The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has once again erupted into a deadly and devastating battle, with casualties mounting on both sides. The current wave of violence has claimed the lives of over 1,000 people, including civilians, and has left thousands more injured. The conflict began when Hamas, the Islamist party that controls the Gaza Strip, launched an assault on Israel. In response, Israel has launched a military campaign aimed at destroying Hamas's capabilities.
The death toll on both sides is staggering. According to reports, more than 1,200 Israelis have died since the start of the conflict, with at least 22 of them being U.S. citizens. On the other hand, Gaza officials claim that at least 1,200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes. Israel also reported that the bodies of around 1,500 Hamas fighters were found in the country.[0]
The situation in Gaza is dire, with the Ministry of Health reporting that over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 5,000 injured, with a majority of them being women and children. Furthermore, around 200,000 Gazans have been displaced due to the intense Israeli air strikes.[1]
The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be traced back to centuries-old disputes over land ownership.[2] Israel has long portrayed Hamas as a terrorist organization, but paradoxically, it has also enabled its role as a governing authority in Gaza since 2007. This dynamic has created a violent equilibrium, with Israel periodically bombarding the Gaza Strip to weaken Hamas while relying on the group to stabilize the enclave.[3] Hamas, in turn, has acted as a governing authority while simultaneously developing its military capabilities.[4]
Israel's control over the Gaza Strip dates back to 1948 when it used various means such as bombardment, invasion, and economic strangulation to suppress the demand of Palestinians to return to their homes.[4] When Hamas rose to power in 2006 and took control of Gaza in 2007, Israel used the group's commitment to armed resistance as an excuse to impose a blockade on the territory. This blockade, condemned by the UN and human rights groups, has been described as an illegal form of collective punishment for the 2.3 million Palestinians living in Gaza, the majority of whom are refugees.[4]
While some view Hamas as a national liberation group fighting against Israeli oppression, the reality is that it is a ruthless hardline Islamist organization with the goal of eradicating Israel and establishing a Sunni fundamentalist state.[5] Both the U.S. and Israel consider Hamas a terrorist organization, while the group views itself as a national liberation force.
The recent escalation of violence has sparked concerns about a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.[0] Many residents have been forced to flee their homes, but with limited options for safety. The indiscriminate nature of the attacks has made it difficult for people to determine what targets are being hit. Residential buildings, hospitals, and mosques have all been targeted, further exacerbating the suffering of civilians.
The timing of Hamas's attack and the subsequent Israeli response has been influenced by various external factors. The Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel, as well as its recent gestures to strengthen ties with the country, have given Israel little incentive to show restraint in its military actions.[4] Hamas, on the other hand, saw an opportunity to challenge Israel's dominance and gain support from Palestinians by launching its assault.
The international community has been divided in its response to the conflict. While many sympathize with the plight of the Palestinian people, there is a growing consensus that Hamas's actions cannot be justified. The left, in particular, must condemn Hamas's atrocities and recognize the group for what it is – a terrorist organization with a mission to eradicate Jews.
The situation in Israel and Gaza is dire, with no immediate resolution in sight. The loss of life and destruction of infrastructure is devastating for both sides. It is crucial for the international community to prioritize the protection of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict. Only through dialogue, negotiation, and a commitment to justice and human rights can a lasting peace be achieved in the region.
0. “Israel-Hamas War Live Updates: Israel Prepares Troops on Border with Gaza” The Wall Street Journal, 12 Oct. 2023, https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip
1. “Israel’s pledge to eliminate Hamas raises fears of what lies ahead” The Hill, 11 Oct. 2023, https://thehill.com/policy/international/4250028-israels-pledge-to-eliminate-hamas-raises-fears-of-what-lies-ahead
2. “Palestinian civilians suffer in Israel-Gaza crossfire as death toll rises” ABC News, 12 Oct. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/International/palestinian-civilians-suffer-israel-hamas-crossfire-death-toll/story?id=103828889
3. “The scene as the Israel-Hamas war continues” The Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2023/photos-israel-hamas-war/
4. “Gaza Without Pretenses | Tareq Baconi” The New York Review of Books, 11 Oct. 2023, https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/10/11/gaza-without-pretenses/
5. “The coming Gaza hostage crisis – POLITICO” POLITICO Europe, 10 Oct. 2023, https://www.politico.eu/article/hamas-gaza-israel-palestine-hostages-war-executions/
