In May 1948, Israel was declared a state by David Ben-Gurion, establishing a homeland for Jews. This event led to the exodus of 700,000 Palestinians, who refer to this period as the Nakba, or "catastrophe," marking the start of deep-seated conflict. (Image source: Reuters)
Following Israel’s creation, five Arab nations launched a war against the new state. Armistice agreements were signed in 1949, but the conflict left hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced across the region. (Image source: Reuters)
In 1967, Israel launched a preemptive strike, capturing the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula. This marked the beginning of Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. (Image source: Reuters)
The first Intifada erupted in 1987, followed by a second in 2000, both marked by widespread protests and violence as Palestinians sought to resist Israeli occupation. Suicide bombings and Israeli military retaliation fuelled the conflict. (Image source: Reuters)
After Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, Hamas took control in 2007, leading to a blockade. Since then, several wars have erupted between Israel and Hamas, with civilians on both sides suffering immensely. (Image source: Reuters)
In 2006, a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon erupted, further destabilizing the region. The war caused widespread destruction in Lebanon and casualties on both sides. (Image source: Reuters)
Israeli settlements in the West Bank, considered illegal under international law, have expanded since 1967. These settlements are a major point of contention and seen as a threat to a two-state solution. (Image source: Reuters)
Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital, with Palestinians seeking East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state. The status of the city remains one of the most sensitive issues in the conflict. (Image source: Reuters)