Session 5

The History of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict (Continued)

hope-school-bethlehem-entranceBack to the film, beginning with the 1967 war, the resulting Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, through the 1987 Intifada. (Up to 30:34; about 3 minutes)

Discussion Questions: {Discussion time – about 10 minutes}

  • What are the facts of the 1967 war?
  • What were the results of this war?
  • Who are the displaced Palestinians?
  • What land becomes the Israeli occupied territory?
  • Why did the 1987 Intifada (“shaking off” in Arabic), uprising take place?
  • What was the Israeli government’s response?
  • How did the Israeli government treat the Palestinians during the Intifada?
  • What were the casualty statistics?

Back to the film, beginning at the sound of Clinton’s voice, and continuing to Abdel Jawad, injured and lying in bed (up to 40:03, almost 10 minutes),

Discussion Questions: {Discussion time – about 20 minutes)

  • In what ways after the Oslo Peace Agreement in 1993 did life under Israeli occupation become even worse for the Palestinians?
  • What are the facts that indicate the worsening of the Israeli occupation for Palestinians?
  • What were the many problems that resulted because of the Oslo Peace Process?
  • Why is the notion of a Palestinian government (in the form of the Palestinian Authority) under Israeli occupation an absurd idea?
  • While the film doesn’t quite say, why do you think Hamas became the newly elected Palestinian government in 2006?
  • What were some of the different things that were happening during the so-called “peace process” that would have discouraged Palestinians about Oslo?
  • How do you understand the Israeli settlements?
  • What is the impact of the settlements on Palestinian life?
  • What is the reality of Palestinian life in Hebron?

D. Concluding the study of history
Provide participants with copies of “A Timeline of the Israeli-Arab Conflict.” If time permits, you may wish to refer participants to the year 2000, the Second Intifada, which lasted until 2005. It was during this time suicide bombing began, a violent form of resistance that had not existed in past acts of resistance. Also refer to 2003, the Road Map, the same guidelines that are often referred to within the Obama administration.

You may want to direct participants to any other events on the timeline.

Participants can use this timeline for reviewing specific events in the history of the conflict.
PREPARATION FOR SESSIONS 6 & 7

At the end of Session 5, pass out copies of “Preparations for Sessions 6 & 7” to participants. Explain that these copies provide an explanation of what they are being asked to do before the group meets for Session 6.

 

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