Sacred Grounds, Divided Voices: Religion, Diplomacy and Civil Society in the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict

This thesis offers a comprehensive legal and political analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a focus on the evolving interplay between religious nationalism, international law, and state sovereignty. Grounded in extensive historical research and critical engagement with international legal frameworks, it explores the foundational Zionist immigration and its role in realising the aspiration for a Jewish state, contextualising these within the broader settler colonial experience and its implications for Palestinian self-determination. The work critically examines the institutional legacies of Israeli leadership, from Ben-Gurion’s foundational state-building efforts through Rabin’s peace initiatives to Netanyahu’s contemporary security-centred governance, underscoring how political styles have influenced conflict trajectories. Palestinian leadership is similarly analysed, with attention to the nationalistic symbolism of Yasser Arafat, the fragmented municipal governance under Mahmoud Abbas, and the authoritarian-populist dynamics within Hamas, illuminating the internal complexities that shape Palestinian polity. International law’s prescriptive frameworks, including humanitarian conventions and the UN Charter, form a pivotal analytical scaffold, evaluating their application and violations amid ongoing hostilities. The thesis scrutinises allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity attributed to Israeli policies and Hamas tactics, relying on findings from bodies such as the International Criminal Court and UN commissions. This legal dimension elucidates the challenges of enforcing IHL in asymmetric conflicts marked by deeply entrenched political grievances. Diplomatic histories uncover the decisive influence of external powers, especially the United States, whose military, financial, and veto powers in international forums have shaped the asymmetric power balance and constrained Palestinian diplomatic agency. Meanwhile, the Vatican and other institutional actors are appraised as influential norm entrepreneurs, pursuing soft power diplomacy to mediate regional tensions and advocate for peace, albeit challenged by geopolitical complexity. A significant contribution of this research is its analysis of the symbolic dimensions of the conflict, particularly the mobilisation of religious narratives and collective memory as political instruments. Drawing on biblical rhetoric, identity politics, and theological discourse, it reveals how these elements underpin nationalist legitimacy claims and complicate prospects for mutual recognition and reconciliation. The thesis further explores the regional responses and peace initiatives, emphasising the role of the League of Arab States and regional solidarity mechanisms, alongside grassroots and civil society endeavours promoting dialogue and conflict transformation. It highlights the limitations and potential of these various actors in achieving a durable peace. Ultimately, the study advocates for renewed international commitment to justice norms, human rights, and democratic legitimacy as prerequisites for sustainable conflict resolution. It proposes that addressing the intertwined religious, legal, and political dimensions through multilateral dialogue and adherence to international law is essential to pave the way for a peaceful and equitable two-state solution.