This dossier traces the modern origins and major stages of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict from the late nineteenth century to today: national movements, the British Mandate, Israel’s creation and the Nakba, wars, occupation and settlements, Palestinian mobilization, peace efforts, political divisions, humanitarian crises and international proceedings. Each published occurrence includes its sources and distinguishes established facts, attributed statements and judicial findings. The timeline needs further detail on local settlement developments, some regional episodes and negotiations; it does not claim to catalogue every incident.
As of 4 November 2026, the dossier contains 109 dated occurrences beginning in 1882. Following the ceasefire that took effect on 10 October 2025 and the release of the last twenty living Israeli hostages on 13 October, entries for October and November 2026 document continuing strikes and severe humanitarian difficulties in Gaza. Recent UN reports address displacement, access to health care and waste collection. Casualty figures remain attributed to their sources, with verification limits stated. The West Bank situation and regional developments require more detailed coverage.
From 5 to 10 June 1967, Israel fights Egypt, Jordan and Syria and occupies the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza.
Israel also captures Egypt’s Sinai and Syria’s Golan Heights. The war follows a crisis involving withdrawal of the UN force and Egypt’s closure of the Straits of Tiran. For Palestinians it opens a new phase of occupation and displacement, distinct from the 1948 Nakba.
On 28 May 1964, the first Palestine National Council opens in East Jerusalem under Ahmed Shukeiri.
The meeting adopts a national charter and establishes the Palestine Liberation Organization, following an Arab summit decision. The PLO becomes a framework for Palestinian representation and mobilization; its creation is distinct from that of the Palestinian Authority under the Oslo process thirty years later.
On 29 October 1956, Israel launches its offensive against Egypt; British and French forces subsequently intervene in the Suez crisis.
Israel occupies Sinai and the Gaza Strip. The operation follows secret coordination among the three powers after Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalizes the canal. International pressure leads to a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal in 1957.
On the night of 14–15 October 1953, Israeli forces attack Qibya, a West Bank village then under Jordanian control.
The reprisal operation destroys numerous homes and kills civilians. UN findings lead the Security Council to censure the attack. The episode forms part of the cycle of infiltration, attacks and reprisals following the 1948 war.
On 24 April 1950, Jordan’s parliament formalizes the union of both banks of the Jordan, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem under Jordanian control since the war.
The measure is commonly described as annexation and lacks general international recognition. It does not establish a Palestinian state. Gaza remains separately administered by Egypt until the changes imposed by the 1967 war.
On 8 December 1949, the General Assembly establishes UNRWA through Resolution 302 (IV) to organize relief and works programmes for Palestine refugees.
The agency begins operations on 1 May 1950. Its humanitarian mission responds to the crisis created by the 1948 war; it does not resolve refugees’ political status or claims concerning return and lost property.
On 24 February 1949, Israel and Egypt sign an armistice, the first in a series of agreements with neighbouring states through July.
Agreements follow with Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. The armistice lines, often called the Green Line, are not final peace borders. Israel controls more territory than envisaged by the 1947 partition plan; no Palestinian Arab state emerges in the remaining area.
On 11 December 1948, the General Assembly adopts Resolution 194 (III), establishing a conciliation commission for Palestine.
Paragraph 11 calls for refugees wishing to return home and live at peace with their neighbours to be allowed to do so at the earliest practicable date. It also provides for compensation for those not returning and for losses or damage. Adoption does not amount to implementation of these provisions.
On 17 September 1948, UN mediator Folke Bernadotte and French observer André Sérot are assassinated in Jerusalem.
The UN mission attributes the assassination to members of Lehi, a Zionist paramilitary group. The attack strikes an international mediation effort during the war and underscores the risks facing attempts to secure a truce.
On 15 May 1948, intervention by Arab armies widens the war in former Mandatory Palestine following Israel’s proclamation.
During the 1948 war, more than 700,000 Palestinians flee or are expelled from their homes: this exodus and destruction of their society constitute the Nakba. Displacement begins before 15 May and continues afterward; it is not a one-day event. Gaza comes under Egyptian administration and the West Bank under Jordanian control.
On 14 May 1948, David Ben-Gurion proclaims the establishment of the State of Israel as the British Mandate ends.
The United States recognizes the provisional government that day. The proclamation follows months of fighting between Jewish and Palestinian Arab forces and precedes the entry of Arab armies into the former Mandate territory. It settles neither the refugee question nor final borders.
