The state of Israel and Palestine has been destructive for centuries. Even before the British recognized Israel as an independent country in 1948, the citizens of the two nations had waged war over territorial disputes. The Gaza Strip was won by Israel in a war against Egypt that only lasted six days. After 38 years of occupation under Israeli rule, the IDF troops were ordered to move out of Gaza, giving Hamas more power. This action led Israel and Egypt back into old habits by placing a heavily armed military force around the region. Israeli air and naval units surround Gaza, leaving many human rights groups questioning its legitimacy.
Over the last two decades, tensions have risen between both sides. Israel and Palestine launch attacks against each other that only make the prospects of peace unlikely. Hamas, the resistance organization within Gaza and the West Bank, launched rockets at Israel last week and then proceeded to break through the border of Israel with armed soldiers. Hamas killed many residents within the Israeli territories and captured over 150 hostages. Israel was quite unprepared as it had not seen a large-scale tactical attack like this in 75 years. Hamas viewed the attack as a retaliation for Israel’s hostile treatment of women, the destruction of a mosque, and the blockade surrounding Gaza.
After the attack, Israel decided to launch a war against Hamas. Gaza is the primary location that Israel focused on when searching for the members of Hamas. Israel has made it nearly impossible for anyone in Gaza to access necessities in hopes that they can root out the Hamas soldiers. Israel has dropped almost 6,000 over the territory to kill anyone associated with Hamas. While these decisions are bold, they prove to be a mistake, as the civilians end up suffering afterward. Now, Israel has entered a negotiation protocol. All of these drastic actions from the Israeli government will continue until all hostages held by Hamas are free.
Israel is now in a position where war is the only strong option. These wars are never going to stop unless legitimate conversations occur that bring up the idea of peace between both nations. Many attacks between both sides are based on the concept of vengeance and not defense. If Israelites and Palestinians continue to live with this mindset for the rest of their lives, then the chances of peace in the region become increasingly difficult. Eventually, there must be a mutual compromise among Israel and Palestine over territorial disputes where both sides get most of what they want.
This article gives details about the recent attack and what the future looks like for Israel. There is also several links attached to support those who are suffering from the war.
Lawati, A. (2023, October 14). Israel is at war with Hamas. Here’s what to know. CNN
https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/09/middleeast/israel-hamas-gaza-war-explained-mime-intl/index.html
ISRAAID
https://www.israaid.org/about/
Unicef
https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/pain-suffering-engulfs-children-state-palestine-israel
Save The Children
https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/west-bank-gaza
ICRC
International Affairs by Jack Peeples 
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