Hamas Attacks Israel, Triggering Deadly Confrontation
In a shocking and deadly assault, Hamas has challenged Israel’s authority by launching a series of attacks that have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives. This marks one of the deadliest incidents Israel has experienced in generations. The assault began when Hamas militants blew up observation posts and other fortified structures, successfully breaking out of Gaza using motorbikes, speedboats, and paragliders.
Two days have passed since the incursion, but Israel is still engaged in fierce gunfights with Hamas fighters who have taken refuge in eight different locations within its territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eradicate every last militant and has authorized the use of force against anyone hiding in Gaza, despite it being one of the most densely-populated regions in the world.
The situation has escalated further with the news of an attack by Hamas militants armed with assault rifles and grenades at a trance music festival in the Negev desert, resulting in at least 260 fatalities. The international community has unanimously condemned Hamas for its actions, prompting the United States to provide military assistance.
Hamas traces its roots back to 1987 when it was established as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Its formation coincided with the first Palestinian intifada uprising against Israel. Initially standing for Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas was built upon the pillars of religion, charity, and the fight against Israel. It also established a military wing known as the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, named after a militant Syrian preacher active in the 1920s.
Since winning the most recent elections in 2006, Hamas has maintained control over the Gaza Strip. This came after Israel’s withdrawal from the enclave, which led to severe restrictions on Gaza’s borders and airspace imposed by Israel and Egypt.
While many young Palestinians in Gaza have grown up under Hamas rule, some older citizens who initially voted for the movement have expressed regret due to the years of repression suffered from Israel, partially fueled by Hamas militancy. This contrasts with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), which has been internationally recognized as the Palestinian leadership since accepting Israel’s right to exist peacefully in 1993 through the Oslo Accords.
Hamas refuses to recognize the state of Israel and advocates for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on historical borders, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River. However, since 2017, Hamas has expressed acceptance of a Palestinian state shaped around the borders that existed before the 1967 war, during which Israel occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.
Mohammed Deif, the enigmatic leader of Hamas’ military wing, named the assault Operation Al-Aqsa Storm. Deif stated that the attack was a response to the 16-year blockade of Gaza, Israeli occupation, and recent provocations that have heightened tensions to dangerous levels. He declared that enough is enough and emphasized the battle’s significance in bringing an end to what he described as the last remaining occupation on earth.
Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas in exile, stated that the group is engaged in a heroic operation aimed at defending the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Haniyeh claimed that the assault would spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem, touting the morning’s events as a moment of defeat and humiliation for their enemies.
Internationally, Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, Egypt, the United States, Canada, and Japan. Despite this designation, Hamas has received funding and weapons from Iran and enjoys support from Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Concerns over the conflict spreading have risen as Hezbollah and Israel recently engaged in rocket and artillery exchanges.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches anxiously, awaiting further developments and hoping for a peaceful resolution to the devastating violence.
