A Century Of Strife: Israel's Occupation Of Palestine From 1917 To Present
- Hidden Archivez
- Aug 30, 2024
- 25 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2024
Click Title Below To Be Redirected To Each Segment
'1917-1948'
'1948'
'1967'
'1967-Present'
'1987-1993'
'1993'
'2000-2005'
'2002-Present'
'2007-Present'
10. The Gaza Wars
'2008, 2012, 2014'
PS: These notable events represent just a fraction of the broader story, but they are fundamental to understanding the complex issues at hand.
Balfour Declaration/The British Mandate
-Balfour Declaration-
Toward the end/aftermath of World War 1, a curious event unfolded.
The British government, still reeling from the devastating losses of the war, issued the Balfour Declaration on November 2, 1917.
This document, penned by British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour, expressed support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
What makes this declaration suspect is the involvement of Lord Walter Rothschild, a wealthy and influential Jewish banker.
Rothschild, a member of the powerful Rothschild banking dynasty, was a key figure in the British Jewish community. His family had significant financial interests and was known for their Zionist sympathies.
Critics argue that the Balfour Declaration was a quid pro quo arrangement.
That the British government, deeply indebted to Jewish bankers like Rothschild for funding their war efforts, repaid them by promising a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
Furthermore, the declaration's timing raises eyebrows.
Issued mere months after the British conquest of Palestine from the Ottoman Empire, it seems almost too convenient.
Was the British government simply pandering to their wealthy Jewish patrons, or was there an even more sinister plot at play?
-Balfour Declaration Signed Arthur Balfour To Lord Walter Rothschild-
-2017 Interview w/ Jacob Rothschild About Israel & Balfour Declaration-
-The British Mandate-
Following the issuance of the Balfour Declaration, the British government was granted a mandate over Palestine by the League of Nations in April 25, 1920.
The British Mandate for Palestine was a legal and administrative instrument established by the League of Nations in 1920, (Approved by the League July 24, 1922) granting Britain temporary control over the region of Palestine (then part of the Ottoman Empire).
The mandate's primary objective was to facilitate the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, as stated above in the Balfour Declaration.
Key provisions of the British Mandate:
1. Administrative control: Britain was responsible for governing Palestine, including law enforcement, taxation, and public services
2. Jewish immigration: The mandate allowed for "regulated" Jewish immigration to Palestine, leading to a significant increase in the Jewish population
3. Protection of existing communities: The mandate required Britain to "protect" the rights and interests of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, including Muslims and Christians
4. Economic development: Britain was tasked with developing Palestine's economy, infrastructure, and natural resources
However, the British Mandate has been criticized for:
1. Favoring Zionist interests: Britain's implementation of the mandate prioritized Zionist aspirations over Arab rights and interests
2. Disregarding Arab self-determination: The mandate ignored the aspirations of the indigenous Arab population for self-rule and independence
3. Failing to protect Arab rights: Britain's failure to uphold the mandate's provisions for protecting Arab rights contributed to growing tensions and conflict
-The British Mandate For Palestine-
As the British Mandate expired in May 14, 1948, Zionist forces declared the establishment of the State of Israel, leading to a devastating conflict with neighboring Arab states.
The war resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, known as the Nakba or "catastrophe" in Arabic, and the establishment of refugee camps in neighboring countries.
The Arab-Israeli War And The Nakba
The 1948 Arab-Israeli War: A Catastrophic Consequence of Colonial Ambitions.
The declaration of Israel's independence on May 14, 1948, was a culmination of decades-long Zionist efforts to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
However, this unilateral declaration was met with fierce resistance from the indigenous Arab population and neighboring Arab states, leading to a devastating war.
The British Mandate's expiration and the UN's partition plan had already sown seeds of discord, favoring Zionist aspirations over Arab rights.
The Arab League's military intervention was a response to the perceived colonial imposition of a Jewish state on Palestinian soil.
As Arab forces clashed with Israeli militias, the war's true nature became apparent – a struggle for self-determination, territorial rights, and identity.
Note: The Deir Yassin massacre on April 9, 1948, was a pivotal moment that fueled Arab Nationalist intervention. The brutal killing of Palestinian villagers by Jewish, Zionist forces horrified the Arab world and prompted a collective response to prevent further atrocities and protect Palestinian rights.
