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The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Ever since the creation of state of Israel in 1949 Palestinian people always strived to gain political independence. On the territory of modern Israel there were living 300. 000 Arabs before Jews started to arrive in big numbers after the end of World War 2. After the creation of Israel, there were only about 100. 000 Jews living on its territory, nevertheless Israel was being proclaimed as exclusively Jewish state. Palestinians consist of three large groups: those that possess nominal Israeli citizenship and live in Israel, those who live in Palestinian territories that were occupied by Israel in 1967 and those who live in exile. The last one is the largest group there are 2. 5 millions of Palestinians living in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and other countries.
Samih K. Farsoun in his book: Palestine and the Palestinians argues that there might be a hope in settling Israel-Palestinian conflict. He thinks that because more and more Palestinians acquire higher education these days, it will inevitably lead to rising of their living standards. Despite the fact that Palestinians are deprived of many basic human rights in Israel, Farsoun still consider them living in society that profess democratic principles: The laws of Israel are not perfect, nevertheless Palestinians with Israeli citizenship are allowed to vote and have their own newspapers, where they freely express their views (Farsoun, p. 65) Author consider those Palestinians that live in Israel being more civilized, although if we follow his logic, itll appear that racial apartheid is actually a progressive form internal state policy.
This very well might be the case, but why there was so much international discontent when apartheid was being practiced in South Africa and virtually no criticism directed at Israel for doing absolutely the same? Jews have always been proponents of multiculturalism and tolerance, yet in their own country theyre doing something absolutely opposite In my opinion, author doesnt quite understand the real reasons for Israel-Palestinian conflict. How can he suggest that there might be some reconciliation reached if Jewish children in schools are being taught that Palestinians are nothing but animals, as well as other non-Jews? Farsoun tells us that: The rights of Palestinians in Israel are limited, yet theyre not altogether deprived of them how blessed must they be! The problem is that most of those laws that allow Palestinians a certain degree of freedom are nothing but formality. For example, the 1952 Law of Entry to Israel states that only those are allowed to cross Israeli border that hold an immigration visa or immigration certificate.
So, officially it doesnt discriminate people because of their nationality. Yet, it also says people need to be qualified for such documents. The explanation of who can be qualified is found in the Law of Return, which clearly states that those are Jews exclusively. In my opinion, those who suggest that animosity between Jews and Palestinians is not about ethical or cultural differences simply dont understand the dynamics of this conflict. If the ground for it was economical, it wouldve ended up long ago.
Only ethical conflicts have tendency to continue on for decades and even centuries. Before Jews began to settle on Palestinian land, it used to be one of the most peaceful regions in the world. There was no other reason for the Jews to demand this territory but religious one. In 1949 western powers laid the ground for the beginning of endless violence in this region, after they officially recognized Israel.
Farsoun doesnt seem to understand that the solution of Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot come in form of half-measures. Israeli leaders rightly think that Israel is going to be doomed in the long run, because of staggering birth rate in neighboring countries. In my opinion, this conflict can only be effectively dealt with if Israeli government reconsiders its view of Israel as state for Jews alone. Palestinians need to be included in political process in this country.
Only making changes to Israeli constitution can bring about positive changes, which might lead to establishing an understanding between Jews and Palestinians. Bibliography: Farsoun, Samih Palestine and the Palestinians Boulder, Colo: Westview Press, New York. 1997
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Research essay sample on The Israeli Palestinian Conflict
