Country of Conflict, Israel:Causes, Players, Outcome, and Latest Updates

Introduction

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated significantly since early October. It started with an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel, leading to a large-scale Israeli military campaign in Gaza, causing numerous casualties and extensive destruction.

The October 7 Attack

On October 7, Hamas launched a significant attack on Israel from Gaza, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, including children, the elderly, and 364 young people at a music festival. Hamas also fired numerous rockets into Israel and captured over 250 hostages, with reported incidents of rape and sexual violence.

Who is Hamas?

Hamas, short for the Islamic Resistance Movement, is a Palestinian militant group that seized control of Gaza in 2007 by force, becoming the sole governing authority. With an armed wing of around 30,000 fighters, Hamas seeks to replace Israel with an Islamic state, refusing to acknowledge Israel’s existence and vowing to dismantle it. Iran supports Hamas by offering financial aid, weapons, and training.

Why is Hamas Fighting Israel?

Hamas justifies its attacks as responses to what it perceives as Israeli crimes against Palestinians, such as security raids on the al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Jewish settlement activity in the occupied West Bank. Hamas also seeks the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip by Israel and Egypt. Over time, Hamas has been involved in multiple conflicts with Israel, launching thousands of rockets and conducting numerous deadly attacks.

The Israeli Response

Following the October 7 attack, Israel initiated a large-scale military campaign involving airstrikes, ground invasions, and naval bombardments to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages. The operations began in northern Gaza, specifically Gaza City, and later expanded to southern Gaza, causing significant damage and destruction to homes and other structures in the region.

Humanitarian Impact

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is severe, with shortages of food, fuel, and medicine, especially in northern Gaza. The UN has reported cases of starvation, particularly among children, as the health system struggles with overwhelmed hospitals and shortages of supplies due to damage from Israeli attacks.

Hostage Crisis

Hamas seized over 250 hostages on October 7, including civilians, elderly individuals, and children. Some hostages have been freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while others are still held captive. Israel is actively working to secure the release of all hostages through military and diplomatic means.

Current Situation and Chances for Ceasefire

Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have stalled. Hamas seeks an end to the war, Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and unrestricted aid flow, while Israel demands the complete destruction of Hamas and the release of hostages. Diplomatic efforts by the US and other international actors persist, but achieving a lasting ceasefire remains difficult. The conflict, ongoing for over six weeks, has resulted in more than 11,100 Palestinian deaths as of November 10, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Additionally, at least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’s October 7 assault on Israel, marking the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

The Surge in Israel-Palestinian Violence

Background

The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has escalated since early 2023, particularly in the West Bank and East Jerusalem—territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 Middle East war. The violence started in March 2022 with deadly Palestinian attacks on Israel, leading to ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank and frequent raids into the occupied territories.

Recent Escalation

In 2022, the violence in Israel and Palestine resulted in the deaths of at least 146 Palestinians and 31 Israelis, making it the deadliest year since UN records began in 2005. The trend has persisted into 2023, with the first two months showing higher death tolls than the same period in 2022. Notable incidents include an Israeli military raid in Nablus that led to 11 Palestinian deaths and a gun battle in Jenin that killed 10 Palestinians.

Drivers of Violence

Both sides blame each other, but there are underlying causes. Palestinian attackers claim to be fighting against Israeli occupation and avenging Israeli assaults. Some attacks are carried out by “lone wolves, while others are by militant groups like the newly formed Lions’ Den. Israel’s ongoing operation, “Break the Wave,” targets these militant groups, leading to frequent and often bloody raids in densely populated areas..

Prospects for Peace

There is little hope for an immediate end to the violence in Israel. Israel argues that its operations are essential to weaken militant groups, while Palestinians see their attacks as a reaction to Israeli actions. The absence of a political peace process keeps long-standing grievances unresolved. Many Palestinians consider the Palestinian Authority ineffective and complicit, while Israel’s hard-line government escalates measures against Palestinian violence through actions like home demolitions and settlement expansions. Despite a recent US-brokered meeting to reduce tensions, a lasting resolution remains out of reach.

Conclusion

The conflict between Israel and Hamas, along with the broader Israel-Palestinian violence, has led to significant loss of life, widespread destruction, and a severe humanitarian crisis. While diplomatic efforts aim to reach a ceasefire, the future remains uncertain. The situation underscores the urgent need for a sustainable solution to address the longstanding issues between Israel and the Palestinian territories.