The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a long-standing issue that has been ongoing for over 70 years. The conflict pits Israeli demands for security in what it has long regarded as a hostile region against Palestinian aspirations for a state of their own. The conflict began in the mid-20th century and is one of the worlds most intractable conflicts. The origins of the conflict can be traced back to the creation of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, which established a safe-haven for Jews fleeing persecution and seeking a national home on land to which they cite deep ties over generations. Palestinians lament Israels creation as the Nakba, or catastrophe, that resulted in their dispossession and blocked their dreams of statehood. The conflict has been marked by mutual distrust and significant disagreements over basic issues, as well as reciprocal skepticism about the other sides commitment to upholding obligations in an eventual bilateral agreement. The conflict has also drawn in outside powers and destabilized the wider Middle East. The key issues that have contributed to the conflict include statehood, land, Jerusalem, refugees, and security. The conflict has been characterized by violence, with both sides engaging in military confrontations and attacks. The conflict has also been marked by diplomatic efforts to broker a political settlement, but these efforts have made limited headway.