Israel and Palestine have been in conflict since the late 19th century, although recently their dispute has escalated. After a surprise attack by Hamas, Israel formally declared war on October 8, 2023. Thousands have been killed on both sides, with many casualties in the first of the attacks and the invasion of Israel.
There have been several attacks on both sides of the war, although the main targets have been along the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The Health Ministry in Hamas ruled that Gaza has reported over 13,300 Palestinians killed in the conflict and Israel counted 1,400. Hundreds of hostages have also been taken on both sides.
The war caught lots of attention from the media and both sides have gained support from people around the world. The war has sparked conversation on antisemitism, Islamophobia, and the protection of children. According to the U.N. agency for Palestine refugees, one child is killed every ten minutes in Gaza on average.
Organizations such as UNICEF, Save the Children, Doctors without borders, and the International Committee of the Red Cross work to help children and civilians affected by the Israel-Hamas war.
Civilians in other countries are also looking to do their part, such as calls to representatives for a ceasefire. Movements and protests have developed, the biggest, so far, being the March for Israel at the National Mall in Washington, DC. Almost 300,000 people came together to show their support, protest antisemitism, call for the release of the hostages, and call for a ceasefire.
Movements have also taken over social media apps such as Instagram, TikTok and X. Filters on TikTok, where users will play games, are said to raise funds for Gaza citizens. Users and influencers on multiple social media platforms speak out to end the violence.
On Friday, November 24, a four day truce began between Israel and Hamas. The goal was for Hamas to free 50 hostages and Israel to release 150 Palestinian prisoners. People were released in waves over the four day period.
On the fourth day of the ceasefire, Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Israel’s prime minister, stated that the two-day expansion would not go into effect until the hostages that were set to be released that day were freed. Regev also mentioned, “For every ten hostages released, we’re willing to give an extension of another day, and if Hamas will release Israeli hostages as agreed we will extend.”
The truce, which lasted a week, was a “major diplomatic breakthrough” according to a CNN post. However, it ended after seven days and the fight resumed on December 1.
As the temporary truce ended, Israel claimed Hamas fired missiles into Israel, violating the terms of the truce. Hamas responded that Israel refused: “to accept all offers to release other hostages,” which states why the truce came to an end.
The war continues with a recent increase of intervention from the United Nations, calling for a humanitarian cease fire. Citizens on both sides continue to suffer, and more will die if a permanent negotiation is not reached.
