First Intifada

Guide Note: The First Intifada was a mass uprising of Palestinians against Israel in occupied territories. It began in Palestinian Refugee camps and developed quickly in The West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem. The action was predominantly nonviolent, with a focus on strikes, boycotts, barricades, and other forms of civil disobedience. However, incidents of rock-throwing against the Israel Defense Force garnered international attention and has become the lasting memory of the event. The First Intifada had the direct result of initiating the Madrid Conference and Oslo Accords.

Fast Facts:

1. Began: 1987
2. Ended: 1993
3. Israeli casualties: 160
4. Palestinian casualties: 1,162
5. Movement's actions predominantly nonviolent
6. Several incidents of stone throwing against the Israel Defense Force

Causes:

1. Growing frustration of Israeli occupation of territories annexed in the Six Day War
2. A protest against alleged atrocities committed by Israel in Palestinian Refugee camps
3. Poor training and stress led to misconduct of some Israeli soldiers
4. Jordanian and Egyptian weariness over territorial claims in The West Bank and Gaza Strip
5. Unemployment and crowding in Palestinian territories

Consequences:

1. Served as impetus for the 1991 Madrid Conference
2. Also generated support for the Oslo Accords
3. Palestinians asserted their national identity
4. Generated international support for the Palestinian situation
5. Ha a significant impact on Israel's economy