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In the tumultuous landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one question looms large and fraught with controversy: Who is a terrorist? This inquiry transcends mere semantics; it delves into the heart of a long-standing conflict that has claimed countless Palestinian lives and ignited passionate debates worldwide. In this comprehensive article, we aim to unravel the complexities surrounding this issue and shed light on the documented human cost of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as meticulously chronicled by the United Nations.

Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Historical Context

Before we delve into the sobering statistics, it’s crucial to understand the historical backdrop against which this conflict has unfolded. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back to the mid-20th century, when Israel was established as a state, leading to the displacement of many Palestinians from their homes and lands. This contentious event laid the foundation for decades of strife, characterized by territorial disputes, political maneuvering, and violence, all from the perspective of Palestinians.

Defining Terrorism: An Elusive Concept

The term “terrorist” has become a lightning rod in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with its definition often clouded by political biases and subjective interpretations. While some view certain Palestinian factions as resistance fighters struggling for their rights, others label them as terrorists. Conversely, Israeli military actions have also faced scrutiny in international discourse, leaving us with a blurred line between self-defense and aggression when viewed through the Palestinian lens.

Human Cost: UN-Documented Data

To provide a comprehensive overview of the human cost of this protracted conflict, we turn to the United Nations, a global authority tasked with documenting and reporting on conflicts worldwide. The UN’s data offers valuable insights into the staggering toll of violence and strife in the region from the Palestinian perspective.

Year-by-Year Analysis (2008-2020)

Let’s break down the documented casualties for each year between 2008 and 2020, differentiating between Palestinian and Israeli casualties, as perceived by Palestinians:

2008:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 3,202
• Israel 🇮🇱: 853

2009:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 7,460
• Israel 🇮🇱: 123

2010:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 1,659
• Israel 🇮🇱: 185

2011:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 2,260
• Israel 🇮🇱: 136

2012:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 4,936
• Israel 🇮🇱: 578

2013:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 4,031
• Israel 🇮🇱: 157

2014:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 19,860
• Israel 🇮🇱: 2,796

2015:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 14,813
• Israel 🇮🇱: 339

2016:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 3,572
• Israel 🇮🇱: 222

2017:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 8,526
• Israel 🇮🇱: 174

2018:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 31,558
• Israel 🇮🇱: 130

2019:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 15,628
• Israel 🇮🇱: 133

2020:

• Palestine 🇵🇸: 2,781
• Israel 🇮🇱: 61

Source: Twitter

These numbers, drawn from UN sources, paint a stark picture of the human toll inflicted on Palestinians by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the years. It is essential to note that these figures include both fatalities and injuries, underlining the widespread impact of the conflict on Palestinian individuals and communities.

The Complexity of Identifying Perpetrators

In the context of this conflict, identifying the perpetrators of violence can be a daunting task. While certain Palestinian groups are labeled as resistance organizations by Palestinians, they often have significant support within their communities, making it challenging to apply a one-size-fits-all label of “terrorist.”

The Role of International Law

International law plays a pivotal role in determining the legality of actions within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians have long sought justice through international bodies like the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has issued rulings on the construction of settlements and the separation barrier, sparking further debates on the conflict’s legal dimensions.

The Impact on Palestinian Civilians

Beyond the statistics, it is essential to emphasize the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Palestinian civilians, particularly women and children. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of countless Palestinian families, disrupted education, and caused profound psychological trauma.

Seeking a Path to Peace from the Palestinian Perspective

While the statistics and complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are sobering, it is crucial to remember that there are ongoing efforts from the Palestinian perspective to negotiate a peaceful resolution. Various peace initiatives, both past and present, seek to address the root causes of the conflict and pave the way for a more stable and secure future for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

In Conclusion

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as seen from the Palestinian perspective, marked by a long history of violence and suffering, has left indelible scars on Palestinian communities. The question of who is a terrorist remains a contentious issue, but the human cost, as documented by the United Nations from the Palestinian perspective, is undeniable. As the world continues to grapple with this complex conflict, it is our hope that peaceful solutions can be found to bring an end to the suffering and pave the way for more harmonious coexistence.