The whole story of Palestine From Start(before the Israel as country ) to Until now(Present time).

The story of Palestine and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a complex and deeply rooted historical issue involving multiple civilizations, religions, and empires. Here’s a brief overview of the history from ancient times to the present:

Ancient and Biblical Times

Canaanites and Early Inhabitants: The region known as Palestine was inhabited by various Semitic-speaking peoples, including the Canaanites, around 3000 BCE. The region was often referred to as Canaan in ancient texts.

Israelites: According to the Bible, around 1200 BCE, the Israelites, led by figures like Moses and Joshua, settled in the land. This period saw the formation of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian Rule: The Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians around 722 BCE, and Judah was later conquered by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, leading to the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. The Persians allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the Second Temple around 516 BCE.

Roman and Byzantine Periods

Roman Conquest: The region came under Roman control in 63 BCE. The Romans destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE following a Jewish revolt. Jerusalem and the surrounding area became a Roman province called Judea.

Byzantine Rule: After the Roman Empire split, the region became part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, with Christianity becoming the dominant religion.

Islamic and Crusader Periods

Islamic Conquest: In 638 CE, Muslim Arab armies conquered Jerusalem and Palestine, bringing the region under the control of the Rashidun Caliphate. The region became known as "Jund Filastin" under Muslim rule.

Crusades: In 1099, European Crusaders captured Jerusalem and established the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This period was marked by intense conflict between Christians and Muslims.

Ayyubi's and Mamluk Rule: The famous Muslim leader Saladin recaptured Jerusalem in 1187. The region remained under Islamic rule, transitioning from the Ayyubi's to the Mamluks.

Ottoman Period (1517-1917)

Ottoman Control: In 1517, the Ottoman Empire took control of Palestine. For the next four centuries, the region was a relatively peaceful and prosperous part of the empire. However, there was no distinct "Palestinian" national identity during this time, as the region was part of larger administrative units.

(Yes, Sultan Abdul Hamid II of the Ottoman Empire is known for refusing multiple offers from Theodor Herzl, the leader of the Zionist movement, regarding the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Context of the Offers

Theodor Herzl, a prominent Austrian Jewish journalist and the father of modern political Zionism, sought to secure a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. Herzl believed that such a homeland was necessary to protect Jews from widespread anti-Semitism in Europe and to provide a place where they could live with national self-determination.

Herzl's Approaches to Sultan Abdul Hamid II

Herzl made several attempts to negotiate with Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1876 to 1909, in hopes of gaining official support for the Zionist project. Herzl's proposals included:

1. Financial Aid: Herzl offered to help the Ottoman Empire financially by organizing a significant loan to pay off its mounting debts in exchange for granting Jews the right to settle in Palestine.

2. Political Support: Herzl suggested that the Zionist movement could help improve the international standing of the Ottoman Empire, particularly with European powers, if the Sultan allowed Jewish settlement in Palestine.

Sultan Abdul Hamid II's Refusal

Sultan Abdul Hamid II firmly rejected Herzl's offers. The Sultan's refusal was rooted in several concerns:

1. Preserving the Empire's Integrity: Sultan Abdul Hamid II was committed to maintaining the territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire, which was already under pressure from nationalist movements and European colonial powers. Allowing Jewish settlement in Palestine was seen as a potential threat to the empire's control over the region.

2. Religious Considerations: As the Caliph of Islam, Sultan Abdul Hamid II was also concerned about the religious significance of Palestine, particularly Jerusalem, to Muslims. He feared that allowing large-scale Jewish settlement could destabilize the region and provoke unrest among the empire's Muslim population.

3. Diplomatic and Strategic Reasons: The Sultan was aware of the geopolitical implications of granting land in Palestine to the Zionists. He believed it could lead to increased foreign intervention and further weaken the Ottoman Empire, which was already known as the "sick man of Europe."

In response to Herzl's offers, Sultan Abdul Hamid II is famously quoted as saying:

> "I cannot give you even a handful of soil from this land. For it is not mine to give, it belongs to the Islamic Ummah. My people have won this empire with their blood, and we will keep it with our blood. Let the Jews keep their millions. When my empire is partitioned, they may take Palestine for nothing. But only our corpse will be divided. I will not agree to vivisection."

Aftermath

Herzl's failure to secure support from the Ottoman Sultan led him to focus on other strategies, including seeking support from other European powers, particularly Britain, which eventually became the key supporter of the Zionist movement through the Balfour Declaration in 1917.

Sultan Abdul Hamid II's refusal to sell or give away Palestine to the Zionists is seen by many as an effort to preserve the sovereignty and Islamic identity of the Ottoman Empire, even as it faced immense external pressures. However, the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I and the subsequent British mandate over Palestine eventually paved the way for the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.

Zionist Movement and British Mandate (Late 19th Century-1948)**

Zionism: In the late 19th century, the Zionist movement emerged among Jews in Europe, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Jewish immigration to the region increased, causing tensions with the Arab population.

