📍 TLDR: Why Are Israel and Palestine Fighting?

⏳ It all started with a promise

After World War I, the British took control of Palestine. In 1917, they issued the Balfour Declaration, saying they supported a “Jewish homeland” in the region—without really asking the people already living there: Palestinian Arabs, mostly Muslim, some Christian.

🌍 After the Holocaust, pressure grew

After World War II and the Holocaust, Jewish migration to Palestine skyrocketed. Tensions exploded. In 1947, the UN tried to split the land into two countries—one Jewish, one Arab. Jews said yes. Arabs said no. War broke out. Israel declared independence in 1948 and won. Over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced. They call it the Nakba (“catastrophe”).

⚔️ Wars, Occupation, and Settlements

Israel fought more wars in 1967 and 1973. In 1967, it took control of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem—areas Palestinians wanted for their future state. Since then, Israel has built settlements there (which are illegal under international law), leading to even more resentment and clashes.

🚧 Gaza = Blockaded, West Bank = Fragmented

Gaza is ruled by Hamas, a militant group seen as a terrorist org by the U.S. and Israel. It’s under heavy Israeli (and Egyptian) blockade. The West Bank is under partial Palestinian control but dotted with Israeli military checkpoints and settlements. Daily life is tense, restricted, and unequal.

🕊️ Peace Talks? More Like Peace Fails

There have been peace talks (Oslo Accords, Camp David, etc.) but nothing has stuck. Each side blames the other. Violence, mistrust, and political divisions (even within both sides) make it almost impossible to move forward.

🔥 Today: It’s Still a Powder Keg

In recent years, we’ve seen rising violence, evictions in East Jerusalem, deadly airstrikes in Gaza, and brutal attacks on both sides. Many global powers pick sides. But millions of civilians—especially kids—are stuck in the middle.

Bottom Line:

This conflict is deep, emotional, and layered. We’ve simplified it to the key facts—but real peace needs more than just headlines. Understanding both history and humanity is a start.