Daily Current Affairs : 9-October-2023

The recent wave of violence between Hamas and Israel in southern Israel has caught global attention, leading some experts to label it as the beginning of the “Third Intifada”. This conflict is deeply rooted in the historical struggle between Israelis and Palestinians for control over the land of Palestine.

Historical Context: Roots of the Conflict
  • Zionism and the Birth of Israel (1948)
    • Zionism, an ethno-nationalist movement advocating for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, gained momentum in the late 19th century.
    • After World War II and the revelation of the Nazi Holocaust, support for a Jewish nation in Palestine increased significantly.
    • In 1948, with UN and British support, Israel was established, leading to conflict between Zionist settlers and Arabs in Palestine.
  • The Outcome and Divided Territories (1949)
    • The first Arab-Israeli War resulted in Israel’s victory and the displacement of 750,000 Palestinians.
    • Palestine was divided into three parts: Jewish Israel, Arab West Bank, and Gaza Strip.
    • Despite these divisions, the conflict persisted, with Israel expanding its occupation beyond the boundaries set by the UN.
The Concept of Intifada
  • Meaning and Historical Significance
    • Intifada, an Arabic term meaning ‘shake off’, gained prominence in 1987 during Palestinian uprisings against Israeli presence in the West Bank and Gaza.
    • The First Intifada occurred from 1987 to 1993, followed by the Second Intifada from 2000 to 2005.
  • Tensions Post-Second Intifada
    • Following the Second Intifada, tensions between Israel and Palestine did not subside.
    • The rise of the ultranationalist far-right in Israel, with its strong stance on Palestine, created concerns about the possibility of a Third Intifada.
The Escalation: Hamas, Rockets, and Fighters
  • Recent Events
    • Hamas, a Palestinian militant organization, launched thousands of rockets and sent fighters into southern Israel.
    • This escalation has resulted in significant damage and casualties on both sides.
Analysis and Implications
  • Impact on Civilians
    • Civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian, bear the brunt of this conflict, facing the immediate danger of violence and long-term psychological trauma.
  • International Concerns
    • The international community expresses concerns about the escalation, urging both parties to cease hostilities and seek peaceful resolutions.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:Historical Context and Third Intifada: What You Should Know
Courtesy: Makan

Important Points:

  • Historical Context: Roots of the Conflict
    • Zionism emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
    • After World War II, the horrors of the Nazi Holocaust increased support for a Jewish nation in Palestine.
    • In 1948, Israel was established with UN and British support, leading to conflict with Arabs in Palestine.
    • Despite UN boundaries, Israel expanded its occupation into Palestinian territories.
  • The Concept of Intifada
    • Intifada, meaning ‘shake off’ in Arabic, became prominent in 1987 during Palestinian uprisings against Israeli presence in the West Bank and Gaza.
    • The First Intifada occurred from 1987 to 1993, followed by the Second Intifada from 2000 to 2005.
    • Tensions persisted post-Second Intifada, with concerns about the possibility of a Third Intifada due to the rise of the ultranationalist far-right in Israel.
  • Recent Escalation: Hamas, Rockets, and Fighters
    • Hamas, a Palestinian militant organization, launched thousands of rockets and sent fighters into southern Israel, resulting in significant damage and casualties.
  • Analysis and Implications
    • Civilians on both sides bear the immediate danger of violence and long-term psychological trauma.
    • The international community expresses concerns, urging both parties to seek peaceful resolutions and cease hostilities.
Why In News

Hamas has launched thousands of rockets and sent its fighters into southern Israel, leading to a significant escalation of tensions in the region. Some observers have referred to the latest escalation as the beginning of the “Third Intifada,” underscoring the gravity of the situation and the growing concern for peace in the area.

MCQs about Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

  1. What does “Intifada” mean in Arabic?
    A. Peaceful Coexistence
    B. Shake Off
    C. Unity
    D. Surrender
    Correct Answer: B. Shake Off
    Explanation: Intifada, an Arabic term, translates to ‘shake off’ and gained prominence during Palestinian uprisings against Israeli presence in the West Bank and Gaza.
  2. When did the First Intifada take place?
    A. 1987-1993
    B. 2000-2005
    C. 1948-1949
    D. 1995-2000
    Correct Answer: A. 1987-1993
    Explanation: The First Intifada occurred from 1987 to 1993, marking a period of Palestinian uprisings against Israeli presence in the occupied territories.
  3. Which organization recently launched thousands of rockets and fighters into southern Israel?
    A. Al-Qaeda
    B. Hezbollah
    C. Hamas
    D. Fatah
    Correct Answer: C. Hamas
    Explanation: Hamas, a Palestinian militant organization, launched rockets and sent fighters into southern Israel, leading to significant damage and casualties.
  4. What is the main concern regarding the possibility of a Third Intifada?
    A. Economic Sanctions
    B. Rise of Extremism in Israel
    C. Religious Disputes
    D. Border Disputes
    Correct Answer: B. Rise of Extremism in Israel
    Explanation: The rise of the ultranationalist far-right in Israel, with its strong stance on Palestine, has raised concerns about the possibility of a Third Intifada, indicating heightened tensions in the region.

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