The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in a Nutshell

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict may appear as a political battle over land rights on the surface, but really the problem’s roots are much deeper. Even before Israel was pronounced a state by the United Nations in 1948, the neighboring Palestinians have sought to claim what land they believe is rightfully theirs. The situation is not specifically a political battle, but has to do with a difference in religious beliefs as well, creating one sticky situation. Personally, I have grown up learning bits and pieces about the feud, but the information reported to me has always been heavily biased in the benefit of the Israeli population. With the help of my artifacts and information presented by a former and current soldier of the Israeli Defense Force, a better understanding of the conflict and how it affects globalization can hopefully be appreciated.

The Israeli people have many factors to worry about due to the hate that they receive from surrounding countries, but the more imminent threat comes from a Palestinian faction that occupies the West Bank called HAMAS. Most of us know HAMAS to be a radical terrorist organization that has developed many ways to assault and kidnap Israeli people in order to receive ransom money, provoke the release of captured Palestinians and convicted members of HAMAS, or to simply cause disorder within their enemy; but they self-identify as a political party and militant movement. Suicide bombings and the use of an underground tunnel network to sneak undetected into Israel are examples of the most reported incidents in recent months.

The Foundation

HAMAS was founded in 1987 by the Palestinian cleric Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and mirrors the nationalist ideas of the Muslim Brotherhood that terrorized Egypt during the Arab Spring. The acronym translates to the Islamic Resistance Movement and has interwoven itself into the Palestinian government as the second major political party, the other being Fatah. HAMAS has gained access to funds, military power, and support of other terrorist organizations such as ISIS in the most recent years. They hate the idea of a Jewish state, or even an Israeli state for that matter, and will not stop until they have reached their goal of establishing a Palestinian nation on Israeli soil.

Lets take a deeper look within the Palestinian political system for a moment. There are two controlling parties who had been fighting each other for decades until 2006 when the disunity of the Palestinian people was at its peak. The Fatah Party dominated the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) for decades. Because Palestine in not officially recognized as a nation by the United Nations, the PLO is the main source of government for the occupied territory. The tug-of-war between HAMAS and Fatah became an issue in 2006 when HAMAS forcefully took over the PLO. With the help of some HAMAS propaganda and recruitment, Fatah was labeled as corrupt and HAMAS gained majority power within the PLO. As expected, the two parties broke out into small skirmishes all over Gaza in an effort to claim dominance. The fighting ended shortly after it began as HAMAS came out of the situation victorious, keeping their majority status.

Although Fatah’s influence and power had lessened, the party still had enough support to agree to terms with HAMAS on a new form of government in 2014. The proposed unity government system was adopted, giving each faction equal power within the administration. This genius idea once again unified the Palestinian people as a whole for the first time in decades, although this would halt peace talks with Israel. This presented a new threat to Israel that they had feared may happen for many years. Each HAMAS agent was now protected by the Palestinian unity government, causing their influence to spread throughout the territory and potentially to future generations. It has been a year since the agreement was reached and both Palestine and Israel have held their respective open elections. In Israel, the re-election of President Netanyahu meant progress of peace will remain halted so long as HAMAS is tolerated as part of the unity government.

The Generational Difference

As you can infer, the thoughts of Israelis regarding Palestine may have changed over the course of the conflict. My uncle Jason Shniderson served in the IDF in his early twenties, shortly after the formation of HAMAS. I asked him how the army felt about the conflict at this time and he had this to say: “Do not think about this situation from the perspective of the soldier, but as a citizen. We [people of Israel] all knew HAMAS to be a terrorist organization, but our purpose as soldiers was to stay on guard in case of an incident. As citizens, we had to be stronger than soldiers. Look at the targets of the terrorist attacks: busses, markets, pizza parlors, all soft targets, full of people. The terrorists didn’t want to scare the government, but instead looked to strike fear into the hearts and minds of the Israeli people. In their fear, Israelis would lobby for the Knesset (legislation) to concede lands to Palestine in hopes that the attacks would end, but we all knew we couldn’t allow that to begin because the only foreseeable endpoint would be the concession of the entire state. So, after an attack, the area would be marked off for a few hours or even days, but life in Israel continued. We showed HAMAS that we weren’t afraid of terror.”

Currently, I have several friends serving in the IDF after taking their year course in Israel, instead of a first year in college. Private First Class Gabriella Ron is a nineteen year old girl from Houston, TX whom has been a close family friend and proudly serves Israel. She is in the middle of her first year in the IDF and had this to say on the conflict: “Here [Tel Aviv], very few of us know much about what is happening in Palestine. It is not that our commanding officers do not fill us in on their movements, but that we prefer not to think about the possibilities of an outbreak in an attempt to keep our peace of mind. Most of the time, our days are very uniform. We train and workout in the morning, do our respective jobs on the base, then go out and enjoy our beautiful country. Sometimes, we go help a local kibbutz because we all must learn to trust, love, and learn each other in case of a problem arises. I love where I am and who I am with at all times; we take nothing for granted and thank God for every day we have and for His protection. Nothing can scare us.”

