Hamas launched an attack on the nation of Israel on October 7th, 2023. They are a terrorist group in the Gaza Strip that started as a humanitarian organization before turning violent. Israel is a Jewish nation state located on the Mediterranean Coast, bordered by Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, and recognized by the United Nations (UN). The Gaza Strip is located on the western coast of Israel and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world with about 21,000 people per square mile. Of those 21,000 people, ninety-nine percent are practicing Sunni Muslims and almost half are under the age of 18.
Timeline of Israel & Palestine Relations
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1947: The Partition Plan
The Partition Plan was imposed by the UN in 1947, which established a “Jewish State” and an “Arab State.” Israel became the Jewish state and was recognized as a trusteeship by the UN. The partition addressed the city of Jerusalem and brought it under international control.
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1948-1949: Israeli Independence
In 1948, against the opposition of many Arab states, Israel declared its independence. Israel forced an exodus of Palestinians to two sections: the Gaza Strip and West Bank, which were controlled by Egypt and Jordan until Israel annexed the regions in 1967 during the Six-Day War. In 1949, Israel was recognized by the UN and admitted as a full member state.
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1964-1967: PLO Establishment and the Six-Day War
The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) was founded to represent the destruction of the Israeli state and establishment of a Palestinian state. They were recognized as an Observer Nation by the United Nations, which means they can sit in on council meetings, but cannot vote. The PLO became the face of the national Palestine movement. The Six-Day War was a conflict between Arab states and Israel, which resulted in the unification of Jerusalem under the Jewish state. In addition, Israel gained control of the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
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1987: The Oslo Accords
The Oslo Accords were signed by the Israeli Prime Minister and PLO leaders in 1987. They established the Palestinian Authority as the representatives for self-governance of the Palestinian people, while also recognizing Israel’s right to peaceful existence.
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2000-2005: The Second Intifada
Protests, suicide bombings, and violent confrontations between Palestinian terrorists and Israeli forces arose in late 2000. The protests were in response to Israel involvement and forces in the region. In response, Israel constructed the West Bank barrier, which is a massive wall with barbed wire and watch towers. The Palestinians were essentially confined within the walls and Israeli forces withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005.
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2007: Hamas Gains Traction
In 2007, Hamas, an Islamic militant political party, won an election that gave them control of Gaza. They are recognized as a terrorist group by nations including Israel, United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union. Fatah, a nationalistic and democratic Palestinian political party, is in control of the West Bank, while the Iranian backed Hamas remains in control of Gaza. Hamas has launched significant attacks against Israel in 2008, 2009, 2014, 2021, and most recently in 2023.
The most recent conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties from attacks on both sides including rockets, missiles, and bombings. The way of life in the entire region has been altered. One American-Israeli citizen, Dan Kobrinski, has lived on a kibbutz in Northern Israel near the Jordan River for the past 7 years. Kibbutzim are small town-like communities with farms living communal lifestyles. Kobrinski’s grandparents established the kibbutz after immigrating from Poland post World War II and the family has remained involved in the kibbutz. A few family members served in the Israeli army and his grandfather lived in the kibbutz until his death a few years ago.
Photos of the historical and current Gesher kibbutz. Photos provided by Dan Kobrinski.
Israel has deep roots for many religions. Because of the conflict, Kobrinski returned to the United States , but he explained, “You feel a connection to your home, but wherever you are in the world you feel a connection to Israel.” However, Israel is not home to just the Jewish faith. He states, “It is still ingrained in both sides that all of the land belongs to them. They just have not figured out a way to live together peacefully.”
