Amrita Jaswinder and Jonathan Johnson
What is Currently Happening?
On October 7th Hamas, a Palestinian militia group that ruled the Gaza Strip since 2006, launched a surprising attack on Israel killing at least 1,400 people and leaving 4,500 injured since the attack. More than 200 hostages have been taken by Hamas including American citizens. However, as of October 20th, two American hostages mother and daughter Judith and Natilie Raanan were released and safely returned back to America. Hamas released what is being called disturbing video footage of attacks on civilians throughout Israel. The Israeli Defense Force shared the video footage, for many to understand and see what happened on October 7th.
In response to the attack, Israel notified people north of Gaza to evacuate, however Hamas told them to stay put. In addition, reports indicate that there is no where for them to go.Hundreds of thousands of people have fled to the south of Gaza, where the population arose from 400,000 to more than a million. Israel launches airstrikes in the Gaza strip where the Palestians control.
After the attack, Israel announced a “siege” where they cut off electricity, food, goods,fuel, and water until Israeli hostages were released. “Gaza is running out of water and Gaza is running out of life soon. Soon, I believe, with this there will be no food or medicine either” stated the Commissioner General of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini. Currently many households and hospitals are relying on generators to stay alive.
The October 7th attacks in Israel have killed 1,400 people and left 5,400 wounded, Israel reports. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that the airstrikes on Gaza have killed nearly 5,800 people and injured almost 16,300.
What is the Stance of the U.S.?
On October 9th, Israel and Palestinian supporters protested and rallied in Time Square with direct tension angered between both protestors marching east to the United Nation as the U.N. had an emergency meeting following Hamas’s attack
On October 19th, President Biden addressed the nation about the Israel and Hamas war. He explained how America supports Israel during their conflict and will be in contact with the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.
The next day in Bryant Park more than 150 Palestinian protesters marched towards senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s midtown office and sat in a line across the road blocking traffic. Despite offices ordering them to move for disorderly conduct. Protestors stood their ground chanting “Ceasefire Now!” Not complying, protestors were transported in buses according to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
Israel and Palestine’s Complicated History
The conflict between Israel and Palestine dates back to the end of the 19th century. In 1947, the Partition Plan was introduced by the United Nations, seeking to divide the then British Mandate of Palestine into two separate states; Arab and Jewish.
On May 1948, the State of Israel was created, which was a catalyst for the first Arab-Israeli War. This war ended in a three-way split, creating the State of Israel, the West Bank (of the Jordan River), and the Gaza Strip.
Since then, tensions have risen between countries of Jewish natives and Arab natives, arguing over who controls the territories in the area. For several decades, both Israelis and Palestinians have been displaced, wounded, and killed due to the ongoing conflicts. In 2006, the militant group Hamas had taken over Gaza, sparking years of war to come. However, in 2021, a ceasefire was agreed upon between Israel and Hamas.
Following this, there was hope for some to see peace in the Middle Eastern regions that were involved in this ongoing conflict. However, the recent attacks and war crimes have since derailed many’s desire for actual peace and prosperity.