To be quite frank, no. There is no simple background to the conflict that isn't so overly reductionist as to be actively unhelpful.
On the other hand, for current events if you go through a selection of news sites they should give you a rough approximation of whats happening. Ideally stay away from the really partisan ones like CNN, Fox, DM etc. though. The BBC, Reuters AFP and such are good.
As to background, as noted, theres no particularly useful short and condensed history or background on it although the link provided by Admit-One is as good as any i suppose. There are a number of good books and essays on the topic but they are likely more in depth than youre after.