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Write a narrative account analysing Egypt’s relations with Israel in the years 1973-77 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
Write a narrative account analysing Egypt’s relations with Israel in the years 1973-77. You may use the following in your answer: - Yom Kippur War (1973) - Preside... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write a narrative account analysing Egypt’s relations with Israel in the years 1973-77 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Yom Kippur War (1973)
Answer
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War, commenced on October 6, 1973, when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israeli positions during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. This military initiative aimed to reclaim territories lost during the Six-Day War in 1967, specifically the Sinai Peninsula for Egypt.
The initial stages of the conflict saw Egyptian forces crossing the Suez Canal and making significant advances into the Sinai. However, Israel's response was swift, and after suffering initial losses, the Israeli Defense Forces launched a counteroffensive, effectively pushing Egyptian forces back.
The war ended with a ceasefire on October 25, 1973, and although it did not result in a clear military victory for either side, it significantly altered the political landscape in the region.
Step 2
President Sadat
Answer
Following the Yom Kippur War, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat recognized the necessity of diplomatic resolution to achieve peace. In 1974, Sadat took the bold step of initiating negotiations with Israel, which was a stark shift from the previous hostile stance.
In November 1977, Sadat made a groundbreaking visit to Jerusalem, addressing the Knesset and expressing his desire for peace. This visit paved the way for the Camp David Accords in 1978, where Egypt would receive military and economic aid from the United States in exchange for recognizing Israel's right to exist and agreeing to return the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.
Sadat's actions, while criticized by some Arab leaders, marked a significant turning point in Middle Eastern relations and highlighted the complex interplay of military and political strategies in achieving peace.
Step 3
Use of Own Information
Answer
In addition to the events surrounding the Yom Kippur War and Sadat's initiatives, it's important to recognize the broader context of Arab-Israeli relations during this period. The backdrop of the Cold War influenced regional dynamics, as both the United States and the Soviet Union vied for influence in the Middle East.
Sadat's peace efforts ultimately culminated in the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979, which not only transformed Egypt's foreign policy but also set a precedent for future negotiations between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
Moreover, Sadat's willingness to engage diplomatically was greeted with mixed reactions from other Arab nations, leading to Egypt's temporary suspension from the Arab League. This illustrates the complexities and the potential repercussions of pursuing a peace agreement in an area fraught with historical grievances.