World War I: During World War I, the Ottoman Empire sided with the Central Powers and was defeated. The British captured Palestine in 1917.

Balfour Declaration (1917): The British government issued the Balfour Declaration, supporting the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This was controversial, as it did not address the rights of the Arab inhabitants.

British Mandate (1920-1948): After the war, the League of Nations granted Britain a mandate to govern Palestine. Tensions between Jewish and Arab communities grew, leading to violence and riots.

The Rothschild family, a prominent European banking dynasty, played a notable role in the early support and financing of the Zionist movement, which ultimately contributed to the creation of the State of Israel.

Here's a look at their involvement(Rothchild's role in creation of Israel):

Early Support for Jewish Settlements

The Rothschilds, particularly Baron Edmond de Rothschild, were early supporters of Jewish settlement in Palestine during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Edmond de Rothschild, often called the "Father of the Yishuv" (the Jewish community in Palestine), funded the establishment of several Jewish agricultural colonies in Palestine. He provided financial support, land, and expertise, helping to create the economic foundation for what would later become the State of Israel.

Edmond de Rothschild's investments were crucial in sustaining the early Jewish settlements during a time when the Zionist movement was still in its infancy. He financed various agricultural projects, built infrastructure, and supported the development of industries such as viticulture, which became important for the local economy.

The Balfour Declaration

The Rothschild family also played a diplomatic role in the events leading up to the Balfour Declaration of 1917, a pivotal document in the creation of Israel. The declaration, issued by the British government, expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. The declaration was addressed to Lord Walter Rothschild, a prominent figure in the British branch of the Rothschild family, who was involved in Zionist activities.

The Balfour Declaration was the result of extensive lobbying by Zionist leaders, including Chaim Weizmann, who had close ties to members of the Rothschild family. While the Rothschilds were not the only influential figures behind the declaration, their status and connections within British society helped bring the Zionist cause to the attention of key decision-makers.

Financing and Development

Following the issuance of the Balfour Declaration and the subsequent British mandate over Palestine, the Rothschild family continued to support the development of Jewish communities in the region. Their financial contributions helped to establish essential infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, and cultural institutions, which were vital for the growing Jewish population.

Legacy and Influence

The influence of the Rothschild family in the creation of Israel is significant, particularly in the early stages of the Zionist movement. Their financial support and diplomatic efforts helped lay the groundwork for the establishment of a Jewish state. The Rothschild family's legacy is still visible in Israel today, with many institutions, towns, and organizations named in their honor, reflecting their lasting impact on the country's development.

However, it is important to note that while the Rothschilds were influential, the creation of Israel was the result of a broader Zionist movement that involved many other individuals, organizations, and historical factors. The Rothschilds were one part of a larger effort to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, an effort that involved diplomacy, settlement building, and, ultimately, conflict and negotiation on the international stage.

UN Partition Plan and Creation of Israel (1947-1948)

UN Partition Plan (1947)**: The United Nations proposed a partition plan to create separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city. The Jewish community accepted the plan, but the Arab community rejected it.

Creation of Israel (1948): On May 14, 1948, Israel declared independence. The following day, neighboring Arab states invaded, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Israel survived the war and expanded its territory beyond the UN partition plan. Over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced, leading to the ongoing Palestinian refugee crisis.

Post-1948 Conflicts and Occupation

1956 Suez Crisis: Israel, alongside the UK and France, invaded Egypt following Egypt’s nationalization of the Suez Canal. The conflict ended under international pressure.

1967 Six-Day War: Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, capturing the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights. The occupation of these territories has been a central issue in the conflict.

Yom Kippur War (1973): Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel during Yom Kippur. The war ended with a ceasefire, but it led to shifts in Middle Eastern alliances and set the stage for peace negotiations.

Peace Process and Continuing Conflict

Camp David Accords (1978): Egypt and Israel signed a peace treaty, with Egypt recognizing Israel in exchange for the return of the Sinai Peninsula.

- **First Intifada (1987-1993)**: A Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza. The intifada was marked by protests, civil disobedience, and violence.

- **Oslo Accords (1993-1995)**: A peace process that led to mutual recognition between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in parts of the West Bank and Gaza. However, key issues like borders, refugees, and Jerusalem were left unresolved.

- **Second Intifada (2000-2005)**: A more violent Palestinian uprising, sparked by Ariel Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif. The conflict led to heavy casualties on both sides and the construction of Israel’s separation barrier.

21st Century and Recent Developments

Gaza Withdrawal (2005): Israel unilaterally withdrew from the Gaza Strip but maintained control over its borders, airspace, and coastal waters.

Hamas and Fatah Conflict: After winning elections in 2006, Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, leading to a split with the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank.

Gaza Wars: Israel and Hamas have fought several wars (in 2008-09, 2012, 2014, and 2021) with heavy civilian casualties, particularly in Gaza, which is under a blockade by Israel and Egypt.