After analyzing both perspectives on the conflict, it seems like the attitude of Israel as a whole regarding the conflict has in fact changed minutely if at all. Both of my interviewees seem to agree that strong unity and support system of the Israeli people has powered them through the troubles of the conflict. HAMAS doesn’t necessarily attack Israel, but more so the thought that Israel as a state.

Perspectives on Globalization

Within this conflict, both nations possess different views on globalization and justify their situations with dead parallel to these beliefs. One can argue that the PLO exhibits radicalism because they are outraged that Israel has been recognized as a nation by the global force of the United Nations while Palestine still continues to fight for an identity. Because HAMAS has been interwoven into the government, a comparison between HAMAS and ISIS can be made. Each radical group makes public spectacles of death and murder with the intention of instilling fear into their opposition. The key to combating both groups’ actions is to not let them affect the traditional everyday life of the opposing people. Any concession at all means victory for HAMAS, which is not acceptable by any measure.

On the opposing side, Israel remains skeptical as their ideas of political liberalism are held true. Because this conflict, among others, has troubled Israel for many years, they are aware of the problems presented by globalization. Yes, globalization has allowed Israel to be named a state and has stimulated trade and economic prosperity for years, but at a cost of backlash from haters like Palestine. Israel cautiously globalizes the country, with the help of the  most powerful nations like the United States, whom offers protection and aid.

Significance to the Arab Spring

Like many other conflicts in the area, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict pits two nations with rivaling ideas against each other. The revolution that began in Egypt in 2011, exhibits neighbors fighting for their voices to be heard in the interest of change. The set of tactics within each respective conflict are totally different, as are the conceivable outcomes, but each shows two sides competing for a globalized identity. In Egypt, the division within the people led to months of protest and rioting, but in Israel, the division has resulted in terrorism and menace. In a perfect world, the Israelis and Palestinians would live collectively without turmoil, but much like in Egypt, a history of political and religious difference has left people rigid in their thinking as each group wants to protect itself from modification.

The conflicts of the Arab Spring all seem to have a common theme: the unwillingness of parties to change. Neither side of any conflict that I can think of would willingly relinquish any fraction of its perceived identity, even if peace might be a result. When I think of each of these struggles, I picture two middle aged politicians whom each have their opposing ideas on policy. They have both respectively grown and developed their ideas, while receiving praise from those that agree with them. This applause and provocativeness from supporters prevent their ideals from changing, even if a small change will benefit a much larger portion of the population. In the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the rigidity of the two sides is a direct result of preachings taught from the generations before, further preventing an agreement.

Personal Reflection

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has evolved over the course of time, but each party’s perspectives on globalization have remained true. While Israel hopes for a provisional peace, Palestine continues to make moves that prevent the possibility. The future of the conflict remains unclear, but given the events of the past year, it seems a temporary stalemate has been reached. Neither side seems like they’ll capitulate on any provisions of a treaty because both parties have fought for so long to achieve their goals as the Arab Spring continues to lengthen. Personally, I do not see a quick solution to the problem and can only suggest that the people of both nationalities try to persevere through what has already happened, and more importantly what is still to come.

The Last Post

The Israelis see the union between Fatah and Hamas as an impunity, while Palestine sees the unity governance as a solution to a problem of separation. The rockets flying in and out of Gaza are a result of this union, and Israel will continue the defense. Fatah accepted a terrorist organization into their government, even further provoking Israel to take action to defend their people at the threat of destruction. Both nations are on high alert as the situation continues to be increasingly dangerous as one is pit against the other as a result of media coverage.

The creation of the unity government in Palestine called for open parliamentary elections that does not specifically delegate candidates as part of the Hamas or Fatah party. Mainly, they differ on how the government should be run, but also they heavily differ on their stance on Israel. Hamas hates everything about the nation, Fatah wants Israel to stop calling itself a Jewish state.

This new Palestinian government presents further troubles for Israel. Parliamentary members could very well have supported terrorist actions against the Jewish people or other Israelis and continue to present danger to the neighboring country. All of this has a negative effect on the economics and lives of Israelis, as well as destruction of the Gaza strip. Recently, Qatar offered millions to help rebuild Gaza, but more than likely given it’s background with the Muslim Brotherhood, backs Hamas and Palestine and wants the same of Israel as Palestine. The parties within the Palestinian political picture aren’t like those here in the US; they both are very rash with decision making and have reached a breaking point.

