Understanding the Recent Violence in Israel and Gaza: A Simple Guide
Introduction:
In recent events, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a significant attack on Israel, resulting in a day of violence and fear. This guide aims to provide a clear and concise understanding of the background of Hamas and its latest attack, shedding light on the ongoing conflict in the region.
What is Hamas?
Hamas is a Palestinian militant group that currently governs the Gaza Strip. The group’s primary objective is the destruction of Israel, with the aim of establishing an Islamic state in its place. Since coming into power in 2007, Hamas has engaged in several wars with Israel, firing thousands of rockets and carrying out deadly attacks. Israel has responded with airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza. Hamas, including its military wing called the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, has been designated as a terrorist group by various countries, including Israel, the United States, the European Union, and the UK. Iran provides Hamas with funding, weapons, and training.
The Importance of the Gaza Strip:
The Gaza Strip is a narrow territory, approximately 41km long and 10km wide, situated between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. Originally occupied by Egypt, Israel captured Gaza during the 1967 Middle East war. In 2005, Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from the area. The Gaza Strip is home to around 2.3 million people and has one of the highest population densities globally. Israel controls the airspace and shoreline of Gaza, strictly regulating the movement of people and goods through its border crossings. Egypt also controls its border with Gaza. The majority of Gaza’s population relies on international aid, with approximately one million people depending on daily food aid.
Reasons Behind Hamas’ Latest Attack:
The recent attack by Hamas on October 7th, while unexpected, occurred amidst escalating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. This year has been particularly deadly for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which may have motivated Hamas to launch a spectacular attack on Israel. Additionally, Hamas might have aimed to score a significant propaganda victory, boosting its popularity among ordinary Palestinians. By taking Israeli hostages, Hamas likely seeks to pressure Israel into releasing Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, a deeply emotive issue for Palestinians. Speculation also suggests that Iran, Israel’s arch-foe, may have orchestrated the attack, although Iran’s Supreme Leader denies involvement.
Conclusion:
Understanding the recent violence in Israel and Gaza requires a grasp of the history and motivations of Hamas, as well as the significance of the Gaza Strip. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to cause immense suffering and loss of life. By providing this simple guide, we hope to contribute to a broader understanding of the situation and encourage dialogue towards a peaceful resolution.
