Introduction;
The
history of Palestine is a complex and long story of events, emotions, patience, and conflict that has unfolded over the past seven decades. From the
establishment of Israel in 1948 to the ongoing crises in the region, the
Palestinian people have endured immense suffering, displacement, and
displacement. This blog will highlight key events and developments that have
shaped the trajectory of Palestine from 1948 to the present day.
1948: Naqba;
The
Urwah Camp;
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
was established in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees. By 1950, 53 refugee
camps were set up across the region. Initially, refugees lived in tents, which
were later replaced with small concrete houses. Conditions were tough, with
overcrowding and harsh weather. Despite basic services like education and
healthcare, poverty and misery were widespread. Refugees in camps felt
alienated and isolated from mainstream Palestinian politics during the 1950s.
The Palestine
Liberation Organization;
In 1964, an Arab summit in Cairo led to the establishment of the Palestine
Liberation Organization (PLO), which represented various Palestinian groups and
claimed to be the sole voice of the Palestinian people. Initially led by Ahpagal
Shakirman, the PLO outlined its goals in its 1968 Charter, emphasizing the pursuit
of an independent state, Palestinian sovereignty, and the end of Israel. The
Palestine National Council (PNC) served as the highest authority within the
PLO, with an executive committee responsible for managing its activities.
Originally, the PNC consisted of civilian representatives from various regions,
including Jordan, the West Bank, and the Persian Gulf states, but it included
guerrilla organization representatives in 1968.
Al-Fatah and other
guerilla organizations;
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the Democratic
Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP)– General Command (PFLP–GC), and
al-Ṣāʿiqah were among the guerrilla organizations that emerged alongside
al-Fatah. In 1969, Yasser Arafat became leader of Fatah, chairman of the PLO's
executive committee, and thus head of the Palestinian National Movement. They
had differences in ideology and strategy but joined forces within the Palestine
Liberation Organization (PLO). These organizations sought Palestinian
independence and refugee repatriation through armed struggle, rejecting any
political settlement that did not include these goals. Despite this,
Palestinian spokesmen claimed they aimed to establish a non-sectarian state
where Jews, Christians, and Muslims could live together as equals. However,
many Israelis doubted the sincerity or practicality of this goal and viewed the
PLO as a terrorist organization intent on destroying both the Zionist state and
Israeli Jews.
The Arab-Israeli War of 1967 and its consequences;
In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel
defeated Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, gaining control of east Jerusalem, the West
Bank (known as Judea and Samaria), and the Gaza Strip. This victory triggered
another Palestinian exodus, with over 250,000 moved to the East Bank. However,
around 600,000 Palestinians stayed in the West Bank and 300,000 in the Gaza
Strip. This meant that about 1,200,000 Arabs lived under the rule of 3,000,000
Israeli Jews, including those already in Israel. During the following decade, a
movement advocating Jewish settlement in the occupied territories, especially
the West Bank, emerged, leading to the arrival of several thousand Israeli
Jews.
International recognition;
During the 1970s and 80s, the PLO, primarily led by Fatah, engaged in a de
facto state-like existence. The armed struggle had its roots in the 1950s, with
guerrilla raids against Israeli targets contributing to events like the Suez
Crisis in 1956 and the Six-Day War in 1967. Post-1967, al-Fatah escalated
violent activities, and under the PLO's umbrella, various Palestinian guerrilla
groups became significant players in the Middle East. This period saw a surge
in conflicts, marked by raids and reprisals between Palestinian guerrillas and
Israel, which were central to the struggle against Israel.
In the 1970s, the PLO also achieved diplomatic successes, securing recognition from over 80 countries. Notably, on September 22, 1974, the United Nations General Assembly, despite strong Israeli objections, officially recognized the "Question of Palestine" as a separate agenda item. On November 13 of the same year, Arafat addressed the Assembly, pleading for the national rights of the Palestinian people.
Political and financial uncertainty;
In 2017, President Donald Trump initiated efforts to create a "final
deal" for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. However, tensions escalated
during his tenure. The U.S. decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018
and cut funding for the Palestinian Authority strained relations. There were no
negotiations between the two parties during Trump's presidency. In 2018,
violence flared along the Israel-Gaza border, leading to protests and clashes.
Unrest continued in 2019, with protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In
2021, the new U.S. president sought to improve relations with the Palestinians,
but challenges persisted.
In April, tensions flared in Jerusalem as Israeli police restricted
Palestinian access to the Old City during Ramadan, leading to street violence.
The situation escalated in May when the Israeli Supreme Court ruled to evict
dozens of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah
neighborhood, causing clashes. The situation worsened as Hamas fired rockets
into Jerusalem, marking the first such incident since 2014. This prompted an
11-day conflict with Israeli forces.
Current Crises and Ongoing Challenges;
The current crises in Palestine encompass a variety of complex issues,
including the Israeli occupation, settlement expansion, and the lack of
progress in peace negotiations. Additionally, the Gaza Strip remains under a
blockade, severely impacting the lives of its inhabitants. The international
community has called for an end to these crises, emphasizing the need for a
just and lasting solution.
Humanitarian Concerns and Peacebuilding Efforts
Conclusion
The journey of Palestine from its formation in 1948 to the current crises
has been marked by struggles, resilience, and unresolved conflicts. The
displacement of Palestinians, the rise of nationalist movements, and ongoing
challenges have shaped the region's political landscape. It is essential for
the international community to continue supporting efforts towards a just and
sustainable resolution, ensuring the rights and aspirations of both
Palestinians and Israelis are respected and upheld. Only through lasting peace
can Palestine finally see a future free from crises.
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