By Rebekah Sherman
Shortly after America had been discussing AI regulations in September, another war broke out in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas. Since October 7, 2023, there has been ongoing fighting between the Israeli people and their government and Hamas. Sadly, many innocent people have perished and suffered on both sides as a result of this continuing conflict.
On October 7, 2023, the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, Hamas militants attacked Israel by land, sea, and air by passing through the blockaded Gaza Strip. An estimate of at least 2,200 rockets rained down on central and southern Israel, counting Jerusalem. The Palestinian militants killed over 1,400 Israelis in the surprise attack. Hamas has abducted 240 Israelis and Americans, including children, mothers, and the elderly.
Hamas is a Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. Hamas is comprised of part rebels, terrorists, and government. Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’ military, Al Qassam Brigades said that two of the reasons for the surprise attack included Israel’s 16-year blockade of Gaza, Israel’s attack on the Al-Aqsa mosque in May 2021 during Ramadan, and West Bank raids by Israelis.
After the attack on October 7, 2023, Mohammed Deif spoke in a televised speech.
Mohammed Deif said the Israelis “attacked (our) worshippers and desecrated Al-Aqsa (Mosque), and we have previously warned them. The enemy desecrated Al-Aqsa and dared to harm the Prophet’s path.” Deif continued, “Thus, we announce the ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ operation, and in the first strike within 20 minutes, more than 5,000 rockets were launched.”
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, responded to Hamas’ destruction on October 7.
Netanyahu declared, “Israel is at war,” and that Hamas “will pay an unprecedented price.” Israel has launched multiple counterattacks as a result of Hamas’ efforts on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
President Biden responded to the attack in support of the innocent people killed or suffering.
President Biden said, “Hamas terrorists crossing into Israel killing not only Israeli soldiers, but Israeli civilians in the street, in their homes. Innocent people murdered, wounded, entire families taken hostage by Hamas just days after Israel marked the holiest of days on the Jewish calendar. It’s unconscionable.” Biden continues, “The United States stands with the people of Israel in the face of this terrorist assaults. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people. Full stop.”
On Sunday, October 8, the U.S. sent the U.S.S Gerald R. Ford, globally the largest aircraft carrier, the USS Normandy, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, and four Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyers to aid Israel. Also, America has given approximately 3.8 billion dollars to help Israel.
The Israel Defense Force (IDF) called for Gaza City residents to evacuate from their homes on October 13, 2023, in order to avoid Israeli attacks. Palestinians were allowed to pass through the Rafah border into Egypt. Approximately 272 relief trucks have been allowed into Gaza.
Biden flew to Israel and met with Netanyahu on October 18, 2023.
On Friday, October 20, 2023, two American women, Natalie Raanan and Judith Raanan, were released from Hamas captivity after being taken as hostages for approximately two weeks.
As of November 1, it was reported that in Israel, 32 Americans have been killed by Hamas, while 5,431 Israelis have been wounded and 250,000 have been displaced. In the Gaza Strip, 8,000 Palestinians have been killed, 21,543 have been injured, and over 1.4 million Palestinians have been displaced.
As the war continues to unfold, Biden pushes for a humanitarian pause on November 1 to allow Gaza civilians to flee from destruction by crossing the Rafah border in the south.
UN agencies desire for a humanitarian ceasefire. As of November 6, 2023, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza includes Israel preventing 2.2 million Palestinian civilians from food, water, electricity, medicine, and fuel in Israel’s attempts at destroying Hamas.
The IDF is focused on targeting Hamas fighters in Gaza City, and as of November 10, 2023, 600,000 people remain inhabiting Gaza City.
During the uncertain times in the Middle East, only time will tell when the war will cease.
The Israeli-Hamas war has impacted the Western New England University community.
On October 10, 2023, President Robert E. Jonhson of Western New England University released a campus-wide email to provide support and resources for the Western New England University community as a result of the war.
President Johnson stated, “The ongoing events in Israel and Gaza are deeply concerning, with the tragic loss of life weighing heavily on our minds. At Western New England University, our global community is acutely aware that members of the Golden Bear family are apprehensive about their loved ones in the affected region.”
President Johnson continued, “Let’s embrace civility, engage in civil discourse, and extend mutual respect to all. With a shared sense of humanity, we can navigate our challenges together, fostering an environment where every voice is valued and understood.”
If you or anyone you know is negatively impacted by the war or is feeling overwhelmed in general, do not hesitate to contact the Office of Student Counseling Services at (413) 782-1221 or Western New England University’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline at (413) 310-5389.
Current news as of November 10, 2023.
