Second Intifada

Definition

The Second Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, was a period of intensified Israeli-Palestinian violence that began in September 2000 and lasted until around 2005. It was marked by widespread protests, violent clashes, and significant casualties on both sides, leading to a breakdown in the peace process initiated in the 1990s. This uprising arose from a culmination of frustrations over Israeli occupation and lack of progress in peace negotiations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Intifada began following Ariel Sharon's visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which incited widespread anger among Palestinians and sparked mass protests.
2. Unlike the First Intifada, which was characterized by civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance, the Second Intifada involved more violent confrontations and military actions from both sides.
3. During the Second Intifada, over 4,000 Palestinians and more than 1,000 Israelis were killed, highlighting the severe toll of the conflict on both communities.
4. The Second Intifada led to a significant increase in Israeli military presence in Palestinian territories and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
5. The failure to achieve a lasting peace agreement during this period contributed to deepening mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians and has had long-lasting impacts on subsequent relations.

Review Questions

• What were the primary causes of the Second Intifada, and how did they differ from those of the First Intifada?
  • The primary causes of the Second Intifada included frustration over continued Israeli occupation, stalled peace negotiations, and specific provocations such as Ariel Sharon's visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Unlike the First Intifada, which focused on civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance, the Second Intifada saw increased violence and militarization, with Palestinian armed groups engaging in attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.
• Discuss how the Second Intifada affected peace initiatives that were previously underway between Israelis and Palestinians.
  • The Second Intifada severely disrupted peace initiatives that had been established during the Oslo Accords in the 1990s. As violence escalated, trust deteriorated between both parties, making negotiations increasingly difficult. The ongoing violence led to a hardening of positions on both sides; Israel adopted more stringent security measures while Palestinian leadership faced internal divisions. This shift effectively halted any progress towards a two-state solution and left both populations feeling more entrenched in their respective narratives.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Second Intifada on Israeli-Palestinian relations and future peace efforts.
  • The long-term consequences of the Second Intifada include deepened animosity and mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians, making future reconciliation efforts even more challenging. The violence led to radicalization among segments of both populations; for Palestinians, it increased support for militant groups like Hamas, while many Israelis became more supportive of hardline security policies. These dynamics have hindered subsequent peace processes, contributing to a cycle of violence that continues to impact efforts for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Related terms

Oslo Accords: A set of agreements reached in the 1990s aimed at achieving a peace treaty between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which ultimately failed to meet expectations.

Hamas:

A Palestinian Islamist political organization and militant group that emerged during the First Intifada, which played a significant role during the Second Intifada by opposing Israeli control.

Peace Process: The ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including negotiations for a two-state solution, which were heavily impacted by the violence of the Second Intifada.