Israel Palestine News: Gaza War 2023

Israel has declared war in retaliation for the assault and has started "Operation Swords of Iron," which involves attacking on Hamas in Gaza.

On October 7, militants from Gaza fired thousands of rockets at Israeli towns before breaching the strongly defended border fence with Israel and infiltrating a significant portion of Israeli land. According to Israeli authorities, Hamas gunmen killed more than 1,400 people, including civilians and soldiers, and held 199 captives.

Since the Arab-Israeli War of 1948, Israel has not engaged its foes in street combat on its own territory, making the attacks both unusual in terms of tactics and scope. Additionally, it has never had a terror act of this scale that claimed the lives of so many citizens. While Hamas has previously kidnapped Israelis, it has never done so while simultaneously holding scores of captives, including young children and the elderly.

The operation was named "Al-Aqsa Storm" by Hamas, who said it was in retaliation for Israeli assaults on women, the destruction of the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and the continuous siege of Gaza.

Israel's Response

Israel has declared war in retaliation for the assault and has started "Operation Swords of Iron," which involves attacking what it claims are Hamas and Islamic Jihad sites in Gaza. Additionally, it has cut off the flow of water and fuel supplies to the Gazan populace. Between October 7 and October 12, Israel dropped 6,000 bombs on the area, which is densely populated. This amount is equal to all bombings carried out on Gaza throughout the 50-day 2014 conflict.

Although others claim there is nowhere safe to escape, the IDF has ordered Gazan people to evacuate their homes immediately for their own safety. All exit points from Gaza have been closed. Israel's response is complicated by the hostages that Hamas is holding. According to Hamas, Israeli bombings on the enclave have resulted in the deaths of several hostages. Israeli has not endorsed or refuted the assertion.

Until the captives are released, Israel has imposed a "complete siege" on Gaza, preventing the delivery of electricity, food, gasoline, and water. Israel's military instructed the 1.1 million residents of northern Gaza on Friday to leave their homes right away, possibly in anticipation of a ground attack.

Background of the Last Israel-Palestine Conflict:

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is primarily rooted in territorial disputes, historical grievances, and the quest for self-determination. Both Israelis and Palestinians have historical and emotional ties to the same land, which has led to decades of tension, violence, and failed peace negotiations.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has been a recurring flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian organization, gained control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after a violent takeover. Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since then, claiming it's necessary for national security, while Palestinians and international observers have criticized it for its humanitarian impact.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas often escalates into violent confrontations, with rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel and Israeli military operations in Gaza. One of the most recent significant escalations was in May 2021. This conflict began after tensions in East Jerusalem, including clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. The city of Jerusalem remains a key flashpoint. Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital, and issues related to access to religious sites, housing, and the city's status continue to be sources of tension. These events led to a major flare-up, with Hamas firing rockets at Israeli cities and Israel launching airstrikes on Gaza.

After 11 days of intense fighting, a ceasefire was brokered by Egypt, which came into effect on May 21, 2021. This latest conflict resulted in substantial casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides, leading to calls for a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The West Bank also experiences periodic tensions, primarily due to Israeli settlements and the expansion of settlements in the region, which Palestinians view as a major obstacle to a two-state solution.

Hamas:

Amid the First Intifada, a Palestinian revolt against Israeli occupation, Hamas, also known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, was established in 1987. The group, which was a Palestinian outgrowth of the Muslim Brotherhood, aimed to establish an Islamic state in ancient Palestine. Hamas distinguished itself from other Palestinian factions by utilizing both military and political tactics to achieve its objectives from the start.

The charter of Hamas is among the topics of most controversy. The group's ideology, which calls for the eradication of Israel and the formation of an Islamic state in its place, is outlined in this founding declaration, which was adopted in 1988. Although senior Hamas leaders have hinted at potential flexibility on this matter in recent years, the organization's charter continues to be a contentious topic and has had a big impact on how the world views it.

Hamas is famous for using a diversified strategy to accomplish its goals. The group mixes armed resistance with political engagement. It participates in elections and, despite having a military branch called the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007. On a worldwide scale, this dual policy has drawn both favor and criticism.

Hamas has received a variety of responses from the international world. Due to its use of violence and its position on Israel in its charter, several nations, including the United States and the European Union, have classified it as a terrorist group. However, Hamas is seen as a legitimate resistance movement by other countries, notably those in the Middle East.

Hezbollah's Role:

Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite militant group backed by Iran, has a historical connection to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, although its primary focus has been on Lebanon. Hezbollah has fought against Israel in the past, notably in the 2006 Lebanon War, during which it launched rocket attacks into northern Israel. Hezbollah has close ties to Iran and has provided support to Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas. Hezbollah's involvement can be summarized as follows:

Support for Hamas: Hezbollah has provided political and logistical support to Hamas, including training and the supply of weaponry.

Cross-Border Conflicts: In the past, Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in conflicts, notably the 2006 Lebanon War. Hezbollah's actions often add to the regional volatility and complicate efforts for peace in the broader Middle East.

Proxy of Iran: Hezbollah is often seen as a proxy of Iran in the region. Iran provides it with significant financial and military assistance, further inflaming tensions with Israel.

It's important to note that the involvement of Hezbollah in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can further complicate the situation and potentially lead to broader regional tensions, as Hezbollah is backed by Iran and is seen as a major player in the wider Middle East power struggle.

What Next:

Meanwhile, the US is trying to prevent the escalations and has warned the Middle East, especially Iran and Lebanon, to "be careful" around its actions. But Iran is denying its involvement in the attack and has warned Israel to target its allies in Lebanon. 

To prevent Iranian aggression or an escalation of the conflict beyond Israel's borders, the US has sent two carrier strike groups to the eastern Mediterranean Sea along with additional fighter jets. Israel has said that it is prepared to engage in a multifaceted battle.