by Grace O’Riley
College students are a special group of thinkers who are often known for their passion and activism on current events. As education broadens interests and opinions, it is important to intake factual and relevant information.
Conversation of Palestinian freedom and support of Israel has sprung up all over the classroom and social media. What should you know about it as a college student?
The Start
On Oct. 7, 2023, Islamic militant group Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and taking 200 hostages. This started the war in Gaza, which has become an international concern.
Historically hostile to each other, Israel and Palestine have long-disputed ownership of the Gaza Strip.
Gaza is a 25 mile stretch of land that borders Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. Since 2007, it has been under terrorist control by Hamas.
The History
“In the United States, we have enjoyed relatively secure borders and political stability throughout our history so it’s difficult to comprehend all of the factors that affect this centuries-old situation.” Said Dr. James Day, professor of History at the University of Montevallo.
Tracking the conflict back to the early 1900s, Britain took ownership of the territory following the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Arab people were the majority of the population in Palestine at the time. Jewish people were the minority.
Because of the Jewish diaspora, there was a major displacement of Jews in need of a homeland. The United Nations, known as the League of Nations at the time, tasked Brittan to resolve this international concern. They established Palestine as a Jewish state.
While this appeased Jewish interests, Palestinian inhabitants were suddenly made aliens in their homeland. Many Palestinians moved while mass numbers of Jewish people relocated to their newly established homeland.
Tension between Arab and Jewish interests elevated, and violence increased between them, as well as governing British rule. In 1948, Britain completely withdrew from the nation, and Jewish leaders declared the State of Israel.
Since 1948, the issue of Palestine has been disputed globally. Many Palestinians still live in the area as refugees.
“As human beings, both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace under governments of their own choosing. The only alternative is the continued murder and genocide of one group or the other, and that is no alternative at all.” Said Dr. Scott Turner.
Professor of Political Science Dr. Scott Turner said the root of problem did not start on Oct.7. The solution of re-establishing Gaza as a Palestinian homeland is one that has been suggested to Israel for decades by the U.S. and U.N. The violence from both nations has inhibited any possibility of a peaceable settlement.
“As human beings, both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace under governments of their own choosing. The only alternative is the continued murder and genocide of one group or the other, and that is no alternative at all.”
Dr. Scott Turner, University of Montevallo Professor of Political Science
Religious claims
Islam and Judaism both claim Jerusalem as their Holy City. This adds to the animosity between the nations about rightful ownership. Jewish people have an ancestral claim to the land tracing back to the Bible. While Muslims believe that Jerusalem is where Muhammed ascended to heaven.
The Islamic fight over the land is to reclaim the nation as Palestine and eradicate Jewish occupation.
The facts
What should you know about the current war?
Following the attack on Oct. 7, Israel formally declared war on Hamas. Hamas is the governing Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood meaning “zeal” or “strength.” They have been actively moving to reinstate Palestinian control in Israel for more than 40 years through terrorism and militant activity.
According to the National Counterterrorism Center, Hamas is recognized as a terrorist group.
Hamas’ military wing, Izz al-Din al-Qassam have been leading attacks in Israel and Palestinian territories for 30-years. “These attacks have included large-scale bombings against Israeli civilian targets, small-arms attacks, improvised roadside explosives, and rocket attacks.” Says the National Counterterrorism website.
Since 2007, Hamas has been in control of the Gaza strip. Because of this, much of the fighting is taking place in Gaza as well as other predominately Hamas controlled areas. Gaza is home to 2 million Palestinians who are in direct danger from both military groups.
When Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza was hit, it was initially thought to be an Israeli attack and stirred much concern over war criminality. High intelligence investigations were carried out by the U.S. and footage of the firing and damage was gathered to be assessed.
It is now understood that Hamas fired the rocket at the Palestinian hospital. The rocket broke before reaching the building, but caused severe damage to the surrounding parking lot.
Many Palestinians are at high risk in Gaza, but Hamas will not allow an evacuation.
Following the continued conflict, Israel declared a Global War on Hamas on Oct. 25. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Hamas in his speech saying, “All Hamas members are marked for death — above ground, underground, within Gaza, outside Gaza.”
How is the US involved
The U.S., a long-time ally of Israel, is currently aiding in financial support. Direct military support is yet undeclared.
According to Reuters, US troops have been attacked 16 times in the area following the attacks on Israel. An additional 900 troops have since been deployed to aid in air defense, as well as increased U.S. naval support.
Much of the US’s concern is with Iran and their potential involvement in the conflict. President Joe Biden sent a special warning to Iran on Oct. 25 stating that if the targeting of US troops is continued, the US will be forced to respond.
“The brutality of war is sobering.”
Dr. James Day, University of Montevallo Professer of History
National Opinions and President Biden
President Biden has also spoken about the US’s allegiance to Israel. Biden visited Israel on Oct. 18 to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and advise the nation. On his visit, he is reported to have said to Netanyahu, “I don’t believe you have to be a Jew to be a Zionist, and I am a Zionist.”
While Biden’s personal conviction is clear, many Americans have opposition to Israel and their wartime tactics. Many are making their opinions known with protests and “Free Palestine” campaigns. The terms “war-crimes”, “unprovoked retaliation” and “genocide” are popping up in the media in combat with antisemitism.
Regardless of the U.S. involvement, the Israeli-Hamas conflict is one that will mark the 2020’s. “The brutality of war is sobering.” said Dr. James Day.
What can you do
Read reliable sources such as The New York Times, The Washington Post or BBC News. It is yet uncertain how or if America will be involved in the conflict. It is important to consume only reliable information from verified sources. Information is coming to the world fast and changes with each new development. With anything you see on social media, compare and crosscheck.
As a college student, it is important to think critically about your own personal convictions. Try to find unbiased news and intake all information external influence.
This is the age of instant updates. It is impossible to process all the information on the internet at once.
It is normal empathize and be angered, but don’t be pressured into externalizing your opinions or proving to anyone where you stand.
This is a 100-year conflict that is not going away any time soon. Now is the time to begin familiarizing yourself on the situation and deciding what you believe is right.
Vallo Vision News 