-How The War Played Out-
On May 15, 1948, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq launched a coordinated attack on Palestine, seeking to prevent the establishment of a Jewish state.
The Arab League's military intervention was a response to the perceived colonial imposition of a Jewish state on Palestinian soil, as well as concerns about the potential displacement of Arab populations.
Initially, Arab forces made significant gains, with Egypt capturing the Negev Desert and Jordan occupying the West Bank.
With Israel facing defeat, the UN conveniently intervened with a 4 week ceasefire.
Israel took advantage of the temporary ceasefires to arm itself and prepare for further military campaigns, despite explicit UN orders to the contrary.
This allowed Israel to gain a significant military advantage, which it used to expand its territory beyond the original UN partition plan.
Notably, immediately after the first ceasefire, Israel launched a series of military operations, including Operation Yoav and Operation Hiram, which resulted in the capture of key cities and territories, such as Beersheba, Jaffa, and the Galilee.
This expansionist policy led to the displacement of even more Palestinians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
As the war raged on, Palestinian civilians were caught in the crossfire, leading to widespread displacement and suffering.
Villages were destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were forced from their homes, creating a refugee crisis that persists to this day.
The war's humanitarian toll was devastating, with estimates suggesting over 700,000 Palestinians displaced and thousands killed or wounded.
Despite being outnumbered, Israel's financial support, illegal armament and the UN's convenient ceasefire enabled them to secure a decisive victory.
The war's outcome, with Israel expanding its territory beyond the original UN plan, solidified the displacement and marginalization of Palestinians.
The 1949 armistice agreements temporarily halted hostilities, but left unresolved issues that continue to fuel the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
It is essential to acknowledge the historical injustices perpetrated against the Palestinian people, including forced displacement, land expropriation, and denial of basic rights.
By recognizing the catastrophic consequences of colonial ambitions, we can work towards a more equitable and just resolution, prioritizing Palestinian self-determination and coexistence.
-The Nakba Explained-
The Nakba, which means “catastrophe” in Arabic, refers to the mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
The Nakba occurred when Jewish terrorist forces, including the Haganah, Lehi and Irgun, attacked and captured Palestinian villages and cities.
Palestinians were forced to flee or were expelled from their homes, leading to a massive refugee crisis. Many Palestinians were killed, injured, raped and or detained during the violence.
Palestinian villages and towns were destroyed, and their inhabitants were prevented from returning.
The Nakba resulted in:
1. The displacement of approximately 700,000 Palestinians, known as refugees or "Nakba survivors."
2. The loss of Palestinian land, property, and cultural heritage.
3. The creation of refugee camps in neighboring countries, such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt.
4. Ongoing struggles for Palestinian self-determination, statehood, and the right of return.
The Nakba is commemorated annually on May 15th, known as Nakba Day, to honor the memories of those who were displaced and to continue the struggle for Palestinian rights and justice.
Parts Cited From
-The Arab-Israeli War of 1948 and Nakba explained Video-
The War And The Occupation Of The West Bank and Gaza
(Six Day War)
In June 1967, the Six-Day War broke out, marking the third major conflict between Arab states and Israel.
Israel emerged victorious, capturing key territories that would become a focal point of the ongoing Arab-Israeli dispute:
The occupation of these territories has remained a contentious issue, fueling ongoing tensions in the region.
-How The War Played Out-
On June 5, 1967, Israel launched a surprise preemptive air strike, codenamed Operation Focus - (Meticulously Planned for over 20 years).
Which decimated Egypt's air force, destroying over 90% of its planes on the ground.
A similar aerial assault crippled Syrian and Jordanian air capabilities, leaving their armies vulnerable to attack.
A total of 452 enemy aircraft were destroyed, most of them on the ground.
That left the Israeli Air Force in almost complete control of the skies, and it was able to assist the Israeli ground forces effectively.
Seizing the initiative, Israeli ground forces swiftly achieved a decisive victory, capturing the Gaza Strip and the entire Sinai Peninsula up to the Suez Canal's east bank within three days.
By June 7, Israeli forces had expelled Jordanian troops from East Jerusalem and most of the West Bank, securing control of the Old City.
Israel went on to complete its capture of the Gaza Strip, which was previously under Egyptian control.
As the conflict unfolded, the UN Security Council called for a ceasefire on June 7, which Israel and Jordan accepted immediately.
Egypt followed suit on June 8, but Syria refused, prompting Israel to launch a June 9 assault on the fortified Golan Heights.
