The relationship between Israel and Gaza has been marked by long-standing tensions and conflict. Gaza, which is governed by the terrorist group, Hamas, has been a focal point of the tension recently. The root cause of the conflict between the two involves historical, territorial, religious issues, and differing political views.
One of the primary causes of conflict is the control and governance of Gaza. Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, Israel and Egypt have forced a barricade on Gaza due to security concerns because of Hamas’ history of security threats against Israel. The barricade has significantly limited the movement of trade and people in and out of Gaza, worsening human conditions and contributing to instability in the area.
Disputes over territory, particularly in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, have fueled tensions. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital, leading to confrontations and disagreements over control of the city. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has also been a point of disagreement, as it affects the possibility for a future Palestinian state.
There have been many violent escalations between Israel and Gaza resulting in military confrontations. These escalations arised from incidents such as rocket attacks launched from Gaza into Israel, retaliation airstrikes by the Israeli military, and clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces. The civilians, including children, have tragically been facing the impact of these conflicts, facing many casualties and displacement.
Efforts toward peace and ceasefire agreements have been sporadic, reaching a lasting resolution remains challenging due to the deeply entrenched historical grievances, security concerns, and the lack of trust between the parties involved.
