What is one ongoing obstacle to peace between Israel and Palestinian Arabs?
One ongoing obstacle to peace between Israel and Palestinian Arabs is the issue of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. Israeli settlements are communities built by Israeli citizens in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, which are territories captured by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967. The establishment and expansion of these settlements have been a major point of contention, as Palestinians view them as illegal under international law and an obstacle to the creation of a viable Palestinian state.
The construction and growth of Israeli settlements infringe upon Palestinian land and resources, fragment the Palestinian territories, and restrict the movement and daily life of Palestinians. This has led to heightened tensions, increased violence, and hindered the prospects of a negotiated peace agreement.
The issue of settlements poses significant challenges to any potential peace negotiations and the two-state solution, which envisions Israel and Palestine as independent and coexisting states. The continued expansion, demolition, and displacement associated with Israeli settlements undermine trust and confidence between the parties, making it difficult to reach a resolution.