Israel and the Hamas war

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has deep historical, political, and social roots. The immediate cause of the latest escalation in October 2023 was a large-scale, surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, marking one of the deadliest days in the country's history. However, to fully understand the origins of this war, we need to explore a few key factors:

Historical Tensions and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The broader context of the Israel-Hamas conflict is the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which dates back to the early 20th century. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent British Mandate in Palestine, tensions between Jewish and Arab populations escalated. The 1948 establishment of the state of Israel and the subsequent Arab Israeli war displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, creating deep-seated grievances over land, rights, and sovereignty.

Hamas's Formation and Ideology: Hamas was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada (Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation) as an Islamist Palestinian organization. It seeks the liberation of Palestine from Israeli occupation and the establishment of an Islamic state. Unlike the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), which has recognized Israel and pursued a two-state solution through diplomacy, Hamas rejects the existence of Israel, seeing armed struggle as essential for Palestinian liberation. Since taking control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after winning elections, Hamas has been in conflict with Israel.

Occupation and Blockade of Gaza: Since Hamas seized control of Gaza, Israel (with Egypt's support) has maintained a blockade on the territory, restricting the movement of goods and people. This has led to deteriorating living conditions for the people of Gaza, fueling resentment and support for Hamas. Israel views the blockade as necessary for security, as Hamas frequently launches rocket attacks from Gaza into Israeli civilian areas. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza see it as collective punishment.

Cycles of Violence and Ceasefires: The conflict has seen several periods of violence and fragile ceasefires. Major military operations, such as those in 2008-09, 2014, and 2021, resulted in massive civilian casualties and widespread destruction, especially in Gaza. Each round of violence has been marked by rocket attacks from Hamas and retaliatory airstrikes by Israel. Efforts to broker long-term peace deals have failed, with both sides entrenched in their positions.

Recent Events and Trigger of the 2023 War: In the lead-up to the October 2023 attack, tensions were already high due to ongoing violence in the West Bank, Israeli settlement expansions, and clashes around religious sites in Jerusalem, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint for violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Hamas's large-scale attack on October 7, 2023, marked a significant escalation, prompting Israel to declare war on the group. This attack included rocket barrages, infiltrations, and the killing of civilians, sparking one of the bloodiest conflicts in recent memory.

The roots of the war lie in the decades of unresolved issues regarding land, statehood, security, and sovereignty. Both Israel and Hamas have deep grievances, with Hamas's aim of resisting Israeli occupation and Israel's focus on its security from militant attacks.

The Israel-Hamas conflict that erupted in October 2023 has been one of the most intense and devastating periods of violence in the region’s history. Hamas launched a massive and unexpected assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 Israelis in a series of coordinated attacks. This sparked a brutal and ongoing war, with Israel retaliating against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, leading to large-scale destruction and heavy civilian casualties. More than 40,800 Palestinians have been killed as of September 2024, while Israeli casualties continue to rise due to the sustained fighting​ Encyclopedia Britannica

Committee to Protect Journalists

This war has drawn global attention due to its humanitarian toll, particularly in Gaza, which has faced unprecedented destruction. Gaza's infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and schools, has been devastated, leaving much of its population displaced and vulnerable. The blockade that Israel and Egypt have imposed on Gaza since Hamas's rise to power in 2007 has exacerbated the situation, limiting access to essential supplies like food, water, and medical aid​ Encyclopedia Britannica

The impact of the war extends beyond the battlefield. In Israel, the conflict has triggered significant internal political and social crises, with mass protests and public outcry, especially over the fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The war has also intensified regional tensions, with countries like Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon supporting Hamas, further complicating the prospects for peace​ Committee to Protect Journalists

Journalists covering the war have also paid a heavy price, with many killed or injured while reporting on the ground. Gaza has become one of the most dangerous places for journalists, with many working in perilous conditions, often without basic safety equipment or international protection​ Committee to Protect Journalists

In summary, the Israel-Hamas war continues to be a tragedy marked by extreme human suffering, political instability, and deep-seated divisions that make the road to peace uncertain. The conflict has not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the region but has also left scars that will likely last for generations.