Who is Hamas Blog
What is the history behind the Israel and Hamas war
Israel Gaza war. Credit: Re’em Shemer’s FB page.
The history of the conflict involving Israel and Hamas is both complex and extensive, spanning several decades and involving numerous pivotal events. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of key moments that have shaped this ongoing confrontation, focusing on significant periods such as the 1948 and 1967 wars, the First Intifada in 1987, the Oslo Accords, the rise of Hamas, and events from 2007 to the present day.
The 1948 War and its Aftermath:
In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition the area into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international administration. Following the declaration of the State of Israel by David Ben-Gurion on May 14, 1948, neighboring Arab states invaded. The ensuing conflict led to a massive displacement of people from the area to surrounding Arab states. The 1949 armistice agreements resulted in the recognition of Israel by some Arab states, but formal peace treaties were not established. This period saw significant immigration of Jews into Israel from Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
Developments in 1967:
The Six Day War in 1967 marked another critical juncture, with Israel launching a preemptive strike against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria after a long attrition war which preceded it. After 6 days of massive war, Israel gained control over the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, along with the Golan Heights in Syria. The Yom Kippur War in 1973 and the subsequent Camp David Accords in 1979, where Egypt became the first Arab nation to make peace with Israel, were also significant.
The First Intifada and the Oslo Accords:
The First Intifada began in 1987 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, a response to the continued “Israeli occupation”. In the same year, Hamas was formed, a group that would play a pivotal role in future conflicts. The Oslo Accords, signed between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization between 1993 and 1995, established the Palestinian Authority and granted it limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, Hamas was not a party to these accords and was designated a terrorist group by the U.S. and the EU in 1997.
The Rise of Hamas and Subsequent Developments (2000-2006):
The Second Intifada erupted in 2000, leading to significant violence against Israel. In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew from the Gaza Strip, and in 2006, Hamas won legislative elections and took control of the Gaza Strip from the PLO by force after a short amount of time of leading Gaza in parallel. The West Bank continued to be administered by the Palestinian Authority under Israeli supervision.
Key Events from 2007 to 2023:
Since 2007, there have been various significant developments. In 2008, Israel launched Operation Cast Lead in response to rocket attacks by Hamas. In 2014, Operation Protective Edge was another major Israeli military operation in Gaza. The recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital by the United States in 2017, under President Donald Trump, led to widespread protests and criticism. In October 2023, a devastating attack was carried out by Hamas, initiating a large-scale invasion of Israel from the Gaza Strip. This included the launch of at least 3,000 rockets and the breaching of the Gaza-Israel barrier, resulting in a significant amount of murdered and wounded civilians and military in Israel.
Conclusion:
The protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas, while deeply rooted in historical, territorial, and religious disputes, has also been marked by several missed opportunities for peace and stability in the region. Over the years, there have been numerous instances where efforts to achieve a lasting peace were within reach, yet these chances were often not seized upon. Key moments presented pivotal opportunities for discussion and dialogue, but the involvement and actions of groups like Hamas have frequently undermined these peace initiatives.
Hamas, in particular, has played a significant role in perpetuating the ongoing conflict. Since its inception, the group has been involved in numerous violent incidents and attacks, which have not only caused significant loss of life and suffering but have also served to escalate tensions and derail peace efforts. The organization’s refusal to renounce violence and its commitment to the destruction of Israel as stated in its charter have made it a central and controversial figure in the conflict narrative.