Trump Administration Policies (2017-2021): The U.S. recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017 and moved its embassy there, a controversial decision that angered Palestinians and much of the international community. The Trump administration also unveiled the "Deal of the Century," which was rejected by Palestinian leadership.

- **Abraham Accords (2020)**: Several Arab countries, including the UAE and Bahrain, normalized relations with Israel, breaking a long-standing consensus that recognition should only come after a resolution to the Palestinian issue.

- **Ongoing Tensions and Violence**: The conflict remains unresolved, with ongoing tensions, sporadic violence, and stalled peace efforts. Palestinians continue to seek statehood and an end to the occupation, while Israel maintains security concerns and control over significant portions of the West Bank.

Present Situation (2024)

Continuing Struggles: The Palestinian territories are fragmented, with the West Bank under partial Palestinian Authority control but heavily occupied by Israel, and Gaza under a blockade. Peace negotiations have been largely stalled for years, with no clear path forward.

Humanitarian Crisis: Both the West Bank and Gaza face significant humanitarian challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and restrictions on movement. International efforts continue, but the situation remains dire for many Palestinians.

International Perspective: The international community remains divided, with ongoing debates about the recognition of Palestine, the legality of Israeli settlements, and the path to peace. Protests, advocacy, and diplomatic efforts continue globally, with no resolution in sight.

The situation in Palestine, particularly for the Palestinian people, is one of prolonged suffering, displacement, and struggle against occupation and dispossession. Here's a perspective that highlights their plight and aspirations:

Historical Injustice and Displacement

Palestinians have faced a history of dispossession, beginning with the Nakba (Arabic for "catastrophe") in 1948, when over 700,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes during the creation of Israel. These refugees, and their descendants, have been denied the right to return to their homeland, a fundamental right recognized by international law. The displacement of Palestinians and the destruction of their villages in 1948 remains a painful and unresolved issue that has shaped the Palestinian national identity and struggle for self-determination.

Ongoing Occupation and Human Rights Violations

The Israeli occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza since 1967 has subjected Palestinians to severe restrictions on their freedom and human rights. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, deemed illegal under international law, has resulted in the expropriation of Palestinian land and resources, further entrenching the occupation. Palestinians in the West Bank face daily challenges, including military checkpoints, home demolitions, and violence from settlers, all of which create a climate of fear and oppression.

In Gaza, the situation is dire. The blockade imposed by Israel (and Egypt) has created a humanitarian crisis, with limited access to basic necessities such as clean water, electricity, and medical supplies. The repeated military assaults on Gaza have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction, deepening the suffering of its people. The blockade and frequent military operations have made life in Gaza unbearable for many, with no clear path to peace or recovery.

Denied Statehood and Self-Determination

Palestinians have consistently sought statehood and the right to self-determination, but these aspirations have been thwarted by the lack of international political will to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The Oslo Accords, which were supposed to pave the way for a two-state solution, have instead resulted in a fragmented and semi-autonomous Palestinian Authority, with little real power to achieve independence. The continued expansion of settlements and the lack of progress in peace talks have made the two-state solution increasingly unfeasible.

International Community's Failure

The international community, despite recognizing the rights of Palestinians, has largely failed to take meaningful action to end the occupation or hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law. While there have been numerous United Nations resolutions condemning the occupation and settlement activities, these have not been enforced, and Israel continues to act with impunity. The failure to address the root causes of the conflict and provide justice for Palestinians has prolonged their suffering and fueled resentment and anger.

Palestinian Resilience and Resistance

Despite the immense challenges they face, Palestinians continue to resist the occupation and fight for their rights. This resistance takes many forms, from peaceful protests and advocacy to cultural expression and art. The resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of overwhelming odds is a testament to their enduring spirit and determination to achieve justice and freedom.

The Struggle for Equality and Justice

The Palestinian struggle is fundamentally about achieving equality, justice, and dignity. It is about ending the systemic discrimination and oppression they face and ensuring that their rights are respected. Palestinians seek the right to live in peace and security in their homeland, with full sovereignty over their land and resources. The call for a just and lasting peace is not only a Palestinian demand but a moral imperative that the international community must support.

To Conclude my point, the situation in Palestine is a deeply entrenched issue of injustice, where the rights and aspirations of Palestinians have been denied for decades. Their struggle is one for freedom from occupation, the right to return to their homes, and the establishment of an independent state where they can live with dignity and security. The international community must recognize and support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and work towards a just resolution that ends the occupation and respects their right to self-determination.

This overview captures the major events in the long and intricate history of Palestine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a story of deep historical roots and ongoing struggles.

1. https://youtu.be/0E4BHb1Gc_Q?si=Vr2eYSBHSmFp27Z-

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9. https://youtu.be/WnMQbFTBpt4?si=U68-oM6sAdVviPpn