After intense fighting, Israeli forces captured the strategic plateau, leading Syria to accept the ceasefire on June 10, marking the end of the Six-Day War.
-What Resulted From Israel's Victory-
- Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt
- The West Bank from Jordan
- And the Golan Heights from Syria.
Occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Since 1967, Israel has maintained military control over the West Bank and Gaza, imposing restrictions on movement, trade, and daily life.
The occupation has led to:
1. Settlement expansion: Israel has built and expanded settlements in the West Bank, leading to the displacement of Palestinians and the fragmentation of their territory
2. Restrictions on movement: Israel controls checkpoints, roads, and borders, limiting Palestinians' access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities
3. Military operations: Israel conducts regular military operations, including raids, arrests, and demolitions, leading to civilian casualties and displacement
4. Gaza blockade: Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007, restricting the flow of goods, food, water, fuel, and people, leading to a humanitarian crisis
Consequences of the Occupation The occupation has resulted in:
1. Humanitarian crisis: Limited access to basic necessities like food, water, healthcare, and electricity
2. Economic stagnation: Restrictions on trade and movement have stifled economic growth and development
3. Displacement and fragmentation: Palestinians have been displaced, and their territory has been fragmented, making a contiguous state impossible
4. Violence and trauma: The occupation has led to ongoing violence, trauma, and psychological distress for Palestinians
The international community has condemned Israel's occupation UN resolutions calling for:
1. Withdrawal from occupied territories
2. End to settlement expansion
3. Protection of Palestinian rights Despite this, the occupation continues, with ongoing efforts by Palestinians and international organizations to achieve a just and lasting resolution
Despite the passage of time, the consequences of the Six-Day War remain unchanged.
Israel's occupation of the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Golan Heights continues to this day, with Palestinians still living under military rule, facing restrictions on their movement, and struggling for self-determination.
The Gaza Strip, captured by Israel in 1967, remains one of the most densely populated and impoverished places on earth, with its residents subject to periodic military operations and a crippling blockade.
The West Bank, also occupied in 1967, is flooded with Israeli settlements, which have expanded and grown, further fragmenting Palestinian territory and undermining hopes for a contiguous state.
The Golan Heights, seized from Syria in 1967, remains under Israeli control, with its original inhabitants displaced and unable to return.
Today, as in 1967, the status of these territories remains a major point of contention, with the international community still calling for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
Yet, the occupation persists, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Six-Day War.
Parts Cited From https://www.britannica.com/event/Six-Day-War
Israeli Settlement Expansion
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has spanned decades, with numerous attempts at peace negotiations.
However, one major obstacle has consistently hindered progress: Israeli settlement expansion.
Despite international condemnation, Israel continues to build and expand settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, further entrenching its presence in occupied territories.
This expansion is fueled by Israel's Law of Return 1950, which grants automatic citizenship to Jewish immigrants, while denying Palestinian refugees the right to return to their ancestral homes.
Since the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel has established over 200 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, housing over 600,000 settlers.
These settlements have been built on land expropriated from Palestinian owners, often under the guise of "security" or "natural growth."
Consequences of Settlement Expansion for Palestinians:
1. Land expropriation: Palestinians are forced off their land, losing homes, livelihoods, and ancestral ties
2. Fragmentation: Settlements divide the West Bank into isolated enclaves, making a contiguous Palestinian state impossible
3. Restrictions on movement: Settlements and accompanying infrastructure restrict Palestinian movement, accessing basic services, and economic opportunities
4. Violence and tensions: Settlements are often flashpoints for violence, fueling tensions and undermining trust
Law of Return/Israel's settlement expansion violates international law, including:
1. Article 49, Fourth Geneva Convention: Prohibits an occupying power from transferring its own civilian population into occupied territory
2. Article 53, Fourth Geneva Convention: Prohibits an occupying power from destroying property or infrastructure in occupied territory
In contrast, Israel's Law of Return grants automatic citizenship to Jewish immigrants, while denying Palestinian refugees the right to return to their ancestral homes.
This law perpetuates the displacement of Palestinians and reinforces the settlement expansion.
Despite international pressure including:
1. Trumps "Peace Plan" 2020: The plan's acceptance of Israeli sovereignty over settlements sparked widespread criticism
2. Annexation plans 2020: Israel's announcement to annex parts of the West Bank sparked global outrage, with the European Union threatening sanctions
Israel continues to expand settlements...
