THE SECOND UPRISING (INTIFADA) BETWEEN THE YEAR 2000–2005.

The Second Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, was a turbulent period in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that began in late September 2000. It was marked by widespread protests, breakdown of law and order, and a significant increase in violence in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, particularly the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.

Several factors contributed to the outbreak of the Second Intifada. There was widespread disillusionment with the stalled Oslo Accords and the failure to achieve a viable two-state solution, which heightened frustrations among Palestinians. The straw that broke the camel’s back was Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Temple Mount and the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on 28 of September 2000, seen as a provocative act by the Israeli government, triggered widespread protests and served as a tipping point for the eruption of the Intifada. Sharon was the then prime minister of Israel and was well known for his merciless treatment of the Palestinians. Reviled for his role in the 1982 massacre of Palestinians in a refugee camp in Lebanon — and its timing was unmistakable. “This is a dangerous process conducted by Sharon against Islamic sacred places,” Yasser Arafat told Palestinian television.

The visit led to clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces, rapidly escalating into a cycle of violence. Both sides engaged in acts of violence, resulting in casualties among combatants and civilians. The period witnessed a continuous cycle of violence, characterized by shootings, illegal land incursions, retaliatory actions, and reprisals. Innocent men, women, and children suffered greatly as a result of the conflict.

With a combined casualty figure for combatants and civilians, the violence is estimated to have resulted in the deaths of approximately 3,000 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis, as well as 64 foreigners. Thousands of people lost their lives especially among the Palestinians, while many more were injured, leaving deep scars on families and communities. Also, the conflict severely damaged infrastructure, homes, and businesses, further exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the Palestinians which suffered a major setback.

The Second Intifada had far-reaching implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It garnered international attention and made peace talks more challenging. The deep-seated anger and distrust on both sides further complicated efforts to build lasting peace in the region.