My general impression is that the people who enjoy discussing this topic the most know the least about the long and complicated history. Here's a good resource:
http://www.palestinefacts.org/Ask yourself a few questions and be honest with yourself about whether or not you know the answers:
When was Palestine a country?
Who controlled the terroritory before WWI?
Who controlled the terroritory after WWI? How did this change come about? What agreements were made and between what parties?
Why did the UN recognize Israel as an independent nation, but not Palestine? [This is a trick question.]
Many Palestinians evacuated Israel after Israel declared its nationhood. How many were forced out and how many followed the advice of neighboring Arab countries who clearly said they were going to invade Israel? Did those countries declare war on Israel? How many wars have Israel's neighbors waged on her?
Did Jews have equal rights living in Arab countries at the time? Were Jews pushed out of those countries after the establishment of Israel? If so, do they have a right to return to those countries?
Do Jews have equal rights living in Arab countries today?
People refer to the "occupied territories" -- but this presupposes a certain view. Hamas believes all the land is occupied not just the "West Bank" and "Gaza." Regarding settlements being the problem, that argument would hold more weight if we didn't have the clear example of what happens when all the settlements are removed by Israel. This happened in Gaza. The reaction of the Palestinians was to elect Hamas, have an incredibly bloody civil war and then engage in years of rocket attacks into Israel. All while receiving sympathy and aid from around the world.
Is Breslau occupied by the Poles?
Is Constantinople occupied by the Turks?
Why does a map showing a population shifting towards having more Jews indicate something nefarious, but maps showing other population growths do not? Has there been a growth in Muslim population in Europe in the past 40 years? Is there a problem with that?
There's a reason why there's a standard to which Jews and only Jews are held. It's something deep down. Something that survives centuries as a mental virus. It's the same thing that means there can be a thread with a participant as a swastika and the following signature:
The Jew is immunized against all dangers: one may call him a scoundrel, parasite, swindler, profiteer, it all runs off him like water off a raincoat. But call him a Jew and you will be astonished at how he recoils, how injured he is, how he suddenly shrinks back: Ive been found out.
and it bothers no one. I give saddampduh credit though. He's honest about what he is.
But one thing, saddam, I am a living contradiction to your signature. Call me a Jew all you want. I have never denied it. I also wouldn't deny being black or gay, as there's nothing wrong with any of these things.
Even if people came to different conclusions than the ones I have, I just wish people would take some time to learn the basic history.