The First Intifada, also known as the First Palestinian Intifada, was a series of protests and acts of violence carried out by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. This uprising was in response to Israel’s occupation of the disputed territories, which occurred after the 1967 Arab-Israel War.
Timeline of the First Intifada
The First Intifada began in December 1987 and lasted until the Madrid Conference in 1991. The conference was a US diplomatic push to involve all parties in the conflict between Israel and the Arab countries and marked the end of the First Intifada.
Reasons for the First Intifada
The First Intifada was a response to Israel’s continued occupation of the Gaza Strip and West Bank and the growing frustration of the Palestinian population over their lack of political rights and freedoms. The occupation had resulted in the displacement of many Palestinians and restrictions on their movements, as well as the confiscation of their land and resources. These conditions led to widespread anger and disillusionment among the Palestinian population, and the First Intifada was an expression of their resistance against the occupation.
Impact of the First Intifada
The First Intifada had a significant impact on the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. The uprising brought the issue of the Israeli occupation to the forefront of international attention and forced the international community to take notice of the Palestinian struggle for independence and self-determination. The First Intifada also led to a shift in the political discourse surrounding the conflict, with many countries beginning to call for a more equitable solution that would address the rights and needs of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Followed by the Al-Aqsa Intifada (Second Intifada) The First Intifada was followed by the Al-Aqsa Intifada (Second Intifada), which was triggered in September 2000 and lasted until 2005. This uprising was characterized by a higher level of violence and witnessed the deaths of around 5,000 Palestinians and over 1,400 Israelis.
Key Takeaways
- The First Intifada, also known as the First Palestinian Intifada, was a series of protests and acts of violence carried out by Palestinians in response to Israel’s occupation of the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
- The First Intifada began in December 1987 and lasted until the Madrid Conference in 1991.
- The First Intifada was a result of the growing frustration and disillusionment of the Palestinian population over their lack of political rights and freedoms under the Israeli occupation.
- The First Intifada had a significant impact on the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, bringing the issue of the Israeli occupation to the forefront of international attention.
The First Intifada was followed by the Al-Aqsa Intifada (Second Intifada), which was characterized by a higher level of violence and lasted from September 2000 to 2005.
