Israel-Palestine Conflict: What's Happening Now?

On October 7th, a major escalation occurred between Israel and Palestine. Hamas launched thousands of rockets from Gaza into Israel, causing casualties on both sides. Israel responded with "Operation Iron Swords," targeting Hamas assets in Gaza. This event has drawn international attention, with countries like India, the US, and the EU expressing their concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Hamas launched a surprise, multi-pronged attack on Israel, including rockets, ground incursions, and sea assaults.
• Israel declared a state of war and retaliated with airstrikes on Gaza.
• The attack highlighted a significant intelligence failure by Israel's Mossad.
• International reactions have been mixed, with many condemning the attacks while others acknowledge the historical Palestinian grievances.
• The conflict has deep historical roots, involving territorial disputes and political complexities.

The Initial Attack

It all started on October 7th around 6:30 AM. While most Israelis were still asleep, air raid sirens began to blare. Soon after, thousands of rockets were fired into Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces estimate around 2,200 rockets were launched, while Hamas claimed to have fired 5,000. Israel has a sophisticated air defense system called the Iron Dome, designed to intercept incoming rockets. However, with such a massive barrage in a short period, the system was overwhelmed, leading to significant casualties and injuries in Israel. This surprise attack was one of the largest seen in the Israel-Palestine conflict in decades, drawing parallels to the Yom Kippur War 50 years prior.

Beyond rockets, Hamas executed a coordinated attack from land, sea, and air. They breached the border wall separating Gaza and Israel, with some militants entering Israeli territory on motorcycles and powered hang gliders. Others attacked via speedboats. Hamas fighters also targeted an Israeli military base near the Gaza border, captured Israeli tanks, and took Israeli soldiers hostage. They also entered Israeli villages and towns near the border, resulting in the deaths of many civilians and the taking of more hostages.

Israel's Response and The Wider Context

In response, Israel declared a state of war and launched airstrikes into Gaza, which also resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties and injuries. To understand the situation, it's helpful to look at the map. Israel and Palestine are located in the Middle East. The Palestinian territories consist of the West Bank, east of Israel, and the Gaza Strip, southwest of Israel, bordering Egypt. The West Bank is administered by the Palestinian Authority, led by Fatah, but contains Israeli settlements considered illegal by the UN. Gaza is solely controlled by Hamas, an organisation designated as a terrorist group by many countries, including the US, EU, and UK, though not by all.

This complex political landscape is the backdrop to the current conflict. Hamas has named its operation "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," stating it's a response to Israeli actions, particularly concerning the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israel, in turn, has named its retaliation "Operation Iron Swords." The Israeli military, including its navy, air force, and ground troops, has been deployed, with airstrikes conducted in Gaza. Israel's Energy Minister ordered a cut-off of electricity supply to Gaza, a significant portion of which is supplied by Israel.

Intelligence Failures and International Reactions

A major point of discussion has been the failure of Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, to anticipate this large-scale attack. Despite having extensive networks and advanced surveillance, the agency seemingly missed the preparations for such a significant assault. This has led to domestic criticism and calls for investigations. Reports suggest that Egyptian intelligence officials had repeatedly warned Israel of an impending major event, but these warnings were reportedly ignored.

Internationally, the reactions have been varied. US President Joe Biden condemned the attacks and pledged unwavering support for Israel. The EU's foreign policy chief also strongly condemned the violence and affirmed Israel's right to self-defense. Iran, a supporter of Hamas, called the attack an act of self-defense. Neighbouring countries like Egypt and Jordan have been engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. The Palestinian Authority, while condemning settler and foreign troop actions, stated Palestinians have the right to protect themselves.

Historical Perspective and The Path Forward

India has historically supported the Palestinian cause for self-determination, a stance maintained across various governments. Prime Minister Modi expressed shock over the attacks and solidarity with Israel and its victims. The current events are seen by many as pure terrorism, especially given reports of atrocities against civilians. While acknowledging past injustices against Palestinians, the targeting of Israeli civilians is condemned as unjustifiable.

The conflict is deeply rooted in history, involving decades of territorial disputes and political struggles. Understanding this history is key to grasping the current situation. The hope is for a lasting peace, but the current escalation suggests a prolonged conflict. It's important to remember the human cost on both sides – the fear and disruption faced by ordinary Israeli and Palestinian families. While Israel aims to conduct its response responsibly, with warnings issued before strikes on buildings, the reality is that many Palestinian civilians have been killed. The situation remains tense, and the path to peace is uncertain.