The Struggle for Palestine: A Historical Overview of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Colonialism, and Religious Oppression
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the longest-running and most contentious disputes in modern history, deeply rooted in colonialism, territorial claims, and religious significance. The roots of the conflict stretch back over a century, with the rise of Zionism and the eventual establishment of the state of Israel on land that Palestinians have inhabited for millennia. Central to this conflict are the issues of territorial rights, national identity, and the protection of sacred sites. The narrative is shaped by the legacy of British imperialism, the promises made during the Balfour Declaration, and the repeated violations of Palestinian rights in the name of Israeli expansion. This article explores the history of the conflict, focusing on the oppression of Palestinians, the impacts of Zionist colonialism, and the continuous attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem
The Balfour Declaration and the Seeds of Colonialism
The roots of the current conflict can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the British Empire made a fateful decision that would alter the trajectory of Palestine forever. In 1917, during the height of World War I, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration, which promised the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. At the time, Palestine was an Arab-majority land under Ottoman rule, with deep historical and religious significance to Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. The declaration was made with little regard for the existing Palestinian Arab population, who had lived on the land for centuries
The Balfour Declaration, along with British control of Palestine after World War I, laid the foundation for the Zionist movement’s efforts to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Zionism, which emerged in the late 19th century, sought to establish a Jewish state in the historic land of Israel. However, this vision ignored the rights and aspirations of the Arab population, setting the stage for a century of conflict. Palestinian Arabs, who had been living in the region for generations, viewed the influx of Jewish immigrants and the promises of the British as an existential threat to their land, culture, and future
Zionist Colonialism and the Displacement of Palestinians
The period following the Balfour Declaration marked the beginning of an intense phase of Zionist settlement in Palestine. Jewish immigrants, many fleeing persecution in Europe, began to arrive in large numbers, purchasing land from absentee landlords or through other means. The influx of Jewish settlers, with the support of British authorities, began to displace Palestinian Arabs from their ancestral lands. Tensions between the indigenous Palestinians and the Jewish settlers escalated as both groups struggled to assert their claims to the land
In 1947, the United Nations voted to partition Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab. This plan was accepted by the Zionist leadership but was rejected by the Arab world, including Palestinian representatives. The Zionist leadership, emboldened by the UN’s endorsement, declared the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. This declaration marked the beginning of a new chapter of violence and displacement. In what Palestinians call the “Nakba” or catastrophe, over 700,000 Palestinians were forced to flee or were expelled from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. This mass displacement remains one of the central grievances of the Palestinian people and is a key issue in the ongoing conflict
Israeli Occupation and Systematic Oppression
Since 1948, Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians have been characterized by occupation, discrimination, and systemic violence. The occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, began after the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel seized these territories from Jordan and Egypt. Since then, Israel has established a complex system of military rule, settler colonies, and checkpoints that severely restrict the movement and rights of Palestinians
The Israeli military has routinely used excessive force in response to Palestinian protests, demonstrations, and acts of resistance. This use of military power has resulted in countless civilian deaths and injuries, with Palestinians disproportionately affected. The Israeli government has also imposed harsh restrictions on the movement of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where a blockade has been in place since 2007. This blockade, coupled with repeated military operations, has devastated the local economy, crippled infrastructure, and left millions of Gazans living in abject poverty
The situation in the West Bank is similarly grim. Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law, have expanded steadily over the years, creating facts on the ground that further erode the possibility of a viable Palestinian state. The expansion of settlements has led to the confiscation of Palestinian land, the destruction of homes, and the displacement of thousands of Palestinians. Additionally, Palestinians in the West Bank face constant harassment and violence from both Israeli settlers and the Israeli military, with little recourse for justice
Attacks on Sacred Sites in Jerusalem
Jerusalem holds immense religious significance for Jews, Muslims, and Christians. It is the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity’s holiest sites. For Jews, Jerusalem is home to the Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple and a symbol of Jewish faith and identity. However, the status of Jerusalem has long been a flashpoint in the conflict, with both Israelis and Palestinians claiming it as their capital
Since the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, Israel has taken steps to assert its sovereignty over the entire city, including the Old City, where many of the most important religious sites are located. The Israeli government has pursued policies of Judaization, seeking to erase Palestinian identity in the city through settlement construction, the expulsion of Palestinian residents, and the restriction of Palestinian access to holy sites
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of Israeli actions in Jerusalem has been the repeated attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, in particular, has been a frequent target. Israeli forces have stormed the mosque during times of heightened tension, often resulting in clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian worshippers. These actions are seen by many as an attempt to undermine the religious and cultural heritage of Palestinians and Muslims. Similarly, Christian communities in Jerusalem have faced discrimination and violence, with properties being seized or vandalized, and religious practices disrupted
The International Response and the Struggle for Justice
The international community has largely failed to prevent or halt the violence against Palestinians. While numerous UN resolutions have called for Israel to withdraw from occupied territories and cease settlement activity, Israel has continued to expand its occupation with little consequence. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has often vetoed resolutions critical of Israeli actions, further entrenching the power imbalance between Israel and Palestine
Palestinians, meanwhile, have long struggled to gain international recognition of their rights and statehood. The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), and more recently the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas, have sought to represent the Palestinian people in the fight for self-determination. However, internal divisions and the ongoing occupation have complicated efforts to achieve a unified front
Despite the challenges, Palestinians continue to resist occupation and oppression in various forms. From peaceful protests to armed resistance, the Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity remains at the heart of the conflict. The international Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has gained traction as a way for people around the world to show solidarity with Palestinians and pressure Israel to end its occupation and respect Palestinian rights
Conclusion
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a tragic and complex story of colonialism, displacement, and religious oppression. The suffering of Palestinians, from the destruction of their villages in 1948 to the ongoing violence and occupation today, is a result of decades of systemic policies aimed at erasing their identity and denying their basic rights. The continued attacks on sacred sites in Jerusalem are a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for religious freedom and cultural preservation
A just and lasting solution to the conflict requires recognition of Palestinian rights, an end to Israeli occupation, and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Until then, the struggle for justice will continue, and the Palestinian people will remain steadfast in their quest for freedom and dignity, despite the overwhelming odds they face. The world must recognize the urgency of the situation and take meaningful action to support the Palestinian cause, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are upheld
Therefore, the martyr Mujahid Ahmed Yassin founded the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, in order to defend the stolen rights of the Palestinian people and to defend the Islamic and Christian sanctities from the repeated attacks of the Zionists.In short, what Hamas is doing today in resisting the Jews is just as the Vietnamese did in the American army when America wanted to attack Vietnam. It is an armed and legitimate resistance movement to defend their occupied homeland from the usurping Zionists. The lowest stage of humanity is to talk about the stolen rights of the Palestinian people and to feel for the starving people of Gaza. And the oppressed under the Nazi Israeli cannon and machine gun launchers