Image: Hamas militants in balaclavas display weapons, highlighting their continued presence in Gaza.
The ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza has become a focal point of international concern and a tragic escalation in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas, the ruling faction in Gaza, launched a surprise attack on Israel, the region has been engulfed in intense violence. To understand why Israel is bombing Gaza, it is crucial to delve into the complex history, political motivations, and immediate triggers that have led to this devastating situation.
The Roots of the Conflict: Hamas and its Objectives
Hamas, short for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Islamic Resistance Movement), emerged in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood. Its foundational ideology is deeply rooted in opposition to the existence of Israel, viewing the territory as Palestinian land unjustly occupied. Hamas’s primary goal is the establishment of a Palestinian state based on Islamic principles, encompassing not only Gaza but also the West Bank and East Jerusalem. While they have at times indicated a willingness to accept an interim Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, their ultimate claim to all of historic Palestine remains.
Hamas gained control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after winning Palestinian elections and subsequently ousting the rival Fatah faction. This takeover solidified their position as the de facto governing authority in Gaza, a densely populated territory already facing significant socio-economic challenges. Prior to the October 7th attacks, Hamas was estimated to have a substantial fighting force, although figures vary and are difficult to independently verify.
The October 7th Attack: A Catalyst for the Bombardment
On October 7, 2023, Hamas initiated an unprecedented attack against Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of over 250 hostages. This assault, targeting both military and civilian populations, sent shockwaves through Israel and the international community. Hamas justified this attack as a response to decades of Israeli occupation, the blockade of Gaza, and actions around the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, a site of immense religious significance for Muslims. They also cited the increasing violence in the West Bank, where 2023 saw a significant rise in Palestinian casualties.
Image: A composite image of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, highlighting the leadership figures within Hamas who have faced Israeli targeting.
The scale and brutality of the October 7th attack served as the immediate trigger for Israel’s massive military response and the intense bombing campaign in Gaza. From Israel’s perspective, the attacks were a direct threat to national security, demanding a forceful and decisive reaction to dismantle Hamas’s capabilities and prevent future assaults.
Israel’s Stated Objectives: Dismantling Hamas and Ensuring Security
In the aftermath of the Hamas attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a set of objectives for the military operation in Gaza. These objectives include:
- Destroying Hamas: Israel aims to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure, leadership, and governing capabilities in Gaza, effectively eliminating them as a threat.
- Returning Hostages: Securing the release of all hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7th attack is a paramount goal for Israel.
- Preventing Future Threats: Israel seeks to establish a security situation in Gaza that prevents Hamas or any other group from launching attacks against Israel in the future.
- Northern Border Security: Addressing the threat from Hezbollah, a Hamas ally in Lebanon, and enabling displaced Israelis in the north to return home is also a stated aim.
To achieve these objectives, Israel initiated a multi-phase military operation. This began with extensive airstrikes targeting suspected Hamas infrastructure, rocket launch sites, and command centers throughout Gaza. Subsequently, a ground invasion was launched, further escalating the conflict and leading to intense urban warfare within Gaza.
The Devastating Impact on Gaza and its Civilian Population
The Israeli bombing campaign has had a catastrophic impact on Gaza and its civilian population. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 46,700 Palestinians, a significant majority of whom are women and children, have been killed. The United Nations reports that most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced from their homes, facing dire conditions with “catastrophic” levels of food insecurity and limited access to essential resources.
Image: A poignant image of displacement in Rafah, depicting a 14-year-old boy with his infant brother outside their tent, symbolizing the widespread humanitarian crisis.
The scale of civilian casualties and the widespread destruction of infrastructure in Gaza have drawn sharp criticism from international organizations and governments. Accusations of war crimes and human rights abuses have been leveled against both Israel and Hamas. The UN Human Rights Council has reported that both sides have engaged in attacks against civilian populations, potentially constituting “murder or willful killings.” Furthermore, South Africa has brought a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide, allegations which Israel vehemently denies.
Historical Context: Repeated Cycles of Conflict
The current bombardment of Gaza is not an isolated event but rather the latest, and perhaps most intense, episode in a long history of conflict between Israel and Hamas, and more broadly, between Israel and Palestinian factions. Since its inception, Hamas has engaged in armed resistance against Israel, including bombings, rocket attacks, and shootings. Israel, in turn, has conducted numerous military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, targeting Hamas and other groups.
Major conflicts between Israel and Hamas have occurred in 2008-09, 2012, and 2014, as well as in May 2021. Each of these conflicts has resulted in casualties on both sides, with Palestinians in Gaza consistently suffering the overwhelming majority of deaths and injuries. These repeated cycles of violence underscore the deep-seated and unresolved nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Geopolitical Factors and Long-Term Implications
The reasons behind Israel’s bombing of Gaza are multifaceted, encompassing immediate security concerns triggered by the October 7th attacks, long-term strategic goals related to dismantling Hamas, and the broader geopolitical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Analysts suggest that the timing of the Hamas attack may have been influenced by regional dynamics, potentially aimed at derailing normalization efforts between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Looking ahead, the current conflict has profound implications for the region. The destruction in Gaza, the immense loss of life, and the deepening humanitarian crisis will have long-lasting effects. The potential for escalation and regional instability remains a significant concern. Ultimately, addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the ongoing occupation, the blockade of Gaza, and the unresolved issues of Palestinian statehood, will be essential to achieving a sustainable peace and preventing future cycles of violence.
Image: A map illustrating the Gaza Strip’s geographical location, bordered by Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizing its confined and vulnerable position.
The international community faces the challenge of navigating this complex and deeply entrenched conflict, seeking to alleviate the immediate humanitarian crisis in Gaza while working towards a long-term political solution that addresses the legitimate security concerns of Israel and the aspirations for statehood and self-determination of the Palestinian people.
