There are several reasons why the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been so difficult to resolve. One of the continuing barriers to resolution is the fact that Jerusalem is an important holy site for three large religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The status of the city, therefore, has been greatly disputed. Another important reason for the long-lasting conflict is the fact that international opinion remains divided. Although most countries in the world accept that Israel is illegally occupying Palestinian territory (particularly the West Bank and the Gaza Strip), some countries have been particularly supportive of Israeli foreign policy, such as the United States and Russia.
Both countries have obstacles to overcome if a resolution is to be reached. Palestinians continue to struggle to reach political stability, and they will need to overcome the obstacle of religious extremism. On the other hand, Israel will need to be more receptive to international advice and criticism.