The conflict between Palestinians and Jews has complex historical roots that date back over a century. Below is a step-by-step explanation of why the fighting originally began:
- The Late 19th Century - Rise of Nationalism: In the late 1800s, both Jewish and Arab nationalism began to emerge. The Jews, facing persecution in Europe, sought to establish a homeland in Palestine, a land they historically regarded as their ancestral home. This movement was called Zionism.
- Jewish Immigration: As Jews immigrated to Palestine in increasing numbers, tensions started to rise among the existing Arab population. Many Arabs felt threatened by the influx and the potential loss of their land and cultural identity.
- World War I and the Balfour Declaration (1917): During World War I, Britain issued the Balfour Declaration, which expressed support for a