of Palestinian problems (see examples below)
What is the Palestinian Problem?
The Palestinian problem, or conflict, is a major issue in the Middle East with deep roots in history In 1948, the United Nations proposed a partition plan to divide what was then known as British-mandated Palestine into two states: one Jewish and one Arab. The plan was accepted by the Jewish leadership but rejected by the Arabs. In the subsequent Arab-Israeli War of 1948-49, Israel gained control of much of British-mandated Palestine, while Jordan and Egypt gained control of the remaining areas. This resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, some of whom fled to neighboring countries while others were forced to stay in refugee camps within Israel and the newly occupied territories.
Since then, Israel continued to expand, occupying the even more parts of Palestine's lands and controlling the resources therein. For over 70 years the Palestinians have been struggling for the right to return home and for the establishment of an independent, sovereign state. Many of their demands have been denied or ignored by Israel, the international community, and successive US administrations. This has led to violence, human rights abuses, and a growing sense of frustration and despair.
Five Examples of Palestinian Problems:
1. Occupied Territories: Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip has been in place since 1967. This has led to a growing sense of dispossession among Palestinians living in the Occupied Territories, who are subjected to military and civil control by the Israeli government. These Palestinians are denied basic rights such as the right to live and work in their own land. Furthermore, the occupation has led to the construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law.
2. Refugee Crisis: There are more than six million Palestinian refugees living in camps and other locations around the Middle East and the world, many of whom were displaced from their homes during the 1948 and 1967 Arab-Israeli wars. These refugees have been denied the right to return to their homes and are often unable to access social and economic benefits available elsewhere.
3. Settlement Building: The Israeli government continues to build settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which are deemed illegal by the United Nations. These settlements have been built on land taken from Palestinians without their consent, and they have led to the displacement of thousands of people.
4. Blockade of Gaza: The Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007, which has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis. The blockade has imposed a limit on what Palestinians in Gaza can import, export and consume, resulting in increased poverty and unemployment, as well as a lack of access to basic needs such as food, electricity and water.
5. Land Confiscation: The Israeli government has confiscated large amounts of Palestinian land over the years in order to build settlements, roads and other infrastructure. This has caused great economic hardship for Palestinians, who are denied the right to use their own land and resources.