Israeli settlement expansion remains a significant barrier to peace, perpetuating the occupation and undermining Palestinian rights.
The international community must reiterate its condemnation and press Israel to halt settlement growth, paving the way for meaningful negotiations and a just resolution to the conflict.
The Law of Return must be revised to address the displacement of Palestinians and ensure equal rights for all.
-Manya Shochat: The Mother of Collective Settlement-
Manya Shochat's vision was shaped by socialist and Zionist ideas, as well as her experiences as a woman in a patriarchal society.
Her leadership helped establish the kibbutz movement, which spread across Palestine.
However, the kibbutz movement's expansion also led to the displacement of Palestinian communities and the expropriation of their land.
Her brother, Israel Shochat, was a founder of the Jewish self-defense organization, Bar-Giora and Hashomer, which later became the precursor to the Haganah, the Jewish paramilitary force that evolved into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
It is a stark irony that the IDF and the settlement movement, cornerstones of Israel's existence, were founded on the blood and struggle of Palestinians.
The very institutions that now symbolize Israeli power and control were born from the displacement and suffering of the indigenous population.
This painful legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring consequences of violence and the unfulfilled quest for justice and equality in the region.
The ghosts of the past continue to haunt the present, as the struggle for Palestinian rights and self-determination remains an unresolved and festering wound.
The First Intifada
The First Intifada 1987, was sparked by decades of Israeli oppression, including:
1. Rampant land expropriation and settlement construction in the West Bank and Gaza Strip after the 1977 Likud victory
2. The 1982 invasion of Lebanon, which galvanized a strong Israeli peace camp, offering a glimmer of hope for policy change
3. Brutal Israeli repression following the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, which ignited widespread Palestinian protests
4. Emergence of grassroots Palestinian activists challenging the PLO leadership, amid Israel's attempts to crush political dissent and sever PLO ties to the occupied territories
The final straw came in December 1987 when an Israeli vehicle killed four Palestinian workers, seen as revenge for an earlier Israeli death in Gaza
This incident ignited a wave of protests, met with severe Israeli reprisals, leading to nearly 2,000 deaths (3:1 Palestinian to Israeli ratio)
As the intifada intensified, Palestinians shifted from throwing rocks to armed resistance, driven by Israel's escalating violence.
In 1988, the PLO accepted US conditions for dialogue, recognizing Israel's existence and UN Resolutions 242 and 338.
The intifada's political and economic toll on Israel led to the 1992 election of a new government, mandated to negotiate "peace".
Secret talks between Israel and the PLO, facilitated by Norway, resulted in the 1993-1995 Oslo Accords.
These accords recognized the PLO as the Palestinian people's legitimate representative, paving the way for limited self-governance and a two-state solution.
However, outstanding issues remained, and the peace process was soon derailed.
UN Resolutions 242 And 338 Explained
Parts Cited From
The Oslo Accords And The "Peace" Process
The Oslo Accords were a set of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) that aimed to establish a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
However, the process was derailed due to Israel's failure to comply with the agreements and its continued occupation of Palestinian territories.
In 1993, the Oslo I Accord established the principle of land-for-peace, based on UN Resolutions 242 and 338.
The agreement set out a framework for Palestinian self-governance in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including the withdrawal of Israeli security forces and the transfer of authority to the Palestinian Authority (PA).
Despite initial progress, the Oslo process was hindered by Israel's refusal to implement its obligations.
In 1995, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by a Jewish extremist, and his successor, Benjamin Netanyahu, openly bragged about sabotaging the Oslo Accords.
The Oslo II Accord, signed in 1995, detailed the expansion of Palestinian self-rule, but its provisions were never fully implemented due to Israel's non-compliance.
The agreement's breakdown led to increased tensions, and in 2000, Ariel Sharon's provocative visit to the Temple Mount ignited the Al-Aqsa Intifada (Second Intifada), bringing the Oslo process to a halt.
The Oslo Accords' failure was a result of Israel's unwillingness to end its occupation and grant Palestinians their right to self-determination.
Benjamin Netanyahu Secretly Recorded Conversation Text And Video
In a secretly recorded conversation in 2001, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasted about his role in sabotaging the Oslo Accords, a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
He stated: "I stopped the Oslo Accords...I told [US President Bill Clinton], 'You know, we're willing to go for it, but we want to make sure that we have the right to control the borders, the airspace, and the seaports.'
