The massacre kicked off Operation Swords of Iron, the code name for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli operation, following 9 months of tireless and persistent efforts and fatal strikes, has led to innumerous casualties and serious repercussions, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A report published by the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, claimed that 31,184 Gazans have been killed since October 7, and some 72,899 are injured and require immediate medical support.

What is Hamas?

Harakat Al-Muqawama Al-Islamiya, popularly known by the acronym “Hamas”, is a Sunni Islamist militant group which governs over the Palestinian territory of Gaza Strip. Nevertheless, for its inhumane conducts including suicide bombings and missile strikes, Hamas has been designated as a Terrorist Organisation by Argentina, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Paraguay, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union, thus far.

Who backs Hamas?

It is believed by the International Community at large that Hamas is directly backed, militarily and financially, by the , the primary branch of Iran’s armed forces. Many a time, have Hamas leaders openly expressed their gratitude towards Iran, for not only being one of few countries to recognise them, but also for financial aid and provision of “weaponry” and other assets.

Apart from Iran, countries like Qatar and Egypt have also recognised Hamas on the international podium. Moreover, the group has established a significant presence in the capital cities of Cairo and Doha, conducting various international operations from these centres. Qatar, in particular, has served as a Haven for Chief Hamas leaders like Ismail Haniyeh, who has been

A Brief Account of Hamas’ government

In 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections by campaigning clean and corruption-free, combined with affirmation of Palestinians' right to armed struggle against the Israeli occupation, thus winning a majority in the Palestinian Legislative Council. However, in 2007 it took complete control of the Gaza strip from its rival faction Fatah (governing body of the West Bank).Nevertheless, the present day (the United Nations’ recognised parliament of Palestine), is the nominal Legislative Assembly of Palestine. It’s merely a legislative body existing in name’s sake, and has been absolutely ineffective thus far. One of the principal reasons for the body’s failure, is its inability to include Hamas’ representation, which puts up questions to its purpose of ‘uniting palestinian territories’.

History of Israel and Hamas

Ever since its assumption of power in Gaza, the totalitarian regime has been responsible for carrying out numerous cross-border terror operations in Gaza, ranging from to missile strikes and abduction of hostages. According to a report published by the Jerusalem Post, , and yet to be returned.

Immediate Cause of the Gaza crisis

Dozens of Israeli military officials under the protection of occupation forces, the latter assaulting Palestinian worshippers. In reaction to this, , by firing about 3,000 rockets aimed at Israel and vehicle-transported and powered paraglider incursions into Israel, killing about 1200 Israeli cituzens. They took about 251 hostages and Israeli security force personnel and took them to Gaza. As of July 1, 116 remained in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 42 who had been killed, according to AFP. Bodies of another 35 who were killed were returned to Israel.This marked the beginning of the current crisis in Gaza after Israel launched its operation code-named In the initial stages of its operation, the Israeli military took control of Northern Gaza and forced its local civilian population to move southwards of the strip. Furthermore, . Though Hamas has been wiped out to a great extent, it still has a significantly major presence in the territory and continues to run its operations under the shadows.

The current map of Gaza looks somewhat like this —

Author’s Standpoint:

The Israelis, or jewish people in particular, have had to historically suffer and survive against anti-semitic violence inflicted upon them. However, having to fight the Four Arab-Israeli Wars and amidst hostile neighborhoods, the Israeli people have thrived in the face of adversity. Even today, anti-semitism persists amongst the Palestinian masses, which is manifested by popular slogans like “From the River (Jordan River) to the Sea (Mediterranean Sea), Palestine will be free”, signifying the intent of wiping out Israel of existence.

Yes, maybe what Israel is doing in Gaza today, could be done in a much more civil and internationally legal manner, ensuring the basic human rights of the Palestinians. But we ought to scrutinize the history of Israel and ponder upon the state of paranoia that is passed down from generation-to-generation to the Israelis, which has consequently impelled them to respond in haste and such a barbarous manner.