Israel/Palestine

Question 1

Fatah

Answer 1

• political and military organization of Arab Palestinians
• founded in 1950s with aim of taking Palestine from Israeli control through guerrilla warfare
• by end of 60s, took control of PLO

Question 2

Hamas

Answer 2

• militant fundamentalists Islamic group
• seeks to replace Israel with a Palestinian state
• charter calls for distraction of Israel

Question 3

Gaza Strip

Answer 3

• strip of land surrounded by Israel - populated by Palestinians
• governed by Hamas
• takeover prompted Israeli blockade of the flow of goods to Gaza

Question 4

West Bank

Answer 4

• land east of Israel
• home to 2.0 million Palestinians
• Israel has controlled bank since six-day war
• Palestinians unhappy about Israeli authority

Question 5

Zionism

Answer 5

• Israel’s national ideology
• believe Judaism is a nationality and a religion, jews deserve own state
• Arabs see it as colonialism and racism

Question 6

US/Israel Relations

Answer 6

• American support for Israel is massive
- billions in aid
- reliable diplomatic backing
• during cold war - Israel became buffer zone against soviet influence in middle east
• alliance came in 1973, when US aid helped save Israel from Arab invasion
• some suggest it is common interest in fighting jihadism

Question 7

PLO

Answer 7

• Palestine Liberation Organization
- national rep of Palestine people
• Fatah controls PLO
• runs gov’ in West Bank and Gaza

Question 8

Two-State Solution

Answer 8

• would create an independent Israel & Palestine
• Both want to run countries differently
-only solution that satisfies everyone

Question 9

One-State Solution

Answer 9

• would merge Israel, West Bank, and Gaza strip into one country
• 2 versions
I. Create a single demographic, Arab muslims outnumber Jews

II. Involve annexing West Bank and forcing out Palestinians or denying right to vote

Question 10

Yasser Aarafat

Answer 10

• 1st president of Palestinian National Authority
• co-founded Al-Fatah
• chairman of PLO
• In late 80s he altered position
- recognized Israel as a stare a supported peace
- led to Oslo Accords in 93, established negotiations

Question 11

Settlements

Answer 11

• communities of Jews that have begun moving to West Bank
• some move for religious reasons, others to claim WB as Israeli land
• major impediment to peace
• military occupation requires to defend them makes it difficult for Palestinians