Netanyahu also admitted to manipulating the US into withdrawing from the Oslo Accords:
"I know what America is. America is a thing you can move very easily, move it in the right direction.
They won't get in our way...Eighty percent of the Americans support us. It's absurd."
This conversation revealed Netanyahu's true intentions and his willingness to undermine the peace process to maintain Israel's control over Palestinian territories.
His boasts highlight the significant obstacle he posed to achieving a lasting peace in the region.
What The Oslo Accords Were Meant To Resolve
The Second Intifada
The Second Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, was a courageous uprising by the Palestinian people against the oppressive Israeli occupation, which began in September 2000 and lasted until 2005.
It was a response to:
1. Israel's failure to implement the Oslo Accords and grant Palestinians their right to self-determination
2. Continued Israeli settlement expansion and land theft
3. Brutal Israeli military occupation, including:
- Humiliating checkpoints and curfews
- Extrajudicial killings and arrests
- Home demolitions and displacement
4. Ariel Sharon stormed al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem with more than 1,000 heavily armed police and soldiers on September 2000, seen as a deliberate attempt to incite violence
During the Second Intifada, Palestinians employed various forms of resistance, including:
1. Widespread peaceful protests and demonstrations
2. Armed resistance by Palestinian militant groups (e.g., Hamas, Fatah). Killing 1000 Israelis Out of 1083 Israelis killed, 741 were civilians (124 minors)
3. Suicide bombings targeting Israeli military and settlers. Killing 1000 Israelis Out of 1083 Israelis killed, 741 were civilians (124 minors)
Israel responded with:
1. Disproportionate force, killing over 4,900 Palestinians... 1,262 children, 274 women and 32 medical personnel, More than 10,000 children were wounded during the five years
2. Widespread destruction of Palestinian homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land
5,000 Palestinians homes and damaged another 6,500 beyond repair
3. Tightening of the occupation, including increased checkpoints and curfews. Including Building the wall, it later turned into keeping the checkpoints and army bases inside Palestinian land.
4. Continued settlement expansion, further entrenching the occupation. "Eg."
Under the Oslo agreement by May 4, 1999, there was supposed to be an independent Palestine, but “In fact, we saw that the number of settlers doubled from 200,000 to 400,000 just in that short period from 1993 to the year 2000
Parts Cited From https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/28/palestinian-intifada-20-years-later-israeli-occupation-continues
Palestine's determination to resist oppression and fight for their fundamental rights, including:
1. Self-determination and statehood
2. An end to Israeli occupation and settlement expansion
3. The right of return for Palestinian refugees
4. Justice and accountability for Israeli war crimes
Despite the immense challenges and sacrifices, the Palestinian people remain steadfast in their pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality
The Second Intifada (2000-2005) ended due to a combination of factors, including:
-Construction of the West Bank barrier
-Palestinian political changes and fatigue
-Israeli disengagement from Gaza
-Infighting between Hamas and Fatah
-International pressure and diplomatic efforts
-Israeli military actions and targeted killings
By 2005, the intensity of the conflict had decreased significantly, and a fragile calm had been established, marking the end of the Second Intifada.
The Separation Barrier
In 2002, Israel began constructing the Separation Barrier, finishing it in 2005.
The Separation Barrier is a 712-kilometer-long structure that cuts through the West Bank, annexing land and displacing Palestinians.
The declared objective was preventing Palestinians without permits from entering Israel from the West Bank.
However, the establishment of the barrier was also intended to serve other, undeclared aims.
The barrier:
1. Cuts off residents from their land, restricting access to farmland, pastureland, and livelihoods
2. Traps 11,000 Palestinians in enclaves between the barrier and the Green Line, forcing them to obtain permits to live in their own homes
3. Separates communities, restricting movement, trade, and social ties
4. Devastates Jerusalem, sealing off the city from the West Bank and isolating East Jerusalem
5. Violates human rights, including freedom of movement, work, education, medical care, family life, and self-determination
Israel cut off residents of some 150 Palestinian communities from their land, including farmland and pastureland, leaving the communities east of the barrier and their land on the other, between the barrier and the Green Line.
By doing so, Israel blocked thousands of Palestinians from freely accessing and cultivating their land.
