Israeli-Hamas War: Ten (10) Things to Understand, not just know

1. The Escalating Conflict: The current Israeli-Hamas conflict is more than just a regional skirmish; it has the potential to trigger a much larger and devastating global war. The hostilities, initiated by Israel against Hamas, have already affected the lives of all Palestinians, extending beyond Gazans and Israelis. The risk of this conflict drawing in other Arab states is real, and the involvement of major world powers could lead to a catastrophic global war that no one desires.
2. The Palestinian Identity: It’s crucial to understand that Israelis, too, can be considered Palestinians from a historical perspective. Prior to 1948, the territory that constitutes modern Israel was part of Palestine. This conflict, therefore, is not inherently against Palestinians but specifically against Hamas, recognized as a terrorist group by the United States.
3. Targeting Gaza: Israel’s military actions in Gaza are not arbitrary; they are a response to the fact that Gaza serves as a launching pad for Hamas attacks on Israel. Rockets and militants have repeatedly emanated from this region, prompting Israeli offensives in Gaza. Likewise, Israel is after Hamas, specifically the masterminds behind the October 6-7 attacks, not the 2 million Palestinians living at Gaza.
4. Hamas’ Justification: While Hamas claims its attacks on Israel are retaliatory, citing the desecration of the Al Aqsa Mosque as a trigger, their extensive preparations and actions contradict this narrative, revealing a more calculated strategy. Hamas’ misleading statements have been exposed.
5. Non-Religious Conflict: This is not a religious war, as both sides assert. Hamas cites multiple grievances for its actions against Israel, while the Israeli response is driven by the perceived barbarity and savagery of Hamas, not their religious identity. Had this been a religious war, the world should have heard of skirmishes by Jews and Muslims outside Palestine. Hamas and other terror organizations want nothing more than see this as a religious conflict.
6. An Identity Struggle: The conflict is partly rooted in identity differences. Israelis view themselves as distinct from Gazans, even though both are Palestinians. Gazans feel they are bearing the brunt of Israeli encroachment on their historical territory, leading to clashes between people with differing identities.
7. Targeting Gaza City: Israel’s decision to target Gaza City is due to its use as a base of operations by Hamas. Underground bunkers have made it difficult to neutralize these operations, necessitating attacks on the city to disrupt Hamas’s activities and locate potential hostages.
8. Complex Geopolitical Factors: The prolonged nature of this conflict is a result of multiple factors. Israel is considered an enemy by many Arab states due to historical tensions and Israeli occupation. Additionally, the involvement of major world powers with interests in the region adds complexity. A resolution must address these geopolitical dynamics and collective ontological security needs.
9. Timing of the Conflict: The timing of this conflict is influenced by regional power dynamics. Israel’s negotiations with Arab states, like Saudi Arabia, have alarmed Iran, which seeks regional hegemony. A peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel could threaten Iran’s security, escalating the situation. Hamas sees this conflict as an opportunity to rekindle global focus on the Palestinian issue, inspite of several thousands dead, and hundreds more, injured. Hamas probably miscalculated this and did not take into account the enormous risks it took just to punctuate a point.
10. Path to Resolution: The solution lies in acknowledging shared identities as Palestinians, irrespective of religious beliefs. Gazans and Israelis should recognize commonalities in culture and traditions, shared security concerns, and the necessity of coexisting. Establishing a bilateral organization to address territorial issues and equitable sharing of resources is key to a sustainable resolution.

In conclusion, the Israeli-Hamas conflict is a multifaceted issue with deep historical, political, and identity-related roots. Resolving it requires comprehensive consideration of all these aspects, emphasizing a common vision for the future and shared prosperity in the region.