Hadil Al-Ashwal

Memo

Introduction:
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the longest-standing and most intractable conflicts in modern history. It originated from a complex history where the establishment of Israel intended to address the suffering of Jewish people from discrimination throughout the years, including the Holocaust, led to the displacement and dehumanisation of the indigenous Palestinian population. This paradoxical outcome has fuelled a cycle of violence and oppression that has become increasingly brutal over time.

Change in the Nature of the Conflict

1. Major Conflicts

• Early Conflicts: One of the major early conflicts was the 1948 Arab Israeli War, which displaced around 700,000–750,000 Palestinians and marked the beginning of their suffering. The 1967 Six-Day War further intensified the conflict by expanding Israeli control over key territories. The First and Second Intifadas were pivotal moments of widespread unrest, showcasing the Palestinians’ struggle against a more powerful occupier.
• Oslo Accords: The early optimism from the Oslo Accords in the 1990s has faded. Attempts at peace negotiations have repeatedly failed, with no clear plans for borders or a viable two-state solution. This decline in the peace process has led to rising disillusionment and a worsening situation on the ground.
• Current Situation: The current genocide Israel is committing against Gazans has resulted in severe casualties and destruction. Approximately 40,435 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed, with extensive damage to infrastructure, including universities and schools. On the Israeli side, around 1,300 have been killed. This ongoing violence underscores the escalating brutality of the conflict.

1. Land Ownership and Population Shifts

• Historical Context: By the end of the British Mandate, the Jewish population increased from 56,000 in 1918 to 608,000 by 1946. The 1947 UN Partition Proposal suggested 56% of the land for a Jewish state and 42% for Palestinians, despite Palestinians owning 86% of the land at that time.
• Ongoing Expansion: Israel’s control has expanded over the years, with a current Jewish population of 7 million. Arabs constitute about 20% of Israel’s population (around 2 million), while the West Bank and Gaza have about 5 million Palestinians. The combined size of the West Bank and Gaza is roughly 26% the size of Israel.
  • Settlements and Administration: There are now around 700,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank, about 10% of Israel’s population. Recent changes include transferring administrative powers over settlements from military to civilian authorities, potentially facilitating annexation.

1. Shifts in Geopolitical Actors

• The conflict was initially between Israel and neighbouring Arab states like Egypt and Syria. Over time, regional players like Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthis in Yemen have taken central roles, complicating the conflict further.

1. Shift in Global Public Opinion

• There is now more support for Palestinians and the Palestinian cause. Movements like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) have gained momentum, particularly among younger generations. Social media amplifies the conflict, exposing real-time casualties and hardening global perceptions.

Key Observations

• Increased Brutality & Power Imbalance: The current violence marks an unprecedented escalation, revealing a stark power imbalance. Israel’s heavy-handed response has exacerbated Palestinian suffering and deepened divisions.
• Social Media Impact: Reports of civilian casualties have sparked global outrage. The deaths of journalists and innocent civilians complicate political compromises.
• Regional and Global Implications: With Iran and Hezbollah involved, the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional crisis.

Lessons from Other Conflicts

• South Africa: The end of apartheid came through a process of international pressure and reconciliation. This offers lessons for dismantling systemic oppression.
• Ireland: The Good Friday Agreement, achieved through dialogue, could offer a framework for addressing deep-rooted mistrust.

Steps to Address the Legacy of Multigenerational Trauma on Both Sides

Israel’s growing insecurity, alongside escalating regional threats, poses a serious danger not just to the region but potentially to global stability. As Iran strengthens its alliances with Hezbollah, Houthis and other regional actors, there is an increased risk of the conflict escalating into a wider confrontation. This makes it critical for the international community, international organisations and civil societies − particularly influential players like the US and the EU − to pressure Israel to de-escalate immediately. Failure to act is a threat to Israel’s existence and could destabilise the region further, with far-reaching global consequences. Drawing on lessons from Northern Ireland and South Africa, the following steps can facilitate meaningful change:

1. Ceasefire and Negotiation: Immediate cessation of violence in Gaza to create space for peace talks.
2. Political Change in Israel: Implement reforms, including more inclusive leadership and dismantling discriminatory laws like the Nation-State Law.
3. A Genuine Two-State Solution: Recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, halt settlement expansion and encourage democratic reforms within Palestinian leadership.
4. Palestinian Refugees: A solution and compensation for Palestinian refugees must be implemented in accordance with the ICJ advisory.
5. Truth-Telling and Reconciliation: Both sides must put an end to dehumanising rhetoric. Engaging in a truth-telling process and reconciliation, similar to South Africa’s, could help address deep historical trauma.
   • Statements such as labelling Palestinians as ‘human animals’ fuel hatred and violence. The ongoing trauma in Gaza, especially among children, fosters deep anger, complicating peace efforts.
   • Although Hamas is now viewed as a terrorist organisation, it was once supported by Israel as a divide-and-conquer tactic. This history, along with events like the 1948 massacres, remains largely unknown to many Israelis, hindering reconciliation.
     • Social media has shifted global perceptions. For example, a poll showed that 25% of American Jews now view Israel as an apartheid state, making it a potential tool for reconciliation.

Conclusion
To secure lasting peace, it must be a just one. We must address the legacy of occupation, trauma and mistrust that perpetuates this conflict. The international community, especially key actors like the US and EU, must press for immediate de-escalation and support a genuine two-state solution that ensures justice for both Palestinians and Israelis. The stakes go beyond regional stability − this is a critical moment for global security. Without urgent action, the conflict risks spiralling into a broader regional crisis with far-reaching consequences. Now is the time for bold, decisive intervention to pave the way for reconciliation, justice and lasting peace.