Monday, February 23, 2009

World Geography

THE PALESTINIAN DILEMMA-1947

The Arab Viewpoint
  • They lived in Palestine since the 6th century
  • They were afraid of Jewish immigration increase since 1880
  • During WWI, Arabs led to believe that British would support plan for all Arabs to have self-determination
  • In the Balfour Declaration, they stated their right to be left without a country would not be violated.
  • Believed in violence against the Jews

The Jewish Viewpoint

  • They have historical ties to Palestine also
  • Believed that the only way to end Jewish discrimination and oppression was to creat a Jewish state in their homeland
  • In the Balfour Declaration, it gave "mixed" messages because the British also supported the Jews
  • After the Holocaust of WWII, Jews belived that the homeless survivors must be allowed to return to Palestine

The United Nations Solution

  • Palestine was to partition into 2 states with Jerusalem designated an international city under UN control
  • Jewish land was to be more than half of Palestine
  • The Jews accepted; the Arabs did not because they did not want to lose land

The Results

  • Israel declared independence in 1948
  • Within 48 hours the Arab League countries joined Palestinian Arabs to attack Israel
  • Israel ended up gaining three fourths of Palestine
  • Jordan & Egypt divided the rest of Palestine
  • Palestinian Arabs are left without a country

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