The conflict between Palestine and Israel began around the turn of the 20th century. It is essentially a struggle over land. Until 1948, the area (approximately 10,000 square miles) that both groups claimed was known internationally as Palestine. But following the war of 1948-49, this land was divided into three parts: the state of Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

　　On the one hand, the Israelis seem to have a valid claim to having a state and to being safe and free from terrorism. Except for extremists in the Middle East, few try to make a case today for eliminating the state of Israel entirely and no one believes that a constant state of fear among the Israeli people is something morally acceptable.

　　Yet, the Palestinians seem to have valid moral claims as well. They, too, would like to have their own state ― and how can anyone accept the right of Jews to have a state in Israel but also deny that Palestinians should be permitted the same? Palestinians would also like to live in peace without having to be in a constant state of fear ― not so much from terrorist bombers as from the Israeli military.