10 Questions
What is one of the causes of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war mentioned in the text?
Control over the Gaza electricity supply
Which action by Israel led to Hamas putting its forces on high alert?
Halting all exports from Gaza
What is a factor contributing to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a result of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war?
Devastating consequences of the conflict
What was the primary goal of Hamas in launching 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood'?
Ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories
Why did Hamas cite the 'Judaization' of the Al-Aqsa Mosque as one of their motivations?
To protect the religious significance of the mosque
How did Israeli policies towards Gaza backfire according to the text?
By weakening Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank
Which factor mentioned in the text has accelerated calls for a ceasefire and resolution to the broader conflict?
Devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza
How do the United Nations and human rights organizations view Gaza's status in relation to Israel?
As a territory occupied by Israel
What factor contributed to the prolonged power of Hamas in Gaza?
Continuous Israeli occupation
What were some key factors that led to the escalation of tensions between Israel and Hamas?
Blockade of the Gaza Strip
Study Notes
Understanding the Causes of the 2023 Israel–Hamas War
The 2023 Israel–Hamas war, also known as "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," began in October, with clashes that have deep roots in the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Key factors that led to this latest escalation include:
Palestinian Frustration and Hamas Motivations
Hamas launched a surprise offensive, named "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," with the goal of ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, freeing hostages, and addressing the plight of Palestinian refugees and prisoners. They cited the continuous Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, the alleged "Judaization" of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the detention of thousands of Palestinians as their primary motivations.
Israeli Policy and Occupation
Israeli policies that empowered the Hamas government in Gaza, such as granting work permits to Gazan residents, facilitating the transfer of funds, and maintaining relative calm, are criticized for having backfired. These strategies are said to have prolonged Hamas's power in Gaza while weakening Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, thus sabotaging a two-state solution.
Increasing Tensions in 2023
In the weeks leading up to the war, tensions between Israel and Hamas rose. Israel found explosives hidden in a shipment of jeans and halted all exports from Gaza, a move that Hamas responded to by putting its forces on high alert and conducting military exercises. In September, five Palestinians were killed at the Gaza–Israel border during clashes.
International Context and Human Rights
The United Nations and several human rights organizations continue to regard Gaza as occupied by Israel due to the Israeli maritime blockade, control over all but one border crossing, and control over most of the electricity supply. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported roughly 6,400 Palestinians and 300 Israelis killed in the wider Israeli–Palestinian conflict from 2008 through September 2023.
The 2023 Israel–Hamas war is a complex conflict with multiple causes, including frustration over the Israeli occupation, Israeli policies, and escalating tensions. The war has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and has accelerated calls for a ceasefire and a resolution to the broader conflict.
Test your knowledge on the factors that led to the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, also known as 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,' including Palestinian frustration, Hamas motivations, Israeli policy and occupation, increasing tensions in 2023, and the international context with a focus on human rights.
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