The violent conflict between Israel and Palestine continues on through 2023. On October 7, there was a surprise attack that targeted Israel, the attack coming from Palestinian militant groups, led by Hamas. Hamas has been deemed a terrorist group by many countries such as the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Attacks the group has done in the past are rocket salvos, suicide bombings, and currently performing public executions.
According to NBC News, there was a warning given by the Israeli military advising people in northern Gaza to move south. Hamas told around 1 million people to ignore this warning. Seventy people, mostly women and children, were killed by Israeli airstrikes shortly after the warning was given.
The article, from NBC News, also states that “The number of dead in Israel from Hamas terror attacks on the country is more than 1,300 people. Twenty-seven Americans have been killed, officials in the U.S. said. In Gaza, 1,537 people have been killed, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Crucial supplies in Gaza are running out. Israel has said its “complete siege” will not be lifted until Hamas releases the 100 to 150 people estimated to have been taken hostage.”
An officer from Israel who claimed his identity as a “ fighter in a special police unit” spoke on how he did not want to see Palestinians killed but felt the need to “strike back” against Hamas attacks.
On October 8, 426 targets were hit by Israel. Some of these targets consisted of Hamas officials’ homes, an internet source “Wantan Tower,” several housing blocks, and tunnels. News website Associated Press shares a story of Abu Quta, a man who lost 19 of his family members by an Israeli bomb strike. Quta claimed “ In an instant, an explosion ripped through his own home, wiping out 19 members of his family, including his wife and cousins.”
On October 13, north Wadi Gaza communities were warned by Israeli Defense Forces to move south. This would cause a misplacement of 1.1 million Palestinians, making the move south a nearly impossible one. Many deemed this command “outrageous” and this kind of order a “Crime against humanity.”
Hamas has currently captured 150 Israeli hostages, which they kidnapped during an invasion in southern Israel. Every time that Israel sends an airstrike and hits Gaza, the Palestinian militia threatens to brutally execute them “one by one,” videotaping the killings. This gives more reason on why the U.S. and other countries have deemed Hamas a terrorist organization.
An article from New York Times has given a statistic of lives that Hamas has taken. For every 1,200 Israeli people killed by Hamas, would be equivalent to 44,000 Americans. This shows insight on the up rise in frustration and acts of war from Israel.
Opinions on the war have been circulating on the internet causing people to take sides in this brutal war. Many celebrities speaking out like Kylie Jenner (reality star), and Noah Schnapp (actor) created some controversy online with personal stances on the war. Jenner lost 1 million followers on Instagram after a deleted post on her story standing with Israel.
