Israeli war with Hamas

Hamas, officially known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, is a Palestinian political and military organization with a complex ideology. Hamas was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada (Palestinian uprising) against Israeli rule in the Palestinian territories. Its ideology has evolved over time, but several key principles and beliefs characterize its ideology

Hamas is deeply committed to Palestinian nationalism and the aspiration for self-determination. It views Palestine, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, as an integral part of historical Palestine and seeks to establish a Palestinian state in these territories

The Israeli-Hamas conflict is rooted in a long and complex historical background, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Understanding this history is crucial for grasping the origins and dynamics of the ongoing conflict. Here is a condensed overview of the historical background:

Late 19th Century - Early 20th Century:

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region known as Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire. The area was inhabited by a diverse population of Arabs, Jews, and other ethnic groups.

Zionism and Jewish Immigration:

In the late 19th century, the Zionist movement emerged among Jews in Europe, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, then part of the Ottoman Empire. This movement led to increased Jewish immigration to Palestine.

World War I and British Mandate:

During World War I, the British Empire captured Palestine from the Ottoman Empire. In 1917, the British issued the Balfour Declaration, which expressed support for a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.

After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain a mandate to govern Palestine.

Conflict and Unrest:

Tensions between Jewish immigrants and the Arab population in Palestine led to sporadic violence and clashes during the mandate period. Arab Palestinians were concerned about the growing Jewish presence and their potential displacement.

United Nations Partition Plan (1947):

In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan for Palestine, recommending the establishment of separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders.

Declaration of the State of Israel (1948):

On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, declared the establishment of the State of Israel. This declaration led to a war between Israel and neighboring Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.

Nakba and Palestinian Displacement:

The 1948 war, known to Palestinians as the Nakba (catastrophe), resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs from their homes. Many ended up in refugee camps in neighboring countries.

1967 Six-Day War:

In 1967, Israel fought the Six-Day War against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights in this conflict, significantly altering the political and territorial dynamics in the region.

Hamas Emergence (1987):

Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian organization, emerged during the First Intifada (Palestinian uprising) against Israeli rule in the late 1980s. It gained popularity for its social services and resistance against Israeli occupation.

Peace Efforts and Ongoing Conflict:

Over the years, various peace initiatives and negotiations have been attempted, including the Oslo Accords, the Camp David Summit, and the Annapolis Conference. However, a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains elusive.

The historical background of the Israeli-Hamas conflict is marked by a complex web of historical, political, religious, and territorial factors. These factors continue to shape the ongoing conflict, making it a deeply entrenched and multifaceted issue in the Middle East.