1. Background and British Mandate (1917-1948)

• In 1917, British forces occupied Palestine, and shortly afterward, issued the “Balfour Declaration,” signaling support for a Jewish homeland in the region.Palestinian Struggle for Freedom and Justice This policy shift had major implications for the indigenous Palestinian population, who had long inhabited these lands.
• During the British Mandate, Jewish immigration into Palestine surged. British authorities often facilitated land access for Jewish settlers, leading to growing social and political friction with the Palestinian communities who felt their homeland was being gradually taken over.

2. The Nakba and Mass Displacement (1948)

• In 1948, the establishment of Israel led to widespread displacement and violence against Palestinians. This tragic period, known as the “Nakba” or “Catastrophe,” saw the forced removal of many Palestinians from their lands, with numerous villages destroyed or occupied.Palestinian Struggle for Freedom and Justice
• Over 750,000 Palestinians were driven to seek refuge in neighboring countries, such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. This exodus reshaped Palestinian society and led to an ongoing refugee crisis that still affects generations of Palestinians.

3. The Occupation of 1967 and Continuing Settlement

• In 1967, the Six-Day War led to Israel’s occupation of key Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. This marked a significant escalation, as Palestinians living in these areas came under military occupation, facing extensive restrictions on their freedoms.Palestinian Struggle for Freedom and Justice
• Today, this occupation remains, with Israeli settlements expanding in these regions despite international condemnation. The construction of settlements on these lands continues to deepen Palestinian grievances and limits their access to essential resources.

4. The Gaza Blockade (2007-Present)

• After Hamas assumed control in Gaza in 2007, Israel, along with Egypt, imposed a strict blockade on the territory. This blockade restricts crucial supplies, including food, medicine, and energy resources, creating a humanitarian crisis for Gaza’s residents.
• The blockade and recurring conflicts have left Gaza’s infrastructure severely damaged, placing immense strain on daily life and depriving many Palestinians of basic human needs.

5. Jerusalem Disputes and Al-Aqsa Mosque Access

• Jerusalem, home to the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque, is a central point of contention. Israeli authorities have placed restrictions on Palestinian access to this historic site, which has deep religious significance for Muslims.
• These limitations have led to regular tensions, with Palestinians feeling these measures as an encroachment on their religious freedoms and heritage in a city central to their identity.

6. The Present Condition and Hopes for Resolution

• Today, Palestinians in these territories endure various limitations on movement and economic hardship due to ongoing restrictions and surveillance. The situation impacts nearly every aspect of their lives, from education to health care and job opportunities.
• International efforts, including those by the United Nations, continue in hopes of a peaceful resolution, yet the lack of tangible progress prolongs the suffering of the Palestinian people and complicates efforts toward long-term peace.