Policy & Advocacy
Backgrounder on Israel and Palestine, September 2015
Background on Israel and Palestine, September 2015
The Holy Land is of deep spiritual importance to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, but decades of conflict have produced severe humanitarian, political, and social strain. U.S. diplomacy, including Secretary Kerry’s efforts, pushed for Israeli–Palestinian talks that ultimately collapsed after nine months amid mutual provocations and policy disputes.
Collapse of negotiations and renewed fighting
- Triggers: Settlement expansion, Israel’s cancellation of a planned prisoner release, Palestine’s accession to multiple UN treaties, and the formation of a Hamas–Fatah unity government undermined talks in April 2014.
- Summer 2014 war: A series of kidnappings, retaliatory arrests and searches, and the murder of youths escalated into full hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza and a large Israeli military response.
- Casualties: Over 2,100 Palestinians (predominantly civilians) died in the roughly 90-day conflict, along with 66 Israeli soldiers and 6 Israeli civilians. A ceasefire of August 26th 2014 has largely held but left deep wounds.
Humanitarian and socioeconomic impacts
- Gaza crisis: Repeated military operations plus an eight-year blockade devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and economy; a UN report warned Gaza could become uninhabitable by 2020 if trends continued.
- Poverty and displacement: Blockade, damage, and restrictions on movement have driven unemployment, poverty, and pressure on Christian and other communities to emigrate.
- Services under strain: Catholic schools faced funding cuts and tuition caps; Israeli policies like the separation barrier threaten livelihoods and community institutions (example: Cremisan Valley ruling affecting Christian families near Bethlehem).
Settlements, barriers, and mobility restrictions
- Separation barrier and settlements: Barrier routing, settlement expansion, travel restrictions, and Gaza’s blockade were identified as drivers of desperation that fuel violence and undermine a two-state solution.
- Local impacts: Land confiscations, restricted access to agricultural and recreational areas, and separation of institutions from communities intensify economic and social pressures.
Political and legal developments
- Palestine and the ICC: In January 2015 Palestine sought membership in the International Criminal Court, enabling complaints against Israel; the U.S. government criticized the move as counterproductive.
- U.S. response risks: Some U.S. legislators proposed punitive measures, including halting $400 million in Palestinian aid, which the report warns would have severe humanitarian and security consequences and could undermine PA–Israel coordination.
USCCB position and recommendations
- Principles: Peace requires respect for the human dignity and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians; both peoples deserve security, dignity, and access to holy sites.
- Two-state solution: The USCCB and the Holy See endorse a viable, independent Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel as the most realistic path to lasting peace.
- Policy guidance: The United States and international partners should reengage with balanced frameworks for negotiations, resist cutting humanitarian and development aid to Palestinians, support reconstruction and civil society, and promote intercommunal contact and religious freedom.
- Humanitarian appeal: Continued international assistance and development programs are essential to relieve suffering, build Palestinian governance capacity, and reduce incentives for violence.