The Israel & Palestine conflict is a complex & long running dispute over land, borders & self determination between two groups including Israelis (including Jews and Arabs) and Palestinians (primarily Arabs). This conflict has been going on since the late 19th & early 20th centuries, rooted in historical, religious, regional and nationalist claims.
A brief historical overview of the Israel and Palestine conflict :
1. Late 19th century : The Zionist movement advocating a Jewish homeland gained popularity in Europe due to rising anti-Semitism. In 1917, support for the establishment of a "National Home for the Jewish people" in Palestine was expressed by the British government in the Balfour Declaration.
2. British Mandate (1917–1948) : After World War I, the League of Nations gave control of Palestine to Britain. Jewish immigration to Palestine increased, increasing tensions with the Arab population already living there. Conflicting national aspirations became intense.
3. 1947 United Nations Partition Plan : The United Nations proposed a partition plan to divide Palestine into separate Jewish & Arab states. The Jewish leadership accepted the plan but Arab leaders rejected it, leading to the Arab & Israeli War in 1948 after Israel's declaration of independence.
4. 1948 War & Palestinian exodus : Israel won the war & hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes, becoming refugees in neighboring countries. This event, known as the Nakba (Catastrophe), remains an important aspect of Palestinian identity and grievance.
5. Post - 1948 Period : Several conflicts and wars, including the Suez Crisis (1956), the Six-Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War (1973), further shaped the territorial boundaries and power dynamics between Israel and its Arab allies. Neighbors including the Palestinian territories.
6. Occupation and Settlements : After the Six-Day War, Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Jewish settlements began to grow in the occupied territories, leading to disputes over land, resources & Palestinian rights
7. Peace Processes : Various peace initiatives and negotiations have taken place over the years, including the Oslo Accords (1993) that aimed to establish a framework for peace and Palestinian self-governance. However, issues such as borders, settlements, security and the status of Jerusalem remain unresolved.
8. Recent developments : Tension, violence & intermittent conflict have continued, Israeli military operations in Gaza & clashes in Jerusalem, driven by issues such as settlement expansion, access to holy sites & lack of permanent solution.
What is Hamas, brief information about this organization
Hamas is a Palestinian Islamic political organization and militant group that operates primarily in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. It was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada with the goal of establishing an Islamic state in historic Palestine and opposing the Israeli occupation. It is considered a terrorist organization by many countries and international bodies (But not by India) due to its history of involvement in violence, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and other forms of armed resistance against Israel. Hamas has been involved in conflict with Israel and It is committed to destroying the Israel. The group also operates as a political party, won the Palestinian legislative elections in 2006 & currently governing the Gaza. Its social service programs and grassroots support have contributed to its popularity among certain sections of the Palestinian population, while its militant activities have faced condemnation and restrictions from various governments.
Israel Vs Hamas Conflict
The conflict between Israel & Hamas represents a long standing and deeply rooted conflict that has continued for decades, including cycles of violence, intermittent ceasefires and diplomatic efforts to find a solution. This enduring dispute is emblematic of the broader Israeli – Palestinian conflict and has had profound Humanitarian, Political & Socio-economic impacts on both sides.
HAMAS, a militant Palestinian group founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, emerged as a key player in the conflict. It operates primarily in the Gaza Strip and is recognized as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, the European Union and several other countries. Hamas wants to establish an Islamic state in historic Palestine and this group engaged in various forms of armed resistance against Israel.
One of the most notable aspects of the conflict involves Hamas's use of indiscriminate rocket attacks & other military actions targeting the Israeli civilians. These attacks have resulted in casualties and widespread fear in Israeli communities near the Gaza border. In response, Israel has employed military strategies aimed at destroying Hamas infrastructure and capabilities while trying to minimize civilian casualties. The Israeli military has launched several operations against Hamas, including airstrikes, ground incursions & targeted attacks on Hamas leadership & military installations. However, these military actions have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread damage to the infrastructure of Gaza Strip.
The cycle of conflict between Israel and Hamas has seen periodic escalations, including major conflicts such as in 2008 - 2009, 2012, 2014 & recent 7 October Attacks. These intense conflicts have resulted in widespread destruction, displacement of civilians, humanitarian crises & deep hostility between parties.
Efforts to mediate and establish peace between Israel and HAMAS are ongoing. It involves various international actors and mediators. However, achieving a lasting solution has been challenging due to deeply entrenched positions, mutual distrust & the complexity of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict, which includes historical, regional and religious dimensions. The impact of the conflict extends beyond the immediate region, influencing global geopolitics and attracting the attention of international organizations and world leaders who are seeking paths toward a peaceful resolution. However, fundamental issues related to the sovereignty, security, borders & rights of both Israelis & Palestinians remain unresolved.
Ultimately, finding a lasting solution to the Israel & Hamas conflict requires both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue make substantial concessions & commit to a peaceful coexistence that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. Without such a solution, the cycle of conflict and suffering is likely to continue, perpetuating a tragic chapter in the quest for peace in the Middle East.
Difference between Hamas & Palestine
Hamas is a Palestinian militant Islamic organization that operates primarily in the Gaza Strip and it is considered a terrorist organization by many countries, including Israel, the United States, the European Union, and others. It was founded in 1987 and aims to establish an Islamic state in historic Palestine while engaging in armed resistance against Israel.
