The First Intifada(1987-1993)
The First Intifada, which began in December 1987, was the result of various factors and events that led to an outburst of Palestinian public anger. Key causes include:
1. **Ongoing Israeli Occupation**: The occupation began in 1967 after the Six-Day War, with Israel occupying the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
2. **Settlement Expansion**: The construction of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories increased tensions between Palestinians and Israelis.
3. **Israeli Repression**: Repressive policies by Israeli authorities against Palestinians, including arbitrary arrests, home demolitions, and economic restrictions.
4. **The Al-Labd Bridge Incident**: In December 1987, an Israeli truck collided with a Palestinian vehicle, resulting in the deaths of four Palestinians. This incident was the spark that ignited the Intifada.
**Key Events:**
- **Strikes and Demonstrations**: Widespread protests and demonstrations erupted throughout the occupied territories, involving various segments of Palestinian society.
- **Clashes with the Israeli Army**: Clashes between Palestinian protesters and the Israeli military intensified, leading to many casualties.
- **Emergence of Hamas**: During the Intifada, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) emerged as a key player in the Palestinian scene.
The Second Intifada (2000-2005)
The Second Intifada, or Al-Aqsa Intifada, erupted in September 2000 following a visit by Ariel Sharon, the former Israeli Prime Minister, to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This visit angered Palestinians, who saw it as a provocation of their religious sentiments.
1. **Failure of Camp David Talks**: The failure of the peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis at Camp David in July 2000 led to widespread frustration among Palestinians due to the lack of a final resolution.
2. **Sharon's Visit to Al-Aqsa**: Sharon’s visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque on September 28, 2000, was seen by Palestinians as provocative.
3. **Escalating Violence**: The Israeli military's use of excessive force against Palestinian demonstrations led to increased violence.
**Key Events:**
- **Intense Clashes**: The Second Intifada saw more intense clashes compared to the First Intifada, with increased use of weapons.
- **Suicide Attacks**: Palestinian factions, particularly Hamas and Islamic Jihad, carried out numerous suicide attacks within Israel.
- **The Separation Barrier**: Israel began constructing the separation barrier in the West Bank as part of its efforts to reduce Palestinian attacks.
Conclusion
The two Palestinian Intifadas were driven by a long history of grievances and tensions due to the occupation and Israeli policies. The First Intifada was an expression of public anger against the occupation, while the Second Intifada resulted from the failure of the peace process and Israeli provocations. Both Intifadas marked significant turning points in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and their impact continues to be felt today.