In the weeks following the beginning of October, international news has been dominated by controversy surrounding the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This conflict has become infamous and headlines of tragedy from the region are now a daily occurrence, and sadly, there seems to be little hope of resolution on the horizon in what is increasingly becoming a warzone. Many parts of Gaza are now facing a modern humanitarian crisis and atrocities have been committed on both sides. Bombs, missiles, and other modes of violence are being unleashed indiscriminately in populated zones, causing untold damage to life, with the international community experiencing heightened division on what should be done. This article is not intended to dive deep into the storied history in the region but instead aims to highlight the catastrophic consequences innocents are experiencing throughout this humanitarian crisis and how the conflict has caused division among the international community and its populations.
Brief Overview of Current Conflicts: Origins Reality of the Humanitarian Crisis
On October 7th, 2023, Hamas militants entered Israel from the Gaza border. What followed was an incursion as Hamas advanced into towns, Israeli bases, and a music festival, reportedly killing as many as 1,300 civilians and taking 200 more hostages. In conjunction, aerial bombardments were launched into Israel by Mohammed Deif, head of the military wing of Hamas, saying “we announce that the first strike exceeded 5,000 missiles and shells”. This attack was the prerequisite for further exchanges of violence, which have now spiralled into the bloody war unfolding today. Estimates suggest that 2.2 million people call the Gaza Strip home despite is small geography of just 360 square kilometres. Immediately following the Hamas assault, Israel cut off all water, electricity, food, and fuel lines to the Gaza strip in an attempt to cut off supplies to Hamas. This has had the consequence of leaving Gaza’s population unable to obtain basic survival necessities and only adding to their suffering. Bombings of escape routes, hospitals and residential buildings, regardless of who is to blame, also display the scarcity of safety as there is widespread risk to life. The latest developments highlight how dire the situation has become, with the UN stating that we are entering a ‘very critical 24 hours’. Fears rise as the WHO suggests Gaza hospitals are at a ‘breaking point’ and the UN urges for ‘crucial aid’ out of concern they may be ‘forced to close shelters’. At present, at 3 p.m. on October 26, 2023, a total of 7,028 Palestinians have been killed since October 7th, 3,000 of whom have sadly been children. In Israel, 1,400 people have been killed, the majority of whom occurred on October 7th. Unfortunately, no lasting end to the violence is in sight following the UNSC’s ceasefire proposals, during which the US vetoed the vote, citing ‘Article 51 of the UN Charter’ which outlies member state’s rights to self-defence. Thankfully, the first deliveries of humanitarian aid are beginning to make their way into the Gaza Strip. Hospitals are receiving minimal, but essential, supplies to save lives and replenish dangerously depleted stocks. As of this week, 54 trucks of supplies, excluding fuel, have safely crossed into the Gaza strip, according to UN spokesperson Tamara Alrifai, providing much needed relief for those who have been displaced. There’s a long way to go before the influx of aid reaches pre-war levels, estimated at 500 trucks daily, but current humanitarian efforts show a semblance of hope for many in a time of uncertainty and dread.
Rising International Tensions
As a result of the differing viewpoints, disagreement and division are on the rise, both between nations and their inhabitants. Internationally, nations have vocally expressed their support for one side or the other and this has led to additional strain being put on already uneasy relationships. Nations such as Iran have voiced their contempt for Israeli retaliation, and this has led to the US supporting Israel as well as sending the USS Gerald Ford and its fleet to the Eastern Mediterranean as deterrence. The United Nations is also facing dissent after comments made by Antonio Guterres, in which he states the Hamas incursion ‘did not happen in a vacuum,’. These comments were slammed by Israel’s ambassador, Gilan Erdan who then called for the Secretary General’s ‘immediate resignation’. Among populations, division is growing as people take sides, debate, and demonstrate in hopes of garnering support for their chosen side. In hopes of understanding different perspectives, I conducted interviews with two British citizens, both with opposing views. The first of which was Dina Williamson, a medical student who conducted a peaceful protest on her university campus to highlight the events of the crisis taking place in the Gaza strip (story available via Dorset Eye).
During the interview, Dina shared an emotional perspective, that of her aunt Bushra, a northern Gaza resident currently living in the designated evacuation zone. Unfortunately, evacuation for Dina’s Aunt is challenging, as ‘there is no fuel to put in your car, no buses, no trains… for many, it isn’t physically possible to leave.’ Sadly, Dina’s aunt has decided not to evacuate, with Dina saying, ‘Being elderly, they said no, we are not going anywhere, even if we die. They don’t want to leave their homes.’ It’s an impactful look at the reality facing people in Gaza. The second interview came from a friend, Sam, a 19-year-old who has spent the last six months living in southern Israel. His position is one of condemnation for Hamas and their actions, viewing them as ‘terrorists’ and subsequently voicing his support for Israel’s ‘right to self-defence’. He also shared his concern that this may be a catalyst for a rise in antisemitism internationally. As well as this, Sam holds significant concern for the safety of those he knows, saying, I am constantly worried … it has affected a lot of my family, my friends, and co-workers both physically and mentally.’ Though some of those he lives with have fled out of uncertainty, Sam seems confident he will stay put and continue to support his country.
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