On Dec. 27, 2008, the Gaza Strip once again became filled with fighting between the democratic state of Israel and the Palestinian militant group known as Hamas, or the Islamic Resistance Movement.
The cause of fighting in this most recent instance is Hamas’ cancellation of the Egyptian-mediated ceasefire that began on June 18, 2008. Ever since Hamas came to power in 2006, there has been constant battle between them and Israel. The reason behind this entire conflict is that Hamas refuses to acknowledge Israel’s existence as a state, and Israel in turn views Hamas as a terrorist group that must be destroyed.
The truce took a hit on Nov. 4, with an Israeli raid on a Hamas-dug tunnel between Israel and Gaza. Hamas maintained that the tunnel was dug for defense, while Israel believed it was intended to capture their soldiers. During this raid, six members of Hamas were killed.
“The Israelis began this tension and they must pay an expensive price. They cannot leave us drowning in blood while they sleep soundly in their beds,” said Fawzi Barhoum, a spokesman for Hamas, in response to this raid, according to The Guardian. After the raid, Hamas launched rocket attacks towards Israel in retaliation.
Israel, on Dec. 13, said it wished to extend the truce. Hamas brought up some conditions that must be met if this were to occur. The conditions were, provided that Israel would open up border crossings and not launch attacks in Gaza, Hamas would stop all rocket attacks against Israel.
The ceasefire officially ended on Dec. 19, and Hamas told Israel they would not be extending it, because of Israel’s refusal to lift the blockade. Israel responded by saying they had begun to, but Hamas had also failed on their end of the bargain by not ending all rocket fire.
The fighting continued with increasing levels. Then, on Dec. 25, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert appeared in an interview, telling the Palestinian people to pressure their leaders to stop the attacks.
“I am telling them now, it may be the last minute, I’m telling them stop it. We are stronger,” said Olmert, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. After this statement, Hamas did not stop, and both sides began full-fledged war.
As of Jan. 19, 2009, it is estimated that more than 1,250 Palestinians, more than half of that number being civilians, have been killed, while there have been 13 losses on the Israeli side.
“Hamas is reacting based on the belief of an eye for an eye. That is the cause of the problem in this situation. Also, in reality, Israel sent many more missiles than Hamas did. In the end, it is understandable why both sides are mad,” said Carl Samis, a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences.
“While the deaths of Israelis and Palestinians alike are regrettable, much more progress needs to be made if future lives are to be saved. Both sides must first recognize the necessity of a two-state solution. After that, further progress can perhaps be made, but not until then,” said Matt Rossetto, a freshman in the College of Communication.
Things are looking up for the time being though. As of Jan. 19, Israel has promised to remove their troops, with the possibility of a long term solution being discussed.
“We didn’t set out to control Gaza, we don’t want to remain in Gaza and we intend on leaving Gaza as quickly as possible,” Olmert said, according to BBC News.
Some, however, think that Israel should take more time. “It’s as ill-thought out as the decision to pull America’s troops out overnight. It should be a more gradual transition,” said Jim Donaldson, a freshman in the College of Communication.