Palestinians were handed over by the Britishers to the Jewish settlers. This resettlement had a massive effect which significantly altered the demographics of the country. So, the Palestinians were flabbergasted and felt threatened that their homeland is being taken away from them. In the years that followed, the population of Jews increased dramatically in Palestine, along with the instances of Jewish-Arab conflicts. The Arab National Committee launched a strike to oppose Britishers and Jewish immigration; they refused to pay taxes and boycotted Jewish goods, but the Britishers successfully suppressed the strike. Again at the end of 1937, the Palestinians revolted against the British colonialism. The revolt took place in several phases, ultimately getting suppressed by the Britishers with the help of Jewish troops.
In 1948, Britain failed to curb the violence erupting between the Arabs and the Jews, and withdrew its troops from Palestine. The responsibility of resolving the issue now rested with the newly formed United Nations. Owing to the mass killing of the Jews in the Holocaust, the United Nations voted for the partition of Palestine into two States in the British Mandate—one Jewish and one Arab. However, the creation of a new nation, Israel, was not acceptable to the Palestinians as well as the neighbouring Arab countries. So, in May 1948, Israel forcefully declared its independence and formed its new army. In 1949, an armistice agreement was formed, under which the newly found Jewish State got new de facto borders, which granted it more area compared to what was granted to it under the UN partition plan.
Consequences of the Partition
Palestinians were greatly impacted by the partition as approximately 7,00,000 Palestinians, almost half of the Arab population, had to flee or were expelled from their own land, and were prohibited from returning to their native place. Some of them eventually settled in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, while others in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Since then, there have been tensions between Israelis and Palestinians living in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank.
This mass departure of Palestinians from Israel was a traumatic event and was called the Nakba or ‘catastrophe’. The Arabs who continued to live in Israel had to face discrimination at all levels. For almost two decades, they were denied several basic civil rights and were placed under the military rule. Israelis confiscated much of the Palestinian land, thereby intentionally keeping them poor.
At present, merely 20 per cent of total Israel’s population is Palestinians, who form the Arab-Israeli community.
How Israeli Occupation of Palestine Started
Since the creation of Israel in 1948, there had been severe unrest in the region until 1967. This was because the neighbouring Arab states, unhappy with the creation of Israel, started attacking Israel. In 1967, a six-day war was fought between Israel and three Arab States, namely, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. To the utmost surprise of the Arab government, Israel had remarkable military success in the war. It captured the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria. Besides, the entire Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria (the Biblical lands) also came under its control. As a result, Jews started building their settlements in the West Bank, and the Arabs living in this region were brought under military rule and still continue to be so to date.
Despite the vast territories captured by Israel in 1967, there has been a lack of a comprehensive peace settlement, resulting in ongoing conflicts. This has led to further tensions and only occasional glimpses of hope.
Events in 1970s
The events encapsulated a period of both conflict and diplomatic efforts, shaping the trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian relationship.
The Yom Kippur War in 1973 marked a significant episode as Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israeli positions in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. Despite initial advancements by the attacking forces, Israel managed to regroup and counterattack. The war revealed vulnerabilities in Israel’s defence strategy, prompting political upheaval.
The Camp David Accords of 1978 emerged as a pivotal development. Encouraged by the US, both Egypt and Israel considered the prospect of peace negotiations. The accords outlined a framework for peace in the Middle East, establishing principles that included a five-year transitional period for limited Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza. The accords led to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty, a groundbreaking agreement in which Egypt officially recognised Israel. The treaty normalised diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations and resulted in the return of the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.
Events in 1980s
The events of 1970s continued to escalate, with notable events unfolding in Lebanon and the emergence of the First Intifada.
Hamas was formed in 1987. Originating from the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine, Hamas sought a more active role in the Palestinian national struggle against Israel. Combining political and religious agendas with armed resistance, Hamas aimed for the complete liberation of Palestine and the establishment of an Islamic state in place of Israel.
Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1982 The early 1980s witnessed increased cross-border attacks between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) based in southern Lebanon. In response, Israel laid siege to Beirut, the PLO’s stronghold, leading to the evacuation of PLO fighters after months of bombardment. While the invasion disrupted the PLO’s operations, it inadvertently paved the way for the rise of more radical groups like Hezbollah.
The First Intifada in 1987: Fueled by growing frustration among Palestinians in the occupied territories due to Israeli military occupation and political stagnation, the first Intifada (1987-93) was characterised by civil disobedience, protests, and sporadic violence. Tactics included stone-throwing, general strikes, and boycotts of Israeli products. The intensity of Palestinian resistance, demonstrated during the Intifada, played a role in bringing both parties to the negotiation table, highlighting the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during this period.
Events in 1990s
In the 1990s, the Oslo Accords marked crucial diplomatic agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), shaping the path towards a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Oslo Accord I in 1993 marked mutual recognition between both parties and initiated a five-year transitional period of Palestinian self-government in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Israel agreed to a phased withdrawal from certain occupied territories, and economic cooperation was established.
