Israel and Hamas War Zone: What You Need to Know
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, has escalated to a full-scale war. The war began on October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel by air, sea and land, killing hundreds of Israelis and taking hostages. Israel responded with a massive aerial bombardment of Gaza, killing hundreds of Palestinians and cutting off essential supplies. Here are some key facts and figures about the war and its causes.
The Attack
Hamas claimed that its attack was a response to Israeli aggression and oppression of the Palestinians, especially in Jerusalem and the West Bank. The group said it fired 5,000 rockets at Israel in the initial barrage, targeting cities such as Tel Aviv, Beersheba and Jerusalem. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted most of the rockets, but some hit residential areas, causing casualties and damage.
Hamas also sent fighters through tunnels, boats and gliders to infiltrate Israel’s border. The militants attacked Jewish communities near Gaza, killing and kidnapping civilians and soldiers. Some of the hostages were shown in videos posted online by Hamas. Israel’s army said it was engaged in fierce battles with the infiltrators in several locations.
The Response
Israel declared war on Hamas and vowed to destroy its military infrastructure and leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would turn Gaza into a “deserted island” and warned its residents to “leave now”. Israel mobilized 100,000 reserve troops and launched hundreds of airstrikes on Gaza, targeting Hamas’s headquarters, weapons factories, tunnels and rocket launchers.
Israel also imposed a total blockade on Gaza, cutting off electricity, fuel, water and food supplies. The blockade has worsened the humanitarian crisis in the already impoverished and overcrowded territory, where 2.3 million people live in one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Gaza’s health system is overwhelmed by the influx of wounded people and the lack of medical supplies.
The Casualties
The death toll from the war has risen to more than 1,300 people, according to official sources. More than 800 Israelis have been killed, mostly civilians. More than 560 Palestinians have been killed, mostly militants. Thousands more have been injured on both sides.
The war has also displaced tens of thousands of people who have fled their homes or sought shelter in schools, mosques and UN facilities. Many buildings have been damaged or destroyed by the airstrikes and rocket fire, including residential towers, offices, media outlets and cultural sites.
The Causes
The war is the latest episode in the long-running conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, who claim the same land as their ancestral homeland. The conflict dates back to the creation of Israel in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes. Since then, several wars and uprisings have erupted between the two sides, with no lasting peace agreement.
The current war was triggered by a series of events that inflamed tensions in recent months.
These include:
The Israeli government’s plan to evict Palestinian families from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah, a neighborhood in East Jerusalem that is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians.
The Israeli police’s raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, one of the holiest sites for Muslims, during Ramadan. The raids sparked clashes with Palestinian worshippers who accused Israel of violating their religious rights.
The record number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank and Gaza in recent months. According to human rights groups, Israel has used excessive force and violated international law in its crackdown on Palestinian protests and resistance.
The political deadlock in both Israel and Palestine. Israel has been unable to form a stable government after four inconclusive elections in two years. Palestine has postponed its first elections in 15 years due to internal divisions and Israeli restrictions.
The Consequences
The war has had devastating consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as for regional stability and international relations.
Some of the possible outcomes are:
A humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where people face shortages of food, water, medicine and electricity. The UN has warned that Gaza is on the brink of collapse and has appealed for urgent humanitarian aid.
A diplomatic crisis for Israel, which has faced widespread condemnation and protests around the world for its actions in Gaza. Several countries have called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the blockade. Some have also threatened to impose sanctions or cut ties with Israel.
A security challenge for Hamas, which has gained popularity among Palestinians for its resistance against Israel but has also exposed itself to Israeli attacks and isolation. Hamas faces pressure from other Palestinian factions and regional allies to negotiate a truce with Israel.
A political opportunity for both Netanyahu and Abbas, who have used the war to boost their domestic support and legitimacy amid their political crises. Netanyahu has portrayed himself as a strong leader who can defend Israel from its enemies. Abbas has presented himself as a moderate leader who can represent the Palestinian cause on the international stage.
The Solutions
The war has shown the urgent need for a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has been stalled for years.
The main obstacles to a peace deal are:
The status of Jerusalem, which both sides claim as their capital and which hosts holy sites for Jews, Muslims and Christians.
The fate of the Palestinian refugees, who demand the right to return to their homes in what is now Israel or to be compensated for their loss.
The borders and security of a future Palestinian state, which Israel insists must be demilitarized and recognize Israel as a Jewish state.
The settlements and land swaps, which involve the removal or exchange of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are illegal under international law.
The main frameworks for a peace deal are:
The two-state solution, which envisages the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, based on the 1967 borders with mutually agreed land swaps. This is the most widely accepted and supported solution by the international community and most of the parties involved.
The one-state solution, which proposes the establishment of a single democratic state that grants equal rights and citizenship to all Israelis and Palestinians. This is favored by some Palestinians who reject Israel’s existence as a Jewish state and by some Israelis who oppose giving up any part of the land.
The confederation model, which suggests the formation of two sovereign states that share some institutions and resources, such as security, economy and infrastructure. This is advocated by some moderates who seek to preserve both national identities and cooperation.
The main actors for a peace deal are:
The United States, which is the main ally and supporter of Israel and the most influential mediator in the conflict. The US has tried to broker several peace initiatives in the past, but none have succeeded. The current administration of President Joe Biden has expressed its commitment to advancing a two-state solution and restoring dialogue with the Palestinians.
The United Nations, which is the main international body that oversees the conflict and provides humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians. The UN has passed several resolutions that condemn Israel’s occupation and settlement activities and call for a peaceful resolution based on international law.
The European Union, which is the largest donor and trading partner of both Israel and Palestine. The EU has also endorsed a two-state solution and urged both sides to resume negotiations and respect human rights.
The Arab League, which is a regional organization that represents 22 Arab countries. The Arab League has offered a peace initiative that calls for Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territories in exchange for full normalization of relations with the Arab world.
The Quartet, which is a group of four entities that coordinate their efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. The Quartet consists of the US, the UN, the EU and Russia.
Other regional powers, such as Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia, which have different interests and roles in the conflict. Some have diplomatic relations with Israel, some support Hamas or other Palestinian groups, some mediate between the parties or host peace talks.
The war between Israel and Hamas has shown once again that there is no military solution to the conflict, only a political one. The war has also highlighted the urgency and complexity of finding a lasting and just peace that can end the cycle of violence and suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians.
