Help me understand the Israel/Palestine conflict

[LadyShea]

Okay, I have never taken much interest because it just seemed too damned complicated and quite frankly a lot of bullshit. I recently tried to find some basic background information, and it seems like the whole history is nothing but a clusterfuck.

From what I understand, neither Palestine nor Israel existed prior to WWI. The area was part of the Turkish Empire and was made up mostly of some kind of generic "Arabs", some Turks, and a handful of Jews.

For some reason (that I would like explained) the US helped or promised help in gaining independence for the region during WWI, and from that Palestine was formed. After WWII, the Allies decided to help create Israel for the displaced European Jews.

That's about all I know. Now, what the hell is the Gaza strip? Why is it a problem? Since Palestine was also a "created" country, why did they get so pissed at Israel being created? What is at the heart of the conflict...or is it all the "land rights" stuff just an excuse for a religious war between the Jews and Muslims?