Understanding the Historical and Existential Facts About Palestine and Israel

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Palestine and Israel is deeply rooted in historical, religious, and political contexts. Understanding the core facts is crucial for anyone seeking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the region. This article aims to outline essential facts that every individual, regardless of their background, should be aware of.

Foundational Documents and Religious Scriptures

The foundational documents of both Palestine and Israel contain important religious instructions that have influenced the conflict. For Palestinians, these instructions are found in the Quran, specifically the verse ‘Kill all Jews and Christians’. This verse has been used as a basis for some Palestinian claims, although it has been widely misunderstood and misinterpreted by many scholars.

For Israelis, a different religious text – the Torah – contains the commandment: ‘He who comes to kill you, kill him first’. This commandment, often interpreted as a right of self-defense, has been used to justify Israeli actions in various conflict situations. However, it is essential to understand these verses within the broader context of religious history, rather than as justification for violence or aggression.

Historical Context of the Palestinian and Gaza Problems

The roots of the Palestinian issue can be traced back to events that began in 1916, with the Sykes-Picot Agreement. This agreement divided the territories of the Ottoman Empire, including modern-day Palestine, between British and French control. The Balfour Declaration of 1917 further complicated the situation by expressing British support for a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.

The official establishment of the state of Israel occurred in 1948, following the termination of British mandate. Since then, the conflict has evolved, with numerous wars and peace initiatives. In relation to the Gaza problem, the conflict began in 1956, following the Suez Crisis and the Israeli invasion of Gaza.

The Non-Existence of a Palestinian State

Contrary to popular belief, Palestine has never existed as a sovereign state. This fact is supported by historical and legal evidence. The lack of recognition from the international community, combined with the consistent denial by Arab leaders, underscores the non-existence of Palestine as a political entity.

To further illustrate this point, several key figures admitted the non-existence of a Palestinian state:

Ahmed Shukairy: In 1956, he, who would later become the head of the PLO, declared to the UN Security Council that 'Palestine is nothing but Southern Syria.' Zahir Muhsein: In 1977, he, a PLO spokesman, stated in an interview with Trouw, 'The Palestinian people does not exist. The creation of a Palestinian state is only a means for continuing our struggle against the state of Israel for our Arab unity.' Yasser Arafat: As one of the most famous Palestinian leaders, he once said, 'The Palestinian people have no national identity. I, Yasser Arafat, man of destiny, will give them that identity through conflict with Israel.'

These admissions by prominent figures underscore the political and historical dimensions of the issue. The term 'Palestinian people' and 'Palestinian state' are often used as tools in political discourse rather than recognized by the international community as concrete entities.

Conclusion

Understanding the historical and existential facts about Palestine and Israel is crucial for maintaining a balanced and informed perspective. The foundational documents, the historical context, and the admissions by key figures all contribute to the complex narrative of this ongoing conflict. By acknowledging these facts, individuals can contribute to a more nuanced and informed public discourse.

Keywords: Palestine, Israel, Historical Facts, Palestinian State, Political Construct