Oslo Accord II in 1995 detailed the territorial division of the West Bank, outlined security arrangements, and facilitated economic relations.
Despite initial optimism, the peace process outlined in the Oslo Accords faced challenges. Critical issues like the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and borders remained vague. Security concerns persisted as militant factions were not completely disarmed, and Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank continued. The accords lacked robust enforcement mechanisms, and the intended final treaty within five years failed to materialise.
Events in 2000s
The Second Intifada in 2000, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, was much more violent than the first and because of heightened tensions and the collapse of the Camp David summit between the US, Israel, and PLO. Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a sensitive religious site, added fuel to discontent and rioting broke out. This uprising saw increased violence, including sniper attacks, suicide bombings, protests, and Israeli military operations.
Operation Defensive Shield in 2002 aimed to target Palestinian infrastructure in the West Bank followed a Hamas attack that killed 30 Israelis. The Second Intifada resulted in over 1,000 Israeli and over 2,000 Palestinian casualties by 2005 when the Sharm El Sheikh Summit marked the end of this turbulent period. The socio-economic disparities worsened during this time, contributing to a deepening divide between Israelis and Palestinians.
Events after 2010 till Present
2010 peace talks Initiated by the US, these talks addressed critical issues such as borders, the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and security. Unfortunately, they collapsed within weeks due to the continuous Israeli settlement construction. The primary obstacle was the Palestinian demand for a settlement freeze, which Israel opposed.
US embassy moves to Jerusalem (2018) In 2017, President Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocated the US embassy. While this development was celebrated in Israel, it faced strong Palestinian opposition and international criticism, leading to mass protests in Gaza and the West Bank.
Peace to prosperity plan (2020) The US “Deal of the Century” favoured Israeli positions, including West Bank annexation, and denied Palestinian refugee rights. Israel welcomed it, but Palestinians rejected it, asserting that it jeopardised the possibility of a viable Palestinian State.
Abraham Accords (2020) Abraham Accords were brokered by the US They aimed to normalise relations between Israel and the Arab States (UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco). This historic agreement paved the way to establish and promote diplomentic relations, along with cultural, economic, and technological exchanges between Israel and the participating Arab states.
Gaza conflict (2021) The 2021 Gaza Conflict stemmed from tensions over potential Palestinian evictions in Sheikh Jarrah, the Palestine neighbourhood East Jerusalem. Escalation during Ramadan, including Israeli actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, led to a cycle of violence with Gaza rocket attacks and Israeli airstrikes. The 11-day conflict resulted in 200+ Palestinian and 12 Israeli casualties, drawing global condemnation. Diplomatic efforts, culminating in an Egypt-brokered ceasefire, provided a temporary reprieve. The conflict emphasised the deep complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian issue, urging international engagement for a just and lasting resolution.
Hamas attack (2023) The current conflict between Israel and Hamas originated with a militant attack by Hamas on Israeli forces and citizens, coupled with the subsequent capture of numerous civilians, leading to a national emergency. Hamas claimed the assault was in retaliation for Israel’s military operations in the West Bank and incidents at the al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site of Islam, in Jerusalem.
Hamas launched over 5,000 missiles during the skirmish, resulting in casualties on both sides of the border. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated Operation ‘Iron Swords’ to strike Hamas targets in Gaza.
Possible outcomes of the conflict include regional repercussions, a potential broader regional war involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the endangerment of Israel’s diplomatic relations with Arab neighbours, threatening the Abraham Accords and I2U2.
Also known as the International Forum for Economic Cooperation, I2U2 is a group of four nations—India, Israel, the UAE, and US. I2U2 aims to expand economic and political cooperation in the Middle East and Asia by working towards common interests including trade, technology, infrastructure, and maritime security.
The hostage issue complicates a potential invasion, with Hamas threatening hostages’ safety during any ground incursion. The uncertainty of a lasting political solution follows the military action, coupled with historical challenges faced by Israel during its previous occupation of Gaza.
Geopolitical Impacts and Implications
The Israel-Palestine conflict has wide-ranging geopolitical implications. Due to this conflict, the larger region of the Middle East has been destabilised, and the tensions between Israel and its neighbouring countries are aggravating. The oil prices may also shoot up, which would considerably impact the global economy. The international trade might be adversely affected, and the formation of new geopolitical divisions may be facilitated. Tensions are increasing day by day in the Middle East region, as ‘Anglo-Saxons’ are also getting involved. This indicates that the Israel-Palestine War would be the focus of a larger scenario, i.e., international power struggle. All this implies that international factors are involved in this conflict with their respective personal interests.
Due to this devastating war, the Indian market has also been impacted. Its far-reaching repercussions affect various sectors, economies, and geographies. The equity and bond markets have become volatile on a temporary basis. The companies may face the rising cost of credit. Besides, the bond price may fall.
