The Palestine-Israeli Conflict: A Beginner's Guide

An updated edition of this bestselling introduction to the conflict

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

The Essential Guide That Allows Both Sides to Be Heard

Rabbi Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok presents the Israeli perspective, while Dr Dawoud El-Alami presents the Palestinian perspective.

Updated to cover the most recent events, including the US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the May 2021 fighting in Gaza, this bestselling introduction explores the history, motivations, and people behind the Palestine-Israel conflict and assesses the prospects for peace after almost eighty years.

The conflict between Palestine and Israel has a long and complex history, rooted in the political, social, and cultural dynamics of the region. The two sides have been engaged in a series of wars and negotiations since the establishment of Israel in 1948, with little progress towards a lasting peace.

One of the key factors contributing to the conflict is the territorial dispute over Jerusalem, which both sides claim as their capital. The city has religious and historical significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and its status as a disputed territory has been a source of tension and conflict for decades.

Another factor is the ongoing Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which has been condemned by the international community as illegal and inhumane. The occupation has led to the displacement of thousands of Palestinians, the destruction of their homes and infrastructure, and the denial of their basic human rights.

The conflict has also been fueled by political ideologies and religious beliefs on both sides. Jews believe that they have a historical and legal right to the land of Israel, while Palestinians argue that they have been displaced and oppressed by the Israeli government and that they deserve a homeland of their own.

Despite the ongoing conflict, there have been efforts to promote peace and reconciliation between Palestine and Israel. The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, were a significant step towards this goal, as they established a framework for the peaceful resolution of the conflict. However, the accords have faced challenges and have not been fully implemented, leading to further tensions and violence.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement among Palestinians for independence and self-determination. This movement has been met with resistance from the Israeli government, which has accused Palestinians of seeking to destroy Israel and has imposed harsh economic and political sanctions on the Palestinian Authority.

At the same time, there has been a growing recognition among Israelis of the need for a two-state solution, in which Israel and Palestine would live side by side in peace and security. This recognition has been driven by a variety of factors, including the growing demographic diversity of Israel, the increasing influence of the international community, and the growing threat of terrorism and extremism.

In conclusion, the Palestine-Israel conflict is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been a source of tension and conflict for decades. While there have been efforts to promote peace and reconciliation, there is still a long way to go before a lasting peace can be achieved. The key to resolving the conflict is to address the underlying political, social, and cultural issues that contribute to it, and to work towards a two-state solution that recognizes the rights and aspirations of both sides.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780861543700