Explain why there was a conflict over the creation of Israel

The United Nations took what the Arabs considered their land and gave it to their enemies, the Jews.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3581.htm

Thank You Both

The conflict over the creation of Israel can be attributed to a variety of historical, political, and cultural factors. Understanding the root causes of this conflict requires examining several key aspects:

1. Historical Background: The conflict has deep historical roots dating back to the end of the 19th century when Zionism emerged as a movement advocating for Jewish self-determination and the establishment of a home in Palestine. This idea gained momentum during and after World War I.

2. British Mandate: Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain a mandate over Palestine. Britain struggled to fulfill its dual commitments of fostering Jewish immigration while protecting the rights of the Arab majority population.

3. Arab Nationalism: The Arab population in Palestine and neighboring Arab states opposed the idea of a Jewish state on their land, perceiving it as a threat to their political and territorial aspirations.

4. Jewish Immigration: Over time, Jewish immigration to Palestine increased, driven by various factors such as persecution in Europe, the Holocaust, and the establishment of Jewish settlements. This demographic shift fueled tensions with the Arab population who feared losing their majority status.

5. UN Partition Plan: In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan to divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, along with an international administration for Jerusalem. While the Jewish community accepted the plan, Arab states and the Palestinian leadership rejected it, leading to armed conflict.

6. Arab-Israeli Wars: In 1948, following the declaration of the State of Israel, neighboring Arab states invaded to prevent its establishment. The war ended with Israel gaining control over more territory than originally allotted under the UN partition plan. This led to Palestinian displacement and the creation of Palestinian refugee communities.

7. National Narratives and Identity: The conflict over Palestine/Israel also involves competing national narratives and claims to the land, shaped by religious, historical, and cultural identities. Israelis see themselves as returning to their ancestral homeland, while Palestinians see themselves as the indigenous population.

It is important to note that this explanation is a simplified overview, and numerous additional factors have influenced the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Exploring further sources and perspectives will provide a comprehensive understanding.