The International Court of Justice deemed the barrier's construction within the West Bank unlawful, citing human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law.
Despite this, Israel continues to build and maintain the barrier, perpetuating suffering and injustice for Palestinians.
Parts Cited From https://www.btselem.org/separation_barrier
The Separation Barrier stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of occupation and the resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of oppression.
The Blockade of Gaza
The Gaza Strip, home to 2 million Palestinians, has been subjected to a suffocating blockade by Israel since 2007.
This prolonged siege has transformed Gaza into an open-air prison, where the basics of survival are a daily struggle.
The blockade is a form of collective punishment, imposed on an entire population for the actions of a few, and has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
The following facts and figures reveal the devastating impact of the blockade on the lives of Palestinians in Gaza, and the urgent need for international action to end this unjust and inhumane siege.
The Gaza blockade, imposed by Israel in 2007, has subjected 2 million Palestinians to a harsh and prolonged siege, resulting in:
-80% of the population relying on international aid for survival
-50% unemployment rate, with youth unemployment at 70%
-97% of water being undrinkable due to contamination and lack of treatment
-45% of essential medicines and medical equipment being unavailable
-75% of Gaza's agricultural land being destroyed or inaccessible
-95% of industrial establishments being shut down or operating at minimal capacity
Severe restrictions on movement, with only a few dozen Palestinians allowed to exit Gaza daily
-Over 1,000 Palestinians killed and 10,000 injured in military operations since 2008
-3 wars in 6 years, causing widespread destruction and displacement
-50,000 homes destroyed or severely damaged, leaving 100,000 Palestinians homeless -17,000 businesses destroyed or severely damaged
-Gaza's GDP shrinking by 50% since 2007
-70% of Gaza's population experiencing food insecurity
-40% of children suffering from stunted growth due to malnutrition
-20% of children experiencing mental health issues due to trauma
-Electricity crisis, with only 12 hours of power per day
-Internet and phone services being regularly cut off
-Restrictions on fishing, leaving 35,000 fishermen without livelihoods
-Restrictions on imports and exports, crippling Gaza's economy
This blockade constitutes collective punishment, violating international humanitarian law and human rights, and perpetuating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Gaza blockade is a grave injustice that has devastated the lives of two million Palestinians.
As the siege enters its 17th year, it is imperative that governments, organizations, and individuals demand an immediate end to this collective punishment.
The people of Gaza deserve freedom, justice, and the chance to rebuild their lives.
It is time for the world to act and bring an end to this humanitarian crisis, upholding the fundamental human rights and dignity of all.
Parts Cited From https://www.btselem.org/separation_barrier
Sources:
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS)
- Gaza's Ministry of Health
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
- Human Rights Watch
- Amnesty International
The 2008/2012/2014 Gaza Wars
-2008/2009 Gaza War-
The 2008-2009 war on Gaza was the culmination of Israel's relentless military operations against the Strip, which began during the Second Intifada and continued with only brief ceasefires.
Israel's actions constituted a systematic campaign of collective punishment, targeting Palestinian civilians, resistance fighters, and infrastructure.
In 2003-2005, Israel conducted 12 military operations, assassinating leaders, launching air and artillery strikes, and bulldozing homes to establish buffer zones.
After withdrawing from Gaza in 2005, Israel intensified assassinations in the West Bank, prompting Gaza-based factions to respond with rockets.
Hamas and PIJ offered repeated ceasefires, but Israel refused, seeking to maintain its freedom to pursue and assassinate Palestinian operatives in the West Bank.
From 2005-2006, Israel launched eight more operations, deepening its buffer zones and suppressing Palestinian resistance.
In 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian Legislative Council elections, but the international community boycotted the government, and Israel declared it a "hostile entity."
Hamas eventually seized control of Gaza in 2007.
A 15-month ceasefire held from November 2006 to February 2008, despite Israel's search for a captured soldier and continued siege.
However, Israel launched Operation Hot Winter in February 2008, killing 111 Palestinians and wounding over 400.
The June 2008 ceasefire agreement was repeatedly violated by Israel, leading to the devastating Operation Cast Lead in December 2008.
The three-phase operation aimed to destroy Hamas's military assets, leaders, and infrastructure, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
The war resulted in 1,417 Palestinian deaths, including 926 civilians, 313 children, and 116 women. Over 5,000 Palestinians were wounded, and 100,000 left homeless.
