[This book] provides the student and general reader with a comprehensive yet clear and easy rendering of not only the conflict, but the entire history of the region (Canaan and Palestine). By including the ancient background, the common assumption that the Israelis and Palestinians have been "fighting for thousands of years" is put to rest. Broken up into three sections -- Background History, Pre-Conflict, and Conflict -- the reader is walked through Ancient Israel, Muhammad and Islam, and on through two world wars and up to the current situation covered on the evening news. In addition to the brief history, the reader is also provided with further direction, such as detailed citing of sources, and suggested reading lists and resources ... -Publisher description.

Ancient history: Canaan-Palestine from the first foot falls to Rome / by Todd M. Ferry -- Muhammad, Islam, and the Arab empire -- The Crusades and the Ottoman empire -- Jewish persecution and Zionism -- Palestine -- World War I to World War II : the genesis of conflict -- 1947-1967: conflict : partition, Israeli statehood, and the Six-Day War -- The 1970s to Lebanon, 1982: the continuation of the Arab-Israeli conflict -- The Intifada and the peace process -- Current history: Camp David II to the Road Map -- Appendices: Chronology ; Israel's prime ministers ; Israel, Palestine: data.