AN ASSESSMENT ON THE USE OF DIPLOMACY IN RESOLVING THE ISRAELI PALESTINIAN CRISIS.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

International diplomacy encompasses the process of engaging in discussions between sovereign states, with the primary objective of fostering harmonious cohabitation, fostering collaboration, and facilitating the amicable settlement of disputes. Conflicts are a prevalent characteristic within the realm of international diplomacy, necessitating the use of proficient conflict resolution tactics for their resolution. The protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict has persisted for many decades, leading to significant human suffering and casualties (Centre for Preventive Action, 2023). The ongoing conflict pertains to a protracted territorial dispute between Israel and Palestine, whereby both parties claim their rightful possession over the same geographical area. Despite the concerted efforts made by the international community to address the conflict, a resolution has yet to be achieved, resulting in a persistent state of violence and enduring human misery. This scholarly article investigates the conflict resolution tactics used by the global community in the process of settling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (Centre for Preventive Action, 2023). The Israeli-Palestinian conflict originated in the late 19th century with the arrival of Jewish immigrants who started to establish settlements in Palestine, which was then under the control of the Ottoman Empire. Following the conclusion of World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to administer Palestine, with the objective of facilitating the establishment of a Jewish state. The partition proposal endorsed by the United Nations in 1947 aimed to establish distinct Jewish and Arab governments within the region of Palestine. Nevertheless, the proposal encountered opposition from the Arab governments, ultimately resulting in the commencement of the first Arab-Israeli conflict in 1948 (Emanuel & Fabian, 2023). The conflict resulted in Israel emerging as a sovereign nation-state, having achieved victory in the war, while a significant number of Palestinians were forcibly expelled, subsequently assuming the status of refugees. The protracted conflict has persisted for many decades, characterised by intermittent episodes of violence and unsuccessful efforts at diplomatic resolution. The battle has been motivated by a multitude of issues, including geographical conflicts, religious and historical grudges, as well as the mutual reluctance to acknowledge one another's authority. Both Israeli and Palestinian factions have used violent means in their pursuit of objectives, resulting in substantial casualties, extensive property damage, and profound human distress.

The international community has actively engaged in endeavours to address the conflict, using several strategies with the objective of attaining a sustainable peace accord. The mediation of the dispute has been facilitated by many regional and international entities, such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States. Nevertheless, despite concerted attempts, the resolution of this dispute has proven to be mainly elusive, resulting in a persistent state of violence. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has broader ramifications for the stability and security of the area, perhaps leading to spill-over repercussions on adjacent nations. According to Emma and Ben (2023), the ongoing war has impeded economic progress and compromised the potential for a harmonious and successful future for both Israeli and Palestinian populations. The comprehension of conflict resolution tactics adopted by the international community is of utmost importance in the development of efficient conflict resolution mechanisms in the realm of international diplomacy, considering the intricate and intractable nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Therefore, the study assess the use of diplomacy in resolving the Israeli Palestinian crisis.

1.2       Statement of the problem

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is widely seen as a very lengthy and intractable conflict on the global stage, posing a substantial challenge to the field of international diplomacy (Centre for Preventive Action, 2023). Despite the concerted efforts made by the international community to address the war, it has endured, resulting in substantial casualties, extensive property damage, and profound human distress. The conflict is characterised by a dearth of trust among the various parties, longstanding historical and religious grudges, and conflicts over territory claims. The persistent violence and unresolved nature of the war have had detrimental effects on the stability of the area, impeding economic progress and diminishing the likelihood of achieving sustainable peace. The problem, therefore, is how to effectively resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through peaceful negotiations and preventfurther loss of life and suffering.

1.3       Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the use of diplomacy in resolving the Israeli Palestinian crisis. The specific objectives is as follows

i.                    To explore the background of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its historical, political, and social contexts.

ii.                  To identify the key actors involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and their interests, concerns, and grievances.

iii.                To analyze the various conflict resolution mechanisms employed by the international community in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

1.4       Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study

i.          What is the background of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its historical, political, and social contexts?

ii.        Who are the key actors involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and their interests, concerns, and grievances?

iii.      What are the various conflict resolution mechanisms employed by the international community in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

1.5       Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be significant to the international community as it will expose them on the need to look into the root cause of the  Israeli and palestinians and proffer a long lasting solutions to the problem so as not to spread to the entire middle east.

The findings of the study will be ignificant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6       Scope of the study

The study focuses on  the use of diplomacy in resolving the Israeli Palestinian crisis. Hence, the study will will explore the background of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its historical, political, and social contexts, identify the key actors involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and their interests, concerns, and grievances and analyze the various conflict resolution mechanisms employed by the international community in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

1.7       Research Methodology

Research methodology deals with the different ways or methods the researcher applied in order to carry out the research as well as the instrument used for gathering the data. There are several research methodologies appropriate for answering the research questions. The type of research methodology used in this research to gather data and relevant information is the historical research and the study will adopt descriptive method of data collection. This will involve the collection of materials from secondary sources, such as books, journal articles, magazines, internet sources, international and national conference proceedings, published and unpublished articles.

1.8       Definition of terms

Diplomacy: the profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations, typically by a country's representatives abroad.