The Israel-Palestine conflict has remained one of the most enduring and contentious disputes in the modern era, a source of significant international concern and debate with roots dating back over a century. At the heart of this conflict lies a multitude of historical, political, and religious complexities that defy easy solutions. One of the key actors in this ongoing conflict is Hamas, an organization that has played a significant role in shaping the course of events in the Gaza Strip and the broader region.While opinions on the issue are often polarized and predominantly are viewed through the lens of geopolitics and national identity, however, it is crucial to recognize that it also holds immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide. Thus, the need of the houris to approach this complex matter with a nuanced perspective, considering the historical context, underlying factors, and the evolving dynamics of the region.
To understand the origin of this conflict, one must delve into its historical background. Palestine, known as “Al-Quds” in Arabic, holds immense religious significance for Muslims as it is home to the third holiest site in Islam, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock. These structures are located on the Temple Mount, which is also considered sacred in Judaism. In addition, Muslims trace their historical and religious ties to the region back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his sons, Prophet Isma’il and Prophet Ishaq. According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma’il built the Kaaba in Mecca, a site central to the Islamic faith, and it is believed that they also played a role in establishing the foundations of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This history underscores the profound religious connection Muslims have to Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories. When one moves through the pages of history, the roots of the Israel-Palestine conflict can be traced back to the late 19th century when nationalist movements began to emerge in Europe. Zionism, a Jewish nationalist movement, aimed to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, then part of the Ottoman Empire. Theodor Herzl, a prominent Zionist leader, played a central role in advocating for a Jewish state.During World War I, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration, which expressed support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. This declaration set the stage for increased Jewish immigration to Palestine.In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan that would divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders, leading to the first Arab-Israeli war.After the declaration of the State of Israel in May 1948, neighbouring Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq, invaded in an attempt to prevent the establishment of Israel. The war resulted in an armistice in 1949, leaving Israel in control of more territory than allocated under the UN plan.The armistice lines established after the first war set the stage for ongoing conflict, with both Israel and the Arab states refusing to recognize each other’s legitimacy.Later in June 1967, Israel launched a pre-emptive strike against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, resulting in the Six-Day War. Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights as a result of this war, significantly altering the territorial landscape. This was the simplified overview of the history of Israel-Palestine conflict, which is marked by a long and complex series of events, negotiations, and disputes. However, the roots of the Hamas-Israel conflict can be traced back to the mid-20th century when the state of Israel was established in 1948, leading to the displacement of many Palestinians. Hamas, an Islamist organization, emerged in the late 1980s with the goal of liberating Palestinian territories and resisting Israeli occupation. Their ideological foundation and political leadership have been sources of both support and controversy.
A comprehensive approach should involve diplomatic efforts, a commitment to international law, and addressing the legitimate grievances of both sides, ultimately seeking a peaceful coexistence that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals in the region. It is important to note that any viewpoint can vary among individuals. However, the principles of justice, fairness, and compassion are central to any ethics and provide a framework for assessing the actions and policies of all parties involved. Ultimately, a peaceful resolution to the Hamas-Israel conflict that upholds these principles should be the shared goal of the international community.
One of the core grievances of Hamas and many Palestinians is the ongoing Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The construction of Israeli settlements in these areas has raised international concerns about the viability of a two-state solution. Another crucial aspect of the conflict is the blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has been in place since 2007. Israel, alongside Egypt, has imposed stringent restrictions on the movement of goods and people into and out of Gaza. While Israel cites security concerns as the primary reason for the blockade, its impact on the lives of Gazans has been devastating. The blockade has contributed to high levels of unemployment, poverty, and food insecurity, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. In response to the blockade, Hamas has argued that armed resistance is necessary to break the siege and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population. The displacement of Palestinians during the creation of Israel in 1948, referred to as the Nakba (catastrophe), remains a deeply rooted issue. Many Palestinian refugees and their descendants still seek the right of return to their ancestral homes, which is a major point of contention between Hamas and Israel.International law, including United Nations resolutions, recognizes the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. Israel’s settlements and occupation in the West Bank are deemed illegal under international law, which creates legal justification for Palestinian resistance movements like Hamas.Moreover, Hamas has been widely criticized for its use of rocket attacks against Israeli civilians. These actions have resulted in casualties and damage on the Israeli side. While it is crucial to condemn any form of terrorism, understanding the context is essential. Hamas often cites its perception of a lack of peaceful alternatives due to the ongoing occupation and blockade.
In short, the people of Gaza have been living under dire conditions for years, with limited access to essential services such as clean water, healthcare, and education. In addition, Palestinians have faced decades of dispossession, displacement, and occupation, leading to widespread suffering and resentment. The blockade exacerbates this crisis, leading to suffering among the civilian population, which is a grave concern from a human rights perspective. Thus, Palestinians view armed resistance as a legitimate means to achieve their national aspirations, arguing that it is a last resort when peaceful negotiations and international diplomacy have failed to secure their rights. Thus, to conclude with the Hamas-Israel conflict is deeply rooted in a complex web of historical, political, and humanitarian issues. While condemning violence and war is crucial, it is equally important to address the underlying causes and strive for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict. A comprehensive approach should involve diplomatic efforts, a commitment to international law, and addressing the legitimate grievances of both sides, ultimately seeking a peaceful coexistence that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals in the region. It is important to note that any viewpoint can vary among individuals. However, the principles of justice, fairness, and compassion are central to any ethics and provide a framework for assessing the actions and policies of all parties involved. Ultimately, a peaceful resolution to the Hamas-Israel conflict that upholds these principles should be the shared goal of the international community. Only through a nuanced understanding of the situation can we hope to move toward a more stable and peaceful Middle East.
(The author is Associate Professor Chemistry at Govt. Degree College Chatroo Kishtwar. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)