The Israel-Palestine conflict stands as one of the most protracted and contentious conflicts in modern history, marked by profound historical grievances, rival national identities, and geopolitical intricacies. This study analyses the conflict since 2014 until 2024, specifically literature which discusses its causes, main issues and implications post-conflict on the middle east. The analysis is firmly rooted in the underpinnings of structural realism theoretical concept, outlining how the inherent wariness of the international order has led to both Israel and Palestine, both favoring conflicts over cooperative solutions based on Hart, Tilly, and Wang theories. The study highlights four key issues that keep the conflict going: territorial disputes, the contested status of Jerusalem, religious nationalism, and resource scarcity — especially water and food insecurity. Previous attempts at peace, such as the Oslo Accords and the Trump Peace Plan, have ultimately failed to lead to a sustainable solution because of a lack of trust between both sides, external interference, and stubborn political posturing. The political economy of post-conflict [reconstruction] is a derivative challenge. On the political front, hardline factions are on the rise—both within Israel (and the Zionist movements) and within Palestine (through Hamas)—which further excludes power-sharing strategies, while other, outside actors, including the U.S. and regional powers, exert their influence on the conflict’s direction. Economically, while Israel weathered the storm, the Palestinian territories have wallowed in poor conditions and restrictions of movement, resources, as well as dependency on aid. The wider region is ablaze as neighboring states enter the fray, both directly and indirectly, stoking tensions. Using qualitative analysis and comparative frameworks, this study assesses historical trends, differences between perspectives, and unsuccessful peace efforts. It finds that any sustainable resolution of the conflict needs inclusive dialogue, equitable distribution of resources and neutral mediation from the international community. Through analysis of these dynamics, the research aids in an understanding of the conflict’s intractability and highlights possible pathways toward stability in the context of an urgent need for compromise and long-term reconciliation.

Keywords: Israel-Palestine conflict, structural realism, Jerusalem, territorial disputes, post-conflict reconstruction, Middle East geopolitics