July 4, 1776. December 7, 1941. September 11, 2001. What makes these dates special? They hold value because a majority of Americans can look at these dates and identify the significance behind them almost instantaneously. While US history is certainly a fundamental part of the American education system, it is important to acknowledge global issues as well. In fact, at this moment, a violent conflict is taking place near the Gaza Strip. Israel and Hamas are at war.
When dealing with large conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas War, it is key to spread awareness on the situation and eliminate any misinformation that may surface, especially in the social media-dominated world that we live in today. Hamas, a military group and one of Palestine’s two major political parties, launched a surprise attack after firing around 2,200 rockets into Israel on Oct. 7. Hamas gunmen proceeded to break through the border fence with Israel that day, killing an estimated 1,300 civilians and soldiers and taking around 150 hostages with them. Major Nir Dinar, the spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces, referred to the act as their 9/11 when speaking to Reuters reporters.
Tensions between Israel (Jewish state) and Palestinian groups (Islamic people) have existed long before this war. The tension stems from both Judaism and Islam holding religious claims over the city of Jerusalem as well as past land disputes. In 1948, the UN divided Palestine into Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Israeli and Palestinian control over these territories has shifted over the years with extreme amounts of violence, but, since 2007, Hamas has controlled the Gaza Strip.
Hamas has made it clear that they do not recognize Israel as a legitimate state and will do everything in their power to bring about Israel’s downfall. In 2008, Hamas spokesman, Fawzi Barhoum, claimed that “Hamas will continue the resistance until the last drop of blood,” referring to the ongoing Palestinian resistance against Israel while speaking on the Gaza radio station.
On Oct. 7, after storming the border, the Hamas militants opened fire on an estimated 3,500 Israelis who were attending a concert. The militants were armed with assault rifles and grenades, killing anyone who attempted to flee. The number of Israeli deaths totaled 260 and additional hostages were taken. The events inflicted upon the Jewish community of Israel on Oct. 7 were an act of war in the eyes of the Israeli government. On Oct. 8, Israel formally declared war on Hamas, launching “Operation Swords of Iron.”
Israel has vowed to wipe out the Hamas group. On Oct. 13, the Israeli military warned the citizens of Northern Gaza to evacuate as Israel prepared for an upcoming ground invasion to strike Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets. Over the past week, Israel has dropped 6,000 bombs on the Strip, with children making up between 30-40 percent of the wounded civilians according to British-Palestinian surgeon Ghassan Abu-Sittah. Israel has also taken a complete siege of Gaza by cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water.
People have taken to social media to voice out their opinions and concerns on the emerging war. Many have utilized Instagram, X, and Tiktok to express their anger over the amount of silence that has ensued with the recent attack on Jews. While the public still mourns for the lives lost in Israel, others have spoken out on the fact that the Israeli government’s restrictive policies and attacks on Palestinians cannot be condoned either. Nevertheless, people are showing support for both Israel and the Palestinians residing in the Gaza Strip. Casualties of both groups will only continue as the war progresses, which is why awareness of the conflict is necessary in order to provide aid for all those affected by these times.
How can you help show your support as a high school student? Help to spread awareness on the situation and consider donating to agencies that are dedicated to helping out. Provided is a link of organizations you can donate to: https://www.pledge.to/help-humanitarian-efforts-in-israel-and-gaza
