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.
On 17 September 1970, Jordan’s army attacks Palestinian organizations’ positions, notably around Amman.
Fighting follows a crisis between the monarchy and armed groups, aggravated by aircraft hijackings. The confrontation and subsequent elimination of Palestinian bases in Jordan in 1971 shift the PLO’s military centre towards Lebanon.
On 21 March 1968, the Israeli army launches an operation against Karameh in Jordan, where Fatah has a base.
Jordanian forces and Palestinian fighters engage Israeli units, which withdraw after the fighting. The parties offer different interpretations of the military outcome. The battle becomes a landmark in Palestinian mobilization after the Arab defeat of 1967.
On 22 November 1967, the Security Council unanimously adopts Resolution 242 following the June war.
The text links withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories, termination of belligerency and every state’s right to live within secure and recognized boundaries. It also calls for a just settlement of the refugee problem. The extent of withdrawal becomes a subject of differing interpretations.
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.
