Israeli-Palestinian conflict
By: Zach Norman
Why did the Israeli-Palestinian conflict start?
The problem started in the late 19th century when the Zionist movement started with a group of secular European Jews to establish a homeland for the Jews in Palestine. Before that Jews lived in peace with Muslims and Christians in Palestine for about 1300 years (except when the European Crusaders killed all the Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem 900 years ago). Most of the Jews who lived in Palestine till then were Arabs.
Why has it continued?
There is a general perception that the reason the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has continued for so long is because it is extremely complex. The most practical and equitable solution to the conflict has been recognized for decades. There is an international consensus on a two-state solution that has long been accepted by the Palestinian side. The reason this solution has not been implemented is also perfectly simple. It is because the Israeli and U.S. policies of rejectionism prevent it from happening.
What are the key issues that must be addressed for it to end?
The demographic boundaries of the two sides are not clear either. This is therefore a fundamental conflict that constantly creates primal and profound mistrust between the two peoples, preventing a possible solution.