What is an intifada? Easily explained
Hamas has called for a new intifada after Trump presented his Israeli plans. Our definition of an intifada shows you the effects this has on Israel and Palestine.
Intifada: definition of uprisings in the Israel-Palestine conflict
The term intifada stands for the Palestinian uprisings against Israel. In Arabic, the term "intifada" means "to rise". There has been an intifada three times in the past 30 years. Hamas leader Ismail Hanijeh proclaimed the third intifada on December 7 after US President Donald Trump arbitrarily recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. However, the Palestinians also claim part of Jerusalem.
- The term intifada was coined in 1987 by the Palestinian uprising against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The fierce fighting and terror in both areas were only largely ended in 1993 by the Oslo Agreement. This was followed by further negotiations on the areas in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Palestinians claim the entire West Bank and East Jerusalem, Israel all of Jerusalem and large parts of the West Bank.
- In September 2000 there was a second intifada between the police, the Israeli army and the Palestinians. The World Security Council accused Israel of disproportionate use of weapons. There were more than 20, 000 attacks before an armistice was agreed in 2005.
- On December 7, 2017, Hamas leader Ismail Hanijeh called for the third intifada. Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that he would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and have a US embassy built. This has met with fierce criticism internationally as Israel and Palestine have been negotiating a two-state solution for years.
Third intifada: what does that mean?
- So far, a two-state solution had been negotiated, but the United States has given Israel the entire city of Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of a "historic day", the Palestinians went on the barricades and announced an intifada.
- Israel immediately increased its military presence in the West Bank after Trump's announcement and sent additional soldiers to the border with the Palestinian Territories. Politicians in many countries are now warning that the Middle East conflict will flare up again.
- Harakat Hizbullah, supported by Iran, warns the United States that this move is a legitimate reason for them to attack US troops in Iraq. The Iraqi government, Saudi Arabia and other countries have meanwhile urged the United States to withdraw its decision. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned Trump's decision: There was "no alternative to the two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital" of both states. The negotiations can only be conducted directly between the two parties, Guterres said.
Background: How did the Middle East conflict develop?
President Trump not only causes unrest worldwide with his decrees, he also quickly ignites conflicts with other countries on Twitter. A Twitter employee has therefore blocked his Twitter account.