Palestine refers to the geographical region and historical land that includes areas such as the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. It is home to the Palestinian people, who want self determination & statehood. Palestine encompasses a broader context beyond any single organization, such as HAMAS, That represents the aspirations of the Palestinian people for an independent state. In short, Hamas is a distinct militant organization operating within the broader context of Palestine, representing the historical & geographical land where Palestinians live and seek statehood.
India's stance on the Israel - Palestine conflict
India has historically maintained a balanced & nuanced approach towards the Israel & Palestine conflict. India recognized the State of Israel in 1950 but did not establish full diplomatic relations until 1992, largely because of its support for the Palestinian cause & solidarity with the aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood. Over the time, India has developed diplomatic relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority with the aim of improving relations with both sides while advocating a negotiated & peaceful resolution of the conflict on the basis of mutual understanding & respect for internationally recognized borders have to maintain.
Here are some key points :
1. Support for Palestinian rights : India has consistently supported the Palestinian cause for statehood expressing solidarity of the Palestinian citizens & advocating their right to self determination. India supports a two state solution, in which Israel & Palestine co-exist peacefully within secure & recognized borders.
2. Diplomatic engagement with Israel : Since establishing full diplomatic relations in 1992, both countries have developed a strong partnership in various sectors including defence, technology, agriculture & trade. Both India & Israel have cooperated in the areas of mutual interest, promoting economic ties & sharing expertise in areas such as defense technology, innovation & agriculture.
3. Balanced diplomacy : India's approach aims to balance its relations with Israel & Palestine. While strengthening ties with Israel in the economic and defense sectors, India has maintained political support for the Palestinian cause, advocating a negotiated solution through dialogue & diplomacy.
4. Support for the peace process : India has consistently supported efforts for peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue & negotiation. It has supported the importance of direct negotiations between Israel & Palestine to resolve issues such as borders, settlements, security & the status of Jerusalem.
India's stance on Israel & Palestine conflict underlines its commitment towards a just & peaceful resolution that recognizes the legitimate rights and aspirations of both Israelis & Palestinians, while deepening ties with Israel, India has been engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability & security in the region.
What is Israel's Iron Dome system ?
Iron Dome is a missile defense system developed by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems & Israel Aerospace Industries. It is designed to intercept & destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from 4 to 70 kilometers (2.5 to 43 mi) away that pose a threat to populated areas or critical infrastructure. The system consists a combination of radar, tracking devices & interceptor missiles to detect incoming projectiles, assess their trajectory & engage selectively to attack highly populated areas or sensitive locations.
Working Machanism of Iron Dome System :
A. Detection : Iron Dome's radar systems detects & tracks incoming threat, analyse its trajectories to determine whether it pose a threat to populated areas or strategic locations.
B. Decision Making : Once an incoming projectile is identified as a threat, the system's algorithms assess whether to intercept it based on its trajectory & likelihood of impacting sensitive areas.
C. Intercept : If a threat is deemed high priority, Iron Dome launches an interceptor missile to intercept & destroy the incoming projectile. The interceptor missile's guidance system tracks the target & attempts to destroy it mid-flight.
D. Effect : Upon successful interception of incoming threat is destroyed in the air, preventing damage or casualties on the ground.
Iron Dome has proven highly effective in reducing the impact of rocket attacks, particularly during conflicts in Gaza involving Hamas or other adversaries firing rockets toward Israeli civilian areas. It has significantly reduced casualties and damage from these threats by stopping a notable percentage of incoming projectiles. The success of the system has attracted international attention & Israel has shared its technology and expertise with other countries facing similar security challenges. Iron Dome's effectiveness in protecting civilian populations from short-range threats has established it as a critical component of Israel's defense strategy.
Surprise attacks by Hamas against Israel on 7th October 2023
At around 6:30 a.m. local time, Southern Israel's Air space filled with massive amount of rockets. Soon after, sirens of air attack on Israel could be heard. Hamas claimed responsibility of this attack & said it had previously fired about 5,000 rockets at the cache. Hamas Terrorists launched a massive surprise attack against Israel on Saturday by firing rockets from the Gaza Strip. They fired nearly 5,000 rockets from Gaza into Israel in what was considered one of the biggest attacks on Israel in recent years. In addition, Hamas fighters have reportedly captured several Israeli soldiers & civilians. According to local Israeli media, Hamas gunmen have taken about 50 people hostage near the Gaza border.
Thousands of armed Hamas Terrorists breached the border security fence separating Gaza from Israel & indiscriminately tortured and shooted Israeli civilians in their houses, as well as attacking soldiers at military bases. Other terrorists raided Israel's beaches on motorboats and some brought death from the sky, paragliding into Israel, to carry out a savage attack on an open-air concert that was billed as a celebration of "unity and love".
Israeli Counter Attack
Immediately following the Hamas attack on 7 October, which included thousands of missiles launched at Israel from the Gaza Strip, the IDF (Israeli Defence Force) began its retaliation by conducting airstrikes on Gaza. Israel vowed to soon eliminate Hamas, the terrorist organization that runs Gaza, is believed to be operating with the support of Iran. Explosions were heard in central Gaza and Gaza City at around 9:45 am. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared "We are at war, and we will win," in a video statement, in the wake of the surprise attacks in southern Israel and the Israeli Defense Forces' counterattack. “Our enemy will pay a price it never imagined,” he said. Israel announces 'Operation Iron Swords' against Hamas terrorists after declaring 'state of war"