The Israeli Palestinian Conflict A Long And Storied History

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has a long and storied history. Israel was created in response to European anti-Semitism, with the ethno-nationalist vision of a Jewish territory of their own. By 1948, approximately 522,000 Jews had migrated to Palestine, most arriving during Hitler’s reign of terror that against Jews. Largely, Palestinians resented being expelled from their lands and bearing the burden of the persecution of European Jews. Consequently, the 1947 UN partition sparked aggression between Jewish and Palestinian militias, which escalated following Israel’s independence in 1948. This marks the beginning of conflict between two distinct populations seeking self-determination. Since then, numerous wars, uprisings and terrorist†¦show more content†¦Consequently, it is also these conflicting narratives that frame the security dilemma and climate of fear within which neither party feels secure without obvious dominance over the other. Culture, narrative and politics While theory may prescribe guidelines within which we may analyse and interact in the international system, in reality we cannot avoid the intersection between politics and cultural history. Even in non-democratic societies, public opinion plays a significant role in the maintenance of peace. Compelling narratives of nationalism and revolution, transmitted through media and the arts, rally people in support of rebel or terrorist groups, inciting uprisings and violent attacks that only escalate insecurities on both sides. Moreover, popular culture facilitates the entrance of these narratives into the international community, shaping public perceptions of the conflict and allowing Palestine and Israel to justify their actions or reaffirm their sovereignty. The Palestinian narrative is one of a stable society uprooted by European Jewish settlers and subsequently subject to unjustified Israeli violence, emphasising â€Å"the history of Palestine, the poignant testimonials of Palestinians living under grievous conditions of occupation or exile or imprisonment, [and] the betrayals by international and national leaders.† Take