What’s Going on with Israel and Palestine, and How’d We Get Here?

Nearly two years ago, on October 7, 2023, Hamas militants broke through Israel’s border, killing 1,200 people, and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.  Israel immediately declared war.

It is just the latest conflict stemming from a millennia-old land dispute.

When did this start?

Back in Genesis, around 1700 BC, God promised Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan (modern Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, and parts of surrounding nations). Over centuries, various empires ruled the land; the Romans displaced the Jews and renamed it “Palestine,” and hundreds of years later (638 AD), Muslim armies conquered Jerusalem and generally controlled it for most of the next 1,400 years, until after WWII.

In 1947, the UN proposed a two-state solution: 56.5% of the land for a Jewish state, the rest for an Arab state, with Jerusalem as an international zone.  Jews accepted; Arab nations rejected (unhappy that Jews only represented around ⅓ of the population and were getting a majority land allotment).

What’s happened since 1947?

Multiple wars followed, and Israel slowly took control of more and more land designated for Palestine.

Today, Palestinians control only Gaza and parts of the West Bank.

Why is it so contentious?

This land holds deep spiritual significance for both sides, none more so than a specific holy site in Jerusalem.

For Muslims, it is the Dome of the Rock, where they believe Muhammad ascended into heaven.  For Jews, it is the Temple Mount where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac, which later became the Holy of Holies where God’s presence dwelled above the Ark of the Covenant.

Citing its spiritual significance, Hamas has declared “holy war” on Israel, vowing to destroy the country of Israel and reclaim all the land for Palestine.  Israel has, in turn, vowed to destroy Hamas.

Eternal Perspective

God has a peace plan.  It doesn’t need Israel’s or Hamas’s approval.  It doesn’t merely cover Gaza or even the Middle East.  It can’t be undone by rebels, and it won’t unravel decades later.

The Lord’s peace has been a done deal from the beginning of time, sealed with the death and resurrection of Jesus.  It’s global, it’s unending, and it’s open to all who would lay down their weapons.

“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not be afraid … Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when He lifts His voice.  The LORD of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold” (Psalm 46:1-2, 6-7).

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel