The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Irreconcilable Versions of History

Almost any historical event gives rise to contested versions of history, but in the case of the conflict lasting more than 140 years in the territory of historical Palestine, the contradictions between these versions have proven to be particularly fundamental, and the degree of conviction of both sides in their exceptional righteousness is unprecedentedly high. Zionists, Palestinians, Israelis, Arab countries in the region, various great powers, international organizations, and countless candidates for peace-making have been unable to develop a mutually acceptable solution to the tragic conflict between two national communities claiming the same territory, and the number of lives destroyed, cut short, or simply overshadowed by these events continues to grow. Canadian historian Neil Kaplan has made it his task to impartially outline the historical framework of this dispute, analyzing both the material and immaterial factors that hinder peaceful resolution. His book helps to understand the full weight of the situation in which both sides, having experienced terrible historical traumas, see themselves as righteous victims of unprovoked aggression, as well as explains why the history of Palestine and Israel provokes such fierce debates and how it can be discussed in a way that at least does not cause harm, while also making one think about the challenges of resolving any conflict.