Michael Scott-Baumann is a graduate of Cambridge University and has an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. He lives in Cheltenham and has thirty-five years' experience as a teacher and lecturer in history.

What are the origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Why has it proved so intractable, and what are the implications of escalating tensions for both the Middle East and the world?

The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is one of the most bitter struggles of modern times, with consequences that are felt around the globe. In this comprehensive and stimulating overview, Michael Scott-Baumann charts its history from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Adopting a unique approach, each chapter starts with a lucid explanation of the politics and ends with the personal testimony of Israelis and Palestinians whose lives have been marked by conflict. By presenting competing interpretations from both sides, Scott-Baumann examines the key flashpoints of the twentieth century. The latter part of the book focuses on the nature of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, and resistance to it, a matter at the heart of the conflict in recent decades. The result is an indispensable account for anyone seeking to understand the context behind today's headlines, including analysis of why international efforts to restore peace have continually failed.