The Israel Conflict: A Story of Struggles, History, and Hope

What makes The Arab-Israel conflict, also known as the Palestine conflict or the Middle East conflict, one of the most persistent and emotionally charged disputes in modern history? Why has the Israel-Palestine conflict endured for decades despite numerous attempts at resolution? Each time I read the news about Israel-Palestine conflict updates, I find myself questioning the cycle of violence that seems unbreakable. The battle over Jerusalem’s disputed status, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip, and the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict continue to dominate headlines, yet solutions seem elusive. But to truly understand this crisis, we must look at its origins, the historical divisions based on religion, and the battles fought over a land sacred to many.

The Historical Context: A Century-Long Struggle

Origins and Religious Division : The land now called Israel and Palestine holds deep historical and religious significance. For Jews, it is the biblical land promised to them, the site of the Temple Mount and historical kingdoms of Israel and Judah. For Christians, it is the birthplace of Jesus and home to sacred sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. For Muslims, it is the third holiest city, home to Al-Aqsa Mosque and central to Islamic heritage.

The religious division intensified with the fall of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Under Ottoman rule, Jews, Christians, and Muslims coexisted, albeit under Islamic administration. However, when Britain took over under the League of Nations Mandate, tensions escalated. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, which promised a Jewish homeland in Palestine, was seen as a betrayal by the Arab population, who had also been promised independence.

British Manipulation and Interference: The British played a significant role in manipulating both sides of the conflict. While they issued the Balfour Declaration, they simultaneously assured the Arabs of their own independence through the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence (1915-16). This contradiction fueled mistrust and tensions. Britain also implemented policies that favored Jewish migration while enforcing restrictions on Arab resistance. The British divide-and-rule strategy created deeper rifts, leading to violent clashes between Jewish and Arab communities. By the time they decided to withdraw in 1947, the British had left behind a deeply fractured region with irreconcilable claims over the same land.

The Struggle Over Land: A Dispute with Global Implications

At the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict is the question of land. The dispute is deeply rooted in history, identity, and territorial claims, making it one of the most complex geopolitical issues of our time.

“Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.” – Golda Meir, Former Prime Minister of Israel

The West Bank settlements are one of the most contentious aspects of the conflict. Since Israel captured the West Bankin the Six-Day War of 1967, Israeli settlements have expanded rapidly in the territory. Today, nearly 700,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas Palestinians claim for their future state. Despite multiple UN resolutions declaring these settlements illegal under international law, Israel continues to expand them, citing historical and religious ties to the land.

Another major issue is the Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated places on Earth. Although Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, it maintains strict control over its airspace, borders, and coastline. Alongside Egypt, Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza, severely restricting the movement of people and goods. This has led to economic devastation and a humanitarian crisis, with over 2.3 million Palestinians struggling with poverty, limited access to healthcare, and lack of essential resources.

The West Bank barrier, often called the separation wall by Palestinians and the security fence by Israelis, further complicates the territorial dispute. Constructed by Israel in the early 2000s, it runs deep into Palestinian territory, cutting off Palestinian villages from their agricultural lands and limiting movement. Israel argues that the barrier is necessary for security, while Palestinians see it as an attempt to unilaterally redraw borders and annex more land.

Moreover, Jerusalem remains a flashpoint in the territorial dispute. The city is home to religious sites sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians, making it highly contested. Israel considers all of Jerusalem its eternal capital, while Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, has been a site of frequent clashes, further fueling tensions.

The global implications of this land dispute cannot be overstated. The conflict has led to widespread diplomatic tensions, involvement of major world powers, and deep divisions in international forums such as the United Nations. Several countries, including India, maintain a delicate balance in their foreign policies, recognising Israel’s statehood while supporting Palestinian self-determination. The struggle over land is not just a political issue; it is a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of lives, with no easy resolution in sight.

Why This Matters to India

India has historically supported Palestine but maintains strong ties with Israel. With a growing Indian diaspora in both nations, many Indians feel a deep connection to the issue. Additionally, Jerusalem’s status as a religious hub makes it significant for multiple faiths, including Indian Muslims and Christians.

