Intifada

Definition

Intifada refers to the Palestinian uprisings against Israeli rule in the occupied territories, notably occurring in two main waves: the first from 1987 to 1993 and the second from 2000 to 2005. These movements were characterized by mass protests, civil disobedience, and violence, aiming to achieve Palestinian self-determination and highlight grievances regarding Israeli occupation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first intifada began in December 1987, triggered by growing frustration over Israeli military presence and settlements in Palestinian territories.
2. The second intifada erupted in September 2000, largely sparked by the visit of Ariel Sharon to the Temple Mount, which heightened tensions between Palestinians and Israelis.
3. Both intifadas involved various forms of resistance including protests, strikes, and confrontations with Israeli security forces, as well as acts of violence.
4. International attention and media coverage increased during both intifadas, which helped to raise awareness of the Palestinian struggle for rights and autonomy.
5. The outcomes of the intifadas led to shifts in both Israeli policy and Palestinian leadership dynamics, influencing peace negotiations and the ongoing conflict.

Review Questions

• What were the key events that led to the start of both intifadas, and how did these events reflect the broader issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
  • The first intifada was sparked by rising frustration over decades of occupation, with key events like protests against military rule and settlement expansion highlighting these grievances. The second intifada was ignited by Ariel Sharon's visit to a highly contested religious site, which intensified existing tensions. Both uprisings reflect deep-rooted issues of national identity, land rights, and human rights violations that have long fueled the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Analyze how international responses to the intifadas influenced Palestinian movements for self-determination and Israeli policies.
  • International responses to the intifadas included widespread media coverage and increased diplomatic pressure on Israel, leading to calls for peace negotiations. This scrutiny influenced Israel's approach to security and settlement policies while also impacting Palestinian leadership strategies. The Oslo Accords emerged as a direct consequence of these uprisings, aiming to address some grievances while still leaving many issues unresolved, which continued to fuel conflict.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the intifadas on contemporary Israeli-Palestinian relations and regional stability.
  • The long-term implications of the intifadas are profound, as they entrenched mutual distrust between Israelis and Palestinians. The escalations led to ongoing cycles of violence and retaliation that hinder peace processes. Furthermore, both uprisings contributed to a fragmented Palestinian political landscape and shifted global perspectives on the conflict, complicating efforts for resolution and impacting broader Middle Eastern dynamics by intertwining local struggles with geopolitical interests.

Related terms

Oslo Accords:

A series of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) aimed at achieving a peace process and establishing a framework for Palestinian self-governance.

PLO: The Palestine Liberation Organization, a political and paramilitary organization representing the Palestinian people, which seeks to establish an independent Palestinian state.

Occupied Territories: Regions, including the West Bank and Gaza Strip, that have been under Israeli military control since the Six-Day War in 1967, where Palestinians seek sovereignty and statehood.