According to the World Bank, the economy of the world is at stake. Israel is among the most developed economies at $500 billion in the Middle East region. With a current account surplus, low debt and high foreign exchange reserves, the country has been in a good position so far. But due to this military offensive, the economy of the country is being hit. Contrary to this, the war has worsened the already deplorable situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
While most of the countries in the West have extended their support to Israel; China and Russia demanded a ceasefire without taking the side of Hamas. Consequently, global realignment could be facilitated, and global economic growth could have unfavourable consequences owing to the long-running Israel-Palestine conflict that includes some prominent regional powers. So, financial volatility may increase in various mediums, be it commodity markets, government bonds or stocks. Investors are already getting prepared for such upheavals. When economic uncertainty is massive; gold, silver, and other such safe-haven assets are often used for protection against such uncertainties. Due to the latest developments in the Israel-Palestine War, the gold price has sky-rocketed. Moreover, an increase in oil prices will lead to higher inflation.
Stand of India
Learning from its own bitter experience in 1947 during independence, India was initially against the partition plan of the United Nations. However, in 1950, India became one of the earliest countries to recognise Israel. Later, it recognised the statehood of Palestine in 1988. It also became the first non-Arab country that recognised PLO (or Palestine Liberation Organisation) to be the only representative of the Palestinians.
India would not interfere in the matter of Israel and Palestine. It has regarded their conflict as an internal matter. Besides, India also recommended a Two-State solution to end this conflict and stated that the conflict should be peacefully resolved. It has started following the Dehyphenation Policy with respect to Israel and Palestine. This implies that the India-Israel relationship and the India-Palestine relationship would be separate and independent of each other.
Implication of Israel-Palestine Conflict for India
The Israel-Palestine conflict holds several implications for India.
Firstly, as Israel is a major supplier of military equipment to India, the conflict could lead to delays in defence deals and supplies.
Secondly, the regional disturbances resulting from the conflict can have repercussions on energy prices, posing concerns for India’s energy security. Fluctuations in energy prices can significantly affect India’s economic landscape, creating challenges in managing resources efficiently.
Thirdly, this ongoing conflict may also impact India’s strategic initiatives, particularly the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a pact to enhance the economic connectivity between India, the Middle East, and Europe. Regional instability arising from the Israel-Palestine conflict could introduce security concerns, potentially hindering the seamless execution of the IMEC pact.
Challenges to Peace
The challenges to peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict are multifaceted. Following are some key factors contributing to the ongoing conflict:
- The conflict has deep historical roots, with unresolved issues related to borders, refugees, and the status of Jerusalem. These issues have fueled long-standing grievances and animosities.
- Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, considered illegal under international law, has led to the displacement of millions of Palestinians from their homes. This expansion, often supported by the Israeli military and government, contributes to tensions and hostility.
- The blockade on Gaza, in place for 16 years, has created dire living conditions for Palestinians. The UN has labelled it an illegal act of collective punishment, leading to high levels of poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services. Due to such conditions, Gaja is termed an ‘open air prison’.
- The unequal social and political conditions imposed on Palestinians, described as structural violence, are central to the ongoing conflict. This form of violence is not only physical but also causes systemic inequalities and leads to the erosion of the protected status of Palestinians.
- Mutual distrust between Israelis and Palestinians, fuelled by differing historical narratives and interpretations of events, hinders the establishment of trust, necessary for peace-building efforts.
- Periodic escalations in violence, such as rocket attacks from Gaza and military responses from Israel, create a cycle of retaliation, making it challenging to establish a sustained period of calm and diplomatic dialogue.
Suggested Solutions to Resolve the Conflict
The possible solutions for the Israel-Palestine conflict encompass various proposals including a single democratic, secular state where both Israelis and Palestinians can coexist (One-State Solution). Others propose establishing separate states for each (Two-State Solution). There is also the idea of a Confederation, similar to a mini-European Union, and Autonomy-Plus, giving Palestinians more control in specific areas. Federation involves applying Israeli law to the entire West Bank, creating divided provinces, while expulsion suggests moving Palestinians from the West Bank, a controversial notion. Additional possibilities include a shared capital in Jerusalem, dealing with Palestinian refugees, disarming for a weapon-free Palestinian nation, global financial aid, collaboration with neighbouring Arab nations, and local campaigns for unity. Ongoing talks offer a chance for progress, but challenges remain in reaching a resolution.
Conclusion
In the last few months, the Israel-Palestine conflict has been worsened due to the unyielding Israeli government and other parties involved. Considering the present scenario, it is the need of the hour that all the other nations should come together to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict in a peaceful manner. A balanced approach is needed to foster amiable relations between Israel and Arab nations. All regional powers, along with the UN, should work towards creating peace between these countries.
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