The Deep-Rooted Arab-Jewish Conflict: A Historical Perspective

The often-cited Israel-Palestine or Israel-Arab conflict is a broad mischaracterization of a more fundamental issue: the longstanding Arab-Jewish conflict, deeply rooted in religious motivations and historical scripts. This conflict is not a modern geopolitical dispute between two parties but a persistent struggle that has spanned approximately 120 years, driven by religious doctrines and historical records.

Religious Motivations in the Conflict

The conflict's origins are intertwined with religious beliefs, as underlined by the saying, "The stones and trees will say O Moslems, O Abdulla there is a Jew behind me come and kill him," included in Sahih Muslim 41:6985. These religious texts and teachings have been instrumental in shaping the attitudes and actions of both communities throughout history.

In addition, Islamic texts emphasize the importance of reclaiming lands conquered by force, which further complicates the situation. This principle is exemplified by the aspiration of groups like ISIS, which aims to retake what they consider lost Islamic territories, such as Spain.

The Rise of Zionism and the Balfour Declaration

Anticipating the turn of the 19th to 20th century, Zionists began to invade Palestine against the will of the native Palestinians. They aimed to conquer the land and expel the indigenous population. This systematic invasion and displacement became a defining feature of the conflict, setting the stage for the creation of a Jewish homeland.

It is crucial to note that Palestine as a sovereign state, country, nation, or independent political entity has never existed. This fact underscores the error in characterizing the conflict as one between nations or entities.

The Birth of the State of Israel

The Balfour Declaration, issued by the British, laid the groundwork for the Zionist goal. The British mandate over Palestine from 1920 to 1948 facilitated massive Jewish immigration, which was heavily supported by the British military. On May 14, 1948, the newly arrived Jewish immigrants, backed by British weapons, invaded Palestinian homes, villages, and cities, massacring the unarmed indigenous inhabitants and expelling the survivors across borders. They then declared the creation of the state of Israel, disregarding the rights of the displaced Palestinians.

This act marked the beginning of the modern refugee crisis, with Palestinians living as dispersed refugees worldwide and unable to return to their homeland. Conversely, Israel actively encourages Jewish immigrants from around the world to settle in the land they consider their state, continuing the cycle of displacement and conflict.

Conclusion and Perspectives

The Arab-Jewish conflict is a complex issue with deep-seated religious and historical roots. Understanding the true nature of this conflict is crucial for any genuine resolution. The mischaracterization of the conflict as a dispute between nations or entities only serves to obscure the religious motivations and historical scripts that underpin it. By acknowledging and addressing these roots, the path toward a lasting peace can be more clearly defined.