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 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.
On 9 April 1948, Irgun and Lehi forces attack Deir Yassin near Jerusalem and kill Palestinian inhabitants, including civilians.
ICRC delegate Jacques de Reynier enters the village on 11 April and describes bodies and survivors in his 13 April report. Early estimates differ and are not repeated here as a definitive death toll. This entry distinguishes the attack date from the humanitarian visit.
On 29 November 1947, the General Assembly adopts Resolution 181 (II), recommending Jewish and Arab states linked by an economic union.
Jerusalem is to have a special international regime. The Jewish leadership accepts the plan’s principle, while Palestinian Arab leaders reject it. The vote does not itself bring both states into existence; fighting intensifies in Palestine while it remains under the Mandate.
On 18 July 1947, British forces intercept Exodus, carrying more than 4,500 Jewish refugees, including Holocaust survivors, towards Palestine.
Passengers are subsequently sent back to Europe under British immigration restrictions. The episode exposes the plight of displaced people after the Nazi genocide. It occurs while the Mandate’s future and UN proposals are being debated.
