Israel and Hamas are on the brink of another conflict after a surprise attack on Saturday involving aerial, sea, and ground operations initiated by the Palestinian group from the Gaza Strip.
The attack marked an unprecedented infiltration by an unknown number of Hamas gunmen into Israel from Gaza, and one of the most serious escalations since Israel and Hamas fought an 11-day war in 2021.
Here is everything you need to know about the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023.
Brief Overview
On October 7, 2023, Hamas initiated “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood”. This included aerial, maritime, and ground operations, with over 5,000 rockets claimed to be fired by Hamas. The conflict, marked by an unprecedented infiltration of Hamas gunmen into Israel from Gaza, led to Israel’s swift retaliation with airstrikes on Gaza.
History and Background
Historical conflicts set the stage for current tensions. Here’s a timeline of the significant events leading up to the 2023 escalation:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Israel unilaterally withdraws from Gaza. |
| 2006 | Hamas secures majority in Palestinian legislative elections. |
| 2014Hamas’s kidnapping and killing of three Israeli teens leads to a seven-week war. | |
| 2018 | Palestinian protests at Gaza border begin; Israeli forces respond. |
| 2021Rising tensions during Ramadan lead to 11-day war, hundreds dead. | |
| 2023Hamas launches surprise assault on Israel. |
Timeline of the Conflict
- August 2005: Israeli forces unilaterally withdraw from Gaza 38 years after capturing it from Egypt in the Middle East war, abandoning settlements and leaving the enclave under the control of the Palestinian Authority.
- January 25, 2006: The Islamist group Hamas wins a majority of seats in a Palestinian legislative election. Israel and the U.S. cut off aid to Palestinians because Hamas refuses to renounce violence and recognize Israel.
- July-August 2014: The kidnap and killing of three Israeli teenagers by Hamas leads to a seven-week war in which more than 2,100 Palestinians are reported killed in Gaza and 73 Israelis are reported dead, 67 of them military.
- March 2018: Palestinian protests begin at Gaza’s fenced border with Israel. Israeli troops open fire to keep protestors back. More than 170 Palestinians are reported killed in several months of protests, which also prompt fighting between Hamas and Israeli forces.
- May 2021: After weeks of tension during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, hundreds of Palestinians are wounded in clashes with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa compound in Jerusalem, Islam’s third holiest site. After demanding Israel withdraw security forces from the compound, Hamas unleashes a barrage of rockets from Gaza into Israel. Israel hits back with air strikes on Gaza. Fighting goes on for 11 days, killing at least 250 people in Gaza and 13 in Israel.
- October 2023: Hamas launches the biggest attack on Israel in years from the Gaza Strip, with a surprise assault that combined gunmen crossing the border with a heavy barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip.
What Happened and When?
- The Palestinian armed group Hamas has launched “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” against Israel in the most serious escalation since Israel and Hamas fought an 11-day war in 2021.
- Hamas said it had fired 5,000 rockets, while Israel confirmed that the group’s fighters had entered its territory.
- In the last hour, the Hamas terrorist organization had begun a massive shooting of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, and terrorists infiltrated into Israeli territory in a number of different locations.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country is in a war it “will win” .
- Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Israel was facing “a very difficult moment” .
- The Israeli military is fighting Hamas fighters in seven locations in southern Israel near the fence with the Gaza Strip.
- The Israeli cabinet is expected to hold a meeting at 1 pm (10:00 GMT) in the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense.
- A rocket fired from Gaza has struck a residential area in Israel.
- Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the start of the operation in a broadcast on Hamas media, calling on Palestinians everywhere to fight.
Key Events of October 2023
- Launch of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood”: A major assault against Israel, marking the gravest escalation since the 11-day war in 2021.
- Rocket Barrage: Hamas fires 5,000 rockets into Israeli territories.
- Ground Infiltration: Hamas fighters penetrate various locations within Israeli boundaries.
- Israeli Response: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledges victory in what he terms a war.
- Ground Clashes: Israeli military combats Hamas fighters near the Gaza Strip fence.
The Players Involved
- Hamas: Palestinian organization, deemed a terrorist group by many nations including Israel and the US.
- Israel: A Middle-Eastern country with a robust defense system. It’s been in conflict with Palestine for decades.
- Israeli Government: Led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
- Hamas Leadership: Spearheaded by military commander Mohammad Deif.
The Current Situation
In the unfolding chaos:
- Hamas declares the commencement of its operation via broadcast.
- Rocket from Gaza strikes a residential zone in Israel.
- Israel’s cabinet schedules a meeting at the Defense Ministry headquarters.
- Israel’s military engages with Hamas in seven distinct areas in southern Israel adjacent to the Gaza fence.
Why This Matters
The Israel-Hamas conflict isn’t just a regional issue; its ramifications are global:
- Stability in the Middle East: An unstable Middle East can lead to global economic and geopolitical consequences.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Wars often lead to civilian casualties, displacement, and long-term suffering.
- International Relations: Nations are compelled to take sides, affecting global alliances.
Conclusion
The Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023 has escalated to a new level with Hamas launching a surprise attack on Israel. The conflict has a long history, with tensions between Israel and Palestine dating back decades. The situation remains tense, and it is unclear how the conflict will be resolved.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict and other global events, stay tuned to MandyNews.com.
