On October 9, 2025, Hamas and Israel reached agreement on the first phase of a ceasefire deal. (The Guardian +2) In Gaza, Palestinians poured into streets in relief and jubilation, while Al Jazeera aired tributes to journalists who risked their lives covering a war that has left deep scars. This moment — hopeful as it is — does not emerge from a vacuum. The present conflict is the continuation of a century-long struggle rooted in competing national narratives, colonial legacies, displacement, and unresolved rights.
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A Century of Struggle: How We Got Here
The Early 20th Century & Rise of Nationalisms
In the late Ottoman era and early British Mandate, the territory known as “Palestine” was home to predominantly Arab populations — Muslim and Christian — along with smaller Jewish communities. Over time, two nationalist movements emerged: Arab Palestinian nationalism and Jewish Zionism, each laying claim to the same land. (Wikipedia +4)
Jewish immigration increased, especially as European antisemitism and persecution intensified. The Holocaust (1939–1945) deepened the push for a Jewish homeland, as survivors sought refuge and a safe national haven. (Wikipedia +2)
Partition, War & the Nakba of 1948
In 1947, the United Nations proposed partitioning Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by many Arab leaders. (United Nations +3)
When Israel declared statehood in 1948, war broke out between Israel and neighboring Arab states. An estimated 700,000 Palestinians were displaced or fled their homes in what Palestinians refer to as the Nakba (“catastrophe”). (United Nations +3) Israel took control of much of the territory allocated to the Arab state under the UN plan. (United Nations +3)
Wars, Occupation & the Continuing Conflict
In 1967, Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War — territories that remain central to the conflict today.(United Nations +3) Over decades, settlement expansions, military occupation, contested status of Jerusalem, restrictions on movement, and repeated rounds of violence have kept the region in turmoil. (Wikipedia +3)
Over the years, various peace efforts have been attempted — from the Oslo Accords in the 1990s to more recent proposals — yet a lasting resolution has remained elusive. (CRF Education +3)
The Recent Ceasefire & Its Significance
The 2025 ceasefire — which reached its initial agreement on October 9 — marks a moment of cautious optimism. (The Guardian+2) Under the accord, hostages would be exchanged, Israeli troops would withdraw to agreed lines, and humanitarian access would increase. (AP News +4) Palestinians celebrated in the streets of Gaza, even as challenges remain in ensuring full compliance and durability. (The Guardian +2)
Al Jazeera, during its broadcasts, thanked frontline journalists for their dedication, reminding viewers that even in war, stories must be told.
Yet even as we mark this moment, it is vital to remember: this is not the beginning — it is one chapter in a long, painful saga.
Reflection & Way Forward
- History matters. The current conflict is entangled with decades of dispossession, promises and broken agreements, shifting borders, and narratives of suffering and resilience.
- No side is monolithic. Within Palestinian society and Israeli society there are multiple voices — from moderates to hardliners, from peace activists to those calling for uncompromising resistance.
- Journalism is essential. In this conflict, facts are contested, voices are silenced, and media reporting shapes perception. Honoring independent journalism is honoring the possibility of truth.
For your readers, this post may be an entry point to further exploration — history books, UN archives, journalism from both sides. Let empathy and curiosity guide the journey.
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