Middle East conflict - statistics & facts
The Middle East conflict between Israel and the Palestinians marks the longest-lasting peace mission of the United Nations. The core of the Middle East conflict goes back to the establishment of the Israeli state for the Jewish people in areas of the territory belonging to the British Mandate of Palestine in 1948. This resulted in three major wars between Israel and the adjoining Arab states and the consequent annexing of the Gaza Strip and West Bank by Israel. Although Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005, military confrontations between the two parties have continued.
Borders – Borders that had been set following the foundation of the Israeli state were not recognized by both Palestinians and other Arab countries. Following the loss of the 1967 war and the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, the Palestinian side began to favor a return to the pre-1967 two-state solution.
Settlements – As a result of the 1967 war, the West Bank and Gaza were annexed by the Israeli army. Settlements built by the Israeli government in the occupied territories continue to cause tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
Water – The Israeli government controls the majority of water resources for the Palestinian territories, resulting in an imbalance of water access between Israelis and Palestinians.
Jerusalem – Palestinians and Israelis alike claim ownership over the city, as it holds religious importance for Muslim, Jewish, and Christian populations.
Refugees – After the foundation of Israel and the subsequently civil war between Israelis and Palestinians, 750,000 Palestinians fled Israel and sought refuge in adjoining Arab countries. The main contestation is regarding the right of return.
What are the points of contention between Israel and the Palestinians?
The situation between Israel and the Palestinians can be broken down into five major disputes:Borders – Borders that had been set following the foundation of the Israeli state were not recognized by both Palestinians and other Arab countries. Following the loss of the 1967 war and the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, the Palestinian side began to favor a return to the pre-1967 two-state solution.
Settlements – As a result of the 1967 war, the West Bank and Gaza were annexed by the Israeli army. Settlements built by the Israeli government in the occupied territories continue to cause tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
Water – The Israeli government controls the majority of water resources for the Palestinian territories, resulting in an imbalance of water access between Israelis and Palestinians.
Jerusalem – Palestinians and Israelis alike claim ownership over the city, as it holds religious importance for Muslim, Jewish, and Christian populations.
Refugees – After the foundation of Israel and the subsequently civil war between Israelis and Palestinians, 750,000 Palestinians fled Israel and sought refuge in adjoining Arab countries. The main contestation is regarding the right of return.
