Israeli–Palestinian conflict
The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is a long-running political and military conflict over land, sovereignty, security, and self-determination in the territory of former Mandatory Palestine.
The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is a long-running political and military struggle over land, sovereignty, and self-determination in the territory of former Mandatory Palestine. It has involved wars, uprisings, occupation, and repeated crises, including the Gaza war that escalated after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.
What it is
The conflict centres on competing claims by Israelis and Palestinians to the same land, with core issues including borders, Jerusalem, refugees, Israeli settlements, security, and Palestinian statehood. Key disputed territories are the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, which Israel has occupied since the 1967 Six-Day War.
Key details
The conflict’s modern roots trace to the early 20th century, with major escalation after the 1947–1949 war and again after 1967. The Oslo Accords in the 1990s created a framework for negotiations but no final settlement. The Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s military response in Gaza marked the latest major escalation, causing large-scale casualties and displacement.
Why it matters
The conflict continues to shape regional politics and international diplomacy, with sustained involvement from the United Nations, the United States, and other actors. Canada is a long-standing stakeholder through its UN role, foreign policy, and support for aid, ceasefire efforts, and a negotiated two-state solution.
In short
- The conflict is over land, sovereignty, and self-determination in former Mandatory Palestine.
- Key disputed territories include the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
- The 7 October 2023 attack and Gaza war are the latest major escalation.
- International diplomacy, including Canadian efforts, continues to seek a two-state solution.
Canada is a long-standing diplomatic and humanitarian stakeholder in the conflict through its UN role, foreign policy, and support for aid, ceasefire efforts, and a negotiated two-state solution in official positions over time.
Quick questions
What is the Israeli–Palestinian conflict?
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Sources
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgr71z0jp4oSupports: Overview of the conflict, historical background, Jerusalem dispute, and the October 2025 ceasefire agreement.
- Council on Foreign Relations — https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/israeli-palestinian-conflictSupports: Background on the 1967 war, territorial changes, later developments, and recent escalation.
- Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/what-is-history-israel-palestinian-conflict-2024-12-17/Supports: Concise history of the conflict, October 7, 2023 attack, Gaza war impact, and unresolved negotiating positions.
- EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/diplomacy-and-international-relations/israel-and-palestinians-overviewSupports: General overview of competing claims, displacement, and the political nature of the dispute.
- United Nations — https://www.un.org/unispal/history/Supports: UN involvement in the history of Palestine-related questions and international framing.