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/07/palestinian-reconciliation-israel-war-gaza-hamas-fatah.html

http://www.thewire.com/global/2014/04/a-brief-history-of-the-fraught-relationship-between-fatah-and-hamas/361178/

Civil War and ISIS Influence

In 2007, Fatah and Hamas fought a civil war in the Gaza Strip over Palestinian control. Islamic Palestinians were killing their own brothers who differ over objectives, governance, and relations with Israel. Today, they exist in a unified government, but still feud over the same issues.

Israel national news claims that Fatah and Hamas are headed towards another war similar to the civil war in 2007. Hamas hit-men were said to have attacked a Fatah official in Gaza City, retaliation was to follow. ISIS is on the outside looking in and are probably behind some of the other attacks. They were reported saying that there were to depose the Palestinian Administration and Hamas.

The fighting within the Palestinian government is regaining steam as incident rates continue to increase, with or without the instigation of ISIS. The conflict between Fatah and Hamas is tearing the Palestinian people apart instead of unifying the nation of people. Instead of their focus being put on establishing their own nation, they are digging themselves a deeper hole and won’t be a concrete country for a long time. ISIS is terrorizing the entire area and continues to induce chaos to already troubled people.

http://www.defenddemocracy.org/hamas-vs-fatah-the-palestinian-civil-war/

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/191412#.VStPIhPF-h0

Palestinian Views

The Palestinian Chronicle tells the tale from a Palestinian’s perspective, calling Israel criminals whom, “can simply stop calling itself a Jewish state, so Jews wouldn’t have to bear the burden for its criminal actions.” They cite Israel carrying out massacres of Palestinian people along with Israel speaking on behalf of all Jewish people.

The slogan “two states for two peoples” has long been used by those who support the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, but the idea doesn’t work well. Calling Palestine a state would be problematic at this point because of the corruption of the government that includes Hamas holding positions. Palestinians believe the Israelis are hell-bent on pronouncing Israel a Jewish state, and call them one single group that they strongly dislike.

The situation in Palestine and Israel is increasingly complicated. On one hand, the US is an ally and supporter of the Israeli nation, but on the other they send aid to Palestine who use the funds in some counterproductive way. Palestine’s newspaper depicts Israel to be devilish, yet the US still plans to aid them as shown in the annual budget projections. This conflict, seemingly funded by the US and terrorist organizations, will reach a breaking point sooner than later and could become more of a global issue if the Muslim Brotherhood became more involved.

http://www.palestinechronicle.com/blog/#post-21374

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/05/201254104915143654.html

Violations Within the West Bank

The disregard for granting basic human rights of Palestinians are at a high with the Hamas occupation. The West Bank is a terrible place to be at the moment; and the journalists are either too afraid to anger Palestinian leaders with questions. Among those most targeted are members of the Fatah party in Palestinian areas.

The Palestinian government is a unity government between two rivals. The Palestinian Authority governs the area while Hamas is in control of the military. Recently, the two sides are becoming further apart in their political views and attitude towards Israel. He said the two sides had agreed to hold a meeting soon to continue discussion and reconciliation.

The tensions within the political system of West Bank have left many issues unattended to. Instead of focusing on the suffering people in the area, the government is more focused on internal issues. The big issue being that Fatah is willing to recognize Israel as a nation, opposite of what Hamas is willing to accept.

http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/5019/hamas-palestinian-authority-human-rights

http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/08/world/meast/palestinian-abbas-hamas-conflict/

Palestinian Politics

Hamas and Fatah have an accord which gives both parties power in Gaza. This was followed by a temporary ceasefire in the region and Hamas agents are now integrated within the Palestinian government. Hamas supports and is supported by the Muslim Brotherhood and Fatah has ties to US aid.

So what happened to the $400 million that the US gave to the Palestinian Authority? They are being shared with the two controlling parties, meaning the US may be funding terrorism. Over $1 billion is set aside for aiding the Palestinian people, but theres no telling where that money will be going.

The situation in Palestine has become more dicey in recent years. Terrorist organizations are so prevalent in the area that they are gaining control of government factions in Gaza. This is allowing these members to terrorize neighboring Israel as well as other Jews in the area, collectively. The US also sends large amounts of money to the area directly and through NATO, possibly fueling the burning fire in the region.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/09/hamas-fatah-reach-accord-unity-cabinet-201492514932563900.html

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/05/20/hamas-terror-group-to-officially-join-palestinian-authority-so-now-what-happens-to-the-400-million-in-u-s-aid/

Re-Election

The re-election of Benjamin Netanyahu means that Palestine will remain to be unrecognized as a nation and that the Gaza strip still remains part of Israel. The platform of Likud (Israel’s ruling party) doesn’t recognize the Palestinian people as the native people of Gaza, not their civil rights nor their right to a state of their own. And still, Palestinians have been negotiating with Likud members for 20 years now, without ever demanding Likud changes its platform and change its views before talks.

