The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem. Here are the key points:
1. **Hamas’s goals**: Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist group, aims to establish an independent Palestinian state, while Israel considers the land part of its territory.
2. **International backing**: The international community, including the UN, supports a two-state solution with Palestine as an independent nation.
3. **Israeli occupation**: Israel has occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967, building settlements in these areas.
4. **Recent attack**: On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing hundreds of people and taking hostages.
5. **Israeli response**: Israel responded with a massive military offensive against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
6. **Ceasefire deal**: A ceasefire agreement was reached in January 2025, allowing for the release of hostages and prisoners, but its implementation is unclear.
7. **Previous conflicts**: The two sides have fought several major conflicts since Hamas’s founding, including in 2008-09, 2012, and 2014.
Some key statistics mentioned in the article include:
* Over 46,700 people, mostly civilians, killed in Gaza
* More than 400 Israeli soldiers killed
* Catastrophic levels of food insecurity in Gaza
* 94 hostages still held by Hamas (with uncertain status)
* 1,000 Palestinian prisoners to be released as part of the ceasefire deal
The article also highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding this conflict, including:
* Accusations of war crimes and human rights abuses against both Israel and Hamas
* A case brought against Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice
* The precarious situation in Gaza, with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity.
