10 Documentaries to Watch About the History of the Israel-Palestine Conflict

The history of the Israel-Palestine conflict is complex and multi-faceted, with numerous narratives and perspectives. For those seeking to understand this history through cinema, the following list provides a range of documentaries that explore different aspects of the conflict:

1. Al-Nakba

This documentary by Benny Brunner and Alexandra Jansse is based on the book "The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem, 1947–1949" and examines the events that led to the 1948 Palestinian expulsion and flight, a pivotal moment known as the Nakba or "catastrophe" to Palestinians.

2. Six Days in June

The 1967 Six-Day War is the focus of this documentary, which looks at the enduring conflict that arose from this brief yet impactful war.

3. The War in October: What Happened in 1973?

A three-part series marking the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, this documentary explores the events of the war through the perspectives of those who fought on both sides and the political aftermath that continues to shape the region.

4. The Price of Oslo

This two-part series examines the secret negotiations leading to the Oslo Accords and the continued quest for peace that remains elusive 30 years later.

5. Jerusalem: Dividing Al-Aqsa

This film explores the history and significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to both Muslims and Jews, including the current tensions and the potential implications for the future.

6. Palestine, 1920

The Other Side of the Palestinian Story: This Al Jazeera Arabic film presents the history of Palestine at the dawn of the 20th century as a thriving province of Greater Syria and the Ottoman Empire, countering the narrative of "a land without a people for a people without a land."

7. Gaza, Sinai, and the Wall

This film focuses on the lives of Palestinians affected by the 1982 wall built by Egypt and Israel, which divided Sinai and Gaza.

8. Israel’s Automated Occupation: Hebron

This two-part series examines Israeli surveillance in Hebron and Jerusalem.

9. Weaponizing Water in Palestine

This film explores how occupation and the climate crisis have made Palestinians some of the most water-insecure people in the world.

10. Rebel Architecture: The architecture of violence

Israeli architect Eyal Weizman explains how architecture plays a key role in Israel’s occupation of Palestine and modern warfare.

These documentaries provide a tapestry of perspectives and historical insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Watching them can offer viewers a more nuanced grasp of the region's history and the challenges that lie ahead for peace.