Israel-Palestine Conflict and the Gaza Strip
International Relations & Places in News › Places in the News – Conflict Zones and Geopolitical Hotspots · Topic 13.2
The Israel-Palestine conflict is the long-running dispute between Israel and the Palestinians over land, statehood, borders, Jerusalem, refugees and security. It dates to the UN Partition Plan of 1947, the creation of Israel in 1948 and the occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza after the 1967 war. The Gaza Strip, a coastal territory of about 365 square kilometres and over two million people, has been governed by Hamas since 2007. After the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people, Israel launched a war in Gaza that caused very large civilian casualties. A US-brokered ceasefire began on 10 October 2025, and a second phase with a Board of Peace was announced in January 2026.
5 min read · UPSC Prelims · International Relations · Places in the News – Conflict Zones and Geopolitical Hotspots
At a Glance
- Partition Plan UNGA Resolution 181, 1947
- Gaza About 365 sq km; Hamas since 2007
- 7 October 2023 Hamas attack; war began
- Ceasefire 10 October 2025
- India’s stand Two-state solution
- Exam link UPSC Prelims, International Relations: Places in the News – Conflict Zones and Geopolitical Hotspots
Where Does It Fit?
This is the second topic of the macro on places in the news. The Gaza war is among the most examined conflicts, and India’s balanced stand and its voting record are common themes. Previous topic: Russia-Ukraine Conflict. Next topic: Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman Between Iran (north) and Oman (south) Narrowest width About 33 km Oil…">Strait of Hormuz Lebanon Truce…">Israel-Hamas and Regional West Asia Tensions.
What Is the Background?
- The Gaza Strip: it was under Egyptian administration from 1948 to 1967, then under Israeli occupation, and became partly self-governing under the Palestinian Authority after Oslo.
- 1947 to 1949: the UN General Assembly proposed partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states in 1947. Israel was declared in May 1948, and the first Arab-Israeli war followed.
- 1967: in the Six-Day War Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, the Sinai and the Golan Heights. UN Security Council Resolution 242 called for withdrawal from territories occupied.
- Oslo Accords: 1993 and 1995 agreements created the Palestinian Authority and a framework for a two-state solution, which has not been completed.
- Gaza: Israel withdrew settlers and troops from Gaza in 2005. Hamas won elections in 2006 and took control in 2007, after which Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade.
- Core issues: borders, the status of Jerusalem, Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Palestinian refugees and security.
What Has Happened Since 2023?
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 7 October 2023 | Hamas and other groups attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Israel began a military campaign in Gaza |
| 2024 | The ICJ ordered Israel in South Africa’s genocide case to prevent acts of genocide and later issued an advisory opinion on the occupation. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders in November 2024 |
| Humanitarian crisis | Gaza’s health authorities reported tens of thousands of deaths, and the UN warned of famine conditions, with most of the population displaced |
| 10 October 2025 | A ceasefire under a US plan came into effect, with a hostage-prisoner exchange. The UN Security Council endorsed the plan in November 2025 |
| January 2026 | The US announced the second phase, a Board of Peace chaired by President Trump and a Palestinian technocratic committee, with an International Stabilisation Force planned |
| Later 2026 | Reports describe an uneasy ceasefire, with violence continuing, disarmament of Hamas unresolved, and slow deployment of the force. Check recent news |
What Else Should You Remember?
- UNRWA: the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees was founded in 1949 and serves registered refugees, but Israel has banned it and made allegations against some staff. India contributes to it.
- Recognition: in 2024 and 2025 several countries, including Spain, Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, France and Canada, recognised the State of Palestine. India recognised it in 1988.
- Abraham Accords: normalisation of ties between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan in 2020.
- Rafah and corridors: aid enters through crossings with Israel and Egypt, with the Rafah crossing a key route.
- West Bank: settlement expansion and violence continue, and the ICJ’s 2024 opinion said the occupation is unlawful.
What Is India’s Position?
- Two-state solution: India supports a negotiated settlement leading to a sovereign, independent, viable State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in secure borders.
