War and violence between Israel and Palestine threaten to expand, disregarding the efforts of the United States and other nations for a broker of peace. Conflict and mistrust are deeply rooted and complex, predating hundreds of years. However, current conflicts began after establishing the state of Israel in 1948. Here is an Israel and Palestine conflict timeline of the most significant events.
1948:
Conflict arose after Israel and Palestine declared independence from Britain in May 1948. Both sides fought for a large portion of territory, where the Israeli force came out on top, forcing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to relocate from their ancestral land.
1956:
Egypt claims the Suez Canal as its own, a crucial trade route connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. As a retaliation, Israel invades Egypt with the help of Britain and France. The United States and the Soviet Union arrange a peace deal which succeeds in ending the fighting.
1967:
War broke out due to continued conflict between Israel and Egypt, such as Egypt’s blocking of shipping into the Gulf of Aqaba. In response, Israeli warplanes attack Egyptian airfields, and Israeli ground forces enter the Sinai Peninsula, starting the “Six-Day War.” Israel takes control of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and Sinai, forcing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to be displaced.
1973:
Egypt and Syria formed a coalition of Arab nations and launched a surprise attack on Israel. The Arab forces gained control for a time, however as allies provided support to Israel, Israeli counteroffensive efforts drove Arab forces out.
1978:
A peace deal between Egypt and Israel, known as the Camp David Accords, was brokered in September of 1978 by President Carter.
1987:
Palestinian uprising brings protests in the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel, which continues for years, killing and injuring many on both sides.
1993:
The Oslo Accords are signed between Israel and Palestine Liberation Organization. This approves the peace process set by U.N. resolutions. The peace process calls for a Palestinian Authority that oversees most affairs in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel and The United States then recognize Palestine Liberation Organization as a negotiating partner. However, key issues such as Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the territory of Jerusalem remain unresolved.
2000:
A second Palestinian uprising begins after a visit from Israeli political figure Ariel Sharon to an establishment in Jerusalem. Riots continued until 2005, resulting in hundreds of dead on both sides.
2006:
Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, wins elections in Gaza.
2008:
Hamas sent a barrage of rockets, supplied by Egypt, into Israel. Israel responds with three weeks of attacks on Gaza. More than 1,110 Palestinians are dead. At least 13 Israelis are dead.
2012:
Israeli forces kill Hamas military chief Ahmed Jabari after more than a week of rocket fire from both sides. More than 150 Palestinians are dead. At least 6 Israelis are dead.
2014:
Hamas militants kidnap and kill three Israeli teenagers near a settlement in the West Bank. Rockets are sent from both sides, lasting seven weeks. More than 2,200 Palestinians are dead. 67 Israelis are dead.
2017:
Trump recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, stirring outrage from Palestine.
2018:
Palestinians begin to protest in Gaza along the border of Israel, throwing rocks and gasoline bombs across the fence. In response, Israeli forces killed more than 170 protesters. Later, Israel covertly raids into Gaza, killing seven Palestinian militants. In response, Gaza sends hundred of rockets into Israel.
