Fights between the two countries aren’t anything new to the world, but the current situation has raised some eyebrows. People in Palestine are scared for their lives and of their loved ones, the country has been sent back by years after the current ongoing tensions. Tensions between these two countries have been going on for decades, it dates back to World War 1.
How it all began
After World War 1 had ended, the British defeated Palestine’s emperor of the time, the Ottoman Emperor, and took control of Palestine. Soon enough, Palestine started filling up with Jews, The Arab majority who were already inheriting the land was against this. This caused severe violence between the Arabs, Jews, and the British people. After the Jewish population in Palestine started growing, tensions raised as well. Palestinian’s who were already against the idea debated and a war between them emerged. After the war had ended, Palestinian’s started fleeing out of the country after Israel had taken control over most of the land. Israel currently states that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, though, Palestinian’s deny this and claim it as the capital of Palestine. Over 590,000 Jews reside currently in Palestine. The recent wars started after controversial statements which stated that the Palestinian families shall be evicted from East Jerusalem to make room for migrant Jews to reside.
The current war
the state of Gaza is in control of the Palestinian Militant Group called Hamas. Hamas is the group involved in starting Wars against Israel as they are also against the Jewish to reside in Jerusalem. During the Holy month of Ramadan, tensions started rising after Israeli forces attacked Palestinians who were performing their prayers in mosque Al-Aqsa. Rubber bullets were fired towards the Palestinians performing their evening prayers, to which in response, Palestinians started throwing rocks and glass bottles towards the Israeli forces.
As of Today, Palestine has faced massive damage after missiles were fired and airstrikes took place from Israel towards Gaza. Thousands of bombs were dropped on Gaza through Israeli Jets. A building that had offices of the Associated Press was also bombed by the Israeli military through airstrikes which later collapsed. This caused more rage between the Hamas militant group, who later launched about 100 missiles towards Israel, which are all reported to have been intercepted. After this, Airstrikes over Gaza increased significantly as a response to Hamas.
Currently, the death toll of Gaza has exceeded 150 whereas over 1,200 people have been injured. In Israel, violence between civilians has also increased where Arabs have gathered in protest against Israelis.
Israeli Air forces targeted a refugee camp in Gaza which killed 8 children and injured several people residing in the camp. Nearby houses were also destroyed and 20 injuries were recorded from the area.
Officials from the Palestinian health ministry have accused the Israeli defense forces of targeting areas where a vast majority of Civilians reside, IDF has denied this and stated that their airstrikes were targeting the house of the Hamas leaders and their storage units. The Associated Press stated that the news agencies were not the ones to be targeted. The Committee to Protect Journalists released a statement where officials have requested the Israeli government to provide a plea about why the Israeli military is targeting Civilians and Civil areas, as this is against the Humanitarian law.
Recently, President of the United States Joe Biden spoke to the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After the talks between the two were released, it was visible that Biden seemed quite concerned about the recent attack which demolished a building that contained offices of Journalists and other Press channels. Biden also raised the topic of protecting civilian lives during the attack against Palestine. Biden seemed to be supportive of Israel for protecting their country against the attack of Hamas. Biden also gave out his condolences for the people of Palestine. In Response, Netanyahu was apologetic and stated that they will take all means necessary to avoid attacks on the local public. He also said that the attacks will continue with full force.
President Joe Biden has also spoken with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
After their talks were released by the White House, President Mahmoud Abbas urged Biden for support in bringing an end to the war against Israel.
Officials from Israel do not seem to bear an eye over the consequences Gaza is currently facing due to the airstrikes and missiles launched by Israeli militants. After hearing the conversation between Biden and Abbas, the Defense Minister of Israel Binyamin Gantz said that Palestine will pay the price after Hamas had launched dozens of missiles over Israeli states and the most targeted one was Tel Aviv. He also stated that Israeli forces are ready for any sort of scenario and shall not forgive anyone who plans an attack on Israel.
Violence is at its peak if we consider the West-bank. Israeli militants have managed to kill at least 12 Palestinians during clashes around the territory.
The military wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigade took the attack on the Al Jala’a tower into consideration and released a statement that warned the residents of Israel and Tel Aviv about a hefty response incoming.
The Palestinian Red Crescent has spoken about the West Bank recently. The West Bank is probably the only territory that faced huge losses and damages done by Israeli Forces. The local health ministry has said that since the attacks began, almost 550 Palestinians were severely injured after Israeli forces were said to be using live ammunition and teargas against Palestinians.
Jordanians also seem to be in support of Palestinians after they were seen marching towards the Israeli borders for two consecutive days. Abdullah II, King of Jordan has stated that the borders should be opened and Jordanians should are allowed to go ahead and fight with their Palestinian brothers.
The whole world is attempting to bring peace between the two countries, but as the violence is increasing day by day, things do not seem easy.
