1. The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Mrs. Ruthman

2. 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 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.

3. 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)

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