The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine is a book written by Rashid Khalidi, which provides an in-depth analysis of the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The book is divided into three parts, each of which focuses on a different period of the conflict. The first part covers the period from the late 19th century to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the second part covers the period from 1948 to the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, and the third part covers the period from the signing of the Oslo Accords to the present day.
Part 1: The Late 19th Century to 1948
The first part of the book provides a detailed analysis of the events that led up to the establishment of the state of Israel. Khalidi argues that the roots of the conflict can be traced back to the late 19th century, when European Jews began to immigrate to Palestine in large numbers. This immigration was encouraged by the Ottoman Empire, which saw it as a way to bolster its control over the region. However, the arrival of large numbers of Jewish immigrants led to tensions with the existing Arab population, which saw their land and resources being taken away from them.
Khalidi also discusses the role of the British in the region, which saw the establishment of the British Mandate for Palestine after World War I. The British supported the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine, which led to increasing tensions between the Jewish and Arab populations. These tensions culminated in the 1936-1939 Arab Revolt, which was a series of protests and uprisings against British and Jewish control.
Part 2: 1948 to the Oslo Accords
The second part of the book covers the period from the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 to the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993. Khalidi provides a detailed analysis of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which saw the creation of the state of Israel and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. He also discusses the ongoing tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors, which led to a series of wars and conflicts over the following decades.
Khalidi also discusses the role of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the conflict, which was established in 1964 to represent the interests of the Palestinian people. The PLO played a key role in the Palestinian struggle for independence, but its efforts were hampered by internal divisions and the opposition of the major Arab states.
Part 3: The Oslo Accords to the Present Day
The third part of the book covers the period from the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993 to the present day. Khalidi provides a detailed analysis of the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, which saw the establishment of the Palestinian Authority and the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, the peace process was hampered by ongoing tensions and conflicts, including the ongoing construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Khalidi also discusses the impact of the Arab Spring on the conflict, which saw the overthrow of several Arab regimes and the rise of new political forces. These changes have had a significant impact on the conflict, but it remains to be seen how they will ultimately affect the peace process.
Conclusion
The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine is a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Khalidi provides a nuanced and balanced analysis of the events that have shaped the conflict over the past century, and offers a series of proposals for how to move forward towards a just and lasting peace. Whether you are a casual reader or a scholar of the Middle East, this book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complex history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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