This thread is named 'Israel-Palestine|News & Discussions' But it's actually not Zionist Vs Muslim. Before Palestinians get their freedom, we have to look back to the History. I am simply conveying the short history here, so that everyone will understand that this is More Muslim(Shia) vs Muslim(Sunni) than Muslim vs Jews. Another Important thing is those who say it's not about Religion, They are denying some 4-5 thousand years of Religious importance of Jerusalem.
Fatimid and Seljuk (Nuruddin Zhengi)
1. Fatimid Caliphate(Shia) came into power in 909, soon they took over egypt, Hezaj and Yemen and declared them as Caliph. (Sunni's still holding Abbasid Dynesty from the shadow of Seljuk Empire). It should be noted that under the Fatimid rule 1st Crusedors conquered Jerusalem in 1099
2. Nuruddin Zhengi was an appointed governor of Syria by Seljuk Sultan. He was also an important figure of 2nd Crusade. He basically kept cruseders in check for decades.
Fatimid and Salahuddin Ayyubi
1. In 1160 a child was Put on the thore of Fatmid Caliph. So, as usual internal power struggle started inside the caliphate. To suport the Vizier Nuruddin Zhengi Send Salahuddin Ayyubi. After this was solved Salahuddin Ayyubi led some successful campaign against crusedors and proved his importance in caliphate though he was not liked by the Shia officials.
2. Vizier of Al Adid died and Salahuddin was appointed as Vizier of Fatimid Caliph Al Adid in 1969 as he was a close advisor, and Nuruddin allowed it. 2 years later Al Adid was poisoned by Fatimid's because they were not pleased a Sunni became vizir of Shia Caliphate.
Salahuddin saw the disunity and corruption among the Fatimids and He had a chance to bring back Sunni Abbasid Caliph into the power. So, he declared Abbasids as the new Caliph in 1971.
Conquering of Jerusalem
Nuruddin Zhengi died in 1974 and Salahddin entered Syria unnoticed and took over it as Nuruddin Zhengi's successor was a child. Syrian Governor did not fought against Salahuddin. Then Salahuddin took permission of Abbasid Caliph and Abbasid Caliph declared him as Sultan of Egypt and Syria.
Then Sultan Salahuddin started preparation of Conquereing Jerusalem. The siege of Jerusalem begun in 20th September and eneded in 2 October in 1987. Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi reconquered Jerusalem in just 13 years. After 89 years, Jerusalem was again under the rule of Muslims.
Then 3rd Crusade Begun..Which was unsuccessful only because of Sultan Salahuddin didn't let lose his ground.
So, It's More like Shia vs Sunni Power struggle than actually Muslim vs Jews where Jerusalem, all three religions holy land, is the center of the Play.