The Gaza War, launched by Israel in retaliation for the October 7, 2023 attack of Israel by Hama, continues unabated as the world turns a muted criticism.
The roots of the conflict are deeper than the October incident. Israel captured the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the 1967 conflict. The conflict exploded when Israeli settlers began to occupy and settle the region shortly after the war. Israeli restrictions, border and security regulations have heated up the conflict since. In 2007, Israel blockaded the region to extend its control over Hamas as it claimed. The Palestinians responded with violent protests demanding the return of their ancestral homes.
Casualties suffered
Israel claims around 1200 Israelis were killed in the original Hamas attack of 2023. Since then, the number of Israeli casualties has risen to over 2,000.
Meanwhile, the Palestinians casualties have exceeded 60,000 and the number grows now due to the Israeli controls of food and medical aid into the region. The number of injured likely exceeds 150,000 people. More than 200 aid workers have been killed also.
The situation today
Ceasefires in the war stop and start like the Maple Leafs each season. The region is now a humanitarian crises as Israel has blockaded it blocking off basic necessities, leading to widespread hunger and famine conditions. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million population has been forcibly displaced, often multiple times. Aid distribution is extremely difficult due to Israeli restrictions and a breakdown of law and order. Water supplies are severely affected, and the healthcare system has largely collapsed.
Ceasefire talks resume and collapse like water rolling off a duck’s back with both sides stating points of contention.
Nevertheless, Israel’s military superiority is levelling razes the Palestinian territory to the very ground, the people killed by starvation. The conflict has expanded across the Middle East, with Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen clashing with Israel and the United States. Iran also directly attacked Israel in April and October 2024, prompting Israeli counterstrikes.
The war has garnered significant international attention, with widespread protests globally calling for another ceasefire. Israel faces accusations of committing genocide, which are being reviewed by the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders.
Toothless tiger growls
Located in the Hague, Netherlands, the International Court of Justice is a toothless tiger like the United Nations, all talk, no concrete action.
Meanwhile, Israel slaughters the poor Palestinians – relentless genocide.
