The Gaza war is a term that can refer to different armed conflicts between Israel and the Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip. The most recent Gaza war started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched rockets at Israel in response to the killing of four of its members by Israeli forces. Israel retaliated with air strikes and ground operations, targeting Hamas's military infrastructure, rocket launchers, and tunnels. The war has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 9,000 people have been killed, including over 3,800 children, and more than 32,000 have been injured. The war has also disrupted the provision of basic services, such as water, electricity, health care, and education. The war has also affected Israel, where more than 1,400 people have been killed, mostly by rocket fire, and more than 5,400 have been injured. The war has also triggered protests and violence in the occupied West Bank, where more than 140 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces. The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and a political solution to the conflict, but the efforts have been hampered by the lack of trust and dialogue between the parties. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been visiting key regional powers, such as Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, to seek their support for ending the war and addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. ²³
The Gaza war is not the first one between Israel and the Palestinian groups in Gaza. The previous Gaza wars occurred in 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014, and each one resulted in heavy casualties and destruction. The 2008-2009 war, also known as Operation Cast Lead, lasted for three weeks and killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis. ⁷ The 2012 war, also known as Operation Pillar of Defense, lasted for eight days and killed more than 170 Palestinians and six Israelis. The 2014 war, also known as Operation Protective Edge, lasted for 50 days and killed more than 2,200 Palestinians and 73 Israelis. ⁴
The Gaza war is also a part of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which dates back to the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent displacement and occupation of millions of Palestinians. The conflict has been marked by several wars, intifadas, peace initiatives, and diplomatic efforts, but none has achieved a lasting and just solution. The main issues of the conflict include the status of Jerusalem, the borders of a future Palestinian state, the fate of the Palestinian refugees, the Israeli settlements, and the security of both peoples. The conflict is also influenced by the regional and international dynamics, such as the role of the US, the Arab states, Iran, Turkey, and other actors. ⁴⁵
The Gaza war is a complex and tragic situation that affects the lives of millions of people. It is also a reminder of the need for a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict, based on the respect for human rights, international law, and the aspirations of both sides.
