What is the intifadha..?

The Intifada, alternatively spelled as "intifadha" or "intifada," is an Arabic word that translates to "uprising" or "shaking off." It refers to two major popular uprisings by the Palestinian people against Israeli occupation in the Palestinian territories.

The First Intifada began in December 1987 and lasted until the early 1990s. It was primarily a grassroots movement, characterized by widespread civil disobedience, protests, strikes, and acts of resistance against the Israeli occupation, including stone-throwing, demonstrations, and boycotts. The main grievances of the Palestinians were the Israeli settlements, land confiscation, restrictions on movement, and human rights abuses.

The Second Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, started in September 2000 after a visit by the Israeli politician Ariel Sharon to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. It was marked by a significant increase in violence, including suicide bombings, armed attacks, and Israeli military responses. The Second Intifada resulted in significant loss of life on both sides and led to widespread destruction and increased restrictions on Palestinian movement.

Both Intifadas had a profound impact on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, shaping the political landscape and triggering various attempts at peace negotiations. The uprisings drew international attention to the Palestinian struggle for self-determination and their desire for an end to Israeli occupation.