This summer has brought great exposure to the conflicts surrounding the Gaza Strip. The struggle between the Israeli government and the reigning governmental body of Gaza, the Hamas, has escalated to alarming heights and has caught the attention of many international bodies. Although this particular conflict (which is contributed to the larger Israeli-Palestinian conflict) has been ongoing since 2006. The Israeli Defense Forces had launched an operation July 8 of this year with the claim to end rocket fires from Gaza’s end. However, strong controversy and criticism has been followed.
Hamas is a militant fundamentalist organization dubbed as a terrorist group by eight countries and international unions and banned in Jordan. Rockets are continuously fired from both sides, and both sides have also been accused of breaching multiple cease-fires. Over 3,000 rockets have been fired at Israel. Much of the criticism arises from the disproportionate amount of casualties that have arisen from Gaza as opposed to Israel, which now stands at approximately 2000 to 70 respectively.
However, Israel has also poured a large amount of funds into the Iron Dome, their air defense system, which has intercepted hundreds of rockets with a near 90 percent success rate. The United States has donated $225 million to Israel to help fund the $20,000 per interception and $50 million per battery costs. On the side of Gaza, Hamas has dug underground tunnels for Palestinians to take cover in, although they have continuously been collapsed by Israeli forces.
Hamas has also been chastised for firing rockets next to Gaza’s schools, hospitals, playgrounds, and Red Cross stations. However, they also do not have formal launching sites. Although President Obama has publicly announced the United States’ support for Israel’s self defense, the majority of young adults in the country have expressed strong opposition to Israel’s rocket firings. Trending Twitter tags such as #GazaUnderAttack and #FreeIsrael have also helped spread awareness.
International relations and history teacher Mr. McBride said, “‘Complex’ is an understatement in describing this 60+ year conflict. To that end, the commonly held belief that ‘Those people have always hated each other, and a lasting peace is not possible,’ disappoints me, and encourages me to redouble my efforts as an educator.”