The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Chronology

External Affairs

Palestinians celebrate near a destroyed Israeli tank at the fence separating Israel from the Gaza Strip east of Khan Younis on Saturday. (Hassan Eslaiah/AP)

The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict stretch back to the early 20th century, involving complex political, religious, and territorial issues. Here is a chronological overview of key events, from the early 1900s to the recent flare-ups:

World War I: The Question of Palestine (Early 20th Century)

  • The Ottoman Empire controlled the region until World War I, after which British control was established.
  • The Sykes-Picot Agreement (1916) and the Balfour Declaration (1917) complicated the territorial landscape.
  • Both Palestinians and Israelis asserted self-determination, setting the stage for future conflicts.

1948: Israel Declares Independence

  • The UN proposed a partition plan for Palestine, leading to Israel's declaration of independence in 1948.
  • Arab states attacked Israel, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians (Nakba).

1956: The Suez Crisis

  • Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, leading to a conflict involving Israel, Britain, and France.

1967: Six-Day War

  • Israel gained control of the Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, West Bank, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem.

1972-1973: Munich Olympics Attack and Yom Kippur War

  • Palestinian extremists attacked Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics (1972).
  • The Arab coalition, led by Egypt and Syria, attacked Israel on Yom Kippur (1973).

1978-1987: Camp David Accords and First Intifada

  • Peace agreement (Camp David Accords) between Egypt and Israel in 1978.
  • The first Intifada (Palestinian uprising) began in 1987 against Israeli occupation.

1993: Oslo Accords

  • The Oslo Accords paved the way for limited Palestinian self-rule but left crucial issues unresolved. 





2000s: Second Intifada and Hamas Rule in Gaza

  • Second Intifada erupts, leading to years of violence and unrest.
  • Hamas won elections in Gaza and took control, leading to an Israeli blockade.

2008-2014: Gaza Conflicts

  • Israel conducted military operations in Gaza in 2008-2009 and 2014, leading to significant casualties.

2017-2023: U.S. Recognition of Jerusalem and Ongoing Tensions

  • The U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, sparking protests and violence.
  • Ongoing clashes, rocket attacks, and military operations result in casualties on both sides.



2022-2023: Escalation and Military Operations

  • The string of attacks and retaliatory measures led to intensified violence.
  • Israel declared war on Hamas, resulting in significant casualties and escalating tensions.
  • The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a deeply entrenched issue, with peace efforts ongoing amid persistent challenges and complex historical grievances.

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