Israel reported 14 fatalities and 336 soldiers wounded.
The international community must acknowledge Israel's disproportionate use of force and hold it accountable for war crimes.
The people of Gaza demand justice, freedom, and an end to the siege.
-How The 2008 War Played Out-
Phase 1: Air Assault (December 27-30, 2008)
Israel launched Operation Cast Lead on December 27, 2008, with airstrikes on Gaza, targeting Hamas military assets, leaders, and infrastructure.
- The initial airstrikes killed 228 Palestinians, including 60 police cadets, and wounded over 700.
- Israel targeted smuggling tunnels, rocket launching sites, and Hamas command centers.
Phase 2: Ground Incursion (January 3-15, 2009)
- On January 3, 2009, Israel launched a ground incursion into Gaza, with 10,000 troops deployed.
- Israeli forces segmented Gaza into three operational zones, controlling open areas and encircling towns and refugee camps.
- Heavy fighting occurred in Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, with Israeli forces using artillery, tanks, and infantry.
Phase 3: Intensified Assault (January 15-18, 2009)
- Israel intensified its assault, targeting densely populated areas, including Gaza City's northern district.
- The Israeli military used white phosphorus shells, causing widespread damage and civilian casualties.
- International pressure mounted, with the International Committee of the Red Cross expressing concern over Palestinian civilian casualties.
Ceasefire and Withdrawal (January 18-21, 2009)
- On January 18, 2009, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire, brokered by Egypt. - Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza by January 21, 2009.
Casualties and Damage
- Palestinian casualties: 1,417 killed, including 926 civilians, 313 children, and 116 women; over 5,000 wounded.
- Israeli casualties: 14 killed, including 3 civilians and 1 soldier; 336 soldiers wounded.
- Extensive damage to Gaza's infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, and government buildings; estimated $1.6-1.9 billion in property damage.
Parts Cited From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_War_(2008%E2%80%932009)
-2012 Gaza War-
An Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip, conducted in November 2012, consisting mostly of airstrikes against alleged Hamas targets.
Israel claimed the operation was in response to sustained rocket fire from the Strip, as well as attempted ground assaults via tunnels, while Hamas and other organizations were aiming at lifting the blockade on the Strip that had been in place since 2007.
This was the first major confrontation in the Gaza Strip since the Gaza War (Operation Cast Lead) in 2008-9.
Despite making preparations for a ground operation, Israeli forces did not enter the Strip, and the fighting ended after a week with understandings that included a ceasefire and a partial opening of the crossings into Gaza.
-How The 2012 War Played Out-
Operation Pillar of Defence (14-21 November 2012)
Israel unleashed a devastating military operation against Gaza, killing 174 Palestinians, including 107 civilians, and injuring over 1,000.
- The assault began with the targeted killing of Hamas military chief Ahmed Jabari, sparking widespread protests.
- Israel's indiscriminate bombing of residential areas claimed innocent lives, including 11-month-old Omar Misharawi.
- Hamas responded with rocket fire into Israeli suburbs and cities, but Israel's disproportionate response caused catastrophic damage.
- A brief ceasefire for Egypt's Prime Minister Hisham Qandil's visit was ignored by Israel, which continued its aggression.
- Israel's mobilization of 75,000 reservists threatened a ground invasion, escalating fears among Gaza's besieged population.
- The Israeli government deliberately targeted Hamas government sites and civilian infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
- The World Health Organisation condemned Israel's strikes, citing overwhelmed hospitals and critical shortages.
- Israeli Interior Minister Eli Yishai's statement that the goal was to send Gaza "back to the Middle Ages" revealed Israel's intent to collectively punish Palestinians.
- The bombardment continued, with the Israeli navy firing into Gaza, killing a 13-year-old girl and her uncle.
- The Al-Dalu family home was destroyed, killing 12 people, including 5 children and 2 elderly women.
- US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Tel Aviv failed to halt Israel's aggression, and the announced ceasefire came only after a bus bomb in Tel Aviv injured 28 people.
- The eight-day conflict killed 4 Israelis, but the Palestinian death toll was 44 times higher.
Israel's claims of victory ring hollow, as Gaza remains under siege and Palestinians continue to suffer.
Parts Cited From https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171114-remembering-israels-operation-pillar-of-defence/
-2014 Gaza War-
After Operation Cast Lead ended in January 2009, Israel and Hamas engaged in sporadic violence for the next thirty-three months.