- Condemned terrorism: India condemned the 7 October attack as terrorism and also called for restraint and protection of civilians.
- UN votes: India abstained on an October 2023 UN General Assembly resolution for a humanitarian truce, because it did not mention Hamas, and voted for a December 2023 resolution for an immediate ceasefire.
- Aid: India sent humanitarian aid, medicines and relief supplies to Gaza, and contributes to UNRWA.
- Balancing: India has defence and technology ties with Israel and large energy, trade and diaspora interests in the Arab world, as in India-Israel Defence Cooperation.
As an analytical point, India’s stand combines support for Palestinian statehood with a security partnership with Israel. It stresses humanitarian relief and a political settlement, while protecting the safety of the large Indian community in West Asia.
Why Is This Topic Important?
- Facts Dates and agreements asked
- India Two-state stand and votes
- News Ceasefire and Board of Peace
What Came Next?
The next topic covers Israel-Hamas and regional West Asia tensions. Next topic: Israel-Hamas and Regional West Asia Tensions.
Key People and Terms
- Two-state solution Israel and Palestine side by side
- Oslo Accords 1993 and 1995 peace framework
- UNRWA UN agency for Palestinian refugees
- Board of Peace 2026 body for Gaza’s future
- Hamas Group governing Gaza since 2007
- Stabilisation Force Planned security force for Gaza
Exam Corner
Points to Remember
- Partition Plan: 1947; Israel declared in 1948.
- Hamas controls Gaza since 2007.
- Attack on 7 October 2023.
- Ceasefire: 10 October 2025.
- India recognised Palestine in 1988.
Do Not Confuse With
- Gaza and West Bank Hamas-run strip versus Palestinian Authority territory
- PLO and Hamas Recognised representative versus governing group in Gaza
- Oslo and Abraham Accords Israel-Palestinian framework versus Israel-Arab normalisation
Memory Hook
Forty-seven partition, forty-eight Israel; sixty-seven occupation, ninety-three Oslo; seven the Hamas rule, 7 October triggered the war.
Mains Angle
Questions ask about the conflict and India’s balanced policy. These points add depth.
- Roots Land and statehood
- War Gaza humanitarian crisis
- India Two states and balance
A Question You May Face
An original practice question, not a past paper question.
“Discuss the evolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict and India’s policy toward West Asia in the light of the Gaza war.”
How to Answer
- Roots 1947 to Oslo.
- Gaza war 2023 to 2025.
- Settlement Ceasefire, Board of Peace.
- India Two states, balance.
GS Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gaza Strip?
The Gaza Strip is a narrow coastal territory of about 365 square kilometres between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea, home to over two million Palestinians. Hamas has governed it since 2007, and it was the centre of the war that began after the attack on 7 October 2023.
What is India's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict?
India supports a two-state solution with a sovereign, independent and viable Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security. It condemned the 7 October attack as terrorism, calls for humanitarian access and a ceasefire, and maintains relations with both Israel and Palestine.
When did the Gaza ceasefire begin?
A ceasefire in Gaza under a US-brokered plan took effect on 10 October 2025, with an exchange of hostages and prisoners. In January 2026 the second phase was announced with a Board of Peace and a planned stabilisation force, though violence and disarmament issues remained.
What is UNRWA?
The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East was set up in 1949 to provide education, health and relief to registered Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. India contributes funds to it, while Israel has restricted its operations.
What are the Oslo Accords?
The Oslo Accords were agreements signed in 1993 and 1995 between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization that created the Palestinian Authority and set a path to negotiate a permanent settlement. The process of building a two-state solution has not been completed.
PYQ Practice — Statement Analysis
1 The Hamas attack on Israel took place on 7 October 2023.
It began the Gaza war.
2 India supports a two-state solution.
Palestine and Israel side by side.
3 Hamas has governed Gaza since 2007.
After the 2006 elections.
4 India has never recognised Palestine.
It did so in 1988.
Past Mains Questions on This Topic
This topic comes under Places in the News – Conflict Zones and Geopolitical Hotspots. UPSC Mains questions asked on the matching syllabus topic, year-wise with marks:
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