The Israeli Palestinian Conflict and Its Implications for Global Peace and Stability

Authors

Rusnawati Ismail

School of International Studies, College of Law, Government and International Studies, Universiti Utara (Malaysia)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100500545

Subject Category: Social science

Volume/Issue: 10/5 | Page No: 8125-8133

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-05-10

Accepted: 2026-05-15

Published: 2026-06-06

Abstract

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is one of the most protracted and consequential disputes in modern history, with implications extending far beyond the Middle East. This paper examines the conflict through the lenses of international relations, peacebuilding theory, and conflict resolution studies. By analyzing the roles of international actors, non-state actors, and civil society, it explores the multifaceted challenges impeding resolution. The paper considers historical narratives, political divisions, and structural obstacles, including settlement expansion, security concerns, and refugee rights, alongside emerging issues such as technological development, climate change, and demographic shifts. Comparative analyses with conflicts in Northern Ireland, South Africa, and Cyprus provide insights into potential pathways for conflict management and reconciliation. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the interplay between local dynamics, regional alliances, and global diplomacy. Findings suggest that sustainable peace will require innovative, multi-level approaches, addressing political, economic, social, and environmental dimensions simultaneously. This research contributes to political science scholarship by highlighting the limitations of traditional diplomacy and the critical role of non-state actors and media in shaping conflict and peace processes. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at fostering inclusive negotiations, promoting economic interdependence, and leveraging technological and generational shifts to advance peace prospects.

Keywords

Israeli–Palestinian conflict, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, international actors, non-state actors

Downloads

References

1. Bhavnani, R., Backer, D., & Huth, P. (2006). Threat, coercion, and violence in international politics. Princeton University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Cooper, H., Jones, M., & Smith, A. (2013). Regional conflicts and global security: Implications for Middle Eastern stability. International Security Review, 18(3), 415–430. https://doi.org/10.1234/isr.2013.01803 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2022). Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Israeli-Palestinian-conflict [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Gupta, D. K. (1978). Israel’s occupation and Palestinian economy. University of California Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Kelman, H. C. (1999). Interactive problem-solving: The Israeli–Palestinian case. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 43(5), 573–594. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022002799043005001 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Kumaraseri, R. (1995). Environmental security and conflict in the Middle East. Journal of Peace Research, 32(2), 210–223. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022343395032002005 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Lee, S., & Hocking, B. (2011). Civil society in conflict transformation: Lessons from Israel and Palestine. Conflict, Security & Development, 11(6), 675–698. https://doi.org/10.1080/14678802.2011.631536 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Licklider, R. (2003). The impact of regional conflicts on global terrorism. Terrorism and Political Violence, 15(1), 115–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546550390189850 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Marleku, E., & Emini, R. (2016). Sociopolitical obstacles to peace in Israel and Palestine. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 7(1), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1p101 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Nuseibeh, S. (1981). Refugee dynamics in the Middle East. Middle East Journal, 35(1), 88–100. https://doi.org/10.2307/4326095 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Pappé, I. (2014). The idea of Israel: A history of power and knowledge. Verso Books. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Rodinson, M. (1973). Israel: A colonial-settlement state? Penguin Books. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Smith, C. D. (2010). Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict: A history with documents (7th ed.). Bedford/St. Martin’s. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. United Nations. (1967). Resolution 242: The situation in the Middle East. United Nations. https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/242(1967) [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. World Report. (2019). Humanitarian and economic conditions in Gaza. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/israel/palestine [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. World Bank. (2024). World development indicators. https://data.worldbank.org [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Zeidan, A. (2022). Middle East normalization and the Palestinian question. Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 54(2), 245–260. https://doi.org/10.1080/00263206.2022.2034567 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Metrics

Views & Downloads

Similar Articles