The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Mrs. Ruthman

Why was Israel created? After WW1 British controlled the region (called Palestine) and promised to establish a Jewish homeland (Zionism) After WW2 (Holocaust) the UN partitioned Palestine into two parts: Israel for Jews and Palestine for Arab Muslims (see map 1) Through war in 1948 and 1967 Israel basically took over all of Palestine’s territory (see map 2) Hamas is the radical Palestinian group that wants to take back control of Israeli territory and often uses violence.

What key areas are in dispute between Israel and Hamas? West Bank: Israel controls, most of population is Palestinian Issues: Israelis live in settlements throughout the West Bank and Israel is building a West Bank Wall to separate Israeli/Palestinian areas. Palestinians must pass through many checkpoints for Israeli security Gaza Strip: Hamas controls Israel withdrew its settlers in 2005 war in 2009 Jerusalem: Important religious sites for Israeli Jews: Western Wall at site of Temple Mount (where Abraham sensed God’s presence) Important religious sites for Palestinian Muslims: Dome of the Rock (where Muhammed ascended into heaven)

Class Handouts that will be helpful Understanding the Roots of the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict Whose Jerusalem? Israel Map