Hamas & Everything There is To Know About Them

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Hamas & Everything There is To Know About Them

 

In a startling turn of events on October 7th, the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, launched an unprecedented attack on Israel. This attack claimed the lives of over 1,400 people and led to the taking of numerous hostages.

Retaliatory Air Strikes and Looming Ground Offensive

In response, Israel swiftly initiated retaliatory air strikes, resulting in nearly 2,700 casualties in Gaza. There is a growing anticipation of an imminent ground offensive.

Gaza’s Dire Humanitarian Crisis

The situation in the Gaza Strip has rapidly deteriorated. Urgent access is crucial for the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical supplies, a warning issued by the World Health Organization. There is a significant risk of a protracted humanitarian crisis.

Israel’s Blockade and Demands

Israel imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip, blocking the supply of essential goods such as food, water, fuel, and electricity, following the Hamas attacks. Israel insists it will maintain this “siege” until Hamas releases the hostages.

Critical Healthcare and Depleting Resources

Most hospitals in Gaza are non-operational, and waste is accumulating. Access to running water is limited, raising concerns of dehydration and waterborne diseases. The situation is dire, with lives at risk due to the lack of water.

Forced Relocation and Attacks on Evacuees

Around 600,000 residents from northern Gaza were ordered to move south of the Wadi Gaza river in preparation for a presumed ground invasion. Tragically, those fleeing have been attacked, including women and young children, during evacuation.

Overcrowded Shelters and Scarce Resources

The population of Khan Younis has surged from 400,000 to over a million, with people taking refuge in the streets. Essential services are stretched to the limit, and there are lengthy queues for basic necessities such as bread.

Ongoing Violence and High Casualties

Further violence erupted, leading to over 100 casualties from strikes in Khan Younis and near the Rafah border crossing, as reported by local officials.

Hamas’s Position and Calls for Evacuation

Hamas, the ruling authority in Gaza, urged civilians to disregard the evacuation order from the north. Israel subsequently confirmed that “a few hundred thousand” people were still in the north and encouraged them to evacuate.

Rafah Border Crossing: A Critical Lifeline

Rafah, located in the southern part of Gaza and bordering Egypt’s Sinai desert, is the primary entry and exit point for civilians and humanitarian aid, as the other border crossings remain closed.

International Aid Efforts and Uncertain Access

Aid organizations have conveyed that numerous trucks carrying vital supplies are en route to the border from the Egyptian side. However, the timing of their entry into Gaza remains uncertain.

Global Diplomatic Initiatives

US nationals in Gaza have been advised to move toward the Rafah crossing, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announcing its opening for aid, albeit without specific timing. The UK’s foreign secretary, James Cleverly, is actively collaborating with regional powers to reopen the border.

Israel’s Goals and Readiness

Israel’s stated objectives include destroying Hamas and securing the release of hostages held in Gaza, with an estimated 199 individuals in captivity. Israel has mobilized a significant military presence, including tens of thousands of troops, tanks, and artillery.

Preparation and Targeting of Hamas Infrastructure

Israel’s military has made extensive preparations for an offensive, involving thousands of airstrikes aimed at Hamas commanders and control centers. The use of explosives to destroy Hamas’s extensive network of underground tunnels is anticipated, as entering them is fraught with peril.

Close-Quarters Combat and Troop Estimates

Engaging in close-quarters combat in densely populated urban areas poses a significant challenge. Israel estimates that Hamas has approximately 30,000 troops equipped with automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and anti-tank missiles.

Hamas: Background and Objectives

Hamas is a Palestinian militant group that has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. Its core objective is Israel’s destruction, with the aim of establishing an Islamic state in its place. Hamas has engaged in multiple conflicts with Israel and has fired rockets and conducted deadly attacks.

Israel’s Response and Blockade

In response to these actions, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes and sent troops into Gaza during previous conflicts. Israel, along with Egypt, has imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, citing security concerns.

Global Support and Opposition

Hamas is designated as a terrorist group by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the UK, and other nations. Iran provides support to Hamas, including funding, weapons, and training.

Historical Context and Territorial Disputes

The Gaza Strip, a narrow territory, is located between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. It has one of the world’s highest population densities and is home to approximately 2.2 million people. A significant portion, more than 75%, are registered refugees, residing in densely populated camps.

Palestine and Ongoing Dispute

The history of the land known as Palestine dates back to Roman times and was the center of Jewish kingdoms in biblical accounts. Israel declared statehood in 1948, although the land is still referred to as Palestine by those who do not recognize Israel’s right to exist. Palestinians also use the term Palestine to encompass the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.

Roots of Recent Conflict

Hamas’s assault on Israeli communities on October 7th was a severe cross-border attack, representing the most significant challenge Israel has faced in over a generation. The attack breached the barrier between Gaza and Israel, with devastating consequences.

Tensions and High Palestinian Casualties

Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians have been escalating, resulting in the deadliest year on record for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This rise in casualties could have motivated Hamas to strike Israel with a spectacular attack.

Hamas’s Goals and International Involvement

Hamas may have aimed to score a significant propaganda victory to boost its popularity among Palestinians. Additionally, the attack could be a strategic move to pressure Israel into releasing some of the thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

Iran’s Involvement and Denial

Speculation has arisen regarding Iran’s potential involvement in orchestrating the attack, given its adversarial relationship with Israel. However, Iran’s Supreme Leader has denied any responsibility. The situation remains highly complex and dynamic.**

 

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