The Gaza-Israel conflict is a localized aspect of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The roots of this conflict can be traced back to the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005. Following this withdrawal, Hamas emerged victorious in the 2006 Palestinian legislative election. Subsequently, a civil war between Hamas and Fatah in 2007 led to Hamas gaining control over Gaza. In response to Hamas’s takeover, both Egypt and Israel implemented a comprehensive blockade of the Gaza Strip, which had a devastating impact on Gaza’s economy. This blockade has been criticized by international human rights organizations as a form of collective punishment, while Israel has justified it as a necessary measure to prevent the entry of weapons and dual-use goods into the territory.
Israel-Hamas War
In the midst of the Israel-Gaza conflict, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that they had conducted significant strikes and effectively divided the Gaza Strip into two parts. According to Al Jazeera, Hagari explained, ‘There are now widespread attacks on terror-related infrastructure, both above and below ground.’ The IDF spokesperson also noted that Israeli forces had encircled Gaza City, resulting in a division between south and north Gaza, with troops having reached the coastline.
Meanwhile, Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, in a meeting in the Northern Command, expressed that the IDF remained prepared to take action in northern Gaza at a moment’s notice, emphasizing their goal of improving security along the borders. The IDF also stressed their commitment to the release of hostages, making reference to the October 7 massacre. Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by The Times of Israel, stated that Israel would not consider a ceasefire until Hamas releases the hostages they are currently holding. Netanyahu’s statement emphasized their determination to continue until they achieve victory, without any alternative in mind.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again rejected calls for a ceasefire on Sunday as the conflict with Hamas approached its one-month mark. Israel initiated its military operation last month in response to an unexpected attack by Hamas militants. According to officials, the clash on October 7 resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 individuals, with the majority being civilians, leading to one of the most violent escalations in the Israel-Palestine conflict in recent years. Retaliatory airstrikes and a ground offensive have reportedly caused casualties of nearly 10,000 people in the densely populated Gaza Strip.