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Explain two of the following: - The importance of territorial changes in the aftermath of the 1948-49 war for Palestinians - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 3
Explain two of the following: - The importance of territorial changes in the aftermath of the 1948-49 war for Palestinians. - The importance of the PFLP airplane h... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain two of the following: - The importance of territorial changes in the aftermath of the 1948-49 war for Palestinians - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
The importance of territorial changes in the aftermath of the 1948-49 war for Palestinians.
Answer
The aftermath of the 1948-49 war resulted in substantial territorial changes that significantly impacted the Palestinian population. Over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced, fleeing to the Jordanian-controlled West Bank, the Egyptian-controlled Gaza Strip, and neighboring areas. This widespread displacement marked the beginning of a long-standing refugee crisis.
Additionally, the territorial demarcations that emerged following the war meant that the original boundaries derived from the 1947 Partition Plan were rendered obsolete. Consequently, Palestinian Arabs lost substantial territory and were denied citizenship in the new state of Israel, leading to further disenfranchisement.
Those Palestinians who managed to stay in their homes were often subjected to poor living conditions, overcrowding, and lack of sanitation, as many homes had been destroyed during the conflict. The collapse of infrastructure in refugee camps further exacerbated these issues, making the territorial changes critical in shaping the Palestinian struggle for identity and statehood.
Step 2
The importance of the PFLP airplane hijacks (1970) for international attitudes towards the Palestine issue.
Answer
The PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine) airplane hijacks in 1970 played a pivotal role in altering global perceptions regarding the Palestinian issue. The hijacking campaigns drew significant media attention, forcing foreign governments to directly engage with the Palestinian question.
The high-profile nature of these hijacks brought the plight of Palestinians to the forefront of international discussion, resonating with a global audience. As the hijackers highlighted the desperate measures taken by Palestinians, this tact shifted many nations' responses towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, increasing sympathy for the Palestinian cause.
King Hussein of Jordan's military response to the PFLP escalated tensions and led to Israel's reprisals, showcasing the deepening complexities of the conflict. Additionally, these events accentuated the need for international intervention to address the struggles of the Palestinian people, creating a new narrative within global politics focused on their plight.