| Gaza Explained By: Gesina A. Phillips The comparatively small Gaza strip has been a contentious piece of real estate throughout history. Although it has been in the news almost daily lately, the current conflict between Hamas and Israel has roots in the shifting borders in the Middle East during the early 20th century. The Gaza Strip was originally a part of Palestine, which was created in 1922 as a home for the Jewish people. However, during the Arab-Israeli War of 1948, set off by Israel’s declaration of independence, the Strip fell into the hands of the Egyptians. Nineteen years later, Gaza was claimed by Israel in the wake of another conflict. Thus it remained until 1994, when Israeli settlers and troops began to clear out of Gaza under the terms of the Oslo Accords, signed by both Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. By 2005, Israel had withdrawn from Gaza and left it under Palestinian control. However, debate continues as to how thoroughly Israel has withdrawn, as it retains control over Gaza’s borders and airspace. Taking advantage of the tension between Palestine and Israel, Hamas forcefully took power in Gaza in 2007. Hamas, an Islamic Resistance Movement and Palestinian political group, has been labeled by the United States as a terrorist organization. Since the rise of Hamas rule in Gaza, Israel has blockaded the borders of the Strip, cutting off almost everything except basic humanitarian aid. Egypt brokered a ceasefire between the two parties in June of 2008, and though the number of missiles launched was reduced and the embargo loosened, the agreement was often broken by both sides. In November, events snowballed following an Israeli attack; Hamas increased rocket fire, Israel tightened border sanctions, and both nations blamed the other for the breakdown of this tentative truce-in-name. In response to rockets fired into their country by Hamas, Israel struck back on December 27, 2008. In three weeks, Israeli airstrikes had killed 1000 Palestinians and injured thousands more. Tens of thousands of people in Gaza have been left homeless following the bombings. A ceasefire was declared on January 18, and a tentative truce reigns as inhabitants of the Strip have begun to venture outside of their homes to assess the damage. Even though a ceasefire is still technically in effect, however, it has been violated already by both Hamas and Israel. Officials are attempting to reach a more lasting agreement as violence again threatens to erupt. This recent incident indicates that issues between Hamas and Israel are far from over. Though Israel attempted to halt Hamas missiles with a concentrated offensive effort, the Palestinian faction remains, and has gained a worldwide audience. Thousands are dead, and to what end? Neither side seems inclined to seek a peaceful solution. Various humanitarian agencies, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, are providing aid to the wounded and homeless in Gaza. Though these efforts are necessary and admirable, a more permanent solution must be found immediately in order to avoid future bloodshed. Sources: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7818022.stm http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/31/gaza. background/index.html http://www.guardian.co. uk/world/interactive/2009/jan/03/israelandthepalestinians http://english.aljazeera. net/news/middleeast/2009/01/200917205418665491.html |
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