India’s stance on the conflict has evolved over time. During the Cold War, India was a strong advocate for the Palestinian cause, supporting the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and recognizing it as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. This was in line with India’s broader anti-colonial and non-aligned movement stance. However, since the 1990s, India has deepened its diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, particularly in defense, agriculture, and technology sectors.

From a strategic perspective, Israel is one of India’s key defense partners, supplying advanced weaponry, surveillance technology, and cybersecurity solutions. The cooperation between both countries extends to joint military exercises and intelligence sharing, particularly in counterterrorism efforts. India is one of the largest buyers of Israeli defense equipment, including drones and missile defense systems.

On the other hand, India has also been a strong supporter of Palestinian self-determination. It continues to provide humanitarian aid to Palestine, funds development projects in the West Bank and Gaza, and has consistently voted in favor of Palestinian rights at the United Nations. Indian leaders have visited both Israel and Palestine, balancing diplomatic relations with both sides.

Public sentiment in India is also divided on the issue. Many Indians, particularly those in Muslim communities, sympathize with the Palestinian cause and condemn Israeli military actions. Meanwhile, others view Israel as a key ally against terrorism and value its technological and strategic contributions.

Economically, the Gulf region, which houses millions of Indian expatriates, closely monitors India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Any major shift in policy could impact India’s relations with Middle Eastern nations, affecting trade, energy security, and employment opportunities for Indian workers.

India’s position on the Arab-Israel conflict is one of careful diplomacy, balancing historical support for Palestine with growing strategic ties with Israel. The conflict is not just a distant geopolitical issue; it has direct implications for India’s foreign policy, economy, and regional influence.

Global Impact: How the Conflict Affects the World

The Arab-Israel conflict has far-reaching consequences beyond the Middle East. Here’s how it affects the world:

• Geopolitical Tensions: The conflict influences global alliances, with countries taking sides based on strategic and economic interests. The US and Western nations largely support Israel, while many Arab and Muslim-majority nations back Palestine.
• Energy and Economy: Instability in the Middle East often disrupts global oil supplies, affecting economies worldwide. Wars and tensions can lead to rising fuel prices, which impact everything from transportation to food costs.
• Refugee Crisis: The ongoing conflict has displaced millions of Palestinians, leading to refugee crises in neighboring countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt, and increasing migration to Europe and beyond.
• Rise in Extremism: Radical groups often exploit the conflict to recruit members, exacerbating global security threats and increasing terrorist activities in different regions.
• Diplomatic Efforts: Many international organizations, including the United Nations, continually attempt to mediate peace talks, reflecting the conflict’s impact on international relations and diplomacy.
• Religious Sensitivities: Jerusalem’s religious significance makes the conflict deeply personal for millions worldwide, igniting tensions among Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities in various countries.

The Human Cost: Lives Lost, Futures Stolen

When I see the images from Gaza Strip news, I can’t help but wonder: what if this were happening in our own backyard? The ongoing blockade has left 2.3 million Palestinians struggling for survival, with over 15,000 killed in the latest bombardment. Hospitals lack supplies, families are displaced, and fear grips entire generations.

Conclusion: A Call for Peace

No side in this war is truly winning—only humanity is losing. The prolonged hostilities have created a vicious cycle of suffering, fueling further animosity between the two peoples. The violence and bloodshed not only impact the immediate region but also have far-reaching consequences on global peace and stability.

To move forward, both sides must recognize each other’s right to exist and strive for peaceful coexistence. A two-state solution, based on mutual respect and fair agreements, remains the most viable path toward ending this devastating conflict. The international community, including India, must play an active role in supporting diplomatic resolutions and humanitarian efforts.

As someone watching from afar, I hope for a day when Israelis and Palestinians can live without fear, without checkpoints and blockades, and without the constant shadow of war. The world must push for dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation, because in the end, beyond politics and territorial disputes, are millions of innocent people who just want to live in peace.

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References

Haddad, M., & Chughtai, A. (2023, November 29). Israel-Palestine conflict: A brief history in maps and charts. Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/27/palestine-and-israel-brief-history-maps-and-charts

Patel, M. (2024, April 25). The bloody history behind how Israel, and Palestine, came into existence. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/research/the-bloody-history-behind-how-israel-and-palestine-came-into-existence-8980609

BBC News. (2025, January 20). Israel and the Palestinians: History of the conflict explained. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44124396

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