Discuss the causes of, and the effects of, the intifadas.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for and the effects of the intifadas. Causes and consequences may extend beyond the timeframe, but must be clearly linked to the issues raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of causes and effects, or they may prioritize their discussion of one of them. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. For causes, candidates may refer to the expansion of Israeli settlements, the domination of the Palestinian economy by Israel, which was blamed for widespread poverty, and the lack of support for the Palestinian cause from other countries, which encouraged the Palestinians to act. The effects included numerous Palestinian casualties which made the demonstrations more militant, together with Israel’s loss of popularity at home and abroad. The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) gained support for its two-state proposals. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example Middle Eastern wars and the role of international organizations. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.