How did the Arab-Israeli conflict begin?

The Arab-Israeli conflict began as a political and ideological clash between Jewish and Arab nationalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Zionist movement emerged in Europe in the late 19th century, advocating for the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine. At the same time, Arab nationalism was also growing in the region, fueled by a desire for self-determination and independence from Ottoman and European colonial rule.

The conflict intensified after World War I, when the Ottoman Empire collapsed and the League of Nations granted Britain a mandate over Palestine. During this time, Jewish immigration to Palestine increased significantly, leading to tensions with the Arab population. The two sides clashed over issues such as land ownership and political representation, and violence erupted in 1920, 1929, and 1936-1939.

After World War II, the conflict escalated further as Jewish militias fought for independence and Arab states refused to recognize Israel's existence. The first Arab-Israeli war broke out in 1948, resulting in Israel's victory and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Subsequent conflicts, including the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973, only deepened the animosity between the two sides.

The conflict continues to this day, with peace negotiations and ceasefires punctuated by outbreaks of violence and terrorist attacks. The core issues of the conflict, including the status of Jerusalem, the borders of a Palestinian state, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees, remain unresolved.