Why Are Israel and Hamas Fighting in Gaza?

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is one of the most complex and long-standing disputes in modern history. Rooted in decades of territorial, political, and religious tensions, the latest rounds of violence stem from deeper historical grievances, security concerns, and competing national aspirations.

Historical Context

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back to the early 20th century, when tensions arose between Jewish and Arab communities over land in what was then British-controlled Palestine. In 1948, the State of Israel was established, leading to the first Arab-Israeli war. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced, and the Gaza Strip came under Egyptian control. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel captured Gaza along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Hamas, an Islamist militant group, emerged in the late 1980s during the First Intifada (Palestinian uprising). The group opposes Israel's existence and seeks to establish an Islamic state in historic Palestine. While Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, Hamas took control of the territory in 2007 after violent clashes with its political rival, Fatah. Since then, Israel and Hamas have fought multiple wars, with periodic escalations in violence.

Key Causes of the Conflict

1. Israeli Blockade of Gaza

After Hamas seized control of Gaza, Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade, restricting the movement of goods and people. Israel argues that these measures are necessary to prevent Hamas from acquiring weapons, but critics claim that the blockade has created a humanitarian crisis for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

2. Rocket Attacks and Israeli Airstrikes

Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza frequently launch rockets at Israeli cities, citing resistance against occupation and aggression. In response, Israel conducts airstrikes on Gaza, targeting Hamas infrastructure but often causing civilian casualties. These exchanges of fire lead to periodic escalations in violence.

3. Religious and Political Tensions in Jerusalem

Clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem, particularly around the Al-Aqsa Mosque (Islam’s third holiest site), have frequently triggered violence. Hamas often frames its attacks as a response to Israeli actions in the holy city.

4. Israeli Settlements and Occupation

Palestinians see Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank as part of an effort to permanently control Palestinian land. While Gaza is not home to Israeli settlers, Hamas argues that its resistance is part of a broader struggle against Israeli occupation.

5. Failed Peace Efforts

Numerous peace negotiations, including the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, have failed to produce a lasting resolution. Hamas rejects negotiations with Israel, while Israel views Hamas as a terrorist organization unwilling to compromise. This lack of a diplomatic solution fuels repeated cycles of violence.

Impact of the Conflict

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Repeated wars and the blockade have left Gaza’s economy in ruins. Residents face shortages of electricity, clean water, and medical supplies. Unemployment is high, and reconstruction efforts are slow due to restrictions on building materials.

Civilian Casualties

Both sides suffer civilian casualties in each escalation. While Israel argues that it targets only militants, many Palestinian civilians, including children, have been killed in airstrikes. Meanwhile, Israeli civilians also face deaths and injuries from Hamas rocket attacks.

Regional and International Reactions

The conflict has drawn global attention, with some countries supporting Israel’s right to defend itself and others condemning its military actions as excessive. The U.S. largely backs Israel, while some Arab and Muslim nations support the Palestinian cause. The United Nations has called for ceasefires, but long-term peace remains elusive.

Possible Paths Forward

Despite decades of violence, some potential solutions exist:

• Diplomatic Efforts: Renewed peace talks could lead to a long-term truce, though trust between the two sides remains low.