The latest conflict between Israel and Hamas began on May 10, 2021, when Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem in response to Israeli police raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Israel retaliated with airstrikes on Gaza, and the conflict quickly escalated.
The fighting lasted for 11 days, and resulted in the deaths of over 250 people, including 67 children. The majority of casualties were on the Palestinian side, with over 2,000 people injured.
The war ended with a ceasefire brokered by Egypt, but the underlying tensions between Israel and Hamas remain.
Causes of the conflict
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for decades, and there are many factors that contribute to it.
One of the main causes of the conflict is the dispute over the territory of Palestine. Israel claims the entire territory of Palestine, while the Palestinians claim the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem as their own state.
Another major cause of the conflict is the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and has built settlements on the territory. The Palestinians view the settlements as illegal and as a violation of their rights.
Hamas is a Palestinian militant organization that is dedicated to the destruction of Israel. Hamas has launched numerous rocket attacks against Israel, and has also carried out suicide bombings and other terrorist attacks.
Israel-Hamas War: Impact of the war
The war had a devastating impact on the people of Gaza. Over 100,000 people were displaced from their homes, and many schools and hospitals were destroyed. The war also caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with shortages of food, water, and electricity.
The war also had a significant impact on the Israeli economy. The Israeli government estimated that the war cost the economy over $1 billion. The war also caused a decline in tourism to Israel.
International reaction
The international community reacted with concern to the war between Israel and Hamas. The United Nations Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire, but the resolution was not adopted due to a veto from the United States.
The United States and other Western countries expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, but they also urged Israel to minimize civilian casualties.
The Arab League and other Muslim-majority countries condemned Israel’s actions and expressed support for the Palestinians.
Aftermath of the war
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been holding since May 21, 2021. However, the underlying tensions between the two sides remain.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has called for an international investigation into the war, and has also urged the international community to put pressure on Israel to end its occupation of the West Bank.
Hamas has also called for an international investigation into the war, and has threatened to resume rocket attacks against Israel if its demands are not met.
Conclusion
The latest conflict between Hamas was a devastating event that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. The war also had a significant impact on the economies of both Israel and Gaza
The international community responded with concern to the war, and called for an immediate ceasefire. However, the underlying tensions between Israel and Hamas remain, and it is unclear how long the ceasefire will hold.
Additional analysis
The latest war was the most intense conflict between the two sides since 2014. The war was also notable for the use of long-range rockets by Hamas.
Hamas’s use of long-range rockets forced Israel to relocate its Iron Dome missile defense system to protect its cities. The Iron Dome system was successful in intercepting many of Hamas’s rockets, but some rockets did get through and caused damage.
The war also highlighted the vulnerability of Gaza’s infrastructure. Many schools and hospitals in Gaza were destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, and the war also caused a severe humanitarian crisis.
The international community has called for a reconstruction of Gaza, but it is unclear how this will be funded. Hamas has demanded that Israel lift its blockade of Gaza before any reconstruction can begin, but Israel has refused to do so.
The latest Hamas war is a complex conflict with no easy solutions. The underlying tensions between the two sides remain, and it is unclear how long the ceasefire will hold.