The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been escalating over the past three weeks, leading to a significant loss of life on both sides. As tensions continue to rise, it is important to understand the potential impacts of the conflict and be cautious about the situation. Western leaders have been expressing their support for Israel and urging Israeli leaders to protect civilians in Gaza and adhere to international law. There are concerns about the possibility of a larger war in the Middle East, particularly along Israel’s northern border, where there have been exchanges of gunfire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese Shia militia backed by Iran.
It is essential to note that Hezbollah’s stock of sophisticated missiles poses a greater threat to Israel than Hamas. The United States has sent additional weaponry to Israel and deployed a carrier task force to the eastern Mediterranean as a show of force to Hezbollah and Iran. However, it is unclear if Hezbollah has made a definitive decision to join the conflict at this time.
The blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza has severely affected the availability of essential resources such as water, fuel, and electricity for the people of Gaza. While Israel claims the blockade is justified due to the need to prevent weapons-making supplies from entering Gaza, it has significantly worsened the daily lives of ordinary citizens. The few aid lorries crossing the border from Egypt are the only source of access to essential supplies, and even piped water is only available for a few hours a day in some parts of Gaza.
The situation becomes more complex when considering the issue of hostages held by Hamas. With more than 200 hostages, it is unlikely that Israel will be able to rescue all of them by force. Any rescue operation would be risky, as the hostages are likely being held underground in tunnels and bunkers. There is also a concern that Hamas may use the release of some hostages as a delaying tactic to deter Israel from a military incursion into Gaza.
Regarding funding, Hamas initially received financial support from Palestinian expats, private donors, and Islamic charities. However, funding became increasingly difficult after it was designated as a terrorist entity by the US, European Union, and others. Currently, Hamas receives support from Iran and aid from Qatar, which helps pay the wages of government workers. The US Treasury also suggests that Hamas has a secret international investment portfolio worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
The death toll in the conflict is devastating, with more than 1,400 Israelis and over 5,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Despite the high number of casualties, the West has typically allowed Israel time to punish Hamas before calling for a ceasefire. However, this war is different as Israel seeks to eradicate Hamas entirely, politically and militarily. The West’s support for Israel indicates that the pursuit of this objective may continue for some time.
In terms of the potential involvement of Fatah, the political rival of Hamas, there has been no indication that Fatah is willing to take over Gaza. The Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, governs parts of the occupied West Bank but lost control of Gaza to Hamas in 2007. Fatah firmly believes that it will not come to control Gaza on the back of an Israeli tank.
When it comes to Western governments’ stance on the conflict, there is no unified position. While many Western leaders initially expressed full support for Israel due to the severity of Hamas’s attack on Israeli civilians, there are growing concerns about the high civilian casualties caused by Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza. Western leaders have called on Israel to respect international humanitarian law, but UN agencies accuse Israel of breaching these laws as it continues bombing crowded areas and displacing more than a million people from their homes.
In summary, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has significant implications for the region and beyond. The potential for a larger war in the Middle East, the impact of the blockade on essential resources in Gaza, the hostage situation, the funding sources of Hamas, the death toll, and the complexity of the political landscape are all important factors to consider. It is crucial to closely monitor the situation and approach it with caution, considering the potential consequences for all parties involved.
BBC Correspondents Answer Your Questions about the Israel-Hamas Conflict