Israel launched Operation Pillar of Defense on 14 November 2012, with a “shock and awe” air assault that killed Hamas military chief Ahmad Ja'bari and other key figures.
Over the eight-day conflict, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fired more than 1,456 rockets into Israel, hitting Tel Aviv for the first time. (Killing 6 people and injuring 51 others)
The Israeli Air Force struck more than 1,500 targets in Gaza. (Palestinian Casualties Below)
On 21 November, a cease-fire—brokered by Mohamed Morsi 's Muslim Brotherhood –led Egyptian government—took effect.
Pillar of Defense seems to have confirmed Israel's belief in airpower to produce the desired deterrent effect without the need for a ground assault.
The 2012 conflict offered the first confirmed use of the newly operational Iron Dome anti-missile system, which Israeli sources credited with intercepting around 20 percent of the projectiles fired at Israel.
Pillar of Defense led to a protracted period of cautious calm that ended in the summer of 2014.
Three teenage Israeli settlers were kidnapped in the Gush Etzion settlement block near Jerusalem on 12 June.
Israel accused Hamas of responsibility and carried out a mass arrest campaign across the West Bank.
Hamas retaliated with rocket fire from Gaza which was met with Israel air and artillery strikes from mid to late June.
On 7 July Israel decided to launch a full-scale assault, code-named Operation Protective Edge.
Operation Protective Edge was a military operation launched by Israel on July 7, 2014, with the stated objective of stopping Palestinian rocket fire into Israel and deterring future attacks.
The war developed in three phases:
Phase One: Aerial Assault (July 8-16)
The operation began with an aerial assault, where Israeli planes struck targets in Gaza, including weapons storage and manufacturing facilities, rocket launch sites, and command and control centers.
Phase Two: Ground Invasion (July 17-31)
On July 17, a Hamas unit used an "attack tunnel" to infiltrate Israel, leading to a ground invasion. Israeli forces entered Gaza, focusing on the tunnels and engaging in intense battles with Hamas fighters.
Phase Three: Intermittent Hostilities and Final Cease-Fire (August 1-26)
The final phase saw intermittent hostilities, with multiple cease-fire agreements and breakdowns.
The conflict ended with an open-ended cease-fire agreement on August 26, 2014.
The operation resulted in significant loss of life and property damage:
- 2,189 Palestinians killed, including 1,486 civilians and 513 children
- 71 Israelis killed, including 66 soldiers and 5 civilians
- 17,800 houses destroyed or severely damaged
- 252 schools and 78 hospitals damaged
- Total damage cost estimated at 6 billion euros
The cease-fire agreement included an easing of the blockade, extension of Gaza's fishing zone, and reduction of the Israeli-enforced buffer zone.
However, issues like the release of Palestinian prisoners and the construction of a commercial seaport and airport remained unresolved.
Parts Cited From https://www.palquest.org/en/highlight/30097/2014-gaza-war
A Historical Timeline Of Israel's Brutality Towards Palestinians
Writers Analysis
The legacy of the Balfour Declaration and the British Mandate continues to shape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict today.
The displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the Nakba in 1948, the occupation and settlement expansion in the West Bank and Gaza since 1967, and the ongoing blockade of Gaza since 2007 have created a complex web of issues that remain unresolved.
The repeated cycles of violence, including the Gaza Wars, and the ongoing construction of the Separation Barrier, serve as stark reminders of the failed "peace" process initiated by the Oslo Accords.
The First and Second Intifadas, though distinct in their timing and tactics, share a common thread - the Palestinian people's struggle for self-determination and basic human rights.
Today, the same issues persist:
- Settlement expansion continues, encroaching on Palestinian land and fragmenting communities.
- The blockade of Gaza remains, perpetuating a humanitarian crisis and stifling economic growth.
- The Separation Barrier continues to divide families and restrict movement.
- The Israeli military occupation persists, with Palestinians facing daily violence, arrests, and displacement.
- The right of return for Palestinian refugees remains unaddressed.
As we reflect on this complex and tumultuous history, it becomes clear that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not a relic of the past but an ongoing, deeply entrenched issue.
A lasting resolution requires acknowledging the historical injustices, addressing the ongoing displacement and occupation, and working towards a future built on mutual recognition, respect, and human rights for all.
