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 28 September 2000, Ariel Sharon visits Jerusalem’s Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif; ensuing demonstrations and violence mark the beginning of the second Intifada.
Escalation follows the failure of Camp David. It develops into armed clashes, Palestinian attacks against civilians and Israeli military operations. The visit is an immediate trigger, not a sufficient explanation of all the uprising’s causes.
On 25 July 2000, the Camp David summit involving Bill Clinton, Ehud Barak and Yasser Arafat ends without a final-status agreement.
Talks opened on 11 July address the conflict’s central issues. Accounts differ over responsibility for failure; the absence of a deal should not be presented as proof that only one side rejected all peace.
On 4 November 1995, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin is assassinated in Tel Aviv by Yigal Amir, an Israeli extremist opposed to the Oslo process.
The attack follows a peace rally. Shimon Peres succeeds him as head of government. The assassination strikes the leader who committed Israel to agreements with the PLO; its political consequences do not prove that a final peace would otherwise have been certain.
On 28 September 1995, Israel and the PLO sign the interim agreement known as Oslo II in Washington.
Areas A, B and C distribute civil and security powers differently: Palestinian in A, Palestinian civil powers with separate security responsibilities in B, and predominantly Israeli in C. This transitional division does not establish Palestinian state borders.
On 26 October 1994, Israel and Jordan sign a peace treaty at their border in Bill Clinton’s presence.
The agreement establishes normal relations and addresses security, water and borders. It forms part of the diplomatic momentum following Oslo. Peace between these states does not settle final-status negotiations between Israel and the PLO.
On 4 May 1994, Israel and the PLO sign the agreement on Gaza and the Jericho area in Cairo.
It organizes transfers of powers and Israeli redeployment in the relevant areas, together with Palestinian Authority institutions. These interim powers remain limited by the agreement; they do not constitute sovereignty over all occupied territories.
On 25 February 1994, Israeli settler Baruch Goldstein opens fire on Palestinians praying in the Ibrahimi Mosque at Hebron’s Tomb of the Patriarchs.
The cited sources record 29 worshippers killed and many wounded. Yitzhak Rabin condemns the attack. The Security Council subsequently adopts Resolution 904 calling for measures to protect Palestinian civilians.
On 13 September 1993, Israel and the PLO sign the Declaration of Principles on interim self-government in Washington after secret negotiations in Norway.
The text envisages a transitional period and permanent-status negotiations. Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, borders and security remain to be negotiated. The ceremony therefore does not constitute a final settlement of the conflict.
On 9 September 1993, Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin exchange commitments ahead of the Oslo declaration’s signing.
The PLO recognizes Israel’s right to exist in peace and security and renounces terrorism. Israel recognizes the PLO as representative of the Palestinian people. This is not Israeli recognition of a Palestinian state.
On 30 October 1991, a peace conference opens in Madrid under US and Soviet sponsorship.
Israel meets Arab delegations and a joint Jordanian–Palestinian delegation. The PLO has no official seat. The conference opens bilateral and multilateral talks without itself producing an Israeli–Palestinian peace agreement.
On 15 November 1988, the Palestine National Council proclaims the State of Palestine during its Algiers session.
The declaration affirms the Palestinian people’s right to independence and invokes UN resolutions. The General Assembly acknowledges it on 15 December through Resolution 43/177. Proclamation and diplomatic recognition do not end occupation of the Palestinian territories.
