West Bank: history of the conflict and challenges for its peaceful resolution

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:44

Disputes between Israel and Palestine have been going on for decades over the West Bank of the Jordan River. Countless attempts have already been made to resolve this bloody conflict peacefully, but both sides are not going to give up their positions without a fight. Each side considers its opinion on this issue to be the only correct one, which greatly complicates the negotiation process to restore law and order in this land.

Establishment of the State of Israel

In 1947, the members of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the creation of two states in the territory that was previously under the control of the UK. After the withdrawal of the British troops, the Jewish and Arab states were to appear. But, unfortunately, this plan was not implemented. Palestine categorically refused to fulfill it: there was a struggle for territories. If the international community did not agree with these demands, threats were made about the forcible seizure of land.

During the first months after the withdrawal of the UK forces, both sides(Jewish and Arab) tried to occupy as much territory as possible, as well as all key communications, in order to control the west bank of the Jordan River.

Conflict with Arab states

The creation of a Jewish state next to the Arab countries was not a reason for great joy. Some particularly aggressive groups have openly declared that they will do everything possible to destroy Israel as a state. Until now, the Jewish state is in a state of war and struggle for its own survival. Combat operations and terrorist acts take place regularly on its territory.

The Arab League does not recognize the West Bank of the Jordan River as part of Israel and is taking all possible political and military steps to control this territory to the Arabs. Israel opposes this in every possible way, not fulfilling the international agreements reached and risking open conflict with neighboring states.

Backstory

Literally the very next day after the public announcement of the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, paramilitary groups of the League of Arab States (LAS) invaded the territory of Palestine in order to destroy the Jewish population, protect the Arab and subsequently form a single state.

Then this territory was occupied by Transjordan, which was later annexed by Jordan. The West Bank of the Jordan River is the landbelonging to Jordan before the Israeli War of Independence. This name has become used around the world to refer to this territory.

The occupation of the West Bank by Israel came later in 1967 after the end of the Six Day War. Arabs living in these territories and in the area of the Gaza Strip received the right and opportunity to travel outside their borders, trade and receive education in the Arab states.

Building settlements

Almost immediately after the end of the Six-Day War and the actual annexation of these territories by Israel, the first Jewish settlements appeared on the West Bank of the Jordan River. Palestine is not at all satisfied with such an actual seizure of land and the creation of residential areas there, which are under the control of Israel. The international community actively condemns the activity of the Jewish state in the gradual increase and expansion of settlements. Nevertheless, at the moment the number of settlers has exceeded 400 thousand people. Despite all the decisions of the UN, Israel continues to create illegal settlements, thereby strengthening its position in this territory.

Possibilities for conflict resolution

After decades of continuous struggle for these lands, in 1993 the Palestinian Authority was created, which was given part of the territory of the Jordan River (West Bank). Despite persistent UN efforts to find a peaceful solution to the current situation, the region continues to be a place of international tension.

In the 90s activethe United States, Russia, Italy, and the European Union have played and continue to play the role of mediators. Unfortunately, many of the decisions taken during the difficult negotiations did not come into force due to the contradictory actions of all parties to the conflict who want to control the West Bank of the Jordan River. For some time, negotiations and participation of the four mediators were terminated.

Future prospects

Political leaders are changing, generations of residents have already grown up in this region, and its political fate is still unresolved. Nobody wants to give in. In Israel, the opinions of the inhabitants were also divided. Someone believes that these lands belong to Jewish residents and they need to be annexed, while someone is of the opinion that the territories were previously legally part of Jordan and they need to be returned, and not create unnecessary difficulties.

Unfortunately, the creation of a Jewish state from the very beginning was not an easy task. No country will agree to the exclusion of part of its land in favor of another.

Now the West Bank of the Jordan River and the Gaza Strip, like decades ago, on the front pages of the news feeds. Israel and the Arab states still have more than one round of negotiations to bring to this territory a stable and lasting peace. Great political will of the leaders of the countries is required, as well as the desire of the population to find a peaceful way to coexist on this earth.