Sophie Wynkoop
The Israel-Hamas war has its roots in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conflict is the result of tensions and disputes over land, as well as disagreements over who should have political control in the region. The recent escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas was triggered by a series of events, including fights between the Israeli police and Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem, as well as bombing attacks from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes in response. The conflict is one that has deep historical, political, and religious sides to it. As a matter of fact, it has tended to be a difficult subject to discuss globally because of its complexities. It is very important to approach this topic with empathy for both sides involved and all the lives lost.
Destruction of Palestine tower during airstrike (Wikipedia Commons)
Throughout the month of November, there were intense rocket attacks from Gaza towards Israel and airstrikes by Israel in response. This resulted in significant casualties and damage on both sides. This conflict seems to be getting nowhere near a solution, as both sides have pulled out of truce talks, saying that negotiations have reached a dead end.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 15,500 Palestinians, including over 6,000 children, have been killed, making this one of the deadliest wars for children in all of modern times [1]. The insanely large number of civilian deaths have led to both Israel and Hamas being accused of war crimes and of starting the conflict. Because of this, many people believe that it is difficult to accuse one side or the other. Israel recently ordered the people of Gaza to evacuate northern Gaza, while Hamas ordered the people to stay in their homes. These conflicting orders are also partially responsible for the high number of deaths. Both parties engage and rely on deceitful warfare to help them do the most damage possible. The United Nations reported that around 1.8 million Palestinians and around 500,000 Israelis have been reported missing. This is only a fraction of the millions killed in war.
If you’re looking to help those affected by the Israel-Hamas war, one way to contribute is by donating to organizations that provide relief and support. These organizations often have international branches or partnerships that allow everyone to contribute, regardless of the country you are living in right now. Additionally, spreading awareness and sharing information about fundraising efforts can help raise funds and support for those in need. Educating yourself and others is also always a costless and effective way to help out. These efforts may seem small, but they are still impactful and necessary.
[1] Wikipedia Contributors, “2023 Israel–Hamas War,” Wikipedia (Wikimedia Foundation, October 12, 2023), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Israel%E2%80%93Hamas_war.
Sophie Wynkoop