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The Rise of Zionism
Zionism is the idea of establishing a Jewish state in the area that would become Palestine that was popularized in the late 1800s by Theodor Hertzel. From 1897 through the early 1900's, many Jews began to move to the Middle Eastern area to establish a homeland. Tensions began between the Muslims that were being displaced. -
The Balfour Declaration
The Balfour Declaration stated that the British government intended to set up the Jewish state of Israel in the area that would be called Palestine. Tensions continue to rise between the native Arabs and the immigrating Jews. -
British Mandate Approved by League of Nations
The League of Nations formally approves the Balfour Declaration. This authorized a Jewish state in Palestine. The Arabs would be allowed religious and civil rights, but not political or national rights. -
The Western Wall/Al-Buraq Riots
These riots occurred as a result of the Jews and Palestinians each struggling to control access to the Buraq Wall, also known as the Western Wall. -
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Mass Jewish Immigration to Palestine
As the Nazis gained power in Germany, culminating in execution of "The Final Solution", hundreds of thousands of Jews immigrated to Palestine. They assisted the British government with World War II, but the Jews had begun to resent the British control of the area. -
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Muslim Resistance to Jewish Immigration
The native Palestinians begin to demand their own national government. They begin to strike in protest and it becomes increasingly violent between the Jews and Muslims. The Mufti of Jerusalem took a lead role in the rebellion and was forced into exile. From there, he communicated with the Axis Powers for acknowledgement of leader of a Arab government. -
United Nations Resolution 181
The resolution would divide Palestinian between the Jews and Arabs. The Jews accepted it, but the Arabs rejected it, believing that the Jews had been forced on them. -
Israel Declares Independence
The leaders of the Jewish communities in Palestine declare their independence and establish Israel. This immediately causes a civil war between the Muslims and Jews. The Israeli forces are successful and ended up taking areas designated for the Arabs. -
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The Palestinian Refugee Crisis
After the Israeli victory, the Arab people who fled during the conflict became refugees and were refused acceptance into the neighboring communities. -
The Suez Canal Crisis
Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal and Israeli forces, aided by Britain and France, invaded Egypt. The United States and Soviet Union intervenes and the conflict is resolved. -
Palestinian Liberation Organization Formed
The Palestinian Liberation Organization, or PLO, was established to represent the Palestinian people. Not only do they address the Palestinian goal of independence, but also address issues such as health, education, and social services. -
The Six Day War
Occurred from June 5 - 10, 1967, this battle was initiated by Israel. At the end of the battle, Israel had gained control of "the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip from Egypt, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria." (“Six-Day War.”) -
Yasser Arafat Elected Head of PLO
Under Yasser Arafat, the different Palestinians group united under the PLO. -
Munich Massacre
At the 1972 Summer Olympics, eight members of the Black September Palestinian faction killed two members of the Israeli Olympic team and took nine more hostage. By the next day, the nine hostages were also murdered. -
Yom Kippur War
In October 1973, Egypt and Syria attacked Israel in an attempt to regain the land that they had lost. After initially gaining ground, eventually Israel emerged victorious with the assistance of the United States. -
Camp David Accords
The first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab country, President Jimmy Carter met with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David. -
First Palestinian Intifada
This uprising occurred as a result of an Israeli van hitting and killing four Palestinians. The Palestinians perceived this as revenge for an Israeli death. There was an impasse which led to concessions by both sides. Israel agreed to acknowledge the PLO and to leave the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Palestinians agreed to make peace with Israel and establish their own government. -
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The Oslo Accords
The Oslo Accords were the start of peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. The Israelis agreed to accept the PLO as the representative of the Palestinians and the PLO acknowledged Israel's right to exist. However, this peace would not lost. -
Yitzhak Rabin is Assassinated
Yitzhak Rabin is assinated by Yigal Amir, who opposed Israeli-Palestinian peace. -
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The Second Intifada
The Second Intifada began when right-wing Israeli Ariel Sharon visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. This would go on for years, with bloodshed on both sides. -
Yasser Arafat Dies
Yasser Arafat dies in Paris with his wife by his side. -
Mahmoud Abbas Elected President
Mahmoud Abbas was elected President of the Palestinian Authority. Abbas advocates for peace, but states that there is no peace unless Palestinians get full rights. -
Hamas Takes Control of Palestinian Parliament
Hamas, an extremist Palestinian group, wins the majority in Parliament. This win strains relations with Israel even more. -
Israel Bombs Gaza
Israel attacked Gaza in an attempt to take control of Gaza. The Israeli government stated that they did not want to destroy Hamas only for them to accept a cease fire. -
Netanyahu Elected Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu is elected Prime Minister of Israel. He increases the number of ministers in Parliament in order to form a coalition of the Likud party. -
Palestinian Rival Factions Sign Peace Agreement
Fatah and Hamas signed a peace agreement, uniting the Palestinian forces and providing an interim government. -
Palestine Accepted into United Nations as a non-Member State
The United Nations voted to accept Palestine as a non-Member Observer State. This act recognizes Palestine as a representative of the Palestinian people. -
The Vatican Recognizes Palestine
The Vatican signed a treaty acknowledging the Palestinian State. This marks the first legal document between the Vatican and Palestine as well as formal recognition -
US Abstains from UN vote
The United States abstained from voting on a United Nations resolution to condemn Israel for allowing additional settlement on Palestinian land. -
US Moves Embassy to Jerusalem
In a speech, President Donald Trump states that the United States acknowledges Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel and orders the US Embassy to be moved to Jerusalem. -
The Hague Declares it Can Investigate Israeli War Crimes
The International Criminal Court determined that it can and will investigate whether war crimes were committed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.