Gandhi’s Perspective On The Jewish-Arab Conflict In Palestine And Its Contemporary Relevance In Peace And Conflict Resolution

Abstract

This paper examines Mahatma Gandhi's involvement and perspectives on the Jewish-Arab conflict in Palestine during the interwar period, contextualizing his views within the broader political dynamics of the time. Gandhi's stance on Palestine is analyzed through key phases of his engagement: his early support for the Ottoman Caliphate (1918–1936) as a means to foster Hindu-Muslim unity in India; his secret offer of mediation to the Jewish Agency in 1937; and his controversial public counsel in the article The Jews (1938), which reflected his commitment to nonviolence and skepticism of colonial interference. Despite his advocacy for peaceful coexistence, his positions often appeared impractical and alienated key stakeholders, such as the global Jewish community. It also explores the enduring relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, dialogue, and mutual respect in addressing contemporary conflicts. His principles are examined in the context of modern challenges, including territorial disputes, ideological extremism, systemic racism, and grassroots peacebuilding efforts. Examples such as the India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir, the Israel-Palestine issue, and the ongoing civil war in Syria demonstrate the potential and limitations of applying Gandhi's approach to conflict resolution in the present day.