The Gaza war has drawn attention from several different countries around the world and is starting to be known as one of the most intense and long-lasting conflicts of recent years. The wars between Gaza and Palestine go back decades with many different clashes dating back to 2008. However, the current war officially started on October 7th, 2023, when Hamas, a political and militant group, launched a massive attack on southern Israel. This attack killed civilians and took hostages. In response to this attack, Israel declared war and then began military operations in Gaza. As this war has unraveled it has had serious consequences for both sides. It is helpful to look at how this war began, what has happened because of it, and what outcomes may occur as a result.
The goals on either side are the reasons this war is dragging on for so long. Israel wants to dismantle Hamas and release all the hostages. The long-term goal is to protect Israel from future threats from Gaza. Hamas’ goals are based on survival, negotiating a ceasefire, securing a hostage-prisoner exchange, and reasserting its political position. A few of the long-term goals Hamas wants is complete liberation of historical Palestine, and to expand influence in the West Bank. There are several consequences that can and are coming from this war including an effect on humanitarian conditions, widespread displace and destruction, psychological trauma for both Israeli and Palestinian civilians as well as many other problems that are bound to happen if this continues.
There are multiple outcomes that could happen if these wars keep on going. A couple of these things include the war continuing for months or years without either side being a clear winner, there could be even more destruction in Gaza, and very heavy costs for civilians, and it could also create tension for Israel’s resources. Not only would these two countries damage each other, but they would also damage other Middle Eastern countries and take away more resources from countries that are helping to fund the war. There is always possibility that this war could stretch into the West Bank, maybe even beyond. In addition to all these problems that could occur if the war keeps going, the longer this war drags on the harder it could be to achieve peace, and the hatred between Hamas and Israel will grow.
Even though this war has created very deeply rooted divisions, there are many possible solutions that could reduce the violence and move the region closer to stability. Trump has made a plan to try and bring peace. BBC news station said “Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza has been accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas has agreed to release remaining hostages but says it is seeking further negotiations on a number of points.” 1. This shows that both sides are ready and want the war to end, however, some more things are going to have to happen to make this work. It’s not just Trump who is trying to bring peace to Israel and Hamas. Egypt and Qatar have played major roles as well in deliberating talks between the two sides and the United Nations has pushed for more humanitarian access. Long-term solutions may require political agreements Israel’s security concerns and the Palestinian demand for stability and self-governance. This shows that even though peace is difficult, if both sides are committed it is not impossible to achieve an end to this war.
The Gaza wars are more than just a regional conflict; it is a worldwide crisis that is affecting more than just Israel and Palestine. From the attacks of October 7th, 2023, to the ongoing battles and humanitarian struggles, these wars have been one of most conflicting wars of our time. It is nearly impossible to ignore the gruesome outcomes that this war has had around the world. The negotiations we are having around the world right now are very important and I think that we should put as much effort into bringing an end to this war as we can. There has been so many devastating consequences that this war has had around the world, especially in Gaza and Palestine. I think it is important to think about the individuals who are losing their lives every day in this war, and how real the consequences are for them. A true resolution would require government negotiations as well as a rebuilding of trust between these two countries that have been divided for decades.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70155nked7o