In a radio interview, Netanyahu said, “If reelected prime minister, I will not order any withdrawals from occupied territories in the West Bank or approve the division of Jerusalem.” His re-election means that Likud will still be the higher power in the Israeli government, meaning that negotiations regarding Palestine’s riddance of Hamas will continue. Elections to fill the seats in parliament will be held soon.

The recent developments in the Israeli elections seem to mean that there will be no drastic change in the conflict with Hamas. Netanyahu is attempting to talk with Palestinian officials in Cairo to discuss the subject, but so far no progress has been made. A Hamas spokesman lashed out at the Palestinian government because of their attempts to negotiate terms with Israel.

http://www.worldbulletin.net/news/156656/hamas-decries-netanyahus-palestinian-state-remarks

http://972mag.com/netanyahu-is-talking-to-hamas-its-about-time/95570/

Attacks on Video

These two clips show how Hamas is strategically infiltrating Israel through a complex system of tunnels. The first video shows how the tunnel system created  by Hamas has been used to capture the numerous Israelis that have been taken and made an example. They use these tunnels to reach battlegrounds and to transport weapons as well. The second clip shows how the members of Hamas applaud the killing of Israelis and the havoc that the group is causing to the neighboring land. Gunfire directed at unarmed Israeli men has become a common theme for Hamas agents in the last decade or so and they justify their actions by announcing that only kill in the name of God.

The two clips suggest that Hamas has an extensive and carefully put together plan for the destruction of Israel and believe that God is on their side. The years of planning and digging have been of a great benefit to Hamas as they now have ways of staying hidden while mobile and have weapons to use against infidels. The Palestinian government is virtually powerless over Hamas and have a very difficult time locating these tunnels and mapping their paths.

Integration of an Enemy

The people living in the Gaza strip right now live in constant threat of danger, and not all dwellers follow Palestinian law or identify with Hamas. Gazans are comparing Hamas to Isis in that they terrorize even the areas that they have influence in or control. They are also calling Hamas’ actions war crimes that deserve immediate attention, but many people in the area will not speak out against Hamas in fear of their family’s safety.

Palestinian residents in Gaza attacked a Hamas spokesman outside of a hospital. They blamed him for the deaths of family members and neighbors that came as a result of bombings in the area. A week before the attack, over thirty Palestinians were executed by Hamas members in the Shejaiya neighborhood. This after they spoke out against the organization and were labeled as collaborators with Israel.

Many Palestinians and Gazans do not support the actions of Hamas and are in fact seen as detrimental to their families and neighbors. The integration of Hamas members in these populations make the situation sticky in a difficult way. The fact that the terrorists not only live among these people, but also govern them makes life even more dangerous. A Gazan cannot openly speak his opinion in the streets because he never knows who could be listening. Consequently, the fear of being outspoken about serious issues will leave them unresolved and unchanged.

http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/4706/gazan-hamas-war-crimes

http://www.nctc.gov/site/groups/hamas.html

Next Generation Problems

The 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict, also known as Operation Protective Edge and 2014 Gaza massacre, was a military operation launched by Israel on 8 July 2014 in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Then seven weeks of Israeli bombardment, Palestinian rocket attacks, and ground fighting resulted in the deaths of over 2,200 people, the vast majority of the Gazans. Hamas supplies many of the weapons that are used in the assaults and support the Palestinian offense. Hamas also has a tunneling network that they use to destroy Israel.

The National Counterterrorism Center has a goal of eliminating terrorism around the world. One of their current spotlights is on Hamas and the Palestinian conflict with Israel. Hamas operatives have recently won elections in the Palestinian government and have killed several Israelis as examples. Israeli settlers retaliated by killing a Palestinian, fueling the conflict between the two nations.

Palestine and Israel already had their disputes over land and policy long before Hamas was in the picture. Now that the radical Hamas members are being integrated within the Palestinian population and government, it is difficult to tell who the enemy is. Plenty of Palestinians are nonviolent and do not wish to hurt Israelis or others, but the influence of Hamas is teaching the younger generations of Palestinians to hate anyone who is different. Their futures are heavily influenced by the teachings of these Hamas agents, possibly presenting further problems in the conflict.

http://www.idfblog.com/operationgaza2014/

http://www.nctc.gov/site/groups/hamas.html