Now I’m going to profusely apologise in advance for any generalisations or misgivings with this, but I’m trying to wrap my head around the conflict and its history.
How far from accurate is this that I’ve taken from various ‘introduction the conflict’ videos & articles:
- Palestine was previously an independent country which had a mix of Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities with Jerusalem holding value to each
- After WWI the British take over, Jewish community increases in size
- WWII arrives, European Jews flee across Europe and also Palestine
- After this the UN approves the sovereign nation of Israel with its set borders, with Jerusalem given ‘international’ status
- In the subsequent decades Israel pushes out beyond its border, continually expanding and pushing back the Palestinians
- Israel then sets up settlements in established Palestine territory, further displacing Palestinians
- Conflicts arise as does Hamas, gaining power in Gaza and this continues with constant tension throughout the last 30yrs
Could people more knowledgable about this than me help to fill in any gaps or correct my understanding of this?
Palestine has never been an independent country. It did have a mix of Christians, Muslims and Jews (still does) who did and still all do hold Jerusalem and the holy land in general very close.
The British used duplicitous means to gather the support of both the Arabs and the Jews, by promising both the land in the first world war.
Jewish migration to the area started again in the late 1800s, though I believe most Jews fleeing Europe at this time actually went to North America. It picked up pace in the 20th century.
The UN did releaee a mandate, giving bits of the land to both the Arabs (Muslim and Christian) and Jews.
Israel pushes out against its borders, though its important to note that this wasn't exactly done in a vacuum and in the context of an openly and very hostile Arab coalition, whose rhetoric was not exactly flowery.
The settlements are an utter disgrace and always have been.
The rise of Hamas is a complex and long story that someone like 2cents can probably give far more background to.
Of course, anywhere, people are going to have their own biases in their interpretations of what happened. I'd suggest it's probably best to do a good bit of research, trying to take into account both sides, before settling on your feelings.
I have my own views and biases obviously, as does everyone else.