Why Israel is fighting Hamas
Israel is engaged in a war against Hamas, a terrorist organization that has killed 1,400 people in Israel since 2000. Hamas launched a series of rocket attacks on Israel in October 2023, triggering a swift and fierce response from the Israeli military. Israel says it aims to destroy Hamas’s infrastructure and capabilities, and end its threat to the security and peace of the region.
How Israel is trying to minimize civilian deaths
Israel faces a difficult challenge in fighting Hamas, as the terrorists hide among the civilian population of Gaza, a densely populated territory. Israel has been accused of causing excessive civilian casualties, with more than 2,750 Palestinians killed so far. However, Israel claims it is doing its best to avoid harming innocent people, by giving warnings to civilians to leave before launching attacks, and by targeting only military and terrorist sites. Israel also says it is abiding by the rules of war and respecting human rights.
What Hamas hopes to achieve by provoking Israel
Hamas has a radical agenda that seeks to destroy Israel and establish an Islamic state in its place. Hamas does not recognize Israel’s right to exist, nor does it accept any peace negotiations or agreements. Hamas hopes to provoke Israel into a response that would escalate the conflict and draw in other regional actors, such as Iran, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad. Hamas also hopes to gain sympathy and support from the international community and the Arab world, by portraying itself as a victim of Israeli aggression.
How the world is reacting to the war
The war between Israel and Hamas has sparked protests and demonstrations around the world, with some expressing solidarity with Israel and others condemning its actions. The UN Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue, but has failed to adopt a resolution due to the veto power of the US, which supports Israel’s right to self-defense. The US has also sent its envoy to the region, hoping to broker a truce and prevent further escalation. The EU, Russia, China, and other countries have also expressed concern and urged both sides to exercise restraint and respect international law.
What are the prospects for peace in the future
The war between Israel and Hamas is not likely to end soon, as both sides have shown determination and resilience. The current conflict is the fourth major outbreak of violence since Hamas took over Gaza in 2007, following wars in 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014. Each time, the fighting ended with a fragile ceasefire that did not address the underlying issues or grievances. The prospects for peace depend on finding a political solution that would address the security needs of Israel, the humanitarian needs of Gaza, and